Bhaichung votes for Messi

New Delhi: Argentina star Lionel Messi’s mesmerising run into opposition half and his goal-scoring abilities have earned him India captain Bhaichung Bhutia’s vote for the 2009 Fifa World Footballer of the year.

“I voted for Lionel Messi for the 2009 World Footballer of the year. Andres Iniesta was the second preference and Cristiano Ronaldo the third,” Bhaichung said.

George in final

Bargarh: George Telegraph entered the final of the East Zone qualifying round of the 31st Federation Cup defeating JCB Brothers Bhilai 2-1 here Tuesday. For George, Mithun Shah and Nigerian striker OA Omotayo were the scorers. In the second semi-final Wednesday, Calcutta Port Trust will take on TFA, Jamshedpur.

No profit

Karachi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is unlikely to make any profits from their ongoing “home” Test series in New Zealand as the marketing wizards have failed to find a title sponsor for the three-match series.

CU triumph

Calcutta: Calcutta University beat Rabindra Bharati University in the final of the Ajoy Ghosh Memorial Trophy being played at Siliguri.

UN praise

Dubai: The United Nations have lavished praise on the International Cricket Council for its commitment towards social responsibility and said that the cricket governing body’s effort to use the game to promote peace, development and understanding has been commendable.

Lu record

Goyang: Lu Xiaojun of China has set two world records to claim two gold medals in the men’s 77-kilogram division at the World Weightlifting Championships. Lu lifted 174 kilograms on his third and final attempt in the snatch, beating the previous world record by one kg. He also hoisted 204 kg in the clean and jerk. His combined 378 kg won another gold and broke the previous record by 1 kg.

On Yee wins

Hyderabad: Hong Kong’s Ng On Yee brushed aside Australian Kathy Parashis 5-1 in the final to clinch the ladies’ title in the ongoing IBSF World Snooker championship here Tuesday.

Flavio demand

Paris: Former Renault team boss Flavio Briatore appealed a French court to overturn his life ban from Formula One on Tuesday, saying he had been denied his right to a free and fair defence. The Italian has also asked for $1.50 million in compensation from the Paris-based International Automobile Federation (FIA) for moral prejudice.