BCB 'satisfied' with Pakistan security arrangements

Officials from Bangladesh and Pakistan are escorted onto the field at the Gaddafi Stadium

There were two choppers patrolling the sky at the Gaddafi Stadium

The Bangladesh delegation sent to inspect security arrangements in Pakistan is "satisfied" with the infrastructure and BCB president Mustafa Kamal has said he is keen to send the Bangladesh team on a tour of Pakistan. Now, both boards are seeking consent from the ICC to go ahead with the tour that is proposed for April this year."After seeing all the security arrangements all of us agree and are satisfied that the security infrastructure is in place," Kamal said at a press conference in Lahore. "Now it is my responsibility to convince my government to allow the tour and also request the ICC to approve the tour. Since the ICC governs and regulates the game we have to take this issue to them and must bring it to their notice that we want to send a team."A nine-member delegation, headed by Kamal, had been sent on a two-day visit to Pakistan to observe a demonstration of the security plan for the proposed series. Kamal had said he was positive about the tour after a meeting in which the security plan was explained on Saturday. On Sunday, there was a full demonstration in Lahore, which involved more than 500 policemen being deployed between the Pearl Continental hotel, where the players will stay, to the Gaddafi Stadium. The Bangladeshi delegates, along with members of the PCB, including chairman Zaka Ashraf, were transported from the Pearl Continental hotel to the ground by a bus that was surrounded by two police jeeps, a police truck and several motorbikes.There were two helicopters patrolling the sky at the stadium, and a mock evacuation via helicopter was also carried out to demonstrate how players or spectators could be rescued in case of an incident. The officials observed the same security protocol that would be in place should an international match be hosted by the stadium."We are here for three objectives," Kamal said, "One is to see the infrastructure, second to get information about the security plan and third to see the capability to execute the plan, and definitely all of us agree that all the segments were in place."There has been no international cricket in Pakistan since the Sri Lankan team bus was attacked by terrorists on March 3, 2009, following which Pakistan were also stripped of the matches they were to host during the 2011 World Cup. Kamal said the ICC might have a different outlook this time since they were being directly approached by another member board."We will be approaching the ICC and telling them that we are keen to come to Pakistan. Here lies the difference: earlier nobody approached them, this time we will be approaching them in a positive way. We must get them engaged; we must get their consent. It is the beginning of the process [to return international cricket to Pakistan], which was stalled for the past couple of years."The ICC has not sent any representatives to Pakistan for a security assessment of the proposed tour yet but will do so before it agrees to send its match officials for any games in Pakistan.Zaka Ashraf said he was optimistic that the ICC would give their consent since both countries' boards had agreed to the tour. "I have personally met with the ICC chief; they want to see international cricket return to Pakistan, and were supportive, but the only concern was security," Ashraf said. "Now that we have the Bangladesh security team here and they are satisfied, the ICC's role is important."There are two itineraries proposed for the tour, one of which includes a three-match ODI series, and the other a series of two ODIs and one Twenty20 international, to be completed in one week in April. Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium and Karachi's National Stadium are the venues expected to host the matches.

Anderson equals best ranking

South Africa's number one tennis player Kevin Anderson has equalled his career-best ranking after winning his second ATP Tour title at the weekend.

Anderson climbed six places to 30th in the latest world rankings released on Monday.

The big-serving South African defeated Australian qualifier Marinko Matosevic 6-4, 7-6 (2) to win the Delray Beach International in Florida, United States, on Sunday.

Anderson admitted both players were feeling the pressures of the final, but felt that mentally he was prepared for the match.

“Both of us were a little nervous at the start of match, so I had to find my rhythm,” Anderson said.

“I think at the end, I felt I was mentally composed throughout 1/8the tournament 3/8. I didn’t let any patches of bad tennis affect my mindset 1/8this week 3/8.”

In his run to the final, Anderson beat former world number one Andy Roddick and current world number 11 John Isner.

Anderson was pleased with his performance and believed he had settled into life outside South Africa.

“It feels fantastic, it's my first one in the United States, which is great,” he said.

“I feel apart from South Africa, this is my new home.”

The South African number one celebrated his victory with his new wife Kelsey and South African coach Louis Vosloo, who said Anderson was strong throughout the tournament.

“Kevin was a tough nut to crack all week, a real mental giant,” Vosloo said.

Anderson lifted his only other tour title, also an ATP 250 event, when he won the SA Open in February last year. – Sapa

Real Madrid smash Espanyol to go 10 points clear

Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain (R) celebrates his goal against Espanyol as teammate Cristiano Ronaldo walks by after congratulating him. -Photo by Reuters

MADRID: Real Madrid crushed Espanyol 5-0 on Sunday to record a 10th straight league victory and restore their 10-point advantage over Barcelona at the top of La Liga.

Two goals from Gonzalo Higuain, and one each from Cristiano Ronaldo, Sami Khedira, and Kaka gave Real victory after Barcelona had reduced the gap to seven points with a battling 3-1 victory over Sporting Gijon on Saturday.

Madrid were dominant throughout and their quick passing and counter-attacking play, together with world-class finishing, was too much for a disappointing Espanyol side.

Real coach Jose Mourinho, who has already been installed as favourite to replace the sacked Andre Villas-Boas at Chelsea, opted to skip the post-match news conference, sending out his assistant Aitor Karanka instead.

“Everyone can see that Higuain is a special player. When he is not happy you can see it and when he is you can tell as well. Kaka is another who you can see it in his face when he is enjoying his football,” he said.

Koffi Romaric for the vistors and Kaka for Madrid both tried their luck from long range in the opening periods but once the home team grabbed a 23rd-minute lead, the result was never in doubt.

A stray pass out of Espanyol’s defence from Raul Rodriguez was intercepted by Mesut Ozil whose quick thinking found Higuain with a first time pass who in turn laid the ball into Ronaldo’s path for a simple finish.

It was Ronaldo’s 30th league goal of the season and paved the way for the easy victory that was to come.

German international Khedira got the second when he made and finished a swift passing move on 38 minutes for his first league goal for Madrid, giving his side a two-goal cushion at the break.

Within 90 seconds of the restart, Higuain added the third, finishing first time after Kaka’s charging run down the left.

Another swift counter attack by Madrid gave Kaka his deserved goal for a fantastic performance on 67 minutes.

Ronaldo galloped away down the left to supply Higuain with a pass and enough time to turn and play Kaka into space on the right side of the area for the Brazilian to finish neatly into the left corner.

Twelve minutes later and the Brazilian was the provider again with good work down the left to supply Higuain for his second of the night and 15th league goal of the season.

Valencia beat Granada 1-0 away from home thanks to a Sofiane Feghouli goal that strengthened their hold on third position.

Algerian midfielder Feghouli finished of a successful week after scoring the winner on his international debut against Gambia on Wednesday.

Valencia remain six points clear of Athletic Bilbao who moved fourth after earlier beating local rivals Real Sociedad 2-0.

Markel Susaeta scored a goal in both halves for Athletic to move them level with Malaga on 37 points, two ahead of Levante who welcome Real Betis on Monday.

The Basque Country derby was closer than the result suggests and Real Sociedad had their chances to level in an end-to-end second-half, before Susaeta stepped up to convert a spectacular free-kick 10 minutes from the end.

The result will give Athletic confidence ahead of their trip to Old Trafford on Thursday to face Manchester United in the first leg of the last 16 of the Europa League where they will be backed by more than 4,000 travelling fans.

Bottom club Zaragoza came from behind to beat Villarreal 2-1 at home with goals in the last five minutes from Luis Garcia and Abraham Minero.

Hernan Martinuccio had given the away side the lead on 15 minutes that they held for 70 minutes but Zaragoza fought to the end to take a crucial victory.

The defeat leaves Villarreal only three points clear of the relegation zone and nine points ahead of Zaragoza.

Arteta grateful for Liverpool support

Mikel Arteta joined Arsenal from Everton on transfer deadline day last summer

Arsenal midfielder thanks Reds after being stretchered off at Anfield on Saturday

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has written an open letter of thanks to everyone at Liverpool Football Club after he was stretchered off injured during Saturday's Barclays Premier League match at Anfield.

The 29-year-old required lengthy treatment for a neck injury after colliding with Jordan Henderson at the start of the second half and received a warm reception as he left the field.

Arteta, who used to play for Liverpool's rivals Everton, was taken to hospital for tests before being released later in the day and was able to travel home with his Arsenal team-mates.

"I just want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their help and friendship towards me on Saturday," read Arteta’s letter.

"I've since looked back at the TV images of when I was being taken off and just want to show my appreciation to the Liverpool fans at Anfield. It is touching to receive that response from the fans of a great club when I am leaving the pitch injured. Thank you.

"I also want to thank Pepe Reina and the Liverpool players who have sent me messages of support and friendship, this again is really touching and just shows class from a great football club."

Arteta also thanked the Arsenal fans for their support since the injury, while adding that he hopes to be back playing again 'very soon'.

"Very importantly, a message to all the fantastic Arsenal fans, not only all those at Anfield on Saturday who were brilliant, but also those who have sent me many messages since Saturday," added Arteta.

"It is hugely appreciated. I cannot tell you how much this means to me.

"It must have looked very serious to everyone as I left the pitch on a stretcher, but I'm pleased to say that I'm fine now and hope to be back on the pitch very soon."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has ruled Arteta out for a week to allow the player to recover from concussion, meaning the Spaniard will miss Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League tie with AC Milan at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal's next Barclays Premier League fixture is against Newcastle on 12th March.

Newton joins Chelsea coaching staff

Eddie Newton's last season as a Chelsea player was the 1998-99 campaign

Former Blues midfielder links up again with Roberto di Matteo

Former Chelsea midfielder Eddie Newton has returned to the club as part of the Blues coaching staff.

Newton joins the backroom team under interim boss Roberto di Matteo until the end of the season, following the departure of manager Andre Villas-Boas.

The 40-year-old Newton, who worked under Di Matteo at both West Brom and MK Dons, made his Chelsea debut in 1992 and stayed with the club until 1999.

He scored in the 1997 FA Cup final, when Di Matteo created history with the quickest goal in a Wembley final as Chelsea beat Middlesbrough 2-0.

Newton joins Steve Holland, who remains as assistant first-team coach and goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon.

Chris Jones, who has been with the club since 2006, steps up to take the role of first-team fitness coach with Jose Mario Rocha, who held that position under Villas-Boas, leaving the club.

King backs Spurs' skills scheme

Spurs skipper Ledley King is an enthusiastic backer of the Skills programme

Tottenham skipper hopes to mentor and improve opportunities for young people

Tottenham Hotspur skipper Ledley King is backing Skills - a new and innovative community project delivered by the club’s award-winning Foundation in partnership with the PLPFA Community Fund.

Haringey Council and the London Boxing Academy are also involved in Skills, which will offer a comprehensive sport and education programme to young people from Haringey aged 12-19 years.

Many have been identified as ‘NEET’ (Not in Education, Employment or Training) or at risk of becoming so, including ex-offenders, gang members and young people that have emotional and behavioural difficulties.

King said: "As players, we recognise the important role we can play in our community, especially among young people, and as captain I am proud of the commitment the players at this club show to the work of our Foundation.

"At least a player a week attends a Foundation project or initiative and it is something we willingly dedicate our time to.

“I have just put my name to the new Skills project – enabling 12-19 year olds from in and around Tottenham to take part in sport and learn the life skills necessary to stand them in good stead for future employment.

"As the club’s longest-serving current player, and having myself grown up in inner-city London, I am passionate about the community in Tottenham.

"I hope that by giving my backing to this project, I can help effect positive change in the lives of young people in the area."

Mentor

King has pledged to act as a mentor, offering guidance and advice to the young people who make use of the facilities on offer at a newly-refurbished Community Sports and Education Hub in Wood Green.

In light of last year’s riots in the area, the programme will positively engage with vulnerable young people, helping to contribute to the reduction of youth associated crime and anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Bernice Vanier, Cabinet Member for Communities, Haringey Council, said: "When organisations like the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation get involved, it really makes a difference.

"Young people take notice and appreciate the access to the sports and study facilities that the Foundation along with the council and other partners provide and coordinate."



Skills will run in partnership with The PLPFA Community Fund, Haringey Council’s Youth Community and Participation Service, the London Boxing Academy and Catch22, offering sport and education throughout the day from 9am until 8pm every Monday to Friday.

Ferguson thankful for 'lucky' Man Utd win

Man Utd striker Wayne Rooney (far right) heads them in front at Tottenham on Sunday

Manager admits champions were fortunate after 3-1 victory at Tottenham

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his side got lucky after their 3-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur in the Barclays Premier League.

United moved back to within two points of leaders Manchester City thanks to a Wayne Rooney header on the stroke of half-time and two second-half strikes from Ashley Young.

Spurs were the match's dominant side for long periods and Ferguson knows United had to hang on to earn their victory.

"We certainly carried a lot of luck today," said the Scot. "It was a great performance from Tottenham in the first half and maybe we got our tactics wrong.

"We improved in the second half and pushed up. In the first period we tried to drop off and bring them onto us a bit but it didn't work.

"At half-time I told the players to push up on top of their back four a bit more and not to allow them to build their play.

"We did much better at that, but it needed the second goal to give us the confidence in our game. After that we played very well."

The defeat leaves Tottenham 11 points behind United and 13 behind City, with Harry Redknapp's men now realistically out of the title race.

But Ferguson paid tribute to Spurs after his side became the first team since City in August - and only second of the season - to claim all three points at White Hart Lane.

"It was a massive performance from our defenders," he added. "Tottenham are a very good team - you have to consider that.

"That was only their second defeat at home since the start of the season.

"Scoring right on half-time was probably our first strike at goal. It was a nice finish from Wayne but a real killer for Tottenham. They were probably sat in the dressing room wondering how they were 1-0 down because they'd played ever so well.

"Their form at home has been absolutely fantastic so it was a massive result for us."

Ferrer defends title at Mexican Open

Acapulco, Mexico: Top-seeded David Ferrer captured his third straight title at the Mexican Open on Saturday, beating fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 6-1, 6-2 in the final.

Ferrer broke Verdasco twice in each set to wrap up the match in just over an hour.

"As Fernando hits so hard, I knew I had to be solid and counter him and I think I did it very well, especially at the beginning," Ferrer said. "I also know Fernando didn't play his best tennis today but that's tennis. You have good days and sometimes bad days."

The sixth-ranked Ferrer won his second clay-court title in as many weeks, following his victory last Sunday at the Copa Claro event in Buenos Aires.

Ferrer also won the Heineken Open title in Auckland to open the season. He has an 18-1 record to start 2012, the only loss coming to Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.

Verdasco was aiming for his first title since winning in Barcelona in 2010.

"I am extremely disappointed I wasn't able to have the fight I was expecting to have," he said. "I just couldn't keep the ball in the court today. It's always tough to lose a final, but losing it that way hurts a lot more."

In the women's event, Italy's Sara Errani defeated compatriot Flavia Pennetta 5-7, 7-6 (2), 6-0 to win her third WTA title.

Pennetta captured the first set, which was filled with mistakes. Neither player managed to hold serve in the first seven games, and Errani was able to hold only once in the entire set.

Errani bounced back to win the second set in a tiebreaker, and gained momentum to take the deciding set 6-0 to complete the 2 1/2-hour match.

"It was such a tough final against Flavia," she said. "It's never easy playing an Italian but I played really well, especially in the third set."

Errani also won the doubles title with partner Roberta Vinci, becoming the first player in nearly two years to win the singles and doubles at the same WTA tournament.

Young bags a brace as Man Utd swamp Spurs 3-1

AT THE DOUBLE: Ashley Young proved his worth for Manchester United with two goals in their away defeat of Tottenham Hotspur.

Two Ashley Young goals helped Manchester United to a clinical 3-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur and sliced Manchester City's lead at the top of the Premier League back to two points.England winger Young scored twice in nine minutes at White Hart Lane after Wayne Rooney's 44th-minute header had given United a fortunate halftime lead against third-placed Spurs who worked tirelessly throughout the game but lacked a cutting edge.Substitute Jermain Defoe scored a late consolation for Tottenham who suffered their second convincing defeat in eight days after last week's 5-2 thrashing at north London rivals Arsenal.With 11 games remaining champions United have 64 points to the 66 of City with Tottenham on 53, four ahead of Arsenal in the race for an automatic Champions League spot."We had a bit of luck," United manager Alex Ferguson, taking charge of his 986th league game to go ahead of the club record he shared with Matt Busby, told Sky Sports."Scoring right on halftime it was probably our first chance at goal. That was a killer for Tottenham because they must have been sitting there wondering how they are losing 1-0."Chelsea, who sacked manager Andre Villas-Boas on Sunday, are a further three points behind.Newcastle United's hopes of challenging for a top-four spot suffered a blow with a 1-1 draw against 10-man Sunderland, Shola Ameobi scoring a stoppage-time leveller for Newcastle.Sunderland took the lead through Nicklas Bendtner in a bad-tempered north-east derby but the visitors had Stephane Sessegon sent off for an elbow.Wolverhampton Wanderers slipped into the relegation zone after a 5-0 drubbing at Fulham, for whom Russian Pavel Pogrebnyak scored a hat-trick and Clint Dempsey two.Ferguson had identified the fixture at White Hart Lane as a massive game in his side's quest to prevent City stealing their title and after taking the points despite not playing well his side now look perfectly placed for the final sprint to the line.Tottenham, bidding for a first win over United since 2001, were without Welsh winger Gareth Bale, Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart and midfield workhorse Scott Parker but were the better side in the opening period.Lacklustre United offered virtually no attacking threat and Ferguson's 986th halftime team talk in a league match might have involved his dreaded hair dryer had it not been for Rooney's poacher's goal just before the break.Young's corner was curled in from the left and Roone evaded the attention of his marker to stoop and head the ball past a helpless Brad Friedel.It was harsh on Tottenham who had produced some slick attacking play as they attempted to enliven a muted home crowd on a raw, drizzly afternoon in north London.Aaron Lennon's pace down the right caused problems and former United striker Louis Saha and Adebayor had several sights at goal.Tottenham were unlucky not to go ahead after 36 minutes when Saha's close-range shot from Lennon's cut back hit Adebayor on the line and although the Togo striker hooked the ball in he was adjudged to have handled.The second half began in similar fashion with Tottenham pressing and midfielder Jake Livermore's deflected drive was superbly saved by David De Gea.But just as Spurs were threatening an equaliser they suffered a body blow on the hour.Luka Modric was guilty of allowing Nani to cross and the ball skidded across the face of goal to Young who leapt high to hook it crisply into the far corner.Nine minutes later Young galloped towards goal before unleashing an unstoppable dipping shot from 25 yards into the top corner.Not even a rare mistake by veteran Ryan Giggs, who gave the ball straight to Defoe for a well-taken consolation, could spoil what was a thoroughly satisfying day for United.

Power of 10 adds upto title glory: Mancini

Roberto Mancini has set his Manchester City side a target of 10 more victories to secure a first league title in 44 years. City moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a 2-0 win over Bolton, hours before Manchester United travel to Tottenham on Sunday. City host United in the third last game of the season and after their trip to White Hart Lane, Sir Alex Ferguson s side face West Brom, Wolves, Fulham, Blackburn, QPR, Wigan, Aston Villa and Everton. City will come up against Swansea, Chelsea, Stoke, Sunderland, Arsenal, West Brom, Norwich and Wolves before that potentially-decisive game. Going into the weekend, Mancini claimed that United will pick up 11 wins and that all that City have to do is match that. After the victory over Bolton, he said: "This was important because we have taken three points and we need to keep winning because Manchester United is a very good team. "If we could win the next ten games, we would win the title. We just need to keep playing the way we are and we will have a very good chance." Mancini used a second string side against relegation-threatened Bolton, sticking with Mario Balotelli despite the prospect of the Italian receiving a fine of two weeks wages for a trip to a Liverpool strip club in the early hours of Friday morning. David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Aleksander Kolarov were among those left on the bench and Mancini is happy with the way his squad is shaping up despite Pablo Zabaleta limping off with a hamstring injury, a problem that is also bothering Micah Richards. He added: "We rested one or two players and I left Silva, Aguero, Kolarov because we had everybody fit except Micah, who was injured. "Pablo Zabaleta had a problem and had to come off as well so now we have two injured right-backs which is a problem, but we will see how things go next week." City coasted to an 18th consecutive Premier League home win thanks to a Gretar Steinsson own-goal and Balotelli s second half effort at the Etihad Stadium. Bolton are two points from safety but have a run of games against teams that are around them. In March they come up against QPR, Aston Villa, Blackburn, Wolves and Fulham and have the chance to pull away from trouble. Manager Owen Coyle said: "We have to take the positives and move into the final 11 games of the season. "We have six at home and five away and there are points to be achieved from every single one of those matches. "We have come through a tough set of fixtures and we now have to make sure that we go and win the points to climb the table and that starts next Saturday against QPR at the Reebok Stadium."

Man City five clear as Bolton woe continues

Leaders Manchester City coasted to an 18th straight home league win after Gretar Steinsson s own goal and a Mario Balotelli effort helped them to a 2-0 success over Bolton Wanderers on Saturday. City move five points clear at the top of the Premier League table, with second-placed Manchester United facing Tottenham Hotspur, who sit third, on Sunday. Roberto Mancini s team were a long way from their best but their win was never in doubt after Gael Clichy s drive flew in off Steinsson mid-way through the first half. They had to wait another 46 minutes to double their advantage when Balotelli, who was left out of the Italy squad for the mid-week friendly with the United States, slammed in from close range. Mancini s side now entertain Chelsea and head to Arsenal in the next run of seven games before they host United, who have a simple run after Sunday s game at Spurs.