February 11^th and 12^th ,2012 will witness the final battle between the dynamic teams for the coveted title. The enthusiastic team players are keeping no stone unturned in making this match colossal in every sense of the word, What is making it all the more exciting is the whooping amount of Rs. 1,00,000 to be distributed for the victorious team. Also, a sum of Rs. 50,000 kept aside for the runner-up team is making it a gruelling action. The spirit, vigour, passion and thumping action for the biggest eSports Gaming League is worth keeping an eye on. As quoted by the Co-Founder of Play Factory, Bhavya Parekh, ”Playoffs is not just a world-class eSport Event but it has added a whole new dimension for the gaming community in India”.

The first game that took place on last Saturday was a day to remember for Colossal Damage as they not only emerged victorious against United5 but also against the best team in the league, ATE. The team United5 not only came down to the number five spot but it also failed to secure a position among the top three teams. However, teams FTW and A4D ensured a place among the top teams through their winning performances.

With all the top four teams of ATE, FTW, A4D and Colossal Damage all aiming for the numero uno position, this match sure is going to be irrestible to miss out on.

Stay updated and check out all the live video action on : http://clubpf.tk

About Play Factory:

Play Factory (erstwhile NRG Gaming) has, over the last 7 years, emerged as the solitary, consolidated platform for all brands to showcase technology, products and promotions to Game Developers and Publishers, Hardware Manufacturers, International Leagues and Championships, Game and Hardware Reviewers, Professional and Casual Gamers, and also Brands & Media looking to engage with this exciting and fast growing Community. 

Novak Djokovic remains unbeaten in 2011

Abu Dhabi seemed to be lucky for Djokovic. In an interview he had quoted that the atmosphere at the place was very nice, Earlier he had also quoted that he was very well prepared for the match. “ 2011 has been undoubtedly the best session of my year and as I was saying before, it was a result of the hard work that I put in before for many years, and the experience that I got in playing at the top level over the last few years that I used this year” said a confident Djokovic.

With a very good end to the session with 70-5 win loss record including 10 ATP titles, the 24 year old has shown some good performance in 2011, He is looking forward to the Australian open where he wishes to remain undefeated. Djokovic will have to face a tough battle against Federer, Nadal, and Murray. Federer seemed to be in a good form after having won three consecutive ATP titles but two consecutive losses against Djokovic and Nadal in the event would make things tough for him. After having settled for 3^rd spot in the exhibition event, Nadal will also try to make a comeback.

The Australian open seems to bring some exciting matches for the viewers. It will be a great moment for all the viewers to watch the champions take on one another. It will also be a chance for Nadal, Federer and Ferrer to grab the number one position but it will never be an easy takeover against Djokovic. He continues to remain a favourite.

What to expect from 2012: Test Cricket

England ended 2011 as the No. 1 test team while Sangakkara and Steyn were the No. 1 batsman and bowler respectively. A lot of promising young talent was spotted which will be put to test in the quest to dethrone the above mentioned in the following series:

India vs Australia (January)

With 3 tests remaining, the series offers a combination of young, fast bowlers from both sides with a promise to perform and experienced batsmen possibly playing for the last time against each other on Oz soil. Owing to their impeccable consistency and patience, the first test saw the fairly young Australian pace attack rattling the Indian defenses on numerous occasions. It will be interesting to see how the Indians cope up in the following tests, which may offer batsmen-friendly conditions. Also, the focus will be on the master’s much awaited 100^th ton.

South Africa vs Sri Lanka Final Test (January)

So far it has been South African Pace 1 Lankan Spin 1; the final test at Cape Town is surely going to be a beautiful sight, both inside and around the picturesque venue. The Lankans, still high from their maiden Test win on South African soil, will offer a tough challenge to the Proteas with their key players in form.

Pakistan vs England (January – February)

The inclusion of Monty Panesar might prove to be an important change in the 3-test series in Dubai. England will look to confirm their grip on the No.1 spot while Pakistan will have a few questions to ask of them.

New Zealand vs Zimbabwe Only Test (January)

The domestic season in Zimbabwe might have re-ignited the nation’s interest in the sport but they will want to make it big once again on the International Circuit.

New Zealand vs South Africa (March)

This 3 test series will be one to look out for with young talents like Doug Bracewell and Marchant de Lange on display. With New Zealand in form and South Africa just off from their home series against Sri Lanka, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.

Sri Lanka vs England (March)

It’s going to be a competition between the spin tanks of both sides. English players will have to adjust to the conditions before the Lankans bag the two matches, something they are capable of doing on their home soil.

West Indies vs Australia (April)

Without a series win against a strong pack in a long while, the Windies will be looking to better their record, when at home this time around. It’s going to be a strong test for them even though the Aussies are yet to find the right batting talent which would follow the ageing greats.

England vs West Indies (May)

The last series on home turf, England whitewashed India 4-0. The No. 1 test team would like to continue with that form when they welcome the West Indies side. It will be interesting to see if Sammy and co. can pull off an upset.

England vs South Africa (August)

The scorecards of the 2009/10 series in South Africa still suggest that it was one of the best test series played in recent times. The teams would be looking forward to create the same kind of magic, this time in England. Both the squads with promising talent and good balance make for an exciting tour (comprising of 3 tests).

India vs Sri Lanka (July – August)

The neighbors fight it out in Sri Lanka for dominance over the sub-continental region. Ajantha Mendis played spoil sport in the past for India, they will be itching to even things out.

New Zealand vs India (August – September)

Facing the Indians on home soil has been the toughest challenge to teams in the past; it will be no different for the Kiwis who will have to put on their best show to beat the Champions at home.

England vs India  (November – December)

The word’s Revenge. The humiliating 4-0 defeat will be on the back of their minds when the Indians host England towards the end of the year. English spinners will look to exploit the friendly conditions while it will be a batting paradise for the batsmen as is expected from most Indian pitches.

Clijsters wins her first match into the New Year

The scores after the match in Pat Rafter Arena, were: 6-1, 6-4 although it was hard to tell that Clijsters has not played the circuit since August of 2011 after falling victim to a series of injuries. She was satisfied with the way she played the first match. The start of a brand new year and a brand new win was just the kick that Clijsters would have been praying for prior to the match.

This was the ideal win as Clijsters defended her Australian Open win with a kick into a brand new year. She currently sits at fifth seed and Halep at 47th. She won her 4th grand slam in Melbourne last year however had to take away from playing due to ankle injuries, having to miss Wimbledon.

She confirmed after the match that her injuries were no longer troubling her.

She said that she was happy with her strong shots and agreed that her serves, which are not her strong suit, was a strength all throughout this game. Her next match may be either with world no1 Ana Ivanovic or Tamira Paszek of Australia, who play their opening match on Monday.

Third seed, Francesca Schiavone of Italy walked over through the second round after Ksenia Pervak retired with a headache.

Clijsters is not the only one making a comeback this season. Serena Williams is also returning to her left game with this tournament. Her last match was a defeat against Samantha Stosur in the US Open finals last September. Her first match will be on Monday against Chanelle Scheepers of South Africa. She has a good chance of facing Stosur in the semi finals.

In the men’s matches, Andy Murray begins his campaign on Tuesday playing his first match. So far, third seed Alexandr Dolgopolov from Ukraine won his match over Alejandro Falla of Colombia with a score of 7-6, 6-2.

So far the New Year has been exactly what both Clijsters and Dolgopolov were in anticipation for however there is still a waiting for all the other players and a whole tournament to be finished!

One on One – India Vs Australia

India has been the only side that has constantly challenged Australia home and away in Tests while they traversed the globe crushing every opponent. Twice in 2001 and 2007, Australia’s dream run of winning 16 tests on trot was stopped on their 17th attempt by Indian side that showed character to come back from behind to crack the Aussie juggernaut.

At this juncture, the tour can be a make or break for few individual players. Some of them are the biggest names in the game while others are in their initial steps. Here is a look into the Man to Man comparison of the squad that is likely to take field on the Boxing Day.

Openers

Both the side can boast of decent men at the top. India by reputation has the World’s best openers in them. Neither of Sehwag and Gambhir is in form in tests. Sehwag plundered 219 in his last innings and Australian tour has always been a high point. Gambhir is on his first tour and he is not in his best form. Yet the quality that he has, he can be expected to come good soon. Australia has a solid presence of Watson who has been their best batsmen in two years. But he is racing against time to get fit. Warner has proved that he belongs to the arena with fighting hundred against New Zealand and can give nightmare to the India’s young bowlers. In case of Watson being ruled out, the replacement in Hughes does not look good. The positive point for Australia is the familiarity of the conditions. In all, India has a slight edge among the Openers.

Middle Order

India has a solid middle order. Dravid is in form of his life. Tendulkar, on the verge of his Hundredth ton loves batting in Australia and Laxman has been Australia’s nemesis. Kohli and Rohit are fine young batsmen in form and have a great opportunity to cement their place in the side. The magnanimous experience of the trio before them gives them a great advantage. Dhoni can make some solid contribution too. Australia meanwhile, suffers in their middle order. Ponting is no longer a batsman to fear and Hussey looks awfully out of form. Shaun Marsh and Khawaja appear promising and Clarke is often forced to play single handed epic knocks since taking over the side. Haddin of late has not made any innings of substance barring the second innings fifty against South Africa. It can be matter of time before Ponting and Hussey find their groove but however, the possibilities are not too good at the moment. India holds a definite edge in the middle order, thanks to the Trio.

Wicket Keeper

Neither of Dhoni or Haddin can be called as very good keepers behind the stumps. Dhoni is coming from rare rest and is likely to be fresh. Haddin is having a torrid time before and behind the stumps. In terms of the quality, India has a slight edge.

Spinners

In Ashwin and Ojha, India has two promising youngsters coming from a successful series at home. The alien conditions will test them in a big way and it is going to be a great learning for the young spinners as they mature. Their performance will have a big say on the performance of Indian bowling unit. Australia too has a fresh face in Nathan Lyon but they still have been wounded by the absence of Warne, 4 years since the magician quit. Lyon will be tested by the Indian middle order which is at home against Spin. His backup from one of Beer, Hauritz, O’ Connor will not disturb the sleep of Indians either. Despite their inexperience, Indian spinners have an edge.

Fast Bowlers

Both the sides are missing their first choice pacers. India relies heavily on Zaheer Khan who has missed more matches than any in the side. He is coming from a long injury lay off and India’s performance in the series rests on his broad shoulders the most. In Zaheer can manage to play atleast three tests and find his rhythm, India is likely to retain the Border Gavaskar trophy. Ishanth made the headlines in the last tour but looks a partial half of the one who troubled Ponting. How he performs in conducive pitches will determine India’s series especially if Zaheer is missing. Umesh Yadav has made a promising start to his career and will enjoy bowling in pitches that will aid his pace and seam movement. The backup in Mithun and Vinay looks awful at best. Australia is missing the service of Harris, Bollinger, Johnson and Cummins. The current attack of Siddle, Starc and Pattinson looks good. Pattinson has been another of 2011’s famed debutants with terrific bowling against New Zeland. He can trouble the Indian batsmen with his pace and swing, and his performance is likely to bear an effect on the course of the series. Starc and Cutting have not been much tested internationally and this is their chance to make roads in their career. Hilfenhaus can be effective if he finds his foot. In all, Australia holds an edge in pace department.

Conclusion

Man to Man comparison keeps India ahead but cricket is not just about individuals. Dhoni and Clarke are smart skippers and Dhoni has a good experience in his pocket. How the teams fare will depend on the ability of Indian bowlers to adapt to the conditions and Australian batsmen to find form against an attack dented by the injuries. All in all, a strong contest is expected though the quality may be found wanting compared to the previous series between the two sides. Long Live the India Australia rivalry.

Sports and Music

English numbers have always been top in the preferences because it is just the linking language and global, however music has no language. Regional numbers can also be included if interested. The typical hard metal places itself in a comfortably top position, romantic numbers are not-so-sporty types! On juggling the playlists of many friends who indulge a lot in sports and couple of snippets on the cables I could just make out that music is not a hurdle for the performance, they rather prefer it.

Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” is one track which has a place in any playlist even remotely related to games. With no arguments, this track is the all-time best song for sports and workouts. However any stereotypical, monotonic tracks with chest-pumping raps and head-shaking beats makes into the playlist irrespective of its fame, say “Romantic Rights” is said to create a gust of adrenaline during workouts. The energy just rushes through the spine making your game better!

Some are game-specific. Rock for boxing, but not for aerobics- water aerobics though not-so-popular in India deserves a mention at this place, Shaggy’s “Oh Carolina” makes into the list of water sports and is also recommended that it is listened before or after the game. For the speed and the momentum, the BPM (beats per minute) matters, for fast workouts or the typical athlete practicing sessions  a wide spectrum of songs are available, the best of the best being Avril Lavinge’s “Girlfriend” or Justin Timberlake’s “Winner”. For a high BPM Whitesnake’s “Here I go Again” is a treat, so athletes lookout for these in your playlist!

Boxing is always an exception, the music has to trigger the fists and also zero-down the focus. The BPM for boxing hits somewhere in the range of 140. Besides these there are always some songs by default in the playlists which includes Shakira, Lady Gaga, Enrique and so on…

Hold- the Indian style of music, the “Desi” playlist for the sports champs are coming soon!

Roger Federer wins his 6th ATP Tour Finals

Federer had previously lost in the Wimbledon quarter-finals to Tsonga where the latter overcame a two set deficit to beat the Swiss in what when down as one of the greatest upsets ever. Federer wouldn’t have any of that this time around as he closed out the match in three sets. His only jittery moment came when Tsonga saved a match point with a forehand winner and converted it into a set-point, leveling the match at one set apiece.

The third set saw Federer play a clinical game as he won the set 6-3 and hence the match to script another victory in his 100th career final. Bringing up his 70th career victory, he has the best conversion rate considering the number of title matches he has been in. Federer has been the best player in the tournament so far after beating his nemesis Rafael Nadal in straight sets in the group matches.

It was his best moment in a ragged year for him as he was written off by one and all considering the poor performances so far. Luck hasn’t been on his side for the Swiss Champion as he was on the receiving end of a few tough matches but he silenced his critics with a powerful season ending. He said that, “I know it’s one of my greatest accomplishments. This definitely is an amazing finish again to the season. I’ve never finished so strong”.

Post his US Open loss, he took a two-week break which worked to his strength as he was able to sort out all the differences and focus on the game which he loves the most. The capacity crowd at London including the likes of Pippa Middleton, Cristiano Ronaldo and London Mayor Boris Johnson, saw Federer go past Ivan Lendl and Pete Sampras who had won 5 titles each at the ATP Finals previously. “I still don’t feel like I’m better than Pete Sampras or Lendl for that matter. I still believe they are (two) of the all time greats to play the game. I’m just happy to be compared to them”, Federer said.

Federer reaffirmed himself as the best indoors player ever as even Tsonga admitted that he played really quick and well and may even be the best player ever. ‘Fedex’ still has a lot of tennis left in him and he is all set to put the heart-breaking 2011 aside when he starts afresh in 2012 to reassert him as the Champion player that he is.

New look Australian side lacks the sting

Their batting looks more formidable than the bowling though all eyes appear to be on Ricky Ponting to see how he copes with the pressure of people calling for his head. Ponting though wants to reverse things as he feels that he still has the drive to play for his country. “I totally understand why I’m being asked the questions I’m being asked, but by the same token I believe I’m good enough, one, to be in the team and I’m good enough to win games for Australia. Hopefully in the next little bit I can start doing that again”, said Ponting.

David Warner is expected to open the batting with Phil Hughes as Ponting, Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin bolster the middle order. Shane Watson and Shaun Marsh are out with injuries and Haddin has been named as vice-captain in the absence of Watson. Marsh is ruled out till the Boxing Day game against India at the MCG later this year. Bowling at the Gabba is a difficult task and more emphasis seems to be on the young inexperienced attack that has been chosen.

Since the 1988 Pakistan tour, Australia has never selected a raw bowling attack with fewer than 126 wickets up their sleeve. Peter Siddle is set to spearhead the attack as Nathan Lyon and James Pattinson fill the other two slots. Local lad Ben Cutting and Mitchell Starc are in the running for the other place as Trent Copeland and Michael Beer have been left out from the squad that toured South Africa though they did not get much of an opportunity to prove themselves.

Starc has an imposing record at the Gabba with an average of 18.41 in that ground and Cutting has had an impressive outing with Queensland and can also bat decently. Teen sensation Pat Cummins has been rested to not overload the youngster and Pattinson has got another opportunity. “There’s going to be four real young bowlers, Peter Siddle is going to have to lead the attack for us, there’s no doubt about that. But it is going to be interesting, we’ve got to look at what’s going to be the best attack, and who’s bowling the best and gives us the most variation”, said coach Mickey Arthur.

The new policy has attracted criticism from former paceman Geoff Lawson who said that Cricket Australia have ‘undermined’ the baggy green cap. He also added that, “The failure of these people to admit they haven’t got it right is one of the biggest problems in Australian cricket”. Coach Arthur and Captain Michael Clarke have a huge task at hand and New Zealand is all set to use the off-field action to pull out a few surprises.

Manchester City salvage a point at Anfield

Aguero was looking increasingly dangerous as he beat Skrtel and Agger at the edge of the area but lost his footing at the wrong moment as both teams remained goalless. That would however change in a couple of minutes though as City first took the lead through a Vincent Kompany header. David Silva’s left foot cross was glanced into the far post by Kompany as Reina and the defenders could only watch helplessly.

Liverpool would strike back immediately though! Kompany’s weak clearance found Dirk Kuyt who squared it up for Charlie Adam to unleash a shot from distance as it took a big deflection of Lescott past Hart into the back of the net as the scores were level within 90 seconds after City had edged past in front. Liverpool almost immediately took the lead as Hart pulled off a fabulous save to keep put another Adam pile driver. Reina didn’t have much trouble keeping out Aguero’s low shot while Kuyt’s diving header was off target as the teams headed for the break.

If the first half was fascinating, the second half was even more fantastic. Hart made a good save to deny Downing as City tried to break the deadlock with the introduction of Balotelli for Nasri. Enrique shot over while Downing’s volley came tantalizingly close. With time ticking down, City were reduced to ten men as Balotelli was shown a second yellow for catching Skrtel on the face.

The extra man advantage showed as Liverpool continued to pile on the pressure while Hart continued to frustrate the home team, this time denying Suarez. It wasn’t all Liverpool though as Silva found himself one on one with Reina. He twisted left and then right as he beat the goalkeeper but it took a bit too long as his shot was comfortably saved off the line by Skrtel. Just seconds before the final whistle, Liverpool strung together their last attack as Carroll’s header was goalbound only to be denied by an acrobatic Hart that secured City a point and preserved their unbeaten start to the season.

Manchester United continue dropping points

Sir Alex Ferguson, who celebrated his 25^th anniversary last week at Old Trafford, opted for experience over youth as he slotted Ryan Giggs in a central midfield role alongside Michael Carrick which meant Rooney was restored to his preferred role of a striker alongside Hernandez, who was picked ahead of birthday boy Welbeck. Fabio was selected ahead of Smalling and Jones at right back while Ferdinand and Vidic took their places at the centre of defence.

United, who were already five points behind City, were in much need of all the three points and they started off the brighter team with Hernandez coming close on a couple of occasions. Newcastle, who were unbeaten until last week’s game against Manchester City, got their first decent effort when Steven Taylor’s chip found Demba Ba but the in-form striker’s shot was too weak to trouble De Gea. As rain lashed over Old Trafford, United’s attack got more and more menacing. Giggs collected a cross from Fabio but Krul palmed it away to safety before Hernandez got there. Hernandez had another shot saved by Krul before Nani shot over the top as both teams went into the break with the score reading 0-0.

United continued their flurry of attacks and rightly took the lead four minutes into the second half, albeit with a bit of fortune. Rooney volleyed back the ball into the box after his freekick rebounded off the wall. Steven Taylor’s clearance though cannoned off Hernandez and into the back of the net to give United the lead. The Red Devils almost doubled their lead minutes later after Hernandez and Fabio linked well on the right before the Brazilian shot high and wide.

It was turning out to be a riot until a rare Newcastle attack was stopped by a fine Ferdinand tackle in the box. The linesman though signaled it as a foul and the referee pointed to the spot much to the agitation of the United fans and players alike. Ba, Newcastle’s top scorer this season, stepped up to take the penalty and send De Gea the other way as Newcastle leveled the scores against the run of play. United raised their game to another level as Young just missed after Nani’s brilliant cross.

With 12 minutes left on the clock, Gutierrez was sent off after a he was shown a second yellow for a rash tackle on Nani as United continued to pressurize the Magpies in the dying minutes. Krul was the hero for the visitors as he stood tall to deny Vidic before pulling off an acrobatic save to keep out Evra’s left footed effort. Young’s low drive rebounded off the post while Hernandez’ header was spectacularly kept out by Simpson. Macheda could only head wide off a Giggs cross before Hernandez sent the United fans out of their seat with a tap-in off a Giggs cross. But the flag was up as Hernandez was marginally ruled off-side to keep the scores level and give Newcastle a well deserved point.

The draw meant City could extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points after their game at Anfield on Sunday while Newcastle will believe that they have a serious chance of qualifying for Europe as they sit in fourth position in the table, ahead of Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.