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Showing posts with label Sport News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sport News. Show all posts

Monday, 3 October 2011

Rugby World Cup 2011: Fuimaono-Sapolu banned from playing

Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu Fuimaono-Sapolu deleted tweets directed at Welsh referee Owens
Samoa centre Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu has been provisionally suspended from playing rugby after failing to attend a World Cup misconduct hearing.
He was charged by organisers for a Twitter rant, calling Welsh referee Nigel Owens "biased" and "racist".
Owens, who denied the claims, refereed Samoa's 13-5 loss to South Africa.
The hearing was adjourned and the Gloucester player provisionally banned from participating at any level of rugby, pending a hearing.
Samoa were eliminated from the tournament after their loss to the Springboks, which led Fuimaono-Sapolu to question the appointment of Owens.
Welsh referee Nigel Owens Owens sent off Samoa full-back Paul Williams The 30-year-old, whose whereabouts is unknown, claimed Owens could not be neutral on the basis that Wales stood to benefit from a South Africa win.
A Rugby World Cup statement said Samoa Rugby Union had made "reasonable attempts" to inform the player of the charges he faced and added that any sanction against the union would be addressed during Fuimaono-Sapolu's hearing.
Fuimaono-Sapolu had escaped official punishment earlier in the tournament when he criticised organisers over Samoa's schedule, comparing their treatment to slavery, the holocaust and apartheid.
He later apologised for his choice of words but Samoa were warned action could be taken if there were any repeat.
Owens endured a difficult night on Friday, showing a red card to Samoa full-back Paul Williams late in the game for a clash with Heinrich Brussow.
The referee, who will take charge of the quarter-final match between New Zealand and Argentina on Sunday, responded on Facebook: "One thing I am not is racist and a cheat."
After the game the referee had tweeted: "That was the hardest game I have ever had to ref. Did my best and no regrets."

Friday, 30 September 2011

Rugby World Cup 2011: Dan Carter injury rocks New Zealand

Dan Carter shows the pain after suffering a groin injury in training Carter shows the pain after suffering a groin injury in training
Star fly-half Dan Carter will miss New Zealand's final pool match against Canada on Sunday with a groin injury.
Carter was withdrawn from the side after pulling up during kicking practice in final training on Saturday.
The All Blacks will release a further injury bulletin on Sunday amid fears his participation in the rest of the World Cup may be in doubt.
Carter was due to lead the side against Canada after captain Richie McCaw also withdrew with a "niggly" foot problem.
Colin Slade will now start at number 10, with hooker Andrew Hore to captain the All Blacks for the first time. Andy Ellis comes onto the replacements bench.
"Carter will be further assessed this evening [Saturday] and an update will be given tomorrow," said an All Blacks statement. "No further updates will be given at this time."
McCaw's place in the side, meanwhile, will be taken by Victor Vito.
"It's a bit frustrating," said the flanker. "I was pretty keen to play, it was important for me and the team. I got through training on Friday fine but I woke up a bit sore."
McCaw underwent pre-season surgery in February to insert a small screw into a bone in his foot that had a stress fracture and missed the first six weeks of the Super 15 season.
After his comeback, the flanker was then sidelined in late May after suffering from recurring pain in his foot.

Monday, 26 September 2011

Troy Cooley is interim Australia coach for South Africa

Troy Cooley (left) with Shane Watson Cooley (left) has worked extensively with Australia's seam bowlers
Australia have named ex-England bowling coach Troy Cooley as interim head coach for their forthcoming tour of South Africa - but he will not be applying to fill the role permanently.
Tim Nielsen resigned as head coach last week after four years in the role.
Cooley, 45, began working with England's pacemen in 2003 and helped them to win the Ashes in 2005 before returning to his homeland a year later.
He is currently head coach at Cricket Australia's centre of excellence.
Cooley said: "I feel excited and comfortable coming into this 'caretaker's role'.
"My immediate task will be to come up to speed with their plans and work with the players and support team to ensure the preparation is spot on for a successful tour."
As well as coaching, he will also be an acting national selector for the South Africa tour, which begins on 13 October with the first of two Twenty20 internationals, followed by three one-day internationals and two Test matches.
Cooley began his coaching career with Tasmania, but was widely credited with helping England's fast bowlers such as Andrew Flintoff and Simon Jones master reverse swing in the lead-up to the 2005 Ashes.
He has since filled a number of roles for the Australia national side, starting as bowling coach but also serving as assistant coach, standing in for Nielsen for part of the one-day series in England in 2009, and coach of Australia A in Zimbabwe earlier this year.

Sunday, 25 September 2011

Rugby World Cup 2011: Ireland 62-12 Russia

Keith Earls goes over for his first try against Russia Keith Earls goes over for his first try against Russia
Ireland returned to the top of World Cup Pool C after a nine-try rout of Russia in Rotorua.
Fergus McFadden and Sean O'Brien scored early tries and the Irish finished the half strongly with Issac Boss, Keith Earls and Andrew Trimble going over.
Ireland led 36-0 at the break and Earls added his second try before Russia hit back with tries from Vasily Artemyev and Denis Simplikevich.
Rob Kearney, Shane Jennings and Tony Buckley went over late in the game.
Ireland coach Declan made 10 changes from the side which beat Australia but it didn't show in an impressive opening burst.
O'Gara fired over his first penalty before Russian fly-half Rachkov was sinbinned for a deliberate knock-on.
The try-scoring started on 10 minutes with McFadden sliding in and touching down from O'Gara's pinpoint chip.
O'Gara added the extras and he repeated the feat when O'Brien sprinted over from close range three minutes later.
Irish errors allowed Russia into the game midway through the half but the minnows failed to capitalise on their only period of possession.
Ireland regained control before the break and Boss added the third try by stretching out to touch the padding on the post.
Earls sealed the bonus point with a run into the corner after being released by Trimble, who got on scoresheet with an opportunist try.
Andrey Garbuzov knocked the ball into space and the Ulster wing pounced to canter unopposed to the line, although O'Gara failed for the first time with the boot as his conversion hit the upright.
Earls completed his double eight minutes into the second half, his powerful run breaking the tackle and sending him over for a converted try.
Russia hit back with their first try two minutes later when the Dublin-educated Artemyev sliced through the Irish defence before touching down.
Rachkov added the conversion and the buoyant Russians scored another try with Simplikevich finishing a fine move in the corner.
However, Russia were soon showing the fatigue of playing three games in 11 days and Ireland took advantage in the final stages.
Kearney eased over in the corner before close-range tries from Jennings and Buckley completed a good display.
Ireland team: Kearney, McFadden, Earls, Wallace, Trimble, O'Gara, Boss; Healy, Cronin, Buckley, O'Callaghan, Cullen (captain, Ryan, O'Brien, Heaslip.
Replacements: Murphy for Earls (50), Sexton for O'Gara (66), Reddan for Boss (66), Jennings for O'Brien (58), Leamy for O'Callaghan (46), Rossfor Healy (58)
Not used: Best.
Russia team: Artemyev, Simplikevich, Kuzin, Trishin, Ostroushko, Rachkov, Yanyushkin (captain), Gresev, Garbuzov, Fatakhov, Byrnes, Antonov, Khrokin, Tsnobiladze, Popov.
Replacements: Babaev for Trishin (74), Bykanov for Yanyushkin (74), Sidorov for Garbuzov (45), Voytov for Antonov (49), Prishchepenko for Khrokin (50), Matveev for Tsnobiladze (74), Travkin for Popov (75).
Sin Bin: Rachkov (7).
For the latest on the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand visit our

Wednesday, 21 September 2011

Rugby World Cup 2011: Mike Tindall recalled by England

Mike Tindall Tindall was rested for England's 41-10 victory over Georgia on Saturday
England have recalled Mike Tindall in one of seven changes for Saturday's World Cup Pool B match with Romania.
The centre was rested for the 41-10 win over Georgia and features for the first time since a controversial night out in Queenstown with team-mates.
Mark Cueto makes his first appearance of the tournament on the wing following a back injury, while Jonny Wilkinson takes over from Toby Flood at fly-half.
Steve Thompson, Alex Corbisiero, Louis Deacon and Tom Croft also return.
England manager Martin Johnson is without lock Courtney Lawes, who completes a two-match suspension, and prop Matt Stevens, who has been struggling with an ankle problem.
Northampton full-back Ben Foden, who has been hampered by a side injury, is fit to start along with Chris Ashton, who hurt an elbow in scoring his second try against Georgia.
Nick Easter is again ruled out with a back injury, with James Haskell continuing at number eight, while prop Corbisiero is another player to earn his first start of the competition.
Lewis Moody retains his place as openside flanker and will captain the team, which is arguably Johnson's strongest available despite many expecting him to rest senior players with an eye on completing a 100% record in the group stages in next week's final pool game against Scotland.
After a performance against Georgia that brought five points if not much in the way of plaudits either from within the camp or outside, Johnson suggested he was looking for a marked improvement on Saturday.
Sat alongside Tindall, Johnson made light of the Gloucester player's return, stating: "We've played since [the night out]. We've put it to bed."
For his part, Tindall denied the past few days had been a "challenging time" when asked, saying it had merely been disappointing not to have been picked last weekend.
The 73-times capped player, who married the Queen's grand-daughter Zara Phillips this year, had been at the centre of a media storm since closed circuit television pictures from Queenstown's Altitude Bar were released, appearing to show him in conversation with a mystery woman.
However, a source close to Tindall and his wife has said the woman is an old friend of the couple.
Tindall's performances on the field have also come under scrutiny after Saracens technical director Brendan Venter labelled him "the personification of everything that is wrong with England's attack".
But Foden is certain the 32-year-old can make an immediate impact on his return to the team. He said: "I'm sure he'll answer his critics the same way he usually does. Mike's a very professional guy. He hasn't let it influence him in training or anything like that.
"It's a personal matter that he's sorting out. He seems fine. I think it's all been eradicated and quickly forgotten.
"He'll be keener than anyone to go out there on the weekend and show the critics he is here to win a World Cup and perform well for England. Hopefully he'll answer the critics in the right way."
Meanwhile, Romania have made 11 changes to the team that lost 43-8 to Argentina last time out.
England: B Foden (Northampton Saints); C Ashton (Northampton Saints), M Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), M Tindall (Gloucester Rugby), M Cueto (Sale Sharks); J Wilkinson (Toulon), B Youngs (Leicester Tigers); A Corbisiero (London Irish), S Thompson (London Wasps), D Cole (Leicester Tigers), L Deacon (Leicester Tigers), T Palmer (Stade Francais), T Croft (Leicester Tigers), L Moody (Bath Rugby, capt), J Haskell (Ricoh Black Rams).
Replacements: L Mears (Bath Rugby), D Wilson (Bath Rugby), S Shaw (Unattached), T Wood (Northampton Saints), R Wigglesworth (Saracens), T Flood (Leicester Tigers), D Armitage (London Irish)

Monday, 19 September 2011

Red Rum trainer Ginger McCain dies aged 80


Modest McCain hails 'legend' Red Rum
Ginger McCain, trainer of the legendary Grand National winner Red Rum, has died aged 80 after suffering from cancer.
McCain guided "Rummy" to three victories and two second places in a five-year period during the 1970s.
He was nicknamed 'Mister Aintree' for his record at the Merseyside track and won a fourth National with Amberleigh House in 2004.
In 2006, McCain handed the reins to son Donald who won the Grand National with Ballabriggs this year.

McCain's wife Beryl said: "Donald - Ginger as we all knew him - passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short illness this morning - he would have been 81 on Wednesday.
"There will be a private family funeral followed by a later memorial service, for which there will be more information in the coming weeks.
"Joanne, Donald Jnr and I appreciate all the kindness we are being shown and, at this difficult time, would appreciate it if we were afforded some privacy."
Jockey Tony McCoy, who ended a long wait for a Grand National victory in 2010 on Don't Push It, wrote on Twitter: "Sad to hear about the death of Aintree legend Ginger McCain, trainer of the great Red Rum. My thoughts are with his family R.I.P."
Former jockey Mick Fitzgerald, who was successful in the 1996 race on Rough Quest, told Sky Sports News: "It's a very sad to hear the news. He leaves a legacy. Everytime you think of the Grand National, you think of Ginger. He was the National, to be honest.
"If you ever wanted a colourful quote you spoke to Ginger. He was never afraid to speak his mind. He believed in what he was doing and believed in the Grand National and racing needs characters like him."
BBC horse racing presenter Clare Balding wrote on Twitter: "Ginger McCain was 3 days short of his 81st birthday. He was an old-fashioned type & said what he thought but he was a character all right.
"Very sad for Beryl, Donald & the rest of the McCain family.
"Whenever I approached Ginger with a microphone it raised the heart rate. He might swear, say something offensive or be pertinent & funny."
Former racing commentator Sir Peter O'Sullevan spoke of McCain's brilliant handling of Red Rum, who was prone to lameness.
"Red Rum had very delicate, tender feet and had been with several skilful trainers before Ginger bought him," he said.
"Of course, he trained on the sands at Southport. I don't think we'd ever have heard of Red Rum if he'd gone anywhere else."

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini says he needs more midfielders


Mancini perplexed by Fulham draw
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini says he doesn't have enough depth to his midfield.
Yaya Toure has started every match this season, while Gareth Barry has only missed one game.
James Milner and Nigel de Jong are both injured, with Owen Hargreaves not yet match-fit.
And Mancini said: "We are lacking at this moment because we lost two midfielders. I don't have players. I can only change the full-backs."
The Italian has plenty of attacking options, with David Silva and Samir Nasri in excellent form and Adam Johnson a more than capable back-up.
But he feels he is short of holding midfielders and handed a debut to trainee Abdul Razak, 18, in the 3-0 win over Wigan.
He added: "I have only two midfielders, because James [Milner] and De Jong have injuries."
Mancini also thinks letting a two-goal lead slip against Fulham would serve as a lesson for the rest of the season.
Sergio Aguero struck twice to give City a healthy lead but Fulham drew level following a goal by Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy's deflected shot.
The result was the first time City have dropped league points this season.
Mancini told BBC Sport: "It's incredible, we lost two points after we scored two goals and dominated the game.
"But I think this can be a lesson for us. When we have the chances we should score."
Mancini complained of his team's wastefulness after the 3-0 win against Wigan last Saturday, where they had a host of chances but only led 1-0 at the break.
This time, although Aguero scored within 12 seconds of the re-start to give City a two-goal cushion, they were made to pay.
Fulham 'kept believing' - Jol
It was the first time City have played a game after a Champions League fixture but, while they faced Napoli at home on Wednesday, Fulham had played a day later in midweek, hosting FC Twente in the Europa League on Thursday.
Mancini bemoaned his side's concentration, with Fulham's first goal coming from a Micah Richards foul throw, while he also believed that Edin Dzeko was fouled in the build-up to Fulham's equaliser.
"For 10 or 15 minutes after Fulham scored, they played very well," Mancini added. "But a football match is 95 minutes and a top team like us needs to have more control of the game.
"I'm not angry. I'm just disappointed because we conceded two stupid goals."
The Italian also defended his decision to withdraw David Silva, who was replaced by Pablo Zabaleta before Murphy struck.
"In the middle I didn't have any players because we have James Milner and Nigel de Jong out injured," he said. "So I didn't have a chance to change it in the middle."

Wednesday, 14 September 2011

New world record-breakers debut in Guinness book 2012

Click to play
The world's most elastic woman, pierced man and longest fingernails were on display
A woman with 10-foot fingernails and a student with a four-inch tongue are among entries in the 2012 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.
Doncaster man Rob Hull, 49, is also in the book for having 571 Daleks - despite not being a Doctor Who fan.
Aevin Dugas from New Orleans in the US also gets an entry for having grown the world's largest natural afro.
Guinness World Records editor-in-chief Craig Lenday said the book celebrates "the weirdest and wackiest".
Dalek collector Mr Hull bought his first replica at the age of 29, and while he may not love the BBC sci-fi series, he says he became "enchanted" with them after seeing one in a toy shop.
The 2012 edition of the famous record book also sees a new face claiming the prestigious title of longest fingernails in the world.
Christine Walton, 45, from Las Vegas, has 10ft 2in (3.1m) fingernails on her left hand and 9ft 7in (2.92m) talons on her right hand.
"I hate all the cleaning, but I do it. And the makeup, I only wear so much," said Walton, who has also been working on a singing career while raising a family.
Christine Walton displays her long nails The nails on Ms Walton's left hand measure more than 10ft (3m) in length
The previous record-holder, Lee Redmond of Salt Lake City, lost her nails in a car crash in 2009.
Rev Darrell Best, of Illinois in the US is a newcomer to the book, having taken the title for the fastest wedding chapel after converting his 1940s fire truck into a wedding chapel on wheels.
The wedding chapel entitled The Best Man, allows lovers to tie the knot while they are on the road and is capable of reaching speeds of 62mph.
Meanwhile, 36-year-old Aevin Dugas from New Orleans also gets a mention in the new edition.
Ms Dugas is the proud owner of the largest natural afro in the world - her massive head of hair has a circumference of 4ft 4in (1.32m).
The world's most elastic woman, pierced man and longest fingernails were on display

Monday, 12 September 2011

US Open 2011: Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal in epic final

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic Djokovic has now won four Grand Slam titles in his career
Novak Djokovic confirmed his status as the world's best player with a stunning victory over defending champion Rafael Nadal to lift his first US Open title.
The top seed from Serbia gave a display of breathtaking quality to triumph 6-2 6-4 6-7 (3-7) 6-1 in four hours and 10 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Nadal, who was bidding to win his 11th Grand Slam title, has now lost all six of his meetings with Djokovic in 2011.
Djokovic holds the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open titles.
And he becomes only the sixth man in the Open Era to win three of the four majors in the same year.
"It's an incredible feeling," said the 24-year-old, who has lost only two of his 66 matches in 2011. "I've had an amazing year and it keeps going. Every time I play Rafa it's a big challenge.
"He's had a great tournament and I wish we have many more tough matches in the coming years."
Djokovic was beaten by Nadal at the same stage 12 months ago, but he turned the tables on the Spaniard this time around - and how.
The crowd were treated to several pulsating baseline rallies in the opening stages, Nadal breaking serve for 2-0 only to surrender his advantage immediately.
Djokovic showed brilliant skill in windy conditions to save three break points for 2-2 and constructed a couple of stunning combinations to strike in game five.
The top seed was dictating the tempo and he broke again when Nadal netted a backhand under pressure before serving out the 53-minute opener to love.
Nadal enjoyed a relatively comfortable service game to start the second set and then managed to break his opponent with a trademark forehand down the line.
But the errors returned in a truly incredible game three, which saw Djokovic squander five break points before converting a sixth when Nadal netted a routine smash.
It was a game that whipped the crowd into a frenzy but seemed to sap the life out of Nadal and after watching Djokovic hold to love, he fell 3-2 behind with a double-fault.
The 10-time Grand Slam champion dug deep to break back for 4-4 with a backhand pass, yet Djokovic quickly regained the momentum and served out for a two-set lead.
Both men produced some astonishing tennis at the beginning of the the third and, after swapping breaks, a perfectly-timed drop shot helped Djokovic move 3-2 ahead.
Nadal shook his head in disbelief but managed to level with a forehand down the line, secured the first service hold in five games and then engineered a break point at 4-3.
Djokovic averted the danger with a backhand winner to end a jaw-dropping 31-shot rally and another to break for 6-5, meaning he would serve for the match.
However, this time Nadal came out on top in a dramatic exchange that left Djokovic on his knees and helped the Spaniard force a tie-break.
The noise reached a deafening crescendo and Nadal responded with an all-out attack, crafting his way to 5-1 and taking the first of three set points when Djokovic lashed a tired forehand into the net.
Djokovic looked in real trouble when he required a treatment for a back problem at the changeover, but he came out firing and snapped up three straight games to put himself firmly on course for victory.
A comfortable service hold made it 4-1 and Djokovic thumped his chest with delight on breaking a weary Nadal to love in game six.
He unleashed a glorious inside-out forehand - his 51st winner of the match - to seal an unforgettable win and his fourth Grand Slam title.
"I'm disappointed but Novak is doing unbelievable things," said second seed Nadal. "What he did this year is probably impossible to repeat.
"I tried my best in every point. I tried to play aggressive but he made fantastic comebacks. I fought until last ball. I won a lot in the past but I have to work hard and come back stronger next year."

Saturday, 10 September 2011

US Open 2011: Andy Murray loses to Rafael Nadal in semis

Andy Murray World number four Murray has yet to win a Grand Slam title in 24 attempts
Andy Murray's hopes of reaching the US Open final came to an end as Rafael Nadal outclassed him in four sets to set up a meeting with Novak Djokovic.
The British number one lost 6-4 6-2 3-6 6-3 in three hours and 24 minutes to ensure his wait for a maiden Grand Slam title goes on.
Murray was no match for the Spaniard in the first two sets and despite rallying in the third, he wilted in the fourth.
Nadal faces Djokovic on Monday after the Serb beat Roger Federer.
"Tonight I played my best match so far and I'm very happy to be in the final," said the world number two.
"The beginning of the fourth set was really important because Andy had a break point but I managed to save it."

Murray beat Nadal at this stage in 2008 to reach his maiden Grand Slam final, but Nadal had won each of their previous four meetings and it was swiftly clear why.
The second seed had a clear game plan and stuck to it, played with maximum aggression from the first point, targeted Murray's weaknesses and stayed calm at all times.
By contrast, Murray struggled to execute his strategy, lacked intensity, was unable to take Nadal out of his comfort zone and wasted energy berating himself.

The Scot dug deep to save a break point and hold firm in an eight-minute opening service game, and registered a chance of his own in game six.
But he failed to capitalise as Nadal came up with one of numerous stunning forehand winners - and he was soon in total control.
Nadal broke in game seven when Murray framed a return and easily saw out the opening set.
He came under severe pressure in game two of the second but again Murray could not capitalise, squandering three break points.

Nadal was left to applaud an incredible Murray forehand in game three but there were no niceties when the 10-time Grand Slam champion forced an error to break for 3-2.
Murray looked to be feeling the effects of Friday's victory over John Isner and Nadal struck again to move 5-2 ahead before securing a two-set lead with an imperious hold to love.
The momentum swung both ways in a high-quality third set and it was Murray who made the first move with a volleyed put-away in game two.
A first double-fault of the match helped Nadal hit straight back, but Murray stuck with him brilliantly, regained his composure and cut down on the errors.
He was rewarded with a hard-earned break of serve for 5-3 and then converted his third set point when Nadal netted a forehand.
Murray's big chance came at 1-1 in the fourth but, after reeling Nadal in from 40-0, he netted a backhand on break point.
Punishment was instant as Nadal broke for 3-1 and then again to seal victory when the world number four put a backhand into the tramlines.
It is the third time this season that Murray has lost to Nadal in a Grand Slam semi-final.
"I've got to improve," he said. "It's disappointing to get so close. I've lost to Rafa a few times this year. I need to work on my game and get physically stronger.
"I was disappointed with first two sets but the third and fourth better. I know the right tactics for playing against Rafa but I didn't implement them in the first two sets.
"It's very easy from the side to suggest what I should be doing out there - you should see some of his passing shots. There's many things I could have done a bit better but I didn't.
"He's probably the greatest player who has played tennis."

Rugby World Cup 2011: Scotland 34-24 Romania

Scotland's Simon Danielli (right) scores a try as Romania's Madalin Lemnaru and Ionut Dimofte fail to tackle him Danielli was the hero for Scotland late in the match
Two late tries from Simon Danielli spared Scotland's blushes against Romania in their opening Rugby World Cup match.
Scotland, who had only lost twice to their opponents in 12 meetings, were 24-21 behind with just 12 minutes remaining having led 21-11.
Chris Paterson, who kicked 14 points, pulled his side level before Danielli finished off a great move.
Danielli went over again as Scotland gained a bonus point.
They were two outstanding scores, but Scotland's performance was marred by handling errors, nerves and an unconvincing pack.
Andy Robinson's men appeared to be cruising after Mike Blair and Joe Ansbro had moved them into a 15-3 lead after 20 minutes.
However, Romania's superior forward strength began to cause panic among the men in blue who conceded their first try when Mihaita Lazar touched down following a rolling maul.
It was 18-11 at the break and the teams exchanged penalties before number eight Daniel Carpo broke off a scrum to score and move The Oaks into a shock 24-21 lead.
However, Scotland rediscovered their verve of the first few minutes as Danielli rounded off two superb moves to give his side victory.
Coach Andy Robinson said Scotland had to grind out victories in the manner of one of the country's sporting heroes.
"I saw this as very much like Andy Murray playing his tennis matches, when he plays five sets," he said.
"You get put under that pressure in the second round, third round sometimes and it's how you come through it and then the focus is onto the next game.
"That's the key element for us - we mustn't play Romania when we play Georgia, we've got to play a new side.
"There are always challenges that are put up in front of us and it's how you deal with those challenges."
Scotland play Pool B opponents Georgia on Wednesday, before facing Argentina and then England.
Scotland: Paterson, Evans, Ansbro, S. Lamont, Danielli, Jackson, Blair, Jacobsen, Ford, Cross, Gray, Kellock, Brown, Barclay, Vernon.
Replacements: Parks for Jackson (52), Cusiter for Blair (61), Dickinson for Jacobsen (61), S. Lawson for Ford (68), Hines for Gray (52), Rennie for Barclay (62).
Romania: Dumitras, Ciuntu, Gal, Dimofte, Lemnaru, Dumbrava, Sirbu, Lazar, Tincu, Ion, Ursache, Petre, Macovei, Tonita, Carpo.
Replacements: Vlaicu for Dumitras (58), Surugiu for Dumbrava (51), Cazan for Sirbu (51), Zebega for Tincu (68), Florea for Ion (68), Popirlan for Petre (79), Burcea for Macovei (76).
Att: 20,000
Ref: Dave Pearson (RFU).

New Zealand (29) 41

  • Tries: Dagg 2, Kahui 2, Kaino, Nonu
  • Cons: Carter 3, Slade
  • Pen: Carter

Tuesday, 6 September 2011

US Open 2011: Roger Federer beats Juan Monaco in early hours

Roger Federer Federer received a rapturous reception from the late-night New York crowd
Roger Federer wasted no time in beating Juan Monaco after the start of their US Open fourth-round match was delayed until approaching midnight in New York.
They had to wait for the preceding women's match to end and it was 2350 local time when five-time champion Federer struck the first ball.
The Swiss was in unstoppable form, winning 6-1 6-2 6-0 in just 82 minutes.
World number one Novak Djokovic earlier beat Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov to reach the quarter-finals.
He is on course for a semi-final showdown with Federer, who appeared completely untroubled by the late start to his match with Argentine Monaco.
In Miami on 30 March, Federer began his match against Olivier Rochus at 12.37 am and won 6-3 6-1 in 53 minutes
The five-time champion began in sparkling form, breaking twice in succession and serving out the first set in just 18 minutes.
Such was his dominance that at one point Federer hit four successive aces and with light rain falling in the third set, the 16-time Grand Slam champion stepped up the pace even more to wrap things up at 0113 local time.
The Swiss former world number one said he was accustomed to late starts.
"You have to be ready," he said.
Roger Federer
"I knew I was going to play late and there were all kinds of possibilities that they might move us to another court. As tennis players we're used to it."
He also had sympathy for his opponent, who won only three games.
Federer added: "It's tough for Juan. I've been in that position before when I lost badly on this court to Andre Agassi, so I know what it feels like.
"Sometimes it's just not your day but it was mine tonight and it feels great."
Federer will next face 11th seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in a rematch of their Wimbledon quarter-final , which the Frenchman won from two sets down.
Tsonga defeated American eighth seed Mardy Fish 6-4 6-7 3-6 6-4 6-2 in a tense encounter on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Djokovic saved four set points in an epic first set tie-break and needed six of his own on his way to a 7-6 (16-14) 6-4 6-2 win. He will next face comaptriot Janko Tipsarevic, who beat Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero 7-5 6-7 (3-7) 7-5 6-2.
"Winning it was very important," Djokovic said of the tie-break. "That was probably the turning point. After that it was a good performance. "He played a lot of low balls, slices - I was confused on the court. But it was really exciting."
Djokovic will now meet close friend and Davis Cup team-mate Tipsarevic for a place in the last four.
"It means there's going to be at least one Serbian in the semi-finals, which is great for our country," said Djokovic.
"I think this is the first time I play Janko in a Grand Slam. We are great friends. It's not going to be easy to play him, but look, it's the quarter-finals and we both want to win."

Monday, 5 September 2011

US Open 2011: Top seed Caroline Wozniacki beats Svetlana Kuznetsova

Caroline Wozniacki Wozniacki beat Kuznetsova in three sets at the same stage two years ago
Caroline Wozniacki kept her hopes of a first Grand Slam title alive with a brilliant win over Svetlana Kuznetsova to reach the US Open quarter-finals.
The world number one was in desperate trouble at a set and 4-1 down but battled back to win 6-7 (6-8) 7-5 6-1.
It was a magnificent effort and the Dane goes on to face 10th seed Andrea Petkovic of Germany in the last eight.
Three-time champion Serena Williams earlier produced a dominant display to beat Serbia's Ana Ivanovic 6-3 6-4.
But it was the night session encounter that proved the high-point of the women's event so far as the defensive skills of Wozniacki went head-to-head with Kuznetsova's more attacking style.
Wozniacki had won in a final set tie-break when the pair met at the same stage two years ago, but it looked as though the Russian would prevail relatively comfortably this time after she hit back from 5-2 down to take the tie-break and moved 4-1 clear in the second set.
However, Wozniacki showed all the tenacity that has taken her to the top of the rankings, reeling off four games in a row and serving out the set at the second opportunity.
The Dane had made three unforced errors to Kuznetsova's 29 in the second set and her greater fitness and consistency proved the difference as the Russian began to flag, dropping serve at the start of the third as Wozniacki went on to win in three hours and two minutes.
"I thought about the match we played against each other here in 2009. I was a set and down in the second in that one and still won," said Wozniacki.
"I knew I could come back so I just stepped into the lines and went for my shots, tried to make fewer errors. I am in good shape. I can play for five hours if I have to. I just wanted to keep the rallies going."
Williams, seeded 28th, was not at her very best in the afternoon session but was never really threatened by Ivanovic, who sent down two double faults in her opening service game as her high ball toss suffered in windy conditions.
"It was crazy," Williams said. "I didn't even go for winners at any point. I just tried to get it over because it was so windy. It was like, 'Wow'. It was definitely tough. It just kind of swirls down there. But, you know, you just have to win in all kinds of situations."
Serena Williams has won 39 titles in her career, leaving her behind only sister Venus (43) and Kim Clijsters(41) amongst active players
Ivanovic stayed calm and broke back in the fifth game when Williams made two unforced errors to bring the match back onto serve, but the American stepped up a gear from 3-3 to close out the set.
Williams took an early 2-0 lead in the second and, although Ivanovic occasionally produced the goods, taking the third game with a thunderous ace, a missed backhand volley in the fourth allowed Williams to slam down of her own an ace to seal the game.
The American had only dropped six points on her first serve up until that point, winning 80% of the points behind it, and there was nothing Ivanovic could do to derail the former champion.
"My serve broke down a little more than hers," said Ivanovic. "I still created lots of opportunities and I felt I was stepping up a lot and I just felt that was the biggest difference today.
"As I said even before the match, I think she's the favourite for the tournament."
Williams still found plenty to work on from her performance, saying: "I think there's so much I can do better.
"I think, to be honest, the last two matches I wasn't completely satisfied with the way I played. I felt like I could have played a lot better, so there's a lot I can improve on."
She next faces Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova after the 20-year-old Russian beat Italian seventh seed Francesca Schiavone 5-7 6-3 6-4, while Germany's Petkovic defeated Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro 6-1 6-4.



Sunday, 4 September 2011

US Open 2011: Andy Murray beats Feliciano Lopez in third round

Andy Murray Murray has not reached the last eight in New York since he made the 2008 final
Andy Murray enjoyed a straightforward passage through to the last 16 of the US Open as he swept past Spanish 25th seed Feliciano Lopez.
The Briton had won all five previous meetings with Lopez and proved too good once again, winning 6-1 6-4 6-2.
Murray, 24, dominated throughout in his first night-session match of this year's tournament in New York.
He will play Donald Young in the fourth round on Tuesday, looking to avenge a loss to the American earlier this year.
And despite Young being a wildcard ranked 84th in the world, he is likely to provide a stiffer test for Murray than world number 26, Lopez, managed on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Murray had been taken to the brink by Robin Haase over five dramatic sets in the second round, but Sunday's match could not have provided a starker contrast.
Dressed from head to toe in black for the night match, Murray picked up where he had left off when beating Lopez in the quarter-finals of Wimbledon in June.
He grabbed control of the contest by winning the first 14 points, and with that a break, and the Scot made it through the entire first set without dropping a point on serve.
As solidly as Murray was playing, Lopez was clearly at a loss as to how he should handle a player he had struggled against so often in the past.
The Briton was content to roll his first serves in at an average of 107mph, trusting that Lopez did not have the return to do any damage, and when he did earn his only two break points of the match during the second set, the Spaniard made unforced errors both times.
Murray had to wait until 4-4 in the second set to make the decisive break but it came when Lopez offered up a double-fault, and the game was up when he was broken to love at the start of the third.

It was exhibition stuff from Murray in the closing stages, a volleyed forehand pass and a backhand smash among the highlights, and he sealed the victory in under two hours.
Reflecting on his three matches so far, Murray said: "I played some good tennis towards the end of the first match, the second match was poor - I didn't think it was great but I found a way to get through - and tonight was good.
"But so much can change in a couple of days and you just need to make sure you stay focused on the next match."
Murray was the victim of a major upset when Young beat him in Indian Wells earlier this year but the Scot feels in considerably better shape than he did then.
"It's a big match for me because of what happened earlier in the year but energy-wise, I'll be feeing good going into that one for hopefully a long second week."



US Open 2011: Novak Djokovic & Roger Federer reach last 16

Novak Djokovic Djokovic has won 60 matches and lost just two so far in 2011
World number one Novak Djokovic remains on track for a first US Open title after seeing off Nikolay Davydenko in the third round at Flushing Meadows.
The Serbian racked up his 60th win of an amazing season as he swept to a 6-3 6-4 6-2 victory in the night match.
He will next face 22nd seed Alexandr Dolgopolov, after the Ukrainian beat Ivo Karlovic 6-7 (4-7) 6-2 6-4 6-4.
Roger Federer advanced into the fourth round after overcoming a spirited challenge from 27th seed Marin Cilic.
Number three seed Federer got the crucial break at 4-4 in the third set as he defeated the Croat 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-2 to reach the last 16.
Federer, 30, next meets Argentine Juan Monaco, who fought his way past Germany's Tommy Haas 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 6-2 6-3.
"Coming in I knew it was going to be tricky and I'm happy that I was able to counter his pace and his good play," said the Swiss.
"It was a tricky match, especially at one set all. At the beginning of the third set I thought that was a key moment because he had momentum on his side.
"I was not returning and serving exactly the way I wanted, but I was able to turn it around and finished strong in the set. Then in the fourth things were a bit easier."
Djokovic was given the prestigious night session slot once again and, while not matching the heights of some of his performances this year, he still had too much for Davydenko.
The Russian, ranked 39th, managed to recover one break in the opening set but not a second, and after saving seven break points his resistance finally broke in game seven of the second set.
Fourteen players have retired during their matches at this year's US Open, two more than the previous Grand Slam high of 12. There have also been two walkovers and two withdrawals, which are not included in the records, giving a total of 18 failing to complete matches.
"It's the first test I had in this tournament and it was expected," said Djokovic.
"I was aware of his qualities - Davydenko is a great player. He's been around for many years. He knows how to play on this stadium and he knows how to play majors."
Ninth seed Tomas Berdych is out of the tournament after injury forced him to retire during the second set of his match against Janko Tipsarevic.
The Czech was 6-4 5-0 up when a shoulder injury made him quit, allowing Tipsarevic through to play Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero for a place in the quarter-finals.
Ferrero also benefited from a retirement as compatriot Marcel Granollers pulled out when 6-1 4-3 down.
Granollers, who had an abdominal problem, became the 18th player to retire at this year's US Open through either illness or injury.
Berdych said he first felt his shoulder injury during his quarter-final win over Federer in Cincinnati two weeks ago, and it then forced him to retire in his semi-final against Djokovic.
"I already knew there was a problem. I had it in Cincinnati, so it was a case of just trying," he said.
"I was lucky to finish the match against Roger [Federer] and I felt it here again in the last round. So I didn't hit on Friday, I just got treatment and tried to relax it."

Wednesday, 31 August 2011

Meireles and Arteta among transfer deadline day movers

Raul Meireles has joined Chelsea from Liverpool Meireles left Liverpool in one of the deadline's dramatic and surprising moves
Raul Meireles and Mikel Arteta swapped the city of Liverpool for London in dramatic deals on a busy transfer deadline day.
Meireles moved from Liverpool to Chelsea, while Everton's Arteta joined Arsenal along with Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun.
Arsenal also signed Germany defender Per Mertesacker and left-back Andre Santos from Fenerbahce for £6.2m as Arsene Wenger reshaped his squad after Sunday's 8-2 defeat by Manchester United.
Manchester City completed the free transfer of ex-Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves and allowed out-of-favour forward Craig Bellamy to rejoin former club Liverpool.
Liverpool let two players depart for France, Joe Cole moving to Lille on a season-long loan and midfielder Christian Poulsen joining Evian.
Manchester United did not make any deadline-day deals, with Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder revealing on Twitter that he would be staying in Italy.
Fulham and Stoke made major striker signings.
Fulham bought FC Twente attacker Bryan Ruiz for £10.6m, beating off a late rival bid from Newcastle United.
Stoke broke their transfer record to sign Tottenham's Peter Crouch for £10m, and added Wilson Palacios from Spurs for a fee believed to be around £6m.
Spurs also let Jermaine Jenas and Alan Hutton move to Aston Villa, the latter opting for the West Midlands over a move to Fulham.
Tottenham winger David Bentley joined West Ham on a season-long loan.
Spurs completed a deal for West Ham United's Scott Parker, but failed to sign Bolton defender Gary Cahill.
Sunderland ended their search for a striker when Nicklas Bendtner moved from Arsenal on a year-long loan deal.
Arsenal also let young striker Joel Campbell, who only signed last week, join French side Lorient on loan, following team-mate Gilles Sunu, who made a permanent switch to the Ligue 1 outfit.
QPR added Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips and Sunderland's Anton Ferdinand to their squad. Their move for Spurs defender Sebastien Bassong fell through due to Spurs' failure to sign Bolton's Gary Cahill.
As well as keeping hold of their prized defensive asset Cahill, Bolton added new faces by sealing a permanent deal for Liverpool striker David Ngog and a loan switch for Chelsea midfielder Gael Kakuta.
Blackburn raided Goodison Park to sign striker Yakubu, and also completed moves for Birmingham defender Scott Dann and Sheffield United frontman Jordan Slew.
Everton made two loan signings: Real Madrid's Royston Drenthe on loan and striker Denis Stracqualursi from Argentine side Tigres. The Toffees let Jermaine Beckford to join Leicester.
Wigan completed two deals, signing Celtic winger Shaun Maloney for a fee of £1m and Chelsea defender Patrick van Aanholt on loan.

Sunday, 28 August 2011

World Athletics 2011: Oscar Pistorius through to semi-finals

Oscar Pistorius Debate has raged this week on whether Pistorius should be allowed to compete
South African Oscar Pistorius qualified for the semi-finals of the 400m on his historic appearance at the World Championships in Daegu.
The first amputee athlete to race in the competition finished third in his heat in 45.39 seconds.
The four-time Paralympic champion, 24, finished behind winner Chris Brown, with Britain's Martyn Rooney second.
World and Olympic champion LaShawn Merritt of the United States qualified fastest in 44.35.
Lisa Dobriskey
Merritt is making his first major championship appearance since returning from 21-month doping ban.
Pistorius, who has a personal best of 45.07, said: "I am tired, I need to cool down now, to relax, refocus and chat with my coach.
"I had a good race. I'm just pleased to be part of this sport, of this event.
"Being here has been a goal I have had for many years. I have worked extremely hard to be here.
"It has been phenomenal to run today. There has been a lot of pressure on the race, and there is a lot of work for Monday.
There was disappointment for Britain in the 1500m as Lisa Dobriskey finished second last in her heat and went out. The defending silver medallist appeared to stumble and lose ground with just under a lap to go and came home in four minutes 12.70 seconds.
Dobriskey, who has been struggling with a back injury, said: "I felt like I raced well and maintained my position but my legs did not seem to be there when they needed to be.
"With 300m to go I panicked a bit and pushed too hard and that was it. I don't know what happened. I thought I was coping well with it [the injury] but obviously not. I'm very disappointed."
Her British team-mate Hannah England ran slower and won her first round, producing a strong finish to cross the line in 4mins 13.45secs.
Another surprise exit was British record holder and World Championship medal hopeful Holly Bleasdale in pole vault qualifying.
Click to play
Pistorius denies blades will give an advantage
The 19-year-old, who broke team-mate Kate Dennison's mark earlier this year with a clearance of 4.70m, failed to record a height.
The Preston athlete, making her major championship debut, failed her three attempts at 4.25m to crash out.
European and Commonwealth champion Andy Turner qualified comfortably for the semi-finals of the 110m hurdles.
The 30-year-old, who finished second behind China's former Olympic champion Liu Xiang in his heat, was joined in the next round by Will Sharman, but Lawrence Clarke went out.

Saturday, 27 August 2011

Monaco striker Chu-Young set for Arsenal deal

Park Chu-Young The striker has made 53 appearances for South Korea, scoring 17 goals
Monaco striker Park Chu-Young will complete a move to Premier League side Arsenal this weekend.
The South Korea captain, who has made over 91 appearances for the French club, is on his way to London for a medical in the next 24 hours.
Park was a former target for Premier League rivals Fulham.
The 26-year-old had completed a medical to sign for French side Lille, but a call from Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has prompted him head to London.
Michel Seydoux Lille president
Lille were surprised on Saturday at the disappearance of Park, who failed to show up for the second part of his medical having agreed terms to join the French champions.
Lille president Michel Seydoux said: "We haven't had a telephone call, nothing.
"From what we understand he could be at Arsenal," the Lille boss said.
Park had been due at the northern French side to continue with the traditional pre-signing medical which he had begun on Friday.
"Like Monaco, Lille are baffled," added Seydoux, adding: "Everything [about his move] had been agreed."
Park scored an own goal in a 4-1 defeat by Argentina at the 2010 World Cup. However, he redeemed himself in South Korea's next match against Nigeria by scoring a crucial free-kick in a 2-2 draw, allowing the Koreans to advance to the round of 16.

World Athletics 2011: Asafa Powell explains 100m pull-out


Click to play
Usain Bolt is now clear favourite for both the 100m and 200m titles
Asafa Powell believes his chances at the London Olympics could have been at risk had he have competed in the 100m at the World Championships.
The 28-year-old Jamaican pulled out of the Daegu event with a groin injury initially suffered in the Diamond League in Birmingham last month.
And he said: "It's a very strong field so I can't go out there with pain and finish way back in the field and maybe not be able to be back for next year.
"I just couldn't risk that."
Powell's injury forced him to pull out of the recent Crystal Palace meeting, and he aggravated it when he returned to training ahead of Daegu.
"I'm very down right now because I've trained 11 months for this and to come here and not be able to compete, I feel very disturbed about it," Powell added.
"It was my plan to come here to win, to beat the entire field and I'm not able to do it. But definitely I had a great chance of winning.
"I'm very frustrated but over the years I've been injured and I keep going and keep going and this won't stop me. I'll just work my way back for next year.
"I'm motivated to really come back and just prove to the world I definitely can run fast and run fast under pressure."
Asked if he felt it was fate he would never win an individual global gold medal, he said: "Honestly, yes. I think about that a lot.
"Every time it comes to the big one there is always something that prevents me from getting it. But it's just life and I have to live with it and just hope for the best.
"I'll feel disappointed if I don't finish my career with a global title but I'll retire as one of the best sprinters that has ever touched the track and that's still something to be happy about."
Despite the injury, Powell's agent Paul Doyle told the BBC the sprinter could still be fit for the 4x100m relay on 4 September.
Click to play
Powell sets world leading time in Lausanne
Powell clocked the fastest 100m time in the world this year - 9.78 seconds - at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne in June.
And his absence almost gives compatriot Usain Bolt a free run at both the 100m and 200m titles - races he scored world records in two years ago in Berlin.
Olympic champion Bolt told the BBC: "It's really sad. I can't imagine how [Asafa] is feeling that he's not able to compete after doing so well throughout the season.
"I was looking forward to it - it was going to be a showdown."
Asked if the race had lost something, Bolt said: "A lot of people are going to look at it like that but I can't because there are going to be seven other guys besides me.
"They haven't come out here to say, 'Usain's the fastest man in the world, let's give him a gold medal'. They've come to win so I'm really focused and I'm ready."
France's European 100m and 200m champion Christophe Lamaitre added: "Of course, it's very sad for Powell but I think it's a good opportunity for the rest of the sprinters."
The news also increases the chances of British sprinter Dwain Chambers making the final.
The 100m heats begin on Saturday in South Korea, with the final at 1245 BST on Sunday, while the 200m starts on Thursday 1 September.

World Athletics 2011: Grey-Thompson critical of Pistorius

Oscar Pistorius The 24-year-old will also compete in the individual 400m at the World Championships
Former Paralympic world champion Tanni Grey-Thompson has criticised sprinter Oscar Pistorius for taking part in the World Championships in South Korea.
The South African will make history in Daegu, when he becomes the first amputee athlete to compete in the able-bodied worlds.
An IAAF ban was overturned in 2008, allowing Pistorius to compete.
"Everything we've been fighting for would be knocked back if Oscar competes in the 400m," Grey-Thompson said.
"The Paralympics becomes the event for people who couldn't make the Olympics - who weren't good enough for the Olympics."
She told Radio 4: "If he makes the Olympics, then his event, the 400m, shouldn't be run at the Paralympics because the Paralympics should never be a 'B' final."
The double amputee runs with prosthetic blades and will line up for the event on Sunday.
The 24-year-old had previously failed in his bid to compete at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.
At the time the IAAF, athletics' governing body, ruled his prosthetic limbs would have given him an advantage over able-bodied opponents and contravene rules on technical aids.

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