The New Nation - Internet Edition

Army Chief Gen. Moeen U Ahmed at the BFF Bhaban. The delegation, also comprising AFC Vision Asia director Brendan John Menton and development officer Imti

AP, South Carolina

Maria Sharapova blanked American Bethanie Mattek 6-0, 6-0 in less than an hour in the second round of the Family Circle Cup on Wednesday.

The second-seeded Russian star, coming off her first claycourt title last week at Amelia Island, was looking for her fourth tournament victory of the year.

"I played a lot of tennis in Amelia last week," Sharapova said. "You just try to get the job done out there and do it as fast as you can, and hopefully get the 'W' and leave."

Wednesday's performance on the green clay at Daniel Island was a long way from the 20-year-old Russian's first appearance in Charleston. In 2003, she made the field as a qualifier only to lose in the first round.

"I was walking around the grounds the other day looking at some of the courts I played on and some of the back courts I played on five years ago and thought how things have changed, for the good," the 19-time tour winner said.

Sharapova will face Tatiana Perebiynis of the Ukraine on Thursday.

Top-seeded Jelena Jankovic opened her title defense by beating American qualifier Alexandra Stevenson 7-5, 6-0.

Jankovic, following her first final of the year on the hardcourts at Key Biscayne, had some trouble putting away Stevenson, who was playing in her first main draw since August 2006. Jankovic prevailed after losing her serve twice in the first, and saved all three break points she faced in the second.

"I'm just trying to get my timing," Jankovic said. "It's a different game. The points are longer. You really have to know how to move well.

"It's my first match on clay and I didn't know what to expect from myself," said Jankovic, who is ranked No. 5 in the world.

"First matches are always tough, but I was able to play a little better in the second set. Hopefully, throughout the tournament I will play better."

Next up will be Anastasia Rodionova of Russia, who beat Aravane Rezai of France 6-3, 6-4.

Two Russian seeds, No. 4 Elena Dementieva and No. 9 Vera Zvonareva, cruised into the third round.

Dementieva, the runner-up on her last visit in 2005, beat American Jill Craybas 6-0, 6-2, and Zvonareva downed Spain's Virginia Ruano Pascual 6-1, 6-0 in 48 minutes.

No. 7 Patty Schnyder, a two-time finalist making her 12th visit to Charleston, beat Olga Govortsova of Belarus 7-6 (2), 6-0, and next meets No. 11 Agnieszka Radwanska, who outlasted Edina Gallovits of Romania 6-7 (7), 6-2, 7-5.

No. 12 Katarina Srebotnik came back to beat Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic 4-6, 6-1, 7-5, and plays Serena Williams in the third round.

No. 13 Victoria Azarenka topped Sun Tiantian of China 7-6 (4), 6-0, and other winners included Alize Cornet of France.

AFC delegation presents Vision Bangladesh to NSC chairman UNB, Dhaka A three-member AFC delegation, led by its general secretary Dato Paul Mony Samuel, Thursday made a presentation

UNB, Dhaka

A three-member AFC delegation, led by its general secretary Dato Paul Mony Samuel, Thursday made a presentation of 'Vision Bangladesh' to National Sports Council (NSC) president and Army Chief Gen. Moeen U Ahmed at the BFF Bhaban.

The delegation, also comprising AFC Vision Asia director Brendan John Menton and development officer Imtiaz ur Rahman, made the presentation following a request made earlier by the NSC president to AFC president Mohammad Bin Hammam during his visit to Bangladesh.

The initial project (pilot project) of the 'Vision Bangladesh' will focus on two districts -- Narayanganj and Chandpur.

Addressing a media briefing, AFC development officer Imtiaz ur Rahman said that under the project, they would sit with the respective DSAs, their administrations and clubs to hold different competitions, including school competitions and youth competitions, under the AFC guidelines.

They will also look after in developing more coaches and referees' training programmes.

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) president SA Sultan and acting general secretary Manjoor Hossain Malu were present at the media briefing.

AFC general secretary Dato Paul Mony Samuel said: "Vision Asia started few years ago and more than ten Asian countries are under this programme. We now came here to go in full swing and hopefully you will be satisfied as time goes on."

Replying to a question, he informed that the ensuing AFC President's Cup is likely to be held in Kuala Lumpur.

Vision Asia director Brendan Menton informed that during their presentation, the NSC chairman emphasized on the development of football programmes at grassroots level. "This is also very much part of Vision Bangladesh," he said.

"This time we will try to give fresh impetus to achieve goals. We will try to build infrastructure and work with the BFF and number of districts to build a strong base of football."

He also informed that another Vision Bangladesh team would be here very soon to start the pilot project.

Replying to a query about the financial aspect of the project, Menton said that to make it a success, money has to come from different sources. "If you have money but not infrastructure, you won't be successful. Structural issues need to be addressed first, which will not cost a lot of money."

The AFC Vision Asia director also informed that the first phase of the project in two districts would take 12 months and they are taking it as a proper model, which will be suitable for other parts in the country.

Meanwhile, about the process of upcoming election of the BFF billed for April 28, the AFC general secretary said: "I am sure, they know what to do and when to do. Have faith in your people and hope everything will go in the right direction."

Of the three-member AFC delegation, Brendan Menton and Imtiaz ur Rahman leaves here Thursday night while the AFC general secretary leaves Friday morning.

Sharapova wins, Jankovic starts title defense with win at Charleston

Pakistan beat South Africa by 85 runs

UNB, Dhaka

Pakistan Academy team almost assured the final berth in the three-nation Grameenphone Academy Cup Cricket tournament beating South Africa Academy team by 85 runs at the Bir Shreshtha Shaheed Ruhul Amin Stadium (BSSRAS) in Chittagong on Thursday.

Touring Pakistan team, which made a flying start with emphatic 9-wicket victory over host GP-BCB Academy team in the first match on Wednesday, will play their return matches against South Africa on Apr 20 and GP-BCB Academy team on Apr 21 at the same venue.

With the second consecutive defeat today, South Africa Academy team is in dire straits following their 75 runs loss against host GP-BCB team in the inaugural match on Tuesday.

In the day's third one-dayer, Pakistan Academy team batted first after winning the toss and posted 240 for 6 in stipulated 50 overs.

Opener Ahmed Shehzad contributed polished 74 runs off 81 balls with 13 boundaries to be adjudged man of the match. Captain cum one down batsman Khalid Latif, who made not out 84 against GP-BCB team on Wednesday, scored 51 runs off 81 balls with five fours and a six.

Richard Das Neves claimed two wickets for 35 runs while Cj De Villiers and Mthokozisi Shezi took one wicket each.

In reply, South Africa team was dismissed for 155 runs in 44.4 overs with number four Reeza Hendricks making unbeaten 55 off 107 balls.

Yasir Shah claimed three wickets for 20 runs while Anwar Ali took two for 23.

The GP-BCB Academy team will play South Africa Academy team on Saturday while Pakistan play South Africa on Sunday in the return league matches at the same venue.

After the league basis matches at the BSSRAS, the two top teams will meet in the final on April 23 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium (SBNS) in Mirpur.

Remaining fixture of one-day tournament:

4th Apr 19 BCB vs SA BSSRAS

5th Apr 20 SA vs Pak BSSRAS

6th Apr 21 BCB vs Pak BSSRAS

Final Apr 23 SBNS

Real Madrid closing in on Spanish league title repeat

AP, Madrid

Real Madrid looks virtually certain to lift their second straight Spanish league title - and a record 31st overall - after going nine points clear with six matches remaining.

Madrid needs another 10 points to ensure its triumph, although the poor recent form of its closest challengers - FC Barcelona and Villarreal - suggests a lower tally will suffice for coach Bernd Schuster's team.

The perfect scenario for Madrid supporters would be seeing their team clinch the title in the match against archrival Barcelona at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on May 7.

However, Madrid's central defender Pepe is impatient to complete the task before then.

"I want to win the league as soon as possible. I don't care if it's against Osasuna or Barcelona. I want to win it now," he said.

On Sunday, Madrid faces what looks like one of its hardest remaining games when it visits fifth-place Racing Santander, which is enjoying one of the best seasons in its 95-year history.

Madrid will again lack Netherlands striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and Germany defender Chrisoph Metzelder, both of whom are recovering from surgery. Midfielder Jose Maria "Guti" Gutierrez is suspended.

Madrid has 69 points from 32 games, while Barcelona has 60. Villarreal has 59.

Barcelona has won just one of its last seven league games, drawing the wrath of its supporters who blame club president Joan Laporta for the side's difficulties.

On Saturday, Barcelona hosts another team in trouble - eighth-place neighbor Espanyol, which has lost eight of its past 10 matches and hasn't scored in its last four.

Espanyol must stop Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o, who has scored nine goals in the last eight games, to have a chance of gaining its first win at Camp Nou in 26 years.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi looks sure to start the game after returning from a six-week injury layoff during last Saturday's 2-2 draw at Recreativo Huelva. The Catalan powerhouse is hoping to get the Argentina international match-fit in time for the first leg of the Champions League semifinal against Manchester United on April 23.

The team's midfield could also be boosted by the return of Deco, who has spent nearly two months out of action with a thigh muscle tear.

Barcelona will again lack Ronaldinho, who is sidelined for the rest of the season and could reportedly be moving to AC Milan.

Villarreal will seek to return to winning ways when it entertains struggler Valladolid on Sunday.

Coach Manuel Pellegrini's team has taken one point from a possible six, likely ending its hopes of the first trophy in its 85-year history.

While Villarreal and Barcelona are favorites to join Madrid in next season's Champions League, Spain's fourth berth in Europe's top club competition appears to lie between three teams - Atletico Madrid, Santander and Sevilla.

Atletico has 54 points, one more than Santander. Sevilla follows with 51, while Almeria is six points further back.

On Saturday, Atletico hosts No. 13 Real Betis, while Sevilla entertains Almeria.

At the foot of the standings, Levante will be relegated on Sunday if it can't overcome Wednesday's beaten Copa del Rey finalist Getafe while Recreativo Huelva plays Zaragoza in a clash between two more relegation threatened sides.

Levante was hit on Wednesday by the loss of coach Gianni De Biasi, who rejoined Torino for his third spell in charge of the Serie A club. The Italian's replacement until the end of the season is Jose Angel Moreno, formerly technical director of the club's

youth teams.

Also in trouble are Valencia, Osasuna and Murcia. Osasuna has 40 points, Valencia and Valladolid 39, Recreativo 37, Zaragoza 34, Murcia 29 and Levante 22.

Valencia will be desperate to continue the momentum of its Copa del Rey triumph over Getafe when it visits No. 10 Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

However, coach Ronald Koeman remains in the firing line and a further setback at San Mames stadium, where Valencia has lost 44 times in 72 visits, could be the last straw for the club's hard-pressed new president Agustin Morera.

Osasuna welcomes ninth-place Deportivo La Coruna, and Murcia hosts No. 11 Mallorca.

Club Cup Hockey Ajax, Usha record wins

Sports Reporter

Ajax SC and Usha KC won their respective matches of the BRAC Bank Club Cup Hockey Tournament on Thursday.

In the day's first match, Ajax SC beat Bangladesh SC by 2-1 goals at the Moulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium.

The winners led the first half 1-0.

Jewel and Rajeeb of Ajax SC scored one goal each while Khwaja Taieb pulled off one for the losers.

In the day's other match, Usha KC blanked Wari Club 4-0 at the same venue.

Usha dominated over their opponents by 2-0 goals in the first session.

Habul of Usha KC netted two while his teammates Rajon and Dinar struck one time each on the board.

Premier Volleyball begins today

Sports Reporter

Dhaka Metropolis Premier Division Volleyball League begins today at the Dhaka Volleyball Stadium. Bangladesh Volleyball Federation will arrange the volleyball competition. Vice-President of Bangladesh Volleyball Federation (BVF) Morshed A Chowdhury will formally open the meet today at 4.00 PM as the chief guest while Chairman of the Tournament Committee Md Monirul Haque will be present as the special guest.

A total of ten teams will take part in the volleyball competition. They are : Bangladesh Rifles, Bangladesh Police AC, Bangladesh Water Development Board, Bangladesh Power Development Board, Titas Club, Sonali Bank SRC, Wari Club, Fire Service and Civil Defence, Uttara Sporting Club and East End Boys Club.

Banglalink Noboborsho Cup & Rider Golf Tournament inaugurated

Sports Reporter

The banglalink Noboborsho Cup Golf Tournament started at the Kurmitola Golf Club with Lt Gen ATM Zahirul Alam, rcds, psc Commmandant, National Defence College was teeing off yesterday morning. Also present for the opening and teeing off in the morning was Omer Rashid Director Marketing, banglalink.

Total 450 participants are taking part in the Noboborsho Cup Golf Tournament and another 44 participants from Bhatiary Golf and Country Club & Kurmitola Golf Club are competing in the Rider Cup. Top three winners will have the opportunity to win BDT 50,000.

Banglalink, a leading Telecommunications Provider in the country, has always supported local activities and tournaments and this is one such effort.

Azad SC outclass Rupali Bank

UNB, Dhaka

A brilliant ton by Habibur Rahman guided Azad SC to an eight-wicket win over Rupali Bank CC in a Super League match of the Metropolis First Division Cricket at the BKSP Ground-2 in Savar on Thursday.

Habibur scored 133 runs off 146 balls with 14 fours and a six as Azad SC reached the winning target making 268 for 2 in 49.1 overs after Rupali Bank CC, batting first, posted 266 for 6 in 50 overs.

Basu scored team highest 67 runs for Rupali Bank CC while Imtejur made 65. Enamul grabbed two wickets for 40 runs while Mukhter took one for 41.

Chasing the target, Azad SC also got good support from Tarik who scored not out 59 runs. Ripon and Raihan took one wicket each for 40 and 49 runs respectively.

In the day's other matches, Cricket Coaching School (CCS) (153/4) beat Indira Road KC (151/10) by 6 wickets at the Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium (DCS), Gazi Tank Cricketers (204/8) defeated Brothers Union Club (156/10) by 48 runs at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium (SBNS) and Orient SC (223/6) outplayed Bangladesh Boys Club (219/10) by four wickets at the Narayanganj Osmani Stadium (NOS).

Police register 7-wicket win over Kamrangir Char SC

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladesh Police registered an emphatic seven-wicket win over Kamrangir Char SC in a match of the 3rd Division Cricket League at the Dhanmondi Cricket ground on Thursday.

Opting to bat first, Kamrangir Char SC were cheaply dismissed for 88 in 22.3 overs with Saiful scoring 47 runs and Sohel making 11.

Mithu claimed four wickets for 20 runs while Faruk grabbed three for 16.

In reply, Bangladesh Police cantered to their target of 89 runs in 10.5 overs for the loss of three wickets with Chanchal contributing 45 runs and Gouranga making 24. Asad grabbed two wickets for five runs.

In the day's other match, Gulshan Youth Club (165/4) beat Lalbagh Anwar SC (161/8) by six wickets at the Uttara Friends Club ground.

Chandpur CA beat Wari Club by 33 runs

UNB, Dhaka

Chandpur Cricket Academy beat Wari Club by 33 runs in a match of the Second Division Cricket League at the Jagannath Hall ground on Thursday.

Batting first after winning the toss, Chandpur CA posted 239 for 9 in stipulated 50 overs with Elias contributing 60 runs and Rubel scoring 39 runs.

Suman captured three wickets for 57 runs while Rubel took two for 31.

In reply, Wari Club were all out for 206 in 47.1 overs with Rajib top scoring 72 runs and Faisal making 31.

Fazlul and Zahan took two wickets each for 26 and 27 runs respectively.

In the day's other match, Prime Doleshwar SC (253/9) managed a hard-fought one-wicket win over Dhanmondi Pragoti Sangha (251/10) at the City Club ground.

Olympic torch run begins in India amid overwhelming security

AP, New Delhi

Runners are carrying the Olympic torch through the sealed-off streets of central New Delhi amid a massive security clampdown.

India is home to the world's largest Tibetan exile community, leading organizers and government officials to fear major protests during the run. The torch's route was cut back because of those fears, and the current run is less than 3 kilometers long.

There have been scattered Tibetan protests Thursday in New Delhi and other Indian cities, but police have kept them largely under control.