Thursday 16 April 2015

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

NASA spacecraft set for death plunge into Mercury

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MIAMI (AFP) - A NASA probe that has circled Mercury for the past four years will make a dramatic death plunge into the planets surface in late April when it runs out of fuel.The MESSENGER spacecraft -- which stands for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging -- will end its run, as planned, on or around April 30, the US space agency said.Its mission was initially only supposed to last one year, but since it was operating well and returning interesting data and discoveries, scientists extended its life as long as they could.MESSENGERs key finding, in 2012, was a thick coat of ice in Mercurys polar regions, providing compelling support for the hypothesis that Mercury harbors abundant frozen water and other volatile materials in its permanently shadowed polar craters, NASA said.For the first time, scientists began seeing clearly a chapter in the story of how the inner planets, including Earth, acquired water and some of the chemical building blocks for life, the agency said in a statement.Scientists believe that the closest planet to the Sun likely got its water when comets and volatile-rich asteroids made impact, sometime in history.MESSENGER was launched in 2004 and traveled for more than six years before it finally began orbiting Mercury on March 18, 2011.Once the unmanned probe runs out of propellant, it will no longer be able to fight the downward push of the Suns gravity and will fall, striking the planet at more than 8,750 miles per hour (3.91 kilometers per second) on the side of the planet facing away from Earth.No images are expected from the impact.For the first time in history we now have real knowledge about the planet Mercury that shows it to be a fascinating world as part of our diverse solar system, said John Grunsfeld, associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA.Scientists will continue to analyze data from MESSENGER for years to come, he said.

Tokyo stocks open 0.38% lower

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TOKYO (AFP) - Tokyo stocks opened 0.38 percent lower on Friday after the yen firmed against the dollar on another round of discouraging US data.The Nikkei 225 index at the Tokyo Stock Exchange fell 75.37 points to 19,810.40 at the start.The dollar slid Thursday as new US economic data disappointed, adding further evidence to reasons for the Federal Reserve to hold off raising interest rates.Government data showed Thursday that US housing starts rose less than expected in March. Initial jobless claims, a sign of the pace of layoffs, increased well above estimates to their highest level in six weeks.The dollar bought 119.06 yen early Friday, hardly changed from 119.04 yen in New York late Thursday but down from 119.33 yen in Tokyo earlier Thursday.A stronger yen is negative for Japanese exporters as it makes them less competitive abroad and erode profits when repatriated.The euro fetched $1.0767 and 128.13 yen on Friday compared with $1.0761 and 128.10 yen in US trade.The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.04 percent Thursday following mixed earnings and lacklustre economic data as worries about Greeces finances returned to the forefront.Equity markets in Britain, France and Germany fell sharply on concerns about slow progress in bailout negotiations between Greece and international creditors.

Motorcycling: Marquez aiming for Argentina encore

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TERMAS DE RIO HONDO (AFP) - World champion Marc Marquez arrives in Argentina for Sundays third leg of the MotoGP championship with a spring in his step after dominating last weekends Grand Prix of the Americas.The Honda star, who reeled off wins in the first ten races last year, was back in business in the Texas state capital Austin after a sluggish season-opening fifth in Qatar.The 22-year-old is lying third in the standings, with 36 points, five behind nine-time champion Valentino Rossi, who came fourth last weekend to add to his victory at Losail.Andrea Dovizioso, on 40 points, splits the pair after the Ducati mans two second-place finishes.Marquez, though, will be the man to beat again on Sunday at the Termas de Rio Honda circuit where he swept all before him last year on Argentinas return to the MotoGP calendar for the first time in 15 years.In Qatar I didnt get the result I would have liked, but we werent too worried, because the feeling in general was positive, he wrote in a blog for his team.After a good weekend in Austin, I am feeling relaxed and confident again.Weve already seen that the Ducatis are putting up a good fight, that Rossi is very fast, and I dont doubt that (Jorge) Lorenzo will also move on up and fight for wins. So we have to concentrate 100%.Reflecting on last weekend he singled out his remarkable pole, posted on his spare bike with only minutes left in qualifying.It was a moment of pure adrenaline, theres no other way to describe it, he wrote.When I stopped the bike I looked at the time remaining and tried to mentally calculate it as quick as possible. I saw that I had time to try it, not much, but it was there. Thats why I didnt want to lose a single second and I ran for the second bike.I cant deny that was the best moment of the entire weekend, even better than the race itself.Dovizioso is waiting to exploit any weakness on the part of the double world champion at a track where he trailed in only ninth 12 months ago.Last year I had a difficult race in Argentina, because we had a few technical problems, the Italian said.I didnt have a good feeling with the bike and the track was very dirty, so the whole weekend didnt go well.Now the situation is different, and I am sure that at Termas we can fight for the leading positions, like we did in the first two races of this year.At 36, Rossi is no spring chicken in MotoGP terms but the charismatic London-based Italian is rolling back the years at Yamaha after a frustrating spell at Ducati.He said: Im happy to go to Argentina because I like the track.We hope that there will be a better condition of the tarmac compared to last year, because the track and the layout are good. Its also not a bad circuit for our YZR-M1.Rossis teammate, former champion Jorge Lorenzo, shrugged off a bout of bronchitis to take fourth in Texas and is fully recovered as he tries to improve on last years third in Argentina.I hope Argentina will suit us better, said the Spaniard.In Termas the circuit is pretty nice to ride and last year, even if I wasnt in an optimal shape, I still managed to get on the podium. Its a fast track with very nice corners and I guess this is good news for our bike.

Football: Reborn Man Utd plot Chelsea title sabotage

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LONDON (AFP) - Hopes of a suspenseful conclusion to the Premier League title race rest this weekend on Manchester United, who take their six-game winning streak to champions-elect Chelsea on Saturday.Chelsea looked set to drop points at Queens Park Rangers last weekend, only for Cesc Fabregass 88th-minute goal to earn a 1-0 win that restored their seven-point lead over second-place Arsenal with a game in hand.As things stand, Jose Mourinhos side require only 12 points from their seven remaining matches to secure a first league title since 2010.While a collapse seems unlikely, victory for United would present Arsenal with a chance to trim Chelseas lead to just four points when Arsene Wengers team tackle their London rivals at the Emirates Stadium on April 26.With United only a point behind Arsenal, a win might also nourish their own title ambitions, but for Chelsea centre-back Gary Cahill, both matches simply represent obstacles that must be checked off.Theyre good games, theyre mouth-watering games and everyone is looking forward to them, said the England international. Weve chalked another one off against QPR and were taking those steps.Were playing against an in-form Manchester United team, but were playing at Stamford Bridge and theyre playing against a very good team. It should be a great game.Chelsea won their first 10 home games in the league this season, but Stamford Bridge has become less forbidding in 2015, with Manchester City, Burnley and Southampton having all recorded draws there.They were also beaten at home by third-tier Bradford City in the FA Cup fourth round and crashed out of the Champions League on away goals after a 2-2 draw at home to Paris Saint-Germain.United have won on only two of their last 16 trips to Stamford Bridge, but they approach the game with confidence higher than at any previous point in the post-Alex Ferguson era.Belief returnsLast weekends 4-2 demolition of Manchester City in the derby gave Louis van Gaals side a four-point advantage over the defending champions in third place, bringing a return to the Champions League into sight.Settled in their new 4-3-3 system and with players like Ashley Young, Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera belatedly blossoming in a red shirt, something approaching the belief of old has returned to Old Trafford.City aside, Van Gaals men have also put paid to Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool during a defining spell that fans had approached with no little consternation after the slipshod displays of the autumn and winter.United are already being billed as potential title contenders for next season, but Daley Blind has warned his team-mates not to look too far ahead.I think Manchester United is always a club that is fighting for the title, said the versatile Dutchman, who is beginning to look settled in the left-back berth.Of course other teams are watching us, but we have to watch ourselves this season, our own games, focus on that and then we will see where it ends.We dont have to watch for Chelsea. We have to watch for our own games. We have to look at ourselves. Every game is a final to the end and we have to believe in ourselves.There seems little need for Van Gaal to change his starting XI, meaning Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao are likely to remain on the bench, although Michael Carrick went off with a tight calf against City.Luke Shaw (hamstring) and Robin van Persie (ankle) are expected to return to the squad, but Jonny Evans is still suspended for spitting at Newcastle Uniteds Papiss Cisse.Chelsea, pegged back by a late Van Persie equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in October, will hope that Loic Remy is able to deputise for the injured Diego Costa (hamstring) in attack.The France international was due to lead the line at QPR, but a minor calf complaint forced him to withdraw, meaning Didier Drogba started up front.

Football: Dortmund's want-away Klopp out to boost Borussia

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BERLIN (AFP) - Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich host Hoffenheim on Saturday looking to bounce back from their shock European defeat at Porto amidst an injury crisis.Bayern are 10 points clear at the top of the German league table and just three more wins from having their third straight Bundesliga title confirmed.But the Bavarians are licking their Champions League wounds with Pep Guardiolas Bayern facing an uphill task for Tuesdays quarter-final, return leg, at the Allianz Arena after losing 3-1 to Porto on Wednesday.Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Bastian Schweinsteiger are all still battling injuries, and with Bayern playing every three or four days, the depth of their star-studded squad is being tested.Guardiola is set to rest a few players to keep them fresh for Porto, but Hoffenheim coach Markus Gisdol dismissed any talk of the Bavarians being vulnerable.We mustnt focus too much on Bayerns defeat in Porto - theyre more than capable of bouncing back, said Gisdol, who has extended his Hoffenheim deal until 2018.Business as ususal for BorussiaJurgen Klopp says its business as usual for Borussia Dortmund against neighbours Paderborn on Saturday despite his shock resignation as coach after seven years in charge.Having led Dortmund to consecutive German league titles in 2011 and 2012, then runners-up for the last two years, Klopp dropped a bombshell on Wednesday by announcing he is leaving next month.Dortmund host relegation-threatened Paderborn and with six games left, Klopp wants to bow out with his side further up the table than their current position of tenth and six points from a European berth.Its just another normal football game, albeit one thats vitally important for both sides, said Klopp, with Paderborn two points from safety.Its going to be a proper fight and we have to show were up to the task.Im not on a goodbye tour, theres still work to do.Basement battle in full cryWhile the top four places are all virtually decided with Bayern, Wolfsburg, Borussia Moenchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League next season, there is all to play for at the bottom.Just four points separate the last five teams with Hamburg, Stuttgart, Paderborn in the drop zone, but Hanover and Freiburg are both on 29 points and just two away from dropping into the relegation mire.Bottom side Hamburg appointed their fourth coach of the season on Wednesday when Bruno Labbadia, who they previously sacked in 2010 after just nine months in charge, took over from Peter Knaebel, who was dismissed as caretaker boss after just two games in charge.Labbadia has taken his players away on a mini training camp to get their heads in the right place having failed to win any of their last eight games and taking just two points in the process.Hamburg can expect no charity at neighbours Werder Bremen on Sunday in the north German derby.Having themselves spent some time at the bottom this season, Bremen are up to ninth and just four points from a European berth.Im not too bothered about Hamburgs possible relegation. Perhaps another exciting team will take their place, said Werder coach Victor Skripnik to add spice to an already potent fixture.Fixtures (All times 1330 GMT unless stated)FridayEintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Moenchengladbach (1830)SaturdayBorussia Dortmund v Paderborn 07, Bayer Leverkusen v Hanover 96, Hoffenheim v Bayern Munich, Hertha Berlin v Cologne, Freiburg v Mainz, Augsburg v VfB Stuttgart (1630)SundayWerder Bremen v Hamburg, VfL Wolfsburg v Schalke (1530)

Football: Inter host Milan derby, Lazio seek Juve upset

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MILAN (AFP) - Inter Milan captain Andrea Ranocchia has called on the Serie A giants to appease long-suffering fans by dominating the derby against AC Milan on Sunday, when Lazio travel to leaders Juventus looking to cause an upset.With both Milan sides enduring yet another tough season in Italys top flight, the second derby of the season will be crucial for their respective Europa League hopes.Seven-time European champions Milan sit ninth, 28 points behind leaders Juventus and seven behind Fiorentina in the first Europa League qualifying spot. Inter are 10th, a point further behind, with eight games remaining this season.Although Inter coach Roberto Mancini last week admitted that perhaps we feel the pressure more at the San Siro, Ranocchia echoed the Italian handlers call for the Nerazzurri to adopt a winning attitude for Sundays game.You dont play derbies, you win them, Ranocchi said. We need to give our fans something to smile about after a pretty tough season. The derby is always a good chance to make people happy.Mancini, who returned for his second spell at Inter in time for the first Milan derby of the season -- which finished 1-1 -- in November, is under just as much pressure as Milan counterpart Filippo Inzaghi.But while the former Manchester City manager has the full backing of the club, former Rossoneri striker Inzaghi is walking a tightrope.Milan defender Ignazio Abate admitted the Derby della Madonnina has lost some of its lustre, but claims their motivation to win remains intact.Reason to believeObviously, it wont be like the derbies we used to have, but the passion remains the same, said Abate.We want to go out and give something back to the club, and to the fans.With Juventus 12 points clear of Lazio, the Turin giants are virtually assured of their fourth consecutive title.But Massimiliano Allegris leaders host the capital side only four days after labouring to a 1-0 win over Monaco in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.Lazio fans have plenty of reason to believe Stefano Piolis men can cause an upset and close the gap to nine points with eight games remaining.Although Juventus remain unbeaten at home this campaign, the champions were humbled 1-0 away at basement side Parma last week. At the same time, Lazio put four unanswered goals past Empoli to register their eighth win on the trot.Lazio have the momentum and could have the physical edge given Juves exertions in midweek, and Brazilian forward Felipe Anderson says Pioli wants more.Pioli is not getting carried away. Weve won eight Serie A games in a row and he keeps telling us weve achieved nothing yet, Anderson told Lazio Style Radio.With 10 goals in 24 games, the 22-year-old Brazilian has been a revelation this season and Manchester United, Liverpool and Barcelona are reportedly showing interest.Anderson said Lazio -- who also face Juventus in the Italian Cup final on June 7 -- have to focus on playing the game that has seen them score the most goals of any team (58) so far this season.We have to go to Turin and be confident in playing our own game. It wont be easy to beat (goalkeeper) Gigi Buffon, but well give it everything and try to win.With Roma now a point adrift of Lazio in third place, a duel for the second automatic Champions League qualifying spot looks imminent, and Lazio midfielder Antonio Candreva has added to the existing rivalry.Candreva, who claimed his seventh league goal last week with a long-range strike at the Stadio Olimpico, said he was proud to wear the Lazio shirt because its the symbol of this city.His declaration has already caused a backlash among Roma fans on social media ahead of Saturdays home game against Atalanta.Roma captain Francesco Totti could return following a three-game absence due to injury although Bosnian midfielder Miralem Pjanic is expected to be sidelined with a sore right ankle.Fixtures (times GMT)SaturdaySampdoria v Cesena (1600), Juventus v Lazio (1845)SundaySassuolo v Torino (1030), Chievo v Udinese, Empoli v Parma, Palermo v Genoa, Roma v Atalanta (all 1300), Cagliari v Napoli (1600), Inter Milan v AC Milan (1845)MondayFiorentina v Verona (1845)

'Amazingly intact' WWII aircraft carrier found in Pacific

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LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Experts have discovered a World War II US aircraft carrier that is amazingly intact despite languishing on the bottom of the Pacific for more than 60 years.The ship is upright, listing only slightly and may even have an plane insideThe former USS Independence is resting in 2,600 feet (800 meters) of water off Californias Farallon Islands with its hull and flight deck very well preserved and clearly visible, scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said Thursday.There also appears to be a plane in the hangar bay of the vessel, the lead ship of its class of light aircraft carriers that were vital during the American naval offensive in the Pacific.After 64 years on the seafloor, Independence sits on the bottom as if ready to launch its planes, said James Delgado, chief scientist on the mission and maritime heritage director for NOAAs Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.This ship fought a long, hard war in the Pacific and after the war was subjected to two atomic blasts that ripped through the ship. It is a reminder of the industrial might and skill of the greatest generation that sent not only this ship, but their loved ones to war.The carrier is one of an estimated 300 wrecks in the waters off San Francisco and the deepest known shipwreck in the sanctuary, the NOAA said.Independence operated in the central and western Pacific from November 1943 to August 1945 and later was one of more than 90 vessels assembled as a target fleet for atomic bomb tests in 1946 in the Marshall Islands. Damaged by shock waves, heat and radiation, Independence survived the tests and returned to the United States.It was moored in San Francisco until age caught up with her and she was towed out to sea for scuttling in January 1951.Independence was found as part of a two-year NOAA mission to locate historic shipwrecks in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary and nearby waters. Experts last month used an autonomous underwater vehicle, Echo Ranger, made by Boeing, to survey the Independence.There are no plans at the moment to try and get inside the vessel, Delgado said.

Football: Celtic gunning for Scottish Cup glory

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GLASGOW (AFP) - Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths hopes his perfect record at Hampden sets the Hoops up for victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Sunday in the Scottish Cup semi-final.The Scotland striker has made two semi-final appearances at the national stadium and has triumphed in both.Griffiths is looking to make it a hat-trick of cup final appearances, but knows his side will face a tough task to overcome opponents Inverness.The Glasgow giants were held to a 1-1 draw at the Caledonian Stadium last weekend when the sides met on league duty and the Celtic striker is expecting a tricky tie at Hampden.Ive played in two and Ive won two so hopefully I can continue that. But Inverness will come and make it difficult for us, Griffiths said.They proved that at the weekend and showed they will be hard to beat. Every game has been difficult against them and Im expecting the same again on Sunday.Griffiths grabbed the winner in former club Hibernians 4-3 Scottish Cup semi-final in 2013 before helping himself to a goal in Celtics 2-0 defeat of rivals Rangers in Marchs League Cup last four clash.While the striker has set his sights on another Hampden goal on Sunday, he insists he would sacrifice it for a Celtic victory which would be another huge step towards claiming a historic domestic treble.Ill be looking to score again on Sunday, but I think the most important thing is for the team to get to the Scottish Cup final, Griffiths said.We are doing well in the league, were eight points clear again and we want to go for that treble.There is still a long way to go and theres some difficult games coming up, especially Sunday and Inverness are standing in our way of potentially achieving a very, very good season. Inverness are on a four game winless run, but have a good record against the Hoops with a win and a draw at home against Ronny Deilas side while narrowly losing 1-0 at Celtic Park.And manager John Hughes is hopeful his side, who reached last seasons League Cup final, can pull off a shock against Celtic.Its a formidable task but we can beat them, the Inverness manager said.I dont know why but theres something in the water. I might be wrong and its dangerous to dream.But something just tells me there might be a shock on Sunday.Saturdays semi-final will be an all Championship affair as Hibernian take on Falkirk.Hibs are attempting to reach their third final in four years, but they have yet to beat their opponents in three attempts in the league during this campaign.And after beating city rivals Hearts for the first time this season, manager Alan Stubbs is optimistic they can banish another unwanted record against Falkirk as the Easter Road club chase their first Scottish Cup success for 113 years.Hopefully we can put two stats right in the space of two games, because we hadnt beaten Hearts before Sunday. Its the same with Falkirk this weekend. Its different because of the circumstances of the game. Its about playing at Hampden, where some players wont have played before, the Hibs manager said.I think we have performed OK against them, but Im very aware that it will be a really difficult game, one where well need to be at our best. Theres obviously a lot at stake - the chance to get to the final of the most prestigious cup competition in Scotland. Its a huge carrot dangling in front of us.Fixtures (1500 unless otherwise stated)SaturdayHibernian v Falkirk (1215)SundayInverness CT v Celtic (1215)

Football: Wenger warns Arsenal to expect Reading test

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LONDON (AFP) - Arsene Wenger has warned his Arsenal stars to heed the lessons of last seasons narrow escape at Wembley when the holders face Reading in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday.Wengers side head back to Wembley as firm favourites to see off the Championship strugglers and advance to a second successive FA Cup final.Arsenal have risen to second in the Premier League after reeling off eight consecutive victories, a powerful run that has stretched to 11 wins from 12 games in all competitions.In contrast, Reading, languishing 18th in the second tier table, are not mathematically certain of avoiding relegation to League One following a miserable run of one win in their last 10 matches.The Royals have failed to win any of their five matches since beating Bradford in an FA Cup quarter-final replay.But Wenger has been scarred by several of Arsenals recent encounters with lower league teams and is determined to ensure the Gunners dont underestimate Steve Clarkes men.To drive home the point he recalled last seasons FA Cup semi-final against second tier Wigan, in which Arsenal fell behind and only equalised in the 82nd minute before eventually securing a barely-deserved victory in a penalty shoot-out.We know that it (semi-final) is always tricky. We have learnt from Wigan last year, Wenger said.The urgency level will be quite high in our team.Reading have many players who have the experience in the Premier League.They have a very efficient style, who go a lot for crosses, so for us they can be a danger going forward.Wenger has a near full-strength side to choose from this weekend, with England midfielder Jack Wilshere having returned to full fitness.Everybody feels that it is difficult to get in the team, all the players have top, top quality, Wenger said.They have to accept it and to respect the decision, that is what you want from the players.Irritable moodBut although everything has been going swimmingly for Arsenal of late, Wenger was in a rather irritable mood in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Reading tie.He was especially irked by questions about Jurgen Klopp, the Borussia Dortmund coach who has been linked with Wengers job in the past and will leave the German club at the end of the season.Im not an agency to place managers and I like every manager and respect everybody, but I find that circus a bit ridiculous, he said.Asked whether Klopp, reported to be a potential Manchester City target, would suit Arsenal in the future, Wenger snapped: I already answered this question.Wenger was also vexed by the decision to schedule Chelseas crucial Premier League clash with Manchester United for almost the same time as his clubs meeting with Reading.I am a bit surprised that a (Premier League) game of the same stature is played at the same time. There is a bit of conflict there that is difficult to understand, Wenger said.Something should be done about it. You would like it (FA Cup) to be the unique competition, especially a semi-final and a final. You would want it not to conflict with other competitions.While Arsenals internationals can afford to take a semi-final in their stride, it may be slightly harder for Readings journeymen to avoid being star-struck on the big stage.It has been 88 years since the Royals last reached the semi-finals and they have never appeared in the final.But former West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Clarke, who won the Cup as a Chelsea player, said: You cant go to Wembley and play the occasion.The supporters can go and enjoy the day, thats their little reward for a cup run.For us, it is to go there with a mentality that we are there to do a job and if we do that right we can go through.

Football: Wounded Paris resume title chase, Lyon face derby rivals

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PARIS (AFP) - Paris Saint-Germain will have little time to lick their wounds following their Champions League loss to Barcelona as they turn their focus back to the Ligue 1 title race for Saturdays trip to Nice.PSG are staring at a third successive exit from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage after losing 3-1 at home to Barcelona in the first leg at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.The second leg at the Camp Nou awaits next Tuesday, but Laurent Blancs side can ill afford a slip-up when they face Nice, 650 kilometres along the Mediterranean coast, at the Allianz Riviera on Saturday afternoon.Blanc acknowledged the game is one his side absolutely have to win as they lie a point behind leaders Lyon, albeit with a game in hand.Already banned against Barcelona in midweek, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marco Verratti will be suspended again, while captain Thiago Silva came off with a thigh injury in the first half on Wednesday and Blanc may not be willing to risk David Luiz after he had to play 70 minutes of the Champions League game after being rushed back from a hamstring problem.Having already beaten Lyon, Monaco and Marseille this season, mid-table Nice may therefore fancy their chances as they look to pull further clear of the relegation zone.However, when asked if he thought this was a good time to face PSG, Nice coach Claude Puel replied: I dont think so. I would have preferred to play PSG after a good result. For them, for French football and for us.They didnt play as well as they would have wanted against the Catalans and they will be eager to put in a better showing against us.Lyon reclaimed top spot on Wednesday when they beat Bastia 2-0 thanks to late goals by Mohamed Yattara and Alexandre Lacazette, the latter getting his 25th in the league this season.Rhone derbyHubert Fourniers side have won their last two outings to boost their title chances but now they play host to Saint-Etienne in the most passionate derby in French football at the Stade de Gerland on Sunday evening.Lyon may have home advantage but Les Verts come into the Rhone derby in great shape, a run of seven games unbeaten in the league leaving them fifth in the table, two points shy of the podium.In addition, having struggled so badly in the derby for the last two decades, Christophe Galtiers team won 3-0 at home to Lyon in November and have lost on just one of their last six visits to their rivals.It is a chance for us to make the supporters and the city proud. It would be great if we could repeat our performance of last season but Lyon will want revenge, said Saint-Etienne midfielder Jeremy Clement, who started his career with Lyon.Monaco currently occupy the third and last qualifying berth for next seasons Champions League as they prepare to welcome Rennes to the Stade Louis II on Saturday.For me it is the key game that we have to win if we are to finish on the podium. It is the most important match in Ligue 1 this year, said Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim.His team are unbeaten in eight league games but this match falls between the two legs of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Juventus and captain Jeremy Toulalan could again miss out with a hamstring problem.A point behind Monaco in fourth, Marseille are at Nantes on Friday, while Bordeaux in sixth go to in-form Lille on Sunday.At the foot, the bottom two Metz and Lens meet in what is almost certainly the last chance for either to avoid the drop.Fixtures (kick-offs 1800 GMT unless stated)FridayNantes v Marseille (1830 GMT)SaturdayNice v Paris Saint-Germain (1500 GMT), SC Bastia v Reims, Guingamp v Evian, Lorient v Toulouse, Metz v Lens, Monaco v RennesSundayLille v Bordeaux (1200 GMT), Montpellier v Caen (1500 GMT), Lyon v Saint-Etienne (1900 GMT)

Football: Everton all set for 'fearless' Burnley

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LIVERPOOL (AFP) - Everton manager Roberto Martinez has told his players to steel themselves for the challenge of facing a fearless Burnley at Goodison Park on Saturday.The Toffees have eased any lingering concerns about relegation in recent weeks, but Burnley are still fighting for their Premier League survival.While other teams scrapping at the foot of the table have played tentatively, Martinez believes second-from-bottom Burnleys predicament makes them tougher opponents.I dont think there is a fear of relegation for Burnley, Martinez said. And that is a big advantage against other teams who may not quite be in the relegation zone but have something to lose.The biggest threat that Burnley carry is they play with a real enthusiasm and enjoyment. They see an opportunity to achieve their aim of survival.In their last game against Arsenal they showed that. They only lost by one goal, they had a very good draw against Spurs and they beat Manchester City -- so the last few games at home they have been really strong.Away from home, I think they are capable of hurting any team. They were unfortunate against Southampton where they had three or four terrific chances.The Spaniard added: Looking at this game, it will be one which is open with both teams creating chances and it will be about who takes theirs early and gets ahead.Everton are poised to include Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku in their squad after he missed the last two games with a hamstring problem.Rom has trained really well, Martinez said, adding hed no plans to rest the 18-goal Lukaku between now and the end of the campaign.Its not in his nature, the manager said. If I am completely honest, I think he has been suffering a lot in the last seven to 10 days that he has been away from the team.Someone like Rom needs to be on the football pitch. He is only 21 and I dont think there is any need for that a rest at all.Everton will give a late fitness test to midfielder Leon Osman (groin) and winger Aiden McGeady (back) but have no other fresh injury worries.Play with a smileMeanwhile Burnley manager Sean Dyche believes Danny Ings needs to start smiling again to rediscover his goalscoring touch.The Clarets have not scored in their last three games while Ingss own mini-drought stretches back to a 3-1 loss away to Manchester United in February.When that whistle blows its down to them to remind themselves of that freedom I speak about. I want players to play that way, said Dyche.Dannys biggest thing is he puts a lot of demand on himself -- and that can be a weakness as well as a strength. Its good that he has thirst to improve, as do a lot of the players.But it has to be balanced with that enjoyment. I often say to him, play with a smile and Ive told him hes best when he does.Were looking to him to continue doing that.Dyche has no fresh injury worries ahead of Burnleys short trip to Goodison and he insisted the pressure was off his players because nobody expected Burnley to have a fighting chance of survival at this stage.Were not cut adrift and people thought we might be, said Dyche, with the Clarets heading into the weekend just two points from safety.Thats a good stimulus for us to move it forward. With the collective mind-set going into these last games weve got to this point where weve learnt a lot and now its putting it all together.

Clarke to play T20 cricket in Melbourne for 2 years

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MELBOURNE (AP) - Australia test skipper Michael Clarke will captain the Melbourne Stars in Australias Big Bash League for the next two seasons after not playing Twenty20 cricket for three years.The announcement was made Friday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where Clarke led Australia to victory over New Zealand in the World Cup final on March 29.It was Clarkes last one-day international match. He announced before the final that he was retiring from the 50-over format in order to prolong his test-playing career.Clarke, whose last Twenty20 match was with the Pune Warriors in the 2012 Indian Premier League, has been affected for much of the past year by back and hamstring injuries.Hell be available to the Stars in early January 2016 when the Australian test season ends.

US says up to Pakistan whether to join Yemen offensive

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WASHINGTON (Agencies) - State Department acting spokesperson Marie Harf while briefing the newsmen in Washington on Thursday said that it is up to Pakistan whether it participates in the ongoing Saudi-led campaign against Yemen that Riyadh says aims at quelling the Houthis’ insurgency.Answering a question, Marie Harf said that US Secretary of State John Kerry spoke with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on April 14th and discussed a range of issues, including Yemen and also the release on bail of the alleged Mumbai attack planner, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi.She further said that Secretary John Kerry expressed concern that the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai attack be brought to justice. The Secretary also noted the need to keep known terrorists behind bars and to expedite justice for the victims of the family.She further said that the two leaders also spoke about the need to bring the conflict in Yemen to an end through a sustainable political resolution and a political transition.To another question regarding a an attack on a US citizen in Karachi, Marie Harf said: “We have seen the reports that a US citizen was injured in a shooting incident in Karachi. Our consulate general in Karachi is in close contact with Pakistani authorities and is working to obtain more information. The local police authorities in Pakistan are handling the investigation.”

England in control despite Windies resistance

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NORTH SOUND (AFP) - England worked themselves into a winning position despite strong West Indies resistance in their second innings on the fourth day of the first Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Thursday.Set an improbable 438 for victory after the tourists declared their second innings at 333 for seven in the afternoon session, the home side reached the close of play at 98 for two with opening batsman Devon Smith leading the way with an unbeaten 59.While the pitch has held up well over the four days, it is the English who remain favourites to complete their first-ever Test match victory in Antigua, especially with the threat posed by their slow bowlers, even the part-time ones.It was Joe Root, one of those occasional bowlers, who made an important breakthrough late in the day, drawing Darren Bravo (32) into a loose shot for Chris Jordan to take his second stunning catch of the match at slip. Kraigg Brathwaite was the early casualty, fending off a lifting delivery in Stuart Broads first over to Root.Englands rush for runs in the afternoon session resulted in a declaration at 333 for seven, Gary Ballance getting to 122, his fourth Test century. Playing in just his ninth Test match, the Zimbabwe-born left-hander got good support from Root and Ben Stokes in continuing to dominate a deflated Caribbean bowling attack in the morning, 108 runs coming in the two hours play for just the loss of Roots wicket.Its been a tough winter with the World Cup disappointments and all that so it was good to get runs out here so early, said Ballance at the end of the day. It was tough going. You really had to grind it out in these conditions.Ballance and Root had extended their overnight fourth-wicket partnership to 114 when the right-hander played on to fast-medium bowler Jason Holder for the second time in the match. His knock of 59 followed a vital contribution of 83 in the first innings. In conditions tailormade for batting, he was obviously bitterly disappointed at not being able to carry on to three figures.Jos Buttler dominated the run chase in the second session however. Coming to the crease after Ben Stokes was stumped off the bowling of Sulieman Benn almost immediately after lunch, he smashed his way to an unbeaten 59 and made the task considerably easier for his captain, Alastair Cook, in arriving at a declaration that would give his bowlers a few overs at the West Indies top order before the break.Reputed as a fluent stroke-maker, Ballances innings was a determined, watchful effort. He faced 250 deliveries in just over five hours at the crease, stroking 11 fours and two sixes before the quest for quick runs brought about his demise to the persevering Benn.None of the home sides bowlers appeared threatening, and with only four specialists chosen in the final 11 -- a tactic designed more to save the match than to win it -- a tiring attack wilted under the withering attack of the England batsmen.

Rajanpur: 22 injured in coach, truck collision

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RAJANPUR (Dunya News) – According to details, a passenger coach collided with a truck on the Indus Highway near Rajanpur on early Friday morning, killing at least 22 people.The ill-fated coach was going to Karachi from Bajore. The rescue teams reached the spot and shifted the injured to a nearby hospital.
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