Sports Bar

Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta scored to lead Barcelona to their 12th straight league win in a 4-0 victory at Deportivo La Coruna.

Barca win 12th game

Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta scored to lead Barcelona to their 12th straight league win in a 4-0 victory at Deportivo La Coruna. Messi played David Villa clear into the right side of the area before the Spain striker squeezed a right-footed shot past goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia to open the scoring. Messi curled a left-footed shot around the outside of the defensive wall and into the top left corner for his 18th goal of the season.

Thorpe back in training

Ian Thorpe is back training in the pool and has not ruled out a return to competition in time for the London 2012 Olympics. Dave Flaskas,manager for the 28-year-old five-time Olympic gold medalist,said on Sunday that while its a long way from here to London, Thorpe is enjoying swimming again and never say never. Thorpe retired in 2006 after setting 13 world records and winning 11 world championship golds.

Liverpool exit FA Cup

Kenny Dalglish endured a painful return as Liverpool manager on Sunday,losing 1-0 at Manchester United in the FA Cup after conceding a penalty in the first minute and having his captain Steven Gerrard sent off. Also Sunday,Chelsea began its cup defense with a 7-0 rout of Ipswich and Jermain Defoe scored twice as Tottenham advanced with a 3-0 victory over third-tier club Charlton.

Kabaddi in US school

An Indian school teacher has brought his countrys culture into the classrooms of American students by introducing kabaddi. Ajaykumar Nair,who teaches English language and literature,has come to Johnsburg,a town with a population of 2,450 in the mountains of the Adirondacks,on a six-month-long Fullbright Teacher Exchange grant programme. In his class,the students,a mix of sophomores,juniors and seniors at Johnsburg Central School,remove their shoes,watch their instructor and try to grab the rules of kabaddi,a popular team sport in India. Students were advised to play barefoot to gain better traction on the gym floor.

Atwal tied at 12th spot

Atwal moves up nine spots to 12th at Hawaii Arjun Atwal put himself in contention for a strong finish by carding a five-under 68 to leap nine places to 12th after the third round of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions here. He is now 10-under 209 for three rounds at the par-73 Plantation Course. Meanwhile,Robert Garrigus (69) recovered from an atrocious start of a double bogey-bogey by holing a 50-foot eagle putt on the 18th hole to join Steve Stricker (65) and Jonathan Byrd (67) in the lead.

Chirag stun Bagan

Joshimar D’Silva struck a late goal to help Chirag United stun Mohun Bagan 1-0 at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan as the green-and-maroon brigade’s miserable run in the I-League continued. Joshimar struck the winner in the 81st minute to help Chirag earn their third win. Chirag now have 13 points from eight matches,while Bagan remained on eight points from as many matches.