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Monday, February 1, 2016

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Watson bids to open at World T20s after unbeaten 124

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SYDNEY (AFP) - Australias stand-in skipper Shane Watson has declared his preference for opening the batting with a blistering 124 not out against India, just weeks out from the ICC World Twenty20.But Watsons huge total, which came off 71 balls at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday, was not enough to prevent India from winning the match to sweep the three-game T20 series.I am happy to bat anywhere because I really am loving being out there and playing the game, the 34-year-old all-rounder said after the loss.But theres no doubt that I certainly do enjoy opening the batting. It has always suited my game, suited my mentality as well.Indias Virat Kohli also praised Watson, who retired from Test cricket last year but was recently overlooked for the Australian one-day squad.He batted out of his skin, Kohli said.Hes such a dangerous player when opening the batting in T20 cricket. Weve seen that in the IPL many a time.Watson said India -- who succeeded in running down Australias total of 197 after smashing 17 off the last over with a four off the final ball -- were the clear favourites going into the world Twenty20.I think no matter how things panned out exactly here, they were always going to be favourites, he said.But the Australian said there was not a hell of a lot to worry about within his team, although he admitted the workload of players was intense over the southern hemisphere summer.Australias busy schedule saw the Twenty20 series against India finish Sunday, just three days before a one-day series starts in New Zealand on Wednesday.Watson said because the series were so close, it had meant that players have come in and out a lot more regularly than what would normally have happened.But he said he was confident that they would have solidified their roles well ahead of the world Twenty20 which starts on March 8 in India.The important thing is to get the team nutted out, said Watson.

Petroleum product prices to be slashed by Rs. 5

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) notification on Sunday states that price of all petroleum products is to be Rs. 5.After the reduction in price, new price of petrol will be Rs. 71.25 per litre.Price of High Speed Diesel will now be Rs. 75.79 per litre.Kerosene’s cost after the cut in prices will be Rs. 43.25 per litre.New price of Light Speed Diesel will be Rs. 39.94 per litre.Hi-Octane’s new price after the decrease will now be Rs. 75.66.

Police will provide complete security to schools: DIG Operations Lahore

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – The Deputy Inpsector-General (DIG) of Police Operations Lahore on Sunday stated that in light of the required security measures, police will provide complete security to both private and government schools. He also stated that search operations will be conducted at night in schools’ surrounding areas.According to DIG Operations, search operations will be conducted in suspicion of any possible terrorism attempt during which identification documents of the citizens will be checked.He stated that the designated Superintendents of Police (SP) of the division will monitor the fool proof security measures.He also informed that in case of any emergency situation, citizens are advised to inform on help line number 8330.

Punjab govt develops bill for formation of Private Education Commission

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – The government of Punjab has come up with a bill for the formation of a Private Education Commission. Punjab’s Education Minister Rana Mashood will present the bill in Punjab Assembly today (Sunday) and has been kept in the agenda.According to the bill, the 17 member Private Education Commission will monitor private educational institutes and will also analyze their fee structure.The Commission will also enforce these institutes to provide free education to 10% of deserving children.

With exception of few, schools in Punjab reopen today

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – With the exception of a few private institutes, schools in Punjab (both government and private) reopened today (Sunday). Chains of 12 major private schools have decided to remain shut and have sent SMS messages to the parents of the students about the closure.According to the details, Beacon House, City School, Lahore Grammar School (LGS), LACAS, Learning Alliance, Lahore Pre-School, Smart Schools, Newlands, TNS, Gymboree Play and Music and all campuses of Salamat School have refused on the reopening.The Spokesperson for the School Chains’ Tabraiz Bukhari has stated that the senior management will develop a framework after analyzing the government’s notification.Meanwhile, Punjab Education Minister Rana Mashhood has announced reopening of all schools in Punjab. Negotiations were held between Punjab Education Minister and the representatives of All Pakistan Schools Federation over reopening of schools on February 1 in Lahore.There were some harsh exchanges between District Coordination Officer (DCO) and the representatives of the schools’ body during the meeting and a group of the representatives left the negotiations as well. However, they were convinced to return later on.It has been decided in the meeting that all the cases registered against the schools in Punjab will be withdrawn and police will not harass the school administrations again.Rana Mashood made it clear that the schools in Punjab were neither allowed to raise the fee in the name of security arrangements nor did they make any such demands.After the notification by the Provincial government, leaders of Private School Association Kashif Mirza and Jawdani announced the reopening of schools.

Tennis: Djokovic thrashes Murray for sixth Aussie Open title

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MELBOURNE (AFP) - World number one Novak Djokovic hammered a misfiring Andy Murray in straight sets to win a record-equalling sixth Australian Open title and strengthen his grip on mens tennis on Sunday.The Serbian world number one swept to a 6-1, 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) victory in two hours, 53 minutes to hand Murray his fifth defeat in the Melbourne Park final.Djokovic equalled the tally of Australias Roy Emerson, who won the tournament six times between 1961 and 1967, an achievement that had gone unmatched in the 49 years since.It was also Djokovics 11th Grand Slam title, putting him in equal fifth place on the all-time list alongside Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg, behind leader Roger Federers 17.Its an incredible feeling, especially because of the fact that I managed to make history tonight and equal Roy Emersons record of six Australian Opens, Djokovic said.This trophy is even more unique for me tonight and when you have an opportunity to make history it adds to the motivation and incentive before you come out on the court.Djokovic underlined his status as the dominant force in Melbourne, after downing Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to win his first major title in 2008 and beating Rafael Nadal in an epic final in 2012, along with his four wins over Murray in 2011, 2013, 2015 and now 2016.Djokovic also extended his Grand Slam winning streak to 21 matches. He has not lost a match at the majors since he was defeated by Stan Wawrinka in last years French Open final at Roland Garros.While Djokovic was further enhancing his reputation, Murray has the unwanted statistic of becoming only the second man in the post-1968 Open era to lose five Grand Slam finals at any one major.Ivan Lendl, Murrays former coach, lost five finals at the US Open in 1982-1984 and 1988-1989, before winning at Flushing Meadows in 1985-1987.Murray had tears in his eyes at the presentation when he thanked his pregnant wife Kim Sears, who is due to give birth to their first child in the coming weeks.Youve been a legend for the last two weeks. Thank you so much for all of your support and Ill be on the next plane home, he said in a faltering voice.Djokovic won 24 more points than Murray, 123-99, in the final, while Murray made a total of 65 unforced errors -- including 28 off his forehand and 29 off his backhand. Djokovic faced a break point in his opening service game but then went on a blazing run, breaking Murrays serve twice to claim the opening set in 30 minutes.Murray survived four break points to hold serve in a marathon 12-minute third game as he tried to stay in the second set against the pressing Serb.But Djokovic gained another psychological breakthrough with a service break in the seventh game after Murray overhit a forehand to trail 4-3.Fighting Murray broke back in the following game with his backhand clipping the baseline, which was confirmed by Djokovics challenge.Murray fought off two break points in a fiercely contested ninth game in a war of the attrition between the two long-time rivals, who have known each other since their junior days.But Djokovic fought back from 0-40 down to break Murrays serve for a fourth time, in a game featuring one exhausting 36-shot rally, to lead 6-5 and serve for the second set.The Serb claimed a two sets to love lead after winning an 80-minute battle for the second set, leaving Murray with it all to do.Djokovic tightened the noose with another service break in the first game of the final set, with Murrays task looking herculean to take the final to five sets.Murray broke back in the sixth game but in the tiebreaker the Scot served two double-faults as Djokovic steamed to five match points, and belted an ace on the third match point to seal the championship.It was yet another big statement from the peerless Serb against a major rival, after he swamped Rafael Nadal 6-1, 6-2 at Doha and convincingly beat Federer in the Melbourne semi-finals.

Tennis: Dad-to-be Murray on 'next plane home' after Aussie loss

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MELBOURNE (AFP) - Andy Murray declared I just want to get home and headed straight for the airport on Sunday as he raced to be reunited with his pregnant wife after his Australian Open final defeat.Murray, who has been on baby alert all tournament with his wife, Kim Sears, due to give birth within weeks, said he was getting the next flight home after his loss to world number one Novak Djokovic.Im proud that I got into this position, you know. Just quite looking forward to getting home now, Murray said in a quickfire press conference before rushing for his plane.The British world number two had pledged to quit the tournament if his wife went into labour, and he was also close to pulling out when his father-in-law Nigel Sears collapsed at Rod Laver Arena last week.It was a tough, tough couple of days. Thankfully, hes fine now. Yeah, I just want to get home, said London-based Murray.He added: Ive been held on flights for, it feels like five days. Ive been held on almost every single flight, so the first one out of here, Im leaving. Its at 1:00, I think.Earlier Murray had tears in his eyes and a faltering voice as he paid tribute to his wife after he was well beaten 6-1, 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) -- his fifth defeat in the Melbourne final.Youve been a legend for the last two weeks. Thank you so much for all of your support and Ill be on the next plane home, the Scot said at the on-court awards ceremony.He later explained it had been a difficult tournament as he was beset by distractions, but which also, however, seemed to take the sting out of his latest Grand Slam disappointment.With the defeat, Murray became only the second man in the post-1968 Open era -- after Ivan Lendl, his former coach -- to lose five finals at the same Grand Slam tournament.Regardless of todays result, its been hard. Had I lost in the third or fourth round it still would have been difficult with everything thats happened, Murray said.Shes been amazing. Handled everything unbelievably well. Yeah, I have to thank her for allowing me to play and stay here with everything that was going on. But, yeah, it was tough.

Tennis: No rest as busy Kerber jets off for Fed Cup

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BERLIN (AFP) - There was no rest for newly-crowned Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber after a whirlwind of partying and engagements before jetting home on Sunday to prepare for the Fed Cup.The 28-year-old German earned her first Grand Slam title by shocking world number one Serena Williams 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 in Saturdays final in Melbourne.After countless interviews, posing for pictures and undergoing a drugs test, Kerber eventually got back to her hotel around 3:00 am local time on Sunday morning, then went straight out partying.The new champion was sleepless in Melbourne, but brushed off any tiredness to celebrate on Sunday by swimming in the Yarra river next to the Rod Laver Arena, in echoes of the dip American Jim Courier took after his 1992 championship win on the same court.The new world number two made the plunge along with her team, including coach Torben Beltz and physiotherapist Simon Iden, plus a German Eurosport commentator, who made a bet with Kerber to jump in the river if she won.It was cold, but it was worth it, said Kerber after her dip. I havent slept for a minute, I only had appointments to get to, she told broadcaster ZDF, having become the first German since Steffi Graf in 1999 to win a Grand Slam title.I managed to eat a banana after the final and then it was the next day.I had never been so tired as in that moment, she said after a night of partying as, despite only leaving the stadium in the early hours, we still managed to go for a drink, Kerber added with a grin.I still cant believe it. Ive made history. A dream has come true.Im ready for anything now -- even the wedding with Petko, she joked after her Fed Cup team-mate Andrea Petkovic wrote: Angelique, youre crazy I want to marry you on Twitter.After posing for her official winners photo in Melbournes Botanical Gardens, Kerber flew back to Europe on Sunday night and had the chance to catch up on sleep on the long flight via Bangkok to Frankfurt, Germany, then onto Posen in Poland.From there, she will drive to Puszczykowo, where she lives near to her grandparents.Well celebrate there with some sparkling wine. I am really looking forward to getting home, she said.My family have always stood by me and given me strength, even in moments when I didnt believe in myself.There will be little time to enjoy her success, because on Tuesday she will join up with her Germany team-mates to prepare for next weekends Fed Cup first-round match against Switzerland in Leipzig.There promises to be some fun for Kerbers team later in the year as she will make good on a bet with her coach Beltz to skydive together, take a dancing class with her support staff and her physio will mark her victory in ink by getting a tattoo.It will be the trophy from Melbourne, he admitted.

Tennis: Soares wins two Grand Slam titles on same day

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MELBOURNE (AFP) - Brazils Bruno Soares lifted the Australian Open mixed doubles trophy on Sunday -- the same day he also won the mens doubles, in the early hours of the morning.Soares and Russias Elena Vesnina, seeded five, beat the unseeded pairing of American Coco Vandeweghe and her Romanian partner Horia Tecau 6-4, 4-6, 10-5 on Rod Laver Arena.The win comes after Soares and Jamie Murray, the brother of singles finalist Andy, beat Czech veteran Radek Stepanek and Canadian Daniel Nestor in three sets for the mens title in a 1:00 am finish.I feel like Ive been on this court for the last 24 hours, said Soares, who now has 22 mens doubles titles and also won the US Open mixed doubles in 2012 and 2014.But its a good feeling. Elena carried me the whole week. She was awesome.

Football: 'No fairytale' as Terry announces Chelsea exit

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MILTON KEYNES (AFP) - Chelsea captain John Terry dropped a bombshell on Sunday by announcing he will leave at the end of the season after the club decided not to renew his contract.I was in (for talks) last week before the Arsenal game and it is not going to be extended, Terry, 35, told reporters after his sides 5-1 win at second-tier Milton Keynes Dons in the FA Cup fourth round.Its not going to be a fairytale ending. Im not going to retire at Chelsea. Its going to be elsewhere, which it took me a couple of days to get over.Terry has made 696 appearances for Chelsea and is the clubs most successful captain, having won four Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, the 2012 Champions League and the 2013 Europa League.He was named in the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) Team of the Season after leading Chelsea to last seasons league title, but his performances this campaign have not been to the same standard, mirroring the London clubs slide down the league standings.He could now follow former England team-mates David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole by moving to the United States.But the centre-back, who signed a one-year contract extension last season, wants to go out in style by lifting the FA Cup for a sixth time and helping Chelsea climb the league table from 14th place.Its my last run in the FA Cup, so I want to make it a good one, he said.Its a big season for me and I want to push on -- not just in this competition, but in the Premier League as well.I knew before the Arsenal game (which Chelsea won 1-0), so mentally Ive kind of accepted it. We just have to move on and climb the league.They said that when the new manager comes in, things might change. Its a no at the minute.I needed to know now like I have done every January and sometimes it takes a couple of months to get done. Unfortunately, it was a no.Chelsea are currently in a state of flux, having appointed Guus Hiddink on an interim basis after Jose Mourinho was sacked as manager for the second time in December.But while Mourinhos long-term successor will not be coaching Terry, the former England captain said that he would not join another Premier League club.The club will move on, he said. No player is ever bigger than the club. Ideally I would have loved to stay, but the clubs moving in a different direction. No doubt theyll sign one or two great centre-backs.I want to come back as a Chelsea supporter in years to come with my kids and see the team doing great.Unfortunately thats not going to be with me, but I want to see the team do well. Its going to be my last year and I want to go out at the top.He added: I couldnt play for another Premier League club. It will be elsewhere for sure. I dont know where and I leave that to the people in charge. It certainly wont be in the Premier League.Terrys impending departure means that Chelsea will lose the last remaining element from the team built by Mourinho that won back-to-back league titles in 2005 and 2006.Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Petr Cech have all since moved on, leaving Terry, who made his debut in October 1998, as the sole player branching the two generations.A brave, no-nonsense centre-back in the finest English traditions, Terry is an iconic figure at Stamford Bridge, where a banner proclaims him: CAPTAIN. LEADER. LEGEND.But his 78-cap England career ended in September 2012 when he retired from international football after the Football Association charged him with racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand, brother of his England team-mate Rio Ferdinand.

Football: Ronaldo hits hat-trick in Real rout, new low for Neville

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MADRID (AFP) - Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 29th La Liga hat-trick as Zinedine Zidanes Real Madrid moved back to within four points of leaders Barcelona with a 6-0 thrashing of Espanyol on Sunday.However, Gary Nevilles terrible La Liga run since taking charge of Valencia continued with a 1-0 loss to Sporting Gijon on Sunday -- Los Ches first home defeat since November 2014.In keeping with their fast starts under new boss Zidane at the Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid raced into a 4-0 half-time lead with Karim Benzema and James Rodriguezs first goal since November adding to Ronaldos double.The three-time World Player of the Year sealed his latest La Liga hat-trick nine minutes from time before Oscar Duartes own goal ensured a repeat scoreline from when the sides met earlier this season.We all needed to work harder as a team and now we have a positive mentality, Ronaldo told Canal Plus of Zidanes impact.The pre-season wasnt very good, there was a lot of travelling. Zizou has arrived with different ideas and we need to continue like this.Victory also moves Real just a point behind local rivals Atletico Madrid after their 2-1 defeat to Barca in a top of the table clash on Saturday.However, Barcelona also have a game in hand on both Madrid clubs.Our objective is to do our best in every game and get to the end of the season with the chance to win the league, said Zidane.My expectations for the league are still high, it is not over.Real have now struck 41 goals in seven games at home since being thrashed 4-0 by Barcelona in November.Zidanes men again made a flying start as Rodriguezs cross from the right picked out Benzema to take his tally for the season to 22 goals in 21 games after seven minutes.Ronaldo hit five when the sides met earlier in the campaign and was among the goals once more as he doubled the lead from the penalty spot after being brought down by Enzo Roco.Rodriguezs deflected effort killed the game as a contest after just 18 minutes and Benzema could easily have made it four as he shot wide after a lovely one-two with Isco.Ronaldo did get the fourth before the break with an audacious piece of skill to skip past Alvaro Gonzalez before blasting into the top corner on his left foot.Madrids intensity dropped after the break with the points in the bag, but Ronaldo wasnt to be denied another hat-trick as he nodded home Jese Rodriguezs cross to register his 30th goal of the season.And Duartes own goal rounded off the scoring from another dangerous Jese cross.In contrast to Zidanes comfortable start to life in La Liga, Nevilles Valencia nightmare continued as his winless streak stretched to eight games.Antonio Sanabrias penalty five minutes into the second-half handed Sporting their first away win since October as Valencia paid for missing a host of clear-cut chances, most notably through captain Alvaro Negredo.Victory moves Sporting out of the relegation zone up to 16th with Valencia now just six points off the drop zone in 12th.Yet, Neville denied his position was fast becoming untenable.Youre asking me about my position. I find this question ridiculous, said the former Manchester United captain.Its from you (the media), dont put this onto the fans.Elsewhere, Sevilla maintained their chase of Villarreal for the fourth Champions League place with their 11th consecutive win at home in all competitions, 3-1 over bottom side Levante.Celta Vigo missed the chance to move back up to fifth as they conceded a last minute winner to Las Palmas in a 2-1 defeat.

Football: Oscar earns Chelsea FA Cup date with Man City

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MILTON KEYNES (AFP) - Oscars hat-trick and Eden Hazards first goal this season earned Chelsea a 5-1 win at Milton Keynes Dons on Sunday that set up an FA Cup showdown with Manchester City.Chelsea remain undefeated in eight games under interim manager Guus Hiddink and an impressive fourth-round display, albeit against second-tier opposition, confirmed the progress that they have made under the Dutchman.The win means that Chelsea remain in contention to repeat the FA Cup success they enjoyed when Hiddink was last in interim charge in 2009, but they were handed a testing draw at home to City.Speaking before the draw was made, Hiddink told the BBC: We are delighted. Because if you play this game, its always difficult.If you play the big games, the big teams, the concentration is always high automatically, but these games you have to be well prepared mentally.We played well in the first half, but we werent finishing it off in the first 20 minutes. Then they got the equaliser, but we reacted very well.Oscars first-half treble grabbed the attention at Stadium MK, but Hazards penalty, his first goal in 30 appearances, came as a huge relief, while substitute Bertrand Traore netted his first Chelsea goal.Hiddink signalled his intentions by fielding a strong side, although he did take the opportunity to hand rare starts to left-back Baba Rahman and young midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.With loan signing Alexandre Pato not eligible to play and both Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao injured, Diego Costa led the line and his work alongside Oscar quickly nixed any chance of an upset.After a dominant start, Chelsea took a 15th-minute lead courtesy of a defensive mistake.An underhit back-pass by Kyle McFadzean allowed Costa to advance on goal and the striker unselfishly squared the ball for Oscar to finish into an empty net.It was to MK Dons credit that they responded positively and drew level six minutes later when Darren Potters shot took a deflection off Nemanja Matic and looped over the leaping Thibaut Courtois.However, the gulf in quality between the teams meant it was only a matter of time before Chelsea asserted their superiority, although goalkeeper David Martin did his best to hold them at bay, saving well from Hazard before Costa nicked the ball off the toe of Oscar in front of goal.Another chance quickly came Oscars way and this time the Brazilian made no mistake with a well-placed finish in the 32nd minute.The playmaker, operating on the right on this occasion with Loftus-Cheek filling the central role, completed his hat-trick when he cut in from the left and found the bottom-right corner from outside the box.The home side had offered little resistance and the pattern of the game was maintained after the break when Hazard was tripped by Potter in the 55th minute.Chelsea skipper John Terry intervened to ensure Hazard took the penalty and the Belgium international rolled the ball home to his obvious relief.Substitute Traore then completed a routine victory for the visitors when he finished with a first-time shot after Hazard had chased Cesc Fabregass pass out to the byline before setting up the Burkina Faso youngster.In the days other tie, Everton got over their mid-week League Cup elimination against Manchester City by winning 3-0 at fourth-tier Carlisle United courtesy of goals from Arouna Kone, Aaron Lennon and Ross Barkley.But the match was marred by racist abuse directed at Evertons players after Kones second-minute opener, which prompted referee Lee Mason to ask for a warning message to be read out over the public address system.I thought it was dealt with in a very good manner, Everton manager Roberto Martinez told BT Sport.We agreed to make an announcement. I thought the referee was very good in how he dealt with that. It was just a reaction, something that we dont want to see.Everton will visit Bournemouth in the fifth round.

Football: Lewandowski nets twice as Bayern down Hoffenheim

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BERLIN (AFP) - Robert Lewandowski netted both goals as leaders Bayern Munich earned a 2-0 win over Hoffenheim on Sunday to stay eight points clear in the Bundesliga.After the leagues top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had scored twice for Borussia Dortmund to reach 20 league goals on Saturday, Lewandowski is now just behind with 19.The Poland striker gave Bayern the lead at Munichs Allianz Arena after converting Douglas Costas low cross on 32 minutes.He doubled his tally with some clinical finishing after a superb through ball from Bayern captain Philipp Lahm on 64 minutes.It could have been three as Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal hit the post and the defeat left Hoffenheim second from bottom.There was bad news for Bayern coach Pep Guardiola before kick-off as Javi Martinez dropped out with a knee injury.It forced a three-man defence leaving Holger Badstuber as their only fit centre-back with Jerome Boateng and Medhi Benatia currently sidelined.We didnt give Hoffenheim many chances, we were dominant, said Bayerns Germany keeper Manuel Neuer.I didnt have much to do, and I had to be awake on the few occasions that they did create chances.We saw today that, even when we have defenders injured, there are other players who can impress in central defence.Meanwhile, Wolfsburg remain winless in their four games since beating Manchester United in the Champions League after being held to a 1-1 draw at home to Cologne.Wolfsburg face Belgian side Gent in the away leg of their last-16 tie in Europe on February 17.But Dieter Heckings side have now lost two and drawn two in their last four games since knocking United out of the Champions League with a 3-2 win last December.The hosts went ahead when right-winger Vieirinha fired in a cross, which found Julian Draxler unmarked for the Germany international to fire home on 67 minutes.Cologne equalised eight minutes later when Anthony Modeste curled his shot around Wolves keeper Diego Benaglio.The result left Wolfsburg seventh -- outside the European places for next season -- and Cologne ninth.On Saturday, Dortmund enjoyed a 2-0 win over Ingolstadt to go ten points clear of third-placed Hertha Berlin.Dortmund could consider themselves fortunate though as captain Mats Hummels escaped a red card for a foul in the area.He then scored a second-half own-goal, which the referee refused to award to Ingolstadt after a foul in the build-up, before Aubameyang struck twice.Hertha threw away a 2-0 lead as hosts Werder Bremen roared back with three goals in ten second-half minutes to claim a point in a 3-3 draw.Ivory Coast veteran Salomon Kalou struck Berlins third goal to leave Hertha 3-1 up in Bremen with 20 minutes left.Then Bremen veteran Claudio Pizarro netted a penalty before defender Santiago Garcia fired in a shot which was later credited to Pizarro, who nudged the ball over the line to level the scores.Bayer Leverkusen climbed to fourth with a 3-0 win at Hanover 96, who dropped to the bottom, with Javier Hernandez scoring twice in the romp.Chicharito converted a penalty, then drilled home his 13th league goal in 16 matches.Schalke had youth to thank for their 2-0 win at Darmstadt as dynamic midfielders Max Meyer and Leroy Sane, who are both 20, scored either side of half-time.The win left the Royal Blues fifth in the table.Schalke and Leverkusens wins meant Borussia Moenchengladbach slid from fourth to sixth after Fridays 1-0 defeat to mid-table Mainz.Mid-table sides Augsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt fought out a goalless draw in Bavaria.Strugglers Stuttgart are two points clear of the relegation places after their dramatic 2-1 win at home to mid-table Hamburg thanks to a late goal from new signing Artem Kravets.

Football: Ibrahimovic blasts Paris into record books

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PARIS (AFP) - A Zlatan Ibrahimovic brace saw Paris Saint Germain stretch their lead atop Ligue 1 to a massive 24 points on Sunday in a 2-0 away win over a spirited Saint Etienne. Not only was this a club record 13th straight win, it also sees the rampaging Paris side equal Nantes 20-year-old record of 32 league games without defeat.PSG have not lost in Ligue 1 since a 3-2 defeat to Bordeaux on March 15 last year.Theres been a great deal of talk about the record and it helped me motivate the players, even if they dont really need that, PSG coach Laurent Blanc said after the game.I ask a lot from the players, I demand it. And what I take away tonight as much as the record is the way this team never gives up.Saint Etienne coach Christophe Galtier had joked before the game that Ibrahimovic must hate his team so often does he score against them.And the giant Swede duly clinched his 18th league goal of the campaign on the hour with a certain venom before scoring his 19th, a simple tap in, with the last kick of the game.This team seems unbeatable, Galtier said. Weve never seen anything like it in this league, not even Lyon when they were dominating everything.Paris now have 63 points from 23 games after twenty wins and three draws, while in second Monaco have 39 points after losing 3-0 to third placed Angers, who now have 37, on Saturday.The hosts threw everything they had at the champions and drew several key saves from keeper Kevin Trapp, notably through captain Franck Tabanou. My players showed great courage and we shook them up. But we came up against a good keeper, added Galtier.PSGs Argentine winger Angel di Maria was a constant menace with his runs and passes and set up Ibrahimovic for a cheeky back-heel shot by lobbing the static defence.But the opener came when when Ibrahimovic ran onto a perfectly weighted Serge Aurier cross to fire home at full stretch from the six yard line just after the hour.The clincher came in the closing moments after a sobering exhibition of PSGs masterful passing game found the striker unmarked at the back post.Earlier Sunday, Caen continued their fine season by beating Nice 2-0 as the visitors, who sold 49 percent of their shares to a mystery Saudi prince and English businessman this week, failed in their bid to move second.The hosts took the lead when Julien Feret teed up Rony Rodelin to drive in his sixth league goal of the season. Andy Delort doubled the lead from the penalty spot before half-time to leave Nice in disarray.Bordeauxs lanky striker Cheick Diabate, who scored a brace in last weeks 2-2 draw with Nantes, grabbed another two in a 4-0 romp over Rennes. His aerial strength saw him power home a well placed header to grab the opener on the half hour and he then drilled a sharp left-footed snap-shot past Rennes keeper Benoit Costil just after the restart to make it 2-0, setting his side up for a deservedly clear win.Surprise package Angers inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Monaco on Saturday to reignite their unlikely challenge for a Champions League spot.Cheikh NDoye deflected in Romain Saisss effort after Monaco failed to clear a corner, NDoye doubled the advantage before half-time as Angers took utter control, before gloss was added to the scoreline in the second period by Mohamed Yattara.

Football: Sheikh Salman says FIFA race is duel with Infantino

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DOHA (AFP) - FIFA presidential frontrunner Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa told AFP on Sunday that only he or Europes Gianni Infantino can win the race to become leader of world football.The Asian Football Confederation president also said any candidate who does not have a minimum number of votes should not stay in the contest for the February 26 vote, piling pressure on the other three campaign contenders.South African media are already speculating that the only African candidate Tokyo Sexwale could withdraw this week, though he denied this to AFP. Asked who how many candidates had a chance of winning the presidency of the scandal-tainted FIFA, the Bahrain sheikh said: Realistically for the five, I think two.Pressed on who they are, he added: I think Gianni has the support of the (UEFA) confederation and I think Asia has its candidate. From what I hear, from what I feel, I think its between me and him.Infantino is the UEFA general secretary, and will speak at a London conference on Monday to outline what he will do in his first 90 days if elected president.The other three candidates are Sexwale from South Africa, Jordans Prince Ali bin Hussein, a former FIFA vice president, and Jerome Champagne from France, a former FIFA official.Speaking in English and Arabic, Sheikh Salman said he was increasingly confident of victory.When I took the decision to run in the election, I thought I had a good chance.And now we are approaching the election date and after all the last contacts with the confederations and the national federations, I am confident and optimistic and I can see that things are improving day by day.He added: From my point of view things are more than good.All 209 FIFA member associations will vote at a special congress in Zurich for a successor for Sepp Blatter, who stepped down and was subsequently banned from FIFA, following corruption allegations engulfing footballs governing body.The sheikh and Infantino are seen as the frontrunners and he hinted that a deal between the two could be possible ahead of the vote.You have to leave the door always open, you cannot shut the door on any candidate.He was speaking in Doha after attending the finals of the AFC Under 23 championship, which finished on Saturday.Infantino was also in Qatar over the weekend, as well as Sexwale.Sheikh Salman added that anyone who had no chance of winning should now consider dropping out of the race.Well, I think that, you know, any candidate who feels that he cannot bring, lets say, a minimum number (of votes), I dont think he should continue.South African newspapers reported on Sunday that Sexwale could soon pull out, but he told AFP he would not run away from the race.In Sheikh Salmans election manifesto, he has argued for more than 32 national sides to play at each World Cup and said on Sunday that no more than 40 teams should contest the tournament.He also reiterated his support for Qatars controversial hosting of the tournament in 2022.During his campaign the sheikh has been criticised by human rights groups who accuse him of involvement in the oppression of pro-democratic demonstrations in 2011 in Bahrain and the use of torture, claims which he denies.The rival candidates have been on a globetrotting campaign seeking support for their bids to take over FIFA.The world football body is reeling from US corruption charges against 39 football officials, marketing executives and two companies. Swiss investigators are looking into the attribution of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar respectively.Blatter is separately under formal investigation in Switzerland for criminal mismanagement over a disloyal $2 million payment made to UEFA president Michel Platini. Blatter and Platini were banned from all football activity for eight years by FIFAs ethics tribunal in December.

Posted by IMRAN ALI SOOMRO (DARVESH) at 2/01/2016 08:15:00 AM

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