Sunday 17 January 2016

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Football: Messi injury not worth risking - Luis Enrique

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BARCELONA (AFP) - Barcelona boss Luis Enrique insisted his decision to remove Lionel Messi at half-time of the European champions 6-0 thrashing of 10-man Athletic Bilbao on Sunday was merely a precaution.Messi paraded his record fifth Ballon dOr to the Barca fans before kick-off and opened the scoring from the penalty spot just three minutes in.We have to wait and see what the tests say, but it was a slight strain and we preferred not to risk it, said Enrique. Should Barca beat Athletic in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final on Wednesday their early 2016 schedule will see them due to play 17 matches by the end of February alone.We spoke and it didnt make any sense to risk it at 2-0 and with all that we have to come, added Enrique.

Brent oil falls below $28 after Iran sanctions lifted

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SINGAPORE (AFP) - Brent crude fell below $28 a barrel in Asia on Monday for the first time in more than 12 years on fears about a worsening supply glut after Western sanctions on Iran were lifted, allowing Tehran to resume oil exports.Up to half a million barrels per day of Iranian crude could be added to already saturated markets after US and European leaders ended a crippling embargo put in place over Tehrans nuclear programme.The news led to further selling of the black gold, which has fallen by about three quarter since mid-2014 owing to the supply glut, record output levels, weak demand and a slowing global economyBrent for March delivery tumbled to as low as $27.67, or by 4.4 percent from Fridays close, before rebounding to trade at above $28. The last time Brent closed below $28 was in November 2003.At around 0250 GMT, the contract was trading 39 cents, or 1.35 percent, lower at 28.55. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for delivery in February was down 30 cents, or 1.02 percent, at $29.12.The drop was due to the Western sanctions on Iran being lifted. This means we will be seeing a bigger oil glut with Iranian crude exports coming back to the market, said Phillip Futures analyst Daniel Ang.He said prices rebounded on some bargain-buying.The United States and European Union lifted the sanctions on Sunday after the UNs atomic watchdog confirmed that Iran had complied with its obligations under a landmark deal in July to curb Tehrans nuclear programme.Ric Spooner, chief market analyst at CMC Markets in Sydney, said that while Iranian oil could come in quickly, suppliers still needed to find buyers.- Downward pressure -=====================Iran has quite a large storage of oil at the moment. They are in a position to sell that if they choose to do so and increase supply quite quickly, Spooner told AFP.But theyve got to get the buyers and thats one of the key questions, he said.I think Irans main priority is going to be re-establishing its customer base and re-establishing its market share. They will want to be doing good, sound, attractive deals for their customers.Ang added that Iran is likely to sell first the oil it has in its storage facilities before considering to ramp up production.They were telling the market that they have quite a bit in storage. Over the longer term, I dont know how much more they can produce considering prices are so low, he told AFP.Singapores DBS Bank said in a research note that adjusted for inflation oil is now cheaper than at any time since 1998, at the height of the Asian financial crisis.DBS said expectations are that exports from Iran will grow by 300,000 barrels per day in the short term and rise to 500,000 barrels per day by mid-year.If it does, it would more than offset the roughly 300,000 barrels per day drop in US production seen over the past six months, it said.Analysts expect supply continuing to outrun demand over the next two years, which would keep prices low.DBS said that over the past 18 months, the United States had been responsible for more than half of supply growth. Saudi Arabia accounted for only 4.0 percent, while Iraq and Brazil contributed 38 percent.If supply growth were cut to zero today, demand would not catch up with supply until January 2018, DBS said.In the meantime, inventories would continue to grow and, at least from a fundamentals perspective, downward pressure on prices would remain.

Australia pick powerful T20 squad to face India

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SYDNEY (AFP) - Australia on Monday named a powerful 17-man squad for the three-match Twenty20 international series against India this month, with an eye to the upcoming World T20.However, Test captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner will play only in the opening match in Adelaide on January 26 before sitting out the other games to prepare for the first ODI against New Zealand in Auckland on February 3.Our choice of 17 for the KFC T20Is gives us a chance to look at some options ahead of the ICC World Twenty20 in India, said national selector Rod Marsh.The tournament starts March 8 with the April 3 final in Kolkata.Australia have opted for experience and form for the India series, picking the stars of the Big Bash league with big-hitting Aaron Finch as captain.Shane Watson has earned his recall to Australian colours through a combination of his experience, especially in short-form cricket, the all-round package he offers and the fact he is bang in form at the moment, having put performances on the board for the Sydney Thunder, said Marsh.Shaun Tait returns on the basis that he is the quickest bowler going around in Australia at the moment and he offers us that explosive option if we choose to use it.Chris Lynn, Travis Head and Andrew Tye have made irresistible cases for inclusion off the back of individual excellence in the KFC BBL and we are delighted to offer them the opportunity to push their claims for inclusion in the ICC World Twenty20, Marsh added.In terms of leg-spin, Cameron Boyce has once again impressed in domestic action and deserves his spot.The selectors said they regretted not being able to find places for George Bailey and Mitchell Marsh but noted that the door remains open to the World Twenty20 squad.We know what both those players are capable of, and both have significant experience of playing Twenty20 cricket in India, Marsh saidBut we want them to continue to press their cases for inclusion while we take this opportunity to look at other contenders.The second T20 takes place in Melbourne on January 29 while the final game will be in Sydney on January 31.Australia: Aaron Finch (capt), Scott Boland, Cameron Boyce, James Faulkner, John Hastings, Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Shaun Tait, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Shane Watson.

Three US prisoners freed by Iran arrive in Germany

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BERLIN (AFP) - Three of the four US citizens freed by Iran in a prisoner swap arrived in Germany on Sunday, a US official said, where they were expected at an American military base.The released prisoners landed in Germany after a brief stopover in Geneva. Among those on board was The Washington Posts Tehran correspondent Jason Rezaian, who had been detained in Iran for nearly 18 months.We can confirm that the US citizens who departed Iran this morning after being released from detention have arrived in Germany, a State Department official in Washington said.Earlier on Sunday evening, senior US diplomat Brett McGurk posted a picture of himself welcoming Rezaian as he got off the plane at Geneva airport.Overwhelmed to greet Jason Rezaian, his wife, Yegi, mother, Mary Saeed Abedini Amir Hekmati to Geneva after safely departing Iran, McGurk wrote on Twitter.The group arrived in Geneva from Tehran aboard a Swiss air force plane, touching down at around 1700 GMT before changing planes to head to Germany.The Swiss foreign ministry had earlier said that the freed prisoners, all of whom have dual US-Iranian citizenship, would be heading to an American base in Germany.According to US media, their destination was the Ramstein air base in western Germany, where the freed men were expected to undergo medical exams.Neither US nor Swiss officials had explicitly named those on board the plane, but McGurks tweet confirmed reports that the three freed prisoners were Rezaian, Saeed Abedini, a Christian pastor, and former US Marine Amir Hekmati.Iran had announced their release on Saturday, just hours before Tehrans historic nuclear deal with world powers was implemented, in exchange for Washington pardoning seven Iranians accused of sanctions-busting or violating trade embargoes.When Americans are freed, thats something we can all celebrate, US President Barak Obama said in a televised statement from the White House.But he also sounded a note of caution, adding that the US would continue to have problems with the Iranian governments destabilising activities in the region, including its support for militant groups.The Swiss foreign ministry said the prisoner swap followed 14 months of confidential discussions in Switzerland.The fourth Iranian-American released as part of the swap, Nosratollah Khosravi-Roodsari, has not yet left Tehran, senior US officials said.Speaking on condition of anonymity, officials said Khosravi-Roodsari -- about whom little is known -- elected not to board the plane that left for Switzerland.Those who wished to depart Iran have left, said one official. Another said its his free determination where he wants to go.A fifth American, Matthew Trevithick, was released in a separate process, a US official has said.Iranian state television said the seven Iranians -- Nader Modanlou, Baharam Mechanic, Khosrow Afghahi, Arash Ghahreman, Tooraj Faridi, Nima Golestaneh, and Ali Saboonchi -- will be freed today.The family of former US Marine Hekmati, who faced a death sentence as an alleged spy, welcomed the news that he had left Iran.It is hard to put into words what our family feels right now. But we remain in hopeful anticipation until Amir is in our arms.Washington Post publisher Frederick Ryan said in a statement: We are relieved that this 545-day nightmare for Jason and his family is finally over.The 39-year-old Rezaian, a dual US-Iranian citizen born in California, was detained in Iran on July 22, 2014 on espionage charges.The Post statement thanked those around the world who have spoken out on Jasons behalf and against the harsh confinement that was so wrongly imposed upon him.The UN nuclear watchdog announced late Saturday that Iran had complied with its side of the July 2015 accord, allowing the lifting of sanctions.

10 killed in suicide car bombing in Yemen's Aden

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ADEN (AFP) - A suicide car bombing killed at least 10 people, mostly civilians, Sunday in an attack on the residence of the police chief of Yemens southern city of Aden, security officials said.They said a bomber wearing an explosives vest blew himself up at the entrance to General Shalal Shaeas house in the Tawahi district of the port city.Eight civilians and two guards were killed, while the police chief was not hurt, the sources said.It was the latest attack in a wave of unrest that has rocked Aden, declared Yemens provisional capital after the government was forced to flee Sanaa in September 2014 after Shiite Huthi rebels swept into Sanaa.It was not immediately clear who was behind the bombing.The Islamic State jihadist group and Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, or AQAP, have established a strong presence in Aden.

US seeks three Americans missing in Iraq

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BAGHDAD (AFP) - US and local authorities are searching for three American citizens who were reportedly kidnapped in Baghdad, officials from the two countries said on Sunday.Kidnappings are a major problem in Baghdad and other parts of the country and most frequently target Iraqis, but Qatari and Turkish citizens have also been seized in recent months.We are aware of reports that American citizens are missing in Iraq, US State Department spokesman John Kirby said.We are working with the full cooperation of the Iraqi authorities to locate and recover the individuals, Kirby added, without providing details about their number or the circumstances of their disappearance.An Iraqi police colonel said on condition of anonymity that three Americans and an Iraqi translator were kidnapped in southern Baghdad, and that Iraqi forces have launched an operation to find them.The officer said that according to information he had received, the kidnappers were militiamen wearing military uniforms.We dont know what their work is, the colonel said of the kidnapped Americans.Iraq turned to paramilitary forces dominated by Iran-backed Shiite militias to help combat the Islamic State jihadist group, which overran large parts of the country in 2014.These groups, which fall under an umbrella organisation known as the Hashed al-Shaabi, or Popular Mobilisation units, have played a key role in the fight against the jihadists.But they have also been accused of abuses including summary executions, kidnappings and destruction of property.

Match-fixing in tennis 'widespread': report

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LONDON (AFP) - Sixteen players ranked in the world top 50 over the last decade, including Grand Slam champions, have been suspected of being involved in match-fixing, it was alleged Sunday.The BBC and BuzzFeed News claimed they have seen secret files exposing evidence of widespread suspected corruption at the top level of world tennis.Over the last decade 16 players who have ranked in the top 50 have been repeatedly flagged to the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) over suspicions they have thrown matches, the BBC claimed.All of the players, including winners of Grand Slam titles, were allowed to continue competing.The bombshell report was released on the eve of the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the season, which starts in Melbourne on Monday.The BBC and Buzzfeed claimed the papers include details of an investigation set up in 2007 by the ATP, the governing body of the mens tour. They claim the probe uncovered betting syndicates in Russia, Italy and Sicily making hundreds of thousands of dollars betting on matches investigators thought to be fixed. The BBC said three of the matches took place at Wimbledon.In a confidential report for the tennis authorities in 2008, the enquiry team said 28 players involved should be investigated but the findings were never followed up, said the BBC.The sport introduced a new anti-corruption code in 2009 but after taking legal advice were told previous corruption offences couldnt be pursued.Despite those legal obstacles, the documents allegedly reveal that in subsequent years there were repeated alerts sent to the TIU about a third of these players. None of them were disciplined.Sundays report claims that eight of the players flagged to the TIU over the last decade are due to play in the Australian Open.Buzzfeed said that players were targeted in hotel rooms at major tournaments and offered $50,000 or more per fix by corrupt gamblers.But tennis authorities said that there is no complacency when it comes to fighting corruption.I can assure you that tennis is not treating this lightly, ATP chief Chris Kermode told Buzzfeed.The idea that tennis is not acting appropriately is ludicrous.But Mark Phillips, one of the investigators in the 2007 probe, told the BBC: There was a core of about 10 players that we believed were the most common perpetrators that were at the root of the problem. The evidence was really strong, there appeared to be a really good chance to nip it in the bud and get a strong deterrent out there to root out the main bad apples.The report also claimed that the European Sports Security Association, which monitors betting for bookmakers, flagged up more than 50 suspicious matches to the TIU last year. Nigel Willerton, director of the TIU, said while it welcomed the support of the betting industry it is not the role of betting companies to make judgements about corrupt activity. All credible information received by the TIU is analysed, assessed, and investigated by highly experienced former law-enforcement investigators.The BBC and Buzzfeed News did not name the players they claimed were the subject of the investigations.

Tennis: Djokovic, Williams to get Australian Open underway

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MELBOURNE (AFP) - Novak Djokovic will begin his Australian Open title defence against South Koreas Chung Hyeon on Monday, while womens champion Serena Williams returns from injury gunning for a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam crown.Roger Federer is also in action as the seasons first Grand Slam tournament gets underway in what are forecast to be sweltering temperatures of up to 37 Celsius (98.6 Fahrenheit) at Melbourne Park.Top seed Djokovic will probably not be delayed too long in the heat against South Koreas highly-rated but inexperienced Chung after the Serb dominated the mens circuit in 2015.All eyes are on the world number one after he fell just one win short of a calendar-year Grand Slam in 2015, and became the first player to top $16 million in prize money in a season.This year, the first ever mens Golden Slam -- the four majors plus the Olympic title -- is up for grabs, but Djokovic was at pains to play down soaring expectations.Its only the beginning of the season. Its too early to talk about what I can or cant do later in the season. Im here to focus on Australian Open, he said.While Djokovic is the runaway mens favourite, Williams arrives under an injury cloud after she pulled out of this months Hopman Cup exhibition tournament with an inflamed left knee.Williams has not played a tour-level match since September, when a heartbreaking US Open semi-final defeat to Roberta Vinci left her agonisingly short of her own calendar-year Grand Slam.The American great was noticeably downbeat when she addressed media in Melbourne on Saturday, but she insisted she was 130 percent ready to defend her title.Ive had a really good preparation. I mean, I didnt have the match play that Ive wanted to have. But after playing for so many years on tour, I should be able to, you know, focus on that and the fact that I have played a lot of matches, she said.Williams, 34, has been handed a tough draw with Italys Camila Giorgi, the highest ranked non-seed, waiting in the first round and Maria Sharapova potentially looming in the quarters.Among the evening matches Federer, also 34, opens his quest for a record-extending 18th Grand Slam crown against Georgias Nikoloz Basilashvili.Heat could be a major factor at the Australian Open, which takes place at the height of the southern hemisphere summer, and players are bracing themselves for difficult conditions.Theres been many years here where people have had sort of accidents on court, dehydrated, said Australias Bernard Tomic.Its also something you want to take into consideration. Its very important to be very physically ready and fresh for the match.

Football: Suarez hits hat-trick, five more for Zidane's Madrid

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MADRID (AFP) - Newly-crowned World Player of the Year Lionel Messi had to be withdrawn at half-time with a hamstring problem as Luis Suarezs hat-trick led Barcelona to a 6-0 thrashing of 10-man Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.Real Madrid remain two points behind Barca as Zinedine Zidanes dream start to life as boss continued with four goals in the opening 18 minutes of a 5-1 rout of Sporting Gijon.However, Zidanes joy was also tempered by an injury to Gareth Bale.Atletico Madrid stay a point clear at the top thanks to Antoine Griezmanns double in a 3-0 victory at Las Palmas.Messi paraded his record fifth Ballon dOr before kick-off and the game at the Camp Nou barely lasted three minutes as a contest.Suarez was brought down as he rounded Gorka Iraizoz and the Athletic goalkeeper was shown a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.Messi converted the resulting spot-kick and Suarez was also heavily involved for the second as he played in Neymar to dink his 19th goal of the season past substitute goalkeeper Iago Herrerin.Messi wasnt risked for the second-half after feeling a hamstring strain.However, the Argentine wasnt missed as brilliant play from Neymar teed up Suarez and Ivan Rakitic to make it 4-0.Suarez rounded off the scoring with two more to move out in front as La Ligas top-scorer with 18.The penalty changed the game and the plan they had to face us, but we knew how to make the most of the circumstances, said Suarez.Real Madrids victory was overshadowed by what looked like the recurrence of a calf problem for Bale, which kept him out for a month earlier this season, after he scored his 11th goal in eight games.Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo also scored twice each in the first half before the former also picked up a knock in a collision with teammate James Rodriguez.Madrid have now scored 35 goals in six games at home since losing 4-0 to Barcelona in November.We played very well in the first-half. We were concentrated and up for the game from the start. We prepared well and are happy with how the match went, said Zidane.Karim just has a knock, which isnt so bad. Gareth is a little more complicated because it is his calf and in his left leg which is a problem.He will have a scan tomorrow and we hope it is nothing serious.Bale headed home Toni Krooss corner on seven minutes to get the hosts off to the perfect start.Ronaldo smashed Benzemas through ball into the roof of the net and the latter then acrobatically swivelled to volley home Bales cross.Another flowing Madrid move saw Ronaldo sweep home Dani Carvajals cross at the near post two minutes later.There was some brief respite for Sporting as Zidanes men waited 23 minutes to add the fifth when brilliant play from Isco freed Benzema to roll in his 20th goal in 19 appearances this season.Sporting managed to restore some pride when Isma Lopez rounded off a fine team goal just after the hour mark.Atletico maintained their title challenge as a rock-solid defensive display and Griezmanns goals were again the keys for Diego Simeones men.Jan Oblak ensured a 14th clean sheet in 20 games this season with two vital early saves before Filipe Luis fired home his first goal since returning to the club in July to give the visitors a half-time lead.And with Las Palmas pushing for an equaliser, Koke played in Griezmann twice to finish in the final quarter to take his tally for the season to 18.Gary Nevilles winless streak as Valencia boss in La Liga stretched to six games in a disappointing 2-2 draw at home to relegation threatened Rayo Vallecano.Valencia twice had to come from behind as Alvaro Negredos sensational strike from just inside the Rayo half and Paco Alcacers late equaliser cancelled out goals from Jozabed and Diego Llorente.

Football: Arsenal on top again despite Stoke stalemate

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STOKE-ON-TRENT (AFP) - Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League but their Britannia Stadium hoodoo was extended with a goalless draw against Stoke City on Sunday.A point was enough to take Arsene Wengers side clear of Leicester City on goal difference but it was another afternoon of frustration in the Potteries for the veteran French manager.His side have now failed to win at Stokes home ground in six attempts -- a sequence that dates back to a 3-1 success in February 2010.That victory became infamous for the sickening broken leg suffered by Gunners midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who was again singled out for some unsavoury abuse by Stoke fans during his 250th Arsenal appearance.The bad blood from the injury and Ramseys refusal to accept Ryan Shawcrosss apology for the challenge that caused it remains for Stoke fans, who taunted Ramsey throughout on Sunday with boos and a chant about the damage caused to his leg.Arsenal could not silence the home crowd as Stoke held their own, with both Potters goalkeeper Jack Butland and Arsenal counterpart Petr Cech in good form.After a scrappy opening littered with fouls and poor passes, it was Stoke who carved out the first chance through Marko Arnautovic.The Austrian wandered in off the left flank to collect possession in a central area 30 yards from goal, but his ambitious effort flew high into the Arsenal fans behind Cechs goal.The game finally came to a semblance of life in the 20th minute when Glen Johnson and Jonathan Walters found space on the Stoke right to pick out Joselu on the edge of the area.His deft flick teed up Ibrahim Afellay, whose long-range effort flew a yard wide of the target.Arsenal immediately broke and created an opening of their own thanks to a fine pass by Joel Campbell and an equally clever run by Olivier Giroud.The Frenchman found himself one on one with Butland but the England international spread himself well to make an important stop.The game remained disjointed but, when Stoke failed to clear their lines in the 28th minute, Ramsey had a goal-bound shot deflected wide for a corner which was dealt with easily by the Potters.Ten minutes before half-time Arsenal failed to deal with Erik Pieterss dangerous cross but Joselu headed straight at Cech. The Gunners then handed cheap possession to Stoke, for whom Bojan fired just wide.Just over a minute into the second half, Butland denied Arsenal what looked like a certain goal.The goalkeeper reacted superbly to dive low to his left and turn away a free header from Giroud, who had been left unmarked to meet Ramseys corner.Then Stoke were denied as the tempo of the game was raised a notch.Arnautovic advanced and fed Joselu, whose shot was clawed away superbly by Cech.The former Chelsea star then reacted well to scramble Bojans follow-up around the post.Arsenal needed Cech again in the 66th minute as he turned a shot from Joselu around the post.The game became scrappy once more but it was Arsenal who made most of the running in the closing stages and Campbell tried his luck from a tight angle with five minutes remaining.But his effort flew well wide to sum up an error-strewn contest.And in the dying moments Stoke had further chances when Ramsey cleared off the line in a goalmouth scramble before Cech blocked a follow-up from Joselu.

Football: Liverpool felled by Rooney sucker-punch

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LIVERPOOL (AFP) - Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney pounced to score a 78th-minute winner as his side stunned eternal rivals Liverpool with a smash-and-grab 1-0 victory at a freezing Anfield on Sunday.Presiding over his first game against United, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp watched his team dominate, but Rooney punished their profligacy with his fifth goal in four games, a close range snapshot after Marouane Fellaini had hit the bar.It was Uniteds only shot on target, but it was enough to give visiting manager Louis van Gaal his fourth win over Liverpool in four games and a first away victory since the 2-1 success at Watford on November 21.When you beat Liverpool, it is good for the fans and for the table as our competitors also lose points, said Van Gaal. It is a big step in a good direction and I am very happy.In the second half we played much better and kept the ball better and created chances, and Wayne Rooney makes the fantastic goal again.Victory took United to within two points of the Champions League berths and allowed them to reclaim fifth place from West Ham United, leaving Liverpool six points back in ninth place, their top-four hopes fading.Its a derby and you have one job -- to win it, said a disappointed Klopp.United would have to say they were not so good, but they won so theyre happy. We played better, but we feel frustrated.They may be Englands two most decorated clubs, but Liverpool and United are not this seasons leading contenders and a scrappy, shapeless first half reflected both clubs recent difficulties.Both teams had drawn 3-3 on their previous outings -- Liverpool at home to Arsenal, United at Newcastle United -- but there was to be no frenzied attacking to warm the 43,865 shivering souls at Anfield.What quality football there was came chiefly from Liverpool and, in particular, Roberto Firmino, preferred once again to Christian Benteke as the nominal frontman.He was involved in two early chances, first drilling narrowly wide after Jordan Henderson, freed by Lucas Leiva, had seen a header palmed away by the outrushing David de Gea and then releasing James Milner to slice wide with a fine, half-volleyed pass.It was from a Firmino flick, meanwhile, that Henderson flashed a shot across goal and wide after a neat move involving Adam Lallana.The Brazilian looked poised to put Liverpool ahead six minutes before half-time, but as he cocked his right foot to shoot, Anthony Martial nipped in to intervene.A ragged half for the visitors ended with Ashley Young hobbling off after appearing to injure his groin, with youngster Cameron Borthwick-Jackson coming on.Injured United trio Michael Carrick, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo were among the fans in the away end and they could only look on with concern as Liverpool continued to dictate in the second half, De Gea saving with his feet after Emre Can had flummoxed Chris Smalling with a step-over.Martial threatened in the 56th minute, fizzing a shot wide after Borthwick-Jacksons cross was deflected into his path, but Liverpool were soon back on top.De Gea fielded a side-foot effort from Henderson and then plunged to his right to parry a rasping shot from Can before springing up to claw away Firminos cross from the rebound.Van Gaal sent on Juan Mata, match-winner in Uniteds 2-1 victory at Anfield last March, and Memphis Depay, but still Liverpool came, Mamadou Sakho heading Milners cross over.They could not make their pressure count, however, and with 12 minutes remaining Rooney made them pay by slamming the ball past Simon Mignolet after Fellainis header came back off the bar.Liverpools best chance of an equaliser fell to Firmino, but he could not control Milners mishit shot right in front of goal and as his disbelieving glance at the linesman testified, there was no offside flag to spare his blushes.

Golf: Europe romp to emphatic victory over Asia

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KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - Europe demonstrated their matchplay superiority over Asia Sunday, claiming an emphatic 13-point victory in the EurAsia Cup in Kuala Lumpur.Europe won 10 of the deciding 12 singles matches for an 18.5 to 5.5 points triumph on the Glenmarie Golf and Country club course.Darren Clarkes Europe team were leading by three points after Fridays opening four-balls and extended their lead to six following Saturdays foursomes.The Asian team, who had forced a dramatic 10-all draw in the inaugural event in 2014, had no answer to their Europeans rivals, winning just two of the singles and halving another.Englands Danny Willett claimed the crucial point, defeating last years European Tour Rookie of the Year An Byeong-Hun 3 & 1 to give Europe an unassailable 13 to 3 advantage, before Clarke raised the trophy as rival Asian captain Jeev Milka Singh looked on.I feel really sorry for Jeev and his team as they just came up against a red-hot, a very hot European team this week, said Clarke.These are some of the best players in the world, never mind Europe.He added: Guys are proud to represent Europe and thats why we are Europeans and thats why they are all here because we want to win.The victory confirmed Europes domination of the world stage, and later this year the team will vie to capture a fourth straight Ryder Cup over the Americans. Clarkes quest to clinch the trophy has received a shot in the arm from his success in Malaysia as he prepares to head to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.He said he was looking forward to going back out on Tour for the next couple of weeks.And then sitting down with the European Tour and figure out what I did well as captain or what I could have done better, and work on those areas and hopefully get the whole package even better for September.Ian Poulter, who entered as a wildcard, claimed the opening point on the closing day with a 4 & 3 win over local hero Danny Chia, with Poulter making six birdies ahead of sealing his success at the 15th.Like Poulter, fellow Englishman Andy Sullivan remained undefeated in his three matches, claiming a 4 & 3 triumph over Thailands Thongchai Jaidee.Lee Westwood, also playing as a wildcard, made it 12 points for Europe after thumping Malaysias Nicholas Fang 7 & 6.Swedens Kristoffer Broberg defeated Japans Shingo Katayama 5 & 4 before Asia salvaged some pride.Current Asian Tour number one Anirban Lahiri from India defeated Irelands Shane Lowry 2 & 1 while Korean K.T. Kim silenced Austrian-born Bernd Wiesberger 3 & 2.Lahiri called on the Asian Tour, the worlds third largest, to step up to the challenge of competing on the global stage. We need to set in train, like Europe and the PGA Tour, some system in helping groom the Asian Tour players more so that they get used to competing in more matchplay events, said Lahiri.His call was echoed by Singh, who was appointed last month to the Asian Tour Board of Directors.We do need to follow the same course as the European Tour because we have seen it for years now that they are the best team in the world when it comes to matchplay competition, he said.They start their preparation for these team event a good year before and we need to do exactly the same.

Snooker: O'Sullivan cruises to sixth Masters triumph

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LONDON (AFP) - Ronnie OSullivan overwhelmed Barry Hawkins 10-1 to win the Masters at Londons Alexandra Palace on Sunday, equalling fellow snooker great Stephen Hendrys record of six triumphs at the tournament.Five-times world champion OSullivan, 40, was rarely tested by Hawkins who, after winning Sundays first frame, did not help his cause with a series of self-inflicted errors.OSullivan, who had not played in a frontline tournament since last years World Championship nine months ago, had complained of back problems earlier in this event.But he did not look to be suffering much discomfort against compatriot Hawkins, the man he beat in the 2013 World Championship final.I am over the moon, I knew I needed to raise my level, OSullivan told BBC Sport. I was able to do that and I managed my emotions well. I am delighted to play as well I have done.OSullivan also thanked his sports psychiatrist.Dr Steve Peters mentioned a couple of things and I just had to focus on each ball, he explained. If Barry played like he did in the semis, it would have been a great match.I am never normally surprised when I win tournaments but I am surprised I have won it after eight months out. It is about producing when it matters.This is only a week, but to keep your focus for 17 days at the World Championship is a grind, well see how it goes.For Hawkins, who has now beaten OSullivan just once in 11 matches, getting to Sundays final represented a considerable achievement given he had not won a match at the Masters prior to this week.I wish he retired, Hawkins jokingly said of OSullivan. I am disappointed with my performance I didnt give him a game. I was all over the place.However, he added: If someone said I would have got to the final, I would have ripped their arm off. It is hard to take positives, even though I played well most of the week.

Karachi: Youth wounded in fake police encounter

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – Police in Karachi opened fire and critically wounded a motorcyclist when he failed to stop at a police check post in Khayaban-e-Tanzeem area of Gizri on Sunday night, Dunya News reported.The victim was identified as Sheharyar. He was shifted to Jinnah Hospital in critical condition. Sheharyar’s heirs also reached the hospital and staged a protest against fake police encounter.A friend of Sheharyar who is also an eye-witness of the incident has revealed that police opened fire at Sheharyar when he failed to stop at the police check post.After the protest by the heirs of Sheharyar in front of Jinnah Hospital, police have arrested the two cops involved in the incident. They were identified as Mudassar and Humza. A case has also been registered against them in the Gizri Police Station.

Karachi: One killed, five injured in firing incidents

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – Firing incidents in different parts of Karachi on Sunday killed one person and wounded five other, Dunya News reported.According to details, some unidentified persons opened fire in Manghu Pir area and injured three persons, including a woman. The injured were identified as Mahmood, Hafeez and Raj Bibi. The rescue teams have shifted the injured to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. Police have reached the spot and started the investigation.Some unidentified gunmen opened fire and critically injured a man named Hamanyun in Azizabad area. Hamanyun was rushed to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.Two more persons were wounded in firing incident in Korangi Sardhe Teen (Three and a half) area. Police sources said that both persons were wounded while resisting a ribbery attempt.On the other hand, police have arrested a suspects in injured condition after an encounter in Khayaban-e-Tanzeem area of Guzri.
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