Ninth cricket World Cup begins in the Caribbean
	Montego Bay (Jamaica):A symphony of Reggae and Calypso rhythms formed the silhouette of a colourful and extravagant opening ceremony of the ninth Cricket World Cup at the Trelawny Stadium here today. Titled 'West Indian Energy', the opening ceremony unfolded in true West Indian style showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean, as boundaries disppeared with nine Island nations joining hands in an unprecedented effort to host the mega event. Three decades after their triumph in the first World Cup in 1975, the twice World cup champions sang and danced their way into 47-days of cricketing carnival. Reggae, dancehall, calypso and different musical genres, were pieced together featuring Caribbean dance sequences, fire-eaters and stilt-walkers playing cricket in a spellbound three-hour opening ceremony, watched by about 10,000 at the Trelawny Stadium and over 150 crore through television. Former West Indian all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers, now in his 70s and acknowledged one of the greatest cricketer, officially declared the tournament open. "On behalf of the West Indies it is my honour and privelege to decalre the ninth ICC Cricket World Cup officially open," he said. Particular attention was paid to the region's commitment to Carnival in the opening ceremony which cost USD 2.5 billion and brought to life with the help of over 2500 singers, dancers and performers. The players' declaration was done by West Indian captain Brian Lara while Steve Bucknor, the longest serving umpire, read the officials' declaration before Sir Garfield Sobers declared the 2007 World Cup open. Set in golden sunshine against a backdrop of pristine blue sea, the ceremony also featured introduction of World Cup mascot 'Mello', the orange raccoon like creature wearing a blue shirt over a white vest, and the official song of the World Cup 'The Game of Love and Unity', sung by the trio of Rupee, Shaggy and Fayann Lyons. The tournament gets underway with the opening match between West Indies and Pakistan at Sabina Park in Kingston on Tuesday. The final of the tournament is scheduled on April 28 in Barbados