Gangtok, Friday, 12 March 2010

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PM ready for all party meet on women's bill: Pranab
New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was ready to consult all parties for a consensus on the women's reservation bill before it is tabled in the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said Thursday.
'There is no harm in calling an all party meeting. The prime minister has pointed out that we can consult all parties (to arrive at a consensus) and for exploring ideas and possibilities to narrow down the differences,' said Mukherjee, the leader of the house.
He was replying to a short discussion in the Lok Sabha over the government's flagship bill that seeks to reserve a third of all legislative seats in India for women. The bill, which is vociferously opposed by the parties with mass base mainly in the Hindi heartland of north India, was cleared by the Rajya Sabha Tuesday. It is expected to be introduced in the Lok Sabha in coming days. The legislation has led to frequent disruptions of the two houses of parliament. On Thursday as well, both houses were adjourned amid uproar over the bill. (Agencies)
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BJP denies friction over Women's Bill
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday denied all reports of friction within the party over the Women's Reservation Bill. BJP leaders opposing the Bill had reportedly asked their party leadership that no whip should be issued to vote in favour of the Bill, as it may be defied.
Slamming reports of a split, BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said that the party members would do what the party decrees.
"There is no friction within the party. Those leaders, whose names came out in the newspaper today, even they have clarified their stand and said that there is no such thing, nor they are opposing. These are rumours and we do not want to comment," Prakash Javadekar. (Agencies)
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Bhutan keen to strengthen ties with North-East
Guwahati: Bhutan, with which the North Eastern states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh share considerable geographical boundary, is keen to have direct flight service between Thimpu and Guwahati, besides improving bilateral economic ties.
Bhutan’s consul general in Kolkata, Dasho Tsering Wangda, who was in the city, expressed the willingness of his government to further strengthen the bilateral ties with “the next-door neighbour” - Assam and North-East. “There is a great degree of stability in Assam. As a result thousands of Bhutanese come everyday for doing business in Assam especially in Chirang district. We want to foster our centuries-old relationship between the people of Bhutan and Assam. We want our next door neighbour to prosper and grow. Therein lies our prosperity too,” he said.
Later, Wangda had a meeting with Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi at the latter’s official residence and discussed issues of mutual interests. Wangda urged Gogoi to take up the matter with the government of India on repairing of the 40-km stretch of road from Samthebari near Dhalgaon in Assam to Bhutan.
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Emu rearing venture picking up in Manipur
Imphal: For the first time in the Northeast region rearing of poultry Emu birds on commercial basis has been taken up by farmers in Manipur.
Emu rearing has caught the fancy of farmers in Northeast. The joint initiative of introducing Emu farming, which started with an aim to improve the socio-economic status of the region, was taken up by NGOs called KVK Sylvan at Senapati and Foundation for Environment and Economic Development Services (FEEDS), Manipur. Eighty one Emu chicks have been procured for an experimental basis from SAF Emu Farm at Chennai. Around 20 poultry farmers in the state have been provided training on Emu farming. Emu, which is two metres tall in height and considered the second-largest bird in the world after ostrich, has the highest resistance to diseases compared to other poultry birds. “Emu rearing will give high profit to farmers. There are no waste parts from emu. Every part of these birds are useful to mankind.” R.K. Imotoba Singh, Programme Coordinator. Other Northeast states like Nagaland have also shown interest in the project.
If properly implemented and executed, the nascent business venture could give a boost to the economy of the region.
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Tripura to set up 12 police posts along railway line
Agartala: The Tripura government has decided to set up five full-fledged police stations and seven outposts in some identified sensitive locations along railway tracks in the state, Chief Minster Manik Sarkar said in the state assembly on Wednesday.
Replying to the notice of Chief Whip of the ruling party, Mr. Sarkar said though railway protection and passengers’ safety belong to the concerned ministry, due to inadequate forces the Centre was unable to manage it effectively and as a result, the state government had decided to supplement the security gap.
‘’Following recent burglary in Tripura-bound rail, the state government was prompted to sanction 325 posts of the security personnel, who will be mostly deployed for railway protection and another 82 posts were proposed to Railway Board for Tripura and 50 posts was sanctioned,’’ Mr. Sarkar said.
He maintained that the Tripura government was committed to ensuring railway security but alleged that the role of Assam government was not effective in providing security and that had become a serious concern for the state.
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Unknown disease kills over 100 livestock in Mizoram

Aizawl: An unknown disease has reportedly claimed over 100 livestock in Khawdungsei village in the northeastern part of Mizoram. The department has no idea as to what disease has allegedly killed more than 100 chickens, six pigs and one dog since February end.
According to Khawdungsei village council president Lalsiamliana, the animals refused to eat food, gradually became weak and died after few days.
The villagers suspected that the disease was spread by imported piglets brought in from neighbouring Manipur during the first week of February. (Media Watch)
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Stories of real heroes inspire me: Aamir Khan
Mumbai: Bollywood star Aamir Khan, whose recent release “3 Idiots” took a critical look at India’s education system, says that he gets inspired by stories of real-life heroes who go beyond their limitations to bring change in one’s life and in society.
“When I see real heroes and listen to their stories, it really inspires me. I think we have, in different degrees, strengths and abilities,” said Aamir presenting an award at a function on Wednesday.
“When we use our abilities and strengths to better our lives, that’s normal but when you use your strength and abilities to help others, you become a real hero,” he added.
Irfana Ismail Mujawar, who was honoured in the Education and Children Category, is a teacher by profession. Irfana along her colleague Gazala, used the money set aside for her wedding and started a school that provides free education to those who cannot afford it.“It was really a long struggle. I started with 34 non-privileged students and now around 350 students are there in my school,” Irfana told the media.
Twenty-four real-life heroes from across six regions of the country were shortlisted and their work classified into categories such as Women’s Welfare, Social Welfare, Health and Disability, Youth Education and Children and Sports.
Ace cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was present on the occasion and received a standing ovation before he gave away the award in the Sports category. “Real heroes are not ordinary people, they are extraordinary people. They haven’t got anything, but they still have the courage to go through all the obstacles, find the solutions and they are selfless. They don’t have any expectations. All they want is to see smiles on the faces of people around. We should get inspired from them,” Tendulkar said.
Merzaban Patel, who was presented the award in the sports category, is on a mission to hunt for the best hockey talent in the country.
“I am extremely happy to get this award. I would appeal to everyone that they should do something to promote hockey,” Merzaban told the media .(Media Watch)
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Smt Santosh Nirash is appointed as the official AIDS Ambassador of Sikkim on
International Women’s Day at Conference Hall, Forest Secreteriat, Deorali.
Pic by Januka Sharma
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U.N. launches independent review of climate panel
United nation: The United Nations on Wednesday launched an independent review of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which has come under much criticism in the recent months. The decision was announced by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and IPCC chair Rajendra Pachauri in the wake of a report by the body which erroneously claimed that Himalayan glaciers would melt away by 2035. “We need to ensure full transparency, accuracy and objectivity and minimise the potential of any error going forward. I have initiated in tandem with the head of the IPCC a comprehensive independent review of the IPCC’s procedures and processes,” Mr. Ban told reporters here.
“This review will be conducted by the InterAcademy Council, it will be done completely independent of the United Nations,” he said.
The InterAcademy Council (IAC) is a multinational organisation of science academies crated to produce reports on scientific, technological and health issues. “The IAC is ready to take on the challenge of the review of the IPCC. Our goal will be to ensure nations around the world that they will receive sound scientific advice on climate science with which governments and citizens alike can make informed decisions,” IAC co-chair Robbert Dijkgraaf said. The 2007 report of the IPCC erroneously claimed that the Himalayan glaciers would melt away by 2035. The error has also been attributed to a typographical error with the words 2035 appearing instead of 2350.
Since then, there have been several calls for inquiry into the work of the IPCC and the resignation of Dr. Pachauri, who refused to step down. (Agencies)

India, Russia to ink $4 bn defence deals
New Delhi: In what may reaffirm Russia’s position as India’s most trusted and largest military supplier, New Delhi is expected to ink defence deals worth $ 4 billion during Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s working visit beginning on Friday.
The two almost sure-fire deals are for procuring an additional 29 MiG-29K fighters for the Indian Navy at an estimated cost of $1.2 billion. India is also expected to place orders for 50 more Sukhoi Su-30MKI multi-role fighters for the Indian Air Force. The Air Force has 120 Sukhoi fighters and it is proposed to increase the strength to 280 by 2015 to make it the mainstay of the force.Even though there was no confirmation from the defence ministry, the Cabinet Committee on Security, which met here during the day, is believed to have approved a new offer price of $2.34 billion for the procurement of the refitted Russian aircraft carrier “Admiral Gorshkov”, as against the original contract amount of $974 million.
Rechristened “INS Vikramaditya”, the carrier is undergoing repairs and refit at the Sevmash shipyard in Russia. As per the original contract, Russia should have handed over the carrier by 2009-end. But it is now proposed to be delivered to the Indian Navy in 2013-14, provided the revised deal is sealed during Putin’s visit. The maritime fighters will strengthen India’s brand new MiG-29K fleet, which was purchased at $1.5 billion as a part of the Gorshkov deal, under which 16 maritime fighters were procured. Four have arrived at their home base in Goa and two are expected soon. (Agencies)

Emissions: China joins India on scrutiny
Beijing: China supports India in opposing any international “scrutiny” of voluntary actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, said the country’s top climate change negotiator on Wednesday.
China also sought to continue and expand cooperation with India as negotiations between the developing world and the West headed towards the climate change conference in Mexico later this year, said Xie Zhenhua, vice-chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission and one of China’s lead negotiators at December’s Copenhagen conference.
“China and India have a common position on major issues on climate change and we are willing to step up cooperation in forestry, energy efficiency and renewable energy,” he said. “We face common challenges, such as the task of developing our economy, eliminating poverty, improving people’s livelihood, reducing emissions and protecting the environment.” On Wednesday, Mr. Xie also lent support to India’s opposition to any international scrutiny of voluntary actions to reduce emissions, which the United States and some European countries are calling for. That, Mr. Xie said, was out of the question, being “an issue of sovereignty”. “Autonomous efforts must not be subject to MRV (Measurement, Reporting and Verification),” he stressed. He, however, added that China had agreed to “verification that is non-intrusive” in the interest of advancing negotiations at Copenhagen, and to “reduce mistrust” with the West. (Media Watch)

Myanmar election law bars Aung San Suu Kyi from polls
Yangon: Myanmar’s new election laws have barred opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and more than 2,000 other political prisoners from contesting polls planned this year, state media reports said on Wednesday. Under the Political Parties Registration Law, published in state-run newspapers Wednesday, all prisoners are barred from joining political parties that register to contest a general election.
This condition effectively excludes Suu Kyi and 2,100 other political prisoners from running in the upcoming polls, which would be the first in Myanmar in 20 years, unless they are freed soon.
The law also excludes members of religious orders, members of insurgent groups “as defined by the state” and foreigners from joining political parties. Suu Kyi is currently serving an 18-month house detention sentence, which is set to expire in October, unless it is extended by Myanmar’s ruling military junta.
At present, Suu Kyi still heads the National League for Democracy (NLD) opposition party despite her imprisonment, but under the new law, the NLD would need to drop her from its membership rolls to be allowed to contest the polls.(Agencies)

UAE continues to be top tea re-exporter in world
Dubai: The UAE is the top tea re-exporter of the world for the year 2009, and is set to retain the top position it reached in 2004, according statistics. The indicators affirm that the UAE continues to play a key role in the international tea trade due to its unique geographic location and provision of competitive logistic and storage services, particularly through the Dubai Tea Trading Center (DCTT) in Jebel Ali Free Zone, one of the most important international tea re-export hubs.
The UAE is a major intermediary for tea production centers and consumer markets. It provides added value to the industry through several centers, the most important of which is the DCTT. Reporting to the Dubai Multi-Commodities Center, DTTC was established in 2005 in a strategic location near Dubai’s seaports in order to provide facilities for all international producers and purchasers. It maintains a central facility for storing, mixing and packaging tea as well as a dedicated office for tea companies and special units such as ‘The Tasting Unit’ which sorts different types of tea. DTTC imports tea from 35 Asian and African countries. It is one of main re-export hubs in the world, storing tea for the 13 tea-producing countries of Kenya, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Nepal, China, and Iran. (Agencies)

Steel prices may rise next fiscal
New Delhi: Steel prices in the country are set to go up on account of rising input costs and demand for the commodity, an industry expert said here on Wednesday. “Cost of raw material, including iron ore and coking coal is expected to go up by 25-30 per cent in the next financial year from the current level putting pressure on steel makers to pass on the burden to consumers,” Tata Steel Chief of Procurement Amitabh Panda told reporters. Unlike the West, where steel demand is still recovering from the impact of the economic slowdown, he said, in India, steel producers would be able to pass on the input cost pressure to the consumers as off-takes are steadily growing. “Indian steel producers have to price their products higher in the next fiscal,” Panda added.
He further said the rising raw material costs are of “huge concern for bottom lines” of domestic steel firms and the 8-9 per cent growth in steel consumption would help ease pressure on manufacturers’ margins. (Agencies)
 
FII net inflow in equities crosses $2 b
New Delhi: The strong post-budget rally has seen the net inflow from foreign institutional investors crossing the $2-billion-mark so far this year. An analysis of the net FII fund flow into the domestic equities shows that overseas investors have parked a hefty $2.02 billion (Rs 9,189 crore) in the domestic stocks as on March 9. As per the latest data available with the capital market regulator Sebi, foreign institutional investors have been gross purchasers of equities worth Rs 1,20,128 crore so far this year, while they sold stocks valued at Rs 1,10,938.7 crore, resulting in a net inflow of Rs 9,189.60 crore. Market men said the positive aspects of the budget 2011 helped to woo foreign fund into the domestic bourses. (Agencies)
 
India, Sri Lanka sign $67.4 m Line of Credit
Colombo: India and Sri Lanka on Wednesday signed a Line of Credit agreement for $67.4 million to fund the second phase of upgradation of the Southern Railway Line from Colombo to Matara.
A statement by the Indian mission here said that the agreement was signed by P. B. Jayasundera, Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Planning, and Prabhakar Dalal, Executive Director, Export-Import Bank of India, in the presence of Ashok K. Kantha, the High Commissioner of India in Colombo. The Government of India, through the Export-Import Bank of India, had earlier provided $100 million Line of Credit under an agreement signed in July 2008.
The implementation of the first phase of the upgradation of the Southern Railway Line is now ongoing. The upgradation project includes supply of materials for rail track rehabilitation from Colombo to Matara and execution of work for rail track rehabilitation from Kalutara to Matara, which is being implemented by IRCON (I) Ltd. In addition, the Line of Credit is being used for supply of 20 sets of diesel multiple units (DMUs), three units of locomotives, spare parts for the existing M8 class locomotives, supply of plant and machinery for maintenance of existing DMUs and construction of maintenance sheds at Aluthgama, Galle and Colombo by RITES India Ltd.
The upgradation project would allow the trains to travel on the Colombo-Matara sector at speeds up to 100 kmph. (Agencies)
 
IT hardware output up 43 per cent to Rs 94,690 cr
New Delhi: The domestic electronics hardware production has grown 43 per cent to Rs 94,690 crore in 2008-09 from Rs 66,000 crore in 2006-07, Communication and IT Minister A Raja said. While addressing a meeting of the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Communication & IT, Raja said IT and ITeS exports have also grown by about 50 per cent to US$47.1 billion from from US$31.3 billion in the same period. While electronics hardware production registered a growth of 12.1 per cent in 2008-09, IT and ITES exports registered a growth of 16.6 per cent in the same year.
Electronics hardware production and IT and ITES exports stood at 27.8 per cent and 29.4 per cent respectively in 2007-08. He noted that despite global recession, Indian IT, ITeS and electronics hardware industries continued to grow during 2008-09. The meeting of the Consultative Committee was attended by Lok Sabha members P K Biju, S D Mandlik, Shivraj Singh Lodhi and Vinay Kumar Pandey Vinnu. (Agencies)
 
Government not to sell stake in IOC, ONGC
New Delhi: The government has no immediate plans to sell stake in state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) and Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Petroleum Secretary S. Sundareshan said.Both ONGC and IOC had opposed follow-on public offers (FPOs) as ambiguous fuel pricing was affecting their valuations. “There is no serious consideration on ONGC and IOC FPOs at this juncture,” he told reporters here on Wednesday.
The Disinvestment Department had in December sought the oil ministry’s comments on “public offerings from the government’s shareholding” in ONGC and IOC. The Oil Ministry, however, was of the view that raising funds from the capital market was not prudent till issues like fuel pricing and subsidies, which were affecting share prices of ONGC and IOC, were resolved.
“This is not the correct market time anyway,” he said. The government does not allow IOC and other retailers BPCL and HPCL to sell petrol, diesel, LPG and kerosene at a price in line with the cost and has also failed to compensate them fully for revenues lost. Both ONGC and IOC favoured debt route to raise money in view of the uncertainties plaguing their valuations. (Agencies)
 
Akhil gunning for Commonwealth gold
New Delhi: Determined to end his medal drought at the international level, Olympian Akhil Kumar today asserted that he will be gunning for gold at the 5th Commonwealth Boxing Championships to be held here from March 12. The pugilist from Haryana, who started his international career at the bantamweight (54 kg) category, has been struggling to recapture his form ever since he switched to the 56 kg category after the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
''There is only one medal and only one target for me, that is the gold,'' Akhil told UNI on the sidelines of the Indian squad's practice session at the newly renovated Talkatora Stadium here. ''All the boys have been practicising very hard and I am focussed on winning the gold medal,'' he added. Talking of the other medals prospects for India, Akhil was confident that the hosts will dominate the competition and will aim a clean sweep in all the weight categories that they are competing in.
''There are so many good boxers in the team. All of them are confident of winning medals. Our coach Mr Sandhu was saying all 10 of us will win gold medals. However, as a senior player, I can assure you that we will win at least 4 gold medals,'' he stated. The experienced boxer, who won the bantamweight gold at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006, asserted that he is not feeling any pressure inspite of the added pressure of playing front of his home crowd and the increased level of media attention.
''I have been boxing for for around a decade. Now I don't pay any attention to the hype or media attention before a fight. There can be only two results - win or lose- the rest is immaterial,'' he stated. Praising the facilities at the renovated Talkatora Stadium - the venue of the event - Akhil felt that the stadium should have been made accescible to the Indian boxers much earlier, which would have helped them to maximise their home advantage. But he felt that the home crowd will egg on the Indian boxers to give their best. ''For me home ground is the Chhatrasal Stadium or the NIS in Patiala where we train. This stadium is still new for us. But the home crowd will be an added motivation,'' he remarked.
 
Touch of glamour at
Commonwealth Boxing Championship
New Delhi: Trying to grab eyeballs amid the Indian Premier League frenzy and the hockey World Cup, the fifth Commonwealth Boxing Championship organisers are planning to add a dash of glamour to the event with colourful opening and closing ceremonies featuring cheerleaders and pop singers. The event kicks off tomorrow at the Talkatora Stadium and the Indian Boxing Federation's marketing agent Percept is planning to add a touch of entertainment to the event to pull in the crowds.
We are keeping our fingers crossed for a good response because the IPL will start and the hockey World Cup matches are also on. We have planned a colourful ceremony to start the event and hopefully it will help bring in the crowds. We will entertain the people and hopefully that would make the event a hit," said Percept's MD Shailendra Singh. The IPL starts tomorrow in Mumbai and hockey World Cup's final stages are currently on at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
Shailendra said the tickets for the Commonwealth Championship have already gone on sale and the response has not been too bad. "The tickets are available online and we are tying up with multiplex chain of PVR too. The response has not been too bad and hopefully it would catch up once the Indians start wining," he said.
IBF Secretary General P K Muraldharan Raja and Olympic and World Championship bronze medallist Vijender Singh too hoped for a good response from the Delhiites.
"Come to watch the bouts, we will not disappoint you," said Vijender. Meanwhile, the technical delegates who are here for the event seemed satisfied with the preparations. "Our job has been made easier by the good preparations. Hopefully the Indian boxers will do well," said Irish delegate Pat McCrory. "It's a dry run for the Commonwealth Games and the venue looks fantastic," added another delegate Raymond Silvas. (Agencies)
 
India-Pakistan federations agree to resume hockey series
New Delhi: Hockey India and the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) have agreed in principle to resume bilateral test series between the two countries. HI secretary general Narinder Batra and his Pakistani counterpart Asif Bajwa have decided to also have series between the women and juniors. Pakistan and India suspended bilateral hockey series in 2006 and there was no contact between the two team bilaterally after the terrorist attacks in Mumbai in November 2008, when India refused to send their junior team to Pakistan raising security concerns. In a tit-for-tat, Pakistan pulled out of the four-nation tournament in Chandigarh. The proposed series will involve, men, women and juniors on a home and away basis. The two federations have also decided to allow players to play in the domestic league in the two countries and also start an eight team double leg sub-continental league to be played in the two countries on the lines of the Champions League Soccer in Europe. Initially, four teams from each country will play.
It was also decided to have an exchange of umpires and technical officials. Both the Federations have resolved to promote the sport in the region. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed shortly at Lahore. (Agencies)
 
Indian women falter at final hurdle; men settle for bronze
New Delhi: Indian compound archers had to be content with the silver (women) and bronze (men) medals respectively in the Team championships of the Invitational World Archery Championships at the Yamuna Sports complex here today. While England bagged both the gold medals in team championships, Indian women finished ahead of their male counterparts at the second spot. The men's team had to be content with the bronze after going down to eventual winners England in the semifinals by narrow margin. Though the Indian female trio of Vrushale Gorle, Gagandeep Kaur and Namita Yadav amassed scores of 222 points, the same as eventual winners England, they lost T25-T30.
The third position among the women was claimed by Malaysia (217). The Indian men's team comprising Isaiad Rajender Sanam, Chungda Sherpa and Chinna Raju Srithar claimed the third spot by defeating Wales 224-206. Malaysia bagged the silver medal in the event.Teams from Bangladesh, England, Wales, Singapore, Malaysia, Jersey, Sri Lanka, Scotland, New Zealand are in fray for the five-day tournament, which started on March 9. (Agencies)
 
Saurav, Dipika in mixed doubles final of Chennia Open squash
Chennai: Third-seeded Saurav Ghosal and Dipika Palikal kept their composure to beat Alan Clyne and Frania Gillen of Scotland 9-11, 11-6, 11-8 in 48 minutes to enter the mixed doubles final of the Chennai Open squash doubles championship here Wednesday. In the final Thursday, the Indian pair takes on top seeds Mohd. Ali Anwar Reda of Egypt and Rachael Grinham of Australia, who defeated England's Chris Simpson and Jenny Duncalf 9-11, 11-6, 11-5.
Other results (semi-finals):
Men's Doubles: Jonathan Kemp (Eng)/Stephen Coppinger (South Africa) bt Saurav Ghosal/Harinder Pal Sandhu (India) 5-11,11-10,11-9; Harry Leitch/Alan Clyne (Sco) bt Chris Small/Lyall Paterson (Sco) 11-7,11-3.
Women's Doubles: Jenny Duncalf (Eng)/Rachael Grinham (Aus) bt Dipika Palikal/Joshna Chinappa 11-9,11-9; Donna Urquhart/Kasey Brown (Aus) bt Jaclyn Hawekes (NZ)/Samantha Teran (Mex) 11-6,11-7. (Agencies)
 
Kuznetsova aims for French Open lift at Indian Wells
Indian Wells: Having finally broken her French Open jinx last year, Svetlana Kuznetsova is banking on a similar breakthrough at the Indian Wells WTA tournament where she has twice finished runner-up.
Russian Kuznetsova is the number one seed for the high-profile event in the California desert and she has targeted a 13th WTA Tour title to bury memories of a stuttering start to this season. "I prepared pretty well for this year and I know I am playing well but I need some matches to get myself going," Kuznetsova told reporters at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
"So far, this year has not been very nice. I think I overdid my weight training and it was so hard for me to move at the start of this season." The Russian world number three has advanced no further than the fourth round in her three WTA appearances this year and she blamed her fitness coach for an excessive lifting programme during the off-season.
"My (fitness) coach was wrong so I have switched coaches again," Kuznetsova said. "I didn't think I was supposed to do all that and for me to bring up my speed this season was hard. "So I am working a lot on speed now. For me, without movement, it's pretty hard to play." Kuznetsova is making her seventh appearance this week at Indian Wells where she was runner-up in 2007 and 2008. (Agencies)
 
 
 

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