A record contingent of 292 women will be part of a powerful 555-strong United States team at next month&#39;s Rio Olympics. 
 
The team, announced on Saturday by the US Olympic Committee (USOC), will contest 244 of 306 medal events. 
 
The Americans topped the gold medal (46) and overall medal (104) table at London 2012. 
 
The record number of women on the US team tops the previous mark of 289 by China in 2008. It is the second time the American roster has featured more females than males. 
 
&quot;I am especially excited for the historic achievement of our women&#39;s delegation which is a true testament to the strength and growing number of women&#39;s sport opportunities in the United States,&quot; USOC CEO Scott Blackmun said. 
 
The American team includes 191 returning Olympians. Equestrian rider Phillip Dutton and shooters Emil Milev and Kim Rhode are heading to their sixth Games. 
 
Among those going to their fifth Olympics are swimmer Michael Phelps, middle-distance runner Bernard Lagat, tennis player Serena Williams and beach volleyballer Kerri Walsh Jennings. 
 
Phelps, who owns an Olympic record 18 golds, will swim in at least three events in Brazil. 
 
Runner Allyson Felix, the most decorated US Olympic woman with four golds and six overall, makes a fourth Games appearance, competing in the 400 metres and probably the 4x400 relay. 
 
Among the strongest medal favourites are the women&#39;s basketball team and gymnast Simone Biles in the women&#39;s all-around. 
 
The women&#39;s rowing eight seek to continue a dynasty on the world stage. They have not lost an Olympic or world championship title since 2006. 
 
Dutton, 52, will be the oldest team member, with 16-year-old table tennis player Kanak Jha the youngest. 
 
(Reuters)

US team tops China's benchmark of 289 women participants in 2008 Olympics team

A record contingent of 292 women will be part of a powerful 555-strong United States team at next month's Rio Olympics. The team, announced on Saturday by the US Olympic Committee (USOC), will contest 244 of 306 medal events. The Americans topped the gold medal (46) and overall medal (104) table at London 2012. The record number of women on the US team tops the previous mark of 289 by China in 2008. It is the second time the American roster has featured more females than males. "I am especially excited for the historic achievement of our women's delegation which is a true testament to the strength and growing number of women's sport opportunities in the United States," USOC CEO Scott Blackmun said. The American team includes 191 returning Olympians. Equestrian rider Phillip Dutton and shooters Emil Milev and Kim Rhode are heading to their sixth Games. Among those going to their fifth Olympics are swimmer Michael Phelps, middle-distance runner Bernard Lagat, tennis player Serena Williams and beach volleyballer Kerri Walsh Jennings. Phelps, who owns an Olympic record 18 golds, will swim in at least three events in Brazil. Runner Allyson Felix, the most decorated US Olympic woman with four golds and six overall, makes a fourth Games appearance, competing in the 400 metres and probably the 4x400 relay. Among the strongest medal favourites are the women's basketball team and gymnast Simone Biles in the women's all-around. The women's rowing eight seek to continue a dynasty on the world stage. They have not lost an Olympic or world championship title since 2006. Dutton, 52, will be the oldest team member, with 16-year-old table tennis player Kanak Jha the youngest. (Reuters)

US Olympic team features record number of women participants

Indian television and film actress Rakhi Sawant has taken her admiration for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to another level this time. 
 
Sawant was attending a pre-Independence Day party in Chicago, USA where she wore a black dress with Modi&rsquo;s pictures all over the dress. The event was reported to be organised for Indians in the US. 
 
Her pictures soon went viral across social media, evoking outrage from many, especially given the placement of the pictures on her dress. 
 
Sawant, who has also briefly tried her hands at politics, has in the recent past made her admiration for the prime minister very vocal.

Sawant, Indian film and TV actress, wore the dress to a pre-Independence Day party in Chicago, USA

Indian television and film actress Rakhi Sawant has taken her admiration for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to another level this time. Sawant was attending a pre-Independence Day party in Chicago, USA where she wore a black dress with Modi’s pictures all over the dress. The event was reported to be organised for Indians in the US. Her pictures soon went viral across social media, evoking outrage from many, especially given the placement of the pictures on her dress. Sawant, who has also briefly tried her hands at politics, has in the recent past made her admiration for the prime minister very vocal.

Rakhi Sawant wears Narendra Modi emblazoned dress at USA event

Chile advanced to the Copa America quarter-finals on Tuesday after two goals in the first half from Eduardo Vargas and two in the second from Alexis Sanchez gave them a 4-2 win over Panama, while Argentina took top spot by beating Bolivia 3-0 in Group D. 
 
Defending champions Chile will play Mexico in the next round on Saturday with Argentina facing Venezuela the same day. 
 
&ldquo;This was important for me and for the team,&rdquo; said Chile&#39;s Vargas. &ldquo;It has boosted our confidence for the games to come. 
 
&ldquo;We are Copa America champions but we haven&rsquo;t played as well as we did in the last Copa America and this will give us confidence.&rdquo; 
 
Chile went behind to an early goal but roared back thanks tooutstanding performances from their front pair, who ran the Panamanian defence ragged. 
 
Panama took the lead in the fourth minute after a mistake by Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, who let Miguel Camargo&#39;s shot from almost 30 yards squirm through his hands and into the net. 
 
Chile fought back and were soon 2-1 up. 
 
Artur Vidal and Sanchez worked a one-two in the box after 14 minutes and Sanchez&#39;s shot was only parried by Jaime Penedo and Vargas followed up to smash it home. 
 
Three minutes before half time striker Vargas rose to glance home a header to put Chile ahead. 
 
Sanchez was in captivating form and scored one of the goals of the tournament after 49 minutes. 
 
Vargas was the provider this time, creating space for himself in the box before chipping to Sanchez, who volleyed home in spectacular fashion. 
 
Panama kept fighting and pulled one back after 74 minutes and again Bravo was at fault, failing to stop Abdiel Arroyo&#39;s header from going in at his near post. 
 
Sanchez had the last word, however, when he rose unmarked to head home a cross with two minutes left to make it 4-2. 
 
ONE UP ON OBATISTUTA?&nbsp; 
In Seattle, few were expecting anything other than an Argentine win over already-eliminated Bolivia and most of the attention was focused on whether Lionel Messi would surpass Gabriel Batistuta&#39;s record of 54 goals for his country. Needing one to tie the mark, Messi came on as a second-half substitute with his team already 3-0 up through Erik Lamela, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Victor Cuesta. 
 
The closest Messi came to scoring was from a free kick in the 61st minute but his curled effort sailed just wide. 
 
(Reuters)

Defending champions Chile will play Mexico on Saturday, Argentina will take on Venezuela.

Chile advanced to the Copa America quarter-finals on Tuesday after two goals in the first half from Eduardo Vargas and two in the second from Alexis Sanchez gave them a 4-2 win over Panama, while Argentina took top spot by beating Bolivia 3-0 in Group D. Defending champions Chile will play Mexico in the next round on Saturday with Argentina facing Venezuela the same day. “This was important for me and for the team,” said Chile's Vargas. “It has boosted our confidence for the games to come. “We are Copa America champions but we haven’t played as well as we did in the last Copa America and this will give us confidence.” Chile went behind to an early goal but roared back thanks tooutstanding performances from their front pair, who ran the Panamanian defence ragged. Panama took the lead in the fourth minute after a mistake by Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, who let Miguel Camargo's shot from almost 30 yards squirm through his hands and into the net. Chile fought back and were soon 2-1 up. Artur Vidal and Sanchez worked a one-two in the box after 14 minutes and Sanchez's shot was only parried by Jaime Penedo and Vargas followed up to smash it home. Three minutes before half time striker Vargas rose to glance home a header to put Chile ahead. Sanchez was in captivating form and scored one of the goals of the tournament after 49 minutes. Vargas was the provider this time, creating space for himself in the box before chipping to Sanchez, who volleyed home in spectacular fashion. Panama kept fighting and pulled one back after 74 minutes and again Bravo was at fault, failing to stop Abdiel Arroyo's header from going in at his near post. Sanchez had the last word, however, when he rose unmarked to head home a cross with two minutes left to make it 4-2. ONE UP ON OBATISTUTA? In Seattle, few were expecting anything other than an Argentine win over already-eliminated Bolivia and most of the attention was focused on whether Lionel Messi would surpass Gabriel Batistuta's record of 54 goals for his country. Needing one to tie the mark, Messi came on as a second-half substitute with his team already 3-0 up through Erik Lamela, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Victor Cuesta. The closest Messi came to scoring was from a free kick in the 61st minute but his curled effort sailed just wide. (Reuters)

Argentina wins group, goes to the Copa quarters along with Chile

Argentina and Chile advanced to the semi-finals of the Copa America on Saturday with Chile beating Mexico 7-0 and Lionel Messi getting a goal in Argentina&#39;s 4-1 win over Venezuela to equal his country&#39;s all-time scoring record. 
 
Messi scored in the 60th minute to take his career tally for Argentina to 54 goals, matching the record held by Gabriel Batistuta. 
 
Argentina will now face the United States in the first semi-final on Tuesday in Houston. 
 
Reigning champions Chile joined them in the last four after a 7-0 demolition of Mexico in Santa Clara. 
 
Hoffenheim striker Eduardo Vargas scored four goals to help them set up a semi-final date with Colombia on Wednesday. 
 
Messi won the Man-of-the-Match award in an action-packed game against underdogs Venezuela in Foxborough. 
 
Argentina got off to the perfect start after just seven minutes when Gonzalo Higuain dived to turn a delicate cross from Messi past goalkeeper Dani Hernandez. 
 
The in-form Napoli striker doubled the lead 20 minutes later when he latched on to a slack back pass to round the goalkeeper and slot the ball into the empty net. 
 
Salomon Rondon twice came close for Venezuela and his side should have pulled a goal back two minutes from half time after Sergio Romero brought down Josef Martinez in the box. 
 
However, the Manchester United goalkeeper redeemed himself when he stood firm and Seijas&#39; carelessly dinked penalty sailed right into his arms. 
 
Messi, who started for the first time in the tournament after three substitute appearances, put Argentina 3-0 ahead when he worked a lovely one-two with Nicolas Gaitan and then poked the ball under Hernandez with his left foot. 
 
Venezuela were not out of it, though, and Rondon got the lightest of touches on a cross to head home and make it 3-1 after 70 minutes. 
 
However, their hopes were short-lived as just seconds later Erik Lamela, who had been on the field for only four minutes, shot home from 12 yards to make it 4-1 for Argentina. 
 
Chile were unstoppable in the other quarter-final in Santa Clara as they hammered a surprisingly fragile Mexico. 
 
Edson Puch got his first international goal after 15 minutes when he fired home after keeper Guillermo Ochoa could only parry a long-range shot. 
 
Vargas got a second just before half time when he was first to pounce on a cross ball. 
 
Alexis Sanchez was involved in most of Chile&#39;s great work and he made it 3-0 just three minutes into the second half. 
 
Three minutes later Vargas got his second and Chile&#39;s fourth as Mexico -- without captain Rafael Marquez, who was left on the bench -- wilted under the pressure. 
 
Mexico had no answer to the pace and running of Sanchez and Arturo Vidal, and it was Sanchez who helped Vargas to a hat-trick when the Hoffenheim striker hammered home from close-in after Ochoa had parried Sanchez&#39;s shot. 
 
Vargas got a fourth after 73 minutes when he blasted the ball into the roof of the net after dithering Mexican defenders failed to clear. 
 
Puch completed the rout in the 87th minute when he dinked the ball over Ochoa after a fast break by Sanchez. 
(Reuters)

Eduardo Vargas scored 4 goals for Chile; Man-of-the -Match Messi's 54th goal tied country's all-time scoring record

Argentina and Chile advanced to the semi-finals of the Copa America on Saturday with Chile beating Mexico 7-0 and Lionel Messi getting a goal in Argentina's 4-1 win over Venezuela to equal his country's all-time scoring record. Messi scored in the 60th minute to take his career tally for Argentina to 54 goals, matching the record held by Gabriel Batistuta. Argentina will now face the United States in the first semi-final on Tuesday in Houston. Reigning champions Chile joined them in the last four after a 7-0 demolition of Mexico in Santa Clara. Hoffenheim striker Eduardo Vargas scored four goals to help them set up a semi-final date with Colombia on Wednesday. Messi won the Man-of-the-Match award in an action-packed game against underdogs Venezuela in Foxborough. Argentina got off to the perfect start after just seven minutes when Gonzalo Higuain dived to turn a delicate cross from Messi past goalkeeper Dani Hernandez. The in-form Napoli striker doubled the lead 20 minutes later when he latched on to a slack back pass to round the goalkeeper and slot the ball into the empty net. Salomon Rondon twice came close for Venezuela and his side should have pulled a goal back two minutes from half time after Sergio Romero brought down Josef Martinez in the box. However, the Manchester United goalkeeper redeemed himself when he stood firm and Seijas' carelessly dinked penalty sailed right into his arms. Messi, who started for the first time in the tournament after three substitute appearances, put Argentina 3-0 ahead when he worked a lovely one-two with Nicolas Gaitan and then poked the ball under Hernandez with his left foot. Venezuela were not out of it, though, and Rondon got the lightest of touches on a cross to head home and make it 3-1 after 70 minutes. However, their hopes were short-lived as just seconds later Erik Lamela, who had been on the field for only four minutes, shot home from 12 yards to make it 4-1 for Argentina. Chile were unstoppable in the other quarter-final in Santa Clara as they hammered a surprisingly fragile Mexico. Edson Puch got his first international goal after 15 minutes when he fired home after keeper Guillermo Ochoa could only parry a long-range shot. Vargas got a second just before half time when he was first to pounce on a cross ball. Alexis Sanchez was involved in most of Chile's great work and he made it 3-0 just three minutes into the second half. Three minutes later Vargas got his second and Chile's fourth as Mexico -- without captain Rafael Marquez, who was left on the bench -- wilted under the pressure. Mexico had no answer to the pace and running of Sanchez and Arturo Vidal, and it was Sanchez who helped Vargas to a hat-trick when the Hoffenheim striker hammered home from close-in after Ochoa had parried Sanchez's shot. Vargas got a fourth after 73 minutes when he blasted the ball into the roof of the net after dithering Mexican defenders failed to clear. Puch completed the rout in the 87th minute when he dinked the ball over Ochoa after a fast break by Sanchez. (Reuters)

Copa report: Chile romp to stunning 7-0 defeat over Mexico, Argentina bests Venezuela 4-1

Argentinian striker Lionel Messi became his country&#39;s all-time top goalscorer on Tuesday when he scored in the Copa America semi-final against the United States to take his international tally to 55 goals. 
 
The five-time world player of the year scored in the 32nd minute of the match in Houston to give Argentina a 2-0 lead. 
 
The goal in his 112th international lifts him above Gabriel Batistuta, who scored 54 goals in 78 games for the two-time world champions. 
 
Messi&#39;s goal was a glorious free kick from 25 yards out that gave U.S. goalkeeper Brad Guzan little chance. He took the kick after being cynically felled as he burst forward by Chris Wondolowski, the American receiving a yellow card. 
 
It doubled Argentina&#39;s lead after Ezequiel Lavezzi put them one up in just three minutes. 
 
The Barcelona striker now has five goals in the Centenary Copa America and is one behind Chilean Eduardo Vargas in the race to become the tournament&#39;s top goalscorer. 
 
He has achieved his tally despite not starting in Argentina&#39;s first three games because of a back injury. 
 
His form has nevertheless been outstanding with the 28-year old scoring a hat-trick in 19 minutes after coming on as a substitute in a 5-0 win over Paraguay last week. 
 
Argentina are hot favourites to win the Copa and end a trophy drought that extends back to 1993, when they won the Copa in Ecuador. 
 
They reached the finals of the Copa America in 2015 and the World Cup in 2014 but narrowly lost both matches. 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

The goal in his 112th international lifts him above Gabriel Batistuta who scored 54 goals in 78 games

Argentinian striker Lionel Messi became his country's all-time top goalscorer on Tuesday when he scored in the Copa America semi-final against the United States to take his international tally to 55 goals. The five-time world player of the year scored in the 32nd minute of the match in Houston to give Argentina a 2-0 lead. The goal in his 112th international lifts him above Gabriel Batistuta, who scored 54 goals in 78 games for the two-time world champions. Messi's goal was a glorious free kick from 25 yards out that gave U.S. goalkeeper Brad Guzan little chance. He took the kick after being cynically felled as he burst forward by Chris Wondolowski, the American receiving a yellow card. It doubled Argentina's lead after Ezequiel Lavezzi put them one up in just three minutes. The Barcelona striker now has five goals in the Centenary Copa America and is one behind Chilean Eduardo Vargas in the race to become the tournament's top goalscorer. He has achieved his tally despite not starting in Argentina's first three games because of a back injury. His form has nevertheless been outstanding with the 28-year old scoring a hat-trick in 19 minutes after coming on as a substitute in a 5-0 win over Paraguay last week. Argentina are hot favourites to win the Copa and end a trophy drought that extends back to 1993, when they won the Copa in Ecuador. They reached the finals of the Copa America in 2015 and the World Cup in 2014 but narrowly lost both matches. (Reuters)

Messi becomes Argentina's all-time top goalscorer

Lionel Messi scored a record-equalling 54th international goal as Argentina outclassed Venezuela 4-1 to book their place in the semi-finals of the Copa America Centenario on Saturday. 
 
The Barcelona superstar scored his fourth goal of the tournament in the 60th minute at the Gillette Stadium to equal Gabriel Batistuta&#39;s long-time Argentina international goalscoring record. 
 
Messi also created a goal for Gonzalo Higuain, who scored twice, and second half substitute Erik Lamela as Argentina set up a semi-final against the United States in Houston on Tuesday. 
 
Afterwards Messi played down his goalscoring milestone. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m happy for what it means and it&#39;s nice to be next to &#39;Batigol&#39; (Batistuta), but for me tonight the most important thing is the result,&quot; Messi said. 
 
Messi is determined to lead Argentina to their first trophy in 23 years after a series of agonizing near-misses which include defeats in the finals of last year&#39;s Copa America and the 2014 World Cup final. 
 
&quot;I think people sometimes overlook that we got to two finals, and only focus on the fact that we lost,&quot; Messi said. 
 
&quot;For us to be back in another semi-final of a big tournament like this one is a great achievement for these players.&quot; 
 
Inspirational display 
 
Few would bet against Messi achieving his goal after an inspirational display that left Venezuela chasing shadows in the early part of Saturday&#39;s quarter-final. 
 
Messi&#39;s genius created the opening goal after eight minutes, with the playmaker lofting a sublime curling pass to pick out Higuain&#39;s run into the area. 
 
Napoli forward Higuain still had plenty to do but skillfully directed a first time strike past Venezuela goalkeeper Dani Hernandez for a wonderful goal. 
 
Argentina remained firmly in control but were jolted in the 27th minute when Nicolas Gaitan picked up a needless yellow card for a kick on Alexander Gonzalez that will see him suspended for the semi-final. 
 
Argentina&#39;s dominance clearly had Venezuela rattled, and the Vinotinto&#39;s defensive unease led to the next goal. 
 
A slack backpass from Arquimedes Figuera went straight to Higuain in space, and the striker coolly rounded Hernandez to stroke home his second of the night to make it 2-0 after 29 minutes. 
 
But just when it looked as if the floodgates would open, Venezuela rallied impressively and had Argentina rocking with a series of chances. 
 
Rondon threat 
 
West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon forced a save from Sergio Romero and hit the woodwork in quick succession. 
 
Romero was left scrambling to save once again just before half-time, when fullback Rolf Feltscher&#39;s long-range shot deflected off Gabriel Mercado and looped up and over the Argentina keeper. 
 
Venezuela looked to have a justifiable claim for a penalty when Higuain brought down Josef Martinez in the box but Mexican referee Roberto Garcia was unmoved. 
 
Seconds later though Garcia was pointing to the spot after Romero clumsily bundled over Martinez for a clear penalty. 
 
But Venezuela&#39;s pressure went unrewarded when Luis Manuel Seijas tried a risky &quot;Panenka&quot; down the middle which Romero read and gathered with ease. 
 
Venezuela were unable to renew their period of pressure in the second half, and Messi effectively put the contest to bed with his record-equalling goal in the 60th minute, which came after Argentina pressed high to force a turnover. 
 
Gaitan won the tackle and passed to Messi, who quickly played a one-two with the Benfica winger before poking his finish between Hernandez&#39;s legs. 
 
Rondon pulled a goal back with a header in the 70th minute, but Messi&#39;s response was instant, threading a pass to Lamela whose shot crept in at Hernandez&#39;s near post. 
(AFP)

Messi seems determined to lead Argentina to its first trophy in 23 years after a series of misses

Lionel Messi scored a record-equalling 54th international goal as Argentina outclassed Venezuela 4-1 to book their place in the semi-finals of the Copa America Centenario on Saturday. The Barcelona superstar scored his fourth goal of the tournament in the 60th minute at the Gillette Stadium to equal Gabriel Batistuta's long-time Argentina international goalscoring record. Messi also created a goal for Gonzalo Higuain, who scored twice, and second half substitute Erik Lamela as Argentina set up a semi-final against the United States in Houston on Tuesday. Afterwards Messi played down his goalscoring milestone. "I'm happy for what it means and it's nice to be next to 'Batigol' (Batistuta), but for me tonight the most important thing is the result," Messi said. Messi is determined to lead Argentina to their first trophy in 23 years after a series of agonizing near-misses which include defeats in the finals of last year's Copa America and the 2014 World Cup final. "I think people sometimes overlook that we got to two finals, and only focus on the fact that we lost," Messi said. "For us to be back in another semi-final of a big tournament like this one is a great achievement for these players." Inspirational display Few would bet against Messi achieving his goal after an inspirational display that left Venezuela chasing shadows in the early part of Saturday's quarter-final. Messi's genius created the opening goal after eight minutes, with the playmaker lofting a sublime curling pass to pick out Higuain's run into the area. Napoli forward Higuain still had plenty to do but skillfully directed a first time strike past Venezuela goalkeeper Dani Hernandez for a wonderful goal. Argentina remained firmly in control but were jolted in the 27th minute when Nicolas Gaitan picked up a needless yellow card for a kick on Alexander Gonzalez that will see him suspended for the semi-final. Argentina's dominance clearly had Venezuela rattled, and the Vinotinto's defensive unease led to the next goal. A slack backpass from Arquimedes Figuera went straight to Higuain in space, and the striker coolly rounded Hernandez to stroke home his second of the night to make it 2-0 after 29 minutes. But just when it looked as if the floodgates would open, Venezuela rallied impressively and had Argentina rocking with a series of chances. Rondon threat West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon forced a save from Sergio Romero and hit the woodwork in quick succession. Romero was left scrambling to save once again just before half-time, when fullback Rolf Feltscher's long-range shot deflected off Gabriel Mercado and looped up and over the Argentina keeper. Venezuela looked to have a justifiable claim for a penalty when Higuain brought down Josef Martinez in the box but Mexican referee Roberto Garcia was unmoved. Seconds later though Garcia was pointing to the spot after Romero clumsily bundled over Martinez for a clear penalty. But Venezuela's pressure went unrewarded when Luis Manuel Seijas tried a risky "Panenka" down the middle which Romero read and gathered with ease. Venezuela were unable to renew their period of pressure in the second half, and Messi effectively put the contest to bed with his record-equalling goal in the 60th minute, which came after Argentina pressed high to force a turnover. Gaitan won the tackle and passed to Messi, who quickly played a one-two with the Benfica winger before poking his finish between Hernandez's legs. Rondon pulled a goal back with a header in the 70th minute, but Messi's response was instant, threading a pass to Lamela whose shot crept in at Hernandez's near post. (AFP)

Messi scores record goal as Argentina thrash Venezuela

Jack Sock rallied to stun Marin Cilic 4-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 on Friday and put the United States on the road to a 2-0 lead over Croatia in their Davis Cup World Group quarter-final tie. 
 
The triumph for the 26th-ranked Sock over world number 12 Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion, was followed by American John Isner&#39;s 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Borna Coric. 
 
The formidable doubles duo of Bob and Mike Bryan can clinch the best-of-five match tie on the outdoor hardcourt at Tualtin Hills Tennis Club in Portland, Oregon, today. 
 
Croatians Ivan Dodig and Marin Draganja are slated to take on the brothers, trying to push things to the reverse singles on Sunday. 
 
Sock fired 17 aces against Cilic, who came into the tie trying to put behind him a five-set quarter-final loss to Roger Federer at Wimbledon. 
 
But having forced a decisive fifth set, the American surrendered an early break that appeared to set Cilic on his way. 
 
Sock, however, broke back in the fifth game, and while he couldn&#39;t convert three break points in the seventh, he gained the last break he needed in the ninth, when Cilic sent a high backhand volley wide. 
 
&quot;A little bit disappointing with that, just to lose that opportunity of getting that lead in the fifth set,&quot; Cilic said. &quot;When I gave him a chance to come back I felt that he started to play also really well.&quot; 
 
Sock got a little shaky serving it out, double-faulting twice before surviving two break points to seal the match after three hours and 13 minutes. 
 
&quot;I haven&#39;t played a ton of five-setters in my career,&quot; said Sock, who was playing his first Davis Cup match on home soil. 
 
&quot;Haven&#39;t come back from two sets to love down. To do that today, in front of the home crowd for the team, it feels extra special today.&quot; 
 
Isner, ranked 16th in the world, fired 23 aces and fended off all eight break points he faced in a match lasting just under two hours. 
 
Having withstood 54th-ranked Coric&#39;s early assault on his serve, which included break points in six of Isner&#39;s first seven service games, Isner broke the Croatian in the final game of each of the first two sets to take a comfortable lead. 
 
After breaking to lead 3-1 in the third, Isner stayed the course, finishing off the match with a final ace. 
 
&quot;We&#39;re up 2-0, we&#39;re in a good spot,&quot; Isner said. 
 
While the United States are the most successful Davis Cup nation ever, with 32 titles, they were ousted in the first round the past two years by Britain. 
 
They last played in the semi-finals in 2012, when they fell 3-1 at Spain. 
 
The winners of the best-of-five match tie will take on either the Czech Republic or France in the semi-finals. 
 
The Czechs and French were tied 1-1 after the opening day of their tie in Prague. 
 
(AFP)

While the US are the most successful Davis Cup nation ever, with 32 titles, they were ousted in the first round the past 2 years by Britain

Jack Sock rallied to stun Marin Cilic 4-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 on Friday and put the United States on the road to a 2-0 lead over Croatia in their Davis Cup World Group quarter-final tie. The triumph for the 26th-ranked Sock over world number 12 Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion, was followed by American John Isner's 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Borna Coric. The formidable doubles duo of Bob and Mike Bryan can clinch the best-of-five match tie on the outdoor hardcourt at Tualtin Hills Tennis Club in Portland, Oregon, today. Croatians Ivan Dodig and Marin Draganja are slated to take on the brothers, trying to push things to the reverse singles on Sunday. Sock fired 17 aces against Cilic, who came into the tie trying to put behind him a five-set quarter-final loss to Roger Federer at Wimbledon. But having forced a decisive fifth set, the American surrendered an early break that appeared to set Cilic on his way. Sock, however, broke back in the fifth game, and while he couldn't convert three break points in the seventh, he gained the last break he needed in the ninth, when Cilic sent a high backhand volley wide. "A little bit disappointing with that, just to lose that opportunity of getting that lead in the fifth set," Cilic said. "When I gave him a chance to come back I felt that he started to play also really well." Sock got a little shaky serving it out, double-faulting twice before surviving two break points to seal the match after three hours and 13 minutes. "I haven't played a ton of five-setters in my career," said Sock, who was playing his first Davis Cup match on home soil. "Haven't come back from two sets to love down. To do that today, in front of the home crowd for the team, it feels extra special today." Isner, ranked 16th in the world, fired 23 aces and fended off all eight break points he faced in a match lasting just under two hours. Having withstood 54th-ranked Coric's early assault on his serve, which included break points in six of Isner's first seven service games, Isner broke the Croatian in the final game of each of the first two sets to take a comfortable lead. After breaking to lead 3-1 in the third, Isner stayed the course, finishing off the match with a final ace. "We're up 2-0, we're in a good spot," Isner said. While the United States are the most successful Davis Cup nation ever, with 32 titles, they were ousted in the first round the past two years by Britain. They last played in the semi-finals in 2012, when they fell 3-1 at Spain. The winners of the best-of-five match tie will take on either the Czech Republic or France in the semi-finals. The Czechs and French were tied 1-1 after the opening day of their tie in Prague. (AFP)

Davis Cup: Sock shocks Cilic, USA take 2-0 lead over Croatia

One of America&#39;s top beauty pageants has axed its swimsuit competition, ditching bikinis for sportswear to fend off years of complaints that parading in a bikini is sexist and demeaning. 
 
Miss Teen USA, open to women aged 14 to 19, said on its website that &quot;in a society that increasingly prioritises feminism and equality, watching women parade across a stage in bikinis can feel outdated.&quot; 
 
The Miss Universe Organization, which operates the pageant, said from now on contestants would be judged on athletic wear, in addition to the evening wear and personality competitions. 
 
&quot;Miss Teen USA&#39;s transition to athletic wear reads as less exploitative and more focused on the importance of physical fitness for its younger participants,&quot; it said. 
 
The reform was welcomed by reigning Miss Teen USA, Katherine Haik, who called it &quot;a great way to celebrate the active lives that so many young women lead and set a strong example for our peers.&quot; 
 
The 2016 Miss Teen USA pageant, which is broadcast online, will be held in Las Vegas on July 30. Each year, a woman from each of the 50 states and one from Washington DC compete for the crown. 
 
Miss Universe was for years owned by billionaire Republican White House candidate Donald Trump. He sold it last year to a talent management group. 
 
(AFP)

Dubbed sexist, the 'outdated' bikini is to be replaced with sportswear as the focus will now be on physical fitness

One of America's top beauty pageants has axed its swimsuit competition, ditching bikinis for sportswear to fend off years of complaints that parading in a bikini is sexist and demeaning. Miss Teen USA, open to women aged 14 to 19, said on its website that "in a society that increasingly prioritises feminism and equality, watching women parade across a stage in bikinis can feel outdated." The Miss Universe Organization, which operates the pageant, said from now on contestants would be judged on athletic wear, in addition to the evening wear and personality competitions. "Miss Teen USA's transition to athletic wear reads as less exploitative and more focused on the importance of physical fitness for its younger participants," it said. The reform was welcomed by reigning Miss Teen USA, Katherine Haik, who called it "a great way to celebrate the active lives that so many young women lead and set a strong example for our peers." The 2016 Miss Teen USA pageant, which is broadcast online, will be held in Las Vegas on July 30. Each year, a woman from each of the 50 states and one from Washington DC compete for the crown. Miss Universe was for years owned by billionaire Republican White House candidate Donald Trump. He sold it last year to a talent management group. (AFP)

No more bikini competition at Miss Teen USA

An airplane powered solely by the sun landed safely in Seville in Spain early today after an almost three-day flight across the Atlantic from New York in one of the longest legs of the first ever fuel-less flight around the world. 
 
The single-seat Solar Impulse 2 touched down shortly after 7.30 a.m. local time in Seville after leaving John F. Kennedy International Airport at about 2.30 a.m. EDT on June 20. 
 
The flight of just over 71 hours was the 15th leg of the round-the-world journey by the plane piloted in turns by Swiss aviators Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg. 
 
&quot;Oh-la-la, absolutely perfect,&quot; Piccard said after landing, thanking his engineering crew for their efforts. 
 
With a cruising speed of around 70 kilometres an hour (43 miles per hour), similar to an average car, the plane has more than 17,0000 solar cells built in to wings with a span bigger than that of a Boeing 747. 
 
(Reuters)

The flight of just over 71 hours was the 15th leg of the round-the-world journey piloted by Bertrand Piiccard and Andre Borschbe

An airplane powered solely by the sun landed safely in Seville in Spain early today after an almost three-day flight across the Atlantic from New York in one of the longest legs of the first ever fuel-less flight around the world. The single-seat Solar Impulse 2 touched down shortly after 7.30 a.m. local time in Seville after leaving John F. Kennedy International Airport at about 2.30 a.m. EDT on June 20. The flight of just over 71 hours was the 15th leg of the round-the-world journey by the plane piloted in turns by Swiss aviators Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg. "Oh-la-la, absolutely perfect," Piccard said after landing, thanking his engineering crew for their efforts. With a cruising speed of around 70 kilometres an hour (43 miles per hour), similar to an average car, the plane has more than 17,0000 solar cells built in to wings with a span bigger than that of a Boeing 747. (Reuters)

Solar plane lands in Spain after three-day Atlantic crossing

The US Supreme Court on Thursday dealt President Barack Obama a harsh defeat by blocking his plan to spare millions of illegal immigrants from deportation in a split 4-4 ruling he called frustrating to those aiming to fix America&#39;s broken immigration system. 
 
The ruling, coming seven months before Obama&#39;s term in office ends, marked the latest success that his Republican adversaries have had in thwarting a major policy initiative of the Democratic president. It also guarantees that immigration will remain a prominent part of the campaign ahead of the November-8 election in which voters will pick his successor. 
 
&quot;For more than two decades now, our immigration system ... has been broken, and the fact that the Supreme Court was not able to issue a decision today doesn&#39;t just set the system back even further, it takes us further from the country that we aspire to be,&quot; Obama said at the White House. 
 
The 4-4 decision left in place a 2015 lower-court ruling blocking the plan, which was never implemented. 
 
Obama called the ruling frustrating to those who want to &quot;bring a rationality&quot; to the immigration system and to allow the estimated 11 million immigrants in the country illegally to &quot;come out of the shadows.&quot; 
 
Obama&#39;s 2014 plan was tailored to let roughly 4 million people - those who have lived illegally in the United States at least since 2010, have no criminal record and have children who are US citizens or lawful permanent residents - get into a program that shields them from deportation and supplies work permits. 
 
The issue of illegal immigration has featured prominently in the presidential campaign. Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, has called for deportation of all immigrants in the United States illegally - most of them from Mexico and other Latin American countries - and building a wall along the Mexican border. 
 
&quot;In the end, it is my firm belief that immigration is not something to fear,&quot; Obama said. &quot;We don&#39;t have to wall ourselves off from those who may not look like us right now, or pray like we do, or have a different last name, because being an American is something more than that. What makes us American is our shared commitment to an ideal that all of us are created equal.&quot;

The ruling is frustrating to those who want to 'bring a rationality' to the immigration system, Obama says

The US Supreme Court on Thursday dealt President Barack Obama a harsh defeat by blocking his plan to spare millions of illegal immigrants from deportation in a split 4-4 ruling he called frustrating to those aiming to fix America's broken immigration system. The ruling, coming seven months before Obama's term in office ends, marked the latest success that his Republican adversaries have had in thwarting a major policy initiative of the Democratic president. It also guarantees that immigration will remain a prominent part of the campaign ahead of the November-8 election in which voters will pick his successor. "For more than two decades now, our immigration system ... has been broken, and the fact that the Supreme Court was not able to issue a decision today doesn't just set the system back even further, it takes us further from the country that we aspire to be," Obama said at the White House. The 4-4 decision left in place a 2015 lower-court ruling blocking the plan, which was never implemented. Obama called the ruling frustrating to those who want to "bring a rationality" to the immigration system and to allow the estimated 11 million immigrants in the country illegally to "come out of the shadows." Obama's 2014 plan was tailored to let roughly 4 million people - those who have lived illegally in the United States at least since 2010, have no criminal record and have children who are US citizens or lawful permanent residents - get into a program that shields them from deportation and supplies work permits. The issue of illegal immigration has featured prominently in the presidential campaign. Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, has called for deportation of all immigrants in the United States illegally - most of them from Mexico and other Latin American countries - and building a wall along the Mexican border. "In the end, it is my firm belief that immigration is not something to fear," Obama said. "We don't have to wall ourselves off from those who may not look like us right now, or pray like we do, or have a different last name, because being an American is something more than that. What makes us American is our shared commitment to an ideal that all of us are created equal."

Obama: Supreme Court decision on immigration sets the system back

Following a long-held tradition, thousands of yoga fans gathered in New York`s Times Square on Monday to mark the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. 
 
During the 14th edition of the annual event, yogis transformed the famous intersection in one of the world`s busiest cities into a huge outdoor yoga lesson surrounded by cars, construction and the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. 
 
The first lesson began at 5:00 am (0900 GMT), and the last at 7:30 pm. All were free and open to yoga practitioners of all levels. 
There was a heavy police presence. 
 
Thousands of yoga mats were distributed for the get-together, covering crosswalks. 
 
Last year, during the first international yoga day designated by the United Nations, some 17,000 people participated. 
(AFP)

Last year, during the first international yoga day designated by the United Nations, some 17,000 people participated

Following a long-held tradition, thousands of yoga fans gathered in New York`s Times Square on Monday to mark the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. During the 14th edition of the annual event, yogis transformed the famous intersection in one of the world`s busiest cities into a huge outdoor yoga lesson surrounded by cars, construction and the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. The first lesson began at 5:00 am (0900 GMT), and the last at 7:30 pm. All were free and open to yoga practitioners of all levels. There was a heavy police presence. Thousands of yoga mats were distributed for the get-together, covering crosswalks. Last year, during the first international yoga day designated by the United Nations, some 17,000 people participated. (AFP)

Thousands of yoga practitioners hit Times Square to welcome summer

The United States on Wednesday declared North Korea a &quot;primary money laundering concern,&quot; and moved to further block its ability to use the U.S. and world financial systems to fund its weapons programs. 
The U.S. Treasury Department called for a prohibition on certain U.S. financial institutions opening or maintaining correspondent accounts, which are established to receive deposits from or make payments on behalf of a foreign institution, with North Korean financial institutions. 
Crucially, Treasury also prohibited the use of third parties` U.S. correspondent accounts to process transactions for North Korean financial institutions. 
The announcement came days after the latest failed missile launch by the isolated state. Tensions in the region have been high since January when North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test and then followed that with a satellite launch and test launches of various missiles. 
Those efforts have all fueled calls in Washington, and abroad, for a clampdown on Pyongyang. 
U.S. law already generally prohibited U.S. financial institutions from engaging in transactions with North Korean institutions, but Treasury`s latest actions would impose additional controls, especially the prohibitions on the use of third-country banks` U.S. accounts to process transactions for North Korea. 
&quot;This is meaningful,&quot; said Victor Cha, Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. &quot;This is designating the entire country, which means essentially that any entity that is interested in interacting with U.S. financial institutions should no longer have any business with North Korea.&quot; 
&quot;Most, if not all, entities, if faced with the choice of having access to the U.S. financial system or doing business with North Korea, are going to make the obvious choice,&quot; Cha added. 
South Korea`s foreign ministry on Thursday welcomed the move, which it said in a statement would boost the effectiveness of existing sanctions on the North and have a broader impact than a 2005 U.S. Treasury measure that targeted a bank in the Chinese territory of Macau. 
About $24 million of North Korean funds was frozen at Macau`s Banco Delta Asia (BDA) after the U.S. Treasury accused it of helping to channel earnings from the North`s illicit activities, leading to a frantic attempt by Pyongyang to retrieve the money. 
The North has since developed tactics to skirt financial restrictions by resorting to informal means to transfer money, including the use of bulk cash hand-carried by officials.&nbsp; 
Adam Szubin, acting under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said Washington expected other governments and financial authorities to make similar moves to prevent Pyongyang from &quot;abusing&quot; global financial institutions to support its development of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles. 
&quot;The regime is notoriously deceitful in its financial transactions in order to continue its illicit weapons programs and other destabilizing activities,&quot; Szubin said in a statement. 
The Treasury was required to assess North Korea`s status as a money laundering jurisdiction under the &quot;North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act,&quot; passed nearly unanimously by the U.S. Congress in February. 
A U.N. Security Council resolution in early March also required member states to sever correspondent banking relationships with North Korean financial institutions within 90 days.

The announcement came days after the latest failed missile launch by the isolated state. Tensions in the region have been high since January when North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test and then followed that with a satellite launch and test launches of various missiles.

The United States on Wednesday declared North Korea a "primary money laundering concern," and moved to further block its ability to use the U.S. and world financial systems to fund its weapons programs. The U.S. Treasury Department called for a prohibition on certain U.S. financial institutions opening or maintaining correspondent accounts, which are established to receive deposits from or make payments on behalf of a foreign institution, with North Korean financial institutions. Crucially, Treasury also prohibited the use of third parties` U.S. correspondent accounts to process transactions for North Korean financial institutions. The announcement came days after the latest failed missile launch by the isolated state. Tensions in the region have been high since January when North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test and then followed that with a satellite launch and test launches of various missiles. Those efforts have all fueled calls in Washington, and abroad, for a clampdown on Pyongyang. U.S. law already generally prohibited U.S. financial institutions from engaging in transactions with North Korean institutions, but Treasury`s latest actions would impose additional controls, especially the prohibitions on the use of third-country banks` U.S. accounts to process transactions for North Korea. "This is meaningful," said Victor Cha, Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. "This is designating the entire country, which means essentially that any entity that is interested in interacting with U.S. financial institutions should no longer have any business with North Korea." "Most, if not all, entities, if faced with the choice of having access to the U.S. financial system or doing business with North Korea, are going to make the obvious choice," Cha added. South Korea`s foreign ministry on Thursday welcomed the move, which it said in a statement would boost the effectiveness of existing sanctions on the North and have a broader impact than a 2005 U.S. Treasury measure that targeted a bank in the Chinese territory of Macau. About $24 million of North Korean funds was frozen at Macau`s Banco Delta Asia (BDA) after the U.S. Treasury accused it of helping to channel earnings from the North`s illicit activities, leading to a frantic attempt by Pyongyang to retrieve the money. The North has since developed tactics to skirt financial restrictions by resorting to informal means to transfer money, including the use of bulk cash hand-carried by officials. Adam Szubin, acting under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said Washington expected other governments and financial authorities to make similar moves to prevent Pyongyang from "abusing" global financial institutions to support its development of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles. "The regime is notoriously deceitful in its financial transactions in order to continue its illicit weapons programs and other destabilizing activities," Szubin said in a statement. The Treasury was required to assess North Korea`s status as a money laundering jurisdiction under the "North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act," passed nearly unanimously by the U.S. Congress in February. A U.N. Security Council resolution in early March also required member states to sever correspondent banking relationships with North Korean financial institutions within 90 days.

US takes more steps to block North Korea's access to financial system

Turkey is offering to &quot;join forces&quot; with Washington for a special operation inside Syria on condition it doesn`t include a Syrian Kurdish militia blacklisted by Ankara but seen as an ally by the US, the foreign minister said. 
Washington`s support of Kurdish fighters in Syria in the fight against Islamic State jihadists has angered Ankara, especially after AFP pictures last week revealed US commandos sporting patches of the Kurdish People`s Protection Units (YPG) detested by Turkey. 
&quot;If we join forces, they (the US) have their own special forces and we have our special forces,&quot; Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told a small group of journalists in the Mediterranean resort of Antalya. 
Such a coalition could &quot;easily&quot; head to IS` de facto capital in Raqa to the south in a second front, he said. 
There was no immediate reaction to the proposal from the United States, whose strategy for fighting jihadists inside Syria is pinned on its alliance with the &nbsp;Syrian Kurds. 
The US is supporting an alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters-- the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)-- as the most effective fighting force on the ground against IS. 
But the SDF is still dominated by the YPG, which Turkey sees as the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) which has fought a three decade insurgency against the Turkish state. 
Cavusoglu said Syrian Arab opposition forces opposing the regime of President Bashar al-Assad could be backed up with special forces from Turkey, the United States as well as from France, Britain and Germany. 
&quot;The subject we are discussing with the Americans is the closure of the Manbij pocket as soon as possible... and the opening of a second front,&quot; Cavusoglu said, referring to a backdoor border route favoured by IS for smuggling jihadists into and out of Syria. 
&quot;We say okay, a second front should be opened but not with the PYD,&quot; he said, referring to the Democratic Union Party, the YPG`s political wing.&nbsp;&quot;Unfortunately, both Russia and the United States see a terrorist organisation as a partner and support it,&quot; he added. 
In Ankara, government spokesman Numan Kurtulmus declined to comment on details of any operation, but said Turkey placed top priority on protecting a line stretching between Syria`s flashpoint towns of Marea and Jarablus. 
&quot;Turkey is determined whatever is needed to protect the line from terrorist groups,&quot; he said on Monday after a cabinet meeting.The dispute over the role of the YPG has proved a major bone of contention in relations between the two NATO allies. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the weekend accused the US of dishonesty. 
Cavusoglu lamented the delay in the delivery of American light multiple rocket launchers to be deployed along its border with Syria to combat IS. 
The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) was supposed to be deployed along the Turkish border by the end of May, but Cavusoglu said it would now only happen in August. 
&quot;The United States is unfortunately not keeping its promise,&quot; he said.&nbsp;&quot;We are completely ready. Not us, but the US is responsible for the delay,&quot; he added. 
The system would allow Turkey to hit IS positions within a 90-kilometre (56-mile) range, while Turkish artillery has a more limited range of 40 kilometres. 
Yet Turkish cooperation is critical for the US-led fight against IS, with coalition war planes using the southern Turkish base of Incirlik as a hub for attacks on the group. 
Cavusoglu said US support for YPG was &quot;very dangerous&quot; for the future of Syria. 
Asked if could have implications for the US use of Incirlik, he replied: &quot;The United States is our NATO ally, model partner. To be honest, we don`t want the business to reach that stage.&quot;

With support from Turkey and the US-led coalition, rebels in the northern province of Aleppo have been fighting for months to clear the Islamic State (IS) from the Aleppo countryside.

Turkey is offering to "join forces" with Washington for a special operation inside Syria on condition it doesn`t include a Syrian Kurdish militia blacklisted by Ankara but seen as an ally by the US, the foreign minister said. Washington`s support of Kurdish fighters in Syria in the fight against Islamic State jihadists has angered Ankara, especially after AFP pictures last week revealed US commandos sporting patches of the Kurdish People`s Protection Units (YPG) detested by Turkey. "If we join forces, they (the US) have their own special forces and we have our special forces," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told a small group of journalists in the Mediterranean resort of Antalya. Such a coalition could "easily" head to IS` de facto capital in Raqa to the south in a second front, he said. There was no immediate reaction to the proposal from the United States, whose strategy for fighting jihadists inside Syria is pinned on its alliance with the Syrian Kurds. The US is supporting an alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters-- the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)-- as the most effective fighting force on the ground against IS. But the SDF is still dominated by the YPG, which Turkey sees as the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) which has fought a three decade insurgency against the Turkish state. Cavusoglu said Syrian Arab opposition forces opposing the regime of President Bashar al-Assad could be backed up with special forces from Turkey, the United States as well as from France, Britain and Germany. "The subject we are discussing with the Americans is the closure of the Manbij pocket as soon as possible... and the opening of a second front," Cavusoglu said, referring to a backdoor border route favoured by IS for smuggling jihadists into and out of Syria. "We say okay, a second front should be opened but not with the PYD," he said, referring to the Democratic Union Party, the YPG`s political wing. "Unfortunately, both Russia and the United States see a terrorist organisation as a partner and support it," he added. In Ankara, government spokesman Numan Kurtulmus declined to comment on details of any operation, but said Turkey placed top priority on protecting a line stretching between Syria`s flashpoint towns of Marea and Jarablus. "Turkey is determined whatever is needed to protect the line from terrorist groups," he said on Monday after a cabinet meeting.The dispute over the role of the YPG has proved a major bone of contention in relations between the two NATO allies. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the weekend accused the US of dishonesty. Cavusoglu lamented the delay in the delivery of American light multiple rocket launchers to be deployed along its border with Syria to combat IS. The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) was supposed to be deployed along the Turkish border by the end of May, but Cavusoglu said it would now only happen in August. "The United States is unfortunately not keeping its promise," he said. "We are completely ready. Not us, but the US is responsible for the delay," he added. The system would allow Turkey to hit IS positions within a 90-kilometre (56-mile) range, while Turkish artillery has a more limited range of 40 kilometres. Yet Turkish cooperation is critical for the US-led fight against IS, with coalition war planes using the southern Turkish base of Incirlik as a hub for attacks on the group. Cavusoglu said US support for YPG was "very dangerous" for the future of Syria. Asked if could have implications for the US use of Incirlik, he replied: "The United States is our NATO ally, model partner. To be honest, we don`t want the business to reach that stage."

Turkey offers US joint Syria operation, without the Kurds

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