Hurley, Warne to wed soon?

Shane Warne and his girlfriend Elizabeth Hurley pose for a photograph on the field after England defeated India in the third cricket test match at Edgbaston cricket ground in Birmingham. PHOTO: REUTERS

LONDON: Actress Elizabeth Hurley and former cricketer Shane Warne are back together and they may soon get married.

The model-turned-actress and the cricketing legend parted ways just two years after getting engaged, with reports blaming their hectic schedules and long periods apart.

A source revealed that Hurley, 48, was hurt and angry after she found a mobile that Warne was packing for a trip to his native Australia, reports dailymail.co.uk.

“The row between them was a bad one after Elizabeth came across a mobile phone. When she took a look there were things which made her a bit suspicious – including some text messages to people she didn’t know,” a source said.

“But everything has been glossed over now – Elizabeth has forgiven him. They’re very happy as a couple and desperate to make things work,” the source added.

Sources close to the couple said that they are keen to get the plans for the big day finalised as soon as possible.

Representatives for Warne and Hurley declined to respond to the new claims.

Umar Sayeed makes Psyche accessible

Priced in the Rs45,000 to Rs72,000 bracket, Psyche is in a much more reasonable range than his expensive bridal collection. PHOTOS: PUBLICITY

KARACHI: Umar Sayeed is a well-known name in the world of fashion. The accomplished designer works on different lines: one is his intricate and expensive bridal collection; the second, his minimally-detailed label Umar Light; then, of course, is his designer lawn collection for Al-Karam Textiles; and last, but certainly not the least, is the wedding appropriate line titled Umar Psyche.

Launched about four years back, Psyche is available at multi-brand stores like Labels and the House of Ensemble. Due to its success, the Karachi-based designer also launched this collection at multi-label store Feathers located at The Forum, on Friday evening.

“People need to have a choice and know that we are not inaccessible,” says Umar. “I was looking for a new place for my outfits to stock and this was the best option available in town.”

Psyche offers ready-to-wear formal pieces that are appropriate for wedding festivities. With a heavy dose of zari, dabka and stone work, the outfits can be work at dholkis and mehendis this wedding season. The colour palette varies between dark shades like maroon and deep purple to lighter ocean blues. Even though many designers seem to be shifting towards straighter and more structured silhouettes, Umar keeps the traditional A-line flared cuts for Psyche. The flowy long shirts are paired with loose palazzos. The fashion presentation showcased halter cuts, voluminous shirts and worked panels in chiffon, banarsi and pure silk. Priced in the Rs45,000 to Rs72,000 bracket, Psyche is in a much more reasonable range than his expensive bridal collection.

Overall, however, the collection doesn’t seem to bring anything new to the table. But Umar insists that Psyche is different from his other collections. “The work and craftsmanship haven’t changed at all. You can say this line is as different as the Giorgio Armani line is to the Armani label.”

Multi-designer store Feathers showcases collections of 20 designers that include both popular designers like Mehdi and relatively lesser-known designers like Samar Mehdi. Umar Sayeed seems to be a great addition to its list. “At malls, we generally have expats who are visiting town and looking for outfits to buy for an upcoming wedding. It is indeed a good idea to launch him here,” says owner Eram Sheikh.

Sheikh adds that her store offers a range of items for young brides — from outfits to accessories including clutches and designer jewelry. The year-old store offers collections from both Karachi and Lahore-based designers.

Moonshine: Death in a bottle

Consumption of locally manufactured moonshine might be easy on the pocket but weighs down on your health. PHOTO: FILE

They meet every night and follow the same ritual: purchase liquor, clink glasses, compete boisterously to out-drink each other until the alcohol helps them drown into oblivion and then they stumble home at the end of the night. More than often, men who can’t afford to get their hands on Johnny Walker or Absolut Vodka consume cheap, low quality, locally produced alcohol on a regular basis, putting their life and health at a serious risk.

Commonly known as tharra or kacha sharab, this acidic, white moonshine tastes pleasant to the tongue, making it a popular choice. Most local liquor manufacturers claim that the methodology to produce this concoction was smuggled from India during the 1970s, when alcohol consumption and sale was banned in Pakistan. Initially it was just bottled whiskey that was snuck in by smugglers, but the cross-border migration eventually bought in those who knew how to make it as well. They were mostly immigrants from Kachh Bhuj and the Rajasthan area that brought the formula for making kacha sharab with them, which eventually spread all across the country.

The local version is a concoction of various low-priced ingredients such as gurrh (brown sugar), orange peel, acacia bark, paneer dodi (a medicinal herb botanically known as Withania Cougulans) and noshader (a type of inorganic salt). These ingredients are fermented in unhygienic conditions and sold in the market at a throwaway price of Rs300 a bottle, compared to the branded alcohol being sold through bootleggers and officially licensed shops, which costs nearly ten times more.

Not only is the local moonshine more affordable but its demand particularly shoots up during times of a shortage. Lapses in supply often open up space for counterfeit products to flood the market, with bootleggers tampering genuine alcohol with the local version to stretch inventory. But the cheap price tag conceals huge health hazards, as it is known to cause blindness and even lead to death.

The effects of consuming inferior quality liquor can take up to five days to become noticeable. If the heart or liver is damaged, the body releases SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase) into the blood. This may cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve, making it one of the most common after-effects of drinking adulterated alcohol. In December, 2011, two journalists in Karachi were blinded while three others lost their lives, after consuming dry gin that was spiked with moonshine, The Express Tribune reported. Instances like these are fairly common across the country but according to officials at government hospitals, monitoring the number of people who fall prey to the moonshine is difficult as families brush it under the carpet to avoid police investigation.

Decomposed ingredients are ready for fermentation

While most doctors lament the harmful effects of consuming this liquor and have deemed it unsuitable for human consumption, the manufacturers disagree. A local producer who has been involved in the business for the past 28 years claims that he is an expert at determining the quality of his product. He says that the test is simple. “You just take a matchstick and dip it into my sharab [liquor]. If the matchstick catches fire, it means the quality of this sharab is excellent and acceptable for buyers.” He further claims that the alcohol becomes even stronger, almost as good as wine, if bottled for a month.

Despite being banned, the production and sale of kacha sharab flourishes throughout the country, being far more prevalent in the countryside. While the usage is far more common among men, a small proportion of women are also known to be regular consumers.

According to the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime, drug and alcohol usage is becoming increasingly common in Pakistan. A report on drug usage launched during the Commission on Narcotic Drugs this year revealed that 5.8 percent of the population in Pakistan used drugs in the past 12 months.

Being addicted to substances is dangerous, but resorting to cheap substandard alternatives to satisfy those urges can be lethal. Hence, it is no surprise that in a country where almost a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line and peace of mind is scarce, what starts out as a cheap distraction for some, often culminates in death instead.

Recipe

To prepare one litre liquor

Old Gurrh                        1,000 grammes

Accacia bark                    500 grammes

Paneer dodi                     250 grammes

Noshader                         100 grammes

Orange                            250 grammes

Grapes, apple, sapodilla (chikoo), banana and fennel are occasionally used to give the liquor a distinct flavour.

Method to the madness

Old gurrh, acacia bark, paneer dodi, noshader and orange rind are placed in a clay jar (matka) and covered. The clay pot is placed in a pit in a way that half of it remains buried into the soil while the other half remains above the surface. The process exposes the jar’s contents to heat from the soil, allowing it to decompose. The decomposition takes about five to seven days, during which the manufacturer keeps checking regularly. Once the decomposition is complete, the mix is carefully removed from the clay pot and transferred into a metal container. The metal container is sealed and placed over fire, snuggled between two pots. The pot below serves as a bain marie while the pot of cold water placed above helps condense the vapour. The alcohol is then collected drop by drop using a pipe, and transferred into bottles.

English Premier League: Arsenal ready to challenge for trophies, says Wenger

"It was important to convince people we can win these big games. And that we did it in a convincing way is even more important," says Arsene Wenger. PHOTO: REUTERS

LONDON: Arsene Wenger is convinced his Arsenal side now possesses sufficient consistency to challenge for trophies at home and abroad.

Much has been made of the fact that the Gunners have not won anything since 2005 but, following Saturday’s 2-0 home victory over Liverpool, they are currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Their credentials are set for a thorough and instant testing however as on Wednesday they travel to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, having previously lost 2-1 at home to the Germans, and on Sunday they are back in Premier League action at reigning title-holders Manchester United.

“It was important to convince people we can win these big games,” said Wenger.

“And that we did it in a convincing way is even more important. I believe nobody would dispute that we deserved to win this game.

“We have have plenty of other big games coming up and this will help us to deal with them. It’s down to consistency and we have been consistent since the first of January 2013. Ten games and 25 points is a respectable number. The players know each other better and have improved individually and collectively.”

Santi Cazorla gave Arsenal a first-half lead before Aaron Ramsey made it 2-0 just before the hour mark with his 10th goal of a very impressive season.

Pellegrini revels in City’s magnificent seven

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini praised his team’s killer instinct as they condemned Norwich to a humiliating 7-0 defeat at Eastlands.

An own goal from Bradley Johnson set City on their way before David Silva, Matija Nastasic, Alvaro Negredo, Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko all got on the scoresheet.

“It was a really good performance. The team played really well during the 90 minutes, not only the first half,” said Pellegrini. “Normally when winning 4-0 at half-time, in the second half a team finish or stop.

“But the team continued playing exactly the same and that’s very important for me.”

It was City’s biggest top-flight victory since 1968.

On some of the fluid moves involving the likes of Aguero, Silva and Samir Nasri, Pellegrini added: “It is the way we work every day.

“It is so important for me to see the way I want them to play.

“They are very good technical players when they move the ball quick and move into space, it’s very difficult for our team not to score so we must continue the same way.”

‘Board’s backing for Amir is disgraceful’

Most of the players believe that Amir should not be allowed to return to international cricket. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

LAHORE: Domestic players have criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for living in self-denial and supporting banned fast-bowler Mohammad Amir despite being a cheat.

Most of the players believe that Amir should not be allowed to return to international cricket.

The tainted bowler has been seen at the PCB headquarters Gaddafi Stadium in the last few days where he met top officials of the board.

“It’s a real shame that a cheat like Amir has been supported by the PCB, that is going all out to help him return to international cricket,” one of the international players appearing in the current domestic season told The Express Tribune.

“This has come as a slap on the face for players with a decent track record and a clean character, especially those who are striving to make it to the national team“.

He stressed that an example should be set for others to follow and discourage acts of ‘fixing’ as it has spread like a cancer in cricket.

Meanwhile, another player stated that an average player with a clear track record is a better player for Pakistan than someone who is top-class but corrupt.

“It is better that the PCB promotes players who are average and clean if they are serious about eliminating corruption instead of backing those who sold the country for money,”

“The board might argue that Amir is close to completing his punishment and he was aged under-18 but it’s all a lie. He should’ve been given sentence after medical tests.”

Another feeling among the players is that both the International Cricket Council (ICC) and PCB should end the drama of fighting against corruption and wasting millions on training and education programme against fixing.

“The PCB and ICC should stop making a fool out of the people in the name of zero tolerance policy against corruption. Unlimited anti-corruption lectures have been given in the name of training and education programmes which seem like a drama,” opined a former Test player.

Djokovic wins Paris Masters, 40th career title

Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after defeating David Ferrer of Spain in the men's singles final match at the Paris Masters men's singles tennis tournament at the Palais Omnisports of Bercy in Paris, November 3, 2013. PHOTO: REUTERS

PARIS: Novak Djokovic defeated defending champion David Ferrer 7-5, 7-5 on Sunday to win the Paris Masters and claim his 40th career title after a thrilling final at the Bercy arena.

Ferrer fell short of becoming the first player to successfully defend the Paris title while six-time major winner Djokovic took another step towards regaining the number one spot from Rafael Nadal at next week’s World Tour Finals in London.

Victory also meant that Djokovic became just the 15th player to reach the milestone of 40 titles.

“I’m full of joy right now and this is one of the biggest weeks of the tennis season so I’m really happy and just want to continue like this,” said the 26-year-old Serbian.

The Australian Open champion also paid tribute to Ferrer for his attitude on and off the court.

“He is the defending champion, and obviously he enjoys playing on this surface in these conditions. I knew that coming into the match I’m going to have to work for my points.

“He is not going to give me too many free points. He’s going to run every ball. He’s a great competitor, one of the most respected guys on tour because he works hard and he’s very humble and he’s a very nice person,” added Djokovic, who picked up his third straight tournament triumph.

“The opening four or five games went really the distance, and he was a better player. He was taking the ball and running me around the court.

“Second set, when he was serving for the set, I was fortunate to come back in the match. He gave me the game with a few unforced errors. Then, when the chances were presented for me, set points, match points, I managed to use them.

“This win has given me a lot of confidence and we’ll see now what happens in London.”

Ferrer was dignified in defeat after failing to win what would have been a second Masters title following his French capital breakthrough last year.

“The key, well, with 5-5 in the second, I didn’t serve so good. With Nole, if I don’t take the chances, it’s impossible to beat him.”

“With Nole (Djokovic) or Rafa (Nadal) or Roger (Federer) or Andy Murray, I don’t have these breaks, not in important moments.”

Ferrer grabbed the first break after a punishing rally at 30-40 was finally won by the Spaniard to go 2-1 up with a perfect drop shot that left Djokovic stranded at the back of the court.

Djokovic carved out his first break point of the match in the following game, but Ferrer held firm and built his resilience on his excellent first serve which was reaping him a winning percentage of 80 per cent.

With the Spaniard serving for the set at 5-4, Djokovic launched his assault and this time on break point he fired a forehand winner that grazed the line and pulled him back on level terms.

After serving out to love to go 6-5 up, the world number two seized his first set point when Ferrer hit long as the set swung surprisingly into Djokovic’s hands.

Ferrer shook off the disappointment of letting that first set slip from his grasp and broke to open the second set before a tough service hold gave him a 2-0 lead.

Ferrer had a glorious chance to grab a second break and go 4-2 up but failed to put away a net cord that floated up and was waiting to be buried only for a soft volley to be punished by Djokovic who went on to hold serve.

The set then went to serve before the defending champion again had a chance to close out at 5-4 only for Djokovic to break at the crucial moment to once again level the set.

In an exact repeat of the opening set, Ferrer cracked at the worst possible moment as Djokovic pounced on his opponent to tie the set before serving out for the title.

Nadal would have been guaranteed to finish the year at number one had Djokovic lost but now the Spaniard must win at least two matches in London to assure his rival cannot catch him.

Recent form gives Juve hope ahead of Real clash

Nine-time champions Real Madrid are among a quartet of teams seeking to record a fourth successive Champions League victory this week to secure a place in the last-16. PHOTO: AFP

Three consecutive wins and as many clean sheets in Serie A have given Juventus renewed confidence ahead of a must-win Champions League clash at home to Real Madrid today.

However Juve coach Antonio Conte has called on fans to give the Serie A champions an extra boost by offering Carlo Ancelotti’s Spanish giants a red-hot welcome to Turin.

“I hope the stadium will be a fiery cauldron on Tuesday night [tonight],” Conte told JTV. “The fans can help push us to victory.”

Given their lack of wins so far, Juve could certainly do with a boost.

Ousted from last year’s quarter-finals by eventual winners Bayern Munich, the Italians appeared down and out of this season’s competition following a 2-1 defeat to nine-time European champions Real three weeks ago.

That defeat came in the wake of a confidence-sapping league reverse away to Fiorentina, who scored four second-half goals to stun the champions 4-2.

But three consecutive Serie A wins against Genoa, Catania and Parma has boosted Juve’s resolve.

Midfielder Claudio Marchisio underlined the threat of Real Madrid’s Angel Di Maria, Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, but believes improvements to Juve’s defensive play could be decisive.

“We have to look out for their threat on the counter-attack through the likes of Di Maria, Ronaldo and [Gareth] Bale, who all break with extreme pace,” said Marchisio.

“Real have plenty of strong players up front who sometimes help out less in defensive areas, so that puts their backline under pressure.

Meanwhile, Real need only a point in Turin to secure their place in the last-16.

‘It will be a difficult test against Sociedad’

Manchester United can virtually ensure their last-16 place with victory in Spain after a 1-0 home win over Sociedad, playing in the tournament for the first time in 10 years, in Manchester moved them onto seven points from three games.

But David Moyes’s side have doubts over the fitness of Jonny Evans, Rafael da Silva and Tom Cleverley, who were all replaced at half-time in Saturday’s 3-1 win at Fulham.

“It will be a difficult test against [Real] Sociedad,” said Moyes.

“To go and play against any side in Spain who have qualified will be a hard test, but we will go over there and try and get a good result that will continue our good form in the group.”

Meanwhile, an in-form Bayern Munich will be looking to notch up their fourth straight win in the Champions League group stage and seal a spot in the final 16 when the Bundesliga champions face Viktoria Plzen today.

In another match, Manchester City will look to secure qualification for the knockout phase when they resume hostilities with CSKA Moscow.

Today’s Fixtures

Sociedad v Man United
Donetsk v Leverkusen
Copenhagen v Galatasaray
Juventus v Madrid
Olympiakos v Benefica
PSG v Anderlecht
Man City v Moscow
Plzen v Munich