Sania leapfrogs to doubles world number 2

The semifinal appearance in the Wimbledon women's doubles on Monday catapulted Sania Mirza and Elena Vesnina to number two slot in the WTA Race to the year-end Championships.

Sania-Elena now have 4506 points in the list, headed by Kveta Peschke and Katarina Srebotnik, who have 6865 points. The top-four pairs compete in the prestigious year-end championship.

"The partnership with Elena has been great in the last four months, specially the Slams. When we started playing together last year at Dubai, and had somebody said that we will be number two after Wimbledon, we would have laughed," Sania told PTI from Dubai.

Sania has taken a three-week break from the circuit to recover from the injury in the left knee.

"It's (knee) sore since I am off the pain killers. I am recovering. Hopefully it will be okay after 10 days rest," she said.

Sania's first tournament after the break will be the WTA event in Washington from July 25.

The good show at the Wimbledon also resulted in Sania achieving the career-best doubles rank of 11, an improvement of three slots. In the singles though Sania slid to 63, a loss of three position, after a first round exit.

In the ATP rankings, Somdev Devvarman rose to career-best 63 in the singles. Leander Paes also improved his doubles rankings by getting back into the top-10.

He is placed eighth while his partner Mahesh Bhupathi is highest ranked Indian in the list at number five. Rohan Bopanna is at number 10, just behind his Pakistani partner Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi.

EA Sports moves forward with Tiger Woods' game rollout

EA Sports said on Monday it was moving forward with plans to introduce a Tiger Woods online game despite the top golfer's public relations nightmare and drastic drop in popularity following his adultery scandal.

The Electronic Arts Inc unit's president, Peter Moore, said in a company blog, www.itsinthegame.com, that the company would this month begin offering 'Tiger Woods PGA Tour Online,' a browser-based golf game developed in the past year.

"Our relationship with Tiger has always been rooted in golf," he wrote on the blog. "We didn't form a relationship with him so that he could act as an arm's length endorser.

"Regardless of what's happening in his personal life ... Tiger Woods is still one of the greatest athletes in history," he added.

EA's move comes four days after AT&T Inc terminated its sponsorship deal with Woods, joining other companies that have either distanced themselves or cut ties with the world's first billionaire athlete since he became engulfed in allegations of multiple extramarital affairs after a minor car accident outside his Florida home November 27.

Woods, believed to be the world's wealthiest athlete, estimated to earn about $100 million a year in endorsement deals before his troubles, confessed on December 11 to "infidelity." He announced he would take an indefinite break from golf to save his marriage to Swedish wife Elin Nordegren.

The game is one of EA Sports' first online efforts, to be offered to consumers initially at no cost during a testing phase, but eventually requiring a subscription fee to play.

EA, which previously had said its Tiger Woods PGA Tour business would remain unchanged, signed a sponsor deal with the world's No. 1 golfer in 1997 and has introduced 12 versions of the video game bearing his name.

However, Moore did not say on Monday whether EA would move forward with the expected rollout this summer of its next Tiger Woods PGA Tour video game, annually one of the company's highest-selling sports products. A spokesman declined further comment.

Previously, technology outsourcing and consulting firm Accenture Plcended its endorsement deal with Woods, while Procter & Gamble Co's shaving products maker Gillette and Tag Heuer, a unit of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, said they would continue their relationships but drop Woods from their marketing.

In addition to EA Sports, others who have not backed away from Woods include athletic shoe maker Nike Inc, Upper Deck, Berkshire Hathaway's NetJets business and TLC Vision Corp, as well as developers in Dubai working on completing a Tiger Woods golf course project.

Andrew Flintoff's rejection threatens test cricket

Andrew Flintoff may have unwittingly incited the break-up of international cricket. In the wake of his audacious decision to refuse an England contract and become a freelance player roaming the world in search of a game, it began to seem certain yesterday that other players would soon follow.

This will cause the dilution of Test and one-day cricket between countries if top players are unavailable, which would in turn lead to a slow, lingering but inevitable death as fans and sponsors turn away. The grim scenario has suddenly heightened the significance of two conferences in Johannesburg later this month n one for players, the others for administrators - and there will be serious talking which needs to yield swift verdicts on how cricket and its leading players are to be run.

Flintoff himself issued assurances that his rejection of an England increment contract, a second tier deal offered to him because of his retirement from Test cricket, did not lessen his commitment to England. The all-rounder, who is Dubai undergoing rehabilitation after knee surgery, made it clear that he has no intention of missing any England games should they clash with matches in the various Twenty20 franchise competitions he also hopes to be part of.

Although Flintoff has put all negotiations on hold while he recovers he is known to have been in preliminary talks with teams in Australia, where their revamped Twenty20 competition is to be called the Big Bash and South Africa, where the Pro20 is easily the most popular professional cricket in the country.

Sean Morris, the chief executive of the Professional Cricketers' Association, said yesterday that other players would join Flintoff in rejecting national deals and that there may be a rash of early retirements from international cricket.

"I think there will be a lot of serious discussion in Johannesburg later this month among the parties and between the parties," he said.

"I can't overestimate its importance. In the space of a few weeks we have had two leading players withdrawing from components of the international game, Andrew Flintoff from tests and Ricky Ponting, from Twenty20 internationals.

"I think other players will, like Flintoff, reject contracts from their boards, not necessarily from England but from New Zealand, Sri Lanka and West Indies where the rewards are not nearly so great. If that happens then the teams they put out will not be representative. This can be overcome if windows are made for franchise Twenty20 competitions. We're only surprised that it has not been done before now and if it doesn't get done then the consequences down the line will be huge."

ICC to bring BCCI and ICL on table

In a step aimed at ending the tussle between the Indian Cricket Board and the Indian Cricket League, the International Cricket Council has invited both the parties to a meeting in Johannesburg on Monday.

ICC president David Morgan and the chief executive Haroon Lorgat would meet with representatives of the BCCI and the ICL. The representative of the BCCI and the ICL had met in October last year but the talks had failed.

Morgan said he had arranged the meeting to try and bring bout a settlement to the long-running dispute between the two parties.

"I've long regarded it as a priority to bring together the BCCI and the owners of the ICL and I'm pleased to say we have fixed a meeting to take place in Johannesburg on Monday," Morgan said in a statement.

The ICC president cautiously said they were hoping to see an end the dispute but nothing can be promised.

"I hope we might be successful in coming to a mutually acceptable conclusion. I can't be certain that will be the case but I hope we can at least make a start in bringing about
a settlement.

"I think this is significant because experience tells me that the best opportunity to solve a dispute is to have the parties face-to-face," he said.

Sweden's Henrik Stenson in front in foggy Dubai

Sweden's Henrik Stenson hit a bogey-free 65 to move 11 under and take the clubhouse lead on a weather-affected second day at the Dubai Desert Classic.

Stenson is one shot ahead of Australian Richard Green, who shot 63, and three clear of Sergio Garcia in third.

Overnight leader Rory McIlroy dropped a shot before having to abandon his second round after just three holes.

Fog delayed the start on Friday, so play will begin at 0335 GMT on Saturday in a bid to make up lost time.

The first day was also affected by fog and Stenson arrived at the course at 6am local time to complete a first-round 68.

But he recovered superbly to take the overnight lead courtesy of an eight-foot birdie putt on his 25th and final hole of the day.

"I was a little bit disappointed with the finish to the first round, I felt like I threw a couple away but I gave hardly anything away in the afternoon," said the 32-year-old.

"I had a good touch around the greens and made some good saves and chip-ins and putts.

"It was a grinding day but when I hit bad shots I recovered well and made some good birdies on the good shots."

Tournament officials will hope for a prompt start on Saturday, which should allow the third round leaders to complete nine holes before returning on Sunday morning ahead of their final rounds.

But should fog again delay the start, officials will have to decide whether to extend the tournament until Monday or opt to cut the $2.5m event to 54 holes, depending on the length of any delay.

Roddick and Monfils win in Qatar

Andy Roddick and Gael Monfils enjoyed comfortable wins in the season-opening Qatar Open in Doha.

American fourth seed Roddick eased past Ivan Navarro of Spain 6-1 6-3 with a double break in each set, while Monfils beat Czech Jan Harnych 6-2 6-2.

British number one Andy Murray and partner Ross Hutchins were beaten by German pair Christopher Kas and Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-5 6-4 in the doubles.

World number one Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer play on Tuesday.

Murray was knocked out in the first round of the doubles in just over an hour on Monday.

The defending champion, who beat both Nadal and Federer in the exhibition event in Abu Dhabi at the weekend, begins his singles campaign in Doha against Albert Montanes, a top-50 Spaniard.

The Scot, 21, is due to face Federer in the semi-finals should both progress. Murray is seeded third for the tournament.

The total prize money on offer at the Qatar Open is £760,000

Adebayor vents anger at Arbeloa

Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has accused Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa of play-acting in order to get him sent off in Sunday's 1-1 draw.

Adebayor was shown a second yellow card in the 62nd minute for a clumsy challenge but the Togo international believes the decision was harsh on him.

"I cannot say he [Arbeloa] cheated, but what he did was not fair play at all," said the 24-year-old.

"The defender threw himself on the floor as if I put a knife in him."

Manager Arsene Wenger believes the sending off cost his side victory and was furious with referee Howard Webb's decision.

"I am convinced we would have won with 11 players," said the Arsenal manager.

"We took control with 10 men, but imagine what it would have been like with 11?"

Robin van Persie had given the home side the lead with a brilliant finish after some excellent control, before Robbie Keane levelled the match with an equally good finish just before half-time.

Liverpool were on top after the interval, although chances were at a premium even before Adebayor went in high on Alvaro Arbeloa, prompting Webb to issue the striker his second yellow card.

"It was very soft," said Wenger of the second booking. "If we get red cards like that from opponents away from home then I'm very happy.

"It was not a red card, it was not a second yellow card. I don't know what it was for and I'm sure he (the referee) doesn't know.

"It's frustrating because we had a nervy first half as we were under pressure to win this game and I knew we would finish very strongly.

"We played high up in the second half and we could not take advantage of the fact we were slowly taking control of the game because we were down to 10 men."

Adebayor agreed with his manager's sentiments and believes Webb made a mistake.

"I don't think I deserved a yellow card and just want the referee to go back and watch it on TV again," he said.

"I just wanted to protect the ball. A striker like me, Robbie Keane, (Nicolas) Anelka or (Didier) Drogba always have to protect the ball and that's what happened.

"At the end of the end of the day he has made a mistake and he has to recognise that what he has done is a little mistake."

Liverpool were missing manager Rafael Benitez from the touchline after he underwent an operation to remove kidney stones during the week.

With the Spaniard at home recuperating, assistant boss Sammy Lee filled the void and revealed afterwards that Benitez had remained in regular contact.

"We have been in constant touch all week and we made sure we were in constant touch before and during the game," he said.

"He was at home and it is testimony to his professionalism because he has been in a lot of pain."

Liverpool are two points clear of Chelsea at the top with the west London club due to face Everton on Sunday and although happy with a point, Lee was disappointed not to come away from the Emirates with all three.

"This is Liverpool and we look to take three points everywhere we go," said the 49-year-old.

"The boys are disappointed but we have to accentuate the positives and we have got a good point at a very good club.

"Part of our disappointment is that we did not use our numerical advantage but credit to Arsenal, who worked hard when they were a man down."

Keane's goal was his third in the league for Liverpool this season and comes after criticism for recent below-par performances, but the 28-year-old believes he still has plenty to offer this season.

"It's always nice to score a goal as a striker," he said.

"We are judged on goals and not on everything else we do. It's always nice to score but what's important is that it's not about me it's about the team and not getting beat.

"I know I'll score a lot of goals for this club. It was nice to score today and I know there will be a lot more to come.

"I prefer to be judged at the end of the season and not in December."

India pull out of Pakistan tour

India have pulled out of next year's planned cricket tour of Pakistan in the wake of November's attacks in Mumbai after receiving government advice.

They were due to arrive in Pakistan on 4 January for three Tests, five one-day games and a Twenty20 international but the Indian government stepped in.

Pakistan Cricket Board spokesman Salim Altaf conceded: "It was a decision neither in their nor in our hands."

Meanwhile, the PCB has invited Sri Lanka to tour in India's place.

This new tour would involve three Test matches, three one-day internationals and one Twenty20 game.

Altaf said: "We hope they will agree to it and come after 20 January, shortly after hosting Bangladesh."

India's tour had been in jeopardy since last month's attacks, which India has blamed on Pakistan-based militants.

Pakistan has denied involvement after the attacks left more than 170 dead.

It is the third major cricket tour to Pakistan this year to be cancelled on security grounds.

Australia pulled out of their scheduled visit in March, while the International Cricket Council also postponed the Champions Trophy one-day tournament in September.

As a result, Pakistan have played no Test cricket this year and just 21 one-day internationals, mostly against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

The Pakistan Cricket Board fears this latest decision could cost it £13m.

PCB's Altaf said: "If there is no India series we gain nothing from our new television deal and lose out on other sources of income as well."

The PCB recently signed a new television rights deal worth approximately £90m with the Dubai-based organisation Ten Sports, but it includes a clause which stipulates that if a series is cancelled, nothing will be paid.

Indian sports minister MS Gill made the final call on cancelling the tour, with the government's Ministry of External Affairs having already refused permission for a junior hockey team to travel to Pakistan.

"We received a communication from the government stating that in the present circumstances, it is not feasible to tour Pakistan," said Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) official Ratnakar Shetty.

But Shetty has not ruled out the possibility of playing the games at a neutral venue, with the PCB having previously floated the idea of moving the fixtures to the United Arab Emirates.

"No decision has been made on playing Pakistan at a neutral venue," said Shetty.

Meanwhile, he denied that the decision could damage the next Cricket World Cup, which is meant to be jointly hosted by India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

"It will not affect the 2011 World Cup as that is a different tournament," he said.

Shetty also believes that relations between the respective cricket boards would not be harmed and Altaf agrees.

He added: "We are still on normal terms with BCCI because it was a decision neither in their nor in our hands."

"They have also said that if the situation gets normal in the future it would send its team to Pakistan.

"We still maintain sport should not be mixed with politics.

"We believe cricket can help improve relations between the two nations."

Former PCB chief Shahryar Khan said he was not shocked by the Indian government's decision.

"It is a disappointment, but it does not come as a surprise," he said.

"We all hope that it can be rescheduled later.

"I know that the Pakistan Board is already making alternative arrangements."

It was to have been the fifth series between the two countries since 2004, when cricket ties resumed after a 15-year gap caused by cross-border tensions.

England may practice in UAE

As the England ODI and Performance teams arrived back home in London after suspending the tour of India due to the terrorist attacks, the ECB expressed confidence and commitment to the commencement of the Test tour after it received a security report in the next 48 hours. This was revealed by Hugh Morris, the ECB’s managing director in a press conference on Saturday.

“The only reason why we decided to suspend the tour and return home was to assess the safety situation in India in a comfortable environment,” Morris said. He added the ECB was waiting for a security report of the situation in India within the next 24 to 48 hours and a decision would be taken on Monday.

He also said if England could not reach India in time for the practice match, they might opt for a neutral venue if the ‘tour is on’. “We have to keep our options open and training in Abu Dhabi is definitely an option,” he said. But the ECB had no discussion on whether they would want to play the Tests in a neutral venue. “These are just speculations. We have had no discussions on this,” he said.

Flintoff, Harmison unsure

Agencies add: England will return to India to play their two-match Test series as per schedule, but without several senior players including talismanic all-rounder Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison.

Meanwhile, the ICC has urged England on Sunday to play the Test series in India if player safety concerns are addressed. “If safety and security allow then I would urge the England Test tour of India to go ahead and if it does so then representatives of the ICC will be there to show solidarity with the competing teams,” chief executive Haroon Lorgat said in a statement.

Kaka targets English switch amid Man City link

AC Milan playmaker Kaka wants to play in the English Premier League and has been speaking to fellow Brazilians Robinho and Elano about Manchester City.

City's wealthy Abu Dhabi owners have been linked with a move for 26-year-old Kaka.

"I like very much the Premier League," the world player of the year said ahead of Thursday's UEFA Cup match at Portsmouth. "It's a very tough championship, but there are a lot of big players and a lot of big teams, so now I think it's the best championship in the world."

"So, one day maybe, I don't know when, but it would be great to play in England."

Sheik Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan broke the British transfer record to sign Robinho in September when the member of the United Arab Emirates' royal family led the Abu Dhabi United Group's purchase of City.

When asked about a move to City, Kaka said: "I have a lot of friends that are playing there, so I watch some games. I speak with Robinho and Elano sometimes about Manchester City."

Arsenal beat Kiev to reach last 16

Arsenal edged into the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday with a game to spare after an unconvincing 1-0 victory over Dynamo Kiev at the Emirates.

Substitute Nicklas Bendtner struck three minutes from time to keep Arsenal top of Group G and eliminate Kiev who ended with 10 men after midfielder Olexandr Aliyev lost his cool in the final minutes and pushed referee Alain Hamer.

Kiev, needing a win, should have taken advantage of an injury-hit Arsenal whose season has been coming off the rails in recent weeks with consecutive league defeats and the sacking of William Gallas as club captain.

Until Bendtner's 87th-minute goal, the visitors had enjoyed the best chances of a disappointing game with Ismael Bangoura denied by the woodwork in the first half and Artem Milevskiy shooting straight at Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia late on.

Victory lifted Arsenal to 11 points with one game to play at second-placed Porto on December 10 when a draw will guarantee them top spot of the group.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger recalled Gallas, who was dropped at the weekend following comments he made about the team, and the Frenchman was at the centre of the night's key moments.

After receiving a good reception from the home fans he almost became the villain after 38 minutes when he gifted the ball to Kiev dangerman Bangoura who curled a shot against the near post when a pass to a team mate would have been the better option.

Holders United lead rush into knockout phase

Holders Manchester United advanced to the knockout phase as all eight qualifiers from the first four Champions League groups were decided with a round to spare on Tuesday.

United progressed with a goalless draw at Villarreal, the fourth in a row between the two clubs, which was also enough to send the Spaniards through from Group E.

Group F was also decided as Bayern Munich beat Steaua Bucharest 3-0 with two goals from Miroslav Klose and Olympique Lyon edged to a 2-1 win at Fiorentina to go through.

A seventh-minute goal by Raul was enough to give Real Madrid a 1-0 win at Bate Borisov to send the nine-time champions through from Group H alongside Juventus, who had already qualified and who drew 0-0 at Zenit St Petersburg.

Arsenal left it late at the Emirates as an 87th-minute goal by Nicklas Bendtner secured the 1-0 win over Dynamo Kiev that sent the Londoners through from Group G along with Porto after they won 2-1 at Fenerbahce with two goals from Lisandro.

Barcelona and Sporting had already qualified, leaving six slots up for grabs from the remaining groups.

India moves to third in ICC ODI rankings

India's resounding success against England in the first two one-dayers has propelled them to the third spot, while run-machine Yuvraj Singh's consecutive centuries, has catapulted him to sixth in the latest ICC ODI rankings issued on Tuesday.

India routed England in first match by 158 runs and won the second match by 54 runs to move two places up the rung in the team rankings.

Yuvraj, who scored unbeaten 138 in the first match and 118 in the second, gained 11 places to attain his career-best ranking of sixth place among batsmen.

The two defeats cost English dearly as they slumped to the sixth spot. Having lost three ratings points, England now sits just behind New Zealand by a fraction of a point.

With five matches still remaining, India will hope to continue the rampaging form and grab the second position by the end of the ODI series.

Bolstered by their 3-0 series win against the West Indies in Abu Dhabi, Pakistan has moved up two places to fourth, while Australia is still the table toppers, some 12 ratings points clear of South Africa, who are just four points ahead of India.

In-form Gautam Gambhir also progressed four spots and now sits just behind Pakistan's Younus Khan in 22nd place among batsmen.

However, Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni continues to be the numero uno, with Australia's Michael Hussey and Graeme Smith of South Africa grabbing the second and third place respectively.

West Indies' Chris Gayle, who scored two typically entertaining hundreds in the three-match series against Pakistan, gained six places into fifth position while ICC Cricketer of the Year Shivnarine Chanderpaul is just ahead of him having jumped two places to fourth.

Among the bowlers, Sohail Tanvir has broken into the top 10 for the first time in his career after scalping seven Pakistani wickets at an average of 15.14. Tanvir has moved 12 places to seventh place.

England's Andrew Flintoff lost five places to 13th position after taking just one wicket in the first two matches of the series at a cost of 116 runs.

However, Flintoff was finely place in the second spot in the all-rounders list which is headed by New Zealand's Jacob Oram. West Indies skipper Chris Gayle has also moved up three places to be back into the top five, thanks to his all-rounder feat against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.

Asif slapped a whopping bill as legal cost

Dope-tainted pacer Mohammad Asif's miseries doesn't seem to end as the troubled Pakistani cricketer has now been slapped with a whopping bill as the legal costs for his release from detention in Dubai earlier this year.

Asif was detained for 19-days in Dubai for possession of a banned substance and the Pakistan cricket Board had hired the legal firm, Afridi and Angel, to represent the pacer in the case contested with the Dubai police.

"The issue now is that the previous PCB management have forwarded a bill sent by the Dubai based 'Afridi and Angel' firm to Asif for payment," a well-informed PCB source said.

"Asif has taken up the issue with the present management pointing out that no one ever consulted him or took his consent while hiring the services of the firm that time, so why should he pay for the legal costs," the source added.

The source said the bill was in thousands of dirhams and Asif, shaken by the demand, has told PCB that the representative of the Board Nadeem Akram, sent to assist him in Dubai in June, had bothered to visit him just once at the detention centre during his nearly two weeks stay in Dubai.

Asif has already submitted an application to the present PCB Chairman Ejaz Butt for release of money due to him as per his central contract with the Board even though he was at present suspended.

"The PCB Chairman will review Asif's request for release of funds this week as the pacer also wants the Board to review the ban imposed on him after he tested positive in a dope test carried out during the Indian Premier League," the source disclosed.

He said Asif wanted to know why the ban was imposed as he was neither representing Pakistan in the IPL and the tests were conducted in a foreign country and under foreign laws which had nothing to do with Pakistan cricket.

Struggling carmakers set to reign in sponsorship spending

Carmakers are the driving force behind some of the world's most lucrative golf tournaments but nose-diving demand and anemic earnings amid the global financial crisis has put the brakes on sponsorship spending.

Car sales have plunged and the 'Big Three' automakers in the United States, General Motors, Ford Motor Co and Chrysler LLC, may need a financial lifeline from the Federal Reserve to weather the storm.

GM, which has warned it will run desperately short of cash by early next year without support, spends heavily in golf mostly through its Buick brand but deep cuts in its advertising and promotional budgets means that money could soon dry up.

"Everything is fair game right now and we're taking a hard look at it all," Larry Peck, Buick and Pontiac promotions manager for GM, said in a telephone interview.

"Obviously, we are looking to reduce our overall marketing expenses and our advertising and promotional budgets have been reduced, and there's continual pressure on that."

GM is the title sponsor of two PGA Tour events, the Buick Open and Buick Invitational. Both tournaments are on the schedule for 2009 and their contracts run through 2010.

"We're certainly trying to spend our money more efficiently there. In particular the Buick Invitational that's upcoming in February, really we've trimmed back all the back-of-the-house kind of stuff... no dealer contests, no hospitality, all that is cut back," said Peck.

"You'll still see products on television and advertising that will promote the products through the broadcast, but any of the entertainment, hospitality type of activities have been canceled."

Peck said that despite the current hardships, the automaker was still committed to promoting itself through golf.

"We have still a very large involvement in the sport of golf from a General Motors standpoint, specifically from a Buick standpoint."

TRICKLE DOWN

America's world number three Phil Mickelson acknowledged that carmakers' woes could have a trickle down impact on sponsorship.

"I think the biggest impact for the US PGA tours is more with the auto manufacturers. As we have seen, General Motors has been hurting and has reported that they may run out of cash by the end of the year," he said ahead of last weekend's Singapore Open.

"We have so many sponsors in the automotive industry, that we will start feeling it shortly. Certainly when our next contract is up, we will have to find new sponsors unless there's a turnaround fairly quickly."

BMW, which pumps millions of dollars into golf tours worldwide, has slashed production and scrapped earnings forecasts this month as quarterly profits tanked 60 percent.

Cricket-Pakistan could switch home series to India - PCB

Pakistan may offer to switch their home series against India early next year to India if the Indian government does not clear the tour over security worries, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ejaz Butt said.

"Pakistan cricket has already suffered a lot because of teams refusing to play at our venues. We are counting on India to break the ice," Butt said on Monday.

"But if the Indians are not permitted by their government to tour Pakistan for any reason then we can look at the option of swapping the series with India."

Doubts have emerged over India's tour to play three tests, five one-dayers and a Twenty20 game beginning in January after the Indian government stopped a junior hockey team from touring Pakistan at the last moment earlier this month over security concerns.

Pakistan cricket has suffered heavily this year due to the refusal of teams and players to tour following a series of suicide bombings.

In August, the International Cricket Council (ICC) postponed the Champions Trophy after facing a possible boycott from five of the eight teams in the field.

Last-gasp Pakistan edge thriller

A brilliant 24 off just nine balls from Kamran Akmal saw Pakistan snatch a four-wicket win over West Indies in their first one-day match in Abu Dhabi.

Needing 17 off the last over, Akmal smashed two successive sixes off fast bowler Jerome Taylor before hitting the winning runs with one ball to spare.

West Indies skipper Chris Gayle had earlier scored a fine 113 as the tourists reached 294-9 from 50 overs.

Khurram Manzoor (69) and Shoaib Malik (66) also made valuable contributions.

Pakistan had looked on course for victory with Malik looking assured at the crease inside the final 10 overs.

But when the captain was dismissed by debutant fast bowler Lionel Baker in the 48th over with 33 runs till to go, momentum swung back in favour of the West Indies.

But Akmal - ably assisted by all-rounder Fawad Alam (26 not out) - maintained his composure, smashing his third ball for six before his two match-winning maximums in the final over.

Akmal's late heroics overshadowed Gayle's superb century, the first ever to be scored at the Zayed Stadium in the Emirate.

The West Indian skipper opted to bat after winning the toss and began tentatively with opening partner Sewnarine Chattergoon.

But the left-hander soon found his rhythm, reaching his half-century off just 36 balls, bringing up the landmark with two successive sixes off Umar Gul in the 10th over.

The openers had put on 125 before Chattergoon fell to Pakistan captain Shoaib in the 18th over.

Ramnaresh Sarwan (55) continued the onslaught, adding 73 for the second wicket as Gayle brought up his 17th one-day century off just 90 balls.

He added a further 13 runs to his score when he was caught at mid-wicket by Shahid Afridi off Gul, an innings which included five sixes and 11 boundaries.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul (36) and Xavier Marshall (26) added useful runs before Gul (3-66) and Sohail Tanvir (3-42) ran through the lower middle order.

Openers Salman Butt and debutant Khurram gave Pakistan a solid foundation, reaching 64 from 15 overs before Butt (24) was bowled by Baker for his first international wicket.

Former captain Younus Khan put on 78 in a second-wicket partnership with Khurram, before another useful stand with Shoaib.

Baker added a second wicket when he had Younus caught for 56, but Shoaib maintained the momentum before Akmal's late hitting secured a dramatic victory.

The second one-dayer begins on 14 November.

Shoaib Akhtar ruled out of Windies match

Shoaib Akhtar will miss Pakistan's first one-day match against the West Indies in Abu Dhabi after pulling a calf muscle in practice.

The fast bowler sustained the injury on Tuesday, but Pakistan's team management are hopeful he will be fit for the second one-dayer on Friday.

"The team management will review his fitness on Thursday," said Pakistan media manager Raza Rashid.

Fast bowler Abdur Rauf has been drafted in to replace the 33-year-old.

"Coach Intikhab Alam is clear that only a 100% Akhtar will play because we have an important series against India in two months time and we will not risk any further injury for Akhtar," said team manager Yawar Saeed.

Shoaib returned to the Pakistan squad in August for a Twenty20 tournament but has not played a one-day international in over a year.

West Indies captain Chris Gayle had highlighted the paceman's potent threat, describing him as a "key factor" in the three-match series

The West Indies have never played in Abu Dhabi, but begin the series on Wednesday with the country on a high after Gayle led an all-star team from the Caribbean to victory over England in the Stanford Twenty20 finale in Antigua.

Pakistan, however, have extensive experience in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, beating Sri Lanka 2-1 last year and sharing a two-match series against India in 2006.

It will also be the first match in charge for Pakistan's temporary coach Intikhab, following the sacking two weeks ago of Geoff Lawson.

"Besides Akhtar, they have (Umar) Gul, and backed by a strong batting line-up they are a very tough team, but if we compete well we can sneak a win in the first game for a good start," Gayle added.

"Beating England was nice and we worked really hard for that. Now it's a new series and every series is important for us, no matter who the opponent is, and winning this one will give us more confidence.

"We have some exciting newcomers like Lionel Baker, who played in Canada, then we have Shawn Findlay and Brendan Nash, so these guys have an opportunity to prove themselves against a good opponent."

The Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik hopes his team can impress, particularly with it being their only international series before playing three Tests and five one-dayers against India in January and February.

"This may just be one of the most important series we have played in recent times and we are eager to do well," Malik said.

"We have a few youngsters in the side and this may be their only chance to prove their ability in international cricket before we meet India."

While admitting that knowledge of the pitch may give his side a slight advantage, Malik, appointed skipper last year, is confident his bowlers will be in good form.

With his captaincy currently under review by the Pakistan Cricket Board - his tenure ends next month - Malik said he was "as relaxed as ever".

"There is no captaincy pressure on me. I have my own way and always look for improvement in all areas."

Pakistan will choose between batsman Khalid Latif and all-rounder Fawad Alam as a replacement for Mohammad Yousuf who recently joined the Indian Cricket League.

Padraig Harrington aims for Singapore Open win after year to remember

The 37-year-old Irishman has enjoyed victories in two majors this season - The Open Championship and the US PGA Championship - and a win in the richest national Open in Asia would put the seal on a memorable year.

"It's my last tournament of the year and you always want to finish well, I'm very much focused on trying to get one last win for the year and that would be the icing on the cake for Christmas," said Harrington at the Sentosa Golf Club "I am enthusiastic to get out there and play, which is a good sign.

"There is no doubt that after my two major wins in the summer that there was a period afterwards that I did not get enough time to take a break from the game, and I suffered a little bit because of it.

"I think I have gotten a little bit of a break since and as I said I am keen to go out there and play.

"I am changing a few things at the moment and that has kind of distracted me at times, but this being my last tournament of the year I am focused on playing this weekend and leave all the work and progress to the next eight weeks after this."

Harrington can look back on 2008 with plenty of pride after becoming the only player other than Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson to have won consecutive majors since 1995. He said: "My season will go down as the best season of my career so far and one to remember.

"I think going forward my goal will remain the same as it has been for the last three years, which is peak for the four majors."

The majors remain the top priority for Harrington but the Irishman will also attempt to make his mark at the end of next year in the inaugural Race to Dubai.

"I think that the Race to Dubai comes in under the four majors. Essentially my schedule next year will be all about peaking for the four majors next year," he added.

"It's all about building up for those, all about making sure I do not over play and that I am ready for those tournaments.

"Once the US PGA finishes in August then the Race to Dubai kicks in, then that's when I start thinking about how am I doing in that Race and whether I am in a position to win it.

"It gives you that added focus to move on for the rest of the year. I think it is very much the last three months of the year that the Race to Dubai becomes a goal because no matter what you do in the first several nine months you don't win that title."

Sergio Garcia overtakes Phil Mickelson in world rankings with victory in Shanghai

The 28-year-old Spaniard overtook Phil Mickelson at Sheshan earlier this morning when he made a 12-foot birdie putt to defeat England's Oliver Wilson at the second extra hole in a play-off at the HSBC Champions.

Wilson, also 28, was on his own at 14 under par after 17 holes when Garcia, in the party in front, holed from six feet for a birdie at the par-five 18th to join him at the top of the leader board.

At that, the Englishman needed a closing birdie of his own if he were to win. He was on course after his first two shots but, when he left his approach 25 yards short of the flag, thoughts turned to how he needed to get down in two not to lose.

To his credit, he holed a second putt of 10 feet to stay alive, only to lose out to his more experienced opponent two holes later.

Woods, as he continues to recuperate, would have noticed at once that he now has Garcia at his heels. The American has always enjoyed keeping this once somewhat cocky Spaniard in his place and he will be itching to do the same again on his return.

"We don't need to be close," Garcia said of his relationship with Woods in Golf Digest recently.

"I don't think it's necessary for us to be buddies. But not being close friends doesn't mean you are enemies. You have friends and then you have 'friends', people who are like family."

However, Garcia could not have been more respectful towards Woods when he was asked today if he thought he might now reach the No 1 spot.

"It probably depends on how much time Tiger takes off and if I keep playing well," he began.

"It's possible, mainly because he is injured, but we know that as soon as he comes out, he's going to play well again and be tough. He has what it takes to get away from us a little bit."

Garcia added: "When we talk about Tiger, we are looking at the kind of player that you don't see very often in history, if there's ever been one like him at all. But it's exciting to be in the same area. You know when you play with him that you will beat him sometimes but most of the time you're going to get beat.

"It will be good learning experience to be close to a player who has driven everyone to a new high level. The only thing I can do is to keep doing what I'm doing."

Improving his putting is what made the main difference to Garcia's play in the last 12 months. Woods is justly famed for making the putts that matter and today Garcia made two of them – the one which lifted him into the play-off and the other his winning 12-footer.

Garcia felt for Wilson, who was understandably flat after what was his fifth second place this year and his eighth all told. "Oliver's playing great and it's going to happen soon," he said.

Though Wilson knows all about the 30 and more second places which helped to make Harrington the great champion he is today, he was not ready to enjoy the positives from a week in which he looked the part among the world's best.

"I used to be pleased to finish second but it's just getting to the stage where second is not good enough," he said. "It's about time I took my chance."

By now, though, he will surely be priding himself on the way he did not let Garcia take the title at the 72nd. Also, his thoughts will surely turn to his cheque for £338,275 and his great start to the £20 million Race to Dubai.