Karachi, Nov 28: PCB chairman Ijaz Butt and the Board’s Director-General Javed Miandad reportedly held high-level meetings with leading Pakistan government functionaries in Karachi in a bid to ensure that the first leg of the home series against India is held smoothly here in January.

The duo called on Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan and sought his support for the home series that will kick off with India’s arrival here on January 5.

Karachi is scheduled to host the opening match of the three-Test series from January 13. However, the series is in jeopardy because of security fears.

Los Angeles  - Chris Paul started slowly but finished with a flurry.

Paul scored 20 of his 22 points in the second half, and James Posey knocked down the go-ahead three-pointer with 19.1 seconds left as the visiting New Orleans Hornets nipped the Denver Nuggets 105-101 on Thursday night for their fourth straight win.

"I'm one of those guys who try to let the game come to me," said Paul, who also dished out 10 assists.

"Right before the third quarter, coach said to me, you need to get it going a little bit, so I tried to. I just got a little more aggressive and we got out in transition.

"J. R. Smith shot the ball amazing tonight," he added. "This is a great win for our team."

Hong Kong  - Organisers will hold the line on ticket prices for the expected return of Maria Sharapova to tennis in early January due to the world economic crisis.

The Russian is due to start her 2009 campaign at the "World Challenge" event, with a field which also includes Wimbledon champion Venus Williams and Serbia's world number one Jelena Jankovic.

The January 7-10 tournament with a 12-strong field will hold prices for punters to the same level as in past years in hopes of keeping the Victoria Park stadium full.

Prices are set to remain at the equivalent of 36 to 105 dollars per day.

DENVER, Nov. 28  -- James Posey's three-pointer with 19.1 seconds left followed by four Hornets free throws Thursday gave New Orleans a 105-101 win over the Denver Nuggets.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 28 -- Mike Cammalleri's first career hat trick followed by Curtis Glencross's game-winner carried Calgary to a 4-3 win over Vancouver Thursday.

In the Ranji Trophy Super League Group B match, Railways defeated Andhra by seven wickets at the Karnail Singh Stadium. Railways needed just 10 overs and less than an hour on the fourth and final day to notch up a comprehensive seven-wicket victory.

Railways lost the wicket of Milind Tamhane (44) just before they needed 37 runs to reach the winning target of 90. Tamhane hit five fours in his 88-ball knock, before being dismissed by M Suresh.

Sanjib Sanyal wrapped up by making the required three runs. Harshan Rawle, who was on four overnight, remained unbeaten on 33.