The New Nation - Internet Edition

Federer Wimbledon dream at mercy of Marat's mad world

AFP, London

Roger Federer's Wimbledon waltz collides with the wild world of Marat Safin on Friday as the volatile Russian looks to complete his All England Club fairytale and stop the Swiss superstar in his elegant tracks.

Federer tackles the former US Open and Australian Open champion in a mouthwatering semi-final with an historic sixth successive Wimbledon title tantalisngly within his grasp.

It should be a stroll.

After all he is the world number one and top seed while Safin came into the tournament at a humble 75 in the rankings.

Federer has beaten Safin eight times in 10 meetings and has not lost on grass for six years, 64 matches ago.

But he also knows that the 28-year-old Safin is the game's most unpredictable talent; a genius one day, a joke the next.

Federer will also remember that when Safin clinched a shock Australian Open title in 2005, it was his title that the Russian took courtesy of a dramatic 5-7, 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (8/6), 9-7 win in the semi-final.

"It was a great match and I went through unbelievable pain," recalled Federer who will be playing in a 17th successive Grand Slam semi-final.

"I was struggling with my feet and I could hardly run. I saw some highlights. I can't believe how well we actually played, because I thought Marat was playing at his peak and I was playing almost as good as I could."

Federer, an astute observer of the game, has nothing but respect for the giant Russian who stunned third seed Novak Djokovic in straight sets in the second round here.

Since then Safin has claimed the scalps of three more seeded players - Andreas Seppi, Stanislas Wawrinka and Feliciano Lopez.

"I never look at Marat as a 75 in the world," said Federer who has reached the semi-finals without dropping a set.

"That's ridiculous and he knows that himself. He's showing again what he can do. It's just surprising he does it here at Wimbledon, because he used to dislike playing on this surface."

Safin, who has been written off so many times, admitted he has even shocked himself.

"I'm surprised I'm still here. I'm surprised I won two Grand Slams," he said.

"But this is my first semi-final here. To beat Federer you need to be like Nadal and run around like a rabbit and hit winners from all over the place." Second seed Rafael Nadal, who has lost to Federer in the last two finals, faces either Germany's Rainer Schuettler or Arnaud Clement of France in his semi-final.

The two veterans, who have made the most of the massive hole in the draw created by the early exits of Djokovic and Andy Roddick were level at a set apiece when play was called off for the night on Wednesday.

Four-time French Open winner Nadal, bidding to be the first Spanish men's champion here since Manuel Santana in 1966 and only the third man to win Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same year, has also had a smooth ride to the last four.

He has dropped just one set - against the promising Ernests Gulbis in the second round - and was ruthless in his straight sets demolition of Andy Murray in the quarter- finals.

Nadal took Federer to five sets in an epic 2007 final and had chances in the decider to break through.

"Last year was close. Only one more point and probably I would have had the trophy in my home," he said.

"I am playing well this year, but I don't know if it's enough."

Murray believes Nadal can be considered the favourite after witnessing the Spaniard's power at close range.

"If he plays that well and returns like that, I think he's very close to being the favourite to win the tournament," said the Scot.

"He was close last year, and I think he's playing better than he was last year."

Zimbabwe urged to forgo ICC event

BBC Online

Cricket's top bosses are trying to persuade Zimbabwe to pull out of the ICC World Twenty20 following another long day of talks in Dubai.

The England and Wales Cricket Board, along with the South African board, have already cut ties with Zimbabwe.

But the powerful Asian bloc, headed by India, will not countenance any move to remove Zimbabwe's full member status.

However, a deal could be struck to stop Zimbabwe entering the ICC event in England in 2009, BBC Sport understands.

The ICC's Dubai meeting has progressed slowly, and a final announcement on Zimbabwe's future status is finally expected on Friday.

Support for the nation from the sub-continent has been consistent, and that alone will ensure Zimbabwe remains one of the 10 voting members of the ICC, even though the embattled nation has not played a Test since 2005.

BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew said: "Zimbabwe's future was discussed for four hours on Thursday but apparently with little movement from either side.

"Zimbabwe delegates were later seen meeting members of the Indian board who, it is believed, suggested Zimbabwe withdraw from the ICC World Twenty20 in England.

"But as yet it seems Zimbabwe will not do so.

"There is no prospect of Zimbabwe being suspended from the ICC as that would be unconstitutional."

For Zimbabwe to have their full member status removed, at least seven of the 10 members at the board meeting would need to support the expulsion.

But if the Asia countries side with Zimbabwe, who also have a vote, the proposal would be defeated.

The England and Wales Cricket Board has already stated it will not host a tour by Zimbabwe next year.

This was after Cricket South Africa broke off relations with their near neighbours because of the political situation in the country.

But officials from India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have publicly stated they have no intention of siding against Zimbabwe should there be any formal vote on its status.

However former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan said: "A solution could be that they should be asked to withdraw from Test cricket and one-day cricket for a brief period until they prove their credentials but continue in the ICC.

"I would vote against Zimbabwe, yes. My own feeling is it is going to disrupt cricket in a very big way and it is not just England who would be loathe to play Zimbabwe."

The ICC will face a very difficult situation if, after all the attempts at diplomacy, Zimbabwe issues a point-blank refusal to pull out of the World Twenty20.

The British government has provided a formal instruction that the country's cricketers are not welcome in England.

BSWA honours three sports writers on occasion of World Sports Journalists Day

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladesh Sports Writers Association (BSWA) on Thursday accorded reception to three veteran sports writers on the occasion of the World Sports Journalists Day.

Sirajul Islam Bachchu, Prof. Ashraf Uddin Khan and Jibon Bose were accorded the reception at the National Sports Council (NSC) Tower.

Director of Exim Bank and chairman of the Audit Committee Nurul Fazal Bulbul was the chief guest at the function, chaired by BSWA president Sarwar Hossain.

Managing Director of Epyllion Group Riazuddin Al Mamoon, WHO Professional Officer Dr. Mustafa Zaman were present as special guests where BSWA general secretary Rafiqul Islam welcomed the guests.

BSWA officials declared that their office will be tobacco free zone from today in accordance with the slogan "tobacco free sports arena" of the World Sports Journalists Day.

NSC Secretary M Akbar Hossain and Director and CEO of Bangladesh Olympics Association Col (Rtd) Wali Ullah were also present on the occasion and expressed their solidarity with BSWA.

BSWA, an affiliated body of International Sports Press Association (AIPS), will also organize a rally in the capital on Saturday as elsewhere in the World in observance of the World Sports Journalists Day.

The rally, with the slogan of "tobacco free sports arena", will start at 7 am from the Public Library and end at the Moulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium premises.

Sports journalists, sports writers, photographers, players and organizers have been requested to take part in the rally.

Venus powers into Wimbledon final

BBC Online

Venus Williams reached her seventh Wimbledon final in fine style, beating Elena Dementieva 6-1 7-6 (7-3).

Dementieva was seeded higher than her opponent but appeared overawed on Centre Court and struggled desperately on serve in the first set.

But from 2-0 down in the second set, the Russian fought her way back into contention with some ferocious hitting.

Defending champion Williams was too strong in the tie-break though and goes on to face sister Serena or Zheng Jie.

"It's so exciting to be in the semi-finals," Venus told BBC Sport.

"She's a very similar player to me so I knew I had to do what we both do a little bit better.

"I had the early break and I was a little disappointed I didn't hold onto that but what's important is I managed to hold my own serve from then on."

Venus has won the title four times, but lost to her sister in the other two finals she has reached.

"I'm dying for Serena to get through. I'm looking forward to playing her and I'm looking forward to rooting her on," she added. Venus's serve was particularly impressive and Dementieva could only win 10 points when the American landed her first serve.

The seventh seed made a near-perfect start, racing to a 4-0 lead, and Dementieva had to save two break points before she held serve for the first time.

But Williams wrapped up the set in 38 minutes and when she took a 2-0 lead in the second, a hushed crowd sensed a humiliation.

But Dementieva, 26, finally found the range with her groundstrokes and engaged in some brutal rallies with the defending champion.

The Russian, roared on by the crowd, broke back through an extremely fortunate net cord and stayed with Williams until the tie-break.

But the unforced errors returned to haunt her and Williams sealed victory in one hour and 42 minutes.

Sri Lanka set India 309 to book Asia Cup final berth

Agency, Karachi

Shrugging off the disappointment of an overnight defeat to Pakistan, India fought hard to restrict Sri Lanka to 308 for eight in their crucial Super League game of the ninth Asia Cup one-day cricket tournament at National Stadium here today.

Despite half centuries from Chamara Kapugedera (75), captain Mahela Jayawardene (50) and Chamara Silva (50), Indian bowlers did well to peg back the Lankans on another good batting track after captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni lost the toss.

Playing before a sparse crowd, Sri Lanka was in control for most part of the innings but lost wickets at regular intervals after reaching 217 for three.

In the final 10 overs they lost four wickets and 74 runs. Sri Lanka have already qualified for the final while India need to win the game to book the other summit clash spot and put the hosts out of the run for the title.

After losing Kumar Sangakkara in the fourth over for just seven runs when he was caught down the leg side off Ishant Sharma, Sanath Jayasuriya went about his usual self.

Dropped on four by Yuvraj Singh, who attemped a difficult take running in from mid-off, Jayasuriya breezed his way to 43 from 37 balls with eight balls before he was caught by Dhoni on the leg side to give Sharma his second wicket.

Bangladesh faces Pakistan in the last super four match today

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladesh faces hosts Pakistan in their last super four encounter of the Star Cricket Asia Cup Friday at the National Stadium in Karachi.

The day/night affair will commence at 4pm BST. Star Cricket and state-run BTV will telecast the match live.

This will be the 26th ODI encounter between these two subcontinent cricketing nations. Earlier in the previous 25 matches, Pakistan won 24 matches while Bangladesh won just one match back in the 1999 World Cup in England.

Bangladesh, which has already made their exit from the Asia Cup, faces Pakistan for the first time in the meet.

Ahead of the last super four encounter, the Tigers had their last session of practice at the National Bank of Pakistan ground today (Thursday).

They did their practice including running, stretching, fielding, bowling and nets from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm. They also had a swimming session.

Bangladesh Squad: Mohammad Ashraful (Captain), Mashrafe Bin Mortaza (Vice Captain), Mahmudullah Riyad, Tamim Iqbal, Alok Kapali, Abdur Razzak, Farhad Reza, Shahriar Nafees Ahmed, Nazim Uddin, Roqibul Hassan, Shahadat Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehrab Hossain (Jr.), Dollar Mahmud and Musharraf Hossain

BFF sits with Aktel for football sponsorship

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) on Thursday held a meeting with cell operator Aktel to get sponsorship for tournaments to be held throughout the year.

BFF president Kazi Salahuddin said they sat with the company as the federation was looking for a potential partner.

Salahuddin said their discussion was effective and both sides agreed to cooperate with each other.

He said Thursday's meeting was the outcome of several previous discussions with the mobile phone operator.

"We will need to hold more meetings to reach a final decision on the sponsorship," he said.

The BFF boss said that they placed their plan in detail with Aktel.

Aktel CEO and managing director Jefri Ahmad Tambi said they had a fruitful discussion with the BFF.

He said they still need to examine and explore some technical sides before reaching a final decision.

Commemorative stamps on the occasion of Beijing Olympics

UNB, Dhaka

The Postal Department will release four commemorative stamps on the occasion of the 29th Olympic Games to be held in Beijing August 8-24 this year.

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Post and Telecommunications Ministry Brigadier General MA Malek (retd) will release the commemorative stamps Sunday at 11 am at a function at the conference room of Postal Bhaban.

Post and Telecommunications Secretary Iqbal Mahmud will be present as special guest.

The four stamps valued at Tk 10, 15, 20 and 25 along with the first day cover valued at Tk 8, will go on sale Sunday at the country's four General Post Offices (GPOs).

Bhola Lal, Swapan Parvez maintains their winning runs in the Delta Life Open Squash

UNB, Dhaka

Bhola Lal Chouhan of Sonargaon Hotel and Swapan Parvez of Basundhara Group recorded their third consecutive victory in the premier division of the Delta Life Open Squash tournament beating their rivals at the Dhaka Club Squash Court Thursday.

Bholal Lal Chouhan (Sonargaon Hotel) crushed Bishu Nath (Gulshan Club) by straight 3-0 sets while Swapan Parvez (Bashundhara Group) beat Masud Rana (Dhaka Army Club) by

2-1 sets to maintain their winning run.

In the day's other premier division match, Raju Ram (Navy Club) defeated Dilu (Gulshan Club) by 2-1 sets.

In the B Division, Faisal (Dhaka Club) beat Commander Gani (Navy Club) by 2-1 sets today.

In the C Division, Swapon (British club) defeated Shamim (Army Club) by 2-0 sets while Dr. Zebun Nasrin (BUET Club) beat Shahid Chouhan also by 2-0 sets.

In the Above 50-year group, Kamaluzzaman (Dhaka Army Club) beat Rezwan by 2-0 sets.

Powell itching to tackle Gay in London

AFP, Kingston

Former 100 metre world record holder Asafa Powell said he is eager to avenge his 2007 World Championships defeat to American Tyson Gay this summer.

The two speedsters are down to meet at the London Grand Prix on July 25 and Powell said he is ready to settle a deal once and for all.

Powell placed third in the World Championships 100m final last year in Osaka.

Powell, the only man to run sub-9.8 five times, said he is ready to dismiss Gay in a similar fashion as his compatriot Usain Bolt did when he ran 9.72 for the new world record.

"Usain Bolt beat him already, so I just want to go out there now and put him behind me and then focus on everything else (Beijing)," said Powell.

In six races between the two, Gay's only victory was at last year's World Championships in Osaka.

Powell, who held the previous world record of 9.74, also has to his name 36 sub-10 second times. Gay ran the fastest time ever in any conditions with a wind-assisted (4.1) 9.68 seconds last week. His official personal best is 9.77.

Powell, along with other members of his MVP Track team left Jamaica on Wednesday, for their training base in Italy.