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Hobart, Jan 12 : Russia's Elena Vesnina won the first WTA singles title of her career here Saturday, beating Mona Barthel of Germany in straight sets in the final.

World No. 68 Vesnina, who had lost her six previous WTA finals, defeated ninth seed Barthel 6-3, 6-4 in a match that saw seven breaks of serve.

Vesnina was helped by accurate serving, winning 78 percent of points on her first serve.

On the way to winning the tournament, Vesnina had earlier beaten seeded players Yaroslava Shvedova and Sloane Stephens.

Kolkata, Jan 12 : Cultural programmes, a tableau depicting his teachings and colourful processions marked the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Swami Vivekananda in West Bengal Saturday.

The celebrations started early in the morning at his ancestral house in the city's Shimla Street, where people from all walks of life assembled to pay homage. A colourful procession, taken out mostly by school children, wound its way through the city's streets.

Governor M. K. Narayanan paid floral tributes to Vivekananda while his predecessor Gopal Krishna Gandhi was present at the monk's ancestral house.

Melbourne, Jan 12 : Australia cricketer Mitchell Starc has been withdrawn from the squad for the second One-Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka in Adelaide due to mild calf soreness.

Cricket Australia (CA) physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: "Mitchell Starc had some mild right calf soreness after the match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground last night. While we are not majorly concerned about it, we have withdrawn him from the game on Sunday as a precaution.

New Delhi, Jan 12 : India may have to "think of some other options" if Pakistan continues to violate the border ceasefire with impunity, said Air Chief Marshal N. A. K. Browne here Saturday.

Addressing reporters on the sidelines of an event, Browne said the two countries have "mechanisms that are sacrosanct" -- like the Line of Control and the 2003 ceasefire agreement -- in place.

"And violations with impunity, what is happening... is totally unacceptable".

Chennai, Jan 12 : The Tamil lullaby "Kanney Kanmaniaye.. Aararo, Aararo" sung by her, perhaps has robbed Carnatic music vocalist Bombay Jayashri Ramnath of her sleep, what with the excitement of being nominated for the Oscar. More importantly, it has reinforced her faith in the reach of Indian classical music.

Written, composed and sung by Ramnath, "Pi Lullaby" from the Hollywood film "Life of Pi", has been nominated in the best music original song category for the 85th Academy Awards.

New Delhi, Jan 12 : Hockey India Leagu