Thursday, February 25, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
New Zealand striker pulls out of hockey World Cup fearing security
WELLINGTON: Concerned over security, Kiwi striker Simon Child has pulled out of the hockey World Cup starting on Sunday, even though Hockey New Zealand (HNZ) said it was satisfied with the arrangements made by the Indian government. Child said he took the decision because he felt he could not give his best under such heightened security environment during the February 28-March 13 mega-event. "It's not an ideal environment to be trying to play your best hockey and to be performing for your country," he said. "I think that was the major issue that swayed me when I made up my mind. It was extremely tough, probably the toughest decision I've had to make in my life. "A big part of me of course wanted to go to the World Cup," said the 21-year-old striker, who already has 119 international caps to his name in his five-year-old career. Child travelled with the 18-member Black Sticks squad to Perth for practice games, including two Tests against Australia, in the run-up to the World Cup. But the recent terror threats on foreign athletes visiting India during this year's World Cup, Indian Premier League and Commonwealth Games has prompted the Aucklander to opt out of the tournament at the last moment. New Zealand coach Shane McLeod admitted that security fears have made it difficult for his players to focus on the game. "Just having a threat hanging in the background take its toll and I think, performance-wise, it has affect us," he said. "Also a decision like Simon's is tough on the team. We do a lot of things together and to have one of us not with us is something we will have to work really hard to deal with." Respecting Child's decision, HNZ said the Black Sticks would participate in the World Cup as they have received positive feedback on security from various agencies. "The detail we have received has reassured us that the required level of security will be in place," she said. Poole said they have also been reassured by the New Zealand shooting team which is presently participating at the ongoing Commonwealth Championships in Delhi.
Indian eves beat Hong Kong in Uber Cup opener
NEW DELHI: Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal pulled off a thrilling victory over world number eight Zhou Mi as Indian women defeated formidable Hong Kong in their Uber Cup (Asia Zone) opener in Nakornratchasima, Thailand on Monday. World number seven Saina bounced back from a game down to edge past Zhou 14-21, 21-10, 23-21 in a 50-minute clash to give India a flying start in the prestigious team event. Hong Kong pulled one back in the second singles when Yip Pui Yin beat Sayali Gokhale 21-13, 21-11. National champion Trupti Murgunde, however, put India ahead once again as she saw off Chan Tsz Ka 21-18, 21-16 in just 27 minutes. India's best doubles player Jwala Gutta then teamed up with Ashwini Ponnappa to seal the tie for India as the duo beat Zhou Mi and Tse Ying Suet 21-13, 21-16 in a 21-minute match. In the fifth match, Aparna Balan and Shruti Kurian went down to Chau Hoi Wah and Chan Tsz Ka 9-21, 13-21 but it didn't have any bearing on the result as India emerged victorious by a 3-2 margin. Moments after the match, Saina said it was an unexpected win as Hong Kong are very strong. "It was an unexpected win but I am very happy we pulled it off. Everyone raised their game and contributed and it was a very important win overall," Saina said. India will take on Japan on Tuesday and Saina said it would be another tough one for the team. "Tomorrow's match is going to be tough and we will have to put up another good performance. The doubles and singles would be equally tough," she added. Asked about her win over Zhou Mi, whom she considers as one of her main rivals, the 20-year-old Saina said she just tried to pick on her rival's weakness. "She is a very experienced player, strong at the back and have good parallel shots but she was weak in the net. In the second and third game I made her run a lot and she became exhausted and started attacking. "My defense was strong which frustrated her and she started hitting outside," the Hyderabadi said.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
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