Boxing Basics

Boxing Basics
Boxing is a noble sport that has been cherished in many countries and by many generations. Many people have started taking up boxing as a regular hobby and sport. The following is a small elaboration of a few boxing basics…
Boxing is a sport that involves physical as well as mental fitness. Boxing is not exactly a crude fighting technique as it is described by some people. So popular is boxing that there have been many movies made in the honor of the sport such as the Rocky series. In the recent past, in spite of the negative approach towards the sport, boxing has received a well deserved popularity. In the current decade, the gym and fitness culture has promoted it to further levels, where people have matches against punching bags, as a form of muscle development exercise. Believe it or not live boxing or normal punching bag boxing have a great impact on both the person's fitness, stamina and constitution. The sport is yet again ready to make another come back in the world of sports. You may follow some essential boxing basics that have been enlisted in this article. It is also my humble advise that you practice them on a punching bag instead of a human being. If you are participating in a boxing match, remember to battle under the control of a referee and to maintain the dignity of the sport. Read on boxing moves.

Boxing Basics #1: Ground Work
The foundations of any work or project have be agile and sturdy. The same goes with boxing for beginners. Regular weight training, dips, push ups, pull ups, squats, calves are an absolute necessity as toning your muscles is an important aspect of all sports. At the same time you must also possess a tremendous stamina as receiving the opponents blows, drastically reduces your charge of energy. Hence, mentally prepare yourself for some brutal exercises. I would suggest that you allot at least a whole hour of your day to this physical training. You may take up swimming, running and cycling in consecutive order for certain time periods for a selected number of days. The physical fitness can be done in the gymnasium, but I would really recommend an open air fitness program, as fresh air, gives your body sufficient oxygen and enhances your respiration. You can retreat into the gym for further weight training. These basic boxing tips, should be also accompanied with a special and controlled diet, that has a specified and balanced calorie count and provision of all possible sports nutrition. You must also know how to control your temper, and hence, it is advisable to take up Yoga and meditation.

Boxing Basics #2: Punching
Refrain from stepping into the fighting ring for a while and instead, practice on your punching bag. Analyze your punches and make yourself comfortable with the moves of punching. You will also notice that your punches improve on their own, as the time passes. Even after you step into the ring, this should be your daily exercise for at least 15 minutes. The next set of basic boxing techniques is to make the punch brutal, so that a single blow causes pain. For this start timing your punches with the breathing sequence such as delivering 3 or 4 punches in a time span of a single breathe. In this manner you will also develop some good punching rhythms on your own such as 1,1 - 2 where 1 and 1 indicate opening punches by left hand and the third is a finishing punch that might really hurt and knock out the opponent. You may also practice some upper hand and lower hand techniques that would make you make really apt with punching motions. In the end, if you look at the overall picture it is all about practice and patience as your punches will improve with time and you will start using the energy with maximum energy.

Boxing Basics #3: The Legwork
Basics of boxing are not just about punches, it also important to work on your footwork which dictates your stance and balance during punching. The best stance is that up right stance as it is the offensive stance, the semi crouch and crouch are more defensive in nature. While you practice boxing basics, it is essential for you to acclimatise yourself with each stance style and how to punch in each stance. You must be able to deliver good punches in any possible stance. These stances are some basic boxing moves.

To know more about boxing you may also refer to:
•Boxing Workouts
•Boxing Tips and Techniques
After you have achieved some good stances and punches, you can proceed some good techniques such as Jab, short straight punch, cross, uppercut, hook, etc under the expert guidance of a boxing coach. it is essential that you wear good quality gloves, a head gear to prevent an injury and shoes for the better grip on the floor. It will be useful to have access to some boxing training equipment

Hula Hoop Tricks

Hula Hoop Tricks
Master the art of hula hooping, by starting with these basic hula hoop tricks for kids and beginners.
Performing hula hoop tricks is an extremely fun activity. Not only is it recreational, it also adds a touch of humor to life, and is a great exercise for adults. As such, it serves a purpose for every age group. In fact, people are so good with the hula hoop, and enjoy performing such trick so much, that they even engage in hula hoop competitions. Whatever your purpose may be, presented here are some basic hula hoop tricks, that you can master, and then move on to some more advanced tricks.

How to Do Hula Hoop Tricks

Not only are these hula hoop tricks for kids, but also hula hoop tricks for beginners (age no bar), who wish to revel in the fun of this activity.

The Basic Hula Hoop
1.Stand erect, within a hula hoop placed on the ground, with your feet spread apart at shoulder's width. Keep your knees slightly bent.
2.Hold the hula hoop on either side with both hands, and bring the hula hoop upward. Rest it on your back.
3.Turn the hula hoop around, in a counterclockwise movement. Keep your body moving in a circular motion, along with the hula hoop. This will keep it spinning. Ensure you evenly distribute your body weight on your feet, in a slight rocking motion.
The Ringer
1.Place the hula hoop around the back of your neck.
2.Gently spin it around your neck.
3.As in the regular hula hoop motion, move your body along with the hula hoop in a circular motion, to keep it spinning.
The Knee Knocker
1.Stand with your knees together. Hold the hula hoop around your knees.
2.Spin it in a counterclockwise motion, and circle your knees along with the hula hoop.
3.Hold your arms out on both sides, to keep yourself steady, and the motion of the hula hoop going.
The Booty Bump
1.Start this trick with the basic hula hoop motion.
2.Once you are in the groove, begin bending at your waist. Bend until your back is flat, and perpendicular to your lower body.
3.When you do so, begin bouncing slightly, more in like a pumping motion.
4.With your knees and legs moving, have the hula hoop swinging around your hips.
5.Spread your hands out before you, to maintain your balance in this position.
The Arm Twirl
1.Stand erect with your legs apart at shoulder's width. Extend your arms beside you.
2.Place the hula hoop on your right arm, and let it rest between your shoulder and elbow.
3.With your left hand, spin the hula hoop in a counterclockwise motion. Start circling your arm along with the hula hoop, to maintain this motion.
4.Keep your left arm extended to maintain balance while doing this motion. As you get better, you can do this trick with a hula hoop in each arm.
The Benefits of Hula Hoop Tricks

The hula hoop is not just a toy, there are also several health benefits of hula hooping. Take a look at these.
1.Trying to learn and perform hula hoop tricks around the waist, works to strengthen the core muscles, comprising mainly the abdominal muscles and the lower back muscles.
2.When using the hula hoop around your arms, it works to strengthen the biceps and the triceps. Even the shoulders are benefited by these movements.
3.The concentration that is required to keep the hula hoop in place is extremely beneficial to sharpen the mind.
4.Trying to master hula hoop tricks is definitely funny, and laughter is known to be the best medicine, particularly to beat stress. In short, performing hula hoop tricks helps beat stress.
To be able to perform exercises with a hula hoop, you may read:
•Hula Hoop Exercise
•Hula Hoop Exercise Routines
Reap the benefits of these hula hoop tricks, while having some fun, and a good laugh

Backstroke Technique

Backstroke Technique
Itching to learn how to use the backstroke technique properly? Here's a quick overview on the correct backstroke technique which will make you a pro in the water.
You must have have seen people at your local gym or watched swimmers in the Olympics swimming the backstroke. You may have a fair idea or mental picture about how this swimming style looks like. Backstroke technique, also called as the back crawl, is the only swimming style which is executed on the back. It gives the swimmer advantage of breathing easily, but also has the disadvantage of not knowing where you are going. As one of the only competitions in swimming, backstroke technique is begun from the water itself and not by diving into the pool. So before you can get into the swimming pool and actually do them, here are some specific backstroke technique tips you should go over.

Backstroke Swimming Technique

A simple backstroke has the same speed which the butterfly stroke does. Good backstroke techniques are not difficult to follow once you understand the routine and proper flow of the entire body. As you learn how each of the body part, arms, legs, body, breathing pattern, along with turn and finish, is executed, backstroke technique will be a piece of cake.

Positioning your Body
The backstroke technique helps in strengthening and toning the muscles without injuring or twisting the back or neck muscles. As we just saw that the your starting position will be in the water, the face will remain out of the water at all times. The starting position should be perfectly measured and delivered. If you make the mistake of sitting up in the water, your hips will drop too much and your body will create unnecessary resistance. This error will slow you down and make your tired very quickly. Swim with your body being as close to the surface (water) as possible and make the transition from the starting position to swimming as if you are lying flat on your bed (with a pillow underneath your head). Push your stomach out and up toward the ceiling while placing the midriff as flat as you can. Read more on backstroke flip turn.

Breathing Pattern
Since your head will be propped up, out of the water, breathing will become fairly comfortable. The reason I say it's comfortable because other swimming techniques require more effort. In the beginning, understanding the breathing pattern for the backstroke will be an issue, but with time you will definitely learn the consistent and even breathing requirements. Read more on breathing techniques for swimming.

Head Movement
Once you leap from your starting position, the head will lead the way and support you on the water. Relax your neck as you propel through the water, which will in turn keep the head still without jerking it too much. A common mistake (which you should be aware of at this point) is that most beginners keep the head too high up from the water. This mistake can occur when your head is too far backwards in hopes of keeping water away from your face. Read more on swimming technique for beginners.

Arms Movement
The arms are the integral part of swimming the backstroke. You raise the right arm and guide with the thumb till the arm reaches the same level as the shoulder. Turn the right palm outward so that the little finger guides the entire movement. While the right arm is doing its job, your left hand is extending to your side, leading the way, and helping you balance the entire body. The little finger of your right arm goes in the water first, taking the entire arm inside with it, you will bend the right elbow, flex your left arm's wrist and push your left hand towards the feet. Keep pushing with your left hand till the elbow is straight again and being lifted to mimic what the right arm just did. Follow the same technique as the right arm and begin another stroke. Read more on swimming strokes.

Legs and Feet Movement
Finally, the legs and feet movement. The arms provide you with immense power while doing the backstroke technique, the legs contribute for forward momentum. Keep your legs together, as close as possible throughout the entire stroke. You will perform long but shallow kicks initiated from your hips. Avoid kicking from the knees, always place them bent, and under the water. Your ankles should not be flexed, instead they are always floppy because you will have to turn your feet inward to gain the momentum.

Read more on:
•Swimming Workouts
•Swimming Workouts for Beginners
Perfecting the backstroke technique will take some time as you try to compile all the movements together. Remember, regular practice will never keep you away from your ultimate goal.

Disc Golf Technique

Disc Golf Technique
Though slightly unconventional in nature, disc golf is a very enjoyable and enriching game. It may take some time to learn and master all the disc golf techniques, but soon you will begin to see why this game has such a loyal fan base.
Disc golf is a fairly new recreational sport that is easy and inexpensive to play. Knowing the proper disc golf techniques obviously helps, but the aim of the game is so elementary that anyone can play it with ease. The game is quite similar to actual golf, the only differences being that instead of a golf ball you use a plastic disc, and instead of putting the ball into a golf cup you have to put the disc into a metallic basket.

The similarities between golf and disc golf are aplenty, and this is seen as soon as the game begins. The disc golf techniques come into play as soon as the game begins from a raised concrete platform, that is quite similar to a golf tee. Each person throws their disc towards the basket, while getting closer with each subsequent throw.

The scoring system is similar to that of golf, in the sense that you need to get the disc in the basket in a specified number of throws. For instance, if you take 5 throws to complete a 3 par basket, then you are 2 over par. There are specific disc golf courses where you can play the game, and each course has a different set of tees for different difficulty levels. Even the equipment used for mastering disc golf techniques are similar to golf. For each throw you can choose a disc between drivers, rollover discs, mid-range and putters. The weight of the throwing discs ranges between 150 - 180 grams, and the length of the disc golf hole will not be more than 300 feet.

Disc Golf Technique for Beginners
Apart from choosing the right disc, there are a few disc golf techniques and tips that can improve one's game. The throwing technique makes it easier to cover larger distances and gain better accuracy in the throws. This may take some time to perfect, but it helps to improve the level of playing by considerable margins. The way one throws is not just about power, as there are other factors that come into play as well. Read more on disc golf throwing techniques.

The Grip
The way you grip the disc can greatly help you to achieve a stronger and far more accurate throw, and with some experience you can develop the most well suited throw for you. Except for your thumb, all 4 fingers must be gripping the disc, and you should be throwing the disc firmly rather than letting it slip out of your grasp. You have to learn to make use of the forearm and the wrist effectively, and you will be unable to proceed on to more advanced disc golf techniques unless you develop a good grip. This right grip is especially important for learning disc golf putting techniques as well.

The Pull Through
The action of pulling your arm behind in order to generate power for your throw is another vital part of disc golf techniques. You need to use the rotational ability of your shoulder to obtain an effective pull through, while simultaneously holding the disc as close to your chest as possible while keeping your elbows bent. More than the power and strength in your arms, you need to focus on using the momentum and the movement of your arm to get more distance in your throw.

The Footwork
Your balance and footwork will also play a large part in the effectiveness of your throw. Maintaining a good center of gravity and sense of balance and direction is very important, and the proper way of footwork is a 3 step process known as the x-step. The amount of weight you place on your feet while running up, the movement of your hips and the coordination with your throw is what will enable you throw better, faster and harder.

The Follow Through
By carrying out a good and smooth follow through you will be able to get a better throw, and also avoid injury. A bad follow through can be a major disadvantage as it carries a high risk of potential injury with it. Knowing when to loosen and when to stiffen your body while throwing will also enable you to achieve a better follow through.

The game may seem complicated and unconventional at first, but the idea here is to have as much fun as you can. Over time and with practice you will begin to master all disc golf techniques and get better at the game.

High Jump Technique

High Jump Technique
High jump technique is a significant aspect of training for track and field athletes. Jump on to the article below to know all about this technique.
Only Javier Sotomayor, the world record holder for the high jump in the track and field event of high jump would be able to answer how in the world did he mange to do that! This Cuban athlete did a high jump of a whopping 8 feet and 0.46 inch. No wonder he holds the world record for the best high jump. There would definitely be his take on that, but I am not sure if we can get to know it. Instead, what can be do is to take a look at high jump techniques!

Proper High Jump Technique

Phase #1
According to the experts, the first phase, the approach, is the most crucial aspect of a high jump. If that happens to be goofed up, the whole jump will be a damp squib. Thus we will 'approach' the approach first. Running straight, transition and then the curve are three factors in the high jump approach. The first is important to build the speed and momentum, the second one is crucial for the athlete to get their body ready to run towards the bar. Getting this makes sure that the athletes runs the last section impeccably. The last stage, curve is where the speed and momentum built have to be translated into a good take off. The athlete leans inwardly and the rhythm of the steps changes and becomes quicker with each step. Read more on track and field rules.

Phase #2
Taking from where we left, with regards to high jump technique and training, now is the time for the take off. When the player takes off, the curve while running gives the athlete the chance to drop his or her center of mass slightly. The last step can be bang on if this is done right. Proper placement of the foot too is facilitated by this curve, which has to point in the direction of far standard. The time is now perfect now for the vertical lift, which is the last step. Inward lean and backward lean let the athlete generate rotational forces which eventually aid the athlete in clearing the bar. Take off also includes blocking too. Blocking means a sudden stopping of a body part helping another one to accelerate better. Free arms and legs are used to block and the more powerfully you block them, the better your take off will be. On take off the athlete has to drive up his free leg as high as possible. With regards to high jump technique, this is a very crucial aspect.

The Flight
During the take off, the head of the athlete has to be in the direction of the far standard. Once the athlete goes mid air, his hips are near the bar, his head has to be directly in the backward direction. This will lead his hips rise over the bar. The head then will brought back to the chest by the athlete to clear the bar. The athlete ultimately lands on his upper back in the pit. Read more on exercises to jump higher.

High Jump Technique and Drills
One of the primary things an aspiring athlete has to incorporate in his high jump drills is plain running. Conditioning is inevitable for an athlete. It is definitely not a cake walk to get your body off the ground and over the pole without any propelling force other than your own limbs. Practicing the arching of the back is another mandatory drill for high jump athletes. In addition to that, playing basketball will contribute to jumping better vertically. Further the curved running and jumping movements in basketball are very useful in high jumping. Most of all practicing and doing that real hard is one thing which cannot be compromised. Read more on how to increase vertical jump.

These were some of the high jump techniques and tips. I think we have come a little close to the possible secret of Javier Sotomayor's amazing high jump!

This is where I end on a high (jump) technique and sign off! All the best

Bomb Blast in Bangalore IPL Match

Bomb Blast in Bangalore IPL Match
A bomb blast in Bangalore is said to have taken place at the IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Two bomb blasts went off in Bangalore just before an IPL cricket match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Moments before the start of an IPL cricket match between Mumbai and Bangalore, 2 low-intensity blasts went off just outside the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore. Early reports seem to suggest crude bombs went off outside gate number 12. Around 8 people have been injured, most of them security personnel and policemen. One security guard is said to have been seriously injured. There were 40,000 people in the stadium ready to witness the crucial match. An outer wall of the stadium has been damaged in the blast. An extensive search operation is being carried out outside the stadium, and this has resulted in huge traffic jams.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said that it is too early to confirm the nature of the blasts, but indications point towards crude bombs. It seems that explosive material had been placed in a plastic bag between a poster and the wall, which went off. Bangalore police commissioner said, "The explosion occurred near the wall at the gate No. 12 of the Chinnaswamy stadium. There is no cause for panic, though."

This is the first instance of the Indian Premier League (IPL) being actually targeted. The toss, which was to have taken place at 3:30 pm has been delayed, and the players have been sent back into the dressing rooms. The match was scheduled to start at 4:00 pm. Security is very tight in and around the stadium, and a match official said that the game would be played today itself

Learning Martial Arts

Learning Martial Arts
Learning martial arts is not an easy task as it requires you to put considerable amount of time and efforts. However, once you learn martial arts, you can avail its myriad benefits.
Martial arts are a great way of keeping your body agile and flexible. It is also one of the best known forms of self defense. There are a myriad advantages of learning martial arts. However, one needs dedication and willingness to invest requisite amount of efforts, so as to truly benefit from this sports form. Learning martial arts at home in the absence of a trained instructor, is rarely profitable. Once, you decide to learn martial arts, you also need to understand and analyze the various forms of martial arts and choose the one that suits you the best. Given below are some tips on how to learn martial arts.

Learning Martial Arts: Tips

Assess Your Resources
Budget is of utmost importance and mainly determines the form of martial arts you ought to take. Some forms of martial arts are more expensive than others as you need to invest in high end equipment. For instance, martial art form like Kendo armor requires you to shell USD 1000 towards equipment, whereas Karate, only needs you to buy a white cotton uniform.

Identify Your Purpose
People may pursue martial arts for a variety of reasons like interest in the culture and heritage of the country where the particular art form originated or as a solution to your fitness woes. Some people may decide to learn martial arts with a professional interest while others may look at it as the most handy form of self defense. Thus, be clear about what you expect to gain out of your martial arts training.

Know Your Style
Once, you are clear regarding the purpose of your training, you need to choose your style from the several martial art forms. The difficulty of these art forms vary extensively. Depending upon the difficulty level, the time and efforts also vary. Martial arts like Muay Thai (Thailand) or Western Boxing are pretty difficult to learn, whereas Aikido (Japan), various Kung Fu fighting styles (China), Western Martial Arts (Europe) are considered soft style. A grappling fighting art called Jiu Jitsu (Brazil/ Japan) is also comparatively easier. Tae Kwon Do or Hapkido, both of which originated in Korea are considered semi hard styles. More on Tae Kwon Do techniques and Hapkido techniques.

Identify If You Are a Candidate
Not every martial art form can suit people of all physiques and mental toughness. If you are not very young or have a rigid body, then martial art form like Wushu (China) may not be for you. In that case, you would benefit from another Chinese art form called Tai Chi. Martial arts like Karate or Tae Kwon Do are not suitable for people with delicate frames. Combative styles or grappling art forms like Judo, Aikido or Jiu-Jutsu rely on techniques rather than physique of a person. More on Aikido techniques and Tai Chi moves.

Look for a Teacher/School
Learning martial arts at home with a couple of DVDs is not the correct way of acquiring proper training. Instead of learning martial arts on your own, you need to find a skilled and trained instructor who is capable of imparting a thorough and rigorous training. Look for schools which specialize in the martial art form of your interest. Do not forget to check the credentials of the teacher before paying for the training class.

Be a Keen Observer Before Joining
Observing the martial arts session at your school for a few days before joining can help you gain some insight upon the nature of training you will undergo. Starting right away can help for some people but observing a couple of sessions before joining has its own advantages.

Thus, learning martial arts is only for people who have the requisite amount of determination and mental toughness. A casual attitude towards these ancient art forms is least likely to earn you anything

Baseball Bat Sizing

Baseball Bat Sizing
Looking for a a baseball bat sizing chart? Here's an article on the baseball bat sizes for youth.
To ensure the progress of your little tyke in baseball, it is important that you equip him with the best sports equipment. Baseball bats can be tricky to buy, given that there are several bats available in the market that vary in size, weight and shape. So which bat will best suit your child? Here's a baseball bat sizing guide on choosing a baseball bat. Read on for more on baseball equipment.

Baseball Bat Buying Guide

So, what are the things to consider while buying a baseball bat?
•The Rules: Of course, one of the first considerations will be what sizes and materials for bats are allowed by the League rules. Some little leagues may discourage the use of metal and aluminum bats, as they aren't allowed in a lot of senior leagues. So first you need to look into the rules of the baseball league to decide which bat can be purchased.
•The Price: Another very important consideration is the price. What is the price range which you can afford to buy the bat in. Bats come in all price ranges and you need to decide which one fits your pocket.
•The Length: Kids often feel that a longer bat will help them reach the ball better and will improve their strike of a wider pitched ball. But your child may not be able to maneuver the bat well enough. Make sure your child is comfortable with the length of the bat.
•The Weight: The last thing you need to look for while buying a bat is the weight of the bat. And for the length and breadth considerations, the next part will give you a fair idea of what is the ideal bat sizing for people of different age groups.
Read on for more on baseball bats for kids.

Youth Baseball Bat Sizing Chart

Youth Baseball Bat Size by Age

Age Baseball Bat Size
5 - 7 yrs 24" - 28"
8 - 9 yrs 27" - 29"
10 years 28" - 30"
11 - 12 years 30" - 31"
13 - 14 years 31" - 32"
15 - 16 years 32" - 33"

Baseball Bat Sizing by Length

Batter's Height Bat Length
3'5" - 3'8" 26" - 29"
3'9" - 4' 28" - 30"
4'1" - 4'8" 29" - 31"
4'9" - 5'4" 31" - 33"
5'5" - 6' 32" - 34"
Over 6' 33" - 34"

Bat Sizing by Weight

Player's Age Bat Weight
8 - 10 yrs 16 - 20 oz
11 - 12 years 18 - 23 oz
High School and College Students 27 oz and over

For more on baseball read the articles
•Baseball Bats History
•Basic Baseball Rules
•How to Play Baseball
•Baseball Hitting Drills
•Baseball Rules
So this was all about the baseball bat sizing for youth. Choosing a baseball bat and buying a baseball bat are very important steps in introducing your little one to the game of baseball. Hence make sure you look at the baseball sizing chart while deciding on your purchase of the bat!

Formula 1: McLaren Rule China

Formula 1: McLaren Rule China
Formula 1 at its best! Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton held their nerves in a thrilling Shanghai race to make it a 1-2 for McLaren at the Chinese Grand Prix.
The race kicked off with drama. There was rain and then a false start by Fernando Alonso. The first corner itself saw contact between Vitantonio Luizzi, Kamui Kobayashi and Sebastien Buemi, resulting in a safety car deployment. Then due to the rain there was a rush in the pits for changing from slicks to wet tires. Then Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton got into a situation in the pits where Hamilton passed Vettel on entry, and then both drivers were side-by-side as they left their respective pits. This ended in a reprimand for both of them from the race stewards.

The safety car was once again deployed around the 21st lap when Alguersuari's Toro Rosso went off track damaging the nose wing and leaving debris on the track. The safety car was out for 4 laps and this saw Button's lead negated, and all cars were close by in line. But in the end the McLaren's of Button and Hamilton made sure they took away maximum points for their team, which got them right up there in the constructor's table, with Nico Rosberg taking the last podium place.

Race Classification
1.Jenson Button (McLaren-Mercedes) 25 pts
2.Lewis Hamilton (McLaren-Mercedes) 18 pts
3.Nico Rosberg (Mercedes Benz GP Ltd) 15 pts
4.Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) 12 points
5.Robert Kubica (Renault) 10 pts
6.Sebastian Vettel (RBR-Renault) 8 pts
7.Vitaly Petrov (Renault) 6 pts
8.Mark Webber (RBR-Renault) 4 pts
9.Felipe Massa (Ferrari) 2 pts
10.Michael Schumacher (Mercedes Benz GP Ltd) 1 pts
Driver Standings

Position Driver Team Points
1 Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 60
2 Nico Rosberg Mercedes Benz GP Ltd 50
3 Fernando Alonso Ferrari 49
4 Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 49
5 Sebastian Vettel RBR-Renault 45
6 Felipe Massa Ferrari 41
7 Robert Kubica Renault 40
8 Mark Webber RBR-Renault 28
9 Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes 10
10 Michael Schumacher Mercedes Benz GP Ltd 10
11 Vitantonio Luizzi Force India-Mercedes 8
12 Vitaly Petrov Renault 6
13 Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth 5
14 Jaime Alguersuari STR-Ferrari 2
15 Nico Hulkenberg Williams-Cosworth 1

Constructor Standings

Position Team Points
1 McLaren-Mercedes 109
2 Ferrari 90
3 RBR-Renault 73
4 Mercedes Benz GP Ltd 60
5 Renault 46
6 Force India-Mercedes 18
7 Williams-Cosworth 6
8 STR-Ferrari 2
9 BMW Sauber-Ferrari 0
10 Lotus-Cosworth 0
11 HRT-Cosworth 0
12 Virgin-Cosworth 0

This year's Formula One season looks very different, if nothing else, all thanks to the many rule changes. But with no one team dominating as of yet, the thrill is at its best.

Baseball Vs. Football

Baseball Vs. Football
Baseball vs football is a discussion which is never ending, especially for the Americans, as both these sports are very close to their heart. In case you want to get into this humdinger of a debate, this article below would give you precious insights on that.
Hot dogs, diet coke/pepsi, LCD tv and a baseball game. Oh no, or is it a football tie which has your favorite team playing? What would you choose? American football or baseball? I am sure atleast a few of you must be having really heated debates with your friends or family members, as to which one do you prefer. It is a difficult proposition, right guys? I mean baseball is the national game, you cannot not see it or like it. American football, man that sport is something. It is popular because of its sheer power, brawn and the emotions it derives from the fans. One thing is for sure though. Both these games have a phenomenal fan following. Still, there is this Baseball vs Football divide. Pitch in therefore to get a low down on what it is all about.

Baseball vs Football Debate

How do you determine which sport is the most revered one and which has a better number of followers? Well, there are a few aspects which can throw a light on that and get you 'Home' safely!

Followers Rule
For starters, as George Carlin, a Grammy Award winning stand up comedian has said, "Baseball & football are the two most popular spectator sports in this country. And as such, it seems they ought to be able to tell us something about ourselves and our values." So, we start off with attendance and the number of spectators these sports attract. According to statistics, in the year 2000, the number of spectators at a football game was more than half of a baseball game on an average. That probably explains why National Football League (NFL) is such a huge deal in the USA. This above mentioned figure though, is based on the attendance of an entire year, divided by the total number of games played in these 2 sports. For some, this might seem like a verdict that yes, football is the winner in the tough tiff between baseball and football. But wait up, there is more! Read more on American football rules.

Rating Baseball Out?
Yes, baseball is the national game, though when it is about ratings, NFL, again wins hands down. The NFL masters have formulated the regular season matches and the schedule in a way that it has become a must watch. The reason? Well, the reason is that football happens couple or 3 days in a week, whereas baseball games are on every night. The seasons are also a cause for that. Baseball is played in spring. On the contrary football season commences in fall. This also is a reason for the huge difference in the number of spectators as well as the revenue generated. As more people watch the football matches because it is not on everyday. Obviously, the ratings a channel will get due to football is going to be much more than what it will get from baseball. Another reason for this could be the ticket rates for both the games. A football ticket is much more expensive than a baseball game. Read more on basic baseball rules.

'Role' Models
Again as per observations and studies, baseball players are not hounded much by the paparazzi in case of a controversy or any philanthropic endeavor. On the contrary, if a football player does any of such things, he is sure to get a lot of footage in the media. Then eventually it boils down to what impact these players have on the society. This is another factor in the argument entailing baseball vs football.

Intellect vs Testosterone
Well as it seems pretty evident, baseball needs strategical and intellect more, as compared to football. Football is all about 'coaches' going around in a military like conduct, compelling the players to slog. Baseball has a manager, just like soccer. In addition to this, baseball seems never ending, in comparison to football. It is thus a battle of baseball vs football strategy. Read more on history of American football.

Moolah Matters
Of all the things where baseball gets an edge is the money the players get paid. Baseball players get paid more than their American football counterparts. The difference however, is not too gaping, but it is identifiable. However, its impact on the number of people following these 2 sports is foggy.

Some other factors which add fuel to the fire of baseball vs football are venues, the awards and trophies, the gameplay, playing conditions and so on. Read more on origins and history of baseball.

Last but not the least, these sports are completely different and they cannot be compared in any way. The above were just some of the factors which may help us come to a conclusion as to which is America's favorite past time. It is at the end of the day for the spectators to decide which sport is the one they are crazy about!

This is where I hit the home run and do touch down! Enjoy the game - baseball vs football

Surfboard Repair

Surfboard Repair
Doing a surfboard repair job by yourself does help in saving time and money. Read the article and learn how to repair a surfboard following easy instructions provided.
When it comes to surfing, a surfboard is absolutely indispensable. Waves in the ocean are fluffy and soft and you are sure about not damaging your surfboard there. However, damages are sure to happen in the rocky patch between the ocean and the beach. The fiberglass coating on the surfboard gets disrupted when banged against any hard objects like rocks, resulting in a ding on your surfboard. Another major cause of a damaged surfboard is the to and fro journey you undertake from your house to the beach. In either case, you need a surfboard repair to use the board once again.

Surf shops provide surfboard repair services but you will have to leave your board there for a few days and could also turn out to be a costly affair. Instead, you can follow the surfboard repair instructions given below and repair it yourself, at virtually no cost.

How to Repair a Surfboard

Materials Required

Before you begin your surfboard repair job, the most important thing you need is a surfboard ding repair kit. It is not expensive and should be easily available at any local store. The surfboard repair kit includes resin, fiberglass cloth and catalyst. Apart from this, you will require:
•Sand paper
•Razor blade
•Hair dryer
•Pair of scissors
•Masking tape
Surfboard Repair Instructions

Step 1
Examine your surfboard closely and mark out places which require repair. Clear out areas around the ding to isolate it. Do this by scrapping off any sand or wax accumulated around the ding. With help of a sand paper, gently sand out adjoining areas around the ding. Use a cloth to clear away the dust.

Step 2
Pick up a razor blade to cut off the damaged fiber glass from the surface. Use sand paper to rub it on all rough edges of the fiber glass which is remaining. In case the foam inside the ding is moist, you will have to wait till it dries completely. Use a hair dryer which will help the foam to dry out quickly. To ensure that no resin falls onto any other areas on the surfboard, mark the area around the ding with a masking tape.

Step 3
The surfboard repair kit comes with fiber glass cloth. With help of scissors, cut out a piece from this cloth which should be large enough to cover the entire damaged area. In a plastic cup, pour resin as per your requirement and add to it some drops of catalyst. Do not add too much of catalyst. Adding excess amounts of catalyst will quickly make the resin hard and hence more brittle as well. You must add just a few drops and wait for the resin to harden.

Step 4
Once the resin is hard, pour the mixture onto the ding, covering the entire damaged area. Place the pre-cut cloth over the resin mixture. The cloth will ensure that the resin sticks to the ding. No resin should go outside the outline you made with masking tape. Leave the surfboard this way for a couple of hours and then check it. The entire ding should be covered and the resin applied should be hard and hot.

Step 5
Use dry sand paper to sand the ding gently. Do not overdo the sanding part as it could take out the resin making the damage areas re-surface. Also, make sure that you not rub sand paper on areas other than the ding, as the existing fiberglass on your surfboard could be damaged. Using a wet sandpaper at this juncture is a good idea. Your surfboard repair job is over and you can happily go surf on it once again.

Surfboard Repair Cost

The surfboard repair cost depends on the level of damage on the board. If there are few dings and you decide to do the repairing yourself, then your cost will be minimum as you will only have to purchase a new surfboard repair kit. It cots around US $20. But if the damage is major, you might have to get your surfboard repaired from a professional. This could turn out to be expensive depending upon how may dings are there on the board.

Read more on:
•Learn How to Surf
•Basics of Water Surfing
•Surf Contests
Use the surfboard repair instructions and repair dings whenever you notice any. This will prevent any major damage and you can use the surfboard for a longer time.

Mountain Biking Tips

Mountain Biking Tips
Mountain biking is one of the most thrilling sports of all. Get better at it with these mountain biking tips.
Mountain biking is a tough sport albeit an adventurous one. There is great joy in rolling down the mountains on that amazing sport bike, beating the terrain and biking on forward. But make no bones about it, mountain biking can be really tough and you need to be in the right shape to be able to survive the tougher terrains. So here are some mountain biking tips for beginners.

Mountain Biking Tips and Techniques

Mountain biking comes well to those who've been at it over a period of time. It is really the beginners who have a trouble with it. So here are some of the mountain biking tips and tricks for beginners.

The Bike
Let's get to the very basics of mountain biking. Mountain biking requires a different bike, it is not the same as road biking. Mountain bikes are generally sturdier and stronger. But that aside, a mountain bike needs to be light enough to let the driver handle some of the tough ascents. Mountain biking also demands a better suspensions to facilitate a smoother ride. Last but not the least, mountain bikes come with a good number of gears, so that the rider is not inconvenienced over the course of the ride.

Don't Ride Alone
Especially if you're a beginner, you need to ride with a more experienced lot, who can help you become a better rider. Riding alone or along with other novices will be tougher and potentially dangerous as you really do not have a feel for the sport. You may be an accomplished road biker, but mountain biking isn't quite the same thing. So find a bunch of people who have been riding for sometime (a lot of mountain biking clubs exist around town) and ride with them. The stuff you'll learn while riding with experienced people will be the best training you'll get.

The Grip
A lot of first time riders tend to grip the handles rigidly and take too strong a grip, thus locking the elbow and wrist joints. The grip on the handle is supposed to be flexible and only tight enough to ensure that you don't fall down. Loosen up your body and don't take a tight grip, otherwise all the shocks on the road will have to be fended by your bike.

Posture
The main posture of the rider in mountain biking is the 'attack' position. In this position, the biker is off the seat, pretty much standing, but with the legs heavily bent. You are supposed to work the legs like a spring, gently going up and down on the pedals. Don't lock your feet and your hands, as it will make the motion more rigid and your joints will absorb all the ensuing pressure. Rocking backwards and forwards gently will also help you pedal faster.

Work the Gears Well
The gears are your best friends on the trails. By learning to work the gears well, you'll be able to ride longer and stronger. The gears help absorb a lot of pressure on the ride and hence will make it easier to overcome a lot of difficult ascents. The gears need a little bit of getting used to (if you aren't already) but they can make all the difference!

The Descent
If there is one aspect of mountain biking which petrifies most riders and are looking for mountain biking tips on is for the decent. A long, rocky slope can be intimidating for most. Downhill mountain biking tips revolve around braking. Make sure that on the descent, you don't grip the brakes to hard, which will result in the bike skidding and falling. Make sure that you brake, but softly and on 2 second intervals. The point of braking on the descent is not to stop the bike, but to ensure that you are in control of the bike.

Riding Safety
Mountain biking is tough and even the most seasoned bikers are not immune to injury on their trails. So it is important that you follow the basic riding safety norms. Make sure you have the proper gear on, the helmet and the knee and elbow pads.

Read on for more on mountain biking.
•Best Mountain Bike
•Best Entry Level Mountain Bike
•Specialized Hardrock Mountain Bikes
•Mountain Bike Buyers Guide
So this was all about mountain biking tips. If you're looking to learn mountain biking for beginners, let me assure you that nothing but prime fitness levels will do. Mountain biking is a demanding, yet amazingly enjoyable sport!

Pool Table Sizes

Pool Table Sizes
If you are looking for information on pool table sizes, for setting up your own game room, then you have landed on the right page. In this article, I talk about standard pool table dimensions and specifications.
Pool is a game from the family of cue sports which includes billiards and snooker. If you are planning to set up your very own pool game room, then it is essential that you check out the standard pool table sizes. That is because, an important consideration of how much playing space to leave around a pool table is something you need to think about. In this article, I specify the standard pool table dimensions which might help you to come at a decision about what size would be right for your game room.

Pool Table Size Requirements

Pool tables are six pocketed and come in many varying sizes and dimensions. However, a pool table size regulation rule demands that the table length is twice the width of table. Be it any size of table, this requirement is always satisfied. Another important, constant parameter of standard pool table sizes is the height. Although length and width may vary the pool table height set by the World Pool Billiard Association (WPA) remains the same and is set to be in the range of 29 ½ inches to 31 inches. This height is set taking into consideration the ideal height at which playing would be comfortable. According to the kind of space, that is available, pool tables of varying sizes can be set up. Here are pool table sizes for different setups:

Tournament Pool Table Sizes

If you plan to have competitive tournaments on your pool table, then it is important that the size confirms with the standard set by the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA). The dimension of a tournament size pool table are 9 feet x 4 ½ feet. The actual playing area on these tables is 100 inch x 50 inch. Some WPA tournaments also employ a 8 feet x 4 feet table which has playing area of 92 inches x 46 inches. You could either opt for the 9 feet or 8 feet long table depending on your size considerations. Setting up tournament size pool tables ensures that the players get fair play and become adept at playing the game at an international level.

Home Pool Table Sizes

Home pool table for recreational play are also of the 8 foot size generally but commercially available tables may have slightly different sizes. Mostly they are 8 ½ feet x 4 ¼ feet long. Make sure that you have adequate space for a 8 foot size table if you are planning to set up a game room at home.

Bar Pool Table Sizes

Generally bar pool table dimensions are smaller than tournament table sizes. You may find a table measuring 7 feet x 3 ½ feet in many bars and public pool game rooms. Of course, some bars might have tournament size tables too if they have a regular clientele of seasoned players.

Some of the other dimensional specification for the pool tables of various sizes are those about rails, cushions and cloth color & material. The rail width of every one of the standard tournament size pool tables, including cushion, should be 4 inches to 7 ½ inches at the most. The color of the cloth covering the pool table should be electric blue, blue green or yellow green. It is preferred by the WPA that the pool clothe material be 100% combed and worsted type of wool. However, commercial table cloth surfaces may be made up of 15% nylon and 85% wool.

Pool Table Sizes Against Room Size

Last but not the least, as a thumb rule, considering that you are using a standard cue of length around 58 inches, the room size commensurate with the standard table sizes must be ten feet more than the table dimensions. That means, if you are using a tournament size pool table (9 feet x 4 ½ feet), then the room dimensions should be at least 19 feet x 14 ½ feet or more. This ensures that you get adequate and comfortable playing space around the table.

Read more on:
•Pool Table Dimensions and Specifications
•Pool Table and Accessories
•How to Move a Pool Table
•How to Make a Pool Cue
This information about pool table sizes can help you decide which one will be suitable to your game room space. Spending time carefully planning will see to it that there are no set up problems in the future, enabling you to enjoy playing pool thoroughly.

Basketball Shooting Technique

Looking for the proper basketball shooting technique? Here's an article which will perhaps help you out with it.
After all, it is shooting at the basket and seeing the ball through, which scores the point for the team. So it is beyond doubt, that the basketball shooting technique is the one to master! Beginners have always had trouble with the basketball shooting technique, what with the whole 2-step-and-jump thing, which had totally had me in knots for a long time. Even with the shot, there is a particular way to shoot it which generally seems to yield a better accuracy rate. This by the way, can be achieved by gaining mastery over the basketball shooting techniques. So with this article, I hope to make the matters regarding the basketball shooting technique sufficiently clear.

Proper Basketball Shooting Technique

So for all of you who have been simply chucking the basketball vaguely in the direction of the basket with no real success, perhaps it is a good idea to invest some time in learning the basketball shooting techniques. Now this article only discusses the basic shooting technique and really nothing about bringing the ball from below your feet and performing some eye-catching athleticism along the way. This one simply refines your basics and helps you become a good shooter. Read on to learn how to jump higher in basketball.

The Stance
If you're a beginner, it will be better for you to stand in the key area of the basketball court, rather than standing at an odd angle. Stand with your feet slightly apart, shoulder-length distance between your feet. Keep your knees slightly bent, so that it becomes easier for you to spring up and jump to take the shot.

The Grip
It is important to know the correct way to hold the ball. Now if you look closely at the ball, you will see that the lines running over it, meet at the two opposite poles of the ball. Picture the ball as the earth, with those two points as the north and south poles. Now assuming that you will take the shot with your right hand, hold the ball with the left side of the two poles facing your left palm. Position the fingers of your right hand over the center of the ball. The finger of your right hand should be positioned in a way that they face the basket. Remember, the right hand gives the force and the left hand gives the direction. Instead of the ball, if you were to have the globe of the earth in your hand, your left hand would be palm-facing the south pole, while your right hand would be covering the equator.

The Shot
While taking the shot, keep your eyes focused on the basket. You know where the ball is supposed to be headed. Keep your eye on the target. Now gently roll the ball off you fingertips, and as it reaches the end of your fingertips, give a forward thrust so that it heads towards the basket. One very good tip in the youth basketball shooting technique is to try and hit the backboard, so that it drops into the basket. Sometimes, it is not possible to shoot directly into the basket, so it is always better to shoot the backboard. Hit it with only so much force that the ball doesn't rebound off it, but instead drops into the basket.

Read on for more on shooting and dunking the basketball.
•How to Shoot a Basketball Perfectly
•How to Dunk a Basketball
•How to Play Basketball
•Basketball Tips and Tricks
•Basketball: Tips on Jumping Higher
So this was all about the basketball shooting technique. Like I said before, shooting is an important technique to master when it comes to basketball, as that's what wins the game. So good luck with it.

Football: Basics of Football

The National Football League (NFL) is the most widely broadcasted, watched and followed sporting series in the United States of America. You can enjoy it even more, if you have some in-depth knowledge about football basics. American football (or gridiron football) is a game that has become synonymous with American culture along with baseball, and has millions of fans within the country itself.

The game is quite elementary by nature, all one needs to do is make the football cross over the opponents end zone, and thus, outscore them. But the football basics that you will read here explain how this works, and what other terms and words mean in the world of American football.

The Basics of Football
As already mentioned, the aim of the game is to simply score more points than the opponent within the stipulated time period. Whichever team scores the most points by the game's end, is the winning team. There are 4 ways in which a team can score points - a running play (by running over the end line with the ball in hand), a passing play (by receiving a pass from a teammate after you have crossed the end line), by tackling an opposition player over his own end line, or by kicking the ball between the two goal posts.

The game is divided into 4 quarters of 15 minutes each. In reality though, there are many pauses and timeouts in the game, so an actual match can go on for as much as 3 hours. American football basics states that if the scores are tied at the end of the 4th quarter, then an extra 15 minutes are played out. This carries on until one team has more points than the other team, at the end of those 15 minutes. These rules vary slightly at the level of college football.

Football Basics and Rules
The field of play is a rectangular sized area that is 360 feet x 160 feet. The length of the field on both sides are the side lines, and the boundaries of the width are the end lines. The end lines are the final boundary of the field, and they also house the end zone, an area that lies between the end lines and the goal lines. A player has to reach this end zone in order to score.

There are lines parallel to the end lines that run the entire length of the field, and the distance between each of these lines is 5 yards. The basics of football states that each yard line must be covered with a subsequent move and strategy, while inching closer to the end lines. Each team gets a total of 4 attempts to advance the ball by 10 yards (that is, 2 yard lines). This carries on till the team scores, or loses possession of the football. If the opposing team can force a turnover and gain possession, then the same principle of getting 4 attempts to advance by 10 yards applies to them as well.

The line in the center is known as the line of scrimmage, and this is where the game begins when the starting teams quarterback 'snaps' the ball back to a teammate and thus, sets a strategic piece of play into motion.

Also see the following:
•Football Coaching Tips
•History of American Football
Football Basics for Dummies
The number of players of each side that are on the field at any given time are 11, but a football squad consists of almost 50 players. Each player has different attributes and a different role to fulfill, so it's not uncommon that all 50 players play a part during one game. Some players are more adept at offense, some at defense, whereas some others are specialty players. Since the number of substitutions that can be made in a game has no limits, it is possible for all the squad members to get a few minutes in the game. Read more on offensive football positions and defensive football positions.

The basics of football are not hard to understand, and there are many books and websites that also help one learn many football basics in detail. The best way to learn the game though, is to simply play it as experience is the best teacher.

Essa steals the show at KRC

Monday, April 12, 2010
By Arif Qasim
KARACHI: Except for two races, the day belonged to the followers of firm favourites, as they shouted home five winners in a curtail card of seven events.

The two exceptions were Princess Rozi in the third and For Me in the following action which was also a Cup race.

Both the horses won their respected races in a close and thrilling finish. While Princess Rozi won in a finish that saw four horses cross the line inside well inside one length. The sight of so many runners racing neck and neck in the closing stage, was most thrilling.

The next action also saw a great battle between For Me and odds on favourite pebbles, with the former gaining a close verdict in the end.

After these two shocked results ‘The News’ readers and followers of firm favourite found relief and compensation by shouting home winners after winners.

Mr Mention Not was the first to oblige them when it came back with renewed challenge to score a very close victory over Odham in the fifth race.

After Radio Active withdrew at the last minute, stable-mate bankable won the sixth race and in it decisive and thumping victory, Jockey Mohammad Essa earned the distinction of scoring the day’s only double for the stable and trainer Sher Mohammad. Earlier they had glorious time with Tiara in the opening event.

The day’s seventh race also, Bacaradi and Black Rose did ‘The News’ mighty proud by figuring in a close finish, with just the next separating the two at the winning post. Rider Rehan Ahmed blew up all the chances he had on Black Rose, when in a zig zag running lost precious ground and then went on to disturb Nitro. He was lucky to get the benefit of doubt.

In the only remaining race of the day newcomers Magic River with jockey Fahim K got the better off not very keen opposition in the second race. Aishker, who could have won the race, was there just for place, and duly finished a reluctant second.

Tiger in title hunt as Masters drama unfolds

Tiger in title hunt as Masters drama unfolds
Monday, April 12, 2010
AUGUSTA, Georgia: Tiger Woods, Lee Westwood and Phil Mickelson — three of the world’s four top golfers — were poised to provide a championship drama on Sunday at the Masters on one of the game’s grandest stages.

Stunning shotmaking on Saturday, including back-to-back eagles and nearly a third in a row from Mickelson, created classic roars from spectators at Augusta National Golf Club and raised expectations for a thrilling finish.

“That’s what major championships are all about,” said Westwood, who seeks his first such crown. “They are tough ones to win because great players do great things.”

Westwood, trying to become the first Englishman to win a major since Nick Faldo rallied from six strokes down on the final day to beat Greg Norman in the 1996 Masters, led the field at 12-under par 204, one stroke ahead of Mickelson. World number one Woods, in his first event after a five-month hiatus since his secret sex affairs were revealed to the world, shared third on 208 with South Korean KJ Choi, one stroke ahead of 50-year-old US star Fred Couples.

“The guys on the leaderboard are great players. They are going to do something,” Westwood said. “You have to expect the unexpected at times.”

Westwood, whose near-miss majors include third at last year’s British Open and PGA Championship and the 2008 US Open, might need something unprecedented.

No one has fired four rounds in the 60s at any Masters, something Westwood is poised to accomplish. He plan is simple — keep his focus on his game as he has all week

“What Phil is doing is of no importance to my game,” Westwood said. “What Phil Mickelson does is really out of my control. The only thing I can control is what I do, where I hit it.”

Tricky pin placements will test the world’s best, especially at Amen Corner, the perilous par-4 11th, par-3 12th and par-5 13th holes winding around Rae’s Creek, where dreams of glory vanish as misfired balls splash into the water.

“I think it’s going to be an exciting Sunday,” Mickelson said. “I think the course is going to be set up similarly in that you can make some birdies and challenge some pins.”

Westwood, who leads the field with 43 of 54 greens in regulation, will duel with Mickelson, a three-time major winner and two-time Masters champion, in the final last-day pairing, which has produced 18 of the past 19 Masters champion. “We’re going to have some excitement, a real shootout,” Mickelson said.

More history is against Woods in his quest for a 15th major title and fifth Masters green jacket. Woods has never won a major when he was not leading after 54 holes.

“I’m only four back. I’m in good shape,” Woods said. “You never know.”

A first-ever comeback major victory would move him closer to the record 18 major titles won by Jack Nicklaus heading into the US Open at Pebble Beach and British Open at St. Andrews, majors at places where Woods has won prior majors.

A victory rally would complete a storybook comeback for Woods, who began the week uncertain how he would be received by spectators at Augusta National after more than a dozen women claimed sexual affairs with the married father of two.

Woods received applause and a generally warm welcome, although the numbered badges of Masters patrons allow for future credential removal for hecklers, meaning Woods might not be out of the woods when it comes to PGA Tour events.

“After what has transpired, to have that support out there is fantastic,” Woods said.

Couples is trying to turn back the clock and become the oldest champion in major golf history while Choi is quietly contending for Asia’s second major win in a row, after countryman Yang Yong-Eun in last year’s PGA Championship, while playing alongside Woods all four days.

Gul, Arafat may miss World T20 due to injury

Gul, Arafat may miss World T20 due to injury

The duo could make way for Sami and Shahzaib for the much-awaited spectacle getting underway in Guyana from April 30

Monday, April 12, 2010
By Khalid Hussain

KARACHI: Defending champions Pakistan were on Sunday bracing themselves for a double blow just weeks before the start of the ICC World Twenty20 championship as they feared losing pacer Umar Gul and allrounder Yasir Arafat because of injuries.

The national team management is still awaiting complete medical reports of the injured players but ‘The News’ has learnt that there is a big possibility that Pakistan might have to drop the duo for the World Twenty20 which gets underway in Guyana from April 30.

Test fast bowler Mohammad Sami and big-hitting opener Shahzaib Hasan are in line to be picked as replacements for Gul and Arafat if they are dropped from the Twenty20 squad.

Gul, Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in the previous two editions of the World Twenty20 championship, is struggling to recover from a shoulder injury.

He got injured during the World Twenty20 training camp which got underway at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore earlier this month. Gul has been out of action for the last several days and seems unlikely to be a part of the touring party which is scheduled to leave for the Caribbean on April 24 from Lahore.

Shahid Afridi, the Pakistan captain, confirmed that Gul is yet to recover from the shoulder injury but he was hopeful that the fast bowler will get fit in time to the catch a flight to St Lucia where Pakistan will begin their title campaign with group matches against Australia and Bangladesh.

“We are still awaiting a word from the experts on Gul and that whether he would be able to play in the Twenty20 World Cup,” Afridi told ‘The News’.

Afridi hoped that Gul will get an all-clear from the doctors, saying that he is a key player for Pakistan.

“I hope he gets fit and manages to go with us to the West Indies,” said Afridi. “He is a top performer in Twenty20 cricket and has done a great job for the team in the last two (T20) World Cups. We would certainly need him in the West Indies because the conditions would really help him get a lot of reverse swing there,” he stressed.

Gul, 25, is currently the leading wicket-taker in Twenty20 cricket with 43 scalps from 26 matches at a superb average of 12.81. He was one of the reasons why Pakistan won the previous edition of the World Twenty20 in an in impressive manner.

Yasir Arafat is dogged by a calf injury and though he has resumed batting practice, the allrounder cannot bowl because of the problem. He, too, seems a doubtful starter for the World Twenty20 where Pakistan are to defend their title. Arafat also suffered from fitness problems during the 2009 World Twenty20 in England last summer and Pakistan were forced to replace him with comeback allrounder Abdul Razzaq in the middle of the tournament.

Afridi said that in case Pakistan needed to replace either Gul or Arafat, the national team management will try to pick the best possible alternatives. He agreed that Sami and Shahzaib will be considered but was quick to add that the final decision will be made only after it’s confirmed that Pakistan will need the replacements.

Shahzaib was a surprise selection for the 2009 World Twenty20 but justified his inclusion in the team with a couple of quick-fire knocks in the competition.

Sami, 29, is an experienced campaigner but is yet to make his debut in Twenty20 Internationals. But he has a lot of experience in the shortest format of the game because of a stint with the rebel Indian Cricket league (ICL).

Tennis: Nadal aims for historic sixth Monte Carlo title

Tennis: Nadal aims for historic sixth Monte Carlo title
Monte Carlo—Rafael Nadal starts a quest for tennis history here Monday when he takes aim at a sixth straight Monte Carlo Masters title.

Nadal is seeded second behind Serb Novak Djokovic, the man he beat for the title a year ago at the elite Country Club overlooking the Mediterranean.

There is plenty on the line for Nadal next week, with the Spaniard failing to win an ATP trophy since the Rome Masters nearly a year ago. With various months off for knee problems, Nadal’s confidence would be hugely boosted by a return to form on his favoured clay.

The world number three Spaniard’s record of perfection in the principality is impressive with his lone loss in 32 Monte Carlo matches (he didn’t play in 2004) coming a year earlier when he went out to Argentine Guillermo Coria in the third round after qualifying into the field.

Following his exit in last week’s Miami semi-finals to eventual champion Andy Roddick, Nadal unwound at home on the island of Mallorca, recharging after an indifferent - by his standards - month on American hardcourt.

“At home resting, calm and preparing the Monte Carlo tournament,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

“Too bad in Miami since I was playing great. I take the opportunity to thank again the support over there (and at Indian Wells).”

The last player to win Monte Carlo before the Nadal dynasty began was Coria in 2004.

Djokovic takes the top seeding as the Serb also seeks to make up for modest March results in the US.

With leading seeds benefitting from byes, the world number two behindthe absent Roger Federer at the modified Masters event which is no longer obligatory for leading players, could face one of two Frenchman in Florent Serra or Stephane Robert in the second round.

Another seed on a mission will be Scot Andy Murray, originally not entered in the field but needing to regain confidence after crashing out in his opening Miami match to Mardy Fish.

The wild card third seed produced his best career clay form here a year ago, falling victim to Nadal in the semi-finals.

Croatian Marin Cilic, winner of two titles already this season, takes the fourth seeding, ahead of French hero Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Spain’s Fernando Verdasco will test long-running injuries as the Spaniard plays on the sixth seeding, heading Russian Mikhail Youzhny, the seventh seed who lost the February Dubai final to Djokovic.

Evergreen Indian Wells champion Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia takes the eighth seeding after failing to follow up his California title, losing his opening match in Miami.—AFP

Stoner takes Qatar Grand Prix

Stoner takes Qatar Grand Prix
Doha—Australia’s Casey Stoner, riding a Ducati, claimed pole position for Sunday’s floodlit, season-opening Qatar Grand Prix as he targeted a fourth successive win at the desert venue.

Stoner clocked 1min 55.007sec to see off the Yamahas of world champion Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo in Saturday’s session while Randy de Puniet, on a Honda, was fourth fastest.

Rossi set a time of 1:55.362 as he ensured his world title defence will begin from the front row of the grid in Losail.

His Fiat Yamaha team-mate Lorenzo, who suffered a hand injury in pre-season, put in a strong performance with the Spaniard just over half a second off Stoner?s pace.

“I feel we are a lot better prepared for this season than the last couple of years,” said Stoner.

“We want to try and keep going up. This is the perfect way to start the season. We have been stronger in testing and the bike works really well around this circuit.”

De Puniet heads the second row after a best time of 1:55.831. Loris Capirossi, on a Suzuki, will start a record-breaking 300th Grand Prix from fifth place.

The veteran, with a time of 1:55.899, was ahead of fellow Italian Andrea Dovizioso on a Honda.

Rossi said he was happy with his performance after modifications were made to his bike after Friday’s practice.

“I’m really happy about the work we’ve done on our set-up and now we have a good race pace with the hard Bridgestone tyres,” said the 31 year-old Italian.

“With the soft one the rear is still sliding a little bit too much, but I think for the race we are okay.

“My final flying lap was very fast but then I had to pass a couple of riders in the final sector and I lost some time, but anyway we have a good grid position so I am happy.

“A strong start is going to be very important and we will have to push hard on the first lap to try to stay close to Stoner, who is always very strong here. Honestly I think it will be tough to beat him but we will try our best.”

In the Moto2 category, which has replaced the 250cc for this season, Spaniard’s Toni Elias (Moriwaki) and Julian Simon (RSV) were the fastest with Germany’s Stefan Bradl (Suter) and Alex de Angelis (Force GP210) filling the top four.

In the 125cc, qualifying ended in a Spanish monopoly with Marc Marquez, Pol Espargaro and Nicolas Terol the quickest riders.—AFP

Wapda beat POF in Volleyball Championship

Wapda beat POF in Volleyball Championship
Sialkot—On the opening day of 46th National Volleyball Championship 2010 Wapda beat POF by 25-16, 25-15 and 25-19 match played on Saturday night at Talab Maula Bukhsh.

In other two matches the PAF beat AJK by 25-11, 25-12 and 25-18 while Navy thrashed Pakistan Boards 25-14, 25-13 and 25-15.

As many as 13 teams throughout the country were participating in the championship. The Railway, Punjab, POF, Police, Pak Boards, Navy, PAF, KPK, FATA, Army, Sindh and the AJK are competing the event.

Earlier, MNA Khawaja Muhammad Asif formally inaugurated the 46th National Volleyball Championship.

Speaking on the occasion, he said Sialkot was playing instrumental role in manufacturing quality sports but the city had also produced renowned cricket, hockey and volleyball players of international standard.

Expressing the hope he said participating teams would give their excellent performance in the game and the people of Sialkot would enjoy the game. The MNA on this occasion stressed upon the business community of Sialkot that they should sponsor teams for the promotion of volleyball game throughout the county.

Wapda Vs Sindh, Police Vs FATA, PAF Vs Pak Boards, Navy Vs AJK and Army Vs Railway will play their match on Sunday night.

Meanwhile, President Punjab Volleyball Association Zafar Abbas Luk said a strategy has been formulated for the promotion and development of volleyball in the Province.

Talking to APP, he said under the programme special attention would be accorded on hunting the talent for fulfilling the future requirements and infusing fresh blood in the game of volleyball.

At present the volleyball game was on down trend and it needs special attention for the development of smashing game in the country, he said.

Zafar Abbas disclosed special centres had been set up at Sargodha, Lahore, Faisalabad and Sahiwal areas for grooming and training of younger players because at this juncture we direly needed talented players. —APP

Berto stops Quintana in 8th round to defend belt

Berto stops Quintana in 8th round to defend belt
Sunrise (Florida)—American Andre Berto retained his WBC welterweight title with a stoppage of Carlos Quintana on Saturday, boosting his chances of a bout against the premier fighters in the weight class.

Berto stopped Puerto Rico’s Quintana in the eighth round for his fifth successful defense of the WBC crown.

Berto (26-0, 20 KOs) did heavy damage from the third round through the eighth. He finally stopped Quintana, a former WBO champion, with a succession of hard rights before referee Tommy Kimmons ended the bout at the 2:16 mark.

Now, the question is how long it will take before Berto, 26, gets a shot at the high-profile welterweights such as WBO champion Manny Pacquiao, WBA champion Shane Mosley or former champion Floyd Mayweather.

“My knockout was pretty vicious,” Berto said. “It may open up their eyes a little bit. But then again they have to look at I’ve been off for a long time so it’s only going get better from here.”

Promoter Lou DiBella, who handles Berto, said he’d like a fight against Pacquiao but he also admitted Berto, who had an 11-month layoff, might need another bout or two before taking on the best.

Quintana (27-3) had Berto looking tentative in the first two rounds. Berto sustained a right biceps injury sometime in the opening two rounds, but he finally found his comfort zone and began teeing off on the Puerto Rican.

Berto began landing combinations and had Quintana against the ropes in the third round. In the fifth round, he rocked Quintana again, this time with a straight right.

Berto landed a couple big rights in the sixth and seventh rounds.

Both fighters complained about their opponents’ tactics during the fight. Early, Berto claimed Quintana was hitting him in the back of the head, and Quintana eventually had a point deducted. But Quintana also had a complaint.

“The ref let Berto hit me in the back and it took me out of my rhythm,” he said.

Part of the proceeds of the fight will benefit the Haitian earthquake relief fund. Berto’s parents were born in Haiti.

After the Jan. 12 earthquake, Berto canceled his Jan. 30 fight against Shane Mosley and went to Haiti to aid the relief effort. Part of his job there was holding down semi-conscious people while they had limbs amputated because there wasn’t enough anaesthetic to go round.

On the undercard, Panama’s Celestino Caballlero (34-2, 23 KO) defeated Indonesia’s Daud Cino Yordan (25-1) by unanimous decision to claim the WBA interim featherweight title to go alongside his IBF and WBC belts. Caballero dominated the fight although Yordan managed to score regularly.

“It wasn’t an easy fight,” Caballero said, “but when it comes to the world championship, if they want my belt they have to be prepared.”—AP

Shoaib-Sania nikkah solemnized

HYDERABAD: Mirza married Monday after a troubled engagement in a union that bridges the two nations' bitter sporting and political divide.

The wedding was the final chapter in a complex and often contradictory saga during which Malik consistently denied claims by an Indian woman, Ayesha Siddiqui, that she had married the cricketer in 2002.

The ceremony took place in the presence of family and friends at a hotel in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, Mirza's spokeswoman Rucha Naik said.

"The (wedding) has just been completed. Please pray for the couple," Naik told reporters.

The marriage was originally scheduled for April 15. The Press Trust of India cited family sources as saying it had been brought forward after Muslim clerics in Hyderabad criticised the fact that Malik was living in his future bride's house before the wedding.

Last week, Farisa Siddiqui, Ayesha's mother, announced that a settlement had been reached and "divorce papers signed," allowing Malik's marriage with Mirza to go ahead.

Ayesha had initially lodged a complaint with police in Hyderabad, prompting officers to quiz Malik over the saga and confiscate his passport.

Muslim elders in Hyderabad, where both Siddiqui and Mirza live, were understood to have negotiated the settlement after days of frenzied press coverage and lurid speculation.

Even without the added drama provided by Ayesha's revelations, the marriage of two of South Asia's best-known sports personalities across one of the world's most volatile borders was always going to make headlines.

Nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan have fought three wars since independence and broke off all official contact following the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which Indian blamed on Pakistan-based militants.

The stand-off extended to the sporting world, with a freeze on non-tournament matches between their respective national cricket teams.

Malik and Mirza's sporting marriage is unprecedented in the perennial rivalry between the south Asian nations, and some right-wing Hindu groups in India had denounced the union, accusing Mirza of betraying her country.

The only similar union came when former Pakistani Test batsman Mohsin Khan, who is now Pakistan's chief selector, married the Indian actress Reena Roy in the 1980s. The couple later separated.

The Pakistani government is preparing lavish celebrations to welcome the couple during a widely expected visit.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will treat the newlyweds to a reception and Pakistan's minister for population welfare, Firdous Ashiq Awan, told AFP that she would travel to India to attend the wedding reception.

"It is a very happy occasion for both Malik and Mirza and for millions of people in both the countries and we are having a detailed discussion as to how we could celebrate the occasion in Pakistan," Awan told AFP.

Team-mates of Malik, a former Pakistan cricket captain who is serving a one-year ban on charges of indiscipline during Pakistan's tour of Australia and New Zealand, also passed on their congratulations.

"It's a happy occasion that Malik has wed Sania. I congratulate him and wish him the best in his married life," said Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi.

Mirza, whose short tennis skirts have drawn the ire of Islamist groups in India, has been a nationwide celebrity since 2005 when, aged 18, she became the first Indian woman to win a WTA Tour title.

She is currently recovering from a wrist injury that has seen her world ranking slip from 27 in 2007 to 89.

The couple, who are both Muslims, are thought likely to base themselves in Dubai.

Malik had admitted beginning a telephone relationship with Siddiqui in 2001 after she sent him photographs -- but said he later believed the pictures were of another woman.

Before the divorce settlement, Siddiqui appeared on television news channels to denounce Malik as a cheat who dumped her because his team-mates said she was overweight.

Struggling Chennai desperate for revival

Big picture
Chennai Super Kings have lost four matches in a row, but what would have been most disappointing in their most recent defeat - to Rajasthan Royals - will be the manner in which they were outplayed. In each of their three previous reverses, Chennai were in with a chance for a good chunk, but they hardly ever looked like controlling the match against Rajasthan after the opening burst from Michael Lumb and Naman Ojha.

The bowling remains a massive source of concern, with players like L Balaji and R Ashwin, who impressed early this season, proving expensive in the past few matches. The batting is less of a worry, but Chennai will toy with the idea of sending the big-hitting Albie Morkel slightly higher up the order - many of his chances this season have been with the match already gone.

Their opponents, Royal Challengers Bangalore, have lesser concerns, after a superb start to the campaign has lifted them to second spot and a healthy net run-rate. They are coming off a week's break, during which Kevin Pietersen and Cameron White have joined the squad. They have already defeated Chennai once this season, and will aim for a repeat to distance themselves from the mid-table pack (four other teams have either the same points or two less than Bangalore).


Form guide (most recent first)
Chennai Super Kings LLLLW
Royal Challengers LWWWW

Team talk
Only two bowlers look certain picks for Chennai: Muttiah Muralitharan and left-arm spinner Shadab Jakati. Seamer Thilan Thushara also had a good match against Rajasthan and could get another game. A slew of injuries has reduced the options for a team whose policy was to sign on free-stroking allrounders, which means Morkel could be persisted with. MS Dhoni will have a hard time choosing the Indian quick bowler from one of Balaji, Joginder Sharma, Manpreet Gony and Sudeep Tyagi.

Bangalore have been a settled side, making no changes since the second game. The arrival of Pietersen, though, means Eoin Morgan is going to make way. One argument against that move will be that if Morgan is left out, Bangalore are likely to be a team with 11 right-hand batsmen.

Previously.

Bangalore 4 Chennai 2

The latest encounter between the two teams was last week at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where Chennai's bowlers did well for most of the innings until Robin Uthappa's fireworks powered Bangalore to a winning total.

In the spotlight

Kevin Pietersen was Vijay Mallya's big-ticket signing in 2009 to galvanise Bangalore from a 'Test' team into a dynamic Twenty20 outfit. Bangalore were uninspiring under Pietersen in the early part of the IPL last season, and their transformation into a capable IPL side came only after his departure for England duties. The coming weeks present him a chance to show Indian crowds his Twenty20 skills.

Dale Steyn v Matthew Hayden: When the two teams met last week, Hayden had the confidence to walk down the track to take on Steyn, who was regularly crossing the 150kmh mark. Wednesday will be another chance to watch the imposing batsman take on the top-class fast bowler

Prime numbers

* Matthew Hayden is only 24 runs short of becoming the third batsman (after Adam Gilchrist and Suresh Raina) to make 1000 runs in the IPL

* Anil Kumble's winning percentage of 68.75 as captain is the highest among all players who have led in at least 10 matches

The chatter

"True, the momentum has had a negative impact on us, but Twenty20 is very fickle. The momentum can quickly change. It all boils down to individual players challenging themselves to lift their game."

Matthew Hayden

"As a captain, it is a tough job for me with KP (Pietersen) and White having joined us. We need to take a different approach from here on and also have to decide how to fit in these two players."

Anil Kumble

Ten teams is the perfect number - Hayden

As the IPL season heads to the halfway mark, Chennai Super Kings star batsman Matthew Hayden, who participated in an online chat session with Cricinfo's readers, believed that the key to reviving his side's lukewarm campaign was to get on a winning roll.

"I love the Chennai Super Kings and being in Chennai and I still believe we have a good chance to make the semi-finals but as you know we have to start winning and keep winning," Hayden said. "Unfortunately we have had a few results which could have easily gone the other way and which would have made a great difference to our season, however I do not like to look backwards and I'm now looking forward with a very positive mind and with a very determined team to deliver the results that we know that we can achieve."




Chennai's plans of making the semi-finals have hit a rut, with five defeats, including four on the trot, out of seven games. Hayden thinks that the side's inability to strike a winning combination is to blame, but is confident that they can turn it around. "I think we have been trying to establish in the first half of this tournament what our best side is, it has changed a number of times, with mixed results. This game, coming tomorrow night, is the opportunity to have that decision to find our balance and play the cricket that our talent is capable of," Hayden said.




As expected, a lot of questions were on Hayden's revolutionary Mongoose bat which he has used with mixed results in the IPL. "I actually first started toying with the idea before the last World Cup, when I started hitting balls at practice sessions with a baseball bat and was surprised at how well I was hitting them and how far the ball would travel.




"It gave me great leverage as you would have seen already and there is no question it gives you extra power when you are in an attacking position and wanting to dominate the bowlers," Hayden said.




When asked whether the unusual dimensions of the Mongoose - it has a longer handle, and a shorter blade than normal bats - made it difficult to wield, especially while facing short-pitched bowling, Hayden admitted that it took him a while adapting to the bat. "It was a bit intimidating at first with the shorter blade. After hitting thousands of balls with it, I was mentally prepared to play with it," Hayden said.




Hayden welcomed the expansion of the IPL and was of the opinion that the inherent tight schedules were not to blame for the high number of player injuries that have occurred during the tournament. "I'm pleased with the introduction of the two new teams into the IPL for next season and also very happy that Mr. Modi has announced there will be no more expansion for many years to come as I believe that 10 teams is the perfect number. And I also know that if you train and prepare well for the IPL and have a very good support team around you that injuries can be kept to a minimum but then again, injuries are a part of the game," Hayden said.




Hayden shed light on his unique tendency of standing well outside the crease to fast bowlers. "Standing out of the crease is a sign of strategy rather than of straight out aggression. For instance, against [Lasith] Malinga, whose execution of the yorker is second to none, I stand two meters out of the crease and the yorker becomes a knee-high full toss, this is a way of changing someone's game," Hayden explained.




He may have intimidated several bowlers during his time, with his imposing presence and aggressive intent, but Hayden admitted that it was the other way around. "Truth is I was afraid of every bowler, but I soon realised the only thing a bowler could do that could hurt me was the thing that he held in his hand, the cricket ball. Only if I watched it and executed the hundreds of thousands of balls that I have hit over my lifetime could I focus my energy on that," he said.

Hayden singled out Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Parthiv Patel, Robin Uthappa and Shikhar Dhawan as the young Indian players to watch out for in the future.