Fly Emirates XI gear up for title defence

Dubai - The team of Emirates airline employees, which stunned the opposition to take victory at last year's inaugural Emirates Airline Twenty20, face a tough task defending their title.

With the likes of county champions Nottinghamshire, the international star-studded Durham and Sussex sides and the Sourav Ganguly-captained MCC in the mix, Fly Emirates XI certainly have their work cut out for them this weekend at The Sevens cricket ground.

But the team is up for the challenge and relishing the chance to take on the ‘big boys'.

"We are extremely excited with a couple of new county teams that are coming here this year. We're the defending champions so we need to live up to those expectations," said Fly Emirates XI wicketkeeper/manager Shoaib Muljiani.

"But more importantly the boys are very keen because this is a wonderful opportunity to rub shoulders with the professionals so we should do well," Muljiani added.

Bad season

The Fly Emirates XI haven't had the best of seasons so far, losing out to the Lord's Taverners at the same ground recently.

"But the boys are feeling good to go," Muljiani said.

"When you've held the title for the first year, you should be performing to that standard so there is a bit of pressure — and we aren't professional so that adds a bit more coming up against the big names," he added.

"But we're about three quarters of the way through our season so we have been practising regularly. On both the grounds at The Sevens the outfield is superb," Muljiani said.

"The wicket is coming up excellently. There's a good bounce on the wicket and good carry. It looks to be a good track and we should have some very exciting cricket," he added.

Matches begin at The Sevens at 10.30am on Friday. Also running alongside the Emirates Airline Twenty20 will be an Under-11s Kwik Cricket tournament.

Friends and families of the school children participating in this fun tournament are expected to come and cheer them on, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Source: http://gulfnews.com

Muljiani in fine form for Fly Emirates

Dubai - Shoaib Muljiani of Fly Emirates came up with a dream all-round performance as he single-handedly led his team to a ten-wicket win over A-Map CC.

He first mesmerised the opposition with variety in slow bowling to bag five wickets and restrict them to 135 and then played a scintillating knock of 55 not out including nine boundaries to lead his team to a victory.

Amjad Javed was the other batsman to dazzle for Fly Emirates with an unbeaten knock of 73 runs with six fours and two sixes.

Rapid-fire
Seasoned campaigner Iqbal Chippa showed his class with a fine performance for Mashreq Bank.

He first scored a rapid-fire 60 in 35 balls and then prised out two wickets to defeat Pak Titans by 111 runs.

Eight of the Mashreq batsmen were in good touch with Salah Al Deen Kadri (48), Imran Aziz (35), and Mahmoud Pir Bux (32) the other main contributors.

Al Manal made short work of the 197-run target set by Master Beaters for whom Noman top scored with an unbeaten 63.

Mumtaz smashed 39 in 14 balls and Shahid Farooq hit 33 in 14 balls to knock off the runs in 16 overs.

Source: http://gulfnews.com

Vettel takes comfortable win in Australia

Reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel took a comfortable win today at the Australian Grand Prix ahead of McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton.

Lotus Renault GP’s Vitaly Petrov finished third, scoring the first ever podium finish for a Russian driver.

Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso managed to finish fourth, followed by Mark Webber in fifth, Jenson Button in sixth, rookie Sergio Perez* in an exceptional seventh, Kamui Kobayashi* in eighth, Felipe Massa in ninth and Sebastien Buemi in tenth.

* UPDATE: Sauber drivers Kamui Kobayashi and Sergio Perez have been disqualified from the 2011 Australian Grand Prix after the race stewards determined that their cars were in breach of F1′s Technical Rules 3.10.1 and 3.10.2.

2011 Australian Grand Prix, lap by lap highlights:

The first race of the 2011 season is about to start in Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit.

2010 world champion Sebastian Vettel starts from pole position after a commanding performance during Saturday’s qualifying session. McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton starts from the second spot of the grid ahead of Mark Webber, team-mate Jenson Button, Fernando Alonso, Vitaly Petrov and Nico Rosberg.

Both HRT‘s cars won’t race today after failing to get within 107 percent of Vettel’s fastest time.

Formation lap: the grid clears ahead of the formation lap.

Race start: Great start for Vettel. Vettel, Hamilton, Webber and Petrov. Alonso has lost several positions, he’s in P9. Alguersuari pits for a new front wing.

Lap 2/58: Schumacher pits for new tyres.

Lap 3/58: Button pressuring Massa for P5. DRS - Drag Reduction System – has been enabled. Alonso has passed Kobayashi for P8.

Lap 5/58: Alonso overtakes Rosberg for P7. Vettel leads by 3.1 seconds.

Lap 6/58: Vettel P1, Hamilton P2, Webber P3, Petrov P4.

Lap 7/58: Massa is being told over the radio that his brakes are ‘too hot’.

Lap 8/58: Great battle between Massa and Button for P5.

Lap 9/58: Meanwhile Alonso has caught Button and Massa.

Lap 10/58: Vettel reports that his rear tyres are starting to go.

Lap 11/58: Maldonado has stopped.

Lap 12/58: Webber pits. Button has passed Massa through the run-off area; the Briton has to give back the position.

Lap 13/58: Alonso pits. Race Control: Incident between Massa and Button is under investigation by the race stewards.

Lap 14/58: Massa pits. Barrichello pits.

Lap 15/58: Pit stop for race leader Vettel. Race Control: drive through penalty for running off the limits for Jenson Button.

Lap 16/58: Vettel passes Button for P3. Buemi and Heidfeld pit.

Lap 17/58: Pit stop for Hamilton. Petrov pits. Rosberg, Kobayashi and Sutil pit. Replays show Kovalainen running wide into the grass.

Lap 18/58: Button makes his drive through penalty. Alguersuari and Kovalainen pit.

Lap 19/58: Schumacher pits from P20.

Lap 20/58: Vettel P1 followed by Hamilton, Webber, Petrov, Alonso, Massa. Button pits and rejoins in P12.

Lap 22/58: Kovalainen has stopped: he’s out.

Lap 23/58: Schumacher pits and retires. Barrichello attempts to pass Rosberg but he hits him.

Lap 24/58: Rosberg is out. Barrichello pits for a new front wing.

Lap 25/58: Button overtakes Kobayashi for P7.

Lap 26/58: Vettel P1, Hamilton P2, Webber, P3, Petrov P4, Alonso P5.

Lap 27/58: Incident between Barrichello and Rosberg is under investigation. Webber pits. Retired drivers so far: Rosberg, Kovalainen, Schumacher Glock and Maldonado.

Lap 28/58: Alonso pits from P4. The Spaniard rejoins in P6.

Lap 29/58: Race Control: drive through penalty for Barrichello for causing a collision.

Lap 30/58: Barrichello makes his drive through. Fastest lap for Alonso: 1:30.097.

Lap 31/58: Alonso closing in on Webber for P5. Heidfeld pits.

Lap 32/58: Massa pits and rejoins in P8.

Lap 33/58: Replays show Hamilton running wide. Kobayashi pits from P7.

Lap 34/58: Replays show damage on the floor of Hamilton’s McLaren.

Lap 36/58: Hamilton about to pit.

Lap 37/58: Vettel pits. Hamilton pits. Petrov and Alguersuari pit. Di Resta pits in the Force India.

Lap 38/58: Button pits. Sutil pits.

Lap 41/58: Fastest lap for rookie Sergio Perez: 1:29.962. D’Ambrosio pits in the Marussia Virgin.

Lap 42/58: Webber pits from P3. Barrichello pits. Webber rejoins in P5. Webber runs wide at trun 3.

Lap 43/58: Alonso pits. Alonso rejoins in P4 ahead of Webber.

Lap 44/58: Webber pressuring Alonso for P4. Fastest lap for Webber: 1:29.686.

Lap 46/58: Fastest lap for Alonso: 1:29.608.

Lap 48/58: Vettel P1, Hamilton P2, Petrov P3, Alonso, Webber, Massa, Button, Perez, Kobayashi, Buemi, Sutil, Di Resta, Heidfeld, Alguersuari, Barrichello, Trulli, D’Ambrosio.

Lap 49/58: Button has passed Massa for P6. Massa pits and rejoins in tenth.

Lap 50/58: Great performance so far for rookie Sergio Perez who is in seventh with only one pit stop so far.

Lap 52/58: Fastest lap for Massa: 1:29.451. Barrichello pits and retires.

Lap 55/58: Massa overtakes Buemi for P9.

Lap 57/58: Vettel P1, Hamilton P2, Petrov P3, Alonso P4.

Last lap: Sebastian Vettel takes a comfortable win today in Australia ahead of Lewis Hamilton, Vitaly Petrov and Fernando Alonso. Fifth place for Mark Webber, sixth for Jenson Button, seventh for rookie Sergio Perez, eighth for Kamui Kobayashi, ninth for Felipe Massa and tenth for Sebastien Buemi.

Some 500 Surabaya football supporters to Jakarta

Surabaya, East Java - Some 500 supporters from Surabaya have left for Jakarta for a demonstration demanding a revolution of the Indonesian Soccer Association (PSSI) and its management, in the small hours of Wednesday.

"We come to Jakarta to unite with other supporters in Indonesia demanding for a replacement of the management of PSSI and Nurdin Halid to step down as the organization`s general chairman," Surabaya supporter coordinator Gomes said on the sidelines of the departure in Surabaya.

They left on 12 buses without wearing any attributes of Persebaya supporters.

"Some representatives of the supporters had already gone first coordinating with the leaders of the other supporters already in Jakarta, their determination cannot be bargained," he said.

He also hoped the decision of the PSSI Verification Team which had set aside George Toisutta and Arifin Panigoro as candidates of PSSI general chairman for the next term would be canceled.

In the meantime, the departure of the Surabaya supporters was actually not the last time. It was planned that on Wednesday (Feb 23) afternoon hundreds of other supporters will follow to Jakarta using 10 buses. (Uu.H-NG/F001)

Ambassador to meet FIFA President on national football association crisis

Jakarta - Indonesian Ambassador to Switzerland Djoko Susilo is to meet FIFA President Joseph Sepp Blatter on Tuesday (March 8) to enlighten the latter about the crisis happening in the All-Indonesia Football Association (PSSI).

"The time and agenda of the meeting has been set. I will brief the FIFA chief on what the government knows about the trouble in PSSI, including happenings ahead of the PDDI congress," Djoko Susilo said when contacted by telephone from Jakarta on Saturday.

He said FIFA had so far been receiving one-sided information, namely from PSSI itself. "Now I have been assigned by the government to explain the crisis in PSSI based on data it possesses," he said.

Apart from clarifying current developments in Indonesian football, Djoko would also ask Blatter about the PSSI rules of association endorsed by FIFA whereby Nurdin Halid, the present PSSI chairman was able to get reelected at the PSSI congress in 2007.

"FIFA should also be informed of what the government knows. So far, it has been fed with information from PSSI only. In short, I will meet Sepp Blatter so that he does not only have a one-sided understanding of the PSSI crisis," Djoko said.

Djoko who is a former member of the House of Representatives (DPR)`s Commission I, said the trouble happening in PSSI was a crucial matter because it involved the public and had become a national issue.

"Just wait, I will duly report on the outcome of my meeting with the FIFA chief. I will enlighten him on developments in Indonesian football, including the government`s role in supervising sports," he said.

Djoko said if the explanations he would give to Blatter did not satisfy FIFA, he might ask Youth and Sports Minister Andi Mallarangeng, who was the one who had asked him to meet the FIFA leadership, to come to the FIFA headquarters in Zurich himself.

The PSSI crisis evolves around the present chairman Nurdin Halid`s candidacy for another term in office ahead of a PSSI congress although under his leadership Indonesian football remained void of any significant achievement.

A committee responsible for verification of the eligibility of candidates for the PSSi chair recently named Nurdin and one of his long-time associates as the only candidates fit to stand in the election. This triggered wide-spread protests across the country and a commission handling appeals on the verification committee`s decision eventually revoked Nurdin`s nomination.

As a result of the problem, the PSSI executive board decided to postpone the timeline of the association`s congress while FIFA had ruled that the congress must take place before April 30. (HAJM/S012)

Kido/Hendra resolved to win All-England title

Jakarta - Indonesian badminton pair Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan are resolved to win the men`s double champion`s title in the All-England tournament in England next week.

"We are anxious (to win it) because we have never done it," Hendra said when attending the signing of a cooperation agreement between PT Adaro Energy Tbk. and PT Flypower here on Saturday to support the pair in their fight in the international tournament.

All England is the only big individual badminton tournament that the two have never won, after recording a victory in the Southeast Asia Games, Asian Games, the World Championship and the Olympics.

Regarding the injury on his knee he sustained after they won a gold medal in the Asian Games in November Hendra said that it was already improving.

"It is not a problem anymore. I have been able to play normally," he said.

Markis Kido shared the desire to win the All England champion who along with Hendra achieved a semi-final round last year.

"We have never won a title there and of course we wish we could become a champion," he said.

Their coach, Sigit Pamungkas, said the chance for the two was big if they could surpass the quarterfinals well.

In the quarterfinals at the Super Series Premier tournament Kido and Hendra would likely meet their long time opponents Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong of Malaysia.

"However they also need to be careful against young pairs from Korea, Japan and China," Sigit who would accompany them said.

Regarding their preparations he said that it was quite good. "Their participation in the China League even served as evaluation materials for me to see if their performance was good enough especially Hendra`s who has had a knee injury," he said.

"It seems they are fine and have even been able to beat the Chinese pair that won the Malaysia Super Series (Chai Biao) and Xu

Chen. We can consider them as their sparring partners," he said.

Hendra and Kido would leave for Birmingham on Sunday to participate in the All England from March 8 to 13.(F005/H-YH/HAJM/H-YH)

FIFA bans Nurdin Halid from running for PSSI chair

Jakarta - The world football regulator FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) has banned the present chairman of the All-Indonesia Football Association (PSSI). Nurdin Halid, from running in the election of a new chairman at its congress in late April.

Indonesian ambassador to Switzerland Joko Susilo when contacted by phone from here on Tuesday (March 8) said FIFA`s stand on Nurdin Halid was conveyed to him by FIFA President Joseph "Sepp" Blatter at a meeting earlier in the day in Zurich, Switzerland.

"Sepp Blatter said that FIFA was following its own rules of association and ethics and under these rules, ex-convicts cannot lead a football organization," he said.

Blatter who was informed by Djoko about the leadershio crisis in PSSI strictly forbade Nurdin Halid to run for PSSI chairman or other official positions in the organization.

"FIFA will not recognize the election`s result if Nurdin runs for the 2011-2015 chairmanship, and FIFA only wanted Indonesian football to be better," said Joko.

As a follow up measure, FIFA would also send a team to monitor PSSI`s congress according to the valid association`s code of conduct.

The PSSI congress will be held before April 20, 2011, according to FIFA notification letter sent earlier.

Blatter also said that FIFA will not interfere on the existence of the National Football Recovering Committee, because it is an internal PSSI`s problem.

According to original plan, the PSSI congress was to be held in Bali on March 26 to elect a chairman and deputy chairman, and an executive committee, but because an appeals committee had disqualified all four candidates, the congress had to be postponed and after FIFA was informed of the situation, it had ruled that the congress must take place before April 30.

The four candidates were Nurdin Halid, Nirwan Bakrie, George Toisutta and Arifin Panigoro.

The complicated situation prompted Indonesian football enthusiasts to hold mass rallies to demand that Nurdin Halid no longer be the PSSI chairman.

Indonesian football enthusiasts also said that Nurdin Halid had violated FIFA rules of association because he was an ex-convict. (A050/H-YH)

Rossi and Hayden fight hard in first race

Riding with characteristic grit and determination, Valentino Rossi finished the Grand Prix of Qatar in seventh place. The Italian rider duelled with Ben Spies for sixth place as long as the strength in his still-healing shoulder allowed, and he managed to maintain a good pace to the end.
After starting from the fifth row, Nicky Hayden rode a comeback race, steadily increasing his pace and finishing ninth after a series of nice passes.

Valentino Rossi:
“For sure we’re not here to get seventh-place finishes, but there are also positive things from this race, starting with the times, because we were lapping pretty quickly. I had a great start, and that was a nice feeling because the horsepower that this bike has really helps it to launch. Then I made a small error in the first turn, which is a shame because I got stuck behind Barbera for a few laps. Otherwise I would have been closer to Simoncelli and Dovizioso, since anyway there was a period when I lapped with them. I wouldn’t have beaten them though, because at the end of the race, I’m no longer able to ride like I have to. I’m not referring to the Ducati because even last year, after I hurt my shoulder, I had the same problems in the latter parts of the races, and since the two bikes are so different, it means that it’s really a matter of me not being physically right. It’s not just that. We also have to improve the bike because the others have clearly made a step forward since last year. Still, I learned a lot in this test and in this race, and we’ve already given very specific instructions about what must be done in the long term, in order to improve for the second half of the season for example. In the near term, on the other hand, we’ll work on the setup, we’ll keep gathering experience, and I’ll continue exercising and doing everything I can to recuperate physically.”

Nicky Hayden:
“I got a bad start in the race, and then when De Puniet crashed, I just about ran over him and had to come to a complete stop. I’m happy I didn’t run into him, but that was a bad break, because I was dead last with a gap to the next person. I started picking my way through, and once I got into ninth, I got into a decent rhythm and started doing my pace. I was trying to catch Edwards because I thought it would’ve been nice to have a last-lap race with him, but I didn’t quite get to him. It’s been a tough weekend for me on and off the track, but everybody around here is working to the maximum. They’re the first ones in and the last ones out. I can’t be happy with the ride, but I came from dead last, and my fastest lap was my last one. We’ve got a lot of work to do, but it’s just one race, and no one can say we weren’t trying.”

Stoner happy, Pedrosa and Dovizioso disappointed

The Repsol Honda Team completed a strong first round of the 2011 Championship as Casey Stoner took the top spot ahead of Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo with Repsol Honda team mate Dani Pedrosa in third and Andrea Dovizioso fourth.

With this win, Stoner dominated the weekend at the Losail International Circuit, as he also took pole position and recorded the fastest lap of the race with a 1'55.366 set on lap 13.

Casey Stoner, Repsol Honda
"After a great pre-season, we came into this race weekend and everything kept getting better and better for us. This morning in warm up we had a few issues getting a good feeling with the bike, carrying a full tank of fuel and this issue also affected us in the early part of the race. We knew though as the fuel level decreased and the tyres aged, that our bike would come back to us. Dani came past and we decided to follow to see where he was strong and where I was weak. Then when I started to feel more confident with the bike and had more grip and better turning, we decided to push forwards and take advantage. Tonight the bike was fantastic, as it has been for all the sessions and I'm very proud to be racing for Repsol Honda and to take my first victory in the first race. It is a great way to start the season! I'm really happy with how everything has gone and the way the team has all worked together, a big thanks to Honda and my best wishes to Japan in this difficult time".

Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda
"I'm disappointed, not for the race I had, but for the physical problems I had again with my left arm. Already in practice I felt something, but I was not sure if it could be that bad. At the end I couldn't grab the handlebar and in the last 7-8 laps I couldn't use the clutch at all. I was just holding the arm and I was suffering a lot. The bike was perfect all race, I had the chance to win but I had a very hard time, one of the toughest races of my life. I don't know what I can do because I should be ok after the rest I had this winter. I did the tests and everything was in order. I feel sorry for my team as well, because the bike was very good, fast, perfect also in the corners. I'm proud of how I've been riding, I've been fighting with Casey in this circuit, as nobody else did in the past, but at the same time, I feel sad because I don't know what the future will bring. I know we will go to Jerez in two weeks, where the bike will run very well, and I'm very strong and fast, but I don't know what will happen".

Andrea Dovizioso
“I’m a bit disappointed because our target was the podium but all in all I had a good race. In the first laps I thought I could fight for the podium. I’m satisfied with my pace, I also did my fastest time on the last lap. The bike was consistent, but we need to make another step forward to stay with Casey and Dani. I lost time in the fight with Simoncelli, his passing manoeuvre was at the limit in my opinion. This was a crucial moment because we lost time which we needed to fight for the podium. I want to thank my team for the work done on the bike. I’m also happy of my physical condition because I finished the race without being too tired although racing here is demanding".

Pedrosa title hopes in doubt after arm misery

Dani Pedrosa's 2011 MotoGP title chances are already in doubt after the Spaniard encountering severe problems with his left arm during Sunday's season-opening Qatar Grand Prix.

Pedrosa smashed his left collarbone after a throttle malfunction during practice for last October's Japanese Grand Prix, and had experienced a lack of strength and numbness after returning for the final few races of last year.

Further surgery was considered, but eventually ruled out after medical tests, and the 2010 title runner-up seemed to be untroubled by the arm during winter testing.

But after brilliantly taking the fight to new Repsol Honda team-mate Casey Stoner for the first half of Sunday's race, Pedrosa was struggling to hold on to his RCV.

Dani lost the lead to Stoner on lap 12 of 22, then a further position to Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo in the closing stages. Pedrosa's lap times had dropped from mid-1min 55sec to mid-1min 56sec.

"I'm disappointed, not for the race I had, but for the physical problems I had again with my left arm,” he said. “Already in practice I felt something, but I was not sure if it could be that bad, at the end I couldn't grab the handlebar and in the last 7-8 laps I couldn't use the clutch at all. I was just holding the arm and I was suffering a lot.

“The bike was perfect all race, I had the chance to win but I had a very hard time, one of the toughest races of my life. I don't know what can I do, because should be ok after the rest I had this winter. I did the tests and everything was in order. In the winter tests I was a bit weak, but I felt alright, so I don't know what we have to do.

“I feel sorry for my team as well, because the bike was very good, fast, perfect also in the corners. I'm proud of how I've been riding, I've been fighting with Casey in this circuit as nobody else did in the past but at the same time I feel sad because I don't know what the future will bring.

“I know we will go to Jerez in two weeks, where the bike will run very well, and I'm very strong and fast, but I don't know what will happen".

Dovizioso unhappy with Simoncelli pass

Andrea Dovizioso felt a rough pass by fellow Italian Marco Simoncelli cost him a shot at the podium in Sunday's Qatar MotoGP.

The factory Honda riders, Dovizioso for Repsol and Simoncelli for San Carlo, were inseparable for almost the entire race, until Dovi retook fourth on lap 17 of 22.

The Italian then closed fast on fading team-mate Pedrosa, setting his best lap on his last lap as he crossed the line less than a second behind the Spaniard.

“I'm a bit disappointed because our target was the podium but all in all I had a good race,” said Dovizioso. “We ran with a strong pace and the bike was constant but we need to make another step forward to stay with Casey and Dani.

“I lost time in the fight with Simoncelli, his passing manoeuvre [on lap 8] was at the limit in my opinion. This was a crucial moment because we lost time which we needed to fight for the podium.

“I want to thank my team for the work done on the bike. I'm also happy of my physical condition because I finished the race without being too tired although racing here is demanding.”

Simoncelli meanwhile was over the moon with fifth.

“I am delighted!” he smiled. “I was a bit too nervous over the first few laps, but it was so good to be racing at the front of the field that I almost didn't finish the race! Joking aside I am really happy because I thought my pace would be in the 1'56s but we were able to better it.

“At one point when I passed Dovizioso I thought I might be able to go after Lorenzo but I made a little mistake and it broke my rhythm. Then at the end in the battle with Dovizioso I was slightly slower than him on used tyres and I dropped off.

“Anyway, it was great to see the others so close up and I am sure this was my best race - maybe not the result but in terms of my consistency and the distance to the race winner. Now we need to take another step in the next race and have fun with the guys in the team, who have done a fantastic job.”

Job Vacancy at PT Hero Supermarket, Tbk

We are one of the famous leading retail player in Indonesia, PT Hero Supermarket, Tbk, which have affiliation in Asia Pacific is seeking potential candidate to fill up the following position to become a part of our team :

Specialist Manager FOR RTE
Code : SRTE
(Jakarta Raya)

Responsibilities:
* To develop and implement strategic plans for assigned RTE (Ready To Eat) categories within framework of a disciplined category management business process so as to achieve company's financial goals and objectives, improve market share, promotions, customer satisfaction and productivity perfomance measures of the company

Requirements:
* Graduate from S1 or Bachelor from any dicipline
* Having 7 - 10 years experienced in retail industry with chain stores, fast food chain stores, hotel and restaurant
* Creative, energetic, sharp analytical skill, team work oriented, result oriented, presentation skill, an excellence communications at all level within the organization
* Posses strong knowledge of Ready To Eat (RTE) with the culinary background
* English proficiency both oral and written is essential

If you meet the requirements above, please send your application with recent photograph within 2 weeks after this advertisement to:

Human Resources Division
PT. Hero Supermarket, Tbk.
Jln. Gatot Subroto No.177A - Kav.64
Jakarta 12870
or by email to :
manager_recruit@hero.co.id and recruit@hero.co.id
Only short listed will be invited

Job Vacancy at PT Berkah Engineering Indonesia

We are a fast growing company engaged in supply and services of industrial compressed air system.

And We are looking for hard-working bright young candidates to join us:

Sales Engineers ( Code-SLE)
(Jakarta Raya)

Requirements:
* Male, max 32 years of age
* University graduate or Polytechnic diploma in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering
* Min 2 years track record in selling capital goods to manufacturing industry
* Have stamina, self-confidence, drive and determination to win
* Have initiative, self starter, willing and able to get things done
* Have a good communication skills and strong personal presence
* Familiar with Microsoft Office Application
* Residing in Jakarta

Attractive Remuneration would be provided for the sucessful candidates
Please send your application with detailed CV and recent photograph, preferably via email, within 2 weeks of the date of this adverstisment to:
PT.BERKAH ENGINEERING INDONESIA
Komplek Citra Business Park
Jl. Peta Barat Blok A-16
Jakarta Barat 11840 – Indonesia
Attention: HRD Department
Email: berkaheng@gmail.com

Please Indicate the Code of the position you apply for in the subject of the email Or on the left side of the envelope.

Spies satisfied, Lorenzo frustrated after Qatar Test

The biggest threat on the track this evening for Yamaha Factory Racing riders Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies was not other riders but fiercely strong winds blowing across the Losail Circuit in Qatar. The final pre-season MotoGP Test session before next weekend's opening race was a battle against the elements.

American rider Spies built steadily up the timesheets, slotting in as second fastest rider just before the midway point of the session. He took his last opportunity before the race weekend to work through some further geometry settings with Crew Chief Tom Houseworth as they hunted down extra grip on the track, wrapping up at the end in third, 0.613 seconds from the front.

Spies' team mate Lorenzo struggled to make a significant step forward from yesterday's session, hampered by the winds the Mallorcan was unable to find the best set up for the conditions. He finished the session with an extended run to check on fuel consumption, ending the final Test of the winter off-season in seventh position on the timesheet.

Ben Spies, 3rd, 1'56.294:
"It's been a good Test, I'm happy with it. We tried a few different things today and improved the bike some more. We've now got a couple of days to look over the data ready for the four-day weekend, there'll be plenty more riding opportunities before Sunday. I was pretty confident coming here after Sepang, hopefully we can make the bike even better before the race. Last year we saw that the M1 worked well at every track, it's Yamaha's strong point and I think it's the same this year."

Jorge Lorenzo, 7th, 1'56.707:
"Today wasn't the best day for me. It was not because my riding is bad, I always admit when it is, we struggled with the set up of the bike during the session and unfortunately we didn't make a step forward. The wind was tough but that was a problem for everyone. We also tried a different swing arm today but it didn't make an improvement. We will work over the next few days to be ready to improve in the next sessions on Thursday."

Wilco Zeelenberg, Yamaha Factory Racing Team Manager:
"Today was a very windy day in Qatar, compared to yesterday we struggled a little bit with the feeling and the balance of the bike because of it. We made a long run at the end even though we hadn't found a perfect feeling to see what our fuel consumption was and also gather some more electronic information. The bike set up wasn't perfect for it but it was necessary to do."

Massimo Meregalli, Yamaha Factory Racing Team Director:
"We are satisfied with Ben's bike set up, he was consistently quite fast. Ben didn't push 100% which makes us confident for the race weekend. We didn't try a really long run but managed to maintain a consistent fast pace with a used tyre. We didn't make as big a step forward today on Jorge's side as we would have liked however we completed a useful longer run to gather some valuable data. We're confident that we have enough sessions before Sunday's race for both riders to find an optimum and competitive set up."
Yamaha Factory Racing press release

Repsol Honda geared up for first race weekend in Qatar

Casey Stoner, the fastest rider of the last Qatar pre-season test can boast the biggest numbers of victories at this track. The Australian has won the MotoGP race here three times in 2007, 2008 and 2009, plus the 250 once in 2005.

Dani Pedrosa, fast and consistent during the whole winter test, is ready to face the Qatar race - where he has enjoyed two podiums at MotoGP level in 2007 and 2008, and also in 250 in 2004. He is confident that he and his machine are in good shape to have a strong start to the season.

After good results in the pre-season, Andrea Dovizioso is looking forward to the first race of the Championship. Andrea has good memories of this track, finishing on the podium in all 3 classes. In 2010 he finished third after a very strong race and in 2008, on a Honda satellite bike, he finished fourth overtaking Valentino Rossi on the last lap of his debut MotoGP race.

Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda
"I'm really looking forward to starting the season. We've been here for many days already and it's time to start racing. Our expectations for the race are high after the results of the winter test. I think we did a good job, the bike was competitive in Sepang and when we have changed circuits, it kept the same level, so I'm very happy about that. We start this season with a competitive bike. The RCV212V hasn't changed so much from the one we had for the second half of last season and I feel confident. Anyway, we need to be concentrate very hard because the race weekend will be very demanding with four days of testing. Our rivals will improve and we will see how the conditions are. I’m expecting very windy as it's been during testing. Both the bike and I are in a good shape and I hope we can take this occasion to start the season strongly. I am very sorry for what is going on in Japan. I have been with Honda since the beginning of my career and I have many Japanese friends. My thoughts are with them and I really hope the situation will get better soon for all of Japan".

Andrea Dovizioso, Repsol Honda
“Racing in Qatar is special because it’s the first round of the season and we race at night. I have good memories at this track, like my first race in MotoGP when I finished 4th or last year's podium. I look forward to start racing after a very positive winter preparation. Casey and Dani have raised the level, but compared to last year I feel more competitive. Here in Losail, the bike slides a lot and it’s important to find the specific setting for this track. The race will be long and physically demanding, but I am looking forward to starting the Championship. Concerning the decision taken yesterday to postpone the GP of Japan, I agree with it. The extent of the damage made by the earthquake and the tsunami, are so big that it was not thinkable to have a GP there in few weeks. The priority of the country in this moment is to take care of the people and recover from the situation. I feel very close to the Japanese people”.

Casey Stoner, Repsol Honda
"In this difficult time with the events in Japan, it is hard to go racing and this tragedy is at the front of all our minds. That said, it's what we do, so we must concentrate to the best of our abilities to bring home a good result for Honda and all it's employees. After a strong winter testing period, I'm very happy with the set-up we have found on the bike and I go into this race weekend looking for a good result. When the flag drops, we will see the true pace of all our competitors and know where we stand and I can't wait. Usually, I feel comfortable here at the Losail circuit and I hope that this year - my first with the Repsol Honda Team, we can achieve a good result".

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Galliani rules out Pato transfer

Adriano Galliani locked down Alexandre Pato and claimed Milan’s Scudetto showdown with Napoli is “very important, but not decisive.”

The Rossoneri are still top of the Serie A table and go head-to-head with second-placed Napoli on Monday night.

“This match will be very important, but not decisive,” insisted the Milan Vice-President.

Galliani also commented on reports that young striker Pato would be sacrificed over the summer transfer market to bring in reinforcements.

“The Brazilian is essential for Milan and will absolutely remain here,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

There has been a hat-trick of home defeats for Italian sides in the first leg of the Champions League ties, but the former Lega Calcio chief is keeping calm.

“It will be difficult for all three teams, but we must not all is lost already.”

Milan lost 1-0 to Tottenham and Inter fell by the same scoreline to Bayern Munich, while Roma were defeated 3-2 by Shakhtar Donetsk.

Cassano: 'Cavani like Ibrahimovic? It's a joke!'

Antonio Cassano laughs off comparisons between Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani. “Let’s not joke around. Ibra is on another level.”

Monday’s big match sees leaders Milan welcome second place Napoli in a Scudetto clash and Cassano gave a long interview to the Corriere dello Sport in preparation.

“Are we under pressure from Napoli? No, here at Milan the only pressure is our blood pressure,” smiled the striker.

“I don’t care what Inter and Napoli want. I do not fear anybody. This Milan is not afraid and it shouldn’t be, as it is the strongest team, without doubt.”

When asked who was the better player right now between Ibrahimovic and top scorer Cavani, Cassano had no hesitation.

“Let’s not joke around, what kind of a question is that? Cavani is a good player, but he reminds me of Igor Protti at Bari. He needs to be more consistent. Ibrahimovic is on another level.

“The best I ever played with was Ronaldo, followed by Zinedine Zidane, then Ibra and Francesco Totti on a par.”

There are reports Cassano will be dropped for Monday’s game in favour of Alexandre Pato, who scored a sensational goal against Chievo.

“Pato is the absolute best and I told him that. Only Leo Messi is better and the two together would be incredible to watch. I immediately got along with Ibrahimovic, as me and Zlatan are two totally crazy guys, so we are similar. Pato is more of a little boy and quite shy.”

Cassano joined Milan during the January transfer window after two months frozen out of Sampdoria following a blazing row with President Riccardo Garrone.

“Looking back to what happened four months ago, I would pay out of my own pocket to avoid the mistake I made with Garrone. He was the person who showed me the most affection in the football world and he really didn’t deserve what I did to him.”

Hamsik: 'AC Milan are not unbeatable'

Marek Hamsik is fired up for the Scudetto duel with on Monday, even if he plays down Napoli’s title chances. “Milan are not at all unbeatable.”

The second placed side pay visit to the Serie A leaders and only three points separate them going into the game

“There’s no point denying it, a large chunk of the Scudetto is in the balance on Monday night,” Hamsik told the Corriere dello Sport.

“However, we are certainly not there to gamble with the title. Milan are in front, we are three points behind, so they are the ones with more to lose. Of course, if we should win at San Siro, then there would be 11 games to go and we’d be on level terms...

“In that case, the Scudetto odds would be on Milan and Inter. As for Napoli, I’d be happy with third of fourth place.

“The Rossoneri may be favourites for Monday’s match, but they are not at all uneatable. In our last meeting at the San Paolo we played well despite going through half the game with 10 men and could even have equalised.”

Much has been said in the media about the duel between Edinson Cavani and Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the Capocannoniere title.

“This season Cavani has been the best player in Serie A, but if Ibra has won the title wherever he went over the last seven years, there must be a reason,” noted Hamsik.

The Partenopei are still smarting after their 2-1 defeat at Villarreal signalled the end of the Europa League course.

“We were defeated by a great squad, but did not deserve to go out of the competition. We proved we can play in such important games and thanks to that will now be even more aware of our capabilities.”

Rosberg fastest on rain-hit final day

Nico Rosberg put his Mercedes at the top of the timesheets as pre-season running for the 2011 season came to an end at the Ciruit de Catalunya on Saturday. The German driver put in a late effort to narrowly beat the FW33 of Pastor Maldonado, who had been the pace-setter for much of the afternoon session in Barcelona.

After most of the field packed up to prepare for the first race in Melbourne last night, McLaren, Ferrari, Williams and Mercedes were the four teams who remained on-track for a final day of testing in Spain. Hispania Racing was set to debut its new F111 today, but had to cancel its plans when key car components were not allowed through Spanish customs.

Heavy overnight rain had drenched the surroundings of Montmeló ahead of the final day of running, with torrential conditions failing to ease off during the early hours. As the session officially got underway, surface water made any true running impossible, with only installation laps taking place during the first few hours.

Lewis Hamilton was the only man to complete a flying lap before the lunch break, with the McLaren driver posting a time of 1:57.765 during a sequence of laps in his MP4-26. It was not until the middle of the afternoon until the Briton improved however, taking over ten seconds off his previous best lap-time, setting a 1:47.304 to move further ahead as the rain continued to fall.

Hamilton was eventually joined by two of the other three drivers out on track today, with Maldonado climbing to the top of the timesheets. After a string of laps the GP2 graduate consolidated his position with an effort of 1:46.157. Rosberg quickly joined the pair on the timing screens in his newly-updated MGP-W02, circulating exactly 1.6 seconds slower than Maldonado.

Rosberg took over from team-mate Michael Schumacher for the afternoon session, and went on to edge out Maldonado in a last gasp effort. Despite the conditions masking drivers' pace even further today, Mercedes will leave Barcelona in a more positive mood than it arrived, with its drivers topping the timesheets on the final two days of running.

With the pre-season testing period now over, all attentions will turn towards the Australian Grand Prix in a fortnight's time. HRT will once again arrive at the opening race with no prior running of its car, with the outfit's 2011 challenger set to be driven for the first time during Friday practice in Melbourne.

Williams confirms KERS for Melbourne

Williams has revealed that it will be using KERS during the season-opening Grand Prix of the year in Melbourne, with the team opting to stick with its unit despite early teething problems in testing. The Grove-based outfit announced the news on Saturday, with the final pre-season test coming to a close at Barcelona.

Rubens Barrichello and Pastor Maldonado have both endured KERS related technical troubles behind the wheel of the newly-designed FW33, but Williams is confident that no such issues should occur when the upcoming Formula 1 campaign gets underway on the weekend of March 25-27.

According to Williams' official Twitter feed, Technical Director Sam Michael was working at Grove to asses the situation, and has since decided to use the system in Australia: "Reviewed KERS problem and good news is that we'll be racing KERS in Melbourne."

Formula One boss wants Bahrain protests to 'blow away'

AP - Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone is hoping deadly anti-government protests will cease so the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix can go ahead as scheduled.

Ecclestone says a decision over the March 13 opener will come next week with the race in risk of becoming the first one canceled in F1 history.

Ecclestone says, "Our people there say, 'It's quiet, no problems.' I'm more hopeful today... Let's hope this all blows away.'' Ecclestone's comments came as Bahrain security forces fired more tear gas on protest marchers in Manama on Friday.

So far, five people are reported dead and at least 230 wounded from the Egypt-style protests following a brutal crackdown Thursday on a protest encampment in Manama.

Unrest forces cancellation of Bahraini opening Grand Prix

AFP - The season-opening Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix, due to be staged on March 13, was cancelled on Monday due to the deadly political unrest in the Gulf state, organisers announced.

The widely anticipated move was confirmed in an official statement shortly after reports emerged that F1 teams had decided not to go ahead with a scheduled testing session at the circuit next week.

Bahrain Crown Prince HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa said: "At the present time the country's entire attention is focused on building a new national dialogue for Bahrain.

"Although (F1 rights holder) Bernie Ecclestone had graciously made clear that a decision on the race was entirely Bahrain's to make and was not yet required, we felt it was important for the country to focus on immediate issues of national interest and leave the hosting of Bahrain's Formula 1 race to a later date."

The 2011 season will now get underway with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 27.

No date has been set for a possible rescheduling of the Bahrain race, which was first held in 2004 when Michael Schumacher won, later in the year.

Ecclestone, who has been in constant contact with organisers over the race's fate, gave his reaction.

The F1 chief said: "It is sad that Bahrain has had to withdraw from the race, we wish the whole nation well as they begin to heal their country.

"The hospitality and warmth of the people of Bahrain is a hallmark of the race there, as anyone who has been at a Bahrain Grand Prix will testify. We look forward to being back in Bahrain soon."

Prince Salman in his statement added: "After the events of the past week, our nation's priority is on overcoming tragedy, healing divisions and rediscovering the fabric that draws this country together; reminding the world of the very best that Bahrain is capable of as a nation once again united."

Circuit chairman Zayed Alzayani expressed the hope of restaging the race.

"Bahrain's Grand Prix is a time of celebration and hosting the race is a source of great pride for Bahrain and Bahrainis," he said.

"It is a showcase to the world and we look forward to welcoming the teams and drivers and everyone involved in Formula One back to Bahrain in the very near future.

"I hope that F1 and our friends around the world will understand our decision at this difficult time."

Monday's announcement follows the cancellation of last weekend's GP2 Series race in Bahrain after pro-democracy protests that have led to deadly clashes with police.

The unrest in the small Gulf state of Bahrain is part of a wave of protests that have rippled across North Africa and the Middle East since the revolt that ousted Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in January.

There had been unease in the pits over the staging of a race in a country in turmoil, with Red Bull's Mark Webber one of the drivers to voice his reservations.

"When you hear of people losing their lives, this is a tragedy," the Australian told the BBC.

"It's probably not the best time to go there for a sporting event. They have bigger things, bigger priorities."

Marseille and Manchester United share the spoils after a dreary draw

AFP - Manchester United and Marseille shared the spoils, but no goals, as the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie ended in a drab and forgettable 0-0 draw here on Wednesday.

With Marseille fearful of conceding an away goal and United rusty in attack the game was reduced to a war of attrition in which ponderous passing and stout defending were the order of the day.

The game's best chance saw Darren Fletcher draw a smart save from Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda with a low drive and it was one of few highlights on a night when the teams succeeded only in cancelling each other out.

In the absence of a knockout blow in the first leg, a goal for Marseille in the return match on March 15 will put them in a commanding position to reach the last eight for the first time since they won the tournament in 1993.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson conceded that the result left the outcome delicately balanced, though, he said his side had their fate in their own hands.

"This sort of result can be dangerous if you concede a goal at home," said the 69-year-old Scot.

"But its simple because if we win we go through."

Ferguson admitted that he had expected more of his side in terms of attacking potency.

"It was a disappointing game but they (Marseille) were desperate not to concede a goal," he said.

"But I also expected more of us offfensively as we didn't make the most of our chances when we got into offensive positions."

Marseille coach Didier Deschamps was delighted that his team had delivered on his wish not to concede a goal.

"I am very happy with my players because they have done their best tonight as Manchester United showed what a good team they are," said Deschamps, who captained Marseille to the 1993 crown.

"Maybe we will have an opportunity to score in the second leg. It is not a bad result for us but it is a good one for United," he added.

Deschamps side started the game in cautious fashion, allowing United to take the initiative.

The visitors appeared keen to test former United player Gabriel Heinze's ageing legs in the Marseille left-back position and Nani was regularly sought out with searching passes into the space behind the Argentine.

Fletcher's chance arrived in the eighth minute as he tested Mandanda with a skidding effort from the edge of the box, while Souleymane Diawara showed alertness to block from Wayne Rooney.

The good positions that Marseille did manage to adopt were squandered due to a reluctance to shoot at goal, testament perhaps to the absence through injury of in-form striker Andre-Pierre Gignac.

A miscued overhead kick by Brandao was all they could muster in the first 45 minutes, while United's own momentum faded after a bright start.

The hosts enjoyed a more promising spell early in the second period, with Edwin van der Sar called into action by a Brandao header before Andre Ayew thrashed a half-volley across goal and wide from the left-hand side.

The hosts' flurry of attacking endeavour roused the notoriously demanding Stade Velodrome crowd but United -- who conceded just one goal in the group phase -- defended calmly and were not unduly troubled.

A moment of inattention from Rod Fanni gave Dimitar Berbatov a sight of goal at the other end but Diawara intervened smartly to get in the way of the Bulgarian's shot.

Deschamps introduced Mathieu Valbuena, freshly recovered from a knee injury, with 11 minutes to play but the France winger's first touch spoke of weeks on the sidelines as he tamely let the ball roll out of play.

Mandanda saved at Nani's feet to keep the Premier League leaders at bay before the fans' patience was finally rewarded by the final whistle.

Malaysian Riders Set To Dominate Tour Of Malaysia

Johor Bahru - The 47th Tour of Malaysia which starts tomorrow will be the platform for Malaysian riders to show their capability.

Tour of Malaysia 2011 chief operating officer Datuk Naim Mohamed said unlike Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), the Tour of Malaysia has a class of its own.

"Don't compare Tour of Malaysia with the prestigious LTdL which has a high UCI status. Tour of Malaysia has a 2.2 status to give more opportunity to local riders."

Malaysia's oldest cycling tour has attracted participation of 30 teams, ten more than the previous year.

Naim said it is the highest number of entries since the race was introduced in 1963.

Twelve local teams - the Malaysian national team, two continental teams and ten club teams are vying for honours.

The two continental teams from Malaysia are Le Tua Cycling Team (L2A) and Terengganu Pro Asia Cycling Team (TSG).

TSG team is banking on Anuar Manan and Harrif Salleh. The challenge will come from Suhardi Hassan, Wan Mohamed Wan Mohd Najmee, Sayuti Zahit and Mohd Zamri Salleh.

A lot is also expected from young riders Muhammad Adiq Husainie Othman, Ahmad Fakhrullah Alias, Mohd Shahrul Mat Amin, Amir Mustafa Rosli and Mohd Fakharuddin Daud.

First stage of the 1,011km Tour of Malaysia is from Kota Iskandar to Bandar Penawar, a distance of 162.5km.

In KUALA TERENGGANU, TSG coach Syed Mohd Hussaini Syed Mazlan said national rider Anuar Manan will lead the team of six riders to Tour of Malaysia.

The other members are Mohd Harrif Salleh, Mohd Shahrul Mat Amin, Yusrizal Usoff, Mohammad Saufi Senan and Motoi Nara.

"These riders represented TSG at Tour De Mumbai in India last month," he told Bernama here Monday.

He is confident that the riders especially Anuar will be able to defend his spring jersey won last year.

-- BERNAMA

Source: http://www.bernama.com

Misbun's Silence Complicates Matters - NSC

Kuala Lumpur - The National Sports Council (NSC) is disappointed that men's singles badminton coach Datuk Misbun Sidek has not made any decision whether he still wants to continue training the national squad.

NSC director-general Datuk Zolkples Embong said Misbun's silence complicated the matter.

Misbun resigned abruptly from the post in January believed to be due to dissatisfaction over the new training structure lined up by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek, BAM president Datuk Seri Mohd Nadzmi Salleh and Zolkples had met Misbun to discuss the impasse soon after the coach announced the resignation.

Zolkples told reporters here that Misbun should cooperate with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to resolve the problem and give priority to the nation.

He said however that the NSC would not make any follow up on the matter as long as it did not affect Misbun's protege Datuk Lee Chong Wei's performance.

He nevertheless hoped that the conflict would see a solution soon.

On the request for allocations by the Sabah Sports Board to improve the facilities at the Ranau Sports Complex, Zolkples said the NSC had to say no to it because the council had no fund for the purpose.

"It's not that we don't want to help but even here, the facilities are far from sufficient," he said, adding that the Ranau Sports Complex was under the jurisdiction of the board and not the NSC.

He also said that the NSC had approved the training programmes for 15 athletes at the sports complex but so far only two of them -- walkers Teoh Boon Lim and Yuan Yufang -- had begun the training there.

-- BERNAMA

Source: http://www.bernama.com

Gattuso hits winner as AC Milan beats Juventus 1-0

Gennaro Gattuso ended a run of more than three years without a goal to give Serie A leader AC Milan a 1-0 win over Juventus on Saturday.

The defensive midfielder struck midway through the second half to decide a dour game in which both sides struggled to break down one another's defense and create chances.

Juventus talked of derailing Milan's progress to the title, but lacked ideas and a cutting edge. Coach Luigi Delneri eventually turned to the team's talisman Alessandro Del Piero, but even he failed to spark any life.

Milan leads the Serie A by eight points from Inter Milan, which could close the gap to five by beating Genoa on Sunday.

The loss was Juventus' seventh in its last 11 games.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com

Arsenal misses chance to pressure United

Arsenal was held to 0-0 by Sunderland to halt its charge for the Premier League title while West Bromwich Albion and West Ham picked up crucial victories at the other end of the table on Saturday.

Sunderland was thankful to Simon Mignolet at the Emirates Stadium, with the goalkeeper producing an inspired display to keep second-place Arsenal at bay in a one-sided match.

League leader Manchester United, which has played the same number of games as the Gunners, can move six points clear at the top if it beats Liverpool away on Sunday.

Third-place Manchester City moved four points behind Arsenal by beating bottom side Wigan 1-0. Midfielder David Silva grabbed the winner when his low shot in the 38th was bundled into his own net by Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi.

In-form West Ham eased past Stoke 3-0 to climb out of the bottom three, replaced by Birmingham which lost 3-1 at home to relegation rival West Brom.

In the other games, Bolton and Fulham both scored late goals to clinch 3-2 wins over Aston Villa and Blackburn respectively, and Everton rallied to defeat Newcastle 2-1 away.

Substitute Marouane Chamakh's close-range header against the crossbar was the closest Arsenal came to breaking the deadlock on a day of frustration for the London team, which will now travel to Spain ahead of the second leg of its Champions League last-16 match with Barcelona.

With Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie among the players already out for Arsenal, manager Arsene Wenger will be unhappy to see midfielder Jack Wilshere come away nursing a minor ankle injury. The England international should be fit for the Barcelona game, though.

Wenger was more concerned his side wasted the chance to apply heavy pressure on United and was unhappy at what he believed was a wrong decision to disallow Andrey Arshavin's second-half goal for offside.

"I am too disgusted to speak about these things," Wenger said. "These kind of things have too big an impact on the Premier League and we are really disappointed but we have to take it on the chin for the next game."

Mignolet defied Nicklas Bendtner with a superb tip over the bar at the end of the first half, while Samir Nasri saw the Belgian deny him three times to somehow keep the score level.

City was lucky to come away from Eastlands with three points, given the circumstances surrounding Silva's goal and with Wigan wasting a host of clear-cut chances in the second half.

City, in the middle of a busy run of fixtures and playing three days after an FA Cup win over Aston Villa, was lethargic all match.

"In the first half, we played well, but in the second half we were so tired and Wigan played well," City manager Roberto Mancini said.

There was more movement at the foot of the standings as West Ham continued its upward progress with a comfortable victory over Stoke.

Demba Ba, with his fourth goal in three games, Manuel da Costa and Thomas Hitzlsperger were the scorers for the Hammers as they moved a point above Birmingham, which came back down to earth after its 2-1 win over Arsenal in the League Cup final last weekend.

Alex McLeish's side was deservedly beaten by West Brom, which produced an inspired second-half performance to claim a first win since mid-January.

Youssouf Mulumbu, James Morrison and Paul Scharner found the net for the visitors after the break, with Chile midfielder Jean Beausejour scoring Birmingham's consolation.

Those two victories brought Blackburn back into the relegation picture after its defeat at Fulham.

Bobby Zamora scored the winner from the penalty spot, his first goal in more than a year, to see Fulham home and leave Blackburn just two points off the bottom three.

Blackburn twice came from behind to equalize, through goals by Grant Hanley and David Hoilett, after strikes from Fulham winger Damien Duff at Craven Cottage.

Bolton provisionally moved above Liverpool into sixth place thanks to the victory over Villa, whose winger Ashley Young will rue missing a penalty when his team was 2-1 up.

Darren Bent and Marc Albrighton twice put Villa ahead only to be hauled back by a brace from Gary Cahill, before substitute Ivan Klasnic scored the winning goal for Bolton.

Leon Best opened the scoring for Newcastle at St. James' Park but goals by Leon Osman and Phil Jagielka earned Everton the win. (Steve Douglas)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com

Stewart slams Tilke-designed tracks

Sir Jackie Stewart has come out and slammed the German architect, saying 'he has not done much for the spectators'.
Tilke's association with Formula One started way back in 1999 when he designed the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia and since then he has been involved in the design of Bahrain International Circuit, China's Shanghai International Circuit, Istanbul Park Racing Circuit in Turkey, Valencia Street Circuit in Spain and Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit, to name just a few.
Overtaking is notoriously difficult in Bahrain and Valencia and, instead of looking at the design of the circuits, F1's powers that be have opted to alter the cars. In recent years they've introduced KERS and adjustable rear wings in an attempt to boost passing.
However, overtaking remains very difficult at most tracks and Stewart is convinced Tilke's designs are the big problem.
'My belief is that the major reason for the lack of overtaking in modern grand prix racing is down to the modern tracks, nearly all of which have been designed by the same man, the German architect Hermann Tilke,' he wrote in his The Telegraph.
'Yes, braking zones are now much shorter due to highly efficient brakes and aerodynamic downforce, meaning there is a much smaller overtaking zone (in my day it may have been as much as 200m; now it is more like 50m).
'But the new circuits themselves must take their share of the blame. Put simply, they are largely carbon copies of each other and they tend not to penalise mistakes.
'Take the last race of 2010 for example. There were four drivers who could have clinched the championship in Abu Dhabi but Ferrari's Fernando Alonso was the overwhelming favourite.
'He had only to finish fourth to secure his third world crown. It didn't happen because he could not find a way past Vitaly Petrov, a rookie in his first season in F1 and with little or no experience of being under such pressure.'
He added: 'Tilke has been behind almost every new circuit in F1 since the early 1990s. In some respects, he has done a great job, bringing fantastic amenities and luxuries to the sport. But I fear he has not done much for the spectators.
'Unless circuits are modified, spectators and television viewers might have to live with a lack of overtaking for some time.'
Although thankful that racetracks are no longer as dangerous as they used to be, Stewart believes maybe it's 'we have now gone too far the other way'.
'Racetracks have changed since my day and thank God for that. Back then a driver who raced for five years had a two in three chance of being killed.
'Four to six drivers a year lost their lives. It was totally unacceptable and I campaigned hard for improved safety in the sport, which happily came to pass.
'It is nearly 17 years since a life was lost in an F1 car. I can't think of an industry, a sport or a business where that standard of risk management has been achieved.
'But we have now gone too far the other way. Circuits should not permit liberties to be abused without a penalty that can be instantly recognised by spectators or TV viewers. Safety is one thing; abuse of privilege is another.'

McLaren duo admit car is not up to scratch

The two McLaren drivers had a lot of reliability issues with their new car during the first three winter tests and as a result didn't get enough mileage under the belts. With only one more pre-season test to come in Barcelona, McLaren will have their work cut out for them.
Button admits he had concerns about the MP4-26 pretty much from the word go.
"When I first jumped in the car my first reaction was not 'wow, we're going to blow everyone away'," Button told Press Association Sport.
"But then I don't think anyone would have felt that because the car has a lot less downforce and the tyres (Pirelli) are working very differently to the previous tyre (Bridgestone).
"There's nothing that really scares me about the car in a negative way, so there's a lot we can improve through general set-up work.
"This year, at the moment, we've had some issues in testing in terms of getting parts to the circuit and a couple of reliability issues.
"So we've not done as much running as we would have liked, which has hurt our set-up work.
"But we do have four more days and hopefully things are going to run more sweetly at the next test, we get a lot of laps in, and then we can improve the base we have."
Team-mate Hamilton concedes that they probably left their car launch a little too light.
"The team are aware of it, and of course we'd love to have had more mileage, but there is a real balance," he said.
"We left it (unveiling the car) a bit later, not because the car was late, but because we wanted a week or two more to develop it, and perhaps it's not played right into our hands.
"We've good things in the pipeline, and we definitely improved in the last couple of days' testing, doing 107 laps on the final day at the last test.
"We've not done the mileage at the beginning, but hopefully we can pick up on reliability, and that the downforce is on its way."
The 2008 World Champion added that there were some similarities between the 2009 car and the 2011 model when it comes to downforce.
"The '09 car was terrible as it was hopping, three-wheeling through corners, locking up, and it had no downforce," he said.
"This car doesn't lock up, it doesn't three-wheel, and it handles really nice, better than last year's car, but it just doesn't have as much downforce.
"Because the regulations have changed, it's a similar downforce level to '09.
"We have a little more, but it's not far off, so it feels weak in that area. Hopefully we've more downforce coming onto the car."

Renault Driver Kubica in Hospital After Rally Crash

By Alan Baldwin

London. Polish Formula One driver Robert Kubica was flown to a hospital on Sunday after a high-speed crash while competing in a rally in Italy, his Renault team said in a statement.

A team spokeswoman said Kubica, Renault’s leading driver and a race winner in Canada in 2008 with his former BMW-Sauber team, was conscious but gave no further details.

The Italian news agency ANSA reported, however, that the 26-year-old had suffered serious injuries with little more than a month to go before the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

“Lotus Renault GP driver Robert Kubica suffered an accident at high speed this morning while competing in the Ronde di Andora Rally,” the Renault statement said. “The driver was airlifted to Pietra Ligure Hospital, where he is currently undergoing medical checks. His co-driver is fine.”

Renault has Brazilian Bruno Senna and France’s Romain Grosjean as their official third drivers. Senna competed last season for the HRT team while Grosjean started seven races for Renault in 2009.

Neither has ever scored a point in Formula One. Kubica’s race teammate is Russian Vitaly Petrov, who made his debut last season.

ANSA said Kubica was heading to the start of the Ronde di Andora event near Genoa in a Skoda Fabia when the car went off the road and hit a church wall.

The co-driver, Jacub Gerber, got out unhurt while Kubica had to be extracted by firemen.

Kubica, a rally fan who has entered several events in the past, tested the new Lotus-backed Renault last week ahead of the Formula One season, which starts in Bahrain on March 13.

He closed Formula One’s first test session of the season with the fastest time over three days in Valencia, Spain.

The Pole walked away virtually unscathed from a massive crash in Canada in 2007 but still bears the scars of a serious road accident as a passenger in 2003 that left him with titanium bolts in his arm.

Reuters

Source: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com

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