Thursday 12 February 2015

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Andy Murray advances to quarter-finals in Rotterdam

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ROTTERDAM (AP) - Top-seeded Andy Murray advanced to the quarter-finals of the World Tennis Tournament with a 6-3, 7-5 win over Vasek Pospisil of Canada on Thursday.The Australian Open runner-up, who faces eighth-seeded Gilles Simon of France in the next round, fought back from a break of serve in the second set and won the last four games.I moved well, and I felt like when I really needed to, I was able to improve my level and step my game up a bit, Murray said. I found a little bit of extra intensity in the important moments.None more so than when Pospisil served for the second set at 5-4.He was in a great position. But we had a 30-shot rally on set point. It was a very physical rally, I was making him do more of the running, said Murray, the 2009 Rotterdam champ. It took quite a lot out of him.Simon, who beat countryman Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 6-3, trails Murray 12-1 in career head-to-heads.Second-seeded Milos Raonic of Canada, third-seeded Tomas Berdych, and No. 4 Stan Wawrinka also advanced.Defending champion Berdych hit 10 aces in a 6-0, 3-6, 6-3 victory over Andreas Seppi. The third-seeded Czech will take on Gael Monfils for a spot in the semifinals.(Seppi) was not easy at all. I had my game plan, which worked perfectly from the beginning, Berdych said. He just started to play much better and took his chance, the only one he had in the second set. But in the third set, I was able to get my chances and execute.Raonic hit 17 aces in a 6-3, 7-6 (2) victory over Italys Simone Bolelli, while Wawrinka, the 2013 Australian Open champion, labored to a 6-7 (2), 6-4, 6-2 win against Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez.

Tennis: Tomic ousts Dolgopolov to reach Memphis quarters

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MEMPHIS (AFP) - Australian Bernard Tomic fired nine aces past Alexandr Dolgopolov in ousting the fourth-seeded Ukranian 6-1, 7-5 Thursday to reach the ATP Memphis Open quarter-finals.The German-born 22-year-old dispatched 23rd-ranked Dolgopolov in only 66 minutes to book a date in the final eight against the winner of a later match between Americans Donald Young and Denis Kudla.Tomic, who ousted Dutchman Igor Sijsling in the first round, did not face a break point in ripping through the opening set and rescued seven of eight break-points against him in the second.Tomic, ranked 49th, improved to 3-5 all-time against Dolgopolov with his first win outside Australia. He had won their most recent prior matchup in last years Sydney quarter-finals and in a five-set battle in the third round of the 2012 Australian Open.Other Thursday matches in the $585,000 (512,000 euros) indoor hard-court event find South African second seed Kevin Anderson facing Aussie Sam Groth and US sixth seed Steve Johnson meeting Germanys Dustin Brown.

Alpine skiing: Fenninger wins world giant slalom title

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BEAVER CREEK (AFP) - Austrias Anna Fenninger overcame a mid-race slip-up to clinch her third world title and second in Beaver Creek on Thursday with a triumph in the womens Alpine World Championships giant slalom.The reigning overall World Cup champion clocked the top aggregate time over two runs of 2min 19.16sec, a huge 1.40sec ahead of German silver medallist Viktoria Rebensburg, with bronze medal winner Jessica Lindell-Vikarby of Sweden a further 0.09sec adrift.Fenninger blitzed the field in the opening leg of the giant slalom and continued her brilliant form in the afternoon session. She had a 0.81 second lead over teammate Michaela Kirchgasser after the first run.However, Fenninger almost didnt make it down the Birds of Prey course on the second leg as she appeared to completely lose control of her skis on a turn.She somehow managed to fight through it and stay on her feet for the win ahead of Rebensburg -- who burst onto the scene with a giant slalom triumph at the 2010 Vancouver Games -- and Lindell-Vikarby, a giant slalom and super-G specialist who won a World Cup giant slalom in Beaver Creek in 2013.Slovenian Tina Maze, who won gold in the giant slalom at the 2014 Sochi Olympics and was seeking a third gold of these championships, placed fifth with a time of 2:20.90.Crowd favourite Mikaela Shiffrin, who grew up in the Beaver Creek-Vail area, placed eighth with a time of 2:21.63.Her American teammate Lindsey Vonn, who has struggled with the icy snow and a bad knee at the biennial championships, finished well back, more than three seconds behind Fenninger.

Athletics: Rudisha to run in Australian meets next month

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MELBOURNE (AFP) - Kenyan world record holder David Rudisha will compete in two track meets in Australia next month, Athletics Australia said Friday.Rudisha, the current world 800m record holder and Olympic champion, will race at the Sydney Track Classic on March 14 and the IAAF Melbourne World Challenge on March 21.The Kenyan star has competed in his favoured 800m event on the Australian Athletics Tour on three previous occasions, with a best time of 1:43.15.It will be Rudishas first appearance in Sydney and Melbourne since early 2012.Im very pleased to be coming back to run in Sydney and Melbourne in March, Rudisha said in a statement.Ive had some very good races at these meets in the past and Im expecting some stiff competition this year.My trips to Australia are about training. Its a very good setup for me. The training environment is comfortable and there are plenty of great places to get some kilometres done.

Mirpur: Two more convicted terrorists hanged

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MIRPUR (Dunya News) - Another two convicted terrorists were hanged in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir Central Jail on early Friday morning, Dunya News reported.Death row prisoners Muhammad Riaz and Muhammad Fayaz were sentenced to death for killing son of former president of Supreme Court Bar during a robbery attempt in 2004.

Leaders agree Ukraine peace roadmap but scepticism remains

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KIEV (AFP) - The leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany on Thursday agreed a roadmap aimed at ending a 10-month war between Kiev and pro-Moscow rebels, but scepticism loomed large as the West warned much work still needed to be done.After a marathon summit in the Belarussian capital Minsk, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he, Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko had reached a ceasefire deal.Echoing cautious remarks from other leaders, Poroshenko described the 17-hour talks as very difficult and said he expected the implementation of the deal would not be easy.Under the agreement, a ceasefire is to take effect at midnight Kiev time on Sunday (2200 GMT on Saturday) and heavy weapons are to be withdrawn from the frontlines of the conflict, which has already killed at least 5,300 people and driven a million people from their homes.Hollande described the deal as a comprehensive political solution, while Merkel spoke only of a glimmer of hope.I have no illusions. We have no illusions, she said, adding that much work remained.The United States, which has said it could supply Ukraine with weapons if the conflict continues, cautiously welcomed the accord.The true test of todays accord will be in its full and unambiguous implementation, the White House said, including restoration of Ukrainian control over its border with Russia.Secretary of State John Kerry said there was a long road ahead before achieving peace.Kiev and rebel sources said fighting over the last 24 hours had killed 14 civilians and two Ukrainian soldiers.The Ukrainian government also accused Russia of deploying another 50 tanks across the border overnight, with fighting expected to continue around disputed railway hub Debaltseve, which rebels claim to have surrounded.Hollande, Merkel and Poroshenko flew from Minsk to Brussels for a European Union summit, where the French leader said it was essential to keep up pressure to ensure the accords success.Poroshenko, also speaking in the Belgian capital, said: It was very difficult negotiation and we expect not easy implementation process.European Council President Donald Tusk said Poroshenko had given EU leaders a sobering assessment of the deal.Tusk said the 28-member bloc was ready to take the necessary steps to keep up the pressure on Russia, already hit by EU and US sanctions for its role in the crisis.Our trust in the goodwill of President Putin is limited, this is why we have to maintain our decision on sanctions, he told a press conference.Tusk added that the EU would go ahead with new sanctions against 19 Russian and Ukrainian individuals and nine entities next week, measures that had been suspended earlier to give the Minsk talks a better chance.The roadmap -- meant to ease a crisis that has plunged the West and Russia into their bitterest dispute since the Cold War -- was signed by Russian and Ukrainian envoys, separatist leaders and European mediators from the OSCE.A previous truce signed in Minsk last September quickly collapsed.The latest talks were seen as a last opportunity for European leaders to save nearly bankrupt Ukraine from ever-widening defeats at the hands of rebels said by Kiev and the West to be armed and trained by Russia.In rebel-held Donetsk, weary residents expressed little optimism.I dont believe in it at all, said Lyubov, 62, who would not give her last name. Every time they sign an agreement, they say one thing and do another. I no longer trust anyone.Beset by war and corruption, Ukraines pro-Western government is struggling to enact legal and economic reforms that would help steer the former Soviet republic out of Russias sphere of influence and into Western institutions. The Kiev government got a major boost Thursday with the announcement by IMF chief Christine Lagarde of a new financial rescue plan worth $17.5 billion.In total, Ukraine will receive $40 billion (35 billion euros) in assistance over four years coupled with bilateral loans from other sources, Lagarde said, helping to stabilise Kievs finances after 10 months of conflict in the east.The World Bank for its part announced it was prepared to provide up to $2 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine this year.The new Minsk agreement is broadly similar to the first one, except that the new heavy weapons-free zone will be 50 to 70 kilometres (31-43 miles) wide, depending on the range of the weapon, double the width of the buffer zone agreed in September.Kiev will also begin retaking control over the approximately 400-kilometre (250 mile) stretch of Russias border with rebel-held Ukraine, but only after local elections are held.The border is entirely under Russian and pro-Russian rebel control and is used, according to Kiev, as a conduit for separatist supplies. The Kremlin denies this but has opposed Ukraine being allowed to regain control of the frontier.While heavy weapons must be withdrawn, troops and rebels can remain where they are, handing rebels de facto control of the roughly 500 square kilometres of territory theyve gained in recent weeks.Separatist-held territories will be granted a degree of autonomy to be established through talks, and the right to decide which language they use.

Turkish leader slams Obama 'silence' in Muslim killings

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MEXICO CITY (AFP) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized US President Barack Obamas silence over the killing of three Muslim students in North Carolina, urging him Thursday to take a position over the triple shooting.Three Muslims have been murdered in North Carolina and President Obama, (Secretary of State John) Kerry and (Vice President Joe) Biden have not made any statements about it, Erdogan said during a visit to Mexico.As politicians, we are responsible for everything that happens in our countries and we have to show our positions, he said alongside Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto in Mexico Citys National Palace.Tuesdays triple murder in the North Carolina university town of Chapel Hill has sparked accusations in the Arab world of double standards by American media in their coverage of the attack.Deah Shaddy Barakat, 23, his wife Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, 21, and her 19-year-old sister Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha were shot dead by a neighbor whose Facebook page was filled with anti-religious posts.Police said they were investigating the crime as a parking dispute, but families of the slain students repeated their belief it was a religiously motivated attack.The alleged shooter, Craig Stephen Hicks, 46, has been charged with murder. Thousands of people gathered for the victims funeral on Thursday.

Ashton Carter confirmed as US defense secretary

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - Ashton Carter was confirmed as US secretary of defense Thursday, taking on the job of supervising the war against Islamic State jihadists in the final two years of Barack Obamas presidency.The Senate -- by a vote of 93 to five -- easily confirmed Carter, an accomplished defense technocrat, to replace Chuck Hagel as head of the Pentagon.Despite deep divisions between the White House and many Republicans over foreign and US military policy, Carters nomination encountered negligible resistance and he sailed through the confirmation process with bipartisan support.I think Dr. Carter will be a good secretary of defense, but I must candidly express concern about the task that faces Dr. Carter, and the limited influence he may have, hawkish Senator John McCain said.McCain for months has complained bitterly about the White Houses over-centralization of foreign and defense policies, arguing that Obamas tight hold on the reins hamstrings Pentagon chiefs as they oversee military operations.We need a coherent national security strategy, McCain added. Hagel resigned under pressure, criticized by some as too passive in the face of rapidly changing security developments, and as the United States prepares its next phase in the war against Islamic extremists.With Obama this week sending his request to Congress for a new authorization for use of military force against the jihadists, Carter will serve a high-profile role of focusing and carrying out US strategy in the turbulent conflict as lawmakers hash out the limits to the war powers they will grant the president.

Confident New Zealand wary of Malinga X-factor

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CHRISTCHURCH (AFP) - Camps with contrasting moods -- New Zealand brimming with confidence and Sri Lanka searching for consistency -- launch the World Cup in Christchurch Saturday.New Zealand, co-hosts with Australia, have their tails up after a 4-2 domination of Sri Lanka in a recent warm up series followed by a resounding warm-up win this week over tournament heavyweights South Africa.Sri Lanka followed their New Zealand losses with a defeat to lowly-ranked Zimbabwe, although throughout their period acclimatising to New Zealand conditions they have been without their ODI ace Lasith Malinga.Malinga has the X-factor and he will make the difference, according to Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews.Senior New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor rates the round-arm quick the best death bowler probably who has ever played cricket.But despite the spectre of Malinga, who returns after six months sidelined by an ankle injury, New Zealand remain favourites to set the tournament alight with a home win and are widely regarded as potential finalists.I dont know if wed be favourites, but everyones saying were a good shot, said wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi.If we go in with a positive mind frame and we know we can beat any side on our day then thats a good thing. If we go out and perform as we should weve got a big chance.New Zealand have developed into a well-balanced unit over the past year and are not fazed by the inconsistency of the Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum opening partnership.Coach Mike Hesson believes if they fail at the top then it simply provides a chance for someone else to step up down the order.Kane Williamson and Taylor have been in impressive form at three and four as have Ronchi, fresh from an unbeaten 170 against Sri Lanka, and all-rounders Corey Anderson and Grant Elliott.They are also laden with talent in the bowling department, able to call on various combinations using Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne and Mitchell McClenaghan with Daniel Vettori and Nathan McCullum providing spin options.Swing master Boult wrapped up his World Cup preparations with a five wicket bag against South Africa on Wednesday with Brendon McCullum and Williamson both producing half centuries.Sri Lanka have made no secret of the fact they need Malinga with his round-arm action and pin-point accurate yorkers to complement the exceptional batting talents of Mahela Jayawardena, Kumar Sangakkara and Tillakaratne Dilshan.The 1996 champions and runners up in the past two tournaments in 2007 and 2011, are formidable when everything clicks but that has not been happening for them without Malinga.Mathews sees Malinga as probably the difference between Sri Lanka and New Zealand.You cant write off the rest of our bowlers, we have fairly experienced bowlers, but obviously Lasith has the X-factor, he said.Sri Lankas batting strength is headed by Sangakkara, the leading ODI run scorer in 2014 just shading Mathews and both well clear of the third highest scorer, Indias Virat Kohli.Lahiru Thirimanne, Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal add depth to Sri Lankas batting line up although in recent times they appear unable to all fire at the same time.Malinga and spinner Rangana Herath head the bowling attack with all-rounder Mathews along with Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perara and Nuwan Kulasekara sharing the middle overs.

Study sees even bigger longer droughts for much of US West

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SAN JOSE (AP) - As bad as recent droughts in California, the U.S. Southwest and Midwest have been, scientists say far worse megadroughts are coming and theyre bound to last for decades.Unprecedented drought conditions the worst in more than 1,000 years are likely to come to the Southwest and Central Plains after 2050 and stick around because of global warming, according to a new study in the journal Science Advances on Thursday.Nearly every year is going to be dry toward the end of the 21st century compared to what we think of as normal conditions now, said study lead author Benjamin Cook, a NASA atmospheric scientist. Were going to have to think about a much drier future in western North America.Theres more than an 80 percent chance that much of the central and western United States will have a 35-year-or-longer megadrought later this century, said study co-author Toby Ault of Cornell University, adding that water in the Southwest is going to become more precious than it already is.Megadroughts last for decades instead of just a few years. The 1930s Dust Bowl went on for more than 35 years, Ault said.The study is based on current increasing rate of rising emissions of carbon dioxide and complex simulations run by 17 different computer models, which generally agreed on the outcome, Cook said.Looking back in records trapped in tree ring and other data, there were megadroughts in the Southwest and Central Plains in the 1100s and 1200s that lasted several decades, but these will be worse, Cook said. Those were natural and not caused by climate change, unlike those forecast for the future, Cook said.Because of changes in the climate, the Southwest will see less rain. But for both regions the biggest problem will be the heat, which will increase evaporation and dry out the soil. The result is a vicious cycle: The air grows even drier, and hotter, Cook said.Scientists had already figured that climate change would increase the odds of worse droughts in the future, but this study makes it look worse and adds to a chorus of strong research, said Jonathan Overpeck, co-director of the Institute of the Environment at the University of Arizona.These results are not surprising, but are eye-opening nonetheless, said Overpeck, who wasnt part of the research, in email.

Ukraine cease-fire deal, ongoing Greece talks lift euro

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - A cease-fire in Ukraine negotiated overnight and an agreement by Greece and the Eurogroup to return to talks gave a solid boost to the euro over the dollar Thursday.The common currency gained 0.8 percent on the US dollar from late Wednesday, to $1.1406, even though some doubts hung over what was achieved in the parallel sets of negotiations.Those doubts, and surging Tokyo shares, also helped the yen pick up against both currencies.After a marathon summit in the Belarussian capital Minsk, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko announced they had agreed that Ukraine forces and pro-Moscow rebels would halt fighting at midnight Sunday Kiev time (2200 GMT Saturday).Yet Poroshenko warned that he expected implementation of the cease-fire would not be easy, echoing cautious remarks from other leaders.Meanwhile Greeces six hours of talks with eurozone finance chiefs over radically modifying its bailout program ended without any agreement, raising concerns the country could be on a track toward defaulting on its debt and exiting the eurozone.But hours later Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Eurogroup head Jeroen Dijsselbloem agreed to renew efforts to resolve differences.The uncertainty in both situations, especially with Greece, will keep a cap on the euros rise, analysts said.A meaningful upside should continue to elude the euro, with Greece seemingly no closer to reaching an elusive debt deal with its creditors, said Joe Manimbo, senior market analyst at Western Union Business Solutions.

England face great Australian barrier in World Cup opener

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MELBOURNE (AFP) - England face a formidable task against hosts Australia in their World Cup opener at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday as they look to end a depressing run against the old enemy.England, chasing a maiden World Cup title, head into the tournament with fresh painful memories of three losses to the Australians, including a crushing 112-run defeat in last months tri-series final.Eoin Morgans team have to turn around a wretched record of two wins from their last 15 ODI encounters in Australia before an expected 90,000 crowd at the MCG.The last of Englands three losing World Cup finals was in Australia in 1992.Adding to their problems is that in a tough Pool A they will also face 1996 winners Sri Lanka and the improving tournament co-hosts New Zealand.England are banking on home expectations getting the better of the Australians as it proved when the World Cup was last held Down Under 23 years ago and they knocked the Aussies out in the semi-finals.Its important to focus on what we do best. I think a lot of times in the past weve strived for a formula that hasnt been ours, Morgan said.I think if we can produce what I think is our best cricket on Saturday, well be able to beat Australia.The Australians, who will go into the tournament opener without skipper Michael Clarke as he strives for full fitness after hamstring surgery, are looking for the impetus of a commanding victory to get the country behind them for the rest of the six-week tournament.Theres pressure on every team in any World Cup, wherever youre playing, to win, Australia coach Darren Lehmann said.For us its about embracing our own country and getting the support from the crowd, entertaining them and playing the brand of cricket we have over the last 18 months in the one-day format.If we do that, the results will look after themselves.We dont look any further ahead than England and looking forward to great crowd support and putting on a good show.Australia are peaking at the right time for a crack at their fifth World Cup triumph and have only lost one of their last 12 ODIs against all-comers.Australia accounted for the third-ranked South Africans 4-1 in a series at home last November and comfortably beat England and India in the tri-series in the final weeks before the World Cup.Morgan has issues of his own heading into crickets showpiece with three ducks in his last four outings restricting his meaningful batting practice.Im not really that concerned. Ive had a couple of low scores, but obviously Im looking to cash in on Saturday if I manage to get past 10 to 20 balls, Morgan said.Four or five games since I last scored a 100, so I dont have to look that far back to actually reconnect with what works well for me.I took a lot out of that 100 I scored in Sydney (last month), particularly as it was against Australia. I take a lot of confidence from that game.Lehmann mischievously hopes Morgans batting troubles continue for a little while longer.Hes a good player. Id like him to continue that run against us on Saturday, but hes a fine player so well come up with our plans as we did in the tri-series, he said.The highest crowd for an ODI at the MCG of 87,789 for the 1992 Pakistan-England World Cup final is under threat this weekend.

New Zealand abuzz ahead of World Cup

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WELLINGTON (AFP) - Organisers say New Zealand is buzzing with excitement ahead of the Cricket World Cup, the largest sporting event held in the South Pacific nation since rugby unions showcase tournament in 2011.New Zealand is co-hosting the event with Australia and will stage 23 games in seven cities, including two quarter-finals and a semi.Interest is building really rapidly, Sports Minister Jonathan Coleman told AFP.The Black Caps have had a great summer, weve sold more than 300,000 tickets of the 400,000 available in New Zealand. Its all go, people are really excited about the tournament, about the visitors coming here and were quietly optimistic about the Black Caps chances.The tournament is a rare moment in the spotlight for cricket, a sport which comes a distant second to rugby union in the popularity stakes of a land obsessed with the mighty All Blacks.Instead, this weekends launch of the Super 15 rugby season has been overshadowed as pundits and talkback radio callers debate the composition of the New Zealand pace attack in the tournaments opening game against Sri Lanka on Saturday.You go around the beaches and the parks and theres kids and families playing cricket, New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said.Weve worked really hard on engaging with the public. Its really gotten momentum in the country and theres a real buzz in New Zealand at the moment. We just cant wait for the tournament to start.The 2011 Rugby World Cup remains the largest event ever staged in New Zealand, generating 1.35 million ticket sales and attracting 133,000 international visitors.The New Zealand leg of the cricket tournament has 400,000 tickets and is expected to being in more than 30,000 visitors, mostly from England and India.Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand chief executive Chris Roberts said it was similar in scale to a British and Irish Lions rugby union tour.But then youve got New Zealand appearing every night in news bulletins in India and all these other countries, you cant buy that type of exposure, he said.Former New Zealand batsman Mark Greatbatch said holding events in Christchurch was particularly pleasing as the city was unable to host matches for the Rugby World Cup in the wake of a devastating earthquake that killed 185 people.Its amazing to have games in Christchurch because back in 2011 they lost the World Cup rugby, he said. Theyve also had a really tough time, so to have the opening game there is going to be special.Adding to the excitement this year is the fact that New Zealand are viewed as genuine contenders to lift the trophy, rather than their normal status as plucky underdogs.Cricketing legend Ian Botham is among those tipping New Zealand to go all the way for the first time after falling six times at past tournaments in the semi-finals.While for most Kiwis the 2011 Rugby World Cup is the most fondly remembered sporting event the nation has hosted, Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum is looking back to 1992 for inspiration.That was the last time New Zealand co-hosted the Cricket World Cup, when Martin Crowes unfancied team caught the nations imagination with a giant-killing run to the semi-finals, claiming the scalps of Australia, India, South Africa and England on the way.Weve got fond memories of that campaign and how it captivated New Zealand, said McCullum, who was a 10-year old at the time.The manner in which that team played, the innovation and sheer passion resonates throughout this squad -- itd be great if we could get on some sort of roll as well and try to captivate the nation like they did.

Morgan unconcerned by Aussies' whip hand over England

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MELBOURNE (AFP) - Skipper Eoin Morgan is unfazed about Australias apparent one-day dominance over England heading into Saturdays World Cup opener in Melbourne.England are the outsiders against the hosts before an expected 90,000 crowd at the cavernous Melbourne Cricket Ground on the strength of their poor record of one-dayers in Australia.England have just two wins from their last 15 ODI encounters Down Under, but Morgan resolutely talked up his teams chances Thursday against the top-ranked Aussies.This is only in the last year, these (losses) have happened but the majority of us have been in positions where weve played series where weve beaten Australia 4-0 before, Morgan told reporters.We have guys with huge amounts of experience who have won consecutive Ashes series ... again, reinforcing what works is key and emphasising, producing your skill on the day is ultimately what is important.Its swings and roundabouts. Weve been in that position before and our time will come.Morgan said only two squad members Moeen Ali and James Taylor have yet to play in an ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and he is hoping the big-match experience will bring out the best in England.I think the first two games well learn a lot about them because theyre going to be tough games, Morgan said of the pool games against Australia and New Zealand in Wellington.The vibe around the camp is of a free-spirited one.And I think that suits the players and hopefully that will allow them to go out and play in the manner which has got them to being selected.Since we got here weve had some great individual performances with the bat. Ian Bell has hit a great run of form.Hes class when hes going and scores at a rate we feel applicable to score against Australia.When Moeen Ali is playing at his best he scores at more than a run a ball at the top of the order, thats magnificent.Guys like Joe Root have hit a run of form, James Taylor, Ive had a score under my belt. If we click together as a side we can put a score on the board thats significant enough to win again.Thats something we havent done in the past and thats something weve been striving to do since we got here.Morgan said the experienced pace pair of James Anderson and Stuart Broad will test rival teams at the World Cup.With the ball in the first 40 overs weve been very accurate, he said. Weve held our length well and weve taken wickets early.Having Jimmy and Broady back has been brilliant. Their experience, Jimmy swinging it both ways and obviously Broadys aggression is key.

Oil prices rally as producers cut investment

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Global oil prices rebounded Thursday as more leading petroleum producers announced they would curtail investment due to tumbling crude prices.US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for March delivery gained $2.37 to close at $51.21 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.European benchmark Brent North Sea crude for March delivery advanced $2.39 to $57.05 a barrel in London. The gains snapped two straight sessions of large declines, with Wednesdays drop sparked by data showing a large increase in US crude inventories.One day, its up, another, its down and it doesnt seem theres really any rhyme or reason for any of this, said Bart Melek, head of commodity strategy for TD Securities.French oil giant Total became the latest oil company to reduce drilling plans, following similar announcements by Royal Dutch Shell and others that have seen earnings hammered by low crude prices.Total will cut its investment by more than 10 percent and reduce its workforce by some 2,000, mainly through a hiring freeze.That news was followed by a similar announcement from the smaller Apache Corp, which cut its rig fleet from 91 to 27 as part of an initiative to trim investment.While we are fortunate to have a substantial inventory of projects that can make economics at these oil prices, we believe it more prudent to curtail our activity until costs are lower and prices recover, said Apache chief executive John Christmann.Analysts said the cutbacks were a positive omen for the market in the long term, but would have a minor impact in addressing a supply glut in the short run.Analysts also cited the falling dollar as a factor in Thursdays jump in oil prices.A weaker greenback makes dollar-denominated crude cheaper for buyers using stronger currencies. In turn, that tends to stimulate demand and price levels.
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