TOKYO (AP) — A member of the Japanese women's under-19 soccer team has been hospitalized with swine flu following a recent trip to China.
Ryoko Takara returned to Japan on Thursday after playing in a tournament in Wuhan, China. The Nikkan Sports daily reported on Saturday that she was quarantined in a Kobe hospital a day later after showing symptoms of the virus.
Takara's temperature has dropped since being hospitalized and her condition has improved.
The Japan Football Association said none of Takara's teammates have shown symptoms of the virus.
A Japanese man infected with swine flu died Saturday, becoming the country's first fatality linked to the virus. The health ministry said on Saturday that more than 7,300 Japanese have been infected with swine flu.
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
India seek redemption in West Indies series
KINGSTON: India
start their campaign on Friday to put the bad memory of their failure in the World Twenty20 behind them, when they face West
Indies in the first One-day International of the four match series.
India and their opponents settle back down to the bump and grind of 50 overs-a-side matches, following a heavy diet of Twenty20 cricket for several of the players in the form of the second edition of the Indian Premier League in South Africa, and the World Twenty20 in England.
But it's the World Twenty20 which is still fresh on the minds of the Indians.
They entered the competition as defending champions, and finished empty-handed, much to the chagrin of their legions of supporters at home and around the world.
They were humiliated, when they exited the competition following three defeats in the Super Eight stage, including a seven-wicket loss to the West Indies.
Tiredness and injuries were some of the factors advanced for India's demise, but they have had close to two weeks to relax and recharge the batteries.
Against this backdrop, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has asked his players to come forward and be truthful about their fitness ahead of the series.
"For me, it's the team first and then the individuals and I'd hope it's the same with everyone else in the group," Dhoni said.
"If rest is the cure for an injury, a cricketer ought to opt for it rather than let fatigue or niggles become a major setback to him and to the team.
"If anyone wants to take a break from the game, they should let me know or the BCCI."
India have also had time to beef-up their personnel for the four-match series to mitigate against the injuries which have robbed them of star batting duo Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag, the latter of whom was sorely missed in the World Twenty20, plus Zaheer Khan and Suresh Raina.
However, the new recruits have encountered a few difficulties with getting visas to travel through Britain.
Now ranked as the third-best ODI side in the World, India will see this as a chance to leapfrog Australia, and take aim at chart-toppers South Africa, setting the stage for another invigorating series.
India hasn't played an ODI series since they prevailed in New Zealand in March, but they have lost only three of their last 18 matches, and have emerged as one of strongest ODI sides over the last year.
But they face a West Indies side with their own demons to exorcise, following a miserable Test and ODI series against England.
The home team, however, marginally redeemed themselves with a semi-final place in the World Twenty20 in which they beat England to reach the final four.
They enter the series however, as strangers in their own land, since India have been in the Jamaica capital getting down to business since last Friday, and the West Indies players - including a few fresh faces - only started arriving on Tuesday.
West Indies coach John Dyson will instruct his side to play aggressive cricket to push the Indians to the limit.
"We will play aggressive cricket, we will play to win as always, and we will aim for consistency," said Dyson.
"We always look at the opposition and try and determine who the key players are for the opposition and think of ways that we may combat those key players.
"What we don't know, of course, is from the lower-profile players, how they are going to perform and perform consistently throughout a series. So that's something we have to monitor as the series progresses.
"(Winning) - it depends on the sort of pitches we're playing on, the conditions of the day, and the form of our own players, and the opposition players."
The short ODI series against India is part of a busy home programme for West Indies, who also host Bangladesh for two Tests, three ODIs and a T20 International in July and August.
Squads:
West Indies: Chris Gayle (capt), Denesh Ramdin, Lionel Baker, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Sulieman Benn, David Bernard Jr, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine, Runako Morton, Ravi Rampaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Jerome Taylor
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt), Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, Pragyan Ojha, Yusuf Pathan, Murali Vijay, Subramaniam Badrinath, Rudra Pratap Singh, Praveen Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Abhishek Nayar, Ashish Nehra, Ravindra Jadeja, Dinesh Karthik.
start their campaign on Friday to put the bad memory of their failure in the World Twenty20 behind them, when they face West
Indies in the first One-day International of the four match series.
India and their opponents settle back down to the bump and grind of 50 overs-a-side matches, following a heavy diet of Twenty20 cricket for several of the players in the form of the second edition of the Indian Premier League in South Africa, and the World Twenty20 in England.
But it's the World Twenty20 which is still fresh on the minds of the Indians.
They entered the competition as defending champions, and finished empty-handed, much to the chagrin of their legions of supporters at home and around the world.
They were humiliated, when they exited the competition following three defeats in the Super Eight stage, including a seven-wicket loss to the West Indies.
Tiredness and injuries were some of the factors advanced for India's demise, but they have had close to two weeks to relax and recharge the batteries.
Against this backdrop, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has asked his players to come forward and be truthful about their fitness ahead of the series.
"For me, it's the team first and then the individuals and I'd hope it's the same with everyone else in the group," Dhoni said.
"If rest is the cure for an injury, a cricketer ought to opt for it rather than let fatigue or niggles become a major setback to him and to the team.
"If anyone wants to take a break from the game, they should let me know or the BCCI."
India have also had time to beef-up their personnel for the four-match series to mitigate against the injuries which have robbed them of star batting duo Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag, the latter of whom was sorely missed in the World Twenty20, plus Zaheer Khan and Suresh Raina.
However, the new recruits have encountered a few difficulties with getting visas to travel through Britain.
Now ranked as the third-best ODI side in the World, India will see this as a chance to leapfrog Australia, and take aim at chart-toppers South Africa, setting the stage for another invigorating series.
India hasn't played an ODI series since they prevailed in New Zealand in March, but they have lost only three of their last 18 matches, and have emerged as one of strongest ODI sides over the last year.
But they face a West Indies side with their own demons to exorcise, following a miserable Test and ODI series against England.
The home team, however, marginally redeemed themselves with a semi-final place in the World Twenty20 in which they beat England to reach the final four.
They enter the series however, as strangers in their own land, since India have been in the Jamaica capital getting down to business since last Friday, and the West Indies players - including a few fresh faces - only started arriving on Tuesday.
West Indies coach John Dyson will instruct his side to play aggressive cricket to push the Indians to the limit.
"We will play aggressive cricket, we will play to win as always, and we will aim for consistency," said Dyson.
"We always look at the opposition and try and determine who the key players are for the opposition and think of ways that we may combat those key players.
"What we don't know, of course, is from the lower-profile players, how they are going to perform and perform consistently throughout a series. So that's something we have to monitor as the series progresses.
"(Winning) - it depends on the sort of pitches we're playing on, the conditions of the day, and the form of our own players, and the opposition players."
The short ODI series against India is part of a busy home programme for West Indies, who also host Bangladesh for two Tests, three ODIs and a T20 International in July and August.
Squads:
West Indies: Chris Gayle (capt), Denesh Ramdin, Lionel Baker, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Sulieman Benn, David Bernard Jr, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine, Runako Morton, Ravi Rampaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Jerome Taylor
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt), Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, Pragyan Ojha, Yusuf Pathan, Murali Vijay, Subramaniam Badrinath, Rudra Pratap Singh, Praveen Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Abhishek Nayar, Ashish Nehra, Ravindra Jadeja, Dinesh Karthik.
Torres warns Spain plotting another win streak
Liverpool hitman Fernando Torres has warned that Spain plan to start building another lengthy win streak, starting on Sunday against
South Africa.
The European champions saw their 15-match unbeaten record brought to an end by the United States in the Confederations Cup semi-finals and Torres said they would bounce back in the third-place playoff on Sunday.
"What hurts most is going out in the semi-finals of a big competition, not the end of the run," the blond-haired striker said.
"We knew that we couldn't possibly win every single game from now to the end of our careers and that the run would have to come to an end some day.
"We just didn't expect it to be here in South Africa, but that's the way it is. These things happen when you least expect them."
Torres said Sunday's match in Rustenburg was an opportunity to show the shock loss against the United States was just a blip on the road to the World Cup next year.
"When you lose a game and you've got a lot of players who can barely remember the last time it happened, then it shows that you're on the right track," he said.
"In fact, I'd rather this happen now than at the 2010 World Cup.
"We have to go back to square one now and start putting some more wins together.
"The most important thing now is that we keep on showing the same down-to-earth approach as we did when we went all that time unbeaten.
"The really big challenges are only just beginning."
South Africa are in the third-place playoff after losing 1-0 to Brazil on Thursday in the other semi-final.
South Africa.
The European champions saw their 15-match unbeaten record brought to an end by the United States in the Confederations Cup semi-finals and Torres said they would bounce back in the third-place playoff on Sunday.
"What hurts most is going out in the semi-finals of a big competition, not the end of the run," the blond-haired striker said.
"We knew that we couldn't possibly win every single game from now to the end of our careers and that the run would have to come to an end some day.
"We just didn't expect it to be here in South Africa, but that's the way it is. These things happen when you least expect them."
Torres said Sunday's match in Rustenburg was an opportunity to show the shock loss against the United States was just a blip on the road to the World Cup next year.
"When you lose a game and you've got a lot of players who can barely remember the last time it happened, then it shows that you're on the right track," he said.
"In fact, I'd rather this happen now than at the 2010 World Cup.
"We have to go back to square one now and start putting some more wins together.
"The most important thing now is that we keep on showing the same down-to-earth approach as we did when we went all that time unbeaten.
"The really big challenges are only just beginning."
South Africa are in the third-place playoff after losing 1-0 to Brazil on Thursday in the other semi-final.
Blatter hints African WC quotas could rise
OHANNESBURG: FIFA president Sepp Blatter suggested on Friday that the quota of African teams at World Cups could rise if they do well at the 2010
tournament next year.
The continent has six teams participating at the event next year in South Africa for the first time, via five qualifying berths and one as the host country.
In contrast, Europe has 13 slots.
Following the encouraging performance by the South Africans at the Confederations Cup, where they pushed Brazil hard in their narrow 1-0 semi-final defeat on Thursday, Blatter said it would all depend on next year.
"It will not be easy for an African team to win the World Cup because of the law of averages," he said.
"To add more African teams will depend on the results of the African teams.
"Next year they will have the advantage of playing at home in the ambiance we have here and Bafana Bafana (South Africa) confirmed against Brazil that they have improved after they almost pulled off a miracle.
"Let's see what will happen next year.
"I will advocate for Africa, or another continent, when there are doing well in the World Cup."
tournament next year.
The continent has six teams participating at the event next year in South Africa for the first time, via five qualifying berths and one as the host country.
In contrast, Europe has 13 slots.
Following the encouraging performance by the South Africans at the Confederations Cup, where they pushed Brazil hard in their narrow 1-0 semi-final defeat on Thursday, Blatter said it would all depend on next year.
"It will not be easy for an African team to win the World Cup because of the law of averages," he said.
"To add more African teams will depend on the results of the African teams.
"Next year they will have the advantage of playing at home in the ambiance we have here and Bafana Bafana (South Africa) confirmed against Brazil that they have improved after they almost pulled off a miracle.
"Let's see what will happen next year.
"I will advocate for Africa, or another continent, when there are doing well in the World Cup."
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Michael Jackson dies
One of music’s most successful and influential artists, Michael Jackson died earlier today in Los Angeles at the age of 50, the L.A. County coroner's office confirms. No cause of death is available yet. During his nearly half-century career, Jackson recorded a series of pop classics as part of the Jackson 5 and then became a massive solo star. His 1982 album Thriller has been certified platinum 28 times in the U.S. and is the best-selling original collection ever released.
Jackson was born in Gary, Ind., on Aug. 29, 1958, and by the age of 6 the prodigiously talented singer and dancer was performing alongside his brothers. The Jackson 5 signed to Motown in 1968 and released a string of huge hits including “ABC” and “I Want You Back.” Jackson entered the charts as a solo artist in 1972 with the song “Ben,” and in 1978 he appeared in the big screen musical The Wiz alongside Diana Ross. The following year, his album Off The Wall established Jackson as a solo superstar. Yet, even the success of that release would be dwarfed by Thriller, which included a raft of global smashes, including “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.”
Jackson followed up Thriller with 1987’s Bad, which itself eventually sold in the region of 30 million copies worldwide. But the star’s public profile was badly damaged in the '90s when he was accused of child sex abuse, and in recent years he had become an extremely reclusive figure. Despite his reputation as one of pop’s greatest dancers and all-round in-concert showman, he also effectively abandoned touring. However, Jackson had planned to play a series of dates in London, starting next month.
While his personal life often attracted criticism and controversy, the oft-dubbed King of Pop’s influence on the musical realm is unarguable. That influence was demonstrated in 2008 when Kanye West, will.i.am, Fergie, and Akon all contributed to the remixes featured on the 25th anniversary reissue of Thriller. In his long career Jackson also worked with some of pop’s most talented artists, including both Paul McCartney and Thriller producer Quincy Jones.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Shearer just the man to lead Newcastle to Premier League survival
Mike Ashley hasn't done many things right since taken over Newcastle United back in July of 2007, however his decision to bring Alan Shearer in as manager at St James' Park until the end of the season deserves a lot of praise.
Newcastle are in a relegation dog-fight right now. They currently sit 18th in the Premier League, two points adrift of Blackburn in 17th with several tricky ties to come for the North East club.
It's no secret that appointing a new manager has a very positive affect on a struggling team (most of the time anyway) so I think the appointment of Shearer is just what Newcastle need right now. A person who knows the club inside out, to come in and give the team a much needed lift.
In all probability, Newcastle will need to win four of their last eight games to be sure of survival and I feel they will just about manage that now that Shearer has arrived. The former Magpies number nine's first game in charge will be this Saturday's encounter with Chelsea (not an easy fixture by any stretch of the imagination).
Based on the assumption that Chelsea win that game, that leaves just seven games for Newcastle to get the 12 points they require. I can envisage home victories for them against the likes of Portsmouth, Fulham and Middlesbrough. So where will that other victory come from. Well, the trips to Stoke City and Tottenham seem likes the most likely candidates.
So in conclusion, well done Mike Ashley.
What are your thoughts on the matter? Good appointment or not? Comments below please.
Newcastle are in a relegation dog-fight right now. They currently sit 18th in the Premier League, two points adrift of Blackburn in 17th with several tricky ties to come for the North East club.
It's no secret that appointing a new manager has a very positive affect on a struggling team (most of the time anyway) so I think the appointment of Shearer is just what Newcastle need right now. A person who knows the club inside out, to come in and give the team a much needed lift.
In all probability, Newcastle will need to win four of their last eight games to be sure of survival and I feel they will just about manage that now that Shearer has arrived. The former Magpies number nine's first game in charge will be this Saturday's encounter with Chelsea (not an easy fixture by any stretch of the imagination).
Based on the assumption that Chelsea win that game, that leaves just seven games for Newcastle to get the 12 points they require. I can envisage home victories for them against the likes of Portsmouth, Fulham and Middlesbrough. So where will that other victory come from. Well, the trips to Stoke City and Tottenham seem likes the most likely candidates.
So in conclusion, well done Mike Ashley.
What are your thoughts on the matter? Good appointment or not? Comments below please.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Do Liverpool really need Gareth Barry?
I ask this question after there were fresh reports in some newspapers today that Liverpool were ready to make a summer move for the Aston Villa midfielder.
Yes, after all last summer's constant speculation, Gareth Barry has once again been linked with a move to Anfield. After admitting earlier this year that he would leave Villa Park if Martin O'Neill's men didn't qualify for the Champions League this season (which now looks pretty certain), he has today been linked with a cut-price £8 million move to Merseyside.
The reason for the massive decrease in his price-tag is the fact that his contract is due to expire at the end of next season. We all know that Reds boss Rafa Benitez is a big admirer of Barry's, however does he really need another central midfield player at the club.
My personal response to that would be no.
Benitez already has three quality central midfielders to chose from in the shape of Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano. He also has the likes of Lucas and Damien Plessis if he is really stuck, so bringing Barry to the club would just be a waste of money.
There's no denying Barry is one of the best midfielders currently plying his trade in the Premier League, but is he better than the three currently filling the midfield for Liverpool at the moment? I don't think so.
What do you think? Should Benitez do all he can to bring Barry to the club or should he spend his money elsewhere? Comments below please.
Yes, after all last summer's constant speculation, Gareth Barry has once again been linked with a move to Anfield. After admitting earlier this year that he would leave Villa Park if Martin O'Neill's men didn't qualify for the Champions League this season (which now looks pretty certain), he has today been linked with a cut-price £8 million move to Merseyside.
The reason for the massive decrease in his price-tag is the fact that his contract is due to expire at the end of next season. We all know that Reds boss Rafa Benitez is a big admirer of Barry's, however does he really need another central midfield player at the club.
My personal response to that would be no.
Benitez already has three quality central midfielders to chose from in the shape of Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano. He also has the likes of Lucas and Damien Plessis if he is really stuck, so bringing Barry to the club would just be a waste of money.
There's no denying Barry is one of the best midfielders currently plying his trade in the Premier League, but is he better than the three currently filling the midfield for Liverpool at the moment? I don't think so.
What do you think? Should Benitez do all he can to bring Barry to the club or should he spend his money elsewhere? Comments below please.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Is Gerrard really the best player in the Premier League? Benitez certainly thinks so
Over the last two Premier League games, there is no denying that Steven Gerrard has been head and shoulders above anyone in the league, however over the course of the season, has the 28-year old done enough to be crowned PFA Player of the Year?Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez certainly thinks so.
The Spaniard had this to say : "He would be my vote. If he can continue playing at this level, then why not? ... For me, Stevie is one of the best players in the world. To say one is the best above anyone else is difficult because there are a lot of quality players about but he is one of the best. That is clear."
His performances against Manchester United and Aston Villa respectively, were quite frankly, world class. There is no doubt that come the end of the season, when players have to vote for their Player of the Season, Gerrard will certainly be on quite a number of the ballots, however will he get enough votes to be crowned Player of the Year?
Before the United game two weeks ago, the only name really being mentioned to take the award was Serbian defender Nemanja Vidic. It just goes to show you how quickly things can change in football. On one hand you have Vidic, who had a nightmare of a game before eventually being sent off and on the other hand you have Gerrard who plays incredibly well and is automatically considered by many the Player of the Season.
Personally, I would agree with Rafa that Gerrard is the best in the league at the moment and if he continues this kind of form, how could he miss out.
So will Gerrard be the man to take the award come the end of May or will it be Vidic, or anyone else for the matter, to take the award? Comments below please.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Premier League accumulator odds this weekend
Premier League games Sat 21st March '09
Blackburn v West Ham, 15:00
Fulham v Man Utd, 15:00
Newcastle v Arsenal, 17:30
Portsmouth v Everton, 12:45
Stoke v Middlesbrough, 15:00
Tottenham v Chelsea, 15:00
West Brom v Bolton, 15:00
OK so why no go for a small stake on this one:
Bburn Stoke WBA Man Utd Chelsea QPR all Win 85/1
85/1!!! Obviously the weak ones here would be Stoke and West Brom who are both right in the thick of the relegation zone...but then they are both at home ...and at 85/1 I reckon its worth a small bet.
For this multiple (and cash in on a free £10 bet) at Skybet.com CLICK HERE to go to place your bet
Blackburn v West Ham, 15:00
Fulham v Man Utd, 15:00
Newcastle v Arsenal, 17:30
Portsmouth v Everton, 12:45
Stoke v Middlesbrough, 15:00
Tottenham v Chelsea, 15:00
West Brom v Bolton, 15:00
OK so why no go for a small stake on this one:
Bburn Stoke WBA Man Utd Chelsea QPR all Win 85/1
85/1!!! Obviously the weak ones here would be Stoke and West Brom who are both right in the thick of the relegation zone...but then they are both at home ...and at 85/1 I reckon its worth a small bet.
For this multiple (and cash in on a free £10 bet) at Skybet.com CLICK HERE to go to place your bet
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT
(a)"SHAWN MICHAEL" QUALIFIES FOR THE MATCH AGAINST UNDERTAKER IN 'WRESTLEMANIA 25' AFTER DEFEATING THE UNDEFEATED "VALMIER COUSLAV".
(B)A NEWS FROM MIKKIE GUERERO SHOCKED EDGE. SHE TOLD THAT EDGE WOULD FIGHT BIG SHOW IN WRESTLEMANIA FOR THE WORLD HEAVY WEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP.
(C)COUNTDOWN BEGINS FOR THE WRESTLEMANIA 25
(a)"SHAWN MICHAEL" QUALIFIES FOR THE MATCH AGAINST UNDERTAKER IN 'WRESTLEMANIA 25' AFTER DEFEATING THE UNDEFEATED "VALMIER COUSLAV".
(B)A NEWS FROM MIKKIE GUERERO SHOCKED EDGE. SHE TOLD THAT EDGE WOULD FIGHT BIG SHOW IN WRESTLEMANIA FOR THE WORLD HEAVY WEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP.
(C)COUNTDOWN BEGINS FOR THE WRESTLEMANIA 25
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