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Updated at: 0013 PST,  Friday, April 30, 2010  GUYANA: The third ICC World Twenty20 Championship begins today in West Indies as Pakistan will defend their title in the mega event. Sri Lanka will play against New Zealand in the inaugural match of the tournament while the second match will be played between hosts West Indies and Ireland. All matches of the event will be shown live on Geo Super. The first match will be held between the runners-up of the previous edition, Sri Lanka and New Zealand and it will begin at 10-00 pm (Pakistan standard time). The West Indies and Ireland will play the second match at 2-00 am.

 KARACHI: First edition's winner India and South Africa are going to be the biggest threats to Pakistan's ambition to defend the Twenty20 World Cup title in the West Indies, feels former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq.

"India and South Africa, I think, are the greatest threats to Pakistan's ambition to win the T20 World Cup. I am very impressed with the disciplined way South Africans play, while the Indians have some dangerous players with plenty of flair," Inzamam said.

Inzamam, however, said that the Pakistan squad is a balanced one and have the wherewithal to defend the title.

"The way I see it this Pakistan team is well balanced and so strong for this format of the game. It shouldn't lose to any team unless they self-destruct with internal issues," said Inzamam, the country's most capped player.

Updated at: 1953 PST,  Friday, April 30, 2010  ST. KITTS: West Indies Women were setback in their preparations for the Women’s Twenty20 World Cup, when Pakistan Women crushed them by eight wickets in their third and final T20. The Windies Women were restricted to 105 for eight from their allocation of 20 overs, and the Pakistani Women replied with 102 for two to win with seven balls to spare at Edgar Gilbert Sports Complex. Cordel Jack led the way for the Windies Women with 46, after they were sent in to bat on a hard, true pitch. No other Windies Women’s batter scored more than 20. Pakistan Women’s captain Sana Mir was her side’s best bowler with three for 17 from three overs. Opener Sajjida Shah then anchored the Pakistan Women to victory with five fours in 51 from 54 balls. West Indies Women have been placed in Group-A of the Women’s T20 World Cup with defending champions England, arch-rivals Australia, and sports rivals South Africa. Pakistan Women have been drawn in Group-B alongside 2009 runners-up New Zealand, as well as fellow Asian sides India and Sri Lanka. The Women’s T20 World Cup opens next Wednesday. All of the group matches will be contested in St. Kitts before the semi-finals in St. Lucia on May 13 and 14, and the Final on May 16 in Barbados.

 ST LUCIA: Nathan Hauritz may have received the support of Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi but he could yet miss Australia's opening World Twenty20 match against the defending champions.

Early indications are that Australia will do without off-spinner Hauritz when they begin their tournament against Pakistan here on Sunday, a day after the title holders face Bangladesh in Group A at the Beausejour Stadium.

Hauritz has not taken a wicket in either of the team's warm-up matches, although in Thursday's fixture against the Windward Islands he found himself bowling against Australia on the way to figures of none for 34 in three overs.

Nevertheless, leg-spinning all-rounder Afridi said of Hauritz: "On these types of tracks he'd be very difficult for the opposition."

But Australia look likely to field Steve Smith, himself a leg-spinning all-rounder, while getting any remaining slow bowling from specialist batsmen such as captain Michael Clarke and David Hussey, both well capable of contributing with bat and ball at this level.

Outsiders Zimbabwe beat Clarke's men by one run here on Tuesday to revive memories of the Africans' five-wicket victory over Australia at the inaugural World Twenty20 in Cape Town in 2007.

However, Australia's chairman of selectors, Andrew Hilditch, told reporters at Beausejour here on Thursday: "We're in pretty good shape but it's going to be a big game for us (against Pakistan)."

Australia have plenty of fast bowling options too in Dirk Nannes, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson.

"We've obviously got a good pace attack and we're going to use that in these conditions and in Barbados (where Australia play Bangladesh on Wednesday) as well," Hilditch said.

"We think we're pretty well placed with spin bowling," the former Test batsman added. "Steve Smith did a really good job, we got good spin out of Michael Clarke and David Hussey and of course Nathan Hauritz. When the conditions are spin-friendly we've got the opportunity to play more spinners."

Ryan Harris, due to arrive in St Lucia on Friday as a replacement for injured fast bowler Brett Lee, out of the tournament with a forearm strain, is unlikely to be thrown straight in against Pakistan.

 ST LUCIA: Two consecutive wins for minnow Zimbabwe against defending Twenty20 Champion Pakistan and mighty Australia have raised many eyebrows about the mega event or the world champion has maintained its trademark style of displaying unexpected performances in the warm-up match.

On one hand, Zimbabwe, which is being considered a weak team, has doubled the interest of fans in the tournament, while on the other hand, it has created doubts of match fixing.

During the recently concluded IPL tournament, reports of match fixing allegations and financial irregularities got headlines. This has also increased fears about the Caribbean event too.

The way Zimbabwe has defeated Pakistan and Australia shows that something is fishy.

In the wake of match fixing threat, the International Cricket Council has alerted its anti-corruption unit to keep a vigil on every player.

 LAHORE: Pakistani cricketers demanded Friday to know why they were punished with bans and fines as a tribunal started an appeals process against sanctions imposed by sporting authorities.

The tribunal is overseen by Irfan Qadir, a retired high court judge chosen by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

He heard Friday from lawyers representing former captains Younus Khan and Shoaib Malik, as well as Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, who is currently in England playing county cricket. Younus also appeared before the tribunal.

"The tribunal has postponed the hearing on Younus's appeal for May 8 as his lawyer demanded to inspect the report which carries the reasons of their punishment," PCB legal advisor Talib Rizvi told AFP.

"The penalised players will be allowed to inspect the documents," he said.

Malik, who is in India on honeymoon, and Naved were represented by their lawyers and their next hearing is scheduled for May 22, said Rizvi.

Younus, along with former captain Mohammad Yousuf, was banned indefinitely by the PCB on charges of "infighting which resulted in a negative influence on the team".

Malik and Naved were banned for a year and fined two million rupees (24,000 dollars) for disciplinary breaches.

Pakistan's Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi and Kamran Akmal were fined three million rupees and placed on probation for six months, also for violations of discipline. Umar Akmal was fined two million rupees.

Afridi and the Akmal brothers can only attend the hearing next month, as they are now representing Pakistan in the World Twenty20 in the Caribbean, said Rizvi.

Yousuf announced his retirement from international cricket after the ban and is the only punished player who did not appeal.

The PCB took action against seven cricketers after Pakistan failed to win a single match during a December-February tour of Australia.

Preceding tours of New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates also formed the basis of punishment, where off-field problems marred the team's performance.

Younus's lawyer Ahmed Malik Qayyum criticised the appeal process, telling AFP that the hearings should be held in open and not behind closed doors.

"We have demanded to see the inquiry report as we want to know the reasons of the punishment, which is our basic right," Qayyum added.

  Updated at: 2029 PST,  Thursday, April 29, 2010
 BARCELONA: Inter Milan team after qualifying for the final of the Champions League Football, has returned home.

Despite losing 1-0 at Barcelona on Wednesday, Inter reached Europe's elite club competition final for the first time since 1972 thanks to a 3-2 aggregate win.

Defending champion Barcelona defeated Inter Milan in the second league semi-final 1-0 but the Italian club Inter Milan had won their match in the first league 3-1, thus it made place in the final on its overall dominance.

Inter will face Bayern Munich in the Champions League final in Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium on May 22.

Updated at: 1436 PST,  Wednesday, April 28, 2010  LAHORE: Former captain of Pakistan cricket team Wasim Akram said Pakistan and India are favourites in T20 World Cup. Talking to media before depart to India, Wasim said Pakistan seems to be a strong team, which is fully capable to defend the title. He said fitness problem of Umer Gul is unfortunate for Pakistan. Afridi is an aggressive captain whereas coach Waqar Younis is also an experienced one.

Updated at: 1407 PST,  Wednesday, April 28, 2010
 SYDNEY: Veteran Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has been ruled out of the World Twenty20 competition in the West Indies after straining an arm muscle during a warm-up match, officials said Wednesday.

Lee, 33, will be sent home after suffering the strain in Australia's shock defeat to Zimbabwe, adding to a long line of injury woes. Team officials have asked for permission to call up a replacement.

"It's a muscle strain on the inner side of the elbow of the right arm," a Cricket Australia spokesman told foreign news agency, adding that it was separate to the elbow problem which recently required surgery.

"It was scanned but it will need to be looked at tomorrow," he said.

Updated at: 1308 PST,  Wednesday, April 28, 2010  LAHORE: Cricketer Shoaib Malik said he will decide about permanent residence after consultations with Sania Mirza as Sania’s father and other family members termed their stay in Pakistan as memorable. Talking to media before leaving to India, Shoaib said Sania’s family is happy about their stay in Pakistan and also thanked hotel management for bes arrangements they had made for them. Replying to question, Shoaib said he is optimistic about his cricket come back and said his lawyer will appear in the court on his behalf during hearing of appeal filed against PCB ban.

Updated at: 0921 PST,  Wednesday, April 28, 2010  ST LUCIA: Pakistan breezed to a 68-run win over Windward Islands in their first warm-up game here at the Beausejour Stadium. Put in to bat by Windward Islands, the visitors reached 160 for 7 thanks mainly to Mohammad Hafeez’s enterprising half century. Windward Islands crawled to 92 for 4 in reply, with Mohammad Asif the only Pakistan bowler to go for more than four runs an over. Pakistan lost Salman Butt and Kamran Akmal early in their innings but Hafeez steadied the middle order and lead a late charge before he was bowled by Keron Cottoy for 57. Captain Shahid Afridi and Fawad Alam both reached the 20s before they were dismissed, and a late flurry by Misbah-ul-Haq, who smote two sixes in an eight-ball 17, boosted Pakistan’s score in the closing overs. Windward Islands’ reply never got going, and after captain Johnson Charles was caught by Hafeez off the bowling of Mohammad Aamer for 15 the fight seemed to go from the batsmen. Keddy Lesporis top-scored with 24, while the wickets were shared around by Pakistan’s bowlers, with Aamer, Hafeez, Afridi and Saeed Ajmal each picking up one. Summarised scores: Pakistan 160 for 7 in 20 overs (Hafeez 57, Matthew 2-22). Windward Islands 92 for 4 in 20 overs (Lesporis 24, Afridi 1-11).

Updated at: 1105 PST,  Sunday, April 25, 2010  LAHORE: Cricketer Shoaib Malik and his bride Sania Mirza left for Sialkot to host their valima reception ceremony there, Geo News reported Sunday. According to police sources, Shoaib Malik and his wife Sania Mirza appeared from VIP Gate of a hotel at Mall Road followed by their relatives. According to police sources, there was only one police squad vehicle for the security of the couple. The sources told that Shoaib, Sania and their families shied away from media glare without taking any protocol.

Updated at: 1621 PST,  Sunday, April 25, 2010  JOHANNESBURG: The second Cricket Champions League will be played in South Africa this September. The teams will be announced later. After the meeting of the Champions League governing council here on Sunday, its media manager Matthew Slade told that the tournament would be played this year in South Africa from September 10 to 26. The governing council has accepted the request from South Africa for hosting the event. The spokesman said that the venue cities and the participating teams of the tournament will be decided at the Champions League governing council meeting to be held in the first week of May. Domestic champions of Twenty20 cricket from all countries participate in the Champions League but the Pakistani team of Sialkot Stallions did not take part in the first edition in India due to Mumbai attacks.

 Updated at: 1358 PST,  Sunday, April 25, 2010
 SIALKOT: Prior to arrival of Shoaib Malik and his bride Sania Mirza, Shoaib’s house here was thoroughly scanned by security officials.

Officials of the Punjab Police special branch and the Civil Defence on Sunday morning went to the house of Shoaib Malik, situated in Sialkot Cantt and made a thorough checking of roofs, rooms and backyard through special equipment and later declared the house cleared.

Talking with Geo News, the security officials said that fool-proof security arrangements are being made before the arrival of the newly-wedded couple at their house.

Updated at: 1241 PST,  Sunday, April 25, 2010  SYDNEY: Australia should use next year's Asian Cup in Qatar to start building its next generation of footballers, World Cup defender Craig Moore said on Sunday. With a large contingent of the ageing national squad expected to retire from international football after June's World Cup in South Africa, Moore said it time to start afresh with the Socceroos at the Asian Cup. Australia have drawn South Korea, Bahrain and India in their group for next January's Asian football showpiece and must finish in the top two to reach the knockout stage. "It (Asian Cup) has to be used as a rebuilding phase," Moore told the Sunday Telegraph. "I certainly won't be continuing after the World Cup in South Africa and I'm sure there will be five or six others who won't be either." Football Federation Australia technical director Han Berger said after Friday's draw in Doha that he doubted whether European clubs would release key players Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell for the tournament. "Regardless of whether Tim or Harry are available, we have to build for the future and start to get the new boys ready for the World Cup qualifiers for Brazil (2014)," Moore said. "It's the Tommy Oars and Michael Zullos that we now have to look forward to. They have to start getting the experience. "I'd like to think they will come on, but only time will tell." The core of Australia's likely World Cup squad is 30 and older and it is expected that this will be the last World Cup campaign for Moore, Scott Chipperfield, Vince Grella, Mark Bresciano, Brett Emerton and Kewell. "I have had a wonderful journey, but enough is enough," said Moore, a former Glasgow Rangers defender. "I'm sure Australia will continue to produce good players, but they have to make that transition from club football to national team football. The Asian Cup is the ideal stage for the next crop." Australia are also looking for a new national coach after the World Cup with Pim Verbeek already announcing he will be stepping down from the job. The Socceroos will play India in their opening match at the Asian Cup on January 10, followed by games against fellow World Cup finalists South Korea on January 14 and Bahrain on January 18. The Asian Cup would normally have been played in July but was brought forward because of the heat in Qatar at that time of year.

Updated at: 1022 PST,  Sunday, April 25, 2010  SOFIA: Bulgarian challenger Veselin Topalov took a 1-0 lead Saturday against defending champion Viswanathan Anand of India on the first day of their duel for the world chess title to run until May 13. Topalov, who played white in the first game, defeated Anand on the 30th move. The Indian grandmaster, who became World Champion in 2007, had already once successfully held onto the title in 2008. He was ranked fourth on the March 2010 ratings list by the FIDE international chess federation. The 35-year-old Topalov, who is currently ranked number two by FIDE, won the right to challenge Anand by beating Gata Kamsky of the United States in the semi-final in February 2009. Topalov and Anand will play the second of the 12 planned games to decide the future world champion on Sunday, when Anand will take his turn playing white. Under the rules, Topalov will play white in the first, third and fifth games, when Anand will play black. Colours will be reversed after game six. The first player to score 6.5 points or more in the 12 games shall be the new world champion. If the scores are level after 12 games, the two will play four tie-break games of rapid chess, where each player has a total of 25 minutes to make his moves. If the scores are again even, the new world champion will be decided in five five-minute blitz chess matches of two games each, ultimately followed by one sudden-death game.

Updated at: 0945 PST,  Sunday, April 25, 2010  SYDNEY: The purpose-built clay court for the Australia-Japan Davis Cup tie in Brisbane will be in top condition for next month's clash, construction company officials said on Sunday. Australia, boosted by the availability of former world number one Lleyton Hewitt, have elected to take on Japan on clay rather than on hardcourt for their Asia/Oceania zone second round tie. Tennis Australia said the transformation to a classic red clay court is almost complete at Pat Rafter Arena, venue for the May 7-9 tie. "It (the venue) is perfect for clay court construction here as the direct sunlight is not drawing the moisture from the ash, it comes out of the ash evenly into the clay," court builder Brett White said. "This is one of the best jobs I have done." He said the conversion process had gone well and the court was expected to be ready for play by Thursday. The Australian team will be announced on Tuesday, Tennis Australia said. Claycourter Peter Luczak, big serving left-handers Carsten Ball and Chris Guccione as well as youngster Bernard Tomic are also in contention along with doubles specialist Paul Hanley. Australia last met Japan in 1996, winning 4-1 and lead Japan 14-2 in Davis Cup, having won their past six encounters. The winner of the Brisbane tie advances to the World Group playoffs in September.

Updated at: 1839 PST,  Friday, April 23, 2010  LAHORE: The madness of Lahorites made Shoaib Malik upset while Sania was more frustrated with tears in her eyes. When Shoaib reached the Pearl-Continental Hotel with his bride from the Allama Iqbal Airport, a huge crowd was present there to get a glimpse of the newly-married couple due to which a severe mismanagement was seen at the hotel. Both Shoaib and Sania had to make their way to an elevator through the hotel corridor jampacked with a cheering crowd. As they passed through the crowd they faced a severe pushing and shoving disbalancing Sania who was about to fall but Shoaib jumped into action to avoid it by taking her into his arms. This brought tears into Sania’s eyes who then placed her head on her mother’s shoulders while walking towards the room as her mother consoled her. Earlier, they reached Lahore through a PIA flight PK-391 which landed at the Allama Iqbal Airport and both were driven from a different route via Haj terminal on their way to hotel. Shoaib and Sania were taken in a Corolla car instead of Limousine from the airport while a large number of people were left waiting to welcome the couple. Today in Islambabad, the newly-married couple met with the Indian High Commissioner before leaving for Lahore.

Updated at: 1724 PST,  Friday, April 23, 2010  LAHORE: Shoaib Malik and Sania have arrived in Lahore from Islamabad on Friday. They reached Lahore through a PIA flight PK-391 which landed at the Allama Iqbal Airport and both were driven from a different route via Haj terminal on their way to hotel. The newly-wedded couple was accompanied by Sania’s mother. Shoaib and Sania were taken in a Corolla car instead of Limousine from the Airport while a large number of people were left waiting to welcome the couple.

Updated at: 1702 PST,  Friday, April 23, 2010  ISLAMABAD: Shoaib Malik and Sania Mirza have left here for Lahore on Friday afternoon. Both met with the Indian High Commissioner after which they departed for Lahore through a PIA flight PK-391. Meanwhile, a large number of people have gathered at the Lahore Airport to have a glimpse of Shoaib and Sania while a limousine car has been arranged at the airport to take the couple.

 Updated at: 1613 PST,  Friday, April 23, 2010
 LIMA: Football lover prisoners are playing their own football World Cup in a Peru jail.

Prisoners own World Cup soccer championship has begun at Castro-Castro prison in Lima.

Prior to the opening match, a special ceremony was held in which the prisoners danced on music for many hours.

The first match was played between the prisoners of South Africa and Russia which was won by South Africa 3-2.

South African ambassador was also present on the occasion to encourage the prisoners.

The management termed the match a good event for the prisoners.

Updated at: 1443 PST,  Friday, April 23, 2010  NEW DELHI: The Indian Premier League (IPL) issue has been out of control from the Indian cricket board and has reached the Indian Lok Sabha where the opposition severely criticized the ruling party for not taking notice of this matter. Perhaps, IPL chairman Lalit Modi had no idea two weeks ago that the match of his league would be played in the Lok Sabha instead of any cricket ground. It happened so on Friday when the main opposition party BJP demanded probe into Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel links to the IPL. BJP leader Sushma Swaraj blamed the government of trying to protect the NCP leaders and coalition in the IPL saga. Various members of the house expressed their views on the IPL controversy after which the Lok Sabha was adjourned till 12 pm on Friday due to uproar over the IPL issue. JDU chief Sharad Yadav demanded probe into the IPL affairs by a joint parliamentary committee. He also supported Sushma Swaraj's allegations that the Congress was trying to protect NCP and coalition leaders. Menwhile, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee assured that he would convey the sentiments of the House to the prime minister. He also said that all the actions cannot be taken in a hurried manner.

Updated at: 1410 PST,  Friday, April 23, 2010  ISLAMABAD: Newly-wed star couple Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik today met Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal, following which the Pakistani cricketer was granted one year visa extension. Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik and his wife Indian tennis star Sania Mirza arrived here last night along with her mother Nasim Mirza. They were taken amid tight security from hotel to the Indian High commission where they met with the High Commissioner. This meeting was arranged on the request from Sania. During the brief meeting, the couple requested the High Commissioner to extend the visa of Shoaib which was valid till June 24, officials said. Shoaib's visa was later granted an extension of one year and includes cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Sania's mother Naseema Mirza accompanied the couple to the Indian mission. Sania had sought the meeting yesterday. During the meeting Sabharwal wished them well and hoped they would have a "long and happy married life", Indian High Commission spokesman Siddharth Zutshi said. The Indian envoy, however, has not hosted any reception for the couple, the officials said. The high-profile couple arrived in Pakistan yesterday to a frenzied reception, with the federal government according them the status of "state guests". After flying into Karachi from Mumbai yesterday afternoon after their wedding on April 12, the couple arrived in the federal capital last evening. The couple and their entourage were received by senior police and civil officials at Benazir Bhutto airport in Rawalpindi and driven to Serena Hotel in Islamabad. While airing reports on the couple, Geo News channel ran a ticker that read, "Welcome Sania-Shoaib". The security arrangements put in place for the couple's drive from the airport in Rawalpindi to Islamabad were akin to those made for VVIPs like the Prime Minister and President, and outsiders were barred from the Serena by the hotel's management.

NEW DELHI: Former captain of Pakistan cricket team Shoaib Malik has received his passport, taken in custody by the Indian police, Geo News reported Tuesday. According to a report by an Indian news channel, Shoaib Maik’s counsel Muhammed Javed said a report on police’s inaction has been submitted to a local court. He further said Shoaib Malik now can return home after receiving passport. Andhra Pradesh’s High Court yesterday directed to discharge all cases against the cricketer and that his passport be returned to him. It should be mentioned that cases of cheating and bullying were filed against Malik by Ayesha Siddiqui, who claimed to be the first wife of the cricketer. On this, the Indian police took Malik’s passport in custody.

 KARACHI: Defence Housing Authority (DHA) has dedicated B-6 Street to former British squash champion Roshan Khan and this street will now be called as Roshan Khan Street.

Many famous personalities, including Roshan Khan’s son squash legend Jahangir Khan and former Test cricketer Moin Khan, were present on the inauguration of Roshan Khan Street.

Administrator DHA Brig Khalid Trimizi said that the dynamic nations always remember their heroes.

Squash legend Jahangir Khan while thanking the DHA administration said that these type of steps would provoke the future generations how to remember the heroes.

 ISLAMABAD: Former Test cricketer Sarfaraz Nawaz has filed a defamation case against chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ijaz Butt on which the session court Islamabad while issuing notice to the PCB chairman asked him to submit his reply by May 6.

In the case filed against Ijaz Butt, Sarfaraz has claimed damages of Rs100 million for destroying his fame and image.

Sarfaraz’s lawyer told the court that the PCB chairman making a wrong statement against his client on a TV programme said that Sarfaraz had demanded Rs2.9 million for training players at a camp due to which the training camp could not be held.

The lawyer said that his client had not only offered his services voluntarily free to the PBC but gave an assurance for not claiming any TA and DA.

 MUMBAI: this is likely that Indian Premier League (IPL) chief Lalit Modi would not be sacked but he would himself resign from his position.

Indian media claims that Modi would resign after the final match of the IPL.

According to Indian media, match fixing and betting is on the rise in the Indian Premier League while many doubts have also been expressed in the Income Tax report regarding the IPL.

Increase in Lalit’s assets has also been termed astonishing in the report.

As per media reports, Lalit’s fate would be decided in the Indian cricket board meeting on May 2 but there are also reports that Modi would resign himself after the IPL final.

The final match of the IPL will be played on April 25.

 BARCELONA: Rafael Nadal, fresh from his latest re-write of the record books with a sixth straight title in Monte Carlo, will not make it six in a row at this week's Barcelona Open after he said on Monday he is not physically ready to play.

A statement from the player's camp said he will explain his reasons on Tuesday in a media conference.

"I feel bad not playing in Barcelona, more than any another tournament," read the statement from the world number three.

"But after winning in Monte Carlo my body is asking me to rest.

"I feel really bad about this, it is my club and my event," said the winner of the last five editions.

"I've mentioned several times that the clay season calendar is poorly structured, he added.

"I want to thank members and fans in advance for their understanding," Nadal concluded.

   LAHORE: Pacer Muhammad Sami and spinner Abdul Rehman will replace fast bowler Umar Gul and all-rounder Yasir Arafat, who have been ruled out of the Twenty20 World Cup due to injuries.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ejaz Butt approved the replacements.

Speaking to media on Sunday, Skipper Shahid Afridi and Coach Waqar Younis had named Muhammad Sami and Muhammad Irfan as replacements.

However, Pakistan cricket boss Butt immediately contracted the announcement of replacements, citing lack of communication between team management and the board.

Meanwhile, the cricket board formally announced that Sami and Rehman would join the team.

 HYDERABAD DECCAN: The Andhra Pradesh High Court dismissing all cases against Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik has ordered the police to return his passport.

According to an Indian TV, the judge said that Shoaib and Sania Mirza can go to Pakistan any time.

Shoaib Malik’s lawyer Mohammad Javed told that the lower court return the passport after receiving the application and it is hoped that Shoaib would get back his passport tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Shoaib’s brother-in-law Imran Zafar Malik has said that date of Shoaib and Sania’s valima reception would be finalised today.

He hoped that Shoaib and Sania would come to Pakistan in two or three days.

 MUMBAI: Investigations of match fixing against IPL commissioner Lalit Modi has begun here on Monday while the Indian cricket board has decided to remove him from the post of IPL commissioner.

As per income tax report, strange change in Modi’s life style will be scrutinized as he has been included in the richest people of India within four years.

The report revealed that the IPL commissioner is involved in match fixing and betting whereas Modi has also limited ownership rights of three of the eight teams in the Indian Premier League.

These teams also include Rajasthan Royals who was the winner of the IPL’s first edition.

Accoding to Indian media, the Indian cricket board has called a meeting on May 2 for removing Modi from the IPL chairmanship.

   LAHORE: Dates of reception and valima to celebrate the wedding of former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis queen Sania Mirza have been announced here on Monday.

The reception will be held in Shoaib’s native city Sialkot on April 25 and the valima will be hosted at a five-star hotel on Mall Road in Lahore on April 27.

Shoaib’s brother-in-law Imran Zafar Malik told Geo News that Shoaib Malik would return home with his bride Sania as soon as he gets back his passport.

He said that the invitation cards for the reception and the valima have been given for printing.

Imran told that about 1,000 persons will be invited at the valima ceremony.

He said that 15-20 guests from India are expected to come to Pakistan. They include the family members and close relatives and friends of Sania Mirza.

   MONTE CARLO: Rafael Nadal charged back to clay-court supremacy with overwhelming force on Sunday, crushing Fernando Verdasco 6-0, 6-1 to claim an unprecedented sixth straight title at the Monte Carlo Masters.

The Spaniard also ended a personal dry spell as he charged to his first title since defeating Novak Djokovic last May in the Rome final.

The four-time Roland Garros champion returned to form with one of the most brilliant efforts of his storied career, losing a total of just 14 games and winning three matches with the loss of just one game in each.

Nadal claimed his 32nd straight win at Monte Carlo and remains undefeated at the venue since 2003.

Nadal becomes the first player in the post-1968 Open era to win a tournament title for six straight years and gives Spain their eighth winner in the last nine tournaments.

He improved to 16-6 his record at the Masters 1000 level as he claimed the 26th clay title of his career, having lost his only two clay finals against Roger Federer, in Hamburg in 2007 and Madrid in 2009.

Nadal dominated with seven breaks of serve while his compatriot Verdasco committed 32 unforced errors.

The sixth-seeded challenger looked threatening only once, in the marathon sixth game of the second set, as he forced the fighting Nadal to save five break points to move ahead 5-1. A game later it was all over on the first match point as Nadal broke back for victory.

NEW DELHI: Mr Lalit Modi has had a trail of failed ventures and defaults till four years back but has a lifestyle now that includes a private jet, a luxury yacht and a fleet of Mercedes S class and BMW cars all acquired in the last three years.’

Thus opens a highly confidential and explosive report by the Indian income-tax department that has been in the possession of the government for six months now but formed the basis of any action only on Thursday evening after a raging controversy over secret ownerships and sweetheart deals in the Indian Premier League, or IPL, stalled both houses of Parliament.

Highly-placed sources in the IT department and the Congress party said that Mr Modi has been on the government radar for quite sometime. The alleged opaqueness with which he conducted the multi-billion dollar cricket tournament and the manner in which he took on home minister P Chidambaram in 2009 seem to have resulted in a detailed enquiry into his activities by the I-T department.

The report a startling picture of the alleged activities of the controversial IPL commissioner, ranging from his manipulation of land deals in Rajasthan and the existence of a maze of shell companies and offshore entities used to route payments and equity stakes worth hundreds of crores of rupees. The report also makes the startling allegation that Mr Modi—through his associates—was ‘involved’ in ‘betting’, while “insider information and outcome fixing of IPL matches were hinted at”.

What will come as most disturbing to cricket fans is that the report suggests pervasive betting and outcome fixing in the IPL. According to the report, Modi himself is involved through Samir Thukral, a Delhi-based “page 3 personality” with an “opulent lifestyle despite having no apparent source of income”.

The report alleges that Modi has silent ownership in three IPL teams Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab.

Incidentally, Rajasthan Royals won the first IPL tournament in 2008. The report also says Kolkata Knight Rider’s co-owner Jay Mehta, who is married to actor Juhi Chawla, is “partly fronting” for Lalit Modi. Industrialist Jay Mehta denies these allegations.

According to an official response from KKR, the team is wholly-owned by actor Shah Rukh Khan and Mr Mehta and there are no other shareholders.

The report claims that Modi owns a stake in Kings XI Punjab through Akash Arora, owner of Delhi-based BPO Netlink Blue. Arora is a part-owner of the team along with Ness Wadia and Mohit Burman, according to the report.

 KARACHI: Injury-prone fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar will be the centre of attraction when Federal Areas Leopards face Punjab Stallions in the opening match of the RBS Pentangular Cup One-day 2009-10 at the National Stadium here on Monday (today). The matches will be telecast live at Geo Super.

The tournament featuring five regional units with leading players in their ranks, was earlier scheduled to be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore but were later shifted here.

The blustering right-hander Imran Nazir, who belongs to Sialkot, has been inducted into the Yasir Hameed led NWFP Panthers along with pacer Sohail Khan, who normally plays for Sindh.

Multan Tigers’ pacer, Abdur Rauf, has been made skipper of Balochistan Bears. Left-handed opener Imran Farhat will lead Punjab Stallions while Faisal Iqbal has been assigned the task to lead Sindh Dolphins in the competitions in which total 11 matches will be played. Punjab Stallions will defend the title. Like the Twenty 20 Championship, thick security arrangements have been made once again for the smooth conduction of the event. All the matches will start at 1:00pm.

 ISLAMABAD: The schools in the federal capital organized games with the slogan of ‘Aman ki Asha’ in a bid to broadcast the message of peace and restoration of ties between Pakistan and India, Geo News reported Sunday.

Pakistan’s top tennis star Sarah Mehboob formally started the Peace Games by lighting a lamp here at Islamabad’s Jinnah Stadium.

Hasan Ali, student of second grade in Roots School system waved the flag to start the Games attended by hundreds of students from various educational institutions.

Little children staged tableaus and various skits based on peace song.

The students gave an excellent performance in various categories of games including Judo Karate, Jumping and different sprints.

State Minister for Information Samsam Bukhari gave glowing tribute to schools and students in connection with holding the Games.

Lauding the passion of students for boosting the Indo-Pak contacts, he said Pakistan is furthering the cause of peace restoration with India quite seriously.

Awards were distributed among the successful students at the end of the Games.

SYDNEY: Cricket Australia said Sunday it would monitor the security situation in India after bomb blasts at an Indian Premier League match but said it was too soon to draw conclusions about the World Cup.

At least eight people were injured Saturday when two bombs exploded at a stadium in the Indian city of Bangalore, sparking panic among fans and stoking fears ahead of October's New Delhi Commonwealth Games.

The blasts, which occurred as spectators were streaming into the stadium, came amid heightened fears about security at sporting events in India, set to co-host next year's cricket World Cup.

Cricket Australia (CA) spokesman Peter Young said the security situation in India would be closely monitored.

"We're keen to talk to IPL organisers, and that will possibly happen some time in the next 12 hours or so, just to get an understanding of what's going on," he told reporters.

"The World Cup is too far away to comment about."

Young said Australians playing in the IPL were participating in India independent of CA.

"In a formal sense we are not connected," Young said. "But we are always concerned about our players and personnel.

"We are relieved however that there have been no injuries to any of the Australian personnel who are in India to play."

Young said CA expected to receive an update from the IPL, but he was not aware of any players expressing concerns to the Australian Cricketers' Association or to their respective Australian state associations.

Security had already been heightened for sporting and other events in India after a restaurant bombing in the western city of Pune in February that killed at least 16 people -- the first big militant strike since the 2008 Islamist attacks on Mumbai, which killed 166.

The cricket World Cup takes place in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh from February to April next year.

   LAHORE: The family members of Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik are reaching home this evening while Shoaib may return up to April 21 after getting back his passport on Monday.

Shoaib’s family members, after participating in his wedding with Indian tennis star Sania Mirza in Hyderabad Deccan, have reached Delhi this morning and from here they will arrive in Lahore at 6-00 pm today.

Shoaib’s brother-in-law Imran Zafar Malik told Indian media before departure that Shoaib’s passport is expected to be received on Monday after which he can come to Pakistan up to April 21.

The date of valima reception will be announced today or tomorrow. The ceremony will be held in Punjabi style which is expected to be attended also by people from India.

 KARACHI: The probables for the training camp before Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament next month, are expected to be announced today, Geo News reported Saturday.

Chief Selector Haneef Khan, during the ongoing National Hockey Championship in Karachi, will announce the names of the probables today.

The new names are also expected to be included among the probables.

According to sources, former Captain Wasim Ahmed, goalkeeper Salman Akbar and Abbas Hyder will not be invited at the camp.

Nasir Ahmed to a specialist goalkeeper of the team with Zeeshan Ashraf to lead the squad.

Azlan Shah Tournament will begin from May 6 in Malaysia. The final squad for the tournament would be announced on May 1st

 ISLAMABAD: Army A with four gold medals has dominated on the first day of National Judo Championship.

In –50 kg category, Mushtaq Ahmad and in –60 kg Zafar Iqbal of Army A secured first position.

In –100 kg category, Zafar Iqbal of Wada won gold whereas in more than 100 kg category, Muhammad Zahid of Army A won gold medal.

In women’s event, Wapda’s Marium Jabbar grabbed first position against Army team in 48 kg.

Federal secretary sports Aneesul Hasnain Moosvi and DG Army sports distributed the prizes.

MONTE CARLO: Rafael Nadal survived a minor rain break before resuming his storied clay-court dominance with a 6-4, 6-2 quarter-final defeat of fellow Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero at the Monte Carlo Masters on Friday.

Top seed Novak Djokovic moved nearer to a repeat of the final he lost to the Spaniard here a year ago with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Argentine David Nalbandian, a player on the way back to success after hip surgery last May.

"I have to represent the rest of the world," joked Djokovic, the only non-Spaniard remaining in the last four. "It's a great responsibility.

"You know how well they did on the clay last season, so it's no surprise to find them again in the semis. They are the specialists of this surface.

"Ninety percent of their courts are clay and they are in top condition, Nadal, (Fernando) Verdasco and the rest are the perfect example of how to play on clay."

Djokovic will test his theory as he bids for another final at the event, facing sixth seed Verdasco who needed to pull out of a second-set swoon after losing a 5-1 lead. The Spaniard finally ending the hopes of Alberto Montanes 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 6-0 in two hours.

"When I got to match point and I started to take risks," admitted Verdasco.

"I lost confidence and suddenly he was back in it. But I recovered in the third set and played solid."

Second-seeded Nadal has now won 30 consecutive matches on the clay of the seaside Country Club, his last loss at the event coming in 2003.

The four-time Roland Garros winner, in search of his first ATP title since last May, will face another countryman Saturday against 11th seed David Ferrer, who put out German Philip Kohlschreiber 7-5, 7-6 (7/1).

"To get to the semi-finals is a very good start to the clay season," said Nadal. "I did well.

"I played a complete match today and I served much better, the best in three days. That's very important."

This year's event turned into an Iberian play-day, with Spaniards accounting for five of eight spots heading into the quarters.

That marked a first at the Master 1000 level during the post-1968 Open era.

The last time Spain sent five men to the last eight was at home in Valencia two years ago.

Nadal improved his record on clay against the man who proceeded him as a major clay-court force to 5-1, last losing to 30-year-old former number one Ferrero in their last meeting in the Rome second round two years ago.

Nadal improved to 19-4 on clay this season as he hopes for a confidence boost after claiming the last five trophys in the principality.

This period is crucial for the world number three as Nadal tries to regain his customary confidence with massive ranking point totals to defend after sweeping to clay titles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Rome in three consecutive weeks in 2009.

The match was interrupted for 50 minutes in the opening set by light rain, with Nadal looking displeased to be forced from his workplace by the weather.

Out again, he got straight back to work, setting up the opening set with a break for 5-4 and starting the second with a break which paced the way to victory.

"I lost a little bit of concentration with the weather interruption, that's the only part of the match that I'm not happy with," said the Spaniard.

Ferrero made a late stand, saving two match points in the penultimate game before Nadal concluded with a service winner after 95 minutes.

"With the wind, it was very difficult to be aggressive," said Ferrero. "But I tried. After an hour, I felt a bit more tired and I couldn't push all the time that I was doing at the beginning.

"I had to be very aggressive with my forehand if I wanted to win the match, try to move him a lot to get him a little bit tired - I didn't do it."

Ferrero came to the event a strong contender after lifting the title in 2002 and 2003 and winning back-to-back clay titles in February in the Americas.

The veteran lost only his second match this season on clay against 17 wins.

CHARLESTON: Top seed Caroline Wozniacki advanced in straight sets and second seed Jelena Jankovic was upset in the quarter-finals of the WTA Family Circle Cup.

Wozniacki on Friday reached the semi-finals with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Russian Nadia Petrova while Daniela Hantuchova rallied to beat Jankovic 1-6, 6-3, 6-3.

Wozniacki will face the winner of a contest between Vera Zvonareva and Melanie Oudin of the United States in Saturday's semi-final.

"I feel like I'm playing very well," said the second-ranked Wozniacki, who won last week at Ponte Verde Beach, Florida. "I'm very confident, and I've got some good results with my play."

Jankovic won the first three games of the opening set en route to a 6-1 win. But then she fell apart losing the first four games of the second set.

"I played really well in the first set and I played really aggressive," said Jankovic. "But then I just stopped and I especially had trouble hitting my backhand."

It marks the first time in three years that Hantuchova has beaten a top ten ranked player.

"Definitely, I felt very good on the court today, even though the first set was not easy," Hantuchova said.

Slovakian Hantuchova said her strategy changed in the second set.

"I tried to put a little more on the ball, move her a little more around and stay more aggressive, and that made the difference," she said.

Hantuchova next faces Aussie Samantha Stosur who beat Peng Shuai of China 6-4, 6-1.

Stosur trailed 3-4 in the first set against the unseeded Peng.

"I got that break down, and on that change of ends I thought I had to step it up a gear and not play so many straight shots through the middle and give her a chance to hit it," Stosur said.

 LAHORE: Pacer Muhammad Asif has filed a Rs10 million lawsuit against actress Veena Malik and two private TV channels.

According to the notice sent through his counsel, Asif has alleged that Veena Malik appeared in two TV channels on April 15 and leveled baseless allegations of match-fixing and immoral activities.

These shows badly dented Asif’s reputation, it said.

The notice demanded that Veena again appear in these television channels and offer an apology failing which they will have to pay defamation suit.

HYDERABAD DECCAN: Indian tennis star Sania Mirza said that she and Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik did not fall in love at the first sight but at the third while Shoaib said that many bouncers were thrown at him but he succeeded in avoiding them.

The newly-wed couple expressed these views while talking with different Indian TV channels here on Friday.

Sania told that they first met in 2004 for only two minutes at a restaurant in Hobart and next day Shoaib along with Waqar Younis came to watch her match where she found him very simple and attractive.

She said that the decision of their marriage was taken after her engagement with Sohrab was broken. Shoaib did not propose her and it was decided from both sides.

Replying to a question, Sania said that her family favoured her relationship with Shoaib and her mother met him in Dubai.

Sania said that their families fully supported them on Ayesha Siddiqui issue.

She disclosed that they did not get food at their wedding.

The Indian tennis queen said that many personal things were discussed regarding their wedding but the people should understand that they have also their own personal life.

Sania said that as the wedding has taken place now all the past matters should be forgotten.

Answering another question, Sania said that she wants Shoaib to make a hundred in his next match. However, she would support India in cricket matches against Pakistan.

Shoaib Malik told in a shy manner to a question by Indian TV anchors that the Ayesha issue could not be resolved without the support from Sania.

He said that he had already told Sania all about Ayesha and he has learnt very much from this case.

Shoaib said that he and Sania believe in each other and he wants to keep Sania always happy. They have decided to live together in Dubai.

In a reply to another question, Shoaib said that Sania would play only for India and she would have the good wishes from Pakistani people.

Shoaib said that he did not want to say anything about his ban but he would face it.

LAHORE: Pakistan cricket team fast bowler Umar Gul is recovering fast and chances have been enhanced for his joining the national squad for the Twenty20 World Cup.

Busy at training camp in Lahore, Umar Gul has been suffering from shoulder injury.

He under went an MRI scan the report of which was not encouraging but now there is a good news that he is recovering fast.

As per team management, he has started light bowling at nets due to which he did not feel any pain.

The management has expressed hope that Umar would soon begin bowling with full rhythm and would clear the fitness test to be held on April 19 and 20.

However, management’s fears regarding Yasir Arafat’s injury have not yet been removed and he is not likely to keep his place in the team.

 MONTE CARLO: Success of seeded players continued in the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters Tennis here on Thursday as Rafael Nadal has also reached the fourth round after top seed Novak Djokovic.

Former world number one Nadal easily won his second round against Michael Berrer of Germany 6-0, 6-1 he proving his beat form in the event.

In other matches, Novak Djokovic of Serbia beating Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland 6-4, 6-4, David Ferrer of Spain outplaying Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia 6-0, 7-6 (7/4) and Fernando Verdasco of Spain defeating Tomas Berdych of Czechoslovakia 5-7, 6-3, 6-2 have reached fourth round.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France, Tomas Berdych, Ivan Ljubicic and Marin Cilic of Croatia have been ousted from the event.

KARACHI: International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat has left for Dubai after a brief visit to Karachi.

ICC chief executive was in Pakistan to unveil the trophy of T20 World Cup. He also visited several stadiums of the metropolis.

Talking to Geo News after visiting Asghar Ali Shah Stadium, Lorgat said the stadium reflects how much Pakistani people are crazy for cricket. He also visited Shahid Afridi cricket ground in North Karachi and termed Afridi as a role model for youth.

Lorgat is the first high-profile international cricket official to tour Pakistan since gunmen attacked the Sri Lanka team bus at Lahore last year, leaving six police officials and a van driver dead.

 HYDERABAD DECCAN: The arrival of guests at the wedding reception of cricketer Shoaib Malik and tennis star Sania Mirza is underway here on Thursday.

The reception has been arranged at luxurious Taj Krishna Hotel of Hyderabad Deccan.

Federal Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan, singer Waris Baig and cricketer Suhail Tanvir are among the prominent Pakistani guests in the reception.

Federal Minster Firdous Ashiq Awan presented a gold crown to Sania.

Shoaib Malik is dressed in off-white sherwani while Sania is wearing a golden traditional shalwar Kamiz.

 NEW DELHI: The reception ceremony of Sania and Shoaib is all set to take place today at the Taj Krishna Hotel in Hyderabad. And if sources are to be believed, in the elite guest list are included A-list Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.

It is believed that Mirzas expect the occasion to be as grand as possible.

In the list of events, also lined up is a sizzling salsa performance by the 2-day-old wedded couple. Talat Aziz, the renowned ghazal singer (also Sania`s uncle) will sing ghazals for the sangeet ceremony.

It is believed that Aziz has composed a ghazal especially for Sania and Shoaib. Sania’s good friend and model-turned-actress Rakshanda Khan is also likely to perform at the sangeet.

Earlier, Sania Mirza’s mehendi ceremony was solemnised yesterday. Sania was seen wearing a resplendent pink dress and Shoaib Malik was in an emerald green kurta. Both were welcomed by Sania’s parents, and relatives from both the sides blessed the couple for a happy wedded life ahead.

According to the sources, the occasion might also grace the presence of former tennis partners Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupati and some other guest who are very close to the Mirza family and common friends of Sania and Shoaib

Nevertheless, the evening will indeed be no less than a star-studded one!

KARACHI: Cricket's world governing body pledged support for Pakistan and expressed hope that the country will play as much international cricket as possible, even at neutral venues.

Haroon Lorgat, chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC) said this while unveiling the World Twenty20 trophy in Karachi with Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ejaz Butt and Twenty20 Captain Shahid Afridi.

He said ICC couldn’t resolve the problems Pakistan cricket is passing through.

"Pakistan has plenty of international cricket coming up in all three formats of the game over the next few months," said Lorgat.

"That is hugely important considering it is not possible for the national team to play on home soil at present.

"The international cricket that is planned shows that Pakistan has not been isolated by the unfortunate circumstances at home. It is vital that the team continues to play regularly, even if that is at a neutral venue," said Lorgat.

The former South African player expressed hope that Pakistan can live up to their reputation in the World Twenty20, due to start in the West Indies from April 30.

"Pakistan is the defending ICC World Twenty20 champion, so I have no doubt Shahid Afridi and his team will be working hard to retain the title they deservedly won in England last year," said Lorgat.

Pakistan, led by Afridi, will fly out to the Caribbean on April 24.

NEW DELHI: The reception ceremony of Sania and Shoaib is all set to take place today at the Taj Krishna Hotel in Hyderabad. And if sources are to be believed, in the elite guest list are included A-list Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.

It is believed that Mirzas expect the occasion to be as grand as possible.

In the list of events, also lined up is a sizzling salsa performance by the 2-day-old wedded couple. Talat Aziz, the renowned ghazal singer (also Sania`s uncle) will sing ghazals for the sangeet ceremony.

It is believed that Aziz has composed a ghazal especially for Sania and Shoaib. Sania’s good friend and model-turned-actress Rakshanda Khan is also likely to perform at the sangeet.

Earlier, Sania Mirza’s mehendi ceremony was solemnised yesterday. Sania was seen wearing a resplendent pink dress and Shoaib Malik was in an emerald green kurta. Both were welcomed by Sania’s parents, and relatives from both the sides blessed the couple for a happy wedded life ahead.

According to the sources, the occasion might also grace the presence of former tennis partners Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupati and some other guest who are very close to the Mirza family and common friends of Sania and Shoaib

Nevertheless, the evening will indeed be no less than a star-studded one!

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to conduct scrutiny of national disable team.

According to sources, the scrutiny will be conducted on April 16. Pakistan disable team has recently completed the tour of Singapore and Malaysia and showed impressive performance by wining three out of six matches. The coach of disable team Fariduddin said the players have great learning potential and therefore, their coaching is not a difficult job.

Secretary of the team said the rules of disable cricket are similar to normal cricket. The patron of disable cricket team Salim Karim expressed hope that disable cricket team will be affiliated with PCB soon.

CHARLESTON: Top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki, coming off a triumph at Ponte Vedra Beach on Sunday, held off Czech Barbora Zahlavova Strycova, 6-4, 6-1, in her Family Circle Cup opener.

Wozniacki was down a break and trailing 3-4 in the opening set, but broke back to level the frame.

The world number two from Denmark then held serve in a game that went to deuce three times, and broke again to pocket the set.

"She got a lot of balls back, and I just needed to find my game and find a way how to beat her, and once I did that, I won a lot of points and I won the games," Wozniacki said.

Wozniacki next plays 16th-seeded Patty Schnyder of Switzerland, a 6-3, 6-1 winner over Michelle Larcher De Brito of Portugal.

Three players retired from their second-round matches on Wednesday, including fifth-seeded Marion Bartoli of France.

Bartoli had taken the first set from China's Peng Shuai, but called it quits because of illness with Peng leading 2-6, 7-6 (7/2), 4-3.

Bartoli was pale and holding her stomach and head during a changeover about 2 hours, 20 minutes into the match.

Tour spokeswoman Mary Jane Orman said Bartoli felt fine entering the match but suffered stomach pains and dizziness as it progressed.

Third-seeded Victoria Azarenka of Belarus and Ayumi Morita of Japan also retired. Azarenka, the world No. 9, retired with a pulled left hamstring while leading qualifier Christina McHale 6-2, 2-2.

Morita retired with a thigh strain while trailing Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia 6-4, 2-0.

Azarenka, who had ice taped around her leg, said she was injured last week in Marbella.

"It's not that bad, but I hoped that it's probably got better, you know, and healed," she said. "It obviously didn't today, but you know, I just need to keep rehabbing it."

Sixth-seeded Nadia Petrova of Russia advanced, defeating American Vania King 6-2, 6-1, while 10th-seeded Elena Vesnina of Russia advanced with a 7-5, 6-2 victory over Sofia Arvidsson of Sweden.

 MOSCOW: World number six Elena Dementieva will lead an under-strength Russian team in this month's Fed Cup semi-final against the United States, the Russian tennis federation said Thursday.

Captain Shamil Tarpishchev also named world number 30 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, 62nd-ranked Ekaterina Makarova and Alla Kudryavtseva (77) for the April 24-25 tie in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Russians, winners of four Fed Cup titles between 2004 and 2008, have lost world number three Dinara Safina, fifth-ranked Svetlana Kuznetsova and Maria Sharapova (14) to various injuries this year.

The 18-year-old Melanie Oudin will lead the U.S. team, which also includes Bethanie Mattek-Sands and the world's top ranked doubles player Liezel Huber.

The Americans also left a spot vacant for either Serena or Venus Williams, hoping that one of them will be healthy enough to compete.