Emmrooz to target Jebel Ali Stakes

By Leslie Wilson

Dubai - Trainer Dhruba Selvaratnam is content to target the Dh500,000 Listed Jebel Ali Stakes with Emmrooz instead of attempting a shot at one of the richer purses during the 2011 Dubai International Racing Carnival.

Commenting on the horse's future plans following his impressive victory in the Shadwell-sponsored 1600M conditions race yesterday the former champion trainer said: "I would prefer to bring him back for the Jebel Ali Stakes instead of running him in the Carnival.

"I think he's a much better horse on this track than on the all-weather at Meydan. Mind you he ran a pretty good race when fourth to Derbaas at Meydan last month although he wouldn't gallop. But what we saw today was a much improved performance.

"He's a really good horse, but not the easiest one to ride. Kieren [Fallon] suggested that we put the blinkers on him to help him stay focused, so we might try that next time."

Emmrooz scored by half a length from Haatheq, ridden by Richard Hills.

The Jebel Ali Stakes is the first of three pattern races that are the highlights of the season at the Friday racecourse. It is run over 1,950 metres and takes place on January 14. The other two races are the Jebel Ali Mile on January 28 and Jebel Ali Sprint on March 11.

Selvaratnam and Buick went on to complete a meet double when Canwinn landed the Al Shafar Group handicap over 1,400 metres. That took Selvaratnam's tally for the season to eight wins and left in fifth place on the trainer's table behind leaders Satish Seemar and Musabah Al Muhairi (14 wins), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (11) and Eric Lemartinel (9).

Seemar drew a rare blank yesterday after a very high strike-rate during the season while Musabah's success with Atlantic Brave in the Commercial Bank of Dubai-sponsored handicap over 1400m ensured he would be joint leader with the master of Zabeel Stables.

Despite conceding weight to his nine rivals Atlantic Brave produced a big effort for stable jockey Wayne Smith to score by a 1 1/4 length from Dahteer while Classic Blade was a head behind in third for jockey Ted Durcan.

Source: http://gulfnews.com
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Lebron makes triumphant homecoming by ripping Cavs

Cleveland, Ohio - LeBron James, a former hero booed as a villain in a long-awaited return to the city he spurned, scored 24 of his 38 points in the third quarter Thursday to spark Miami`s 118-90 rout of Cleveland.

The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player gave a display of the form that once drew cheers from sellout crowds at Cleveland, hitting 15-of-25 shots while dealing eight assists and grabbing five rebounds in a triumphant homecoming.

"I know this court. I made a lot of shots on this court," James said of his 10-for-12 shooting effort in the third quarter. "I just wanted to be aggressive and keep them out of the game."

Cavaliers fans, who began by booing James when he walked on the court, when he was introduced and every time he touched the ball were eventually rendered silent by a virtuoso performance, one they knew well when it favored them.

"We know everywhere will be a hostile crowd," James said. "Seven great years, loved every part, loved every moment. As a team we tried our best to bring a championship to the city. I have the utmost respect for this team and these fans."

A city that has not had a major team sports champion since American football`s 1964 Cleveland Browns, and that put its hopes and hearts in the hands of James, watched in pain as he signed with the Heat last July.

James, born and raised in nearby Akron, made no apologies to Cleveland supporters after taking their best taunts and delivering one of his most electric efforts before being benched for the entire fourth quarter.

"I don`t want to apologize," James said. "My intentions were not to hurt anyone. The decisions I make I live with. There are always ways you could do to make them better."

Miami improved to 12-8, still far short of the dominating form many expected when James left the Cavaliers for what he considered a better chance to win an NBA title alongside fellow superstars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

"We came here with one goal and that was to win a basketball game," James said. "This was the most complete game we had this year from start to finish."

Wade added 22 points, nine rebounds and nine assists while Bosh had 15 points for Miami, which had lost five times in a row at Cleveland against James-led Cavaliers squads.

In the seconds after the game, James walked off the bench and hugged former Cavaliers teammate Mo Williams after inflicting the worst loss the Cavaliers have suffered this season, in which they have a 7-11 record.

A chorus of boos from a sellout crowd of more than 20,000 spectators greeted James but neither hecklers nor former teammates could do much to stop the playmaker.

James and Wade each scored 14 points in the first half to power Miami to a 59-39 half-time lead, helping diminish the decibel level of the jeers by the second half.

Fans displayed such signs as "Lyin` King" for the man nicknamed "King James" and "Witless" instead of "Witness," echoing Nike`s ad campaign that "We Are All Witnesses" to James` greatness.

In an atmosphere typically reserved for the NBA Finals, fans booed every time their former hero touched the basketball.

"I understand it. I have a lot of love for these fans but I`m playing for the Miami Heat now," James said. "We used the adversity of this game and tried to build off it."

One fan was ejected after screaming in the face of James as security, which routinely features metal detectors, was tightened at Quicken Loans Arena.

James did receive hugs from some former teammates and the fans did cheer for the introduction of Lithuanian center Zydrunas Ilgauskas, another former Cavalier who joined the Heat in the off-season.

Fans chanted "Akron Hates You," a reference to his nearby Ohio hometown, and a group of fans sitting together wore shirts that spelled out "BETRAYED."

Yet another compared James to famed US 18th Century traitor Benedict Arnold. (*)

Source: http://www.antaranews.com
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Malaysia's Squash Champs Bask in Asian Games Glory

Guangzhou - World No. 1 Nicol Ann David dismissed Hong Kong's Annie Au Wing Chi 3-1 to clinch the women''s squash single''s title in Guangzhou on Sunday to continue her amazing runs this while fellow Malaysian Mohamad Azlan Iskandar followed suit in the men''s section. David said she felt like she was on another planet after winning the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi in October, and her feet have barely touched the ground since, a report on the official site of the 16th Asian Games said today. "I''m still hanging around (up there) somewhere," said the five-time world champion after cruising to her second Asiad title. "This gold medal means a lot to me, because I''m fighting for my country and I''ve got the whole of Malaysia behind me." Meeting world No. 17 Au in the final seemed predestined for David, who has been matched with a Hong Kong player in all four of her Asiad finals over the last 12 years. The first three were against Rebecca Chiu, who traded titles with her after Chiu claimed their first encounter in Bangkok in 1998. David''s loss in Doha Asian Games four years ago led to a period of introspection for the then teenager, who was so put out that she needed four months away from the sport to get her head right - a period of self-healing that won''t be necessary this time. Her recent surge made her the overwhelming favourite in Guangzhou, where she arrived fresh after claiming her 50th tour title at the Qatar Classic and with the confidence of having spent the last 56 months as the world''s best. She said she was expecting a tougher ride to the final, but in the end only dropped one game, against Dipika Rebecca Pallikai of India in the second round, before squaring up against Au. "She is a great player," said David, 27. "She has made a lot of progress and now has a much higher ranking. She is a strong opponent and it wasn''t easy to win the final."

The Asian title adds another glittering laurel to David''s fine collection which includes the World Open, Asian Championships and Commonwealth titles. But she is still hungry for more gold medals. "The Team event is coming up now, so I just want to focus on that and do my best to keep the level up," she said. Au said she would have been shocked if she had managed to upset David and reprise Chiu''s success at the Asian Games. "I''m surprised, because I never thought I''d perform as well as I did. Now my goal is to get my ranking up a bit and hopefully break into the top 10," she said. In the Men''s Final, top seed Iskandar won a resounding three-game victory against close friend and third seed Aamir Atlas Kham of Pakistan. Iskandar, silver medallist at Doha Asian Games 2006 and bronze medallist four years before that in Busan, was in total control before he wrapped up the match in 39 minutes with a score of 11-6, 11-7, 11-6. "We''ve known each other for 12 years and he''s just like my older brother," said Iskandar, who is based in London and is of Scottish-Malay parentage. "Winning and losing between us is sometimes like a flip of a coin. I just got lucky this time," he said. (QNA)

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"Irfan Bachdim" New Talents Indonesian Football

Irfan Bachdim is a footballer who played in the Indonesian National Team and has become a new idol in Indonesia. He is a naturalized player of Dutch descent who was born in Amsterdam. His father, Noval Bachdim, is an Indonesian while his mother is Dutch.

Irfan Bachdim prefer to defend the Indonesian National Team and has proved his ability when Indonesia against Malaysia in the opening match of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 with the victory 5-1 to Indonesia. He has become the hope of the people of Indonesia to win every match and become a champion of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010.

The quality and ability Irfan Bachdim actually not much different from other Indonesian players, such as Bambang Pamungkas, Oktovianus Maniani and Christian Gonzalez is a player other naturalized Uruguayan origin. But Irfan Bachdim opportunities as the new idol and star player football is very open compared to other players.

Viva Indonesia, we hope that Indonesian National Team will be the champion of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 and became a new force in Southeast Asia, Asia and the World. We await the appearance of the Indonesian National Team that scintillating and surprising world of football.

Source: http://www.allvoices.com
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Ducati 'must improve' for Rossi to be Rossi

Ducati has pledged to improve its MotoGP machine after superstar signing Valentino Rossi was left just 15th fastest at the end of his Desmosedici debut at the Valencia MotoGP test.

Tenth out of the 17 riders after day one, the seven time MotoGP champion improved by only 0.121sec during his next 70 laps on Wednesday's second and final day.

Rossi's best time was 1.695sec slower than the rider he has replaced at Ducati, Casey Stoner, who was fastest for Honda.

The Italian even came within 0.032sec of being outpaced by MotoGP rookie Karel Abraham, also riding a Ducati.

With Rossi unable to discuss the test due to the terms of his early release from Yamaha, it was left to Ducati Corse general manager Filippo Preziosi to face the press.

The first decision to make is in terms of the 2011 engine - stick with the 'big bang' or switch back to the 'screamer'. Preziosi is leaning towards the more user-friendly 'big bang', which Rossi used throughout day two.

"After these two days of tests we will go back to Ducati for a meeting, where we will decide which path to take between the two engines, the 'big bang' and the 'screamer', although the information we have is pointing towards the former," said Preziosi.

"It will be a decision we will make by analysing the data in depth as well as planning the way forward around all the other things we learnt at the test."

Preziosi then admitted he'd have liked Rossi to have gone faster, and that work needs to be done on the front end of the bike.

Stoner and Nicky Hayden crashed out of eight races this season. All those falls are believed to have been triggered by front end problems.

"The objective is clearly to allow Valentino to ride like Valentino!" said Preziosi.

"We know we have to improve the bike in order to achieve this, especially the front end. He has given us some very precise information and now it is down to us to use it.

"We would obviously have liked to give him the opportunity to go faster today, but even though that wasn't the case he has impressed everybody over the last two days with the way he works, his calm approach and his positive attitude towards everything.

"Nicky also worked very hard, as usual, and set a good lap time on the new Bridgestones as well as the ones we were already using, which is another big positive.

"Now we have to work to give them both a more competitive bike for the next test.”

The fastest Ducati rider at the test was Hayden, who used both the 'big bang' and 'screamer' engine on day two, setting his best time with the 'big bang'.

Hayden lapped 1.178sec quicker than Rossi for sixth on the timesheets.

"Today was a positive day for us," said the American. "We tried the 'screamer' and it wasn't easy to switch between engines but it was important to do a proper test on them both and get the data we need to make an important decision. I am leaning towards sticking with the 'big bang' but we will make the decision together."

Of the other Desmosedici riders, new Pramac signing Randy de Puniet was an impressive eighth on his Ducati debut, with team-mate Loris Capirossi one place in front of Rossi on his return to a manufacturer he won seven races with from 2003-2007.

The new sixth Ducati, ridden by Valencia Moto2 winner Abraham, was 16th.

Rossi will now head for surgery on his troublesome shoulder, which he damaged in a motocross accident in April, before making his debut in full Ducati colours at Sepang next February.

Source: http://www.crash.net
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Rossi updates on condition, still eyeing Sepang

Valentino Rossi says he has made a good start to his rehabilitation process having eased himself back into training following his shoulder operation.

'The Doctor' went under the knife to correct the damage in his shoulder earlier this month [November], but with the stitches having now been removed, he is now able to begin some training on the rest of his body.

While surgeons initially raised concern that Rossi wouldn't quite be fully fit to participate in the next MotoGP test at Sepang in February – a crucial outing for the Italian as he looks to adapt to his new Ducati steed -, the seven-time world champion is more optimistic about the outcome.

“I'm undergoing rehabilition on my shoulder and the situation is improving,” he said on his personal website. “It's been two weeks since the operation and Doctor Porcellini has removed the stitches: I can now go back to the gym to workout - at least on the rest of my body - and continue to work on the shoulder, even if it's just passive rehab, to make sure we don't lose any mobility.

“In two weeks' time, I'll start actively working out, in the pool and in the gym, to be ready for the three day test at the start of February. We will have to move as fast as we can, but I hope to be in pretty good shape for the first test of 2011 with the Ducati at Sepang.”

Source: http://www.crash.net
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Lorenzo: Spies relationship will be easier than Rossi

by Russell Atkins

Recently-crowned 2010 MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo has suggested that his relationship with new team-mate Ben Spies will likely be 'a little easier' than the sometimes rocky rapport he endured with Valentino Rossi over the past three seasons.

The frosty partnership between Lorenzo and Rossi was perhaps best evinced by the fact that a wall was erected in the FIAT Yamaha garage at the beginning of 2010 to divide the warring pair on race weekends, with no data passing from one side to the other. The move is understood to have pleased the Italian rather more than the Spaniard.

Lorenzo's burgeoning speed and potential and increasing stature inside the team has similarly posed problems. There were alleged ultimatums from Rossi this year and last – fervently denied by Yamaha management – that the team would have to choose between the pair for 2011, arguing that there was insufficient room at the inn for both of them. When it became apparent that Jorge was going nowhere, 'The Doctor' made his decision to jump ship to Ducati.

There was also, finally, the brutal, no-holds barred scrap over third place between the duo at Motegi in October – the very day after Lorenzo was reconfirmed for next year – with Rossi seemingly paying little heed to his team-mate's status as world champion-elect and subsequently being chided by Yamaha for having been 'not correct' and 'too aggressive'.

Boosted now by his title success and indisputably the number one at FIAT Yamaha heading into 2011, Lorenzo hopes he will enjoy a happier of time of things alongside Spies – a rider who, although highly-rated and tipped for a bright future in the sport off the back of an outstanding debut campaign in the premier class this year, will likely not pose too great a threat to the former double 250cc World Champion, initially at least.

“Ben seems like a nice guy,” Lorenzo told Crash.net Radio in an exclusive interview. “Our relationship is good. We share some jokes together, and I think it's going to be a little bit easier than with Valentino. We are rivals, we are competitors and we are going to fight to try to beat each other – that's the reality – but our relationship is going to be okay. Ben pushed me this year already! Next year with a factory bike and with more experience, for sure he is going to fight for wins – and maybe for the world title.”

The 23-year-old is also quick to downplay suggestions that as one of the few top MotoGP riders to be benefitting from continuity in 2011 – with chief rivals Rossi and Casey Stoner having switched to Ducati and Honda respectively – he is in pole position to lift the laurels for a second consecutive season.

“It depends,” he mused. “On the one hand, it's true that Valentino and Casey for example will be on new bikes that they don't have so much experience of, but they both have really high motivation, and this for sure will help them to be faster. Valentino is Italian and Ducati is Italian, so it's a big challenge for them – but I think they are going to fight to win from the first race. I think it's a really interesting change for MotoGP and all the people who watch it.”

Source: http://www.crash.net
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Australia's Webber Defends Silence Over Shoulder Break

London. Australian Mark Webber has defended his silence over his broken shoulder while chasing this year’s Formula One title, saying his Red Bull team had no need to know about it.

The 34-year-old revealed in a book published in Australia this month that he fractured his shoulder falling off a mountain bike just before the Japanese Grand Prix while he was leading the standings.

The driver, who ended up third overall, said he had told only his physio and the FIA doctor about the injury that he carried through the final four races.

“A little bit of information can be a dangerous thing,” he said on his personal Web site in response to media reports this week.

“I came off a mountain bike while training between the races in Singapore and Japan, and an X-ray revealed a small fracture to my right shoulder. I was very confident it wouldn’t affect my performance in the car, which is why I didn’t tell anyone.

“There was no need. The shoulder wasn’t causing me a problem, so there was no need to talk about it to anyone,” added the Australian, who finished second in two of the last four races behind teammate and eventual champion Sebastian Vettel.

“If I’d had any issues with it in the car, then of course I would have told the team.

“But that wasn’t the case. I’ve never missed a Grand Prix but of course if I couldn’t drive the car safely and on the limit, I would have notified the team.”

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said on Monday he would have wanted to know.

“It is obviously disappointing Mark said nothing,” he said at an awards ceremony.

“It was an injury that did not appear to have any effect on his performance, but all the same it would have been nice to know about it.”

It was not the first time Webber has hidden an injury from the team.

In 2008, when he broke his leg in another mountain bike accident, he failed to tell the team that he had also broken his shoulder.

The Australian complained several times this season that he felt the team was emotionally favoring Vettel, describing himself as a No. 2 and his title challenge as “inconvenient” for the Austrian-owned team.

The latest injury came at a crucial part of the season and at a time when Webber was urging Red Bull to put its weight behind him rather than Vettel, who was behind him in the standings.

Webber said he had not undergone any operation since the end of the season, and the shoulder break was not the reason why he had missed the postseason tire test in Abu Dhabi. (Alan Baldwin)

Reuters

Source: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com
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Ferrari Dispels Job Fears After Title Loss

London - Ferrari will carry out minor tweaks to its Formula One team but no big changes after its failure to win a title this season, president Luca di Montezemolo said on Sunday.

Ferrari’s Spanish driver Fernando Alonso ended the year second overall after a strategy error in the final race at Abu Dhabi ended his hopes of a third world championship and crowned Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel instead.

The Italian team finished third in the constructors’ standings.

“We have very clear targets,” the team Web site quoted Montezemolo as saying at the Ferrari Mondiali event with fans and car owners from around the world at Valencia’s Ricardo Tormo circuit in eastern Spain.

“Right from Sunday night in Abu Dhabi I immediately tried to console our guys who were crying in the garage, spurring them to immediately look to the future.

“Changes within the team? That is not our philosophy, because for years now we have adopted a policy based on dynamic stability,” the Italian added. “A few minor adjustments are possible, but no major upheaval.”

Montezemolo paid tribute to Alonso, in his first season with Ferrari after winning his titles with Renault, and Brazilian team mate Felipe Massa.

“Alonso was amazing, both on and off the track, determined and full of self-belief, a real driving force,” he said.

“I expect a lot from Felipe next year. I am sure he will return to being the man we saw in 2008.”

Massa ended the season sixth overall after returning from serious head injuries suffered in a crash in Hungary in July 2009. He missed out on the title in 2008 by a single point to McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton.

Montezemolo said he was also happy with team principal Stefano Domenicali’s work in “moving us forward with great ability, spirit and a sense of balance.”

Reuters

Source: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com
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President praises national team`s performance at Asean Cup

Karangasem, Bali - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has praised the national football team`s performance at the ASEAN Football Championship.

The president made the commendation in remarks at the opening of a shrimp production center in Bugbug village, Karangasem district, on Monday.

"This is a good start. It proves that Indonesia can be successful in football," the president said.

But he also cautioned the Indonesian football team not remain content with its victory at the ASEAN championship where it had beaten Malaysia 5-1 and Laos 6-1. The president asked the team members to make its win a spur to further improve its performance in the days ahead.

The President recalled the moment when he last watched a friendly match between Indonesian and Uruguay. At the time, Indonesia was beaten 1-7 by the World Cup 2010 finalist.

"I felt sad at the time. But the national team has since continued to develop its capability and we can see the result now," said Yudhoyono. (*)

Source: http://www.antaranews.com
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Indonesia ranked 15th in Asian Games 2010

Guangzhou - Indonesia finished 15th in medal collection in the current 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou winning four golds, nine silvers and 13 bronzes.

On the final day of the event on Saturday, Triyaningsih and Yahuza failed to increase the country`s medal collection from the 42.2 kilometer marathon race.

The bronze medals from karate fighter Donny Darmawan and sepaktakraw team were the last medals collected by the Indonesian contingent from the Games.

China meanwhile is assured to retain its general champion title winning 199 gold, 119 silver and 98 bronze medals, followed by South Korea with 76 gold, 65 silver and 91 bronze medals. Japan finished third with 48 gold, 74 silver and 94 bronze medals.

The more than two-week event demonstrated significant sports development in East Asia leaving other Asian regions far behind.

Iran with 20 gold, 14 silver and 25 bronze medals represented the power of West Asia while Khazakstan which is ranked fifth represents the power of former Soviet Union members while India with 14 gold, 17 silver and 33 bronze medals represent the power of South Asia.

Thailand which is ranked ninth meanwhile represents the srongest from Southeast Asia, followed by Malaysia with nine gold, 18 silver and 14 bronze medals.

"The Asian sports achievement is dominated by East Asia namely China, Japan, Korea and China Taipei. Other Asian regions have been left behind and have to work harder including Indonesia that has to prepare regeneration," Indonesia`s sports minister Andi Mallarangeng said.

He said Indonesia`s achievment rose from the 19th rank with two gold, three silver and 15 bronze medals in the last 15th Asian Games in 2006 to 15th rank with four gold, nine silver and 13 bronze medals in the 16th Asian Games this year.

The dragon boat teams saved Indonesia`s reputation contributing three of the four gold medals for the country. The other gold for the country came from the badminton men`s doubles.

"We appreciate the dragon teams for their best achievement in teh 16th Asian Games. Although it is a new event Indonesia was able to maximally exploit it," Andi said.

Indonesia collected its medals from sepaktakraw, weight lifting, karate, taekwondo, billiard, bowling, cycling, dragon boat, badminton and wushu.

"Eight branches were expected to contribute medals but in realization 11 branches were able to contribute medals," the general chairman of the Indonesian National Sports Committee/ Indonesia Sports Committee, Rita Subowo, said.

Regarding some quarters who undermined the gold medals from the dragon boat because the event is not competed in the Olympic Games and probably in the next Asian Games in South Korea in 2014, Andi said that they could not treat the achievement half-heartedly.

"The fact is that event is official and therefore we have to be grateful over the success in the event. On the other hand however we also have to conduct evaluation with regard to targets that were not met," he said.

Andi expressed his appreciation to the fight that the athletes had demonstrated in the event.

"They have fought hard for the country and nation. They are heroes. For those who could not win medals must not be discouraged because they would still be trusted to become the main power for the next event namely the 16th Southeast Asia Games in 2011 in Indonesia," he said.(*)

Source: http://www.antaranews.com
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RI official satisfied with four golds

Jakarta - The chairman of the Indonesian contingent to the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, said he was satisfied with the four gold medals the Indonesian athletes had won so far in the events.

"We are satisfied enough with the four gold medals which we have snatched until today. This is a special achievement for us," contingent chairman Suhartono Suratman said at the office of the Indonesian Consulate General in Guangzhou, on Tuesday.

He admitted however that Indonesian athletes failed to present the best for the country in several sports branches on which Indonesia actually rest its hopes.

Suhartono said that with that failure it would pose a potential threat in the next Sea Games in Indonesia next year.

The sports branches are wushu and beach volleyball. Indonesian athletes failed to present their best achievements in these branches, he said.

"We should not be careless. we should have strong spirit in developing ourselves in branches where we failed," he said.

Up to Tuesday, Indonesia has collected four gold, eight silver and 10 bronze medals in the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.(*)

Source: http://www.antaranews.com
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Ballack: England one of the favourites

Germany captain Michael Ballack considers England to be “one of the favourites” to win next summer’s World Cup in South Africa.
The Chelsea midfielder believes Fabio Capello could lead England to a first major title since 1966, and admits his own nation is lagging a bit behind.
“They have a great team and many players with exceptional individual class,” he told the Rheinische Post newspaper.
“With Fabio Capello, they now have a manager who has brought stability. That is important and the team feels that.
“They have got to be able to win games even when they are not playing at the highest level and that is what Italian managers are good at, particularly Capello.
“England are oozing self-confidence and I can sense that here. They are one of the favourites.”
Other favourites, according to Ballack, are Brazil, Italy and France – but not necessarily Germany.
“At a World Cup, everything has got to work, and then even more – you need luck,” he added.
“There are certainly teams who are better than us at the moment.”
That may well include his club Chelsea, who he feels have a better chance of winning the Champions League this season than Germany do of triumphing in South Africa.
“Of course that (the Champions League) is the title that one wants to win, especially when you have a squad like ours,” he said.
“But if you also have a chance to win the league, then that is once again a big aim.
“At a certain stage of the season, you reach the point where the strain is very high and then you have to decide which competition you want to focus on in particular.
“We have such a good squad and class that we can compete in both competitions.”
And Ballack believes that even if it were not to work out for the Blues this season, he would still have more chances to succeed, even though his contract expires in the summer.
“We will sit down together and talk soon,” he added. “But I am not under any pressure.
“Both parties know what they have in each other.”

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Captain Ballack urges Germany to raise their game

Berlin – Germany captain Michael Ballack on Thursday urged the Euro 2008 finalists to raise their game for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein to banish the memories of their recent defeats.

The 32-year-old Chelsea star is demanding a raised effort in Leipzig from his side who have lost their last two home games: a 2-1 defeat to England last November and a 1-0 defeat to Norway in February.

Germany have not suffered back-to-back home defeats since 1956 and Ballack says only a convincing win over Liechenstein, ranked 151st in the world, will suffice.

"We simply have to play better and put in a better performance," Ballack told sports magazine Kicker.

"And it will happen."

Germany are top of their qualifying group and are unbeaten with three wins and a draw to give them a four-point lead over their main group rivals Russia.

But the Germans travel to Moscow in October for the tie which could decide the group and Ballack says it is crucial Germany win both their next two games against Liechtenstein and then Wales in Cardiff on April 1.

"Even if we don’t win these games by much, the result is very important," said Ballack.

"We must win these games and stay on course to be group leaders in the autumn when we travel to Moscow.

"We have laid the foundations for some important games which, figuratively speaking, will decide the life or death of who reaches the World Cup.

"As captain, that is something I am trying to point out."

And Ballack says he has no worries about whether Germany will reach next year’s World Cup which takes place in South Africa from June 11 to July 11.

"We will qualify for the World Cup," insisted Ballack.

"We will get through the qualifying group, even if things get a bit tight.

"After that, we will meet the big teams and we will have to play at a higher level against the type of teams like Spain, who we lost to at the Euro.

"Everybody must have an eye on the bigger picture, that is important."

Germany’s defeat to Norway in February shocked the national media and the squad can ill-afford another upset against minnows Liechtenstein.

"We can play good football, but in addition we have to have discipline and order," said Ballack who will win his 91st cap on Saturday.

"It is part of our mentality and if we don’t have it then we struggle, even against the likes of Norway."

Having sparked a media spat with coach Joachim Loew last autumn by accusing him of not showing senior players enough respect and loyalty, Ballack says he has not changed his leadership style, but is more flexible.

"My leadership style is the same as it always was and I haven’t changed it," he said.

"I have developed it, but not changed it.

"I am always open to new ideas, but you can’t always be right."

And Ballack says certain differences of opinion are healthy in a team environment.

"There must be some tensions in a team, which you can’t always wipe away or smooth over.

"Things aren’t always full of sunshine, there has to be friction at times as well."

Written by: AFP

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Russia and Qatar Selections Challenge the Past and Future of Global Game

By Rob Hughes

The World Cup in Russia in 2018 will be spread across by far the biggest country in Europe. Then, four years later, the tournament in Qatar, an oil-rich land of only 1.7 million people, will be the most compact ever.

The selection of the two countries on Thursday by FIFA, football’s world governing body, surprised the audience of politicians, royalty and even a few football players in Zurich. It was the first time FIFA had chosen the hosts for two World Cups together.

In its choices, FIFA challenged the history of the game and perceptions of the future.

In both countries, there is no existing football structure to mount the world’s biggest sporting event, which demands stadiums and extensive public works for 32 countries to play 64 matches.

And the vote opened up the field to the former superpower of Eastern Europe and to a rising financial power in the Middle East.

The winning bids were backed by gargantuan budgets.

Anyone has known for two years that Russia and especially Qatar were spending huge resources from their oil and gas riches to win the monthlong football extravaganza.

The sheikdom based its bid on a vision of building nine stadiums, air-conditioned by power from the heat of a desert sun.

Many nations bid against them.

England, the motherland of association football, and the combined bids of Spain-Portugal and the Netherlands-Belgium all sought the 2018 Cup.

The United States, Japan, South Korea and another fresh ground for football, Australia, bid for the 2022 event.

Russia’s and Qatar’s ability to outspend them all in the bidding stakes was not necessarily tainted by corruption allegations against FIFA’s executive committee.

Quite possibly the source of those allegations — the British media — cost England votes because its bid, one of the most appealing in terms of organization and infrastructure, did not survive the first round of voting.

One of the first actions prompted by the announcement of the decision was that a plane was scrambled to take Prime Minister Vladimir Putin of Russia from Moscow to Zurich.

Described as the captain of Russia’s bid team, Putin unexpectedly boycotted the end of the bidding process on Wednesday and Thursday, sending a deputy instead.

But, he said, should Russia win, he would be in Zurich by the quickest possible route.

It was, it turned out, a clever move. Putin was able to denounce others, notably the English, whose prime minister, David Cameron, lobbied hard in Zurich, for “pressurizing” FIFA.

He was able to distance himself from what he called the smear tactics of the allegations against FIFA’s committee.

And he was able to send a capable first deputy prime minister, Igor Shuvalov, who had an advantage Putin lacks.

He could speak, in excellent English, to the committee at the 11th-hour presentation to FIFA.

“Russia has had many tragic days, and a history more tragic than any other in the last century,” Shuvalov told the committee.

“But for 20 years now we are building a new country, and we can achieve that better and quicker with your help.”

The new Russia that was under construction, Shuvalov said, will overcome its vast territorial distances by offering free transportation to ticket holders.

And Russia will not require separate visas for fans who arrive with a ticket for the games.

No one quite knows whether the final day presentations achieved votes. The perception is that the 22 FIFA members’ minds were already made up.

The combined bid of Spain and Portugal was reported to have had a mutual support pact with Qatar. It had guaranteed support from the committee’s Latin Americans.

And in a late play for votes, Spaniard Angel Villa Llona, a vice president on FIFA’s executive committee, addressed his fellow members on Thursday with a swipe at the British media.

“FIFA is a clean institution,” Villa Llona said. “You are all honest, hardworking people.”

But his passion did not move sufficient votes and the Spanish-Portuguese presentation was criticized as too long and dull.

David Beckham’s emotional plea on behalf of England failed to sway the decision makers as well.

But maybe Sheika Mozah bint Nasser al-Missned, the second of the emir of Qatar’s three wives, did manage to move the committee on Wednesday.

“I would like to ask you a question,” she began. “When ...” and paused. “When do you think is the right time for the World Cup to come to our region?”

Qatar had many strands to its bid. Its proposal to build the most compact tournament ever, to construct futuristic stadiums, its pledge for a carbon neutral event all pushed boundaries.

Thursday’s efforts in the voting chamber, backed by renowned sporting Muslims like Zinedine Zidane, won the hearts and minds of the voters.

FIFA has bought a two-way ticket into the unknown. There may be good cause to challenge the secretive committee in charge of the world game.

But there is no doubt now about its willingness to buy into a future for the World Cup that until Thursday nobody foresaw.

The New York Times

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Liverpool Plans to Build Indonesian Football Academy

Jakarta - Indonesia could be in line for Southeast Asia’s first permanent football academy to develop youngsters’ talent under plans being considered by English Premier League Club Liverpool.

The club is eager to boost its presence in Asia through its youth wing, the Liverpool International Football Academy.

Should the plan take off, Indonesia will be the first country in Asia that the Liverpool Academy will call home, with the prospect of Indonesian students getting a direct line to try out to play in the Premier League.

The Anfield club has already sent its youth coaches twice this year to Jakarta.

After celebrated former Reds striker Ian Rush presided over one clinic in May, the club last Saturday launched eight days of activities to promote football education.

Two coaches are conducting football clinics with almost 200 children and making outreach visits to schools.

The British Chamber of Commerce in Jakarta has been responsible for setting up the links to the club, and executive director Chris Wren said now the academy’s frequent visits were hoped to open the door to bolder plans.

“There is a plan to establish a Liverpool Academy in Jakarta next year. Assuming this [visit] is successful and things go as planned, it could be under way as early as May,” said Wren, a Liverpool native who has worked closely with club officials.

BritCham began holding football activities several years ago as part of the corporate social responsibility programs of British companies in Indonesia.

A key initiative of the program, Giving Kids a Sporting Chance, was a youth league in Jonggol, West Java, in which 3,000 children now play.

In his visit in May, Rush was apparently so impressed that the second series of clinics was set up.

Liverpool Academy coaches Adam Flynn and Ben Parsonage are running the clinics at Jakarta’s Bung Karno sports complex.

Rush is due to fly in to assist in other initiatives later this week.

This visit is also being used as a detailed feasibility study for the permanent academy, Wren said.

“The dream is that what started as a community idea three years ago could end up in a Premier League star for Indonesia, someone who could represent the best of the country,” he said.

“What excited Ian Rush in May is that a third of Indonesia is under 18, and that there’s so much interest in football. There is too much emphasis on Jakarta, but some of the best talent can be found in the provinces, maybe in kids who now only have a can to kick around rather than a football.”

Wren hoped any academy — likely to be in Jakarta — would be Indonesian in style.

“I’d like to see an ordinary school with the national curriculum and focusing on football first then other sports,” he said. “It would have boarding facilities and be open to all religions.”

Liverpool officials were keen on holding a nationwide talent search, with exceptional players being granted scholarships.

Academy coaches would come from England and be accredited by the English Football Association.

Wren warned that the plans rested on corporate investors willing to fund the school. “We would need to find partners to invest, the kind prepared not to see any profit for the first few years,” he said.

“Football is a very expensive business, but I believe there would be no end of interest. The challenge will be finding partners who feel the passion of what it’s all about. If that challenge can be met, the rest of it will fall into place.” (Dominic Menor)

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Taufik Blasts Badminton Body Over Failure to Find Young Guns

Jakarta - Eight years after he won his first gold medal in the Asian Games, Taufik Hidayat is still Indonesia’s best hope for victory in the quadrennial meet.

And that doesn’t sit well with the country’s leading men’s singles shuttler.

Taufik, who topped the podium in the event during the 2002 and 2006 Games, is looking to complete a hat-trick of gold medal and he looked sharp in his first singles match in Guangzhou, routing Taiwan’s Hsieh Yu-hsing 21-16, 21-12 at Tianhe Gymnasium on Wednesday.

However, age is catching up with the 30-year-old former world and Olympic champion, who lamented the failure to find new talent.

“It’s a bit sad that at my age, the country is still depending a lot on me to win gold,” Taufik, currently ranked No. 3 in the world, said on Wednesday.

“The PBSI [Indonesian Badminton Association] should be ashamed that it’s still looking to me for more titles, when, in fact, it should be counting on younger shuttlers like Sony [Dwi Kuncoro] or Simon [Santoso].”

However, Taufik may have to wait some time before someone is ready to take up his mantle.

Sony, the other Indonesian in the Asian Games men’s singles draw, lost his opening match 21-13, 14-21, 21-17 to unseeded Chou Tien Chen of Taiwan.

“Sony’s loss was unexpected, but I still believe we can win a gold medal in badminton,” said Yacob Rusdianto, the manager of the national badminton team, without emphasizing which shuttler he thought would achieve the feat.

Taufik, seeded fourth in Guangzhou, can advance to the quarterfinals if he beats Dinuka Karunaratna of Sri Lanka in the second round.

If Taufik wins, he is likely to face China’s Lin Dan in the semifinals. Lin lost to Taufik in the final of the 2006 Games, but got a measure of revenge this week when he beat the Indonesian 21-13, 23-21 in the team event.

Taufik cautioned against high expectations.

“I’ll definitely fight as hard as I can, but I hope people won’t judge me harshly if I fail,” Taufik said. “[The loss to Lin] has taught me a lot, and I’ll do my best not to commit the same mistakes if I do meet him again.”

In other first round action, the unseeded Ahmad Tontowi and Liliyana Natsir earned a second-round berth in the mixed doubles after they defeated Koo Kien Keat and Woon Khe Wei of Malaysia 21-10, 21-9.

The Indonesian duo will next play No. 5 seeds Chen Hung Ling and Cheng Wen Hsing of Taiwan, who had a first round bye.

In the women’s singles, Adriyanti Firdasari was left to carry Indonesia’s medal hopes after Maria Febe Kusumastuti was ousted in the first round.

Adriyanti beat Thailand’s Salakjit Ponsana 21-18, 16-21, 21-15 to book a second round match against Wong Mew Choo of Malaysia, while Maria fell 21-16, 21-11 to Taiwan’s Pai Hsiao Ma.

Indonesia’s entries in the women’s doubles were eliminated.

Shendy Puspa Irawati and Nitya Krishinda Maheswari fell 21-10, 21-11 to China’s Wang Xiaoli and Yu Yang, while Meiliana Jauhari and Greysia Polii lost 21-19, 21-18 to Taiwan’s Hsieh Pei Chen and Wang Pei Rong.

In the men’s doubles, Indonesia’s Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan, and Muhammad Ahsan and Alvent Yulianto Chandra, were playing second-round matches after press time. (Diah Lestari)

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Australia Superbike Test Yamaha Wrap Up

Yamaha World Superbike Team riders Eugene Laverty and Marco Melandri completed their three--day test at the Phillip Island circuit in Australia on Thursday.

The two new signings for the 2011 World Superbike season spent the three days testing out various parts including new Ohlins (TRVP25) front forks on both the 2010 and 2011 Yamaha racebike.

A large part of the test for both riders, particularly Melandri, included ongoing physical modifications to the YZF-R1 superbike to fit their riding style, adjusting foot pegs, handlebars and other geometry settings.

The Yamaha Superbike team enjoyed good weather, sunshine and a dry track for the first two days of the World Superbike test with rain only appearing in the last minutes of day two.

The third and final day saw more sunshine with rain only at lunchtime and towards the end of the day's sessions.

The 2011 superbike tested by the riders featured a revised weight balance, the new Ohlins forks, new engine performance parts and a different seat and fuel tank design. The bike also features standard fuel injectors and fuel pump in line with the 2011 racing regulations.

Laverty was clearly enjoying his third outing on the R1, having been impressively quick in the first two tests, he was again fast from the off, leaving Australia as the fastest rider of the test with a blistering 1'31.5 lap on soft race tires at the end of day three, over half a second faster than closest rider, 2010 World Superbike Champion Max Biaggi.

Laverty also spent some time on race simulation, putting in consistently fast race pace laps.

Following his one-day superbike test in Valencia last month this was Marco Melandri's first proper opportunity to work through some set up developments on his new Yamaha R1 racebike.

The Italian Yamaha rider improved steadily over the test days, making steps each day as the team continued to modify the physical set up of the bike to suit him.

Day three saw him record a 1'32.4 lap on race tyres. Melandri also took the opportunity in the rain to experience his bike on Pirelli wet tires. The team now have valuable data to take away to work over the winter to make further changes to suit the new riders in advance of the first test of 2011 next year.

Eugene Laverty (Yamaha World Superbike Team, 232 laps, Best Lap 1'31.5) says: "I'm pretty pleased with the test, it's a nice way to go into the winter break. In the three days we got a lot of laps done, the second day especially was big breakthrough."

"So far we've had two one day tests so the second day here was where we really made the bike mine. The race times on the 2011 machine weren't so far away from 2010 bike so we're developing in the right direction. The new Ohlins front fork is definitely an improvement. I'm still learning this bike so we are fine tuning it as we go."

Marco Melandri (Yamaha World Superbike Team, 216 laps, Best Lap 1'32.4) says: "It was a good test in the end, the three days were very intensive. It was quite challenging at first working on the 2011 Yamaha machine but during the second day we started to find a way and then third day we found a big improvement and found a good pace for the race."

"The rain meant we couldn't find a good lap time with a soft tire but for me that wasn't what was important here. The difference between a MotoGP bike and a superbike on this track are huge, the bike moves a lot more so the faster corners are very different but step by step it's getting better and better."

"The feeling is very good, I'm very happy. The track is a difficult track so we have done well and I think we can be very strong for the first race here next year."

Andrea Dosoli (Yamaha World Superbike Team Manager) "These were three very important days for us, after the shakedown of the new bike in Valencia here we had the chance to work on it in more detail."

"We have confirmed that the new bike is pretty good with high potential. We are pleased that it can keep consistent lap times during race simulation. For this we are quite happy as on this track in the past we have struggled."

"Eugene was very fast from the beginning in all three days and had a good feeling working on both bikes. Marco has been working hard, mainly on the 2011 bike. He has been working on rider position; there are still some areas we have to improve for him to be more comfortable on the bike."

"He was very consistent with race pace although he didn't have time to try a flying lap. After the first two days he struggled a bit with setup then today he found a good one that worked for him and was comfortable so the lap times improved. Overall the Yamaha test was very positive and we are confident we have a good base for the Philip Island race."

Final World Superbike Test Times, Phillip Island:
Eugene Laverty (Yamaha Sterilgarda) 01'31.5
Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia) 01'32.1
Leon Camier (Aprilia Alitalia) 01'32.4
Marco Melandri (Yamaha Sterilgarda) 01'32.4

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Ferguson eyes key wins over Arsenal and Chelsea

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United can take a giant step towards regaining the Premier League title if they win this month's crunch clashes against Arsenal and Chelsea.

United moved two points clear at the top of the table last weekend after Chelsea's latest stumble at Newcastle dropped them to second place and Ferguson's side can extend that lead with victory over the champions and then Arsenal in the coming weeks.

The third placed Gunners, who are also two points behind United, visit Old Trafford on December 13, with United's trip to Stamford Bridge following six days later. And as Arsenal and Chelsea meet themselves on December 27, Ferguson accepts it is going to be a crucial period.

"You always want to win those games because they are really significant," Ferguson told Inside United.

"We have managed to claw ourselves into a position where we are two points ahead of Chelsea, so the game at Stamford Bridge and Arsenal's trip to Manchester will certainly be very important, there's no doubt about that.

"We saw that last season - some big decisions didn't go our way in the two matches against Chelsea and they ended up costing us important points."

A foul by Didier Drogba on Wes Brown was missed by the referee as John Terry scored the winner for Chelsea against United at Stamford Bridge last season, while a Drogba goal at Old Trafford later in the season was shown to be offside.

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Newcastle defender Williamson signs new deal

Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson signed a new five-and-a-half year contract with the Premier League club on Friday.

Williamson has played a key role in Newcastle's solid start to life back in the English top-flight after last season's promotion from the Championship.

Magpies manager Chris Hughton rates the 27-year-old as one of the finest English central defenders on current form and was delighted to hand him an improved deal.

Hughton said: "Mike has been outstanding for us since he came. He was somebody who I tracked for a while before we got him, and he has perhaps exceeded even the expectations we had of him.

"He has a brilliant attitude and in my opinion has been one of the best English centre-backs in the league this season."

Former Portsmouth centre-back Williamson added: "I've played in the lower leagues before, so to get the opportunity to play at St James' Park every other week - and grounds like The Emirates and Old Trafford - is fantastic for me.

"Me and my family have settled here quickly and it's great to know that we'll be staying here for a long time to come."

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Goalball Team Aims To Finish Among Top Five In Asia

Kuala Lumpur - The national goalball squad competing in the six-day Asian Para Games in Guangzhou, China, from Dec 12-19, hope to finish among the top five teams in Asia. National coach D. Narayanasamy said all six players are determined to put up a good show in Guangzhou. Goalball is a highly competitive sport played three-against-three, indoors, primarily by blind and visually impaired athletes. "In the goalball event, we are not a powerhouse. If we are able to finish among the top five teams in Asia, it will considered a good achievement," he told Bernama today. Narayanasamy said among the countries which may pose a stiff challenge in the competition are Iran, China, Japan and South Korea. "We are only sending the men's team but I hope we are capable of forming a strong women's team in the future," he said. He said the national goalball squad was scheduled to leave for Guangzhou on Dec 6. The six goalball players who will head Malaysia's challenge to Guangzhou are Hilmi Mohd Zulkifly, C. Sathiro, Husnaini Samsudin, Hadi Sayong, Shah Aizat Shahrin and Mohd Khairul Nizam Che Ibrahim. Apart from goalball, Malaysia will also take part in 14 other sports, including badminton, boccia, archery, athletics, table tennis, powerlifting, swimming, tenpin bowling, wheel chair tennis, cycling and rowing.

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Local legend inspires mascots and emblem

If we look carefully at the Asian Games emblem, is seems to be a simple flame, but the rising torch-like curves actually outline the Five Celestial Goats, a famous Guangzhou landmark.

The emblem is indeed designed to symbolizing the dynamic athletic flare of the Games, but it also represents Guangzhou in many ways.

The design of both the 16th Asian Games emblem and its mascots was inspired by a legend about the city of Guangzhou materialized in a huge statue in the heart of the city — the Sculpture of the Five Rams.

As the legend goes, a long time ago the farm lands in Guangzhou ran dry. Crops could not be grown and a famine struck the people. They could do nothing but pray to the heavens for good luck. One day, a heavenly melody suddenly rang out and five angels came down from the heavens, each wearing different colored coats. The angels arrived riding on goats, and each goat carried bundles of rice with their teeth. The immortals gave the rice to the people of Guangzhou, and promised that the land would soon be free of famine.

The angels then rose up to the clouds and gradually disappeared. The five goats they left behind turned into stone. From that time onward Guangzhou reaped bumper harvests of grain every year and became the most prosperous city in south China. The story has been passed down from generation to generation and has rendered Guangzhou the title “The Ram City”.

The Sculpture of the Five Rams, located within the 868,000 square meter recreational and cultural Yuexiu Park, was created in 1959 by three famous Chinese sculptors; Ying Jichang, Kong Fanwei and Chen Benzhong. The Yuexiu Park itself is a historic scenic spot in the city, constructed around the year 1380 during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty.

The sculpture is made of 53 cubic meters of granite, including the base, and stands over 10 meters tall. The heads of the rams weigh two tons each, and the two-meter horns weigh over 500 kilograms.

The sculpture is surrounded by verdant woods and the nearby Nanxiu Lake glistens with silvery ripples and picturesque reflections.

Locals regard the statute as the city’s emblem. In 1989, more stones carvings in commemorating this moving legend expanded the Five Rams Scenic Area into today’s Five Rams Celestial Court.

The five goats, which together are known as Le Yangyang, have been made into the five cute and sporty official mascots of the 16th Asian Games.

Each of the five goats has a different color coinciding the colors of the five Olympic rings, thereby embodying the Olympic spirit at the Asian Games. The names of the five goats are A Xiang, A He, A Ru, A Yi and Le Yangyang, which when spoken together form the Chinese phrase “Xiang He Ru Yi Le Yangyang”, meaning “Peace, Harmony and Great Happiness, with everything going as you wish”.

Both the emblem and the mascot are the result of a long and tight competition.

By June 2007, a total of 812 mascots proposals had been received by the Guangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee (GAGOC), including submissions from the US, Germany, Canada, Australia, Taiwan and Hong Kong. About 100 entries were short-listed, and on Dec. 2007 the five goats were selected by GAGOC as the basic concept for the Asian Games mascot.

Even before being made official, the mascot, together with Beijing Olympic Games Fuwa and Paralympics Games mascot Funiu Lele, was recognized with the Best Sports Cartoon prize at the first China International Cartoon and Animation Festival and Award Ceremony and again at the 5th Golden Dragon Original Cartoon and Animation Contest on Sept. 28, 2008.

In April 2010, the five goats concept was approved by GAGOC as the official mascot for the games.

“This corresponds with the concept of the 16th Asian Games — “Thrilling Games, Harmonious Asia”, the organizing committee said in a statement.

The competition for the emblem started in Sept. 2006 when the GAGOC invited several companies and a postgraduate from the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts to participate in the design competition, asking them to submit designs for consideration.

Some 100 designs were collected. After repeated modification and screening rounds, the piece by Guangzhou-based designer Zhang Qiang and his design team of Zhongjia Design Co. Ltd. [including Zhang Yi, Yang Jingsong, Hatoli Hikahiko, Li Chenjia and Liang Yihui] won the competition.

“When you put the five names of the mascots together, they represent the hopes of local people that the Games will bring peace, auspiciousness and happiness to the people of Asia,” said GAGOC publicity director Luo Jingjun, as quoted by the SEA Games official website.

— JP/Matheos Viktor Messakh

Fun Fact and features of Le Yangyang

The five colors of the mascots are identical with the colors of the Olympic Rings. “It is to imply that the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games inherits and carries forward the Olympics spirit.”

The blue “A Xiang” symbolizes the meandering and flowing Pearl River as well as the cordial character and the open-mindedness of Guangzhou people.

The black “A He” symbolizes the long history of Lingnan culture and the profound historical and cultural heritage of the ancient city.

The red “A Ru” symbolizes the city’s floral emblem, Kapok.

The green “A Yi” symbolizes Baiyun Mountain.

The yellow “Le Yangyang” is identical with the colors of rice ears and symbolizes harvest and joy.

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China downplays historic Asian Games medal haul

China wrapped up the Asian Games with a record 199 gold medals, more than double its nearest rival but not quite enough for team leaders to relax preparations for the 2012 London Olympics.

The Chinese appear driven to repeat their performance from Beijing two years ago, when they topped the gold medal count for the very first time at the Olympics.

China faced little resistance at the Asian Games, widely seen as an Olympic warm-up event, winning so many golds that the result sometimes just seemed like a foregone conclusion.

At a wrap up news conference Saturday, Chinese delegation chief Duan Shijie rattled off a list of gold medal sweeps: diving, table tennis, basketball, beach volleyball, canoe and kayak. All the golds in women's boxing, which is making its debut in London. Also top finishes in women's gymnastics, handball and water polo. He did not mention the 10-gold sweep in the non-Olympic dance sport event.

Basically, China blew away the competition with its 199 gold medals, capping it off by rallying from two sets down to beat South Korea in the women's volleyball final - the last event on the program.

South Korea was second in the medal standings and trailed far behind with 76 gold. Japan didn't even reach 50 this time.

Duan pledged his delegation will be "sober in confronting the realities" for London.

"Just because we have been successful at the Asian Games doesn't mean we are bound to be successful again at the London Olympic games," he said.

Duan pointed out that many Chinese athletes still lag behind top international competition, with their success in Guangzhou strongly linked to the easier regional competition. Another troubling issue was a weaker showing in some sports that China has traditionally dominated at the continental games, such as weightlifting, archery and wrestling, delegation secretary-general Cai Jiadong said.

"If we look at the prospects of our performance for the Olympic Games we are not that optimistic," Cai said, repeating the modest assessment that Chinese officials typically give ahead of the event.

The Chinese officials brushed off criticism that one country's domination at such sporting events was bad for competition.

"Every delegation participated at these games to obtain the best possible result," Cai said. "Even though we were top of the medal tally, it doesn't mean we have a monopoly."

"We hope we set a good example, we hope that the attention and support from the Chinese government and the Chinese people can be some sort of reference for some other countries and their people," he added.

China's overwhelming domination has even attracted criticism in state media, which normally hews closely to the ruling Communist Party's line. Xinhua News Agency reporter Yang Ming wrote in a commentary that the government should be focused not on developing elite athletes, but promoting fitness among ordinary people to combat the country's growing problems with obesity and related health issues.

Some have speculated that Guangzhou's hosting of the Asian Games was part of an effort to bring the Olympics to the southern Chinese city. Beijing hosted the Asian Games in 1990 before holding the Olympics in 2008.

Cai said there were "no plans at the moment" to bring the Olympics to Guangzhou. (Anita Chang, The Associated Press)

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Asian Games athletes bag big bonuses

State Minister for Youth and Sports Affairs Andi Alfian Mallarangeng handed out Rp 45.4 billion (US$5 million) in bonuses to athletes who won medals at the recent Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, and their managers.

The minister said he was satisfied with Indonesia’s winnings – 4 gold medals, 9 silver medals and 13 bronze medals – so that Indonesia was ranked 15th out of the 46 participant countries at the Asian Games.

Andi said he hoped the bonus would increase athlete motivation for the 2014 Asian Games, so that Indonesian athletes could meet the target of 8 gold medals.

“There was no discrimination in the distribution of bonuses. Each athlete got the same amount,” he said. Individual and group athletes each received the same amount of money “even though we had to increase the budget to meet our promise,” he said.

The amount of money the government provided in bonuses was larger than previous games, as the men’s dragon boat team, comprised of 22 athletes, won gold. Meanwhile, the women’s dragon boat team won 3 silver medals.

Each gold medal winner got Rp 400 million and each silver medalist Rp 200 million, while the manager’s of gold medalists received Rp 100 million and silver medal manager’s got Rp 50 million.

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Four Citroen DS3 WRCs planned for Sweden

Although Citroen has long-since revealed the identity of its main team, with Sebastien Ogier joining seven-time champion Sebastien Loeb in a pair of DS3 WRCs, the line-up of its second squad has yet to be finalised and has been the subject of considerable speculation in recent weeks.

“We will have two teams next year but I can’t tell you who will be in the second team because we need to secure the budget first,” said Quesnel. “That means for Dani Sordo we would have to find 100 per cent of the budget if he was to continue with Citroen and that is very complicated. It is the same for Kimi Raikkonen.”

Quesnel, who has spoken of his desire to include former world title-winner Petter Solberg in Citroen’s second team in 2011 after the Norwegian competed in a privately-run Citroen C4 WRC this season, says he has received several approaches from interested drivers.

“We have a lot of demand but we would prefer to have the drivers with the budget who are also very fast,” said Quesnel. “We would be very pleased with Kimi and Petter and I think they would have the priority but in the end we will see. Last year, at this time, we didn’t have any customer so I am not worried. We will just have to wait but I am sure we will have two cars in the second team, even though it is quite complicated."

Quesnel has confirmed that a maximum of four DS3 WRCs will compete in Sweden as part of a decision by Citroen not to make the car available to private customers in the first season of use.

Meanwhile Ford team boss Malcolm Wilson is still working on plans for up to 10 Fiesta RS WRCs to be ready in time for Rally Sweden. “We’re not there yet but it’s possible,” said Wilson.

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Ogier back on track after strong finish in France

Citroen has been using a number of high-profile guest drivers to finalise the new car’s development - including Kris Meeke and Stephane Sarrazin - with Ogier the latest driver to put the new 1.6 turbo Group R car through its paces.

Having climbed to seventh at the end of day two on the all-asphalt Rallye du Var, the final round of the French Rally Championship, a final push from Ogier saw him finish fifth - around three minutes behind Renault’s Formula One star Robert Kubica, who was fourth in a Renault Clio S1600 after setting three overall fastest stage times.

“We’ve driven well and made a good contribution to the development of the car on this unique territory,” said Ogier, who was contesting the Rallye du Var for the first time. “We’ve come across the worst possible conditions but the DS3 R3 has shown itself to be consistently competitive, particularly on the soaking wet roads of Sunday.”

At the beginning of next year, the new car will be available to customers, and it is expected to become a highlight of the Production Car World Rally Championship, which will admit two-wheel drive cars from next year.

“This victory in Group R is a great reward for everyone’s efforts,” added Ogier. “I’m sure it’s going to lead to plenty more. This car is very sophisticated: I think of the DS3 as a halfway house between the C2 and the C4 World Rally Car.”

Former Peugeot factory driver Cedric Robert won the event in a 307 WRC, while second place for Bryan Bouffier in a Peugeot 207 S2000 was enough for him to clinch the French title. Endurance racer Stephane Sarrazin was third in another Peugeot 207, ahead of Kubica.

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Watson's Personal Care Stores Sdn Bhd

Company Description
Part of the highly successful Hutchison Whampoa Group, Watson’s is a leading and fast expanding retail chain throughout Asia retailing toiletries, toys, cosmetics, costume jewellery, health food, confectionery and pharmaceutical products.

Assistant Brand Manager

Job Description
Marketing and development of Watsons Own Brand products.
Planning of marketing calendar and product launching activities.
Create awareness and exitement for Watsons Own Brand internally and externally.
Good public relations with New Media / Social Media.

Overall implement, plan, manage and control of products to the benefit of Watsons Brand and Image.

Represent Watsons Malaysia Marketing Team as a main liasion to Watsons Regional Marketing Team.

Job Requirements
Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor's Degree, Post Graduate Diploma, Professional Degree or Master's Degree in Business Studies/Administration/Management, Marketing, Advertising/Media or equivalent.

At least 3 year(s) of working experience in the related field is required for this position.

Preferably Senior Executives specializing in Marketing/Business Development or equivalent. Job role in Brand Management or Event Management.

1 Full-Time positions available.

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Service Advisor and Parts Storekeeper at Federal Auto Cars Sdn Bhd

We are looking for qualified candidates who meet the minimum requirements of the job as follows to fill in our vacancies at our Branch in Tampoi, Johor Bahru, Johor.

1. Service Advisor
Requirements ;
* Minimum SPM/Certificate/Diploma in Automotive
* Minimum 2 years of working experience in an automotive industries
* Customer orientated with a technical background
* Good communication and listening skills with a professional attitude
* Able to work closely with the technical team
* Good command of English, Bahasa Malaysia and knowledge of any other languages would be an advantage.
* Independent and able to work under minimum supervision
* Computer literate

2. Parts Storekeeper

Responsibilities:
You will be responsible to ensure an efficient administration of parts operation relating to stock purchases, inventory control and correctly apply the price and discount of parts for repair order and cash bills.

Requirements:
Minimum SPM/Cert/Diploma in Automotive
Minimum 2 years of working experience in an automotive industries
Knowledge on parts specification
Knowledge of parts operational processes
Good teamwork and able to work independently
Computer literate
Good command of spoken and written English

Interested applicants are invited to email your comprehensive resume, qualifications, experience, current and expected salary, together with recent passport sized photo to the following email address:-
zerafina.arshad@federalauto.com.my

Shortlisted candidate will be contacted for a walk-in interview.

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Human Resource Manager (IR) at HCR Sdn Bhd

Our client is a leading provider of automotive financial services, offering an extensive line of financing plans and vehicle and payment protection products to its customers and dealers. It has helped millions of its customers drive the vehicle of their dreams. From flexible lease and finance plans, to vehicle and payment protection and insurance products that add peace of mind, their programs are designed to meet the unique needs of drivers. They are committed to offering quality products that provide convenience and value, and to delivering consistent support that helps ensure customer and dealer satisfaction.

Human Resource Manager (IR)
MYR 5000 - 7000
(Kuala Lumpur - Damansara Utama)

Responsibilities:
Able to handle full spectrum of Human Resource functions including Manpower Planning, Training and Development, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Relations, Payroll and Industrial Relations
Able to plan or assist to plan for succession planning, talent management, employee retention, organizational design & development, change management, recruitment and selection policy/practices, employee relations, compensation & benefits, training and development, culture and attitudinal development, performance management program
Actively involved in Development of Human Resource Information System, which are compliance with both local & government regulations pertaining to employment practices
Able to handle and manage all recruitment matters of the company, which includes planning recruitment needs, formulating recruitment strategies and conducting interviews
Manage the administration of the human resources policies, procedures and programs
Manage the administration department

Requirements:
Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource Management, Business Studies/Administration/Management or equivalent.
At least 10 year(s) of working experience in Human Resource Management is required for this position.
Possess good communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with all level of people.
Possess good problem solving, presentation and analytical skills
Strong command in spoken/written English & Bahasa Malaysia
Positive work attitude, proactive and able to work in a team environment
Required language(s): Bahasa Malaysia, English
. Candidates must be at least 40 years of age

Interested candidates are requested to email full resume to nora@hcrmalaysia.com or contact Ms Nora at 03-9200 4394.

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Kovalainen on bed rest after ROC smash

Lotus’s Heikki Kovalainen is resting in bed on doctors’ advice after suffering a heavy concussion during his crash in Sunday’s Race of Champions (ROC) in Germany. He will undergo further tests in the next few days.

During his first heat of the individual ROC competition, in which he narrowly lost out to world rally champion Sebastien Loeb, Kovalainen clipped the barriers in his Audi R8, breaking its rear suspension.

The Finn also reported a jammed throttle and an ensuing spin sent him into the barriers. Kovalainen was knocked out briefly in the impact and withdrew from the remainder of the event to undergo medical checks.

Kovalainen’s passenger in the car was girlfriend Catherine Hyde. Initial reports suggested she had escaped unhurt, but subsequent examinations revealed a hairline fracture of the pelvis and muscle damage. Hyde has also been put on bed rest.

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