Hockey World League: Bangladesh Beat Fiji 8–4

Mamunur Rahman Chayan's four goal corner burst for Bangladesh helped defeat Fiji 8-4 in the men's Hockey World League Round 2 match in New Delhi at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium Saturday.

The goals helped Bangladesh record their third win from four games and, with a game against India to come, are hopeful of causing an upset to try and make it through to Round 3.

Things looked to be relatively comfortable when Krishno Kumar Das scored twice in the opening eleven minutes, first with a tidy one-on-one finish, next when he guided home Md. Mosiur Rahman Mosiur's whipped pass.

Kamruzzaman's excellent rising effort made it 3-0 before Fiji stormed back into contention.

Jerome Edwards scored Fiji's first with a very smart piece of work down the right, lifting it in from a narrow angle while Adrian Smith scored his second of the competition.

Chayan's first flick made it 4-2 but, again, Fiji replied this time from Alasace Smith's thumping penalty corner strike.

Chayan, though, formally killed off the game with three more drags in the closing 16 minutes to take away Fiji's dream while Sheikh Md. Nannu spun home in the middle of a late goal-rush.

Adrian scored a goal in the final minute to cap a lively performance but Bangladesh's win means they will certainly finish above their pre-tournament seeding.

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Juventus Signs French Footballer Anelka

EFT Report, Milan: Former French Footballer Nicolas Anelka arrived in Torino to sign a five-month contract with Juventus, the Italian Serie A champions club general manager Beppe Marotta confirmed.

Marotta believes the 33-year-old striker will be useful in ending an "emergency" situation in attack, reports Xinhua.

"In July we made some targeted investments, but now we are in an emergency situation in attack, so we moved to fix those issues, even if it is not official yet," Marotta said.

Juventus Signs Nicolas Anelka

"It can be a good move for the short-term, then at the end of the season we'll evaluate what must be done. He is filling a hole. It is a five-month contract with an option for the second season, if things go well.

"Anelka's arrival rules out any other transfers, because in this stage of the transfer window there are no other opportunities.

"He will put himself at the disposal of the squad and it'll be up to Antonio Conte (Coach) to decide how to use him. After all, he is not in great physical condition considering he hasn't played for a month," he said.

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Akshay Kumar Flags Off Jaipur Marathon 2013

EFT Report, Jaipur: Indian actor Akshay Kumar flagged off the Jaipur Marathon 2013 on January 27, 2013. This edition of the marathon was high on Bollywood quotient, as Akshay was present with Special26 team including actors Kajal Aggarwal, Mukesh Khanna, Sara Khan, Ashmit Patel to boost the morale of the participants.

This year, the marathon was divided into two events—Jaipur International Half Marathon covering 21 km and Dream Run covering 6 km.

This time round, the marathon was divided into various pre-events. And to give a world class experience to all the participants, these events will be celebrated on a grand level. There were a health and lifestyle expo, which was inaugurated by Lagaan actress, Gracy Singh.

Akshay Kumar at Jaipur Marathon 2013

There was a fashion show on January 25, based on the themes of Independent India, Respect Women, Corruption-free India, Healthy India and Clean and Green City Jaipur. And in this fashion with a cause event, Ashmit Patel walked the ramp with models from Delhi and Mumbai. Also, sports personalities of India had represented the country at various national and international events, including Sonika Kaliraman, Bhim Singh, and Vijay Kumar were felicitated at a ceremony on January 25.

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Paddy Upton to Coach Rajasthan Royals in IPL 6

Report by Santanu Ganguly, Jaipur: Rajasthan Royals announced Paddy Upton as the Head Coach of their Indian Premier League (IPL) team on Jan. 25, 2013. The 44-year-old mental conditioning coach of the South African cricket team will coach the Royals in the sixth season of the Pepsi Indian Premier League scheduled to begin in April 2013.

As a vastly experienced high performance and leadership coach, Upton assisted former Indian coach Gary Kirsten as mental conditioning coach, instructing the Indian national cricket team that went on to win the 2011 ICC World Cup. The South African cricket team became the No. 1 test-playing nation under Kirsten and Upton's tutelage.

Paddy Upton to Coach Rajasthan Royals

Paddy Upton’s unique coaching approach is said to be groundbreaking, redefining sports coaching the world over. He received appreciation from various quarters for his immense contribution to the World Cup-winning Indian team.

Upton, who will take on the role of head coach said of his appointment “It is indeed an honour for me to coach a dynamic team like Rajasthan Royals. It will be wonderful to work with Rahul once more. The team has some very talented players who have been noticed by the cricketing fraternity because of their phenomenal attitude and undying team spirit. Going into the new season, I am looking at instilling fresh confidence into the team.”

Raghu Iyer, CEO, Rajasthan Royals, said, “We have been impressed with the way Paddy uses his immense talent to work with some of the best cricket teams and sportsmen in the world. We feel his presence will do wonders for Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming season.”

Rahul Dravid, Captain, Rajasthan Royals, said, “I have worked with Paddy in the past and greatly respect him for his knowledge and professionalism. We welcome him to Rajasthan Royals and look forward to working with him in the coming months.”

In his new role as Head Coach, Upton will bring in freshness and energy into the team led by Rahul Dravid. Rajasthan Royals - who lifted the Twenty20 cup in its inaugural season in 2008 - are a balanced blend of young and experienced players from India and abroad. The team performed exceedingly well in the 2012 season of the IPL, narrowly missing the play-offs.

Epitomising the elegance, style, valour and royalty of the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat, Rajasthan Royals is a Jaipur based Indian Premier League team loved by fans across the world. Winners of the inaugural IPL in 2008, the team is impassioned by indomitable qualities of strength, fighting prowess and courage in the face of tough opposition. The royal blue and gold emblem of Rajasthan Royals reflects the rich history of the region and their promising future. The team's anthem ‘Halla Bol’ and mascot ‘Moochu Singh’ capture the energy, enthusiasm and never-say-die attitude of the team.

Ever since its inception, the Royals brand has been at the forefront in terms of nurturing and promoting new talent in India. With a major presence on social media platforms, Royals offers fans a unique digital experience taking them to the heart of all the action. While the team’s YouTube channel happens to be the most watched amongst all IPL teams, the Facebook page and twitter handle enjoy a growing number of supporters and followers. The official website based fan zone gives fans the freedom to express themselves through content, videos, images, forums or polls, all driven the fans themselves. These aspects have made Rajasthan Royals the most loved team and enabled to it emerge as the first Global sporting brand from India.

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Australian Open: Murray Beat Federer in 5-Set Thriller; to Meet Djokovic in Final

EFT Report, Melbourne: Andy Murray continues to carry his tremendous last season form into this year by reaching the final of this season first Slam, Australian Open 2013. The British number one defeated his old nemesis and 17-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer in a 5-set thriller 6-4, 6-7, 6-3, 6-7, 6-2 in four hours on Jan. 25, 2013 to set up a title clash with world number one Novak Djokovic on Sunday (Jan. 27, 2013).

This is the 25-year-old Briton first win against Roger Federer in a Grand Slam match. Murray’s big serve was the key to this win as the Brit served 21 aces on the Swiss with no double faults. This final will be Murray’s third consecutive Slam finals.

Andy Murray

Novak Djokovic has the upper hand in the head-to-head record against Andy Murray, winning 10 of their 17 meetings but Murray defeated Djokovic to win last year US Open, his first Slam.

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EPL: Newcastle United’s Nile Ranger Arrested for Rape

EFT Report, Newcastle: Newcastle United English striker Nile Ranger has been arrested by cops on suspicion of rape. The 21-year-old footballer was held following an allegation made by a woman that she was attacked at a hotel in Jesmond, Newcastle on Jan. 24, 2013.

Cops are currently quizzing the footballer. Newcastle United has declined to comment.

Nile Ranger

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Athletic Bilbao’s Fernando Llorente to Join Juventus in July

EFT Report, Bilbao: One of the most sought after striker of last season, Spanish international Fernando Llorente will be leaving La Liga side Athletic Bilbao for Italian giants Juventus come summer on a free transfer deal.

The 27-year-old, who will be out of contract with Athletic Bilbao after the end of this season, has signed a four-year deal and will officially be a Juventus player from July 1, 2013.

Fernando Llorente

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Djokovic in Australian Open Final After Beating Ferrer 6-2 6-2 6-1

EFT Report, Melbourne: Defending champion and world no 1 Novak Djokovic is on course for his fourth Australian Open title after thrashing Spaniard David Ferrer 6-2 6-2 6-1 in the semi-final match played on Jan. 24, 2013.

The match lasted just 1 hour and 29 minutes with journey man Ferrer having no answers to Djokovic's power and placement on the court. This will be Djokovic’s third consecutive Australian Open Final.

The 25-year-old Serbian awaits the winner of the second semi-final match between Andy Murray and Roger Federer.

Novak Djokovic

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Casillas to Miss Madrid CL’s Clash Against Man Utd With Broken Thumb

EFT Report, Madrid: Los Blancos’ inspirational captain Iker Casillas has been ruled out for 6 weeks after breaking his thumb during the 1-1 draw Copa del Rey clash against Valencia on Jan. 24, 2013. Saint Casillas, as he is popularly known as, will eventually miss the Champions League Round of 16 clash with English giants Manchester United on Feb. 13, 2013 at Santiago Bernabeu and is also highly doubtful for the return leg in England.

"After carrying out initial X-rays at the La Moraleja Sanitas Hospital, it has been confirmed that the footballer Iker Casillas has suffered a fracture at the base of the first metacarpal on his left hand," a statement on Real Madrid website reads.

Iker Casillas

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EPL: Man Utd Signs Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha for £15 Million

EFT Report, Manchester: Sir Alex Ferguson has boosted his squad with the signing of Championship side Crystal Palace’s talented winger Wilfried Zaha for £15 million but the Red Devils can only avail his services after summer as he will be loaned back to Palace for the remainder of the season after medical.

Manchester United will pay £10 million up front for the much-sought after 20-year-old England international in a 5-and-a-half year contract deal agreed with Crystal Palace. Wilfried Zaha will get a salary of £35,000-a-week.

Wilfried Zaha

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Li Na Beat Sharapova 6-2, 6-2 to Reach Australian Open Women Final

EFT Report, Melbourne: 2011 runner-up China’s Li Na thrashed Russian world number two Maria Sharapova 6-2, 6-2 in 1 hour 33 minutes on January 24, 2013 to reach her second Australian Open’s women final.

The 30-year-old Chinese will meet the winner of the second semi-final match between world number one and defending champion Victoria Azarenka of Belarus and American 19-year-old Sloane Stephens, who defeated Serena Williams in the Quarters.

Li Na is the first tennis player from China to win a singles Grand Slam, wining the 2011 French Open title.

Li Na Beat Sharapova 6-2, 6-2

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EPL: Giroud’s Brace in Arsenal 5-1 Thrashing of West Ham

EFT Report, London: When Gunners play like they do on this cold frosty night of January 24, sometimes you wonder why they haven’t won any silverware for the past 7 seasons. Wenger’s men put up a terrific performance, putting behind the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, to thrashed West Ham 5-1 in their EPL encounter at the Emirates Stadium.

Frenchman Olivier Giroud scored a brace while Santi Cazorla, Lukas Podolski and Theo Walcott all found the net once for Arsenal FC after Jack Collison’s stunning strike gave West Ham the lead.

With this win, Arsenal FC moves up to sixth place on EPL table with 37 points from 23 matches.

Olivier Giroud

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La Liga: Xavi to Sign New 2-Year Barcelona Deal

EFT Report, Barcelona: Influential Spanish playmaker Xavi Hernandez, whose current deal is due to expire in June 2014, is all set to sign a new two-year FC Barcelona contract extension that will keep him at Camp Nou till 2016.

The 32-year-old, who came through the Barcelona youth academy ‘La Masia’, will ink the deal official on Monday (Jan. 28, 2013).

Xavi has won six La Liga titles with FC Barcelona since making his debut in 1998.

Xavi Hernandez

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Arsenal FC to Offer £10 Million for Barca’s David Villa

EFT Report, London: Desperate time calls for desperate measure after the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea FC in the weekend Arsenal FC boss Arsene Wenger is all set to break the money vault again, this time for FC Barcelona want-away Spanish striker David Villa. The London club will be to offering £10 million for the former Valencia striker before the transfer window closes.

Since his big money move to Catalan giants FC Barcelona from Valencia in 2010, injury has prevented the 31-year-old from cementing a permanent starting place in the talented FC Barcelona squad. Despite Barcelona saying he is not for sale, Villa has indicated that he want to move on to get more regular play-time.

David Villa

David Villa has made 62 appearances for FC Barcelona scoring 28 goals and he is Spain’s national team top goalscorer with 53 goals from 85 matches.

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Watch India vs England, 4th ODI Live Streaming Online

Watch high quality live video streaming of the fourth ODI between India and England at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali on Jan. 23, 2013.

India Squad:

G Gambhir, RG Sharma, V Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, SK Raina, MS Dhoni*†, RA Jadeja, R Ashwin, B Kumar, I Sharma, Shami Ahmed

England Squad:

AN Cook*, IR Bell, KP Pietersen, JE Root, EJG Morgan, JC Buttler†, SR Patel, JC Tredwell, ST Finn, JW Dernbach, TT Bresnan

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Ronaldinho in Brazil Squad for England Friendly on Feb. 6

EFT Report, Rio de Janeiro: Two-time winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho has been named in Brazil’s 20-man squad by Coach Luis Felipe Scolari for the international friendly against England at Wembley Stadium on February 6, 2013 to mark The FA’s 150th anniversary year.

The 32-year-old, who currently plays for Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro, last don Brazilian's color in February 2012. QPR keeper Julio Cesar and Chelsea trio David Luiz, Ramires and Oscar also made the squad.

Ronaldinho

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Sneijder Joins Galatasaray for $6.66 Million

EFT Report, Ankara: Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder has agreed to join Turkey's Galatasaray sport club from Italian giants Inter Milan. He would arrive at Istanbul for a medical examination..

Earlier this month, Galatasaray announced an agreement with Inter on the transfer of the midfielder, adding that the club and fans had been waiting for the answer for weeks.

The contract is reported to be three and a half years and worth 5 million euros ($6.66 million) per season.

Sneijder Joins Galatasaray for $6.66 Million

Sneijder had helped Inter to win the Italian League and Cup and the Champions League in 2010 before falling out favor since the departure of coach Jose Mourinho.

He has played in just five matches under coach Andrea Stramaccioni this season. Despite a disappointing campaign, the Dutchman remains one of the highest-profile midfielders today.

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EPL: Ashley Cole Signs New 1-Year £200,000-a-Week Chelsea FC Contract

EFT Report, London: England international Ashley Cole, considered by many as one of the best left-back, has put his future speculation to rest by signing a one-year £200,000-a-week Chelsea FC contract extension to become the world highest paid defender.

Chelsea FC signed the 32-year-old from Arsenal FC in 2006 for £5 million, with Frenchman William Gallas being transferred from Chelsea to Arsenal as part of the transfer deal.

Ashley Cole

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Indian Golf League Auction: Campbell Tops With $61,000

EFT Report, Mumbai: Former US Open champion Michael Campbell was the hottest property in an auction for the inaugural Golf Premier League near Mumbai next month as eight franchises spent nearly $700,000 to recruit players.

The New Zealander was bought for $61,000 by Shubhkamna Eagles at the auction, while two-times major winner Angel Cabrera went to Maharashtra 59ers and 2011 Open winner Darren Clarke was picked by Uttarakhand Lions, both for $55,000.

Scheduled to take place from February 8–10, 2013 at a course near Mumbai, the league with total prize money of $400,000, will feature two day-night rounds of strokeplay, followed by a final round of the best-ball format.

Michael Campbell

Touted in India as golf's answer to Twenty20 cricket, each round will be played over 14 holes instead of the regular 18.

"For me it is the slow and steady build-up to the dream that I have had for a franchise-based event in golf and now we are up and running," Indian golfer Shiv Kapur, who masterminded the league, said in a statement.

"The launch and the auction have set the stage and now it is for us, the players, to add to the show."

The franchises bought three players each, with Kapoor drawing the highest fee among the Indian golfers, joining Cabrera at Maharashtra 59ers for $59,000.

Gaganjeet Bhullar, a four-times winner on the Asian Tour, fetched $58,000 from Punjab Lancers, who have also secured the services of Asia number one Thaworn Wiratchant.

Sri Lanka cricket captain Mahela Jayawardene is the promoter of the Colombo-based franchise.

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10th Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2013 Begins

EFT Report, Mumbai: The 10th edition of Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon begins in the financial capital of India on Jan. 20, 2013. Actors, businessmen, doctors and dabbawallahs, environmentalists, sportspersons, including many foreigners and others joined over 40,000 enthusiastic citizens at the marathon.

The runners are highlighting various causes ranging from female foeticide to saving tigers to good health through the marathon and are sprinting in various categories for different lengths.

The marathon was flagged off by Governor K. Sankaranarayanan near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.

10th Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2013 

Also present at the inaugural were Mayor Sunil Prabhu, Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh and other top dignitaries.

Among the prominent runners were top industrialists Anil Ambani, Anand Mahindra, builder Niranjan Hirandanani, Tina (Anil) Ambani, actors Vivek Oberoi, Rahul Bose and many others from the silver screen and the small screen.

Several social groups like a 25-member contingent from Ion Foundation and NGO Muktangan, Mumbai's famous dabbawallas, were in the fray for the prizes worth over $350,000, for what is considered the richest Asian marathon.

The Full Marathon (42.197 km) has received 4,169 entries, a significant increase over last year's figure of 2,775.

While there was huge demand for a slot in the half-marathon, entries were restricted, finally closing at 12,742.

The Senior Citizens' Run saw 1,396 participants, while the champions with disability will see participation from 218 people.

Another over 20,000 people are slated to take part in the popular Dream Run.

The Standard Chartered has instituted a special trophy for the winners, while the top Indian male and female finishers will take home Rs 450,000 each.

The run is supported by the Indian Navy, the Government of Maharashtra and the Athletics Federation of India.

The increase in prize money is towards the Indian prize fund and will benefit the Indian athletes in the full marathon.

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