Match-fixing charges
Pakistan cricket team's manager, Sirajul Islam Bukhari, today denied all the match-fixing charges levied on the side. ``I vehemently deny all these charges against the Pakistani team. Some people with vested interests are making false charges. Acts of these elements are not going to serve the team in any manner,'' he said. ``Pakistan Board is fully behind the players. We (PCB) know very well that there is no truth in these charges."

Argentina out
Mexico dumped defending champions Argentina out of the World Youth Cup yesterday with a crushing 4-1 win. Mali and Japan both sprang surprises, the former coming from 4-2 behind to beat Cameroon 5-4 with a golden goal and the latter beating Portugal on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Spain beat the United States 3-2 to join the quarter-finalists on a day which saw 21 goals in four games.

Help for Lanka
Sri Lankan Cricket Board has roped in Australian coach Trevor Chappell and a London-based Pakistan psychologist to boost the sagging morale of its beleaguered team in its attempt to regain the World Cup. Trevor, the brother of legendary Australians Greg and Ian Chappell, would organise special sessions in fielding practice. A three-day "couch counselling" session by psychologist Omar Khan began today to make the 15-member squad "mentally tough."

Adams poised
Britain's Michael adams will look for his first success in a Super Grandmasters chess tournament as he takes on Vladimir Kramnik in a crucial match tonight. The Briton, who emerged sole leader with 5.5 points after drawing his ninth round game against Anatoly Karpov played ahead of the eighth round clash against Kramnik, will bag the title if he returns triumphant.