Monday 25 May 2015

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Fierce fighting in Yemen as peace hopes fade

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SANAA (AFP) - Rebel forces and loyalist fighters were locked in fierce fighting in Yemen on Monday as hopes of a political solution faded after the United Nations postponed peace talks.Clashes raged in the countrys third city Taez, sowing panic after Shiite Huthi rebels bombarded several districts with rocket and tank fire.Theres a real massacre going on in Taez, the city that spearheaded the revolt against former president Ali Abdullah Saleh who now supports the Huthis, one resident said.Saleh has aligned himself with the rebels to take revenge, Bassam al-Qadhi added.Saleh quit in early 2012 after bloody year-long protests against his rule, and was replaced by Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi who has taken refuge along with his government in neighbouring Saudi Arabia.Mondays clashes in Taez came just four days before a new UN effort was to have been held, aiming to resolve the conflict in the impoverished Arabian Peninsula nation.But there had been growing uncertainty over which of the warring parties would attend the talks slated for Thursday in Geneva.I can confirm that the meeting has been postponed, a UN official told AFP on Sunday, without elaborating.The postponement is another blow to UN efforts to broker peace in a country where nearly 2,000 people have been killed since March.Hadi had laid out his governments demands in a pre-talks letter to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, insisting that the rebels must withdraw from territory they have seized.He reiterated his position on Sunday during talks in Riyadh with Bans special envoy, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed.In a bid to restore Hadis authority, Saudi Arabia has led an air campaign against the Huthis since March 26.Coalition aircraft bombarded targets across the country at the weekend, including the airport in second city Aden and its northern suburbs, officials said.On Monday, residents and an official in Taez said fierce fighting had killed and wounded dozens of people.The clashes, which erupted on Sunday and raged overnight, have killed at least 30 Huthi rebels and allied forces, the official told AFP.He said a provisional toll showed at least five Hadi loyalists were also killed.For a second consecutive day, rebels and their allies targeted several Taez neighbourhoods with rockets and tank shells, residents said.Medics and residents told AFP late Sunday the bombardment had killed 10 civilians and wounded 80.Officials in neighbouring Daleh province said pro-Hadi fighters had retaken several positions from the rebels, including a military camp, in dawn fighting on Monday.They said clashes were ongoing, especially at a now rebel-held base of the 33rd Armoured Brigade where pro-government forces have seized six tanks.Clashes were also reported in other southern provinces on Monday, including Shabwa and Abyan as well as Aden.The fighting followed a day of intense raids by Saudi-led coalition warplanes targeting rebel arms depots and positions, witnesses said.More than 545,000 people have been displaced in the conflict, and although some aid trickled in last week during a five-day ceasefire, people still lack basic needs, including water, electricity and fuel.A ship carrying 460 tonnes of Emirati humanitarian aid docked on Sunday in Aden.The shipment, including medical and food supplies, is the second from the United Arab Emirates following the delivery of 1,200 tonnes of aid last week, local aid coordinator Ali al-Bikri said.Another ship carrying 400 tonnes of diesel also arrived on Friday, said Bikri, who was appointed by Yemens government in exile.Aden needs urgently at least 200,000 food rations for the displaced, Bikri added.Fierce fighting has raged in Aden between the rebels and their allies and southern fighters allied with Hadi.An aircraft carrying eight tonnes of medical supplies from the World Health Organization landed in Sanaa airport Monday, rebel-controlled Saba news agency said. Hadi has demanded full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2216 calling on the Huthis to relinquish territory they seized and surrender weapons they took from the army and other state institutions.

Taliban truck bomber wounds over 70 in south Afghanistan

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KANDAHAR (AFP) - More than 70 people were wounded Monday when a Taliban truck bomber detonated a tonne of explosives outside a government complex in southern Afghanistan, the latest in a series of attacks that have sent civilian casualties surging.Women and children were among those hurt in the explosion in the capital of Zabul province, Qalat, which ripped off the facades of government buildings and left scattered piles of rubble.Separately, at least six civilians were killed late Monday when their pickup truck struck a roadside bomb in the Shahwalikot district of southern Kandahar province, officials said.The violence comes as the Taliban step up attacks during their summer fighting offensive despite Kabuls repeated overtures to the insurgents to reopen peace negotiations.Deputy provincial police chief Ghulam Jilani Farahi said 73 people, including six police officers and four members of the provincial council, were wounded in the attack on the Qalat complex, which houses several government buildings.Zabuls police chief Mirwais Noorzai confirmed that more than 70 people were wounded, and said that four of them were in critical condition.Around 1,000 kilograms of explosives was used in the attack, he said.The Afghan Taliban launched their annual spring-summer offensive -- titled Azm (Determination) -- in late April, vowing nationwide attacks in what is expected to be the bloodiest summer in a decade.The group, which has been waging a 13-year war against the US-backed Afghan government, admitted they were behind the Zabul attack although no one has claimed responsibility for the Kandahar roadside bombing.As part of the Azm operation, this afternoon a martyrdom-seeker... conducted an attack on the provincial council, where cruel and unjust decisions against Muslims and Islam were being taken, Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said in a statement.Resolute Support, the NATO-led non-combat mission in Afghanistan, condemned the Zabul attack, saying in a statement it was disgusted by the Talibans complete disregard for human life.The insurgents have launched a series of attacks in the capital and around the country as NATO forces pull back from the frontlines.A blast triggered by a Taliban car bomber ripped through the parking lot of the justice ministry in Kabul on May 19, killing four people and wounding dozens of others.Also this month 14 people -- mostly foreigners -- were killed in a Taliban attack on a Kabul guest house that trapped dozens attending a concert.Official efforts to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table have so far borne little fruit.The surge in attacks has taken a heavy toll on civilians, according to the United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan. In the first four months of 2015, civilian casualties jumped 16 percent from the same period last year, it said.The Afghan government has drawn public criticism for its inability to end insurgent attacks -- a fact partly attributed by critics to political infighting and a lengthy delay in finalising a cabinet.President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday nominated Mohammad Masoom Stanekzai, a top official in the government body overseeing the countrys peace process, for the crucial position of defence minister.The post had been left vacant for months due to disagreements between Ghani and his chief executive officer and former presidential election rival, Abdullah Abdullah.Public criticism over the failure to appoint a defence minister has been especially fierce.Afghan forces are now solely responsible for security after NATOs combat mission formally ended in December, with a small follow-up force staying on to train and support local personnel.Earlier this month NATO formally announced plans to retain a small military presence in Afghanistan after 2016 to help strengthen local security forces.

Tunisian soldier kills 7 in barracks rampage

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TUNIS (AFP) - A Tunisian soldier the authorities say had psychological problems seized a gun at a barracks on Monday and killed seven comrades before being shot dead himself.The interior ministry said the rampage was not linked to terrorism, but a defence ministry spokesman did not rule this out before an investigation reports on the incident.Defence ministry spokesman Belhassen Oueslati said that corporal Mehdi Jmai, who was born in 1979 and had been serving in the army since 1999, had family and psychological problems.He had been high strung for weeks and had become undisciplined, said the spokesman.Because of this, he had been forbidden from carrying arms and given non-sensitive duties, he said.He attacked one man with a knife and took his gun before shooting at his comrades who were saluting the flag, Oueslati said.The incident caused the deaths of seven soldiers and also of the shooter. Ten soldiers were wounded, and one is in a serious condition, he added.Mondays shooting was at the Bouchoucha barracks in Tunis, not far from parliament and the Bardo National Museum where jihadist gunmen killed 21 foreign tourists and a policeman in March.It triggered a security alert across the Bardo district, AFP correspondents reported.One heard two volleys of gunfire from inside the barracks at around 8:45 am (0745 GMT), before an ambulance emerged, its siren blaring.The interior ministrys elite Counterterrorism Brigade deployed in force across the area.Police with sniffer dogs also checked parked vehicles for fear of car bombs in the district, which also houses two police barracks.The incident which took place at the Bouchoucha barracks is not connected with a terrorist operation, interior ministry spokesman Mohamed Ali Aroui told AFP initially.The defence ministrys Oueslati said the shooter had been killed.The armed forces took control of the situation after firing on the soldier, Oueslati told AFP.Investigations will show whether this was a terrorist act or not, Oueslati told reporters, adding that all theories would be examined.Mohsen Marzouk, political aide to President Beji Caid Essebsi, said the shooting could lead to a review of many aspects of security in Tunisian barracks.Tunis has been on high alert ever since the March massacre at the National Bardo Museum, which dealt a heavy blow to the North African countrys tourism industry.Tunisia has seen an upsurge in Islamist militancy since the Arab Spring revolt which toppled veteran strongman Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011.Since then, there has been a growing threat from armed jihadists, especially on the border with Algeria.Some 70 members of the security forces, both police and soldiers, have been killed over the past four years, mostly in the rugged Mount Chaambi area.Tunisia has also had to contend with the violence in Libya, its violence-ridden neighbour to the east where the Bardo attack killers underwent weapons training.The porous desert border between the two countries has seen trafficking of all kinds, including in weapons, mushroom in recent years.

Tornado kills at least 11 in Mexico

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MEXICO CITY (AFP) - At least 11 people were killed Monday when a tornado tore through a Mexican town along the US border, officials said.Some 300 houses were damaged by the twister in Ciudad Acuna, the mayor said. A seven-year-old boy is missing, mayor Lenin Perez said in a tweet.The tornado was so powerful that big rig trucks were sent flying into the air and landed on houses.Firefighters and civil protection officials rushed to the town to start searching for survivors among the rubble of ruined buildings.The tornado lasted just a few seconds in the city of 136,000. Most of the fatalities were people who were out on the street, the mayor said.TV footage showed destroyed homes, downed telephone poles and cars covered with rubble.Telephone service to the city has been partially disrupted.

Nine dead in Brazil prison riot

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RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) - Nine people died, one of them decapitated, in a prison mutiny in Brazil which ended Monday with the release of 70 hostages, police said.After 18 hours of negotiations, the mutiny has ended, a police spokesman told AFP from the facility at Feira de Santana, 100 kilometres (62 miles) from the northeastern city of Salvador de Bahia.Police said prisoners killed eight fellow inmates after the mutiny began late Sunday afternoon during family visits to the facility. A ninth died Monday of his injuries.Prisoners armed with knives took visitors, including women and children, hostage and demanded to speak to local human rights commission officials about conditions.Jail director Cleriston Leite told Globos G1 web portal the mutiny resulted from a dispute between rival factions at the penitentiary.Local prison authorities say the jail in Bahia regions second largest town currently houses 1,467 prisoners, more than double its official capacity of 644 places. One of its 13 wings is for women.Conditions in many Brazilian jails have been decried by international human rights observers as medieval, with many severely overcrowded, a widespread problem in much of Latin America.Many Brazilian penitentiaries lack investment, several have been plagued by a series of violent mutinies in recent years and many are havens of corruption all but run by criminal gangs.

Tennis: Sharapova wins, jeered off court at French Open

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PARIS (AFP) - Defending womens champion Maria Sharapova reached the French Open second round on Monday but was jeered by fans after she refused to carry out an on-court TV interview.Second-seeded Sharapova defeated experienced Estonian Kaia Kanepi 6-2, 6-4 to set-up a clash against Russian Fed Cup teammate Vitalia Diatchenko.But the 27-year-old Sharapova then irritated the Philippe Chatrier Court crowd by refusing to carry out the traditional on-court television interview, claiming her voice was not strong enough.She said she had been suffering from a cold in a worrying repeat of last year when she was also sick in the run-up to Paris.I totally understand that everyone usually does the interviews and answers a few questions to the crowd, said Sharapova, who was also champion in 2012 and runner-up in 2013.Its absolutely normal. Im not making any excuses but Ive got to do what I have to do.Sharapova took her record against Kanepi to 5-0 but struggled at times on Monday in the testing wind which swirled around the showpiece arena.Meanwhile, ex-world number two and 2012 Wimbledon runner-up Agnieszka Radwanska was a shock first-round loser.The Polish 14th seed, a quarter-finalist in 2013, went down 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 to Germanys Annika Beck, a player she defeated 6-0, 6-0 when they met at Indian Wells last year.The loss was only the third time in 34 Grand Slam tournaments that 26-year-old Radwanska had lost in the first round.Maybe Im getting older, said the tearful Pole.World number four Tomas Berdych, a 2010 semi-finalist, continued his solid claycourt season with a 6-0, 7-5, 6-3 win over Japanese qualifier Yoshihito Nishioka, the world number 146.Berdych will now face 36-year-old Davis Cup-winning teammate Radek Stepanek, who became the oldest man to win a match at Roland Garros since 38-year-old Jimmy Connors in 1991 when he saw off Croatian journeyman Ivan Dodig 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 6-1.Spains 11th seed Feliciano Lopez was the biggest mens casualty so far when he lost to Russian world number 74 Teymuraz Gabashvili, 6-3, 7-6 (11/9), 6-3.Australia saw their three brightest prospects all make it to the second round.Nineteen-year-old wildcard Thanasi Kokkinakis defeated Georgias Nikoloz Basilashvili 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 while 27th seed Bernard Tomic saw off Italys Luca Vanni 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.Kokkinakis and Tomic will face off for a place in the third round where top seed Novak Djokovic will likely be waiting.Nick Kyrgios, the 29th-seeded Australian who beat Roger Federer in Madrid earlier this month, eased past Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan 6-3, 6-4, 6-3.In the womens event, Spanish eighth seed Carla Suarez Navarro, a quarter-finalist in 2008 and 2014, beat Romanias Monica Niculescu 6-2, 6-2.There were home wins for French 29th seed Alize Cornet, who defeated Roberta Vinci 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 for her first victory over the veteran Italian in five attempts, and wildcard Amandine Hesse, ranked 272, who hit back to beat Australias Jarmila Gajdosova 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.Hesses reward is a second-round match-up with 2010 runner-up Samantha Stosur, the winner in Strasbourg at the weekend, who defeated Madison Brengle of the United States 6-1, 6-3.Virginie Razzano, playing in her 17th French Open, edged out Paraguays Veronica Cepede Royg 2-6, 6-4, 6-2.Worried by exacerbating a stomach strain, Razzano served underhand at one stage, losing the point in the process.German 11th seed Angelique Kerber, the champion on clay in Charleston and Stuttgart this season, needed just 50 minutes to make the second round, brushing aside Timea Babos of Hungary 6-0, 6-1.Former world number one Victoria Azarenka, who missed last years Roland Garros through injury, marked her return by beating Spains Maria-Teresa Torro-Flor 6-2, 6-1.Croatias Ana Konjuh, the youngest woman in the draw at 17, made the next round with a 6-1, 6-4 win over Russian qualifier Margarita Gasparyan.Later Monday, British third seed Andy Murray, with his first ever titles on clay picked up this year in Munich and Madrid, tackles Argentine qualifier Facundo Arguello, who reached the main draw as a lucky loser having lost in the final round of qualifying.

Tennis: Murray overcomes tricky conditions in opening win

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PARIS (AFP) - Andy Murray had to get to grips with tricky conditions as he advanced to the second round of the French Open on Monday, beating Argentinas Facundo Arguello in straight sets 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 on Court Philippe Chatrier.The Scottish world number three continued his impeccable recent form on clay by overcoming Arguello, a lucky loser from the qualifying competition, to make it 11 wins in a row on clay.However, he admitted surprise at just how slow conditions were on a windy centre court.The first set I didnt feel like it was great. I felt like it was difficult. The start was very windy on the court and cold, so it was quite slow, he said.Then I felt when the wind died down a bit in the second and third set, I felt that the level of tennis was better. It was more entertaining rallies and, you know, we played some good points.That court in particular, Philippe Chatrier, is very slow, extremely slow. I have never felt it like that before. When I practiced on the outside courts and the sun is out, its pretty quick, high bouncing.Suzanne Lenglen is a little bit slower than the outside courts, but still, its not that slow. But centre court (is) very low bouncing, which is strange.A beaten semi-finalist in Paris last year, Murray advances to a second-round encounter with either Canadian world number 53 Vasek Pospisil or Portugals 44th-ranked Joao Sousa and was happy with the test provided by Arguello, and to get the job done in three sets.The number one goal is to get through. Thats the most important thing. But, you know, if you can play well too, that builds confidence for later in the event, he added.And if you arent playing well in the early rounds, often you have to spend a lot more time on the court, because everyone you play in these events are very tough opponents.If you get dragged into five-set matches or long four-set matches because youre not playing that well, that can have consequences. You can get tired later in the tournament if that happens.Murray has not lost in the first round at Roland Garros since his debut appearance back in 2006 and there was never any real danger of an upset against the 22-year-old Arguello.The Argentine was attacking in his approach and Murray struggled just to hold his serve in the opening game of the match.Murray was broken once, in game five of the opening set, but broke twice himself to take the set 6-3.Arguello, who lost in five sets to Radek Stepanek in his only previous Grand Slam appearance in Paris a year ago, was a worthy opponent for Murray into the second set and there were some fine exchanges between the pair.The crowd were mesmerised by one in particular in the second game of the second set, when a Murray drop shot seemed to have Arguello beaten.But the Argentine got there and then chased down what looked like a certain Murray winner to the back of the court, only for the Scot to finally claim the point at the third time of asking.Murray was given the runaround at times but broke in the fifth game and went on to take the second set 6-3, before running away with the third set for the loss of only one game in just 25 minutes.He was better than me in every department. Its difficult to do damage to Murray. There is a reason why he is third in the world, said Arguello.

Tennis: Azarenka wins easily on French Open return

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PARIS (AFP) - Former world number one Victoria Azarenka marked her return to Roland Garros on Monday by easing past Spains Maria-Teresa Torro-Flor 6-2, 6-1 in the first round.Azarenka missed last years clay-court Grand Slam during a season hindered by a foot injury but she is seeded 27 this time around and her class eventually shone through against her tenacious opponent on Court One.The Belarusian needed just one hour and 19 minutes to get the better of the 131st-ranked Torro-Flor, who started well enough but never recovered from being broken in the fifth game of the first set.Torro-Flor saved three break points but Azarenka eventually took the game on her fourth opportunity, broke again in game seven and then took the set 6-2 on her first set point when her opponent hit a return out.Torro-Flor then repelled two break points right at the start of the second set but again Azarenka persisted and converted the third opportunity before losing just one more game as she saw out a comfortable victory.Its never easy to play the first round of a Grand Slam no matter what your ranking is or your position. But its important to start the tournament well, Azarenka said. I had an opponent who I didnt know about and never played against her. For me it was important to just really try to get into the rhythm, get into the tournament, and try to stay focused during the whole match.The two-time Australian Open champion Azarenka has also recently battled through a bout of depression that followed a split with her long-term boyfriend as well as a parting of ways from her coach.When asked how she was feeling now compared with this time 12 months ago, Azarenka replied: I wasnt here a year ago. That really explains a lot.I wasnt here last year, and I wasnt sure when Im going to be able to play again. Playing and enjoying myself, being on the court is already a very big improvement. So Im happy to be here and playing. I just hope to keep improving myself, you know, and keep getting better.Her low seeding has her on a third-round collision course with top seed Serena Williams but first she must get the better of Lucie Hradecka of the Czech Republic in the second round and she insisted that the possibility of a meeting with the American superstar has not even entered her head.No, never do, was her curt response when asked if she had looked ahead in the draw to the prospect of a showdown with the 19-time Grand Slam winner.

Tennis: Stephens ends Venus's 18th French Open at first hurdle

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PARIS (AFP) - Sloane Stephens ended fellow American Venus Williamss 18th French Open at the first-round stage with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 victory on Monday.Stephens, the world number 40, got the better of the 15th seed who made her debut in Paris back in 1997.At 34, and the oldest woman in the draw, the defeat is certain to place a question mark over the future of Williams who was runner-up to sister Serena at the French Open in 2002 but has not gone beyond the fourth round since 2006.Stephens has made the fourth round in each of the last three years and could face Serena, with whom she has enjoyed a rollercoaster relationship, in the last 16 this time around.

Football: Real Madrid fire coach Ancelotti - president

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MADRID (AFP) - Real Madrid fired their coach Carlo Ancelotti on Monday, club president Florentino Perez said, making the popular Italian pay for a disappointing season without a major trophy.The board of directors has taken the decision this afternoon to relieve Carlo Ancelotti of his duties as coach of Real Madrid, Perez told a news conference at the clubs Santiago Bernabeu stadium.It has been a very hard decision... but Real Madrid is extremely demanding and we believe it is time to give a new impulse to the club.The former AC Milan and Chelsea coach leaves Madrid after just two years in the job having failed to convert a record run of victories last year into silverware at the end of this season.Madrid had won the Club World Cup on a streak of 22 consecutive wins between September and December to add to the Copa del Rey and UEFA Super Cup in a record four-trophy haul in 2014.But they were beaten to the Spanish league title by a treble-seeking Barcelona and eliminated by city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey.Ancelottis last chance of keeping his job was ended when one of his former clubs, Juventus, knocked Real out of the Champions League earlier this month to progress to the final.That was too much for the clubs management, despite Ancelottis popularity with fans and players.Media have reported that Napolis Spanish coach Rafael Benitez is the favourite to replace him.Perez said the new coach would be named next week.

Football: Yanga-Mbiwa the hero as Roma stun Lazio

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ROME (AFP) - A late glancing header from defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa earned Roma a stunning 2-1 victory over Lazio in a fiery city derby on Monday to secure the Giallorossis automatic entry to the Champions League.Hosts Lazio looked to have salvaged a share of the spoils at the Stadio Olimpico when late substitute Filip Djordjevic headed Miroslav Kloses headed cutback past Morgan Da Sanctis in the Roma goal to level Juan Iturbes 73rd minute opener for the visitors.A draw would have secured at least a third-place finish for Lazio and a place in the Champions League play-offs.But Yanga-Mbiwa turned the match on its head with a glancing header from a free kick five minutes from time to secure the points for Rudi Garcias side.The result leaves Roma in second place, 16 points behind recently-crowned champions Juventus but four ahead of Lazio with one game remaining this season.Lazio remain third but Stefano Piolis men, who sit three points ahead of Napoli, now require a point from their trip to Napoli in their final game of the campaign next week, when Roma host Palermo.If unsuccessful, it would be a spectacular fall from grace for Lazio, who have been playing some of the best football in Italys top flight since January.Lazio came into the derby with tired legs after a 2-1 Cup final defeat to Juventus last week and had a lightning start only to spurn two clear chances for an early lead.Italy international Antonio Candreva brought a reflex save from Morgan De Sanctis when a long ball from midfield caught the Roma defence unawares, cut in at the byeline and fired from a tight angle.Roma survived a bigger scare moments later when nerves got the better of Vasilis Torosidis as the defender tried to clear.His effort towards the left touchline got only as far as Candreva, who delivered a perfect ball into the box as Klose ghosted in only to power a header wide of the right post.Shaky in defence, Roma were hardly making an impression up front either with defenders Dusan Basta and Dutchman Stefan De Vrij keeping the visitors on a tight rein.The ball broke for Roma winger Alessandro Florenzi on the quarter hour but despite his pace taking him to the right byeline there were no takers for his cutback.Lazio started just as strongly after the break, Dusan Basta pouncing on a poor headed clearance from Vasilis Torosidis to fire low inches past De Sanctiss far post.A Senad Lulic challenge on Totti which left the captain rolling on the ground was the first flash point of the second half and the defender, issued one of his sides three yellow cards in the opening half, was lucky to escape a second caution.He was replaced by Luis Cavanda soon after as Lazio kept the momentum, threatening just before the hour when Klose headed back into the area for Stefano Mauri to see his overhead kick blocked.A tiring Totti came off for Victor Ibarbo, a move that would pay dividends for Garcias men, the Colombian holding off his marker to sweep across goal for Iturbe to stab the ball past Marchetti at the back post.The stadium erupted eight minutes later when Djordjevic, who had replaced Mauri after 76 minutes, ran into the box to head Kloses header from the right byeline past a flailing De Sanctis after Andersons cross in deep.But with five minutes on the clock, Roma were given a lifeline when they won a free kick to the right of the Lazio area.Miralem Pjanic stepped up to deliver and Yanga-Mbiwa rose unchallenged to see his glancing effort roll past Marchetti at the keepers far post.

Football: Galatasaray win 20th Turkish title as seven-man Fenerbahce draw

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ISTANBUL (AFP) - Galatasaray were crowned champions of Turkeys top flight for a record 20th time on Monday, after perennial Istanbul rivals Fenerbahce had four men sent off in a 2-2 draw at Basaksehir.With one round of games remaining, Fenerbahce needed nothing less than a win against Basaksehir, a fast-growing Istanbul side run by the municipality, to keep any Super Lig title hopes alive.But two goals from Mehmet Batdal within ten minutes in the second half were hammer blows to Fenerbahces lingering hopes.Diego of Brazil struck back for Fenerbahce after 80 minutes and Pierre Webo of Cameroon added another on 88 minutes, leading to frantic closing minutes as Fenerbahce looked for a winner.With tempers fraying, four Fenerbahce players were sent off in the last 10 minutes -- Mehmet Topuz, Bruno Alves of Portugal, Caner Erkin and Webo -- leaving the visitors with just seven players on the field.The result leaves Galatasaray with an unassailable five-point lead at the top of the table and also earning Turkeys automatic Champions League spot for next season.Fenerbahce will finish second and the third great team of Istanbul, Besiktas, in third place irrespective of the results in next Sundays matches.Galatasarays victory means the team has now won a record 20 titles, one more than last years champions Fenerbahce on 19.Under Turkish tradition, Galatasaray will now be the first in Turkish football history to wear four stars on their shirts. A Turkish team is awarded a star for every five championship victories.In customary fashion, Galatasaray fans celebrated the victory by letting off fireworks, setting fire to torches and hooting their car horns in Istanbul from the moment the final whistle was sounded.The victory is also a personal triumph for Galatasarays coach Hamza Hamzaoglu, who was only appointed to the job in late November after the club made a woeful start to the season under Italian Cesare Prandelli.In recognition of the achievement, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a congratulatory telegram to the club, the presidency announced.But the loss is a bitter blow to Fenerbahce and in particular its ex-Liverpool Dutch star Dirk Kuyt in his final season at the club before heading back to the Netherlands.Fenerbahce manager Ismail Kartal was downcast, declining to answer questions and giving only a brief and enigmatic statement.All of us know -- the managers and the footballers -- how we played this season, he said.I leave to the conscience of everyone how we have played, he added.Galatasaray had moved close to the title on Sunday with a 2-0 win over Besiktas, which was crowned by a brilliant strike from Dutchman Wesley Sneijder, its outstanding player in the last matches.That win was also the final blow for Besiktas Croatian coach Slaven Bilic, who confirmed he would leave the club and has been persistently linked with a move to English Premiership side West Ham. Galatasaray meanwhile will be hoping for to improve their performance in Europe in 2015/2016 after a dire showing in the Champions League this season where they amassed a solitary point in Group D.

Pakistan, Zimbabwe first ODI today

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LAHORE (AFP) - After two nail-biting finishes in the Twenty20 series marking the return of international cricket to Pakistan, the hosts and Zimbabwe move to the three-match one-day series on Tuesday aiming to build for the future.Pakistan won the Twenty20 series 2-0 Sunday in front of a packed audience of 27,000 at Lahores Gaddafi stadium, but will be far from happy over the manner of both wins which saw them nearly snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.The matches were played under massive security with 4,000 policemen guarding the stadium and another 2,000 deployed on the route from the team hotel to the venue. Security has been ratcheted up to avoid a a repeat of the 2009 attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus, which killed eight people and cast Pakistan into sporting exile for six years.Pakistans one-day captain Azhar Ali, who did not feature in the Twenty20s, said the huge excitement surrounding the tour had helped the team forget its disastrous 3-0 ODI drubbing in Bangladesh last month.The excitement on the return of international cricket was so big that it helped us put our Bangladesh defeat in the back of our minds, said Azhar who took over after Misbah-ul-Haq retired following the 2015 World Cup in April.It was disappointing to lose in Bangladesh but we will look to build a team for the future and improve on what we did wrong in Bangladesh.The 30-year-old middle order batsman said replacing players like Misbah and Shahid Afridi -- who also retired from one-day after the World Cup -- would require time.When you lose players of that calibre it takes time to get their replacement, he said, adding his team would not take Zimbabwe lightly.Pakistan have persisted with spinning allrounder Shoaib Malik and paceman Mohammad Sami, both of whom featured in the T20s, in the one-day squad after a break of two and three years respectively.Opener Ahmed Shehzad also returns after being left out of the Bangladesh tour over what was termed an attitude problem.For Zimbabwe, the series represents another shot at ruining Pakistans homecoming party after they threatened to close out both Twenty20s but eventually lost in crucial passages of play at the death.Zimbabwe will miss the services of ace batsman Brendan Taylor who quit international cricket to take a three-year contract with England county Nottinghamshire.He was Zimbabwes best batsman in the 2015 World Cup with 433 runs at an excellent average of 72.16.Captain Elton Chigumbura admitted Taylor and paceman Tendai Chatara -- not on the tour with a broken leg -- will be missed but said his team will try to overcome the loss.Thats the good thing about life, players come and go and get opportunity and players came here to grab those opportunities, he said. We just want to try and carry that momentum from the World Cup and obviously improve one or two percent on the thing that we didnt do well, added Chigumbura, whose team lost five of the six matches in the mega event.Middle-order batsman Craig Ervine is likely to play after missing both the Twenty20 matches due to flu.Pakistan have won 43 of the 48 one-day matches between the two sides with Zimbabwe winning three while one match each ended in a tie and no result.The matches will be held on on May 26, 29 and 31.Teams (from):Pakistan: Azhar Ali (capt), Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Shoaib Malik, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfraz Ahmed, Anwar Ali, Hammad Azam, Imad Wasim, Yasir Shah, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Sami, Junaid Khan.Zimbabwe: Elton Chigumbura (capt), Sikandar Raza, Chamu Chibhabha, Charles Coventry, Graeme Cremer, Craig Ervine, Roy Kaia, Hamilton Masakadza, Christopher Mpofu, Tawanda Mupariwa, Richmond Mutumbami, Tinashe Panyangara, Vusi Sibanda, Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, Sean Williams.Umpires: Aleem Dar (PAK) and Russell Tiffin (ZIM).TV umpire: Ahmed Shahab.Match referee: Azhar Khan (PAK).

Cook salutes Stokes as England seal dramatic win

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LONDON (AFP) - England captain Alastair Cook hailed the impact of Ben Stokes as his side completed a stunning 124-run win against New Zealand in the first Test at Lords on Monday.The hosts had been 134 runs behind on first innings yet, with Cook making 162 and Stokes powering his way to an 85-ball century, the fastest-ever Test hundred at Lords, they set New Zealand 345 to win on Mondays fifth and final day.It proved too much for the Black Caps, who collapsed to nought for two and 12 for three.Then Stokes -- born in Christchurch, New Zealand, but brought up in Cumbria, northern England -- struck twice in two balls to reduce the tourists to 61 for five as the lively seamer captured the key wickets of first-innings century-maker Kane Williamson and Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum.BJ Watling (59) and Corey Anderson (75) checked Englands progress, but when they fell in quick succession the writing was on the wall for New Zealand.Ben Stokes played an innings of the like Ive never seen before, said Cook. We had a hundred lead when he came in, and when he was out two hours later it was about 270 and Id scored 10 of themStokes also made 92 in Englands first innings, having come in when his side were in desperate trouble at 30 for four, and Cook added: Weve just got to keep backing him and hell be a tremendous cricketer.England came into this match on the back of a disappointing 1-1 series draw in the Caribbean, a result that led to the sacking of coach Peter Moores.And no sooner had Andrew Strauss, Englands new director of cricket taken that decision, the former captain was in the eye of a much larger storm after maintaining Kevin Pietersens longstanding exile from international cricket. Its been a rocky few weeks so to play with such freedom and passion, the lads are pleased with that, Cook added.Man-of-the-match Stokes, the 23-year-old son of former Kiwi rugby league international Ged Stokes, insisted his hundred on Sunday had been a fluke. Without doubt, its a career highlight, he said after taking three for 38 on Monday. The whole match has been amazing. I have been striking the ball pretty well in the nets but I didnt expect that innings. It was more of a fluke.Durham all-rounder Stokes added: It was a lovely moment when I got two wickets in two balls today and the crowd were magnificent.In February, New Zealand humiliated England by eight wickets in Wellington en route to the World Cup final and they were on top again in the early stages of this match.But come the end of a gripping contest they were well-beaten and 1-0 down in a two-match series ahead of the second Test at Headingley on Friday. Great credit to England, said McCullum. Even when we were dominating they kept going and they played an enterprising brand of cricket.We got over 730 runs in the Test and still lost by more than 100 runs...Its such a fine line between success and failure.

England stun New Zealand to win first Test

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LONDON (AFP) - England completed a remarkable win to beat New Zealand by 124 runs in the first Test at Lords on Monday.New Zealand, set 345 to win on the fifth and final day, were dismissed for 220 as England won the 100th Test between the two countries to go 1-0 up in this two-match series ahead of the second Test at Headingley on Friday.For England, without a permanent head coach following the sacking of Peter Moores and coming off the back of a disappointing 1-1 series draw in the West Indies, this was just the morale boost they needed.New Zealand, who had earlier collapsed to 12 for three, were again in dire straits at 61 for five after man-of-the-match Ben Stokes had taken two wickets in two balls.But the gritty BJ Watling, whose 59 was his second fifty of the match, and the dashing Corey Anderson (75), kept England at bay during a sixth-wicket stand of 107.However, both batsmen fell in quick succession to leave New Zealand 174 for seven.New Zealand were rocked from the outset of their second innings, losing both openers for ducks without a run on the board in a match where, for the most part, they had been on top.The second ball saw Martin Guptill become James Andersons 399th Test wicket, caught in the slips by Gary Ballance.New Zealand were still on nought when Stuart Broads first ball of the second over had Tom Latham lbw for a golden duck.For New Zealand, it was all starting to become horribly reminiscent of their last Test at Lords, in 2013, when they slumped to 68 all out chasing 239.The collapse continued when Broad, who took a Test-best seven for 44 against New Zealand at Lords two years ago, had Ross Taylor plumb lbw for eight.New Zealand took the score on to 61 before Stokes, who on Sunday scored the fastest Test century at Lords, off just 85 balls, struck twice in two balls.Kane Williamson, who made 132 in the first innings, fell for 27 when he guided Stokes to Joe Root in the gully.And next ball New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum played on to a Stokes inswinger.Given a roar by the crowd worthy of Ian Botham or Andrew Flintoff, Stokes, the New Zealand-born son of former Kiwi rugby league international Ged Stokes, who came to England as a 12-year-old, charged in again.But Corey Anderson survived the hat-trick delivery, allowing the ball to pass his stumps.Anderson, in Stokes-like fashion, later pulled the Durham all-rounder for six.Deciding attack was the best form of defence, Anderson completed a 44-ball fifty in which 46 of his runs -- 10 fours and a six -- came in boundaries.Soon after tea, James Anderson nearly had his 400th Test wicket when Watling, on 40, was given out caught behind down the legside only for the batsman to overturn Indian umpire S Ravis decision on review.But Watling had to go when he gloved debutant fast bowler Mark Wood through to wicket-keeper Jos Buttler.England then saw the back of dangerman Corey Anderson, lbw to part-time off-spinner Root, with Ravis initial decision of out seeing the tightest of umpires call verdicts fall in their favour when the batsman reviewed. New Zealand lost their next two wickets on 198 but, with the draw now their only realistic goal, last man Trent Boult somehow managed to get out playing an attacking upper-cut off Broad, with Moeen Ali taking a fine catch running back at third man.Earlier, England were dismissed for 478 after resuming on 429 for six.England captain Alastair Cook took his overnight 153 not out to 162.His marathon innings came to an end when he was caught behind off Boult.Cook batted for more than nine hours, facing 345 balls including 17 fours. His exit was the start of a Boult burst that saw the left-arm paceman take four wickets for nine runs in 17 balls for final innings figures of five for 85.
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