Proteas seal series against Pakistan

South Africa completed a 2-0 sweep in the T20 internationals against Pakistan, by cruising to a six-wicket victory in the second game.

The hosts, who turned in a poor batting display in the opening game when they set 120, were equally poor on Wednesday in managing to set 121 for victory with Juan Theron grabbing four wickets for 27.

The Proteas cruised for most of the response with Graeme Smith (38) and Colin Ingram (32) helping their side cross the line with 10 balls to spare.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Pakistan's innings bore several similarities from 24 hours earlier.

They lost wickets in clusters, there was poor decision making and they had to again rely on newly appointed Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq (33) to see them to a respectable total.

Shahzaib Hasan (six) was first to go when he mistimed a Lonwabo Tsotsobe delivery straight to Johan Botha, running back from midwicket.

Mohammad Hafeez (14) managed two fours during his brief stay but was then in two minds to Morne Morkel's second delivery and was bowled.

Imran Farhat (nine) suffered the same fate - misjudging a slower Tsotsobe ball with the consequences being a lost leg stump.

A silly run out accounted for Umar Akmal (five), who was looking for a second run but sent back by Misbah, and skipper Shahid Afridi (three) again played an irresponsible shot that flew in the wrong direction with Smith taking a good catch at deep cover.

That left Pakistan at 39 for five and with plenty to do in order to stay in the game.

Misbah and Abdul Razzaq (25) tried their best in a 45-run stand which took the better part of eight overs, but after the latter smashed Albie Morkel for a six, he fell next ball.

His partner tried to fight a lone battle with his side crossing 100 in the 18th over - the longest it has ever taken them in T20 cricket surpassing the mark set on Tuesday.

He was eventually out in the last over when Theron claimed three wickets from the final four balls to leave the hosts at 120 for nine.

Pakistan needed early wickets, but got none as Smith and Loots Bosman (11) put on 38 for the first wicket, before Afridi came in and struck immediately.

The skipper should have then had the wicket of Smith in the ninth over, but Akmal spilt a regulation chance at long-off.

AB de Villiers also fell for 11, before Afridi ended his miserly spell with one for 13.

There was a little more pressure when Smith was stumped with 53 still needed from 40.

But JP Duminy (22 not out) along with rookie Ingram took them to their sixth consecutive T20 win.

Virat Kohli proves to be the difference

The feet that moved fluently suddenly refused to do his bidding. Yet Virat Kohli tapped into hidden reserves of strength to brave past pain and pressure and helped India continue its winning streak against Australia.

Kohli's scintillating 118 (121b, 11x4, 1x6) coupled with Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina's adept supporting roles, set up India's five-wicket victory over Australia in the second ODI of the three-match series at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium here on Wednesday. After rains washed out the first game at Kochi, India now has an unassailable 1-0 lead in the series that will conclude at Margao on Sunday.

Good recovery

Chasing Australia's 289 for three in 50 overs, India needed a steady start but debutant Shikhar Dhawan froze against Clint McKay, who later scalped Murali Vijay. At 35 for two, Kohli and Yuvraj lent hope to the Indian dressing room where captain M.S. Dhoni paced nervously. The duo shared 137 runs for the third wicket off 152 balls and that laid the foundation for a productive pursuit.

Man-of-the-Match Kohli's early impetus was gleaned from a pull off debutant seamer Mitchell Starc and Yuvraj (58) strode into his element while flicking another debutant John Hastings over mid-wicket. The southpaw's confidence rubbed onto Kohli, who soon pulled and drove with élan and the two fashioned a partnership that was the right mix of industriousness and flair.

Yuvraj leant into his drive off debutant Starc and when Nathan Hauritz stepped in, the southpaw slog-swept the off-spinner. Kohli, meanwhile, moved back and forth at the crease, judging length to a nicety as his shots sped on the carpet. Kohli, who in the past had the propensity to fritter away starts, played his percentages well and watched Yuvraj lose his timber to McKay's slower delivery.

The 21-year old surged ahead despite cramps in his legs that forced him, at 81, to requisition a runner in Dhawan. The moment Kohli noticed that Raina (71 n.o.) was busy carving up James Hopes all over the park, the centurion opted to play second fiddle.

He came into his own again after notching up his third ODI hundred with a brace off Hastings and while the adrenaline throbbed, he clattered McKay past cover, down fine-leg and over mid-wicket. Kohli eventually perished with a tired shot but he had done his job and Raina lent the final touch with verve. India finished with 292 for five in 48.5 overs.

Leading from the front

Earlier, Australian skipper Michael Clarke put a fortnight of poor form firmly behind him after his unbeaten 111 (139b, 7x4, 1x6) helped his team post a challenging total. Clarke found allies in Michael Hussey (69) and Cameron White (89 n.o., 49b, 6x4, 6x6) and the trio helped Australia tide past the twin-blow of losing openers Shaun Marsh and Tim Paine after Dhoni opted to field.

Australia failed to breathe easy in the beginning as Ashish Nehra's first spell of 4-1-3-2 prised out Marsh and Paine. Clarke and Hussey then etched a third-wicket partnership that yielded 144 runs off 172 balls. Clarke remained alert to the single while Hussey punctured the inner ring before succumbing to economical off-spinner R. Ashwin.

White then walked in and spread mayhem through an unbeaten fourth-wicket partnership of 129 runs off 81 deliveries with his skipper. White carted Nehra for four and inflicted agony on the seamers, especially Vinay Kumar.

Clarke too acquired an aggressive sheen and raced to his fifth ODI hundred, striking clean fours off Vinay.

The skipper then watched White dent Praveen Kumar with two sixes and wade into the innings' final over bowled by Vinay with three sixes and a four.

The damage proved minimal for the Indians on a night when Kohli prospered.

India bids goodbye to best ever Commonwealth Games

New Delhi: Fireworks sparkled the cool evening air of Delhi, embarking on a new promise of sporting excellence as the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony kept its promise to the world.

The Commonwealth Games 2010 closing ceremony had started with a showcase of the various martial arts of India in a routine that had Sanskrit shlokas resonating in the air.

The next piece was in the form of a tribute to our nation with the military martial music section. It left the entire conglomeration awestruck as the crescendo reverberated its magic on the crowd. The melodious evening air was testimony to the fact that India had delivered the best Commonwealth Games ever.

Following this, AR Rahman presented his self composed revival of Vande Matram that was performed by a group of 2010 school students. The colourful and cretive presentation spread India’s feeling of harmony to the world.

Followed-up with a ‘Railgadi’ run by the volunteers of the event and smiles all around the packed Jawaharlal Stadium, the only sentiment that could have been connected to any Indian was that of pride and pride only.

The fun and frolic continued with the athletes taking centre stage and a joyous, eclectic parade was the result. It was a great sight to see the athletes from all over the world break free. They let their hair-down to an equally responsive crowd and India’s major contribution to the mega-event since 1949 was highlighted in the act.

It is the first time such a parade with the athletes at the centre of the show happened in the world.

The event took a futuristic turn as the Scotts invited everyone to the 2014 CWG event to be held in Glasgow.

The final part of the show had music booms that featured an array of famous singers and Shaan’s tribute to the CWG mascot ‘Shera’ was an instant hit with the kids and gave one last glimpse of the Delhi Games’ symbol.

CWG Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi gave a closing speech that highlighted the events’ achievements and thanked all for their support for the event.

On this day, the CWG flag was taken off to begin a new journey towards Glasgow where the 2014 CWG events will take place. The Glasgow contingent also gave a flavour of things to expect from 2014 CWG with a routine that was amalgamated with tunes of their famed pipers.

Mike Fennel, the chief of the Commonwealth Games Federation summed it up quite aptly when he said, “Delhi, you have delivered a truly exceptional Games, and above all, a wonderful experience for all!”

An array of famous singers like Usha Uthup, Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan, Sunidhi Chauhan and Kailash Kher gave a musical performance to hit the right crescendo, ending the ceremony with dance and gaiety.

The David Dixon award that recognises the outstanding athlete of the Commonwealth Games went to Trisha Smith of Jamaica who won the women`s triple jump gold.

Pyrotechnics and a never before tally of 101 medals drew the curtains on the Commonwealth Games 2010, bringing India’s journey from a single bronze in 1934 to a great platform, showcasing the world its potential and promise.

Over and out: Andrew Flintoff calls time on cricket career

Andrew Flintoff has pulled down the curtain on his illustrious cricketing career, his body no longer capable of handling the rigours of the sport.

The 32-year-old allrounder is enormously popular in England, his starring role in the home side regaining the Ashes in the 2005 series cementing his place in the nation's pysche.

"It is with both disappointment and sadness that I am today (Thursday) announcing my retirement from all forms of cricket," Flintoff said .

"The decision to end my career came yesterday (Wednesday) after consultation with medical advisers," added the 32-year-old, who quit the Test format after helping England regain the Ashes last year.

"Having been told that my body would no longer stand up to the rigours of cricket, I had no alternative but to retire."

He was told he would need a third operation on his troublesome right knee.

At the height of his career between 2002 and 2005, Flintoff was a towering figure in the sport with both bat and ball.

His statistics have never done justice to his influence on the field but the reality is his powers have diminished considerably during the past three years.

Outside of his stirring spell in last year's Ashes Test at Lord's and a run out at The Oval, he was more of an inspirational figure than a pivotal one.

Some members of the English brains trust might privately be pleased in some respects that Flintoff has called it a day only a fortnight out from the naming of the Ashes squad.

Flintoff retired from Test cricket last year but his presence even in one-day and Twenty20 cricket could have been a major distraction for the national team.

So often portrayed as the nation's saviour, the truth is the England team have moved on without Flintoff.

The Test and one-day sides have gone from strength to strength since coach Andy Flower took over the reins at the beginning of last year.

Flintoff recently admitted he had not been in contact with either Flower or captain Andrew Strauss since last year's final Ashes Test, more than a year ago.

He has clearly not been in their plans and his exit from the game is well timed for the national team.

The England side hardly need the possibity of him floating around in case things go wrong early on in this year's Ashes series.

While Flintoff tasted Ashes success in 2005 and 2009, his captaincy of the 2006/07 tour in Australia was shambolic. The fun-loving character had the stuffing knocked out of him as England were belted 5-0.

It was England's worst Ashes series loss since a war-weary outfit succumbed to the same scoreline in 1920/21.

Flintoff has had plenty of problems with the drink, his after hours activities landing him headlines of the wrong kind during the 2007 World Cup.

His departure ends Queensland's chances of playing him in the summer's Twenty20 domestic competition.

Chennai Super Kings thrash Wayamba Elevens in CLT20

A second-wicket partnership of 137 between Murali Vijay and Suresh Raina helped Chennai Super Kings reach the 200-run mark for the first time in the Champions League Twenty20 tournament and crush Wayamba Elevens by 97 runs here on Wednesday. Chasing 201, Wayamba was bowled out for 103. 

With the ball coming onto his bat with minimal deviation and short boundaries all around him, Murali Vijay earned full value for the crisp timing he displayed from the start of the Chennai innings. The opener struck a six and three fours in the fifth over, bowled by left-arm seamer Chanaka Welegedara, and was seeing the ball so well by then that he drilled a perfectly pitched middle-stump yorker to the square-leg fence. 

His partner Matthew Hayden was lbw attempting to sweep Ajantha Mendis in the next over, but Vijay carried on attacking the Wayamba bowling in the company of Suresh Raina. The score read 92 for one after ten overs, and 135 for one at the end of 15. 

Murderous strokes 

By this time, both had crossed 50, and Raina was beginning to show off the most murderous strokes in his southpaw repertoire, chief among them the heave over midwicket. Four monster sixes in one Mendis over, the 17th of the innings, and two doubles in between, sent him hurtling from 59 to 87. 

Raina fell at that score, finding the leaping Jehan Mubarak at cover with an underhit lofted drive off Welegedara. Vijay holed out off the next delivery, but the left-handed Albie Morkel averted the hat-trick with a powerful drive that beat long off running frantically to his right. 

Morkel and skipper M.S. Dhoni only managed 14 off the last two overs, but the Vijay-Raina partnership had done enough before them to leave Wayamba staring at a target of 201. 

Wayamba never looked in contention, and at one stage looked in danger of falling short of 50. 

Early blow

 

Jeevantha Kulatunga went first ball, mistiming a pull off medium pacer Albie Morkel straight to square leg. Skipper Jehan Mubarak followed him in Morkel's next over, edging one to the keeper. 

Mahela Jayawardene was next to go, looking to harness Doug Bollinger's pace and left-arm-over angle with an uppercut but succeeding only in finding Muttiah Muralitharan at third man. 

The next over saw Murali taking another catch, at mid off this time to send back the left-handed Kushal Perera, fending Morkel hesitantly and managing only a leading edge. All four wickets came from short balls, and all, apart from Jayawardene, were the result of discomfort against the bounce afforded by the Centurion wicket. 

Off-spinner R. Ashwin then came on and bowled Kaushal Lokuarachchi and Thisara Perera in his first over, both batsmen attempting ugly, across-the-line heaves. Shalika Karunanayake and Isuru Udana put on 27 for the seventh wicket before the latter fell to another short ball, gloving a pull off Balaji to Dhoni behind the stumps. 

The end was delayed just long enough for Wayamba to cross 100. Morkel ended with figures of three for 22, and Ashwin, displaying all his variety – off break, drifter, carrom ball, picked up two more wickets to finish with four. 

The scores: Chennai Super Kings: M. Vijay c Perera b Welegedara 68 (46b, 9x4, 1x6), M. Hayden lbw b Mendis 10 (18b, 1x4), S. Raina c Mubarak b Welegedara 87 (44b, 6x4, 6x6), A. Morkel (not out) 9 (5b, 1x4), M.S. Dhoni (not out) 10 (9b, 1x4); Extras (b-2, lb-6, w-6, nb-2) 16. Total (for three wickets in 20 overs) 200. 

Fall of wickets: 1-43, 2-180, 3-180. 

Wayamba bowling: Udana 4-0-30-0, Mendis 4-0-45-1, Welegedara 4-0-47-2, Karunanayake 3-0-24-0, T. Perera 2-0-25-0, Herath 3-0-21-0. 

Wayamba Elevens: M. Jayawardene c Muralitharan b Bollinger 10 (7b, 2x4), J. Kulatunga c Anirudha b Morkel 0 (1b), J. Mubarak c Dhoni b Morkel 7 (8b, 1x4), K. Perera c Muralitharan b Morkel 7 (10b, 1x4), K. Lokuarachchi b Ashwin 6 (4b, 1x4), S. Karunanayake (not out) 25 (30b, 1x4, 1x6), T. Perera b Ashwin 4 (5b, 1x4), I. Udana c Dhoni b Balaji 13 (16b, 2x4), R. Herath c Muralitharan b Ashwin 4 (6b), A. Mendis st Dhoni b Ashwin 15 (13b, 2x4, 1x6), C. Welegedara (not out) 0 (3b); Extras (b-4, w-7, nb-1) 12. Total (in 17.1 overs) 103. 

Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-18, 3-18, 4-31, 5-31, 6-35, 7-62, 8-76, 9-102. 

Chennai bowling: Morkel 3-0-22-3, Bollinger 4-0-15-1, Ashwin 4-0-18-4, Balaji 3-0-17-1, Muralitharan 3.1-0-27-1.

Mumbai Indians lose to Redbacks, Virtually out of CLT20

Tom Cooper hit 19 off five balls to see South Australia to a five-wicket win over IPL giants Mumbai Indians in the Champions League Twenty20 cricket match here today.

The defeat, Mumbai's second in two games in group B, puts Sachin Tendulkar's team on the brink of elimination.

Cooper smashed two sixes and a four at the death as South Australia overhauled Mumbai's 180-7 with three balls to spare. The Redbacks finished on 182-5.

Openers Michael Klinger and Daniel Harris both made half-centuries in a 112-run opening partnership, but the Redbacks needed big hitting from Cooper and Cameron Borgas (14 off five) to see them to victory.

Saurabh Tiwary topscored for Mumbai with 44 off 36 balls.

Nadal wins US Open for career Grand Slam

The Spanish left-hander became the seventh man to complete the Grand Slam, joining Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Roy Emerson, Rod Laver, Don Budge and Fred Perry in having won the US Open defeating Serbia's Novak Djokovic on Monday

Rafael Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 on Monday to complete his collection of Grand Slam titles with the US Open crown.

World number one Nadal, 24, won the rain-delayed final after almost three-and-a-half hours of play against the third-seeded Serb Djokovic, who had to settle for the runner-up spot as in 2007 against Roger Federer.

Nadal is the seventh player in tennis history to win all four majors. Fred Perry, Don Budge, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Andre Agassi and Federer have also won the Australian Open, French Open, US Open and Wimbledon.

The men’s final was delayed by weather for the third year in a row.

NZ could pull out of Delhi Games over security concerns

   Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Swimming Complex

New Zealand were committed to competing at next month's Delhi Common wealth Games but would have no hesitation pulling out if any security concerns were raised, team management said on Monday.

"Anyone suggesting that we are going to put our athletes at risk is mischievous," New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) president Mike Stanley told reporters in Auckland.

"Right now, New Zealand is planning to be in Delhi. If things change and the New Zealand Government can't advise us that our athletes are secure in that environment, then we won't go."

Security issues at sporting events within the region have been hotly debated since an attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore, Pakistan last year, though Games organisers have promised a high level of security.

Seven New Zealand police officers would join a multinational contingent of more than 40 police from Canada, Australia, and Britain, who would also provide advice to team management and additional security for the Oct. 3-14 Games, Stanley said.

"We believe this is the best way to securing our team," he said. "We have a multinational approach which is well organised. We are confident it will provide our team with the advice it needs to make the most appropriate decisions.

"Stanley said the security assessment would be ongoing and there was no deadline for a final decision on participation.

"That could be right up until the start of the Games and it will be monitored (throughout)," he added.

"It's just one of those things we have to be vigilant about and we have to take it on a day-by-day basis."

New Zealand's chef de mission Dave Currie leaves for Delhi on Tuesday to undertake a final inspection of facilities and security, with the first New Zealand athletes due in the Indian capital on Sept. 25.

US Open: Men's final postponed due to rain

Arthur Ashe Stadium

New York: Rafael Nadal will have to wait at least one more day for a chance to complete his collection of grand slam titles after persistent rain washed out Sunday's US Open men's final against Novak Djokovic.

For the third year in a row, the championship decider was postponed until Monday after foul weather ruined any chance of the match proceeding as scheduled. Rain began falling less than two hours before the match was due to begin, forcing a halt to the women's doubles final that was nearing completion in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

About three and a half hours later, with no end in sight to the downpour, tournament officials decided to abandon play and reschedule the men's final at 4 p.m. (2000 GMT) on Monday. 

"Due to the continued uncertainty of the weather forecast for the remainder of the evening, and with the desire to be fair to the players and to our fans, the US Open men's singles championship will be postponed until Monday," tournament organisers said in a statement.

More than 20,000 people who had tickets for the match were forced to make a retreat while the delay stalled Nadal's bid to capture the one grand slam title that has eluded him. The Spaniard has already won the other three major titles during his career and a victory in New York would see him become just the seventh man to win all four grand slams.

The world number one was an overwhelming favourite to win the title after cruising into his first New York final without dropping a set. But the delay gives an unexpected reprieve to Djokovic, who was left battling exhaustion after beating Roger Federer  in a gruelling five-set semi-final on Saturday.

The extra day of rest will give the Serbian a chance to recover after he endured a sleepless night. "I was watching golf and trying to sleep but because of the adrenalin I couldn't. I was walking around killing time," he told local television. "It's unfortunate rain stopped us but tomorrow is a new day. I will try to rest as much as I can and get some recovery.

"I'm sure I will be fit to play my best tennis." The postponement once again raised questions about why there is no roof over centre court at the US Open. The centre courts at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon have retractable roofs while organisers of the French Open are in talks about covering up their main court. But US Tennis Association officials have balked at the idea because of the cost of covering Arthur Ashe Stadium, the largest tennis stadium in the world.

"It's technically complex and financially challenging," USTA spokesman Chris Widmaier said. "At a cost of more than $ 150 million, do you spend that on a roof or continue to fund grassroots tennis programs in this country?"

Tainted Pak trio to return home within 48 hours

Mohd Asif, Mohd Amir and Salman Butt

London: The Three Pakistani cricketers at the centre of the spot-fixing scandal in England would return home within 48 hours, Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said. 

Malik informed that the three players - Mohd Asif, Mohd Amir and Salman Butt -would make themselves available if there is any need for further investigation. 

Malik also said that the Government of Pakistan will provide a written assurance to the Scotland Yard in this respect.

"We have spoken to Scotland Yard, and the (Pakistan) High Commissioner to the UK, Wajid Shamsul Hasan, has also been in talks with them and they have agreed that the players can return to Pakistan," Malik told a leading cricket website.

It was learnt that negotiations were on to bring back the three players allegedly involved in spot-fixing during the Lord’s Test about a fortnight back. One source claimed that the players, who are expected to travel back together, would come back to Pakistan either on Friday or Saturday.

The three cricketers were initially suspended by ICC provisionally and were quizzed by the Scotland Yard for their alleged role in bowling deliberate no-balls during the fourth Test at Lord`s between England and Pakistan.

On Thursday, Pakistani fast bowler Wahab Riaz was also summoned for questioning by Scotland Yard on September 14 over the alleged spot-fixing scandal. He will be the fourth Pakistani player to be interrogated in the case.

Nadal through to US Open semis

Rafael Nadal moved closer to a Sunday showdown with Roger Federer after advancing to the semi-finals of the US Open.

Nadal

Nadal beat fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco7-5 6-3 6-4 in their quarter-final at Flushing Meadows and will now face Russia's Mikhail Youzhny in tomorrow's semi-finals.

Youzhny came from two sets to one down to beat Stanislas Wawrinka 3-6 7-6 3-6 6-3 6-3 in Thursday's other quarter-final, while five-time champion Federer faces Novak Djokovic in the remaining semi-final.

Nadal had won all 10 of his previous meetings with eighth seed Verdasco, losing just three sets in the process, although two of those did come in an epic five-set semi-final at the Australian Open in 2009 which lasted a record five hours and 14 minutes.

However, it was Verdasco who jumped out to a surprise early lead in the opening set on a chilly, windy night in New York, Nadal losing his serve for the first time in the tournament after 62 successful holds.

Verdasco could not make the most of his chance though, committing two double faults in a row to give back the break and then getting broken to love in the 12th game as Nadal took the set after 59 minutes.

A single break of serve was enough for Nadal to take the second set too, and when the top seed broke in the first game of the third the writing was well and truly on the wall.

Nadal, who needs to win on Sunday to complete the career Grand Slam, said: "It's a very, very nice feeling to be in the semi-finals for the third time in a row in one of the most important tournaments in the world - for me probably the most important right now.

"It was very difficult to play, it was difficult to have a big serve because when you threw the ball up it was tough to control.

"But I knew Fernando had a really tough match two days ago (coming back from two sets down to beat David Ferrer) so he was probably a bit tighter than normal. I am sorry for him, but it's a very important victory for me."

Tainted Asif might take political asylum in Britain

Fearing a violent backlash in Pakistan for his alleged involvement in the spot-fixing scandal, pacer Mohammad Asif is considering taking political asylum in Britain.

According to a report in 'The Daily Telegraph', Asif, who is currently in England for investigations into the scam exposed by a British tabloid, had a 35-minute meeting with an immigration lawyer last Friday.

"(Asif) said he feared the allegations of fixing certain events in a recent Test match against England could make him the target of dangerous criminal gangs linked to the illegal betting underworld," the newspaper reported.

The cricketer reportedly asked the lawyer "if there was a way to stay in Britain and discussed the asylum process."

"He didn't say anything about asylum at first," said the lawyer.

"He just said, 'What's the way to stay?' Then we told him there's the student way - you can come here to study - or you can apply for a work permit. But then he asked about asylum," he added.

Asif, along with Pakistan Test skipper Salman Butt and teen pacer Mohammad Aamer, has been interrogated by the Scotland Yard after it was alleged that the trio conspired to bowl no balls in the Lord's Test against England after taking bribes from a bookie.

The latest report said that Asif is waiting for "the results of investigations by Scotland Yard and the International Cricket Council, to which he expressed his innocence, before taking any asylum claim further."

Immigration experts said Asif had a good chance of getting asylum if he can prove a considerable threat to his life.

The lawyer, with whom Asif spoke, said the bowler looked "very anxious".

"I think he's just worried about the backlash at home, that's what he told me," he said.

"There's been a lot of talk and there are undercover betting mafias with a lot of power - that seemed to be what he was worried about.

"If he wants to go forward then we will see what we can do for him," he added.

Australian players' participation in IPL 4 doubtful: Report

Question mark hovers over Australia players' participation in fourth edition of the Indian Premier League after the Indian board decided to remit 10% of foreign players' auction fee to their national boards.

The governing council of the IPL had earlier decided to keep the players' agents away from the cash-rich Twenty20 extravaganza and give a cut of the players' fees to the boards of the countries they come from.

The decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) irked the Australian players as chief executive of Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) Paul Marsh voiced displeasure over the decision.

Few hours after the BCCI's decision, Marsh told that the ACA would ask the players not to sign the IPL contracts.

"The ACA has made it known to CA that any attempt to take 10%, or any other amount for that matter, from the IPL salaries of Australian players is completely unacceptable and will be opposed in the strongest possible way by us," Marsh reportedly said in a statement.

"CA simply has no right to effectively charge a 'commission' on income earned by players from outside their employment to CA. This is akin to an employer trying to take 10% of an employee's wages from a second job he works on weekends. Regardless of the decision made by the IPL, we would hope that CA would act in good faith to its players by not taking this proposed 10"

The CA said it supported the BCCI's move. "We have not received any advice from the BCCI and do not know what the Indian board plans to do. We do, in principle, support the view that those nations which develop talent which helps the IPL's success should receive some recognition," Peter Young, CA's communications manager, told DNA.

Aamir's age shouldn't matter in spot-fixing row: Pak official

Pakistan cricket team's associate manager Shafqat Rana says 18-year-old pace sensation Mohammad Aamir should not be shown any leniency because of his tender age if he is found guilty of spot-fixing charges. "I do not believe a player's age has any significance in this issue — it is the same for everybody. If Amir is found to have broken the law, it doesn't matter that he is so young. He should be given the same punishment as anyone else," Rana told reporters here. 

Rana said even back in Pakistan the general mood is that if Aamir, Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif -- all of whom suspended after their names cropped up in a spot-fixing scandal exposed by a British tabloid -- should be punished if the charges against them are proved.

"I think that is the feeling back home in Pakistan too. At home, they want everything to be done in the best spirit of the game," he said.

Rana's comments contradict ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat who feels Aamir's age should be a factor while deciding on the matter.

"In my own honest personal view, yes I would think age would come into account in these matters. But that is something the independent tribunal will have to decide upon," he had said.

Pakistani cricketers' finances are being probed by the tax authorities in the aftermath of the spot-fixing row and Rana and ODI and Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi welcomed the move.

"I think it is a good thing from the Pakistan government. It was there in their (the government's) mind before we came over. I think it's a good thing, it will open things out so they (the players) will be very careful," said Rana.

"It should be done and it's good for cricket," added Afridi.

Afridi said the players are being regularly educated about the perils of corruption in the sport.

"The people are coming from the ICC (International Cricket Council) and they are always talking about these things. If you have any problems, you definitely go straight to the (team) manager and talk to him," he said.

"I think we all know about these things so I think the people from ICC are doing their work," he added.

Nadal sweeps past Simon in US Open

Rafael Nadal made smooth progress into the fourth round of the US Open with a straightforward win over Gilles Simon.

The first two sets were closely fought but the world number one always had the edge and he ran through the third to complete a 6-4 6-4 6-2 victory and set up a last-16 clash against fellow Spaniard Feliciano Lopez.

The tone was set early on when Nadal broke for a 2-1 lead and he held on to that advantage to close out the set.

The second followed a similar pattern with one break, this time to establish a 4-3 advantage, proving enough.

Nadal was, by now, in full flow and Frenchman Simon, who became a father for the first time 48 hours ago, was unable to respond.

Further breaks in the first and third games of the third set effectively settled the match and with Nadal winning 91% of points when he got his first serve in there was never going to be a way back for his opponent.

Simon did earn his first break point of the match in the final game but Nadal simply upped his game once more to serve it out and clinch a commanding win in one hour and 59 minutes.

Speaking after the match, Nadal commented on the number of Spaniards who have made it to the last 16.

"That is positive news for us, very positive, because I think with the ball and the court here it is probably the most difficult tournament for us," Nadal said.

"I congratulate my friends. Best of luck for everybody."

As for his own form, which has seen him win all three matches in straight sets, Nadal added: "I think I am playing better, a little bit better, every day.

"Today was a solid match, I think. The serve is still good, so that's a very important thing. From the baseline I think my movements and my shots start to improve to be better every day."

Japanese rider Tomizawa dies in San Marino Moto2 GP

Japanese rider Shoya Tomizawa died from injuries sustained in a crash in the San Marino Moto2 Grand Prix on Sunday.

The 19-year-old Technomag-CIP rider came off his Suter bike when under pressure from the fast charging Italian Alex de Angelis.

Neither de Angelis nor British rider Scott Redding were able to avoid hitting Tomizawa, who was propelled over 40 metres and off the track into the gravel.

Tomizawa was taken to hospital 30 kilometres away in Riccione but was later pronounced dead.

He had suffered serious injuries to his skull, chest and abdomen, according to the race organisers.

“On Sunday, September 5 during the Moto2 race, rider Shoya Tomizawa aged 19 suffered a serious crash and subsequent cranial, thoracic and abdominal trauma,” the race organisers said in an official statement. 

“Tomizawa was taken to the hospital of Riccione for immediate treatment but succumbed to his injuries at 14.20 (1220GMT).

“All the MotoGP family wants to express its deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

His death was the first in Grand Prix since 24-year-old compatriot Daijiro Kato, who died in April 2003 at the Japanese MotoGP in Suzuka.

Tomizawa was in his first season in the Moto2 category - he had had two disappointing seasons in 250cc - and had begun it in style by winning the curtain raiser in Qatar.

He followed it up with second in the second race of the season in Spain but his form had tailed off since then and he was seventh in the overall standings with 82 points.

The three podium finishers in the MotoGP race which followed were in shock at the news, their joy at their personal results firmly set aside to pay homage to Tomizawa.

“It feels so strange, there is a big hole inside me,” race winner Dani Pedrosa told the BBC.

“I was so happy and then I was told and this big hole opened up inside me,” added the 24-year-old Spaniard.

Italy’s multi-time champion and winner of this race the past two seasons, Valentino Rossi, was all but in tears.

“When it happens like this nothing else matters,” Rossi told the BBC.

“I saw the crash on TV and it was terrifying. I thought he was dead. I am very sorry but then we had to race and try and concentrate. Shoya was a very funny guy and a nice one too,” added Rossi, who suffered a serious leg break earlier this season.

MotoGP series leader Jorge Lorenzo - who finished second in the MotoGP - was shellshocked.

“Yes, it is so sad, so sad,” he told the BBC.

“It is better not to say anything about the race.”

Tendulkar tells youngsters to resist lure of money

For his glorious contribution to the gentleman's game, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar was conferred the honorary rank of group captain by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal P. V. Naik at a function here on Friday. 

“It has indeed been a dream come true to get honoured by the IAF [Indian Air Force] and be a part of the great air warrior family. From the most crucial challenge of defending the nation from any external aggression to providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief at times of crisis, the Air Force has always played its role with competence,” said Mr. Tendulkar. 

Admitting his fondness for fighter planes, the cricketer recalled how in 1996 he got an opportunity to fly a fighter plane in South Africa. “It was a frightening experience. I was told to eject out of the aircraft if something went wrong, it would only lead to a broken elbow.” 

Referring to the alleged involvement of three Pakistani cricketers in spot fixing in England, Mr. Tendulkar later told the journalists that integrity was extremely important in sports. 

Earlier Air Chief Marshal Naik said that during his entire cricketing career, Mr. Tendulkar had not been involved in any controversy. “Like the IAF, he has single minded devotion to duty, dedication and perseverance and courage under adversity.” 

The proposal to confer the master blaster with the honorary rank was approved by the President on May 20. The IAF has, till date, conferred honorary rank on 17 personalities, including industrialist J.R.D. Tata and Maharaja of Jamnagar S.D. Jadeja.

ICC provisionally suspends Pak tainted trio

In an unprecedented crackdown to restore the game's credibility, the ICC today charged and suspended Pakistan's tainted trio of Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir under its anti-corruption code in the wake of the spot-fixing scandal. 

The International Cricket Council said the three players have been notified officially of the offences they are alleged to have committed and have been provisionally suspended pending a decision on the charges. 

"In accordance with the provisions of the code, this means they are immediately barred from participating in all cricket and related activities until the case has been concluded," ICC said in a statement. 

Pakistan, however, continued to defend the players and sought to give a new twist to the sordid episode by suggesting that an Indian bookmaker could be behind the "conspiracy".

"I found that all these three players were absolutely innocent. They were not involved, they have been taken for a ride and the agent (Mazhar Majeed) was the culprit, in the sense that he was responsible for defrauding some Asian bookies," Pakistan High Commissioner to Britain Wajid S Hassan said.

Australia test squad to tour India

Phil Hughes has returned from a dislocated shoulder while Peter George and Josh Hazlewood will add a green tinge to the pace attack for the Australian Test tour of India.

Wicketkeeping duties will again be taken by the young Tasmanian Tim Paine as first-choice gloveman Brad Haddin continues his slow recovery from an elbow tendon injury.

The party of 15 reflected the national selectors' satisfaction with the squad's progress over the past 18 months, despite only mixed results against Pakistan on the recent tour of England.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said he believed the group was building nicely towards the home Ashes series this summer, but acknowledged the size of the task on the subcontinent.

"India is ranked number one in Test cricket and there is no harder assignment in Test cricket at the moment than playing India on their home soil," he said.

"While it was disappointing to draw the series in England against Pakistan, the squad reflects the good performances of the team over the last 12 months as we continue to prepare for the Ashes."

Australian physio Alex Kountouris said Haddin would likely be available for the three-match limited overs series that follows the two Tests in Chandigarh and Bangalore.

"Brad Haddin is making good progress with rehabilitation of his elbow tendon injury," said Kountouris.

"He is due to commence restricted batting in the next few weeks but will not be available to play in the Test component.

"He is on track to be available for club cricket and for New South Wales with the possibility of being available for selection in the India or Sri Lanka One-day International series."

Young batsman Callum Ferguson and pace bowler Ryan Harris are two players who will push for selection in the one day matches as they return from knee injuries.

Squad:

Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Peter George, Nathan Hauritz, Josh Hazlewood, Ben Hilfenhaus, Phillip Hughes, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Marcus North, Tim Paine, Steven Smith, Shane Watson.

Pakistan match-fixing scandal: sinister, extraordinary and heartbreaking

England cricketers were on Monday reported to be reluctant to play against the four Pakistani players accused of match-fixing even as Sharad Pawar, president of the International Cricket Council, insisted that the remaining matches would go ahead. 

England captain Andrew Strauss said the “best thing is to do is to let the dust settle on this” before taking a decision.  His predecessor Michael Vaughan contributed to the air of uncertainty saying that any further matches would have “no credibility.” Mr. Pawar, however, said the ICC brass had a teleconference to discuss the issue after which it was made clear that Pakistan's T20 and one-day series against England would continue as scheduled. 

“It is the desire of the ICC, England and Pakistan that the game is continued,” he said after talking over phone with top ICC officials, PCB chairman Ijaz Butt and ECB chairman Giles Clarke. 

Earlier, Pakistan team manager Yawar Saeed also maintained that the remaining tour would go ahead as the Pakistan team left London for Taunton in southwest England for a warm-up match on Thursday ahead of a Twenty20 and One-Day series. 

The Pakistani players were booed and tomatoes were pelted on the coach carrying them as fans vent to their anger. Some shouted “chor'' (thieves) and “shame, shame'' amid calls for captain Salman Butt, wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal and bowlers Mohammad Aamir and Mohammad Asif to be suspended. 

All four are at the centre of a police investigation and were questioned for several hours by Scotland Yard detectives on Saturday following allegations that they were involved in rigging last week's Test match at the Lord's with Aamir and Asif deliberately bowling three no-balls after being allegedly paid to do so. 

Their mobile phones were seized by the police and there were unconfirmed reports of “large quantities of bank notes'' being found in the rooms of several Pakistani players. 

The investigations follow the arrest of a London-based Pakistani property developer Mazhar Majeed after he was secretly filmed accepting £150,000 from an undercover reporter from the News of the World in return for details of how the Lord's Test that Pakistan went to lose was allegedly fixed.

13-year-old motorcycle rider killed on race track

The death of a 13-year-old motorcycle rider at Indianapolis Motor Speedway cast a shadow over Sunday's races at the historic track and prompted mourning competitors to defend the development system for the dangerous circuit.

Peter Lenz of Vancouver, Washington, fell off his bike during the warmup lap for the day's first race at Indianapolis and was run over by another motorcycle, driven by a 12-year-old. Medical workers immediately placed Lenz in a neck brace, put him on a stretcher and began chest compressions while taking him to a hospital.

Several hours later, he was pronounced dead.

The Marion County coroner's office said Lenz died from blunt force trauma. More details could be released Monday following an autopsy on the youngest driver or rider ever killed at the 101-year-old speedway.

"Peter passed away early this morning when he was apparently struck by another rider," read a posting on Lenz's Facebook page, which was signed "Dad."

"He passed doing what he loved and had his go fast face on as he pulled onto the track," the posting said. "The world lost one of its brightest lights today. God Bless Peter and the other rider involved. 45 is on another road we can only hope to reach. Miss you kiddo."

Lenz rode the No. 45 bike, and his father was at the track Sunday.

It was the first death at the track since IndyCar driver Tony Renna was killed in testing in October 2003.

Lenz had emerged as one of America's youngest rising stars.

At age 11, he earned the "expert" license from the American Federation of Motorcyclists, and in March 2009, Lenz became the youngest rider ever to win an AFM race. This year, competing in the U.S. Grand Prix Racers Union series, Lenz had four wins, five podium finishes and was leading the MD250H classification in points.

The grown-up resume just didn't match his appearance. Listed at 4-foot-11 and 81 pounds, Lenz's face was clean-shaven and smooth, and he described his profession as "kid."

"Our hearts go out to the parents, family and friends of Peter Lenz," speedway CEO Jeff Belskus said in a statement. "Words cannot adequately express the sadness of our company and our employees about this tragic incident, and Peter is in our thoughts and prayers."

It wasn't the first time Lenz was involved in a serious crash.

A mechanical failure last season left Lenz with four broken bones and a severed radial nerve -- all of which required surgery. By November, Lenz was healthy again and by spring, he was back in Victory Lane.

The fatal accident almost certainly will spark a debate about how young is too young for racers to be competing on one of the world's best-known tracks, whether it's inside a car or riding a motorcycle capable of exceeding 120 mph in a straightaway.

The USGPRU sanctions races across the nation, billing itself as a development circuit for motorcycle racers from ages 12 to 18. The hope is these riders eventually will compete in a world-class series.

Lenz seemed to be on his way to the top before the accident. He was struck by 12-year-old Xavier Zayat, of Flushing, N.Y., who escaped injury.

"We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss, but know that Peter is racing even faster in the sky," the Lenz family said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are now with the other racer and his family, who were also involved in this tragedy."

Racers insist age has never been the issue.

American Colin Edwards was running 250cc bikes at age 17, and Indy MotoGP runner-up Ben Spies was competing on the 125cc circuit at age 12.

"That's not like a bike too big for him, you know, I mean this is our sport, we chose to do it," said American Nicky Hayden, the 2006 world champ who called the death "terrible."

"I mean, sure, we know going in the consequences."

But are new rules needed?

Those in racing circles say no, comparing the sport to other potentially dangerous sports such as football and gymnastics. When asked about running at Indy, speedway officials pointed out that the series has stops at potentially more dangerous tracks.

USGPRU officials said this was the first fatality in the series in nine years.

Still, racing conditions were not ideal this weekend at Indy.

Hot, dry weather turned the bumpy, 2.621-mile course into a slick track that tested the world's best riders.

Reigning world champ Valentino Rossi fell four times, including a spill Sunday morning during a 20-minute warmup session. Sunday's Moto2 race was shortened after a big wreck on the first lap took out four drivers.

"This was the most difficult race for everyone," MotoGP winner Dani Pedrosa said. "The conditions were very hard because of the heat and the asphalt was very greasy."

After a brief delay to clear the track, the USGPRU race was restarted. Had they known the severity of the injuries, one official said they would have considered canceling the race. The three other races all started on time, though Lenz was never far from the racers' thoughts.

"This is an ugly, terrible part of this sport," USGPRU chief steward Stewart Aitken-Cade said. "You do what you can to stop it from happening as best you can. That's really all that you can do."

"Any time a racer is injured in this way and loses his life, it's tough, adult or child," Aitken-Cade added. "It just makes it especially difficult when it's a young guy like Peter."

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/us-13-year-old-motorcycle-rider-killed-on-race-track-48129?cp

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/us-13-year-old-motorcycle-rider-killed-on-race-track-48129?cp

BCCI likely to press criminal charges against Modi

In a fresh development to the ongoing battle between BCCI and deposed IPL chief Lalit Modi, the cricket body has said that it is likely  to press criminal charges against suspended IPL chairman Lalit Modi in Chennai next week.

The BCCI it seems will use  Modi's receipt of a $80 million facilitatation fee from WSG as one of the grounds to press charges.

Modi was suspended after IPL 3 concluded, following allegations of financial irregularities in the Twenty20 league. The BCCI has set up a disciplinary committee to probe charges of irregularities by Modi, who has so far stayed away from the hearings citing security reasons and threat to his life from the underworld.

The BCCI has also clarified that there is no truth to Lalit Modi's allegations about the IPL players auction being fixed. It has said that the Board has evidence that IPL auctions were not fixed.

Though letters in possession of NDTV show that Chennai Super Kings' owner and BCCI secretary N Srinivasan and suspended IPL chairman Lalit Modi could have been involved in ensuring specific players for the Chennai franchise.

The two, who are now sworn enemies it seems colluded to rig the bidding process for the 2nd IPL auction. Lalit Modi, on a request from Srinivasan, got the Rajasthan Royals to opt out of bidding for Andrew Flintoff even though captain Shane Warne was very keen on having him.

Srinivasan in turn has rubbished reports that he tried to 'fix' the IPL 2009 player auction and insisted that he won the bid "fair and square".

Read more at: http://cricket.ndtv.com/storypage.aspx?id=SPOEN20100151304&nid=47788&cp

India eye revenge, title trophy against Lanka

India would look to avenge the league-stage humiliation and clinch their second successive ODI trophy on Sri Lankan soil when they take on the hosts in what promises to be a high-voltage summit clash of the cricket tri-series here tomorrow. 

Both teams find themselves face to face in a final clash for the second time in just over a month after Kumar Sangakkara's men finished on the losing side in the Asia Cup finals in June. 

The ongoing tri-series, however, has been a lot more dramatic then the Asia Cup both on and off field. The third team in fray, New Zealand, is out of the equation after India handed it a 105-run thrashing in the last league match of the series. 

Befitting the drama that has unfolded in the past two weeks, including the now infamous no-ball that Suraj Randiv bowled to deny Virender Sehwag a hundred, India and Sri Lanka have made the finals and it is hard to pick a winner in conditions where the toss of the coin has been of decisive significance.

Sania makes 2nd round of US Open qualifiers

Sania Mirza cleared the first hurdle at the US Open qualifiers, scoring an easy straight-set win over Russian Ksenia Lykina.

The 160-ranked Sania sailed past her opponent, ranked 76 places below her, 6-2 6-2 in the opening round of the qualifying event.

For the first time ever since her breakthrough campaign at Australian open in 2005, Sania has been forced to earn an entry into the singles main draw of a Grand Slam.

Sania has another Russian as her next opponent in Elena Bovina, who ousted 15th seed German Tatjana Malek.

Bovina came from a set down to beat Malek 6-7(3) 6-2 6-1 in her opening round match.

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/sports/sania-makes-2nd-round-of-us-open-qualifiers-47091?cp

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/sports/sania-makes-2nd-round-of-us-open-qualifiers-47091?cp

Viswanathan Anand unfazed by citizenship controversy

Unfazed by the controversy surrounding his nationality, world chess champion Viswanathan Anand looked cheerful as he arrived to a grand reception at the International Congress of Mathematicians in Hyderabad today.

He may be upset over the Union human resource development (HRD) ministry questioning his nationality but Vishy did not show it.  The world champion enthusiastically walked into the huge hall at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre to take on simultaneously on 40 mathematicians from across the globe in a game of chess.

The University of Hyderabad had planned to confer an honorary doctorate on Anand but after the HRD ministry raised doubts over his citizenship, it delayed its plans.  Reacting to the controversy, Vishwanathan's wife Aruna said they were not disappointed but irritated at the developments.

"I don't think we are disappointed, it is just that it is irritating to answer these questions. Anand has always had an Indian passport and is still an Indian passport holder. So restating the obvious is a bit irritating.

"I was asked to send a copy of Anand's passport which I did. That is the only piece of information I have. I don't know what transpired between them. Every time you look at him win, you see an Indian flag right behind him that proves that he had an Indian passport and I don't understand from where this is coming and why it has been made an issue.

"Receiving a doctorate degree while being in Hyderabad would have been nice but I think that moment has passed," she said.

Arjun Atwal's career factfile

Mondays just became a lot less stressful for Arjun Atwal.  He will no longer have to play early week qualifying events just to make it into tournaments.  Atwal took care of that by winning the Wyndham Championship.  He won at Sedgefield Country Club by one stroke Sunday, becoming the first Monday qualifier to win on the PGA Tour in 24 years.  After leading or sharing the lead after each of the first three rounds, Atwal shot a 3-under 67 in the final round. He finished at 20-under 260 and earned $918,000 — or, more than double the amount he previously earned this year, the reason why his future on tour had been in jeopardy.

"I told my caddie, 'We've got nothing to lose this week. Just go out there and try and win it,'" Atwal said. "Guys are going to be out there trying to secure their FedEx Cup spots or whatever. We've got nothing. I don't have a card. I don't have anything. Just go out there and freewheel it, and that's what I did this week."

He's the first Indian-born player to win on tour and the first golfer to win both the qualifier and the tournament that follows since Fred Wadsworth at the 1986 Southern Open.

He had to play his way into the Wyndham on Monday after losing his tour card. Earlier in the week, he said he was considering playing Monday qualifiers this fall as a way to make it into tournaments and boost his earnings in a push to regain his card for next year.  No need to do that now, thanks to this victory.  David Toms (64) was 19 under. John Mallinger and Michael Sim shot 62s to match John Rollins (65) and Justin Leonard (65) at 18 under. For a few dizzying moments late in a low-scoring day, seven players shared the lead at 18 under.

Atwal, who carried a three-stroke lead into the final round, was at 19 under for most of the day but bogeyed the par-3 12th a few minutes before Lucas Glover bogeyed 14 and Toms, Rollins and Leonard all birdied No. 16.  "It just kept changing," Atwal said. "Everybody's tied for the lead at a certain point."

Atwal reclaimed the lead with a birdie on No. 14, Leonard birdied No. 17 and Toms birdied No. 18 to join them at 19 under. Leonard dropped back a stroke after running into trouble on 18, while Atwal still had three holes to play — giving him more than enough chances to settle things.

Atwal made his move on the par-3 16th, plopping his tee shot 6 feet from the flagstick and sinking his birdie putt to move to 20 under. He followed that with consecutive pars, sinking a 7-foot putt on No. 18 before dropping his putter and extending his arms upward in jubilation after closing out his first tour victory.

"I was thinking about going to the (driving) range, but when he got to 20 under and they said he had a 15-footer on 17, I just went in the clubhouse and tried to cool off," Toms said. "I was ready to go to the range, if need be, but good for (Atwal). I know it's tough to get that first victory. ... I'm sure that he was battling some nerves, and to pour it in from 6-8 feet on that last hole was pretty impressive."

Glover (67) finished at 17 under, and Webb Simpson (63), Chris Riley (64), Scott Piercy (68) and second-round co-leader Brandt Snedeker (69) were one stroke behind him.  Atwal, who has won on the European, Asian and Nationwide tours, certainly has been through plenty during the past few years.

The player perhaps best known for his practice rounds with Tiger Woods is ineligible for the playoffs and lost his tour card last month because he was too low on the money list when his minor medical exemption ran out. That came after he said he returned too soon following weightlifting injuries to both shoulders.

Three years ago, a driver trying to race him down an Orlando Fla., street died in a crash. Atwal was cleared of any wrongdoing, although the yearlong investigation took an emotional toll.

The Wyndham also marked the last chance for players to pick up points for the playoffs that begin next week in New Jersey.  Piercy was the only player to play his way into the postseason, moving from 140th to 125th. Michael Letzig, who arrived at No. 125 on the points list, finished 14 under move to No. 118, solidifying his spot in The Barclays.

"The goal is to give myself another tournament to play," Letzig said. "I'm in, so (I'll) see what happens."