Thapa in quarters, Suranjoy out of Olympic qualifiers

Posted on: 08 Apr 2012

Astana : Indian boxers suffered a major set-back after the vastly talented Suranjoy Singh (52kg) lost his pre-quarterfinal bout to old nemesis Nyambayar Tugstsogt of Mongolia in the Asian Olympic Qualifying event here Saturday.

Suranjoy's dreams to represent India in the 2012 London Games are all but over as Nyambayar once again proved to be a difficult adversary for the Indian to beat. The Mongolian boxer, who now has a three-nil record against Suranjoy seemed to be in exceptional form and got the better of Singh by a fair margin.

However, 2010 Youth Olympic Games silver medallist Shiva Thapa (56kg) kept alive his Olympics dreams as he advanced to the quarterfinals of the tournament. Thapa, who beat Afghan boxer Mohmmad Khaiber Nooristani, became the fourth Indian pugilist to have secured a spot in the quarters of the qualification tournament.

The Indian boxer took a crucial three point advantage in the very first round. The nimble footed Thapa, with his all-round ring movement and crisp attacks, kept increasing the margin, never allowing the Afghan boxer to get back in the bout.

By the close of the second round, Thapa had made it a five-point game. He went on to claim victory and a spot in the round of eight with a final score of 15-7.

The 18-year-old Thapa will square off against veteran boxer and 2010 Asian Games winner Worapoj Petchkoon of Thailand Monday. Thapa will have to be at his best to put one past the experienced Thai boxer.

With three slots available in the 56kg weight division, Thapa will not just have to make it to the semi-finals, but might also have to battle it out in a play-off bout to book his ticket to the London games.

Later in the day, Suranjoy paid the price of being too defensive. Nyambayar made full use of the psychological advantage over Suranjoy and took the game away from the Indian boxer.

From the beginning of the bout, Suranjoy was made to defend more than he could attack - and the aggressive approach of the Mongolian paid off. The 2010 Asian Games bronze medallist was completely out of sorts and could not find his natural rhythm. He was down four points after the first round (2:6) and by nine points at the end of the second (15:6). Suranjoy's campaign at the Asian Qualifiers came to an end with a 10:30 loss.

Beijing Olympic bronze medal winner Vijender Singh (75kg) will be seen in action in the quarterfinals of the middle weight division Sunday. The 26-year-old, who is now just one win away from securing an Olympic berth, will lock horns with 2011 Asian championship silver medallist Chuluuntumur Tumurkhyag of Mongolia.

Thapa in quarters, Suranjoy out of Olympic qualifiers

Posted on: 08 Apr 2012

Astana : Indian boxers suffered a major set-back after the vastly talented Suranjoy Singh (52kg) lost his pre-quarterfinal bout to old nemesis Nyambayar Tugstsogt of Mongolia in the Asian Olympic Qualifying event here Saturday.

Suranjoy's dreams to represent India in the 2012 London Games are all but over as Nyambayar once again proved to be a difficult adversary for the Indian to beat. The Mongolian boxer, who now has a three-nil record against Suranjoy seemed to be in exceptional form and got the better of Singh by a fair margin.

However, 2010 Youth Olympic Games silver medallist Shiva Thapa (56kg) kept alive his Olympics dreams as he advanced to the quarterfinals of the tournament. Thapa, who beat Afghan boxer Mohmmad Khaiber Nooristani, became the fourth Indian pugilist to have secured a spot in the quarters of the qualification tournament.

The Indian boxer took a crucial three point advantage in the very first round. The nimble footed Thapa, with his all-round ring movement and crisp attacks, kept increasing the margin, never allowing the Afghan boxer to get back in the bout.

By the close of the second round, Thapa had made it a five-point game. He went on to claim victory and a spot in the round of eight with a final score of 15-7.

The 18-year-old Thapa will square off against veteran boxer and 2010 Asian Games winner Worapoj Petchkoon of Thailand Monday. Thapa will have to be at his best to put one past the experienced Thai boxer.

With three slots available in the 56kg weight division, Thapa will not just have to make it to the semi-finals, but might also have to battle it out in a play-off bout to book his ticket to the London games.

Later in the day, Suranjoy paid the price of being too defensive. Nyambayar made full use of the psychological advantage over Suranjoy and took the game away from the Indian boxer.

From the beginning of the bout, Suranjoy was made to defend more than he could attack - and the aggressive approach of the Mongolian paid off. The 2010 Asian Games bronze medallist was completely out of sorts and could not find his natural rhythm. He was down four points after the first round (2:6) and by nine points at the end of the second (15:6). Suranjoy's campaign at the Asian Qualifiers came to an end with a 10:30 loss.

Beijing Olympic bronze medal winner Vijender Singh (75kg) will be seen in action in the quarterfinals of the middle weight division Sunday. The 26-year-old, who is now just one win away from securing an Olympic berth, will lock horns with 2011 Asian championship silver medallist Chuluuntumur Tumurkhyag of Mongolia.

Blast in Assam refinery, ULFA claims responsibility

Posted on: 08 Apr 2012

Guwahati: An explosion rocked a refinery in Assam Saturday evening. No casualties have been reported so far, police said.

The banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has sent an email to media offices in which it claimed responsibility for the blast at the Numaligarh Refinery Limited in Golaghat district of Upper Assam. The refinery is a group company of the public-sector Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited

Saturday (April 7) is the anniversary of ULFA's Raising Day and the banned group had warned of major disruptive activities across Assam to mark the day.

Blast in Assam refinery, ULFA claims responsibility

Posted on: 08 Apr 2012

Guwahati: An explosion rocked a refinery in Assam Saturday evening. No casualties have been reported so far, police said.

The banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has sent an email to media offices in which it claimed responsibility for the blast at the Numaligarh Refinery Limited in Golaghat district of Upper Assam. The refinery is a group company of the public-sector Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited

Saturday (April 7) is the anniversary of ULFA's Raising Day and the banned group had warned of major disruptive activities across Assam to mark the day.

AAA

'Titanic 3D' more magnificent after 15 years

07 Apr 2012

'Titanic 3D'; Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet and Billy Zane; Director: James Cameron; Rating: **** 1/2

Since 'Titanic' originally released in 1997, the first question that comes to one's mind is of reasons to 'revisit' the film. The second question is about a film that may have won maximum Oscars, but whether 3D is good enough reason to not buy a DVD instead?

Vivacious Jack (DiCaprio) travelling third class on Titanic falls for the beautiful but lonely Rose (Winslet). As the ship hits an iceberg, a battle for survival is waged even as the jealous, industrialist fiance Cal (Zane) bays for the blood of the two lovers.

Titanic, the film, as the ship in 1914, has become stuff of legends so it's pointless to recount the obvious. Let's try and see the invisible.

The most striking thing about 'Titanic' is the immaculate and almost painful detailing. Like Stanley Kubrick, James Cameron delights both the novice and discerning viewers with the detail in every door knob, every headgear, every marking on every china-plate and every expression on actors faces.

It is thus the mother of all disaster movies not because it is based on a real incident but because of this attention given to so much detail. That is perhaps the reason why, among many other probables, Titanic became first among the classics to gain a 3D restoration.

The already immaculate detailing is enhanced by 3D, increasing engagement and thus the viewer's experience.

Beyond its technology though, 'Titanic' is literally a masterpiece of metaphors. The most obvious and overarching is that of the class segregation in society. Titanic becomes a microcosm of our planet earth and its social, structural divisions.

Even physically the ship represents a class pyramid, with the majority in the lower decks filled with the have-nots, aspirational class forming the base while the higher decks of rich, hedonist and have-all class forming the pyramid's small but affluent, tip. Cameron scathingly points out the hypocrisy of the latter even as he celebrates the giving, caring and sacrificial spirits of the lower class.

'Titanic' is also a very feminist film. Set at a time where women were thought to be nothing better than decorative pieces, it pits two perspective: one where the woman has everything physically at the cost of her freedom and the second where she may not have any worldly riches but has love, beauty and freedom. Rose vacillates between the two perspectives, till finally going with her 'heart'.

Thus the story of 'Titanic' might seem linear and juvenile, but like his later film 'Avatar' Cameron hides layers and layers inside its deceptively simple, sugar-coated shell. And though the acting of our lead pair may not be up there, but their chemistry and youthful and innocent exuberance carries the film through.

Oscar-winning producer of Titanic Jon Landau had told IANS two week back when he was in India to promote the film, that James Cameron had himself supervised every one of the nearly half a million frames that had to be converted to 3D and $18 million and over a year spent in the same. The effort shows as 3D enhances the brilliant detailing, adding an extra shine to an already bright film.

In 1997 people had gone to watch 'Titanic' multiple times. Watch it in 3D on the large screen - on the 100th anniversary of the ship's sinking - and you'll go see it another time for the magic is not only still there, but is enhanced by 3D.

AAA

'Titanic 3D' more magnificent after 15 years

07 Apr 2012

'Titanic 3D'; Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet and Billy Zane; Director: James Cameron; Rating: **** 1/2

Since 'Titanic' originally released in 1997, the first question that comes to one's mind is of reasons to 'revisit' the film. The second question is about a film that may have won maximum Oscars, but whether 3D is good enough reason to not buy a DVD instead?

Vivacious Jack (DiCaprio) travelling third class on Titanic falls for the beautiful but lonely Rose (Winslet). As the ship hits an iceberg, a battle for survival is waged even as the jealous, industrialist fiance Cal (Zane) bays for the blood of the two lovers.

Titanic, the film, as the ship in 1914, has become stuff of legends so it's pointless to recount the obvious. Let's try and see the invisible.

The most striking thing about 'Titanic' is the immaculate and almost painful detailing. Like Stanley Kubrick, James Cameron delights both the novice and discerning viewers with the detail in every door knob, every headgear, every marking on every china-plate and every expression on actors faces.

It is thus the mother of all disaster movies not because it is based on a real incident but because of this attention given to so much detail. That is perhaps the reason why, among many other probables, Titanic became first among the classics to gain a 3D restoration.

The already immaculate detailing is enhanced by 3D, increasing engagement and thus the viewer's experience.

Beyond its technology though, 'Titanic' is literally a masterpiece of metaphors. The most obvious and overarching is that of the class segregation in society. Titanic becomes a microcosm of our planet earth and its social, structural divisions.

Even physically the ship represents a class pyramid, with the majority in the lower decks filled with the have-nots, aspirational class forming the base while the higher decks of rich, hedonist and have-all class forming the pyramid's small but affluent, tip. Cameron scathingly points out the hypocrisy of the latter even as he celebrates the giving, caring and sacrificial spirits of the lower class.

'Titanic' is also a very feminist film. Set at a time where women were thought to be nothing better than decorative pieces, it pits two perspective: one where the woman has everything physically at the cost of her freedom and the second where she may not have any worldly riches but has love, beauty and freedom. Rose vacillates between the two perspectives, till finally going with her 'heart'.

Thus the story of 'Titanic' might seem linear and juvenile, but like his later film 'Avatar' Cameron hides layers and layers inside its deceptively simple, sugar-coated shell. And though the acting of our lead pair may not be up there, but their chemistry and youthful and innocent exuberance carries the film through.

Oscar-winning producer of Titanic Jon Landau had told IANS two week back when he was in India to promote the film, that James Cameron had himself supervised every one of the nearly half a million frames that had to be converted to 3D and $18 million and over a year spent in the same. The effort shows as 3D enhances the brilliant detailing, adding an extra shine to an already bright film.

In 1997 people had gone to watch 'Titanic' multiple times. Watch it in 3D on the large screen - on the 100th anniversary of the ship's sinking - and you'll go see it another time for the magic is not only still there, but is enhanced by 3D.

AAA

Tonia to play third Bond Girl in `Skyfall`

08 Apr 2012

Los Angeles: The upcoming 007 film 'Skyfall' has added Greek actress-model Tonia Sotiropoulou as the flamboyant agent`s girl besides actresses Berenice Marlohe and Naomie Harris.

Sotiropoulou was originally auditioned to play Berenice Marlohe`s character Severine, but director Sam Mendes reconsidered her to play another female character which will appear in an Istanbul scene, reported Ace Showbiz.

Sotiropoulou herself has confirmed the news on her Facebook page as writing, 'Dear friends I officially announce I got a part in J Bond new film. Turkey here I come! Thank you all for your love and support! This is officially the happiest day of my life.'

The brunette beauty will appear in the beginning of the movie which is set in Istanbul. She is scheduled to begin filming on April 22 in Turkey, where she will shoot two or three scenes over five days.

'Skyfall' will bring back Daniel Craig as the MI6 agent after tackling the prestigious role in 'Casino Royale' and 'Quantum of Solace'. Joining the British actor in the cast ensemble are Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Albert Finney and Ralph Fiennes.

AAA

Tonia to play third Bond Girl in `Skyfall`

08 Apr 2012

Los Angeles: The upcoming 007 film 'Skyfall' has added Greek actress-model Tonia Sotiropoulou as the flamboyant agent`s girl besides actresses Berenice Marlohe and Naomie Harris.

Sotiropoulou was originally auditioned to play Berenice Marlohe`s character Severine, but director Sam Mendes reconsidered her to play another female character which will appear in an Istanbul scene, reported Ace Showbiz.

Sotiropoulou herself has confirmed the news on her Facebook page as writing, 'Dear friends I officially announce I got a part in J Bond new film. Turkey here I come! Thank you all for your love and support! This is officially the happiest day of my life.'

The brunette beauty will appear in the beginning of the movie which is set in Istanbul. She is scheduled to begin filming on April 22 in Turkey, where she will shoot two or three scenes over five days.

'Skyfall' will bring back Daniel Craig as the MI6 agent after tackling the prestigious role in 'Casino Royale' and 'Quantum of Solace'. Joining the British actor in the cast ensemble are Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Albert Finney and Ralph Fiennes.

PM meets Zardari, says will visit Pak at convenient time

Posted on: 08 Apr 2012

New Delhi : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday said he had 'very constructive and friendly exchange of views' on all bilateral issues with Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and was 'very satisfied' with the outcome of the talks. He also said he would visit Pakistan 'on a mutually convenient date'

'President Zardari and I have had a very constructive and friendly exchange of views on all bilateral issues, which affect relations between India and Pakistan,' he said after 40 minutes of talks ahead of his luncheon with Zardari at his 7, Race Course Road residence.

'President Zardari is on a private visit and I have taken advantage this visit to discuss all the bilateral issues. And I am very satisfied with the outcome of this visit,' Manmohan Singh said.

He said Zardari has invited him to Pakistan. 'I would be very happy to visit Pakistan on a mutually convenient date.'

The last time a visit was broached, during Manmohan Singh's meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul March 27, the prime minister had said he would do so only if something 'solid' was achievable.

Manmohan Singh said the two sides had a common desire to normalise relations.

'The relations between India and Pakistan should become normal that's our common desire. We have a number of issues and we are willing to find a practical, pragmatic solution to all those issues, and that's the message that President Zardari and I would wish to convey,' he added.

Zardari termed the talks as 'very fruitful'.

'We will like to have better relations with India. We have spoken about every issue we could have,' he said after the talks.

As the two leaders spoke, Zardari's son Bilawal, the chairman of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party, stood behind them. While Zardari wore a dark suit, Manmohan Singh was dressed in his usual kurta-churidar and a grey Nehru jacket. Bilawal wore a black Pathani suit.

Zardari landed in Delhi around noon. He is accompanied by a delegation that includes Interior Minister Rehman Malik and other officials.

After lunch with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Zardari will fly to Jaipur in a special aircraft from where he will leave for Ajmer to offer prayers at the Sufi shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti.

PM meets Zardari, says will visit Pak at convenient time

Posted on: 08 Apr 2012

New Delhi : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday said he had 'very constructive and friendly exchange of views' on all bilateral issues with Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and was 'very satisfied' with the outcome of the talks. He also said he would visit Pakistan 'on a mutually convenient date'

'President Zardari and I have had a very constructive and friendly exchange of views on all bilateral issues, which affect relations between India and Pakistan,' he said after 40 minutes of talks ahead of his luncheon with Zardari at his 7, Race Course Road residence.

'President Zardari is on a private visit and I have taken advantage this visit to discuss all the bilateral issues. And I am very satisfied with the outcome of this visit,' Manmohan Singh said.

He said Zardari has invited him to Pakistan. 'I would be very happy to visit Pakistan on a mutually convenient date.'

The last time a visit was broached, during Manmohan Singh's meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul March 27, the prime minister had said he would do so only if something 'solid' was achievable.

Manmohan Singh said the two sides had a common desire to normalise relations.

'The relations between India and Pakistan should become normal that's our common desire. We have a number of issues and we are willing to find a practical, pragmatic solution to all those issues, and that's the message that President Zardari and I would wish to convey,' he added.

Zardari termed the talks as 'very fruitful'.

'We will like to have better relations with India. We have spoken about every issue we could have,' he said after the talks.

As the two leaders spoke, Zardari's son Bilawal, the chairman of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party, stood behind them. While Zardari wore a dark suit, Manmohan Singh was dressed in his usual kurta-churidar and a grey Nehru jacket. Bilawal wore a black Pathani suit.

Zardari landed in Delhi around noon. He is accompanied by a delegation that includes Interior Minister Rehman Malik and other officials.

After lunch with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Zardari will fly to Jaipur in a special aircraft from where he will leave for Ajmer to offer prayers at the Sufi shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti.