World Sports (4)
Cricket’s ICC World T20 Cup has begun in Sri Lanka and although there have been no great shocks as of yet, there has been plenty to talk about already. Hosts Sri Lanka opened against Zimbabwe and won by a convincing 82 runs. The match was notable for the remarkable performance of Ajantha Mendis who took 6 wickets for just 8 runs, the best ever figures in an international Twenty20 match. Jeevan Mendis also took 3 wickets in what was an otherwise routine victory for the hosts.
More dramatic was India’s match against cricketing minnows Afghanistan. At one stage Afghanistan were 75-2 after 11 overs, chasing India’s unremarkable 159-2, and a shock looked possible. Yuvraj Singh and Lakshmipathy Balaji each took three wickets to help spare India’s blushes as India edged to 23 run victory. The only notable batting score was India’s Kohli who scored 50 in what was match of containment rather than extravagance. Afghanistan will be buoyed by their performance though, and their match against reigning champions England on Friday looks set to be a mouth-watering contest for cricketing, as well as political, reasons.
The Ministry of Defence is currently studying whether to deploy surface-to-air missiles in an east London estate as part of the security measures for the upcoming 2012 London Olympics. Leaflets stating that military personnel will be conducting exercises have been distributed to its residents.
The plan is met with concern by residents of the area, citing how it would be greatly inconvenient, and though they knew about the plan, they didn’t know that the missiles would be mounted on their rooftops.
Certain roads from Leicester to Peteborough were closed as preparations are underway for the 2012 London Olympics. A dry run for the 80-mile route of the Olympic torch relay was conducted. People were advised that the rehearsal was expected to disrupt traffic and were advised not to crowd the streets as the practice run commences.
The relay has 122 local participants for the practice run and is being closely monitored by 400 personnel who are equipped with cars and trucks. Roadblocks were setup in advance on the route that the torch bearers will be using during the relay. Marshals were also deployed to direct traffic so to avoid excessive build up due to the roadblocks. Motorists are advised not to use the roads on the 80-mile route.
Barcelona 4 Santos FC 0
Scoring Summary:
Lionel Messi (16’)
Xavi (23’)
Cesc Fabregas (44’)
Lionel Messi (82’)
It was a Lionel Messi / Barcelona masterclass in the Final of the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup as Barcelona won for the second year in succession with a commanding 4-0 victory over Brazilian side Santos. The win capped a remarkable year for the Spanish side in which they also won the La Liga title, the Champions League and the Spanish Super Cup.