sports news: Brisbane event without Sharapova

sports news: Brisbane event without Sharapova: Three-time major winner Maria Sharapova has been forced to withdraw from January's Brisbane International event because of an ankle injur...

Brisbane event without Sharapova

Three-time major winner Maria Sharapova has been forced to withdraw from January's Brisbane International event because of an ankle injury which to begin on New Year's Day.

Sharapova released a statement saying: "I was really looking forward to starting my 2012 season at the Brisbane International, which has a fantastic reputation as a great and welcoming event. "Unfortunately my ankle is not 100% and I won't be able to make it this year."

The 24-year-old Russian suffered the injury in September's Pan Pacific Open, and she has failed to shake off the problem.

However, Sharapova still believes she will be fit for the Australian Open, which gets underway in Melbourne on January 16, 2012.

"I do expect to be ready for the year's first grand slam and I am really looking forward to competing on court," added Sharapova, who won the Australian Open in 2008.

Despite Sharapova's absence, the Brisbane tournament -- which begins on New Year's Day -- still has a strong entry list with Serena Williams, Samantha Stosur and Kim Clijsters all confirmed starters.

Hackers attack on Stratfor

Hackers Anonymous and LulzSec have claimed that they could leak and disclose data of credit card through their attack on .Stratfor, a global intelligence company.      

Hackers targeted Stratfor, a global intelligence company, but it was unclear Sunday evening whether the breach and apparent release of credit card information was the work of the group Anonymous.

In a posting on the website Pastebin, hackers said they released Stratfor subscriber data, including information on 4,000 credit cards as well as the company's "private client" list. The posting cited AntiSec, a Web-based collaboration with the activist hacking groups Anonymous and LulzSec.

U.S.-based Stratfor, which provides independent analysis of international affairs and security threats, sent an e-mail to subscribers on Sunday:

"On December 24th an unauthorized party disclosed personally identifiable information and related credit card data of some of our members. We have reason to believe that your personal and credit card data could have been included in the information that was illegally obtained and disclosed."

But Stratfor also said the "private clients" disclosure was "merely a list of some of the members that have purchased our publications and does not comprise a list of individuals or entities that have a relationship with Stratfor beyond their purchase of our subscription-based publications."

Wimbledon men's title 2011 for Novak Djokovic

New world number one Novak Djokovic beat defending champion Rafael Nadal in four sets to win the Wimbledon men's singles title for the first time on Sunday.

Djokovic produced some sublime tennis to race through the opening two sets, and although top seed Nadal forced his way back into the match to win the third set, Serb Djokovic sealed a famous victory 6-4 6-11-6 6-3 in just over two-and-three-quarter hours.

Djokovic came into the tournament as the second seed, but was the in-form player of 2011 after losing just one match all year -- a run of form which ensured he would take the number one ranking on Monday regardless of the result of the final.

The pair had won the two previous grand slam events this season, Djokovic in Australia and Nadal in France, but the 24-year-old from Belgrade had won all four matches against Nadal this year -- all in tournament finals.

And he continued that form with a stunning start against two-time champion Nadal, who had not lost a match on the grass-court of the All England Club since his defeat to Roger Federer in the 2007 final, a 20-match winning streak.

A single break of serve gave Djokovic the first set, but an impressive double break ensured that the Serb raced away with the second in impressive style.

However, Nadal showed all the quality that had taken him to 10 grand slam titles in a glittering career by responding with a double break of his own to secure the third set in equally convincing fashion.

The big-hitting continued in the fourth set and an early break gave Djokovic a 2-0 advantage.

However, 25-year-old Nadal broke back straight away, courtesy of a fortunate net-cord, and the games went with serve until game eight, when Djokovic took the decisive final break before serving out to claim the title with his first match point.

"It's really hard to describe this with words but it is the best day of my life," Djokovic told the official Wimbledon website.

"I've always dreamed of this. That's probably my best match on grass, but I would like to congratulate Rafa for having a great tournament," added Djokovic, who has now won three grand slam titles after two victories in the Australian Open.

Nadal was gracious in defeat, adding: "I'd like to compliment Novak for his performance and his amazing season.

"Wimbledon is the most special tournament. I can imagine how Novak feels."

The result means that for the first time since 2002, when Australian Lleyton Hewitt beat David Nalbandian, somebody other than Nadal and Federer has won the men's singles title at Wimbledon.

It also continued a remarkable sequence in the men's singles, with the last four winners of the tournament all seeded second.

Djokovic reaches the Wimbledon final 2011

Novak Djokovic reached the Wimbledon final for the first time and will take over as world number one after battling past France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in four sets Friday.

Djokovic will top the global rankings ahead of Rafael Nadal whatever the result of Sunday's final against either the Spaniard or Britain's Andy Murray, who were playing in the second semifinal.

The Serbian secured a 7-6 6-2 6-7 6-3 win in just over three hours, snuffing out any hopes of a comeback for Tsonga, who saved two match points before claiming the third set on a tiebreak.

Tsonga had fought back from two sets down to beat six-time champion Roger Federer in the quarterfinals, but there was to be no repeat.

Djokovic responded by breaking Tsonga in the second game of the fourth set and made no mistake when he served for victory for the second time.

"It's difficult to put into words," said Djokovic after his win.

"This is one of the best feelings I've had on a tennis court. My dreams are coming true -- into my first final at Wimbledon.

"I've been working all my life for this. I've been dreaming about playing the final in Wimbledon since I started playing tennis when I was four, so to be there in the final on Sunday will be fantastic."

The 24-year-old Djokovic has reached the summit of the men's game after an incredible 2011, which has seen him beaten just once at the French Open by Federer.

He claimed the Australian Open title in January and four Masters series crowns, beating Nadal in each of the finals

Gattuso banned for four matches

What a foolish emotion!

AC Milan's Gennaro Gattuso has been banned for four matches after clashing with Tottenham assistant coach Joe Jordan during a Champions League tie.

Midfielder Gattuso headbutted Jordan at the end of last Tuesday's Champions League match at the San Siro.

European football's governing body Uefa handed down the punishment after a disciplinary hearing on Monday.

Gattuso, who had already apologised for his behaviour, has three days to lodge an appeal if he chooses to do so.

Even if the 33-year-old was successful in any appeal he would not be able to play in the second leg at Tottenham because he incurred a one-match suspension after picking up a booking in the first match.

The veteran Italian headbutted Jordan as tempers flared after Tottenham's 1-0 Champions League last-16 first-leg win at the San Siro.

"I lost control. There is no excuse for what I did. I take my responsibilities for that," said the Milan captain.

"I was nervous. We were both speaking Scottish, something that I learned when I played in his home city of Glasgow, but I can't tell you what we said.

"I didn't want to argue with players and I did it with him but I was wrong to do what I have done. I will have to await what they decide."

Midfielder Gattuso and 59-year-old Scot Jordan had already clashed on the touchline during a bad-tempered second half in which Mathieu Flamini escaped with a only booking for a two-footed challenge on Vedran Corluka.

Croatia full-back Corluka left the field on a stretcher and was later seen on the substitutes' bench with crutches and an ice pack on his ankle.

"The tackle from Flamini was a horrendous tackle," commented Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp. "It was a sending off. He was two or three feet off the floor with his two feet raised. It was a leg-breaking tackle."

The Flamini challenge turned the second half into a feisty affair, with Gattuso becoming increasingly aggressive.

The former Rangers favourite, making his 450th appearance for the Rossoneri, confronted Spurs striker Peter Crouch before collecting a booking that will rule him out of the second leg for a lunge at Steven Pienaar.

At the final whistle, Gattuso removed his shirt and headed straight for Jordan, hurling abuse at the Spurs first-team coach before lashing out with his head.

The Milan midfielder was pulled away by team-mates and briefly stopped to embrace Spurs defender William Gallas before following Jordan down the tunnel.

"I don't know why it all got so silly," Redknapp added. "Gattuso had a flare-up with Joe Jordan. I don't know why.

"He obviously hadn't done his homework. He could've picked a fight with somebody else. Putting his head into Joe's face, it was crazy. He lost his head."

Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri said he was disappointed with his captain's conduct but claimed his rage was sparked by a late tackle on him by Pienaar which preceded the touchline clash with Jordan.

"Flamini's tackle was quite a bad one but the foul on Gattuso on his knee was also a bad one," Allegri stated.

"I don't know what happened at the end of the match. It was not nice to see. I think there was a reason but there is no excuse for that."

Describing the scene on air, BBC Radio 5 live's Mark Pougatch said Gattuso had "lost it".

Italian football journalist Gabriele Marcotti added: "Gattuso is an emotional player but after getting angry he calmed down enough to hug and kiss William Gallas and Harry Redknapp.

"You think he is going to calm down then he goes after Joe Jordan. Absolutely incredible."

Redknapp joked that it was not wise to pick a fight with Jordan, who played for AC Milan between 1981 and 1983 after long spells with Leeds and Manchester United.

"There would be only one winner there - Joe," the 63-year-old Spurs boss said. "I'd have my money on Joe. Of all the people to pick on, don't pick on Joe."

Courtesy: bbc.co.uk

India wins CWC 2011 opening match by 87 runs

India has won by 87 run in the opening match of ICC Cricket World Cup 2011against host Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka of Bangladesh today.

India scored very prestigious 370 for four batting first and playing 50 overs.

Bangladesh won the toss in the Opening match. Bangladesh Captain Shakib Al Hasan decided  to fielding first and India went to bat.

In reply, Bangladesh could reach at 283 losing nine wickets in the match playing 50 overs.

There was no doubt that a very tough score India placed before the host Bangladesh Team who decided to bat later winning in toss.

India  reached at 235 on the Castrol Index while Bangladesh with a tough fought 283 and went to 120 on the Castrol Index.

Virender Sehwag is the Man of the Match. He said it was a good start for the team. It was a revenge game and happy to have it done it well. He was happy to have started well and was determined to a play long innings. He specially thanked his Physio and Trainer, who got him fit for the game. Kohli played very well.

Victorious skipper, MS Dhoni said that he was happy but there are a few departments they need to improve on. Fielding is definitely the one. Batting and bowling went quite well today. Overall, a good performance. He added Kohli and Sehwag stabilized the innings and played well.

In the post match presentation, Shakib-Al-Hasan reckoned that they bowled too many bad balls, boundary balls which costs them the game. Sehwag played very well. The fast bowlers were rusty but hopefully they will come back. In the end, he appreciated the crowd for their support.

Virender Sehwag made the highest 175 off 140 ball in the opening match. He got freed of the runway before 15 balls are remained. This is a record of an individual wicket of achieving such high score in a world cup match. His position now is 6th in the ranking of wc highest score in a single match.

Sehwag showed a very fantastic five of 6's and 14 of 4's.

Indian Batsman Virat Kohli also presented his strength with the 100 from 83 balls placing eight 4's and two boundaries.  

Gautam Gambhir who joined Shewag on Sachin's exit scored 39. Mahmudullah in his second ball bowled him. Gambhir played 39 balls with placing three of 4's.

Earlier Bangladesh Captain Shakib Al Hasan run out Sachin Tendulkar with a magnificent throw from mid-wicket area. Sachin added 28 from 29 balls while he played four 4's. 

India was 301 playing 42 overs and losing only two wickets while this report is filed. It is assumed that India may hit at 350 in the match setting India's Level at a very high as the hot favorite of the WC 2011.

India achieved a tremendous starting grabbing 60 from first 10, 129 from first 20, 242 from 35 and 301 from  42 overs in the match. India finally showed 7.40 Run Rate in the match.

Wickets fell like Sachin Tendulkar on 10.5 Over while total score is 69, Gautam Gambhir went when India hit 152 at 23.2 Over, Virender Sehwag left while they have already collected 355 from 47.3 and finally Yusuf Pathan on the last ball  50th Over when India stands on 370.  

Bangladesh lost its five top order batsmen during chasing of India's 370 in their 2nd innings of the maiden match of Cricket World Cup 2011at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka of Bangladesh this night.

Bangladesh lost Imrul Kayes at 6.5 over when Imrul collected 34 from 27 showing a very speedy run rate. It also helped Bangladesh to back in the match rapidly.

Then Bangladesh lost second wicket Zunaed Siddique as he was stamped by Dhoni with Habhajan Singh's delivery at 23.1 over. Zunaed also led the team an important 37 from 51 delivery while Bangladesh reached 129 playing 23 overs.

Then Bangladesh Captain Shakib Al Hasan entered the Pitch and tried to bat very carefully. Meanwhile MM Patel hit Bangladesh gaining the most important wicket of the day Tamim Iqbal. Tamim collected 70 by reaching 17th ODI fifty in the Match. Bangladesh was on 188 at this time playing of 32.1 over.

Then Mushfiqur Rahim joined with Shakib Al Hasan, the captain of Bangladesh also played good but peoples expectation was more. Shakib extended the team with 55 from 50. He was dismissed at 39.4 over when Bangladesh could collect 234 for 4.

Mushfiqur Rahim tried to play in speedy way. Raqibul Hasan joined the team to take the match at a honorable position. But Mushfiqur Rahim had to leave collecting 25 only playing 30 deliveries. Bangladesh was on 248 playing total 42.3 overs.

Then Mahmudullah joined with Raqibul Hasan while he was bowled out by Munaf at 44.3 overs just taking 5 from 5. 

Then Naeem Islam, Abdur Razzak and Rubel Hossain joined  one after another but they could not set in the pitch. Raqibul Hasan also did better as he collected 28 runs playing 28 deliveries.