British Open champion Clarke, Asian No. 1  Wiratchant look forward to new concept of Pearls Golf Premier League

Aamby Valley, February 6: The stars have descended onto the Aamby Valley City for the inaugural Pearls Golf Premier League. From Major winners Darren Clarke to Rich Beem to Angel Cabrera and Asia No. 1 Thaworn Wiratchant and Indian PGTI No. 1 Shamim Khan, they are all there and looking forward to being part of what could be landmark moment for Indian golf.

“It is wonderful to be part of something new,” said the 2011 British Open champion, Darren Clarke and then gushed about this great course. “It is absolutely superb. Such lovely views and the weather is great.”

What about his experience in India? “I have never been to this part of the country. My previous experience was Delhi and now this. I am loving it. When I was first asked about the League I wondered if this could be pulled off. And now here I am. And so are so many fine players from all over.” Clarke will play for Uttarakhand Lions.

Thaworn Wiratchant, a two-time Indian Open winner, including 2012, when he also emerged as the oldest Asian Tour No.1 and the most prolific winner in Asian Tour’s 10-year history, said, “When this (Aamby Valley Golf Course) last hosted an Asian Tour event (in 2006) I could not make it. So I was very keen. I have heard a lot about this course from my Indian friends. I have liked the course.”

What about the League itself? “This is totally new. It brings together players from Asia, Europe and even US to play alongside top stars from India. A wonderful idea to unite all and promote the game. That it will be live on TV is a big boost.” Thaworn will turn out for Witalsee Punjab Lancers.

Thaworn had a great practice round with fellow Thai professionals, J Pariya and Chapchai Nirat, who holds the world record of 32-under, set in India in 2009.

Indians Ajeetesh Sandhu and Rahil Gangjee, who will play for Delhi Darts are also looking forward to the event. Ajeetesh said, “IT will be great to play alongside some of the leading players in world. They are Major winners, Asian and European Tour winners. Playing and interacting with them will help us youngsters.”

When asked about Aamby Valley, Sandhu added, “I love this course. It is so scenic and I have played here on PGTI events.”

Gangjee was happy to back with his friends on Indian tour after two years on Web.com Tour. “Golf in India has grown by leaps and bounds and this league is an evidence of it. I am looking forward to this event. As for the course, I love it. “

Ashok Kumar, who was leading after three rounds at the Aamby Valley Masters back in 2006, said, “I have mixed memories but I love this course. And this new league will help us play with top stars from all over.”

The Pro-Am will be held on Thursday and the main event to played over three rounds of 14 holes each under floodlights will begin on Friday. The event will be telecast live on Sony Six.

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Barefoot fest 2013 – Beach Soccer Championship kicks off in Goa!

32 teams battle it out in 24 matches on Day One of India’s first professional Beach Soccer Tournament!

For the first time in India, a Beach Soccer match was held in a world-class mobile arena called T-Box

Calangute, 5^th February, 2013: India’s inaugural Beach Soccer Tournament kicked off amidst much fan-fare at Calangute beach in Goa today. The grand opening ceremony saw the who’s-who of Goa present to launch the 5-day sporting extravaganza. Among the notable personalities present at the launch event were Mr. Francis D’Souza (Honorable Deputy Chief Minister of Goa), Mr. Dilip Parulekar (Honorable Minister of Tourism), Mr. Udit Sheth (MD & CEO – TransStadia), Dr. Rufino Monteiro (Chairman – Goa Football Development Council), Mr. Prabhudesai (Sports Director – Dept. Of Sports & Youth Affairs), Mrs. Anna Maria D’Souza (Sarpanch, Calangute Bardez), Mr. Joseph Sequeira (Calangute Constituency), Mr. Alex Fernandes (President – Calangute Football Association), Mr. Alirio Lobo (Member – Goa Football Association), Mr. Brian Colwell (President – Deltin Suites).
The action-packed matches saw 32 teams from the 64 registered football clubs, battling it out for the coveted championship title on Day One of the prestigious tournament. The mega sporting bonanza brought an eclectic mix of beach soccer and entertainment to the Goan shores. The cheering crowds perfectly blended with the thumping music to add the much-needed vigour to the sport.
The event also attracted a large number of spectators. Grabbing eye-balls at the tournament is the world-class T-box arena setup which served miraculously in accommodating the horde. Breaking the shackles of hosting sporting events in stadiums, TransStadia hosted the Beach Soccer matches at the T-Box Mobile Arena setup in Calangute. This is the first time that such a unique and advanced facility has been installed in the country for a Beach Soccer Tournament. The event also served as a major tourist attraction, and many foreigners were seen enjoying the game and cheering the local teams.

Please note images of the event will be available from 5^th February onwards. You can download them from www.solarisimages.com
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(Image courtesy – SE TransStadia Pvt.Ltd.)

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Smriti Mehra extends lead to seven-shot at the Hero WPGT 2013

 

Kolkata February 6, 2013 : Overnight leader and veteran golfer Smriti Mehra extended her lead to a seven-shot with a brilliant two under 68 on day two of the second leg of the Hero Women’s Professional Golf Tour today here at the Tollygunge Golf Club.

 

Smriti started off with a bogey but got better as the day progressed and finished with five birdies at the 5th, 9th, 10^th 13^th and 14^th holes. She now has total of 135, seven clear of Neha Tripathi, who ended the second round at par 70. Neha was brilliant in the front nine with a score of one under 33 but lost her way in the back nine, where she had four bogeys. She finished with two over 72, with a total of 142.

 

Vani Kapoor, who was placed second at the end of the first round had a disappointing second round with a score of five over 75. She dropped to the third spot with a total of 144. She had four bogeys and a double bogey. Sharmila Nicollet, the lone Indian at the Ladies European Tour finished the day with a score of two over 72 is placed fourth with total of 145.

 

Vandana Agarwal (76-74) is fifth and Rani Sonti (75-76) is placed at sixth.

SUPERSTAR WEEKEND ON NACH BALIYE-5
Two of the biggest superstars, Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn graced the Nach Baliye 5 set for an evening of fun and excitement this weekend.

Akshay Kumar came on the show along with his leading lady from Special 26, Kajal. All the contestants were elated to see Akshay. In fact, they even performed on his songs from his movies. The highlight was however when Bhabho (Neelu Waghela) asked Akshay to teach her martial arts, and he obliged ! He taught her the art of breaking tiles! Akshay was in fact very impressed with Bhabho's outstanding folk performance.

While Akshay had his share of fun, Ajay Devgn witnessed the wild card entry special performances by the eliminated contestants. Ajay who came on the show for the world premiere of the song Ta Thaiya Ta Thaiya Ho from the soon to release Himmatwaala was extremely excited to watch all the performances. Sajid Khan who is directing Himmatwaala not only shared incidents from the show but he also shared some secrets and things we don't know about Ajay on the show.