Mayors of Srinagar and Jammu civic bodies have been granted a status equivalent to that of Ministers of State (MoS), according to an official order.The order, issued by Additional Secretary Subash Chhibber on August 20, said the hospitality and protocol department shall make necessary insertion in the J&K State Warrant of Precedence with the approval of the competent authority.“Sanction is hereby accorded to the grant of status equivalent to Minister of State (MoS) to the Mayors of SMC (Srinagar Municipal Corporation) and JMC (Jammu Municipal Corporation) within their territorial jurisdiction,” the order said.The elections for the municipal corporations were held in four phases in October last year after a gap of 13 years.People’s Conference leader Junaid Mattu and BJP leader Chander Mohan Gupta are the Mayors of SMC and JMC, respectively.On August 5, the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre scrapped the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and split it into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Assam tea garden doctor, assaulted following a worker’s death, succumbs to injuries
An elderly doctor of a tea estate in Assam’s Jorhat district has succumbed to his injuries allegedly inflicted by garden workers following the death of one of their colleagues who was undergoing treatment at a hospital in the plantation, officials said. The incident occurred at Teok tea estate on Saturday. “The garden doctor, 73-year-old Deben Dutta, was assaulted following the death of one Somra Majhi who was undergoing treatment at the estate’s hospital,” a statement by Jorhat district Deputy Commissioner Roshni Aparanji Korati said.Ms. Korati said that tea garden workers had gheraoed the hospital and Dr. Dutta had to be rescued by the police. He was shifted to Jorhat Medical College and Hospital where he died while undergoing treatment, she said.Probe ordered A magisterial inquiry has been ordered and Additional Deputy Commissioner Subhan Gowalla has been asked to submit a report in seven days, she added. The Deputy Commissioner said follow-up action into the incident has been initiated and the situation was under control. Meanwhile, Assam Valley Consultative Committee of Plantation Associations has condemned the incident. “Mindless and murderous assault perpetrated on the Medical Officer of Teok tea estate while he was on duty in the estate hospital,” it said. The Assam Valley CCPA has demanded strict action against the guilty.
162 people arrested in Kolkata
At least 162 people have been arrested from different areas in the city for disorderly conduct during the Durga Puja festivities, a senior Kolkata Police officer said on Wednesday. Different sections of Kolkata Police’s Detective Department conducted raids at several locations, he said, adding the Anti-Rowdy Squad arrested 144 people for disorderly conduct. The Anti-Burglary Squad arrested 2 persons for specific cases and 4 mobile phones were recovered, he said. “During the last 4 days of Bandhu Kolkata initiative, 15 children were handed over to the Kolkata Police’s Missing Person Squad,” the IPS officer said. Thirteen of the children were handed over to their guardian and 2 others were sent to a shelter home for their safe custody, he said. Around seven persons were admitted at several hospitals and nursing home when they fell sick during pandal hopping till Tuesday, the police said. The Watch Section of the Kolkata Police also took 16 persons including 2 women into preventive detention from different Metro stations and Puja Complex in the cities and 12 stolen mobile phones has been recovered, the officer added.
Gehlot meets Maharashtra MLAs
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot met the Congress MLAs-elect from Maharashtra on Tuesday night after the imposition of President’s Rule in the State. He reportedly spoke to the newly elected members, staying at a luxury resort near Jaipur since Friday, on the latest political developments.Mr. Gehlot headed to the resort after arriving here from Punjab. AICC general secretary Avinash Pande and other Congress leaders were in the resort.The Opposition BJP accused the Congress government of extending hospitality to the party’s newly elected MLAs at the cost of its work for the people of Rajasthan. “The primary responsibility of the State government is the welfare of people here. The Congress has forgotten them,” former BJP Minister Arun Chaturvedi said.Mr. Chaturvedi said the Maharashtra MLAs had been brought to the State and were being kept in a resort here with the “sole objective” of the formation of government by the Congress in that State. All the 44 MLAs were shifted to the Rajasthan resort in two phases on Friday and Saturday. The MLAs, who earlier visited the tourist destination in and around Jaipur, did not venture out of the resort on Tuesday. They went to Mr. Gehlot’s official residence for a dinner on Monday night.
Elite complete quarterfinals cast
Blackwater import Henry Walker collides with GlobalPort’s Sean Anthony in Sunday’s PBA Governors’ Cup game at Ynares Center in Antipolo. —AUGUST DELA CRUZANTIPOLO—Allein Maliksi had an impressive debut and Henry Walker held Blackwater together yet again as the Elite tripped GlobalPort on Sunday night, hastening the completion of the quarterfinal cast of the PBA Governors’ Cup.Acquired from Star just a few days back, Maliksi scored 22 points and Walker flirted with a triple double as the Elite led early before holding on for a 118-107 decision of the Batang Pier at Ynares Center here that left the rest of the elimination round as games for qualifiers to improve on their current rankings.In rising to 5-5, the Elite not only shut the door on the Batang Pier but also on the idle Alaska Aces, both with 3-7 cards.ADVERTISEMENT The Aces will be clashing with Rain or Shine on Wednesday with the game carrying a lot of weight for the Elasto Painters who, like the Elite, would want to avoid clashing with the top seed in the quarterfinals.As things stand, Rain or Shine has Alaska and then Blackwater to close out its elimination round schedule. That match happens Saturday with the loser dropping toNo. 8 and having the unenviable task of beating No. 1 two straight times.“We need (to win) to improve our standings,” Blackwater coach Leo Isaac said.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSWATCH: Drones light up sky in final leg of SEA Games torch runSPORTSSEA Games: Philippines picks up 1st win in men’s water poloSPORTSMalditas save PH from shutoutIn the nightcap, TNT KaTropa outlasted Star, 104-99, to improve to 7-3 and tie idle NLEX in third place.Star and Rain or Shine share 5-4 marks.Isaac’s entire starting unit finished with twin digits in scoring and Dave Marcelo, another new recruit acquired from Barangay Ginebra, came off the bench to scatter 13 for the Elite, who led by as much as 21 points in the third period. Nonong Araneta re-elected as PFF president Melindo retains jr fly title by split decision MOST READ Read Next Kammuri turning to super typhoon less likely but possible — Pagasa Frontrow holds fun run to raise funds for young cancer patients Brace for potentially devastating typhoon approaching PH – NDRRMC Trending Articles PLAY LIST 00:50Trending Articles00:50Trending Articles00:50Trending Articles01:37Protesters burn down Iran consulate in Najaf01:47Panelo casts doubts on Robredo’s drug war ‘discoveries’01:29Police teams find crossbows, bows in HK university01:35Panelo suggests discounted SEA Games tickets for students02:49Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games
E.T. returns to earth, reunites with grown-up Elliott in new ad “We were lucky to withstand that GlobalPort rally,” Isaac said, before paying tribute to Walker for his leadership on the floor. “He was doing everything he can in being a leader for us on the floor.”Blackwater also caught a break in the second period when Terrence Romeo was ejected for throwing the ball at Walker.“That was a big thing for us,” Isaac admitted. “We had our [defensive] radar on Terrence for this game because we know he can really explode. When he was thrown out, he already had 13 points. Imagine what he could have done [to us] if he was able to finish the game.”Murhphey Holloway scored 28 points and had 23 rebounds to lead the Batang Pier.ADVERTISEMENT BSP sees higher prices in November, but expects stronger peso, low rice costs to put up fight View comments Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Fire hits houses in Mandaluyong City LATEST STORIES LOOK: Loisa Andalio, Ronnie Alonte unwind in Amanpulo for 3rd anniversary
Pirates keep slate clean
BSP sees higher prices in November, but expects stronger peso, low rice costs to put up fight Letran’s Final Four hopes are in peril as the Knights fell to 8-8.The league’s top three teams actually got the job done with San Beda bundling out Emilio Aguinaldo College, 88-51, and Jose Rizal U hammering out a thrilling 60-58 victory over San Sebastian.The Red Lions made it 13 wins in a row, while the Generals dropped out of the Final Four race after losing their 10th game of the season.It was a crucial win for the Bombers as they not only enhanced their hopes of making the next round, but also dealt another Final Four contender a huge blow.ADVERTISEMENT Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Typhoon Kammuri accelerates, gains strength en route to PH CJ Perez put on another offensive onslaught in the final period as the Pirates turned back the Knights, 81-69, on Friday to move within two games of an elimination round sweep in NCAA Season 93 at Filoil Flying V Centre.Much as he has done for most of the season, Perez put the Pirates on his back when it mattered, scoring 10 of his 24 points in the last quarter as they secured a 16th straight victory.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSWATCH: Drones light up sky in final leg of SEA Games torch runSPORTSSEA Games: Philippines picks up 1st win in men’s water poloSPORTSMalditas save PH from shutout“It’s really fun to watch if you see your players having fun, having fun playing their hearts out, and having fun honoring the game,” said Lyceum coach Topex Robinson.“It’s the inspiration that’s really been there. It was a bit scary when Letran caught up but we know that they are just gonna keep on playing and that’s what makes this group of guys really special.” Read Next Lyceum took Letran’s best punches and still walked away with its perfect record intact.ADVERTISEMENT Frontrow holds fun run to raise funds for young cancer patients Nonong Araneta re-elected as PFF president Fire hits houses in Mandaluyong City Trump talks impeachment while meeting NCAA athletes PLAY LIST 01:07Trump talks impeachment while meeting NCAA athletes00:50Trending Articles03:06‘Pamana’: Mausoleum caretaker cherishes humble work for family01:37Protesters burn down Iran consulate in Najaf01:47Panelo casts doubts on Robredo’s drug war ‘discoveries’01:29Police teams find crossbows, bows in HK university01:35Panelo suggests discounted SEA Games tickets for students02:49Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games Ginebra logs key victory LATEST STORIES Brace for potentially devastating typhoon approaching PH – NDRRMC LOOK: Loisa Andalio, Ronnie Alonte unwind in Amanpulo for 3rd anniversary Fire hits houses in Mandaluyong City For the complete collegiate sports coverage including scores, schedules and stories, visit Inquirer Varsity. MOST READ View comments
GALLERY: Lady Chiefs win back-to-back titles
Brace for potentially devastating typhoon approaching PH – NDRRMC FEATURED STORIESSPORTSWATCH: Drones light up sky in final leg of SEA Games torch runSPORTSLillard, Anthony lead Blazers over ThunderSPORTSMalditas save PH from shutout Globe Business launches leading cloud-enabled and hardware-agnostic conferencing platform in PH View comments AFP official booed out of forum Slow and steady hope for near-extinct Bangladesh tortoises Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netPhoto by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netPhoto by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netPhoto by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netPhoto by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netPhoto by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netPhoto by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netPhoto by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netPhoto by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netPhoto by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netPhoto by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netPhoto by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netPhoto by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netPhoto by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netPhoto by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netADVERTISEMENT NEXT BLOCK ASIA 2.0 introduces GURUS AWARDS to recognize and reward industry influencers 2 ‘newbie’ drug pushers fall in Lucena sting PH women’s volleyball team motivated to deliver in front of hometown crowd PLAY LIST 02:25PH women’s volleyball team motivated to deliver in front of hometown crowd00:50Trending Articles00:50Trending Articles01:29Police teams find crossbows, bows in HK university01:35Panelo suggests discounted SEA Games tickets for students02:49Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games01:44Philippines marks anniversary of massacre with calls for justice01:19Fire erupts in Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City Read Next Wardrobe issues causes Olympic stress for French skaters John Lloyd Cruz a dashing guest at Vhong Navarro’s wedding Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. LATEST STORIES Typhoon Kammuri accelerates, gains strength en route to PH MOST READ
Mindanao Children’s Games pushing through in Davao City
Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. “I know it can be dangerous, but again we will always be guided by the local leadership and the police if we can continue or not,’’ added the PSC chief, the architect of the Sports For Peace program of the government.Out-of-school and school-based children ages 12 years old and below will play in a variety of sports during the three-day sportsfest. Ramirez said the PSC would also bring the Children’s Games in the Cordilleras, Visayas and other war-torn areas in Mindanao.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSSEA Games: Biñan football stadium stands out in preparedness, completionSPORTSMalditas save PH from shutoutSPORTSPrivate companies step in to help SEA Games hostingDavao City mayor Sarah Duterte affirmed that the Games would proceed as planned but firmly reminded that all activities should be limited in the morning and early afternoon.Meanwhile, Ramirez has called off the ongoing Philippine Sports Institute activity in Marawi City after Duterte placed Mindanao under Martial Law following the terror attacks by the Maute rebel group in the area. Pagasa: Kammuri now a typhoon, may enter PAR by weekend Cayetano dares Lacson, Drilon to take lie-detector test: Wala akong kinita sa SEA Games Panelo suggests discounted SEA Games tickets for students PLAY LIST 01:35Panelo suggests discounted SEA Games tickets for students02:49Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games01:44Philippines marks anniversary of massacre with calls for justice01:19Fire erupts in Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City01:07Trump talks impeachment while meeting NCAA athletes ‘Coming Home For Christmas’ is the holiday movie you’ve been waiting for, here’s why PBA: NLEX nips Alaska, breaks 9-game skid LATEST STORIES South Korea to suspend 25% of coal plants to fight pollution MOST READ More than 5,000 measles deaths in DR Congo this year — WHO LOOK: Vhong Navarro’s romantic posts spark speculations he’s marrying longtime GF Lakers win 9th straight, hold off Pelicans DAVAO CITY— Philippine Sports Commission chair Butch Ramirez said Wednesday that the inaugural staging of the Mindanao Children’s Games would push through as scheduled Thursday at the Rizal Park despite the Marawi insurgency that placed this economic and commercial capital of the South under heightened security alert.“In the midst of global terrorism, national terrorism like the Marawi case, the more I am focused on using sports as a vehicle for peace,’’ said Ramirez.ADVERTISEMENT SEA Games: PH beats Indonesia, enters gold medal round in polo Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next View comments
Filoil: NU stays in q’finals hunt
Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.netNational University fanned its hopes for a quarterfinal spot in the 2017 Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup with a 104-88 victory over St. Benilde Sunday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.J-Jay Alejandro carried the load for the Bulldogs with 25 points, 19 coming in the first half, nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals to improve his side to a 4-3 slate.ADVERTISEMENT Heart Evangelista admits she’s pregnant… with chicken Matthew Johnson heated up for St. Benilde as he drained back-to-back treys to cut the deficit to 12, 95-83, before Morido and Anthony Sistoza quashed that uprising with consecutive hits in the last three minutes of the game.The win set up NU in a collossal duel against University of the Philippines on Wednesday, with the winner claiming the fourth spot in Group B.Johnson went 7-of-10 from threes to wound up with 21 points and four assists, while Clement Leutcheu got 15 markers and 11 rebounds for St. Benilde (1-7).The Scores:NU 104 – Alejandro 25, Yu 12, Salem 10, Morido 10, Gaye 10, Bartlett 9, Diputado 9, Aquino 5, Tibayan 3, Cauilan 3, Flores 2, Rangel 2, Sistoza 2, Mosqueda 2, Lastimosa 0, Galvelo 0, Go 0, Abatayo 0.ADVERTISEMENT MOST READ LATEST STORIES ST. BENILDE 88 – Johnson 21, Leutcheu 15, Haruna 9, Young 8, Belgica 7, Bunyi 7, Dixon 5, JJ Domingo 5, Naboa 4, San Juan 3, Pili 2, Velasco 2, Sta. Maria 0, JS Domingo 0, Suarez 0.Quarters: 27-25, 56-44, 84-66, 104-88. Cayetano dares Lacson, Drilon to take lie-detector test: Wala akong kinita sa SEA Games Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss PLAY LIST 02:49Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games01:44Philippines marks anniversary of massacre with calls for justice01:19Fire erupts in Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City01:07Trump talks impeachment while meeting NCAA athletes02:49World-class track facilities installed at NCC for SEA Games “J-Jay is probably one of the best shooters in college right now. If he’s open for half a second, 90-percent, he’s going to make it. But he still needs to do more and lessen the turnovers. We’re working in it and I hope he and the whole team keeps on improving,” said coach Jamike Jarin.Dave Yu also added 12 markers and four boards, while Issa Gaye chimed in 10 points and six rebounds.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSSEA Games: Biñan football stadium stands out in preparedness, completionSPORTSPrivate companies step in to help SEA Games hostingSPORTSMalditas save PH from shutoutReggie Morido got 10 markers and four assists, while Matt Salem also had 10.NU jumped on the Blazers in the first half to take a 56-44 halftime lead before Yu drained a three to give the Bulldogs a 21-point edge, 87-66, with 9:16 left in the fourth period. View comments 1 dead in Cavite blast, fire
Heart Evangelista admits she’s pregnant… with chicken Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. What ‘missteps’? Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next World’s 50 Best Restaurants launches new drinking and dining guide Power wins wild IndyCar race at Texas under caution Lacson: SEA Games fund put in foundation like ‘Napoles case’ For the complete collegiate sports coverage including scores, schedules and stories, visit Inquirer Varsity. WATCH: Firefighters rescue baby seal found in parking garage
Summer of Hype: Mayweather, McGregor know how to sell a show
What ‘missteps’? Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. LATEST STORIES Heart Evangelista admits she’s pregnant… with chicken They’ll use those gifts to ratchet up the hype during a hot summer culminating in their desert showdown. Along the way, they might even sell the skeptical portion of the public on a fight that — as even its promoters acknowledge — could turn out to be a colossal mismatch.Mayweather apparently learned about McGregor’s verbal skills even before his fighting acumen, according to Mayweather adviser Leonard Ellerbe. McGregor rapidly rose from obscurity to multi-division UFC dominance only because he coupled his mixed martial arts skills with attention-grabbing soundbites.“This kid, he’s been making a lot of noise,” Ellerbe said, recalling the reason that he first introduced Mayweather to video of McGregor’s punching power.In this file photo, Conor McGregor stands on a scale during the weigh-in event for his fight against Eddie Alvarez in UFC 205. APMayweather and McGregor have traded innumerable shots online and through the media while this fight evolved from a preposterous barroom fantasy discussion into a real thing.McGregor even talked about it back in 2015, when he told Esquire that he would “kill (Mayweather) in less than 30 seconds” and affirmed his interest in the bout while appearing on Conan O’Brien’s talk show.ADVERTISEMENT MOST READ Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss PLAY LIST 02:49Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games01:44Philippines marks anniversary of massacre with calls for justice01:19Fire erupts in Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City01:07Trump talks impeachment while meeting NCAA athletes02:49World-class track facilities installed at NCC for SEA Games Curry, Durant committed to keeping Golden State on top McGregor ignited the hype in May 2016 by posting a mock-up of a fight poster on Twitter. Mayweather responded three weeks later with his own less polished version of a poster, and the unbeaten champion claimed he had started the rumors of a McGregor bout.With little to lose and immeasurable wealth and fame to gain, McGregor used his public platform in promoting his UFC bouts last year to take repeated jabs at the 40-year-old Mayweather’s age, declining skills and unwillingness to end his retirement.McGregor turns 29 next month, making him decidedly middle-aged in pro sports, yet he takes humorous delight in painting himself as a raw youngster going against a grizzled old-timer.As recently as December, Ellerbe said a Mayweather-McGregor fight would never happen because the UFC’s top brass wouldn’t allow it. UFC President Dana White also acknowledges he was once lukewarm about the possibility, believing Mayweather wouldn’t risk his legacy.And then in January, McGregor posted a cartoon on Instagram in which he stood over a flattened Mayweather, holding both fighters’ championship belts aloft. As a bonus, McGregor’s caption read: “Call me CJ Watson!” in a biting reference to the former NBA guard who had a relationship with Josie Harris, the mother of Mayweather’s children.Mayweather replied eight days later with an Instagram post of an infographic comparing the fighters’ net worth. In the caption, Mayweather instructed McGregor: “Before you ask for $25 million, be worth more than $25 million.”Vegas sports books introduced a betting line on the bout in February.Mayweather had clearly warmed to the idea of fighting McGregor by March, when he told fans in Britain that he would come out of his latest retirement to take on the challenge. That same month, McGregor showed up in a fur coat at fellow Irishman Michael Conlan’s boxing debut at Madison Square Garden and harangued the assembled media with a rant punctuated by his latest catchphrase: “I am boxing!”After posting a video on April 20 in which he shadowboxed and insulted Mayweather’s courage, McGregor took a brief break from his social media pursuit of Mayweather after his first son was born in May.Mayweather went back to his usual retirement métier: Posting photos of himself surrounded by the trappings of outlandish wealth. Ethel Booba on hotel’s clarification that ‘kikiam’ is ‘chicken sausage’: ‘Kung di pa pansinin, baka isipin nila ok lang’ 1 dead in Cavite blast, fire And then the megafight was on, after remarkably simple negotiations among the UFC, Mayweather Promotions and Showtime.A national press tour is expected to kick off soon. Mayweather and McGregor will spend the summer showing off their promotional gifts for a fight that started as a social media argument — and became the main event of the year.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next World’s 50 Best Restaurants launches new drinking and dining guide Heart Evangelista admits she’s pregnant… with chicken Lacson: SEA Games fund put in foundation like ‘Napoles case’ WATCH: Firefighters rescue baby seal found in parking garage Mayweather and McGregor revealed their plan Wednesday (Thursday Manila time) to fight on August 26 in Las Vegas. In an appropriate move for a fight that grew into reality after two years of verbal jousting and several months of social-media skewering, the two titans of their respective sports confirmed the news on their Instagram accounts.And in another preview of what everyone should expect during their summer of promotion, McGregor’s post included his photo opposite Floyd Mayweather Sr., the boxer’s 64-year-old father, with a straight-faced caption: “THE FIGHT IS ON.”FEATURED STORIESSPORTSSEA Games: Biñan football stadium stands out in preparedness, completionSPORTSPrivate companies step in to help SEA Games hostingSPORTSMalditas save PH from shutoutFew athletes in recent sports history have sold their sports better than the imperious Mayweather and the loquacious McGregor.Both fighters have spent years crafting outlandish public personae characterized by a few common themes: cartoonish arrogance, a fetishistic obsession with money and an eagerness to make reckless pronouncements about their opponents, their opponents’ fans — and, increasingly, each other. Floyd Mayweather Jr. attends a news conference Wednesday, April 29, 2015, in Las Vegas. Mayweather will face Manny Pacquiao in a welterweight boxing match in Las Vegas on May 2. APNobody truly knows whether Floyd Mayweather’s boxing match with Conor McGregor will turn out to be a unique spectacle or an overhyped debacle.The only certainty is that the next 2½ months of hype will be a masterpiece of fight promotion from two of the best ever to play that game.ADVERTISEMENT View comments
Tanduay escapes Marinerong Pilipino
Lacson: SEA Games fund put in foundation like ‘Napoles case’ FILE PHOTO – PBA IMAGESTanduay needed a lucky break in the end to survive Marinerong Pilipino, 76-74, for its second win in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Monday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.After draining the game-tying undergoal stab with 3.1 seconds to go, John Lopez went from hero to zero for the Skippers as he was whistled for a technical foul, leading to a go-ahead freebie, 75-74, by Lester Alvarez.ADVERTISEMENT What ‘missteps’? Jordan delivers on promise: 2 Cobra choppers now in PH Heart Evangelista admits she’s pregnant… with chicken Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss PLAY LIST 02:49Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games01:44Philippines marks anniversary of massacre with calls for justice01:19Fire erupts in Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City01:07Trump talks impeachment while meeting NCAA athletes02:49World-class track facilities installed at NCC for SEA Games MOST READ WATCH: Firefighters rescue baby seal found in parking garage World’s 50 Best Restaurants launches new drinking and dining guide 1 dead in Cavite blast, fire
Bummer buddies: Roomies Fowler, Thomas fizzle at US Open It was a tough defeat for Marinerong Pilipino, who battled back from an early nine-point deficit, 21-12, and lost a 56-50 advantage at the start of the fourth period.Achie Iñigo topped the Skippers (1-2) with 14 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Julian Sargent got 10 markers, four boards, and two dimes.The scores:TANDUAY 76 – Alvarez 15, Eguilos 10, Palma 9, Vigil 9, Terso 8, Santos 6, Tambeling 6, Varilla 6, Taganas 4, Sollano 2, Gaco 1.MARINERONG PILIPINO 74 – Iñigo 14, Sargent 10, Marata 9, Lopez 8, Isip 7, Javillonar 7, Moralde 7, Alabanza 5, Javelona 5, Gumaru 2, Nicholls 0, Publico 0.ADVERTISEMENT Heart Evangelista admits she’s pregnant… with chicken Dave Moralde was then forced to foul Jaymo Eguilos, who only mustered a split as the Rhum Masters eked out the tight victory.“I hope we can play better but I’ll take the two-point win anytime. Maybe, we also need these kinds of games,” said Tanduay coach Lawrence Chongson, as Tanduay scored back-to-back wins and improved to 2-1.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSSEA Games: Biñan football stadium stands out in preparedness, completionSPORTSPrivate companies step in to help SEA Games hostingSPORTSMalditas save PH from shutoutAlvarez carried the load for the Rhum Masters with 15 points and two assists, while Eguilos chipped in 10 markers and seven boards.Louie Vigil and Emil Palma both had nine points in the win. Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. LATEST STORIES Quarters: 23-17, 41-39, 55-59, 76-74.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next View comments
From former school teacher to world champion, Horn fulfills dream
Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next China furious as Trump signs bills in support of Hong Kong Pacquiao, despite outpunching Horn 182-92, was a pure class act and he didn’t mind the judges’ scoring of the match. READ: Pacquiao ‘definitely’ open to Horn rematchWaleska Roldan scored the bout 117-111, while the other two, Chris Flores and Ramon Cerdan, both scored it, 115-113.“He deserves it,” said Pacquiao. “I’ve got no complaints about it.”RELATED VIDEOADVERTISEMENT Cayetano to unmask people behind ‘smear campaign’ vs him, SEA Games Another vape smoker nabbed in Lucena GALLERY: Horn beats Pacquiao in ‘Battle of Brisbane’ What ‘missteps’? LOOK: Jane De Leon meets fellow ‘Darna’ Marian Rivera LATEST STORIES Jeff Horn, top, of Australia and Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines fight during their WBO World welterweight title bout in Brisbane, Australia, Sunday, July 2, 2017. Pacquiao lost his WBO welterweight world title to Horn in a stunning, unanimous points decision in the Sunday afternoon bout billed as the Battle of Brisbane in front of more than 50,000 people. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)Australian pugilist Jeff Horn is a 29-year-old former school teacher, former Olympian, and on Sunday he can finally put “world champion” in his resume.Horn shocked the sporting world when he escaped with a unanimous decision win over the legendary Manny Pacquiao and laid claim to the WBO world welterweight championship in the “Battle of Brisbane” at Suncorp Stadium.ADVERTISEMENT READ: Horn stuns Pacquiao for unanimous decision winBefore fighting Pacquiao for the strap, Horn held the WBO and IBF inter-continental welterweight titles, but it was the world title that tugged the Aussie’s heartstrings.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSSEA Games: Biñan football stadium stands out in preparedness, completionSPORTSPrivate companies step in to help SEA Games hostingSPORTSWin or don’t eat: the Philippines’ poverty-driven, world-beating pool stars“This is an absolute dream come true,” said Horn while the maroon and gold belt sparkled over his left shoulder. “I guess the crowd was behind me.” Horn is Brisbane’s own son and fighting in front of thousands of adoring fans made his stunning victory sweeter. MOST READ Pagasa: Kammuri now a typhoon, may enter PAR by weekend Lacson: SEA Games fund put in foundation like ‘Napoles case’ Horn answers questions about his victory over Pacquiao8.2K viewsSportsVentuno Web Player 4.51 Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss PLAY LIST 02:49Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games01:44Philippines marks anniversary of massacre with calls for justice01:19Fire erupts in Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City01:07Trump talks impeachment while meeting NCAA athletes02:49World-class track facilities installed at NCC for SEA Games Ethel Booba on hotel’s clarification that ‘kikiam’ is ‘chicken sausage’: ‘Kung di pa pansinin, baka isipin nila ok lang’ View comments
Tanduay keeps outright semis hopes alive, routs AMA for 4th straight
Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. El Nido residents told to vacate beach homes Chongson reiterated his approach to these final games as his chance to correct the recurring mistakes for his Rhum Masters.“We’re treating these last games as tuneup. We want to finetune our execution and I hope our communication won’t go offline,” he said.Mario Bonleon topped cellar-dwelling AMA (1-8) with 23 points on a paltry 8-of-23 clip, while also hauling down seven rebounds.Daniel Salonga added 15 markers, while Andre Paras notched 12 points and 12 boards in the Titan’s third straight loss.The Scores:ADVERTISEMENT Church, environmentalists ask DENR to revoke ECC of Quezon province coal plant But that’s the least of coach Lawrence Chongson’s concerns as he seeks to improve his side going to the playoffs.“Whatever happens, it’s a process. All I want is to build a certain identity, a certain culture that we’re ready regardless on who we play against,” he said.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSSEA Games: Biñan football stadium stands out in preparedness, completionSPORTSPrivate companies step in to help SEA Games hostingSPORTSWin or don’t eat: the Philippines’ poverty-driven, world-beating pool starsJames Martinez scattered 14 points and two assists to lead Tanduay’s balanced attack.Renz Palma got 11 markers and five dimes, and Jom Sollano tallied a near double-double of 10 points and seven rebounds. National Coffee Research Development and Extension Center brews the 2nd National Coffee Education Congress Ethel Booba on hotel’s clarification that ‘kikiam’ is ‘chicken sausage’: ‘Kung di pa pansinin, baka isipin nila ok lang’ Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss PLAY LIST 02:49Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games01:44Philippines marks anniversary of massacre with calls for justice01:19Fire erupts in Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City01:07Trump talks impeachment while meeting NCAA athletes02:49World-class track facilities installed at NCC for SEA Games Lacson: SEA Games fund put in foundation like ‘Napoles case’ Trump strips away truth with hunky topless photo tweet
View comments MOST READ James Martinez. PBA IMAGESWith the playoffs firmly in mind, Tanduay crippled AMA Online Education, 91-80, to grab its seventh win in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Monday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.The victory kept the Rhum Masters in contention for the second outright semis seat, but they would need to win their final game against Racal on Thursday and Cignal HD to drop its game versus CEU on Tuesday to claim the slot.ADVERTISEMENT Marinerong Pilipino inches closer to D-League playoff berth LATEST STORIES FEU Auditorium’s 70th year celebrated with FEU Theater Guild’s ‘The Dreamweavers’ Robredo should’ve resigned as drug czar after lack of trust issue – Panelo TANDUAY 91 – Martinez 14, Palma 11, Sollano 10, Gaco 9, Vigil 9, Alvarez 8, Eguilos 6, Sanga 6, Santos 6, Varilla 6, Tambeling 4, Villamor 2, Taganas 0, Terso 0.AMA 80 – Bonleon 23, Salonga 15, Paras 12, Alas 10, Magpantay 10, Calma 4, Macaranas 3, Malones 3, Carpio 0, Celso 0, Jordan 0.Quarters: 21-18, 44-35, 65-53, 91-80.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next
Centeno wins gold, Amit settles for silver anew in women’s 9-ball
View comments Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Amit blew what could have been a clear victory when she scratched hitting the 6-ball in the 13th game in an open table, sending Centeno back to steal the victory via run-out.“In my mind I said I lost it already,” said Centeno in Filipino referring to the point when she missed the 3-ball in the 12th game that brought Amit back on the table.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSSEA Games: Biñan football stadium stands out in preparedness, completionSPORTSPrivate companies step in to help SEA Games hostingSPORTSBoxers Pacquiao, Petecio torchbearers for SEA Games opening“But she scratched. I didn’t expect that. Ate Champ (Amit) is a great player,” said Centeno.Her victory, a repeat of the 2015 Singapore edition, once again stamped the Philippines’ dominance in women’s pool. Hotel says PH coach apologized for ‘kikiam for breakfast’ claim Robredo should’ve resigned as drug czar after lack of trust issue – Panelo NATO’s aging eye in the sky to get a last overhaul Celebrity chef Gary Rhodes dies at 59 with wife by his side It was duplicated only in triathlon when the country won the gold and silver in both men’s and women’s divisions.Amit, 35, stormed to 5-2 lead in final but Centeno managed to come back and even went on the hill ahead of her.“I missed the 3 ball that’s why she went on a hill also, from then I thought it’s all lost,” said Centeno whose mother hugged her after the final match.ADVERTISEMENT Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Trump signs bills in support of Hong Kong protesters
MOST READ Biggest Pogo service provider padlocked for tax evasion Lacson: SEA Games fund put in foundation like ‘Napoles case’ LATEST STORIES McGregor awed by clinical Mayweather Ethel Booba on hotel’s clarification that ‘kikiam’ is ‘chicken sausage’: ‘Kung di pa pansinin, baka isipin nila ok lang’ Trending Articles PLAY LIST 00:50Trending Articles02:49World-class track facilities installed at NCC for SEA Games03:07PH billiards team upbeat about gold medal chances in SEA Games05:25PH boxing team determined to deliver gold medals for PH03:04Filipino athletes share their expectations for 2019 SEA Games00:45Onyok Velasco see bright future for PH boxing in Olympics02:25PH women’s volleyball team motivated to deliver in front of hometown crowd01:27Filipino athletes get grand send-off ahead of SEA Games00:36Manny Pacquiao part of 2019 SEA Games opening ceremony Chezka Centeno and Rubilen Amit of the Philippines celebrate after winning gold and silver medals, respectively, in the women’s 9-ball singles event of the 29th Southeast Asian Games billiards competition Sunday at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/SEA GAMES MEDIA POOLKUALA LUMPUR — In a sure-gold match for Team Philippines, Chezka Centeno managed to pull off a heart-stopping victory Sunday.The 18-year-old defending champion battled back from a three-rack deficit to defeat two-time world champion Rubilen Amit, 7-6, in the Southeast Asian Games women’s 9-ball singles at KLCC Hall 4.ADVERTISEMENT
LOOK: Alyssa Valdez slays at the beach with athletic bod
Image: Instagram/@alyssa_valdez2Image: Instagram/@alyssa_valdez2Image: Instagram/@alyssa_valdez2“Ginalingan!” commented actress Angelica Panganiban who is friends with the volleyball superstar. “Hustisya!” a fan said, while another wrote, “May nanalo na, uwian na.”FEATURED STORIESSPORTSSEA Games: Biñan football stadium stands out in preparedness, completionSPORTSPrivate companies step in to help SEA Games hostingSPORTSBoxers Pacquiao, Petecio torchbearers for SEA Games openingImage: Screen grab via Instagram/@alyssa_valdez2READ: Ex-GF Angelica comments on John Lloyd’s selfie with Alyssa ValdezThe pro athlete revealed to Preen that her main exercise is trainings. Other than that, running and “basic workouts at home” keep her fit. Ethel Booba on hotel’s clarification that ‘kikiam’ is ‘chicken sausage’: ‘Kung di pa pansinin, baka isipin nila ok lang’ Hotel says PH coach apologized for ‘kikiam for breakfast’ claim Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Alyssa Valdez showed off her toned bod on the beach, impressing fans with rock-hard abs.The spiker has been enjoying a well-deserved break after international volleyball stints.ADVERTISEMENT Trump to designate Mexican drug cartels as terrorist groups Messi nets 4 goals to keep Barcelona with perfect record Lacson: SEA Games fund put in foundation like ‘Napoles case’ Winter storm threatens to scramble Thanksgiving travel plans Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. 
Argentine bishop appears at court hearing on abuse charges MOST READ In the interview, she also shared that she loves to eat and feasts on buffets “a lot,” making her bikini bod even more enviable. READ: Alyssa Valdez on How She’s AdultingAfter her downtime, Valdez will be playing with a club team in Chinese Taipei. She will be with the team “the next few months,” according to an interview with former volleyball player and reporter Gretchen Ho. /raRELATED STORY:Alyssa Valdez headed to Taipei to play for volley club ‘Attack Line’ADVERTISEMENT LATEST STORIES Trending Articles PLAY LIST 00:50Trending Articles01:56Valdez, PH volleybelles stay positive despite ‘frustrating’ losses01:58’Wag sana ma ninja’: House to probe PNP on P35 M bounty in Batocabe slay02:49Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games01:44Philippines marks anniversary of massacre with calls for justice01:19Fire erupts in Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City01:07Trump talks impeachment while meeting NCAA athletes02:49World-class track facilities installed at NCC for SEA Games View comments No more menthol cigarettes: New ban on tobacco, vape flavors ‘A complete lie:’ Drilon refutes ‘blabbermouth’ Salo’s claims
Federer survives 2nd round scare at Australian Open
Defending champion Roger Federer survived a major scare at the Australian Open on Wednesday, beating Gilles Simon 6-2, 6-3, 4-6, 4-6, 6-3 in the second round of the Australian Open.Roger Federer reacts after winning a point against Gilles Simon during their second round match at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Wednesday. APFor a while, it seemed as if Simon, who had beaten Federer in their only two previous meetings, would send the Swiss star packing out of a Grand Slam before the third round for the first time since the French Open in 2003 – a total of 31 majors.But Federer, pumping his fist increasingly in celebration with each point in the final few games, broke Simon’s service in the sixth game of the deciding set to go up 4-2, held his service to go up 5-2, then held his serve two games later to clinch it on his fifth match point with an ace.”I wasn’t playing poorly in the third and fourth set, but Gilles took it to me,” Federer said. “Clearly, he’s a great player first of all. Matches against him don’t come easily … hopefully we don’t play each other anymore!”Earlier, Venus Williams was in the middle of a first-set tiebreaker when her mother yelled some encouragement from the players’ box at Rod Laver Arena.Oracene Price’s urges to “fight” were clearly intended for her daughter, but they appeared to immediately fall on deaf ears, and with good reason. On the last point of the tiebreaker she eventually lost, Venus hurt herself on a twisting backhand volley.advertisementWrithing in pain and clutching near her stomach as she walked back to her courtside chair, a WTA trainer was called and Williams took a medical timeout. A few minutes later, she returned with her upper right thigh taped and a whole new attitude.She later said she injured her “psoas” muscle, which flexes the hip and spinal column.”It was really tough, but I’m a long way from home and it’s such a long way I didn’t want to go back yet,” Williams said after surviving through a 6-7 (6), 6-0, 6-4 second-round win over her Czech opponent, Sandra Zahlavova.”You’ve got to be able to play under all kinds of circumstances – good, bad, strange, weird, all of the above. I had to just calm myself down. In the middle of a match like that, you can get a little hysterical.”Her fighting spirit – and the strapping and perhaps a painkiller – helped continue a streak in which Williams has completed all 257 singles matches she has started at Grand Slams.Never has she retired with an injury in a major.Still, she needed some help at the end, asking courtside staff – first chair umpire Alison Lang of Britain, then a ballboy – to help carry off her equipment bag and rackets. Williams was well enough to carry off her glitzy handbag, which went with her outfit – a revealing peek-a-boo lattice-style top with a multicolored satin short skirt she later referred to as her “Alice in Wonderland” outfit.The fashion stakes weren’t quite at the same level elsewhere at Melbourne Park on Wednesday, but the tennis was just as good – Novak Djokovic, Andy Roddick, top-seeded woman Caroline Wozniacki, last year’s finalist Justine Henin and 2008 champion Maria Sharapova also advanced.No. 3 Djokovic beat Ivan Dodig 7-5, 6-7 (10), 6-0, 6-2. Djokovic, who beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the 2008 final in Melbourne Park for his only Grand Slam title, is in career-best form.He appeared comfortable all over the court against Croatia’s Dodig, who nevertheless challenged Djokovic in the first two sets with a powerful serve and strong baseline shots. Djokovic answered with his own baseline winners into back corners on both sides, as well as cross court volleys on the odd occasion Dodig sliced to draw him to the net.Djokovic will next play his Davis Cup teammate Viktor Troicki after the 29th-seeded player beat Frenchman Nicolas Mahut 6-4, 6-2, 1-6, 6-3.Wozniacki advanced with a 6-1, 6-0 win over American Vania King in the Danish player’s first major as No. 1. The 20-year-old reached the third round for a 13th consecutive Grand Slam.To get to the semis, Wozniacki might have to beat seven-time Grand Slam winner Henin, who continued her comeback from injury with a 6-1, 6-3 win over Elena Baltacha of Britain.The pair could meet in the quarterfinals. Henin will have to get through a tough match against two-time major winner Svetlana Kuznetsova just to get past the third round. The 23-seeded Kuznetsova beat Dutch qualifier Arantxa Rus 6-1, 6-4.advertisement”I have a lot of good memories, almost all good memories, from Melbourne,” said Henin, the 2004 Australian champion and runner-up here in 2006 and last year, when she was returning from a career break from the tour.No. 8 Victoria Azarenka, the 2010 quarterfinalist who lost to Serena Williams each of the past three years, beat Andrea Hlavackova 6-4, 6-4. Serena Williams is injured and not defending her title in Australia.In other matches, Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic beat Australian wild card Jelena Dokic 7-6 (3), 6-1, and No. 9 Li Na defeated Evgeniya Rodina of Russia 6-3, 6-2.On the men’s side, Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych needed four match points to beat Philipp Kohlschreiber 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4, and eighth-seeded Roddick fired his 17th ace to finish off a 7-6 (7), 6-2, 6-3 second-round win over Igor Kunitsyn of Russia. The former No. 1-ranked Roddick is into the third round at Melbourne Park for the ninth straight time.”When you’re confident, the court just makes sense; decisions come easier to you,” he said.Roddick’s U.S. Davis Cup teammate Mardy Fish made a second-round exit, the No. 16 seed losing 1-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 to Tommy Robredo. And ninth-seeded Fernando Verdasco rallied from two sets down to beat Serbia’s Janko Tipsarevic 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (0), 6-0, conceding just one point on his serve in the last set.
I have realised my dream of helping India beat Australia: Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj celebrate India’s win against Australia.Star batsman Yuvraj Singh on Thursday said that he has realised the dream of piloting India to a victory against defending champions Australia in the World Cup though it was very difficult to keep his emotions in check in the high-octane quarter-final match in Ahmedabad.”Over the last one year I have been dreaming of staying till the end and taking the team to victory against Australia in the World Cup and the moment has come. This is the moment I have lived for as a cricketer,” he said at the post-match press conference.Yuvraj guided India to a sensational five-wicket victory over holders Australia with an unbeaten half century after claiming two wickets and he was adjudged man-of-the-match for the fourth time in the tournament.He admitted that it was a really tough situation with enormous pressure on him and any small mistake on his part could have thrown India out of the World Cup.”It was very hard to control emotions. It was difficult to control oneself in such a situation as one mistake and you will be out of the World Cup. I tried to just watch the ball, play down the ground and not lift the ball in the air,” said the left-handed batsman.Yuvraj said he was playing in the tournament with the thought of someone special in his life, though he did not specify the person.”I am playing for a very special person that comes in my mind and whenever things are not going well I think of that person and things work out,” he remarked.advertisementHe conceded that the dismissal of Gautam Gambhir, who was run out due to a misunderstanding with him, and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in quick succession had put the team under pressure but Suresh Raina lived up to the challenge and showed nerves in crucial stages.”When Gambhir got out I thought I will get a good partnership going with M. S. (Dhoni) but when MS got out I knew I was in trouble. When Raina came in I told him to take his time and let’s get 20-30 run partnership. He has shown nerves in a crucial stage and this will boost his confidence also,” he said.He said he had already apologised to team-mate Gambhir for the mix-up that resulted in his partner getting run out today.”I have apologies to Gautam for the miscommunication on the field. We have not played together much. I think it was probably my fault,” said Yuvraj.Though he got his fourth man-of-the-match award in the tournament today, Yuvraj sounded modest and said it was a team effort that was crucial.”I feel good to have contributed to the team but the victory cannot be achieved by one person, it’s a team effort,” he said.He said though he cherished the centuries he had scored in his career, even scores like his 52 not out today were special as they resulted to the team winning a crucial tie.”Though centuries are very special for a player, when you are able to contribute 20 or 30 runs which help the team win crucial matches they also become special,” he said.Looking ahead to the semifinal clash against arch-rivals Pakistan at Mohali on March 30, Yuvraj said it was going to be another dream game after the India-Australia match today.”The India-Pakistan game is going to be another dream game after India-Australia. It’s a great victory for India today. We would be playing our best cricket against Pakistan.They know our game we know theirs both teams are equal. They have had a very good tournament and have beaten West Indies and Australia,” he said.”We don’t want to think about the Pakistan game now. It has been a high-pressure game for us (against Australia) and lot of our system has been drained. We would like to relax for a couple of days and then make plans about Pakistan game,” he added.Looking back the past one year which had seen him being axed from both the ODI and Test teams, Yuvraj said was very happy that things have turned around for him.”Last year everything I touched turned into mud. This year it has been a good year,” he said.Praising coach Gary Kirsten for the contributions he has been making, Yuvraj said that was the vital difference from 2007 when the team was knocked out in the first round of the World Cup.”In 2003 team was very great (when it made the final). I don’t want to talk about 2007. In 2011 with Gary coming in, our confidence in each other has grown. Players confide in each other and the way Gary keeps the team like a family that shows in our performance,” he pointed out.advertisement- With inputs from PTI
We will target Indian openers, says Shahid Afridi
Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Monday said his statement that his team is aiming to make the Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar wait for his 100th international century, had been given a negative bend by the Indian media.”No one doubts the greatness of Tendulkar. But if someone asks me about him and the semi-final clash against India, obviously I will not say we will allow him to make runs,” said Afridi.”I will say we will try to stop him from scoring runs. There are instances where Sachin has scored a century and India has lost the match,” he added.Pakistan are all set to clash against India in the high-voltage semifinal in Mohali on Wednesday and it seems that the mind games are on.Earlier, Afridi had reportedly said, “He (Tendulkar) will have to wait until after the World Cup to reach the landmark. We will try and make sure no batsman plays a long innings (in the semi-final at Mohali).”Afridi further slammed the Indian media for spreading negativity surrounding his team and the high-profile match itself.”There is lot of negativity in the Indian media. We are not in India for any war but to play cricket. All this negativity is very disappointing,” Afridi told Geo news channel from Mohali.He said that the only way the Pakistan team could respond to the negative campaign in the Indian media was by performing well on the field.”We will try to give our 110 percent in this big match. But we will just do our best whatever the result. After the match we just want to be content in our hearts that we gave our best,” he said.advertisementSpeaking on his team’s strategy against India in the semifinal, Afridi said the basic strategy will be to target the Indian openers – Virender Sehwag and Tendulkar – and not give them room to play their shots.”We will finalise our strategy tomorrow but these are quality players and you can’t allow them room in such a big match.” .Expressing his apprehensions about the dew factor at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium, the captain said, “Yes there is plenty of dew here in the evening but they are using chemicals to fight it and hopefully it will not be that bad but in such circumstances the toss becomes important for both teams.”Responding to the growing clamour for the inclusion of retiring fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar for the crucial game, Afridi confirmed that the touring team management was seriously considering playing him on Wednesday.”Yes, we would like him to play but we first have to check his match fitness and form. We will watch him in the nets. We don’t want him to just bowl four or five overs but his full quota of overs,” said Afridi.Shoaib has been ignored for Pakistan’s last three matches in the tournament but Afridi said the management would watch the paceman in the nets on Tuesday and then take a decision on his inclusion.The 35-year-old speedster, who will retire after the World Cup, has not played since a reported bust up with wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal after the match against New Zealand that Pakistan lost and for which Shoaib was fined USD 2000 by the management on disciplinary grounds.Afridi said he was disappointed by the remarks made by Pakistan’s interior minister Rehman Malik about the government keeping a close watch on the players in the semifinal because of the spot-fixing scandal.”I don’t think he should have said such a thing at such a time.”Afridi said he and his players were just keeping themselves restricted to the hotel and ground because of the security issues.”We are spending a lot of time together in the hotel and gelling together and preparing for the big match because the pressure and expectations on us are very high.”But the good thing is the boys are relaxed and smiling and looking forward to the match,” said Afridi.– With PTI inputs