Sportstar VOL.35 :: NO.19 :: May. 10, 2012

News Update Group Sites The Hindu Business Line Sportstar Frontline Publications eBooks Images Home  Star Poster: RAFAEL NADAL Cover Story Riding roughshod over monopoly Apart from struggling to come to terms with the blown diffuser ban, F1 teams have largely laboured through the first four races this year, trying to master the art of handling the latest generation of Pirelli tyres that have shown a tendency to be highly inconsistent and abrade quickly. Working the tyres to the right temperature has also been a big headache for the drivers this year. Over to G. Raghunath.  Cricket IPL ROUND-UP Viru the destroyer With three half-centuries in a row, Virender Sehwag showcased his awesome form. The Delhi Daredevils skipper was in splendid touch, making the bowlers look mediocre. By Vijay Lokapally. IPL DIARY Sehwag has his revenge The Delhi Daredevils skipper kept smiling all along, retaining his composure even in the presentation ceremony after Pune shocked Delhi at the Kotla. A few days later he would turn the tables on Pune in its own backyard. Over to Arun Venugopal. IPL in the fourth week London Calling LONDON CALLING Strauss will stay in place Andrew Strauss was dismissed cheaply for Middlesex against Durham. He needed a couple of long, imposing innings to re-establish his status as one of England's leading batsmen and now he is under the microscope again. By Ted Corbett.  Football FOCUS The fall of a giant This Barca era might have come to an end, but there will obviously be a rebirth, probably in a refined avatar. But all future Barcelona sides will be measured against Guardiola's class of 2008-2012 and matching that record will be no easy task. By Ayon Sengupta. KICKING AROUND Refereeing howlers English referees have made a series of blunders this season that might affect the League positions dramatically. Over to Brian Glanville. STARWATCH Didier Drogba has the last laugh Fans' favourite Drogba was not on the score-sheet in the heroic 2-2 draw with Barca in the second leg at Nou Camp, but he worked tirelessly to ensure the English Premier League club surprisingly dumped out the European champions. Striking the right chord Many had questioned whether City were capable of mounting a title challenge, and whether Aguero would be able to adapt to the pace of the English Premier League. But Aguero has been outstanding in his first season in England with an impressive tally of 29 goals in all competitions, writes Tom Coleman.