Australian scores a spectacular 24-point maximum in the British Grand Prix at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
BRISTOL-BORN Australian Jason Crump scored a spectacular 24-point maximum, the finest riding the Millennium stadium in Cardiff has seen, at the British Grand Prix last night. Of the British trio, Nicholls and wild card Edward Kennett missed the semi-final cut, but a swashbuckling fifth-heat victory sent Chris Harris through, only for him to be disqualified in the semi-final for impeding Hans Andersen.
British prospects for next month’s World Cup already look bleak, though that didn’t trouble a crowd of 41,991, which included a massive contingent of Poles. Crump, who became only the third rider to achieve a 100% record since 2005, said: ‘I’m very proud. I started well every time and held onto my leads.’ The Polish quartet had a poor night, as did Crump’s chief challenger, Emil Sayfutdinov, the baby-face Russian. The 19-year-old missed the semi-finals cut by a point but he was not easily intimidated, delighting the crowd by trading punches with one opponent after a fiercely fought second heat.
GOLF
RETIEF GOOSEN carded a third-round 67 for a two-stroke lead at the BMW International Open in Munich.
Bernhard Langer shot 65 to reach a total of 15-under-par 201 and second place behind the South African. England’s Nick Dougherty fell into a tie for third on 14 under with Scotland’s David Drysdale. Despite a hole in one, Colin Montgomerie fired a 72 to leave him three under and out of contention. Rory McIlroy, 10th in the US Open on Monday, is joint 15th on nine under after a 69.
KENNY PERRY had his overnight lead trimmed to one stroke when the weather-hit second round of the Travelers Championship was completed in Connecticut. Fellow American David Toms, three shots off the pace when play was suspended the previous day because of thunderstorms, birdied two of his last five holes for a five-under-par 65. Paul Goydos (68) and Ryan Moore (65) were tied for third at nine under.
CHEYENNE WOODS, the niece of Tiger, missed the cut on her professional golf debut, shooting a two-over 74 in the second round of the Wegmans LPGA in New York. Woods, 18, finished at five-over 149 — four strokes above the cut line.
SWIMMING
OLYMPIC champion Rebecca Adlington withdrew from the women's 400m freestyle at the Scottish Championships in Glasgow, blaming her asthma. In Friday's 800m, Adlington came within three seconds of the world record she set in Beijing in 2008. She was due to race in the final heat in the 400m but her absence is unlikely to cost her a place in the British team for next month's World Championships. Gemma Spofforth secured her third title at the championships ing the 100m backstroke.
GERMANY’S Britta Steffen set a world record in the 100m freestyle for the second time this week. Steffen, who won Olympic gold in the 50m and 100m freestyle in Beijing, set the record in the final of the German National Championships with a time of 52.56sec.
CRICKET
MIDDLESEX beat Surrey by seven wickets in the Twenty20 at the Brit Oval. Surrey batted first and with the help of Michael Brown, who scored 77 from 54 balls, reached 160 for five. But Owais Shah hit an unbeaten 61 from 41 balls to see Middlesex home.
MOTO GP
VALENTINO ROSSI won his 100th grand prix from pole position at the Dutch TT race at Assen. The Italian, who took the lead in the overall standings, finished in 42min 14.611sec, beating teammate Jorge Lorenzo by more than five seconds and Australian Ducati rider Casey Stoner by more than 23 seconds. Britain’s James Toseland finished sixth.
RALLYING
FINLAND’S Mikko Hirvonen maintained his lead on the second day of the Rally of Poland. The Ford driver was 12 seconds ahead of compatriot Jari-Matti Latvala. ‘I was going flat out all the time, the stages were very fast,’ said Hirvonen, who started the day with an 8.9sec advantage over the field. Spain’s Dani Sordo was third, while world champion Sebastien Loeb was down in 13th place.
SUPERBIKES
CAL CRUTCHLOW took pole position for the British round of the World Supersport Championship at Donington Park. Eugene Laverty and Joan Lascorz followed.
BEN SPIES secured the Superpole at Donington Park in the World Superbike Championship. Max Biaggi, Shane Byrne and Shinya Nakano completed the front row. Britain’s Leon Haslam finished in ninth place with Tom Sykes 10th and Jonathan Rea 12th.
ATHLETICS
SCOTLAND’S Mhairi Spence helped Great Britain win team gold at the European Championships in Leipzig. She finished 12th overall, with Heather Fell taking individual silver and Katy Livingston finishing 10th.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Michael Vaughan decides to hang up his gloves
AFTER almost a year of agonising, Michael Vaughan has this weekend finally accepted that his career as an international cricketer is over. He will be bitterly disappointed that it has come to this — few England players backed themselves as positively as he did — but there was simply no more arguing with the situation. He had run out of time and his injured right knee made it impossible for him to field all day. England have moved on.
The determining factor in Vaughan’s decision to retire — which will soon become effective in all forms of cricket — was his omission last week from a 16-man training squad to prepare for the Ashes series that starts on Wednesday week, a squad that is this weekend on a bonding trip on the continent. This showed how far away he was from selection and all but ruled him out of the series. Unlike Steve Harmison and Ian Bell, like Vaughan centrally contracted to England, he did not even have the encouragement of being chosen for the England Lions team to face the Australians at Worcester this week. Had he been, he might have believed he was just one good performance away from a Test recall.
Ever since his tearful resignation as England captain last August, Vaughan has talked of returning to the Test side. He only turned 34 last October; there was time, in theory, for a couple of more years. But the runs he promised were just around the corner never came, despite his insistence that his appetite and ability remained undiminished.
The England Lions tour of India during the winter, which he was on, was ruined by the terrorist attacks on Mumbai and in truth his scores for Yorkshire this season were those of a run-of-the-mill county pro. But for the name, and the CV, he would never have got a name-check in a selection meeting.
Vaughan was far closer to an England recall in the minds of the media, who liked the idea of the Ashes -winning captain returning for another stab at the enemy. If his exclusion from the Ashes 16 was one reason behind Vaughan’s decision, another was the emergence of Ravi Bopara, now settled at number three, Vaughan’s favoured position.Three centuries in three Tests means Bopara is probably a fixture for the summer and with England seemingly set on picking only five specialist batsmen — during Vaughan’s dying days in the side there were usually six — the scope for a comeback are slim going on non-existent, even if Vaughan did start producing hundreds for Yorkshire.
This will be seen as a decision made for the good of the team as it goes into the biggest series of all. Now, even if England start losing and changes in personnel are contemplated, Vaughan has removed what was becoming an unhelpful and distracting debate: would it be time for England’s former captain to be recalled? Quite a few had already concluded the answer was always going to be no. Now Vaughan has agrees.
With this messy period at an end, tributes can be paid to Vaughan’s career. He must rank as one of this country’s finest captains, leading England to an unprecedented level of success in 2004-05, winning six series in a row including a first win in South Africa for 40 years and a first win over Australia in 19 years. He won 26 of his 51 Tests in charge, more than any other England captain. As a batsman he will go down as among the finest, and he was unfazed by any bowling.
In the end, Vaughan’s good timing returned with his decision to retire.
Source:The times
The determining factor in Vaughan’s decision to retire — which will soon become effective in all forms of cricket — was his omission last week from a 16-man training squad to prepare for the Ashes series that starts on Wednesday week, a squad that is this weekend on a bonding trip on the continent. This showed how far away he was from selection and all but ruled him out of the series. Unlike Steve Harmison and Ian Bell, like Vaughan centrally contracted to England, he did not even have the encouragement of being chosen for the England Lions team to face the Australians at Worcester this week. Had he been, he might have believed he was just one good performance away from a Test recall.
Ever since his tearful resignation as England captain last August, Vaughan has talked of returning to the Test side. He only turned 34 last October; there was time, in theory, for a couple of more years. But the runs he promised were just around the corner never came, despite his insistence that his appetite and ability remained undiminished.
The England Lions tour of India during the winter, which he was on, was ruined by the terrorist attacks on Mumbai and in truth his scores for Yorkshire this season were those of a run-of-the-mill county pro. But for the name, and the CV, he would never have got a name-check in a selection meeting.
Vaughan was far closer to an England recall in the minds of the media, who liked the idea of the Ashes -winning captain returning for another stab at the enemy. If his exclusion from the Ashes 16 was one reason behind Vaughan’s decision, another was the emergence of Ravi Bopara, now settled at number three, Vaughan’s favoured position.Three centuries in three Tests means Bopara is probably a fixture for the summer and with England seemingly set on picking only five specialist batsmen — during Vaughan’s dying days in the side there were usually six — the scope for a comeback are slim going on non-existent, even if Vaughan did start producing hundreds for Yorkshire.
This will be seen as a decision made for the good of the team as it goes into the biggest series of all. Now, even if England start losing and changes in personnel are contemplated, Vaughan has removed what was becoming an unhelpful and distracting debate: would it be time for England’s former captain to be recalled? Quite a few had already concluded the answer was always going to be no. Now Vaughan has agrees.
With this messy period at an end, tributes can be paid to Vaughan’s career. He must rank as one of this country’s finest captains, leading England to an unprecedented level of success in 2004-05, winning six series in a row including a first win in South Africa for 40 years and a first win over Australia in 19 years. He won 26 of his 51 Tests in charge, more than any other England captain. As a batsman he will go down as among the finest, and he was unfazed by any bowling.
In the end, Vaughan’s good timing returned with his decision to retire.
Source:The times
Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson battle over Karim Benzema
ARSENE WENGER is ready to go head to head with Sir Alex Ferguson for the signaure of Karim Benzema in the knowledge that the 21-year-old France striker would rather join Arsenal this summer than Manchester United.
While Ferguson, the United manager, has already offered Lyons £25.5m, the French club believe they can do better. Keen to ensure his position in France’s 2010 World Cup team, Benzema was initially reluctant to leave this summer, but with Lyons keen to sell, he wants a club where he will be guaranteed first-team football. Though outgunned financially, Arsenal boss Wenger has an edge in that respect over United and Real Madrid.
Arsenal have also been made aware of Benzema’s desire to work with Wenger. A club record offer depends on the sale of Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor. Arsenal were ready to sell to AC Milan last year and remain keen to offload.
Arsenal are in a hurry as Wenger wants his reinforced squad in place for the start of pre-season training on July 6. In addition to a striker, he seeks a holding midfielder to play alongside Cesc Fabregas to help quell his captain’s concerns about Arsenal’s competitiveness.
Talks are ongoing with Fiorentina over Felipe Melo. The Italians want £21m for the 26-year-old Brazil player. Arsenal are some distance from meeting that valuation, but have offered Philippe Senderos in part-exchange. Melo has also attracted interest from Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool, who see him as a potential replacement for Javier Mascherano or Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea, in contrast, have been slow to conduct transfer business ahead of Carlo Ancelotti’s installation as manager on Wednesday. Internazionale have been frustrated in their attempts to conclude the joint purchase of Ricardo Carvalho and Deco, complaining that conversations with Peter Kenyon have been handicapped by doubts over the chief executive’s future. “We are talking with Peter,” said a source, “but nobody knows if he stays or leaves. It depends on [Roman] Abramovich.” Chelsea say Kenyon, sporting director Frank Arnesen and performance director Mike Forde are all involved in recruitment and that it would be wrong to conclude that the chief executive has been marginalised. Inter have offered to include Argentina defender Nicolas Burdisso in the Carvalho-Deco deal but are still short of Chelsea’s valuation of the pair. Jose Mourinho, the Inter coach, is also prepared to consider an alternative exchange that would see striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic sold to Chelsea for cash plus the two Portugal internationals. Inter value Ibrahimovic at around £52m.
Source:The times
While Ferguson, the United manager, has already offered Lyons £25.5m, the French club believe they can do better. Keen to ensure his position in France’s 2010 World Cup team, Benzema was initially reluctant to leave this summer, but with Lyons keen to sell, he wants a club where he will be guaranteed first-team football. Though outgunned financially, Arsenal boss Wenger has an edge in that respect over United and Real Madrid.
Arsenal have also been made aware of Benzema’s desire to work with Wenger. A club record offer depends on the sale of Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor. Arsenal were ready to sell to AC Milan last year and remain keen to offload.
Arsenal are in a hurry as Wenger wants his reinforced squad in place for the start of pre-season training on July 6. In addition to a striker, he seeks a holding midfielder to play alongside Cesc Fabregas to help quell his captain’s concerns about Arsenal’s competitiveness.
Talks are ongoing with Fiorentina over Felipe Melo. The Italians want £21m for the 26-year-old Brazil player. Arsenal are some distance from meeting that valuation, but have offered Philippe Senderos in part-exchange. Melo has also attracted interest from Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool, who see him as a potential replacement for Javier Mascherano or Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea, in contrast, have been slow to conduct transfer business ahead of Carlo Ancelotti’s installation as manager on Wednesday. Internazionale have been frustrated in their attempts to conclude the joint purchase of Ricardo Carvalho and Deco, complaining that conversations with Peter Kenyon have been handicapped by doubts over the chief executive’s future. “We are talking with Peter,” said a source, “but nobody knows if he stays or leaves. It depends on [Roman] Abramovich.” Chelsea say Kenyon, sporting director Frank Arnesen and performance director Mike Forde are all involved in recruitment and that it would be wrong to conclude that the chief executive has been marginalised. Inter have offered to include Argentina defender Nicolas Burdisso in the Carvalho-Deco deal but are still short of Chelsea’s valuation of the pair. Jose Mourinho, the Inter coach, is also prepared to consider an alternative exchange that would see striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic sold to Chelsea for cash plus the two Portugal internationals. Inter value Ibrahimovic at around £52m.
Source:The times
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Wimbledon giving Tim Henman itchy feet
Tim Henman is surrounded by a gaggle of children and is handing out free rackets. It is like watching a bizarre Christmas scene, except Santa is wearing whites. “You can only have one if you look at me in the eye and say, ‘Thank you’,” he says.
The former British No 1 always insisted that he wanted to “give back” to the game, but who knew he meant it so literally? At 34, Henman has slipped effortlessly into retirement. Golf, skiing holidays, three daughters and two labradors have taken up the bulk of his time, with his rackets left to gather dust in a corner.
But a return to action was accelerated by an invitation to play at the opening of Wimbledon’s Centre Court roof last month and the grass appears to have given him itchy feet.
As he hollers instructions at a tennis centre in North London, it is clear that, after 21 months of peace and quiet, Henman has lost none of his passion. This is where he belongs and it does not come as a huge surprise that, with the pre-Wimbledon hype flowing in his veins, the former world No 4 is exploring avenues back into the game.
The offers are not in short supply — exhibition matches, the Masters Tour, grassroots initiatives and BBC commentary work — but the opportunity that gets Henman’s eyes shining brightest is the potential of a career in coaching.
“I’m already very involved, but not officially involved,” he says. “I still speak to Paul [Annacone, his former coach and head of men’s tennis at the LTA] every week about men’s players. I go and watch, but I don’t have any specific involvement. For sure, that would be an area where I would like to give back, try and help some of those guys who are coming from the junior game into the professional game. I always keep an eye on them.”
Never one for hyperbole, Henman is playing down his involvement. He has been hitting with leading juniors at the Win Tennis Academy in Bisham Abbey, Buckinghamshire, for months and his phone calls to Annacone are more daily than weekly.
Mike Walker, who runs Win Tennis, described Henman’s input as “absolutely invaluable”. Walker said: “He is an exceptional role model and any input is of huge benefit, not only to the kids but also the coaches.”
One player who has caught his eye is Daniel Evans, the 18-year-old from Birmingham, who has recently been signed up by Patricio Apey, the former agent of Andy Murray. Evans has the highest ranking in the world for his age group and Henman is convinced that he is going places.
“He’s already 300 [in the world], so he’s a long way ahead of where I was [at that age],” he says. “I practise with Dan a bit, so it’s the same with Andy [Murray]. I have always been there to pass on any advice.”
Murray apart, the British women are in an unfamiliar position this year of having greater prospects at Wimbledon than their male counterparts. Anne Keothavong has broken into the world’s top 50 while Elena Baltacha and Katie O’Brien are knocking on the door of the top 100. It is a situation that should redden the cheeks of the men’s contingent and Henman is not about to start making excuses.
“The British women have done really well and all credit to them,” he says. “If you go back five years, it was terrible. There were no prospects. All credit to Anne, she was at 150-200 in the world for a long time, but she worked really hard and to suddenly get through to the top 50, it’s fantastic.
“The reality is that some of the men aren’t good enough. They don’t have the ability to be top-class players. I think the biggest issue is maximising potential and too many British players in the past haven’t done that.”
One Alex Bogdanovic, a perennial underachiever, springs instantly to mind. “Alex has the ability to be a top-50 player, but mentally and physically he hasn’t been good enough,” Henman says. “I have spoken to Paul a lot about him and he says ‘Boggo’ has turned the corner and changed his attitude. He probably hasn’t had the results to show for it yet, but if he keeps working hard and doing the right thing, I can’t believe that he can’t get his ranking up again.”
Henman’s brood alone could increase the potential of the next generation, but he is reluctant to point daughters Rosie, Olivia and Grace in that direction, largely because of the scrutiny it might provoke. “Part of me hopes they don’t play,” he says. “If one or all of them wanted to play, then of course I’d support them, but part of me hopes they do something different.”
Tramlines to sidelines: former players who switched roles
Brad GilbertThe American coached Andre Agassi to six grand-slam titles in an eight-year partnership and Andy Roddick to the US Open in 2003. Personality clash brought a premature end to his spell with Andy Murray.
Miles MaclaganA Great Britain Davis Cup player who specialised in doubles. Became Murray’s coach at the beginning of last year.
Magnus NormanThe former world No 2 has joined forces with Robin Söderling, his Swedish compatriot, the beaten French Open finalist last month.
Thierry ChampionA former quarter-finalist at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, the Frenchman is best known for his work with Gaël Monfils. They split in 2006.
¤ Tim Henman is an ambassador for the HSBC Road to Wimbledon National 14 and Under Challenge. For more information please visit wimbledon.org/roadtowimbledon
The former British No 1 always insisted that he wanted to “give back” to the game, but who knew he meant it so literally? At 34, Henman has slipped effortlessly into retirement. Golf, skiing holidays, three daughters and two labradors have taken up the bulk of his time, with his rackets left to gather dust in a corner.
But a return to action was accelerated by an invitation to play at the opening of Wimbledon’s Centre Court roof last month and the grass appears to have given him itchy feet.
As he hollers instructions at a tennis centre in North London, it is clear that, after 21 months of peace and quiet, Henman has lost none of his passion. This is where he belongs and it does not come as a huge surprise that, with the pre-Wimbledon hype flowing in his veins, the former world No 4 is exploring avenues back into the game.
The offers are not in short supply — exhibition matches, the Masters Tour, grassroots initiatives and BBC commentary work — but the opportunity that gets Henman’s eyes shining brightest is the potential of a career in coaching.
“I’m already very involved, but not officially involved,” he says. “I still speak to Paul [Annacone, his former coach and head of men’s tennis at the LTA] every week about men’s players. I go and watch, but I don’t have any specific involvement. For sure, that would be an area where I would like to give back, try and help some of those guys who are coming from the junior game into the professional game. I always keep an eye on them.”
Never one for hyperbole, Henman is playing down his involvement. He has been hitting with leading juniors at the Win Tennis Academy in Bisham Abbey, Buckinghamshire, for months and his phone calls to Annacone are more daily than weekly.
Mike Walker, who runs Win Tennis, described Henman’s input as “absolutely invaluable”. Walker said: “He is an exceptional role model and any input is of huge benefit, not only to the kids but also the coaches.”
One player who has caught his eye is Daniel Evans, the 18-year-old from Birmingham, who has recently been signed up by Patricio Apey, the former agent of Andy Murray. Evans has the highest ranking in the world for his age group and Henman is convinced that he is going places.
“He’s already 300 [in the world], so he’s a long way ahead of where I was [at that age],” he says. “I practise with Dan a bit, so it’s the same with Andy [Murray]. I have always been there to pass on any advice.”
Murray apart, the British women are in an unfamiliar position this year of having greater prospects at Wimbledon than their male counterparts. Anne Keothavong has broken into the world’s top 50 while Elena Baltacha and Katie O’Brien are knocking on the door of the top 100. It is a situation that should redden the cheeks of the men’s contingent and Henman is not about to start making excuses.
“The British women have done really well and all credit to them,” he says. “If you go back five years, it was terrible. There were no prospects. All credit to Anne, she was at 150-200 in the world for a long time, but she worked really hard and to suddenly get through to the top 50, it’s fantastic.
“The reality is that some of the men aren’t good enough. They don’t have the ability to be top-class players. I think the biggest issue is maximising potential and too many British players in the past haven’t done that.”
One Alex Bogdanovic, a perennial underachiever, springs instantly to mind. “Alex has the ability to be a top-50 player, but mentally and physically he hasn’t been good enough,” Henman says. “I have spoken to Paul a lot about him and he says ‘Boggo’ has turned the corner and changed his attitude. He probably hasn’t had the results to show for it yet, but if he keeps working hard and doing the right thing, I can’t believe that he can’t get his ranking up again.”
Henman’s brood alone could increase the potential of the next generation, but he is reluctant to point daughters Rosie, Olivia and Grace in that direction, largely because of the scrutiny it might provoke. “Part of me hopes they don’t play,” he says. “If one or all of them wanted to play, then of course I’d support them, but part of me hopes they do something different.”
Tramlines to sidelines: former players who switched roles
Brad GilbertThe American coached Andre Agassi to six grand-slam titles in an eight-year partnership and Andy Roddick to the US Open in 2003. Personality clash brought a premature end to his spell with Andy Murray.
Miles MaclaganA Great Britain Davis Cup player who specialised in doubles. Became Murray’s coach at the beginning of last year.
Magnus NormanThe former world No 2 has joined forces with Robin Söderling, his Swedish compatriot, the beaten French Open finalist last month.
Thierry ChampionA former quarter-finalist at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, the Frenchman is best known for his work with Gaël Monfils. They split in 2006.
¤ Tim Henman is an ambassador for the HSBC Road to Wimbledon National 14 and Under Challenge. For more information please visit wimbledon.org/roadtowimbledon
Rafael Nadal pulls out of Wimbledon with knee problems
Beneath the surface of the “toughest decision” of Rafael Nadal’s career was the realisation that for all the staggering bravado of his tennis and the many honours that it has brought him, the world No 1 and Wimbledon champion has long been asking more of his body than it was able to give in return.
The moment that Nadal, a six-times grand-slam champion, walked into the Wimbledon press room last night with a stern-looking Ian Ritchie, the All England Club chief executive, we knew that the game was up. For only the second time in the modern era, after the retirement from deep-seated shoulder problems of Goran Ivanisevic, the 2001 champion, the men’s singles title will not be defended by its holder. Nadal tried to put a brave face on it.
Although the 23-year-old Spaniard long contended that those who believe his style of play and remarkable on-court attitude would be his physical undoing were seriously misjudging his fortitude, even he had to admit yesterday that he had “made mistakes”.
Asked to elaborate, he said: “Maybe I played too much, you never know. The truth is that sportsmen always play in pain, you don’t know where the limit is and where you can get to. I think I have reached that limit right now. I need to reset and come back stronger.”
The enduring wish of those who follow this sport must be that with a period of rest, with the right treatment — he is in brilliant hands — and with tons of patience, Nadal can do just that.
But we return to the dilemma faced by all players, that racket technology has advanced beyond all recognition — that new strings are coming on to the market that will induce yet more spin — and that unless a halt is called soon, the choice that the best player in the world has had to make will become a disastrous norm. If Nadal’s broken heart stands for anything, it is that the tennis authorities must make a stand — now.
The Wimbledon Championships have been dealt a shattering blow. When the champion arrived in London on Tuesday, he was fighting an uphill battle to be fit. Tests in Barcelona after his premature exit from the French Open, where he lost to Robin Söderling in the fourth round, had shown that he was suffering from oedemas in both knees. Nadal was not his usual upbeat self and Toni Nadal, his coach and uncle, cut a resigned figure. Two matches at Hurlingham, both of which he lost, only added to his anxiety.
“I tried everything, I worked hard in the last week, I tried to arrive here in my best condition,” he said. “It is my nature to start a tournament like this one, one that is one of the most special in my heart, only if I have a chance to win. This is one of the toughest decisions of my career and the situation makes me sad. There was no option.
“I have arrived at one of the most important moments of my year with the worst feelings. I had physical problems at Roland Garros and now I have to miss Wimbledon, too. It is tough to accept. I have amazing memories of this tournament, last year was one of the best moments of my life, this is one of the most special tournaments always. I want to come back with 100 per cent mentality and physically because it is very difficult to play well like this.”
The most immediate beneficiary is Andy Murray, the British No 1, who becomes the highest-ranked player in the top half of the draw. One by one as the names were drawn into his section, we ticked them into the box marked “very beatable”. Robert Kendrick, the American ranked No 76, comes first, then either Ernests Gulbis, of Latvia, or Riccardo Ghedin, an Italian qualifier, while Taylor Dent, an American and his probable third-round foe, has spent much of the past couple of years in a body brace, unable to move, the effect of back surgery.
For the most part, rational commentators do not look beyond the first round of any tennis tournament, and as for peering into the second week, that is asking for a poke in the eye. But with Murray on the verge of this Wimbledon, now that he has become a figure of such genuine respect, the urge is irresistible and there was a real feeling of “OK, bring it on” when the draw was completed.
Kendrick has won a single set from Murray in their three meetings — in the first round of the 2006 US Open — and on grass a month before that, when he was a genuine novice, the Scot beat him 6-0, 6-0 in Newport, Rhode Island. It was said, perhaps, that Kendrick had turned up at the Newport Casino, which is the tournament’s home, expecting to indulge in a game of craps and, well, that’s how his game turned out. Murray clearly has his number.
Source:The times
The moment that Nadal, a six-times grand-slam champion, walked into the Wimbledon press room last night with a stern-looking Ian Ritchie, the All England Club chief executive, we knew that the game was up. For only the second time in the modern era, after the retirement from deep-seated shoulder problems of Goran Ivanisevic, the 2001 champion, the men’s singles title will not be defended by its holder. Nadal tried to put a brave face on it.
Although the 23-year-old Spaniard long contended that those who believe his style of play and remarkable on-court attitude would be his physical undoing were seriously misjudging his fortitude, even he had to admit yesterday that he had “made mistakes”.
Asked to elaborate, he said: “Maybe I played too much, you never know. The truth is that sportsmen always play in pain, you don’t know where the limit is and where you can get to. I think I have reached that limit right now. I need to reset and come back stronger.”
The enduring wish of those who follow this sport must be that with a period of rest, with the right treatment — he is in brilliant hands — and with tons of patience, Nadal can do just that.
But we return to the dilemma faced by all players, that racket technology has advanced beyond all recognition — that new strings are coming on to the market that will induce yet more spin — and that unless a halt is called soon, the choice that the best player in the world has had to make will become a disastrous norm. If Nadal’s broken heart stands for anything, it is that the tennis authorities must make a stand — now.
The Wimbledon Championships have been dealt a shattering blow. When the champion arrived in London on Tuesday, he was fighting an uphill battle to be fit. Tests in Barcelona after his premature exit from the French Open, where he lost to Robin Söderling in the fourth round, had shown that he was suffering from oedemas in both knees. Nadal was not his usual upbeat self and Toni Nadal, his coach and uncle, cut a resigned figure. Two matches at Hurlingham, both of which he lost, only added to his anxiety.
“I tried everything, I worked hard in the last week, I tried to arrive here in my best condition,” he said. “It is my nature to start a tournament like this one, one that is one of the most special in my heart, only if I have a chance to win. This is one of the toughest decisions of my career and the situation makes me sad. There was no option.
“I have arrived at one of the most important moments of my year with the worst feelings. I had physical problems at Roland Garros and now I have to miss Wimbledon, too. It is tough to accept. I have amazing memories of this tournament, last year was one of the best moments of my life, this is one of the most special tournaments always. I want to come back with 100 per cent mentality and physically because it is very difficult to play well like this.”
The most immediate beneficiary is Andy Murray, the British No 1, who becomes the highest-ranked player in the top half of the draw. One by one as the names were drawn into his section, we ticked them into the box marked “very beatable”. Robert Kendrick, the American ranked No 76, comes first, then either Ernests Gulbis, of Latvia, or Riccardo Ghedin, an Italian qualifier, while Taylor Dent, an American and his probable third-round foe, has spent much of the past couple of years in a body brace, unable to move, the effect of back surgery.
For the most part, rational commentators do not look beyond the first round of any tennis tournament, and as for peering into the second week, that is asking for a poke in the eye. But with Murray on the verge of this Wimbledon, now that he has become a figure of such genuine respect, the urge is irresistible and there was a real feeling of “OK, bring it on” when the draw was completed.
Kendrick has won a single set from Murray in their three meetings — in the first round of the 2006 US Open — and on grass a month before that, when he was a genuine novice, the Scot beat him 6-0, 6-0 in Newport, Rhode Island. It was said, perhaps, that Kendrick had turned up at the Newport Casino, which is the tournament’s home, expecting to indulge in a game of craps and, well, that’s how his game turned out. Murray clearly has his number.
Source:The times
Step aside Madonna, the Catalans are here
The curious and famous of Barcelona have gathered to watch Catalans Dragons take on Warrington Wolves.
The influence of Barcelona, winners of football’s Champions League, is profound in a city steeped in the round-ball game and which will get only its second glimpse of rugby league at the Olympic Stadium, where the curious gathered to watch Warrington Wolves train yesterday.
Joan Laporta, the Barcelona president, is expected to join a crowd of up to 20,000 for the engage Super League fixture this evening between Catalans Dragons and Warrington, which is akin to a papal blessing in these parts.
Barcelona is not quite virgin territory for the pioneering code, Huddersfield (before their days as the Giants) having played a game there against XIII Catalan in 1993. It is only in the past two years, though, that the sport has started to put down roots in Spanish Catalonia — a direct consequence of the Dragons’ appearance in the 2007 Carnegie Challenge Cup final.
League has been part of French Catalonia fabric since the 1930s, but the Catalan spirit crossed national boundaries with the Dragons’ march on Wembley. The result was a nine-team competition based in and around Barcelona that has just completed a second short season, while a thriving league scene exists in six regional universities.
Small acorns, perhaps, but ones that should get a growth spurt with Catalans having moved the Warrington fixture from their Perpignan base to Barcelona — which is unlikely to be a one-off event — and the symbolic significance of a warm-up match between a Catalonia representative team and the Czech Republic.
The Dragons are taking 13,000 supporters with them on the two-hour trip across the border into Spain, whose “sang et or” (blood and gold) colours have drawn instant recognition in the Catalan capital. Less so the primrose and blue sported by 1,500 Warrington followers, who nevertheless are playing their own part in spreading league’s word.
Spanish television is broadcasting the match and considerable interest was generated when Catalans held an open training session at the stadium on Tuesday. “Rugby league is relatively new to Spanish Catalonia but the overall Catalan influence cannot be underestimated,” Christophe Levy, the Catalans general manager, said. “Whatever the sport, there is a passion there. When the Dragons team were presented to the crowd at the Nou Camp after Wembley two years ago, that was the point at which league in Spain began to take off.
“It is important we try and spread our influence. Perpignan has a population of around 100,000, but the Barcelona catchment area is three million and if this match is the success we hope, we’d like to think we’ll be back. It’s very much a rugby party that we see as Catalans’ version of the Super League Magic Weekend. We’ve sold over 1,000 tickets locally, but when the people see the league colours and the people, more will turn up, I think.”
Espanyol FC’s move away from the stadium overlooking the city has left its owners looking for different uses. The appearance by Warrington and Catalans has been shoehorned in between Madonna and AC/DC concerts, but the ground itself looked ill-prepared for a rugby match. The in-goal areas consist of half grass and matting, and groundstaff yesterday were replacing areas of turf — areas that will need addressing if Barcelona is going to be a regular staging post.
“All I know is that it’s a privilege to be here,” Tony Smith, the Warrington coach, said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to spread the gospel to a new country and audience. The players are thoroughly enjoying a new environment and culture. We’re here to win, sure, but we’re also here to put on a spectacle.”
¤ Castleford Tigers gained revenge for their Carnegie Challenge Cup defeat by grinding out their first win away to Huddersfield for five years last night, beating the Giants 13-6. The Tigers produced a huge defensive effort after Kirk Dixon, the right wing, touched down on four minutes and they moved into a 12-0 half-time lead.
Hull earned their first home win in 16 weeks to end a recent run of poor form and nervously overcome Salford City Reds 14-12. Victory was built on first-half tries from Gareth Raynor and Motu Tony.
Source:The times
The influence of Barcelona, winners of football’s Champions League, is profound in a city steeped in the round-ball game and which will get only its second glimpse of rugby league at the Olympic Stadium, where the curious gathered to watch Warrington Wolves train yesterday.
Joan Laporta, the Barcelona president, is expected to join a crowd of up to 20,000 for the engage Super League fixture this evening between Catalans Dragons and Warrington, which is akin to a papal blessing in these parts.
Barcelona is not quite virgin territory for the pioneering code, Huddersfield (before their days as the Giants) having played a game there against XIII Catalan in 1993. It is only in the past two years, though, that the sport has started to put down roots in Spanish Catalonia — a direct consequence of the Dragons’ appearance in the 2007 Carnegie Challenge Cup final.
League has been part of French Catalonia fabric since the 1930s, but the Catalan spirit crossed national boundaries with the Dragons’ march on Wembley. The result was a nine-team competition based in and around Barcelona that has just completed a second short season, while a thriving league scene exists in six regional universities.
Small acorns, perhaps, but ones that should get a growth spurt with Catalans having moved the Warrington fixture from their Perpignan base to Barcelona — which is unlikely to be a one-off event — and the symbolic significance of a warm-up match between a Catalonia representative team and the Czech Republic.
The Dragons are taking 13,000 supporters with them on the two-hour trip across the border into Spain, whose “sang et or” (blood and gold) colours have drawn instant recognition in the Catalan capital. Less so the primrose and blue sported by 1,500 Warrington followers, who nevertheless are playing their own part in spreading league’s word.
Spanish television is broadcasting the match and considerable interest was generated when Catalans held an open training session at the stadium on Tuesday. “Rugby league is relatively new to Spanish Catalonia but the overall Catalan influence cannot be underestimated,” Christophe Levy, the Catalans general manager, said. “Whatever the sport, there is a passion there. When the Dragons team were presented to the crowd at the Nou Camp after Wembley two years ago, that was the point at which league in Spain began to take off.
“It is important we try and spread our influence. Perpignan has a population of around 100,000, but the Barcelona catchment area is three million and if this match is the success we hope, we’d like to think we’ll be back. It’s very much a rugby party that we see as Catalans’ version of the Super League Magic Weekend. We’ve sold over 1,000 tickets locally, but when the people see the league colours and the people, more will turn up, I think.”
Espanyol FC’s move away from the stadium overlooking the city has left its owners looking for different uses. The appearance by Warrington and Catalans has been shoehorned in between Madonna and AC/DC concerts, but the ground itself looked ill-prepared for a rugby match. The in-goal areas consist of half grass and matting, and groundstaff yesterday were replacing areas of turf — areas that will need addressing if Barcelona is going to be a regular staging post.
“All I know is that it’s a privilege to be here,” Tony Smith, the Warrington coach, said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to spread the gospel to a new country and audience. The players are thoroughly enjoying a new environment and culture. We’re here to win, sure, but we’re also here to put on a spectacle.”
¤ Castleford Tigers gained revenge for their Carnegie Challenge Cup defeat by grinding out their first win away to Huddersfield for five years last night, beating the Giants 13-6. The Tigers produced a huge defensive effort after Kirk Dixon, the right wing, touched down on four minutes and they moved into a 12-0 half-time lead.
Hull earned their first home win in 16 weeks to end a recent run of poor form and nervously overcome Salford City Reds 14-12. Victory was built on first-half tries from Gareth Raynor and Motu Tony.
Source:The times
Sacred Kingdom can strike for Hong Kong in Golden Jubilee
Rob Wright reckons speedy foreign raider can take centre stage on the final day of Royal Ascot and fancies 25-1 chance in the Wokingham.
The speedy Sacred Kingdom, trained in Hong Kong by Ricky Yiu, is strongly fancied to land the group one Golden Jubilee Stakes (3.45) today.
Scenic Blast, the Australian raider, put up a brilliant display to take the week's other group one speed test and Sacred Kingdom arrives here with similarly strong credentials. Rated the best sprinter in the world in 2007, he lost his form last year after being injured but still shared top spot in the rankings with Marchand D'Or.
Sacred Kingdom has bounced back to his best this term and showed a good turn of foot to beat Rocket Man by a neck, with Diabolical a further 3 lengths back in third, in the group one International Sprint in Singapore last month. That was his first venture outside Hong Kong and, according to his trainer, he is relishing his new roving role. “He's travelled well and looks terrific. It looks like he's enjoying this trip even better than the one to Singapore,” Yiu said.
Blessed with a high cruising speed, Sacred Kingdom should be able to track the front-running J J The Jet Plane before cutting him down in the closing stages.
Pick of the home team is Kingsgate Native. He won this race 12 months ago when trained by John Best and was retired to stud. However, having failed to get any mares in foal, Kingsgate Native was returned to training with Sir Michael Stoute and, despite his lengthy absence from the track, he has to be respected.
Jimmy Styles and Genki both have solid claims in the Wokingham Stakes (4.25), but Exclamation is a better value option at a general 25-1. Lightly raced, he ran a cracker when third to Evens And Odds on his penultimate start at Newmarket and was unsuited by softer ground when below par at Newbury last time. The lightning fast surface here will be more to his liking and he can bounce back to form.
Dansant is better known for his exploits on the all-weather, but can spring a surprise in the Hardwicke Stakes (3.05). He showed that he is just as effective on turf when a close fourth to Sixties Icon in group three company at Goodwood last August, despite appearing not to handle that undulating track, and looked as good as ever when defying a penalty to win a listed race at Kempton Park in March. He goes well when fresh, so a three-month break is not a concern, and rates the best bet of the day at the 10-1 offered by totesport.
Heron Bay has not got his head in front since landing the King George V Handicap here two years ago, but has come down the weights as a result and can finally take advantage in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes (5.00). Formerly trained by Geoff Wragg, he has been tried over shorter in two runs since joining Chris Wall, shaping as though retaining his ability on each occasion. Under more suitable conditions, he rates a fair bet at 22-1 with totesport.
Shakespearean should relish a step up to seven furlongs for the Chesham Stakes (2.30), while Tasheba can take the Queen Alexandra Stakes (5.35). Formerly trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam, he showed useful form for Nicky Henderson over hurdles during the winter and can continue his improvement back on the level.
Source:The times
The speedy Sacred Kingdom, trained in Hong Kong by Ricky Yiu, is strongly fancied to land the group one Golden Jubilee Stakes (3.45) today.
Scenic Blast, the Australian raider, put up a brilliant display to take the week's other group one speed test and Sacred Kingdom arrives here with similarly strong credentials. Rated the best sprinter in the world in 2007, he lost his form last year after being injured but still shared top spot in the rankings with Marchand D'Or.
Sacred Kingdom has bounced back to his best this term and showed a good turn of foot to beat Rocket Man by a neck, with Diabolical a further 3 lengths back in third, in the group one International Sprint in Singapore last month. That was his first venture outside Hong Kong and, according to his trainer, he is relishing his new roving role. “He's travelled well and looks terrific. It looks like he's enjoying this trip even better than the one to Singapore,” Yiu said.
Blessed with a high cruising speed, Sacred Kingdom should be able to track the front-running J J The Jet Plane before cutting him down in the closing stages.
Pick of the home team is Kingsgate Native. He won this race 12 months ago when trained by John Best and was retired to stud. However, having failed to get any mares in foal, Kingsgate Native was returned to training with Sir Michael Stoute and, despite his lengthy absence from the track, he has to be respected.
Jimmy Styles and Genki both have solid claims in the Wokingham Stakes (4.25), but Exclamation is a better value option at a general 25-1. Lightly raced, he ran a cracker when third to Evens And Odds on his penultimate start at Newmarket and was unsuited by softer ground when below par at Newbury last time. The lightning fast surface here will be more to his liking and he can bounce back to form.
Dansant is better known for his exploits on the all-weather, but can spring a surprise in the Hardwicke Stakes (3.05). He showed that he is just as effective on turf when a close fourth to Sixties Icon in group three company at Goodwood last August, despite appearing not to handle that undulating track, and looked as good as ever when defying a penalty to win a listed race at Kempton Park in March. He goes well when fresh, so a three-month break is not a concern, and rates the best bet of the day at the 10-1 offered by totesport.
Heron Bay has not got his head in front since landing the King George V Handicap here two years ago, but has come down the weights as a result and can finally take advantage in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes (5.00). Formerly trained by Geoff Wragg, he has been tried over shorter in two runs since joining Chris Wall, shaping as though retaining his ability on each occasion. Under more suitable conditions, he rates a fair bet at 22-1 with totesport.
Shakespearean should relish a step up to seven furlongs for the Chesham Stakes (2.30), while Tasheba can take the Queen Alexandra Stakes (5.35). Formerly trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam, he showed useful form for Nicky Henderson over hurdles during the winter and can continue his improvement back on the level.
Source:The times
Earl's Court and Olympia enter boxing venue debate
Olympic boxing could be held at Earl's Court or Olympia in 2012 after the sport's governing body objected to the relocation of the event from East London to Wembley Arena.
The idea has been proposed as a solution to the escalating row between the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) and the London 2012 organising committee over a cost-saving measure to move boxing out of the ExCeL centre.
The relocation would allow Olympic organisers to scrap a £40million temporary venue next to the O2 Arena, southeast London, which would have staged badminton and rhythmic gymnastics. Those sports would be moved into ExCeL.
The AIBA described the move this week as “unacceptable” because of the journey times from the Athletes' Village in Stratford for nearly 300 boxers.
Officials took up to three hours to reach Wembley on test runs. London organisers hope to convince them that journey times would be cut substantially during the Games by dedicated Olympic lanes and traffic-light phasing.
Boxers, coaches and officials could also use a nearby hotel for overnight their accommodation and weigh-ins before bouts. But the issue has become a sticking point and the AIBA is adamant that London organisers revert to the original venue. It will be discussed by the Olympic board today.
The International Olympic Committee, which is preparing to allow women's boxing to be contested for the first time in 2012, wants a quick resolution.
The Royal Albert Hall, which this year regained its entertainment licence after a ten-year hiatus and has hosted bouts involving Henry Cooper Joe Bugner, Frank Bruno and Lennox Lewis, was briefly considered but ruled out for being too small. It would also be staging the Proms at the same time of year.
There are similar size constraints at Olympia while Earls Court is already hosting volleyball.
Source:The times
The idea has been proposed as a solution to the escalating row between the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) and the London 2012 organising committee over a cost-saving measure to move boxing out of the ExCeL centre.
The relocation would allow Olympic organisers to scrap a £40million temporary venue next to the O2 Arena, southeast London, which would have staged badminton and rhythmic gymnastics. Those sports would be moved into ExCeL.
The AIBA described the move this week as “unacceptable” because of the journey times from the Athletes' Village in Stratford for nearly 300 boxers.
Officials took up to three hours to reach Wembley on test runs. London organisers hope to convince them that journey times would be cut substantially during the Games by dedicated Olympic lanes and traffic-light phasing.
Boxers, coaches and officials could also use a nearby hotel for overnight their accommodation and weigh-ins before bouts. But the issue has become a sticking point and the AIBA is adamant that London organisers revert to the original venue. It will be discussed by the Olympic board today.
The International Olympic Committee, which is preparing to allow women's boxing to be contested for the first time in 2012, wants a quick resolution.
The Royal Albert Hall, which this year regained its entertainment licence after a ten-year hiatus and has hosted bouts involving Henry Cooper Joe Bugner, Frank Bruno and Lennox Lewis, was briefly considered but ruled out for being too small. It would also be staging the Proms at the same time of year.
There are similar size constraints at Olympia while Earls Court is already hosting volleyball.
Source:The times
Phil Mickelson makes flying start at US Open
American, whose wife is suffering from cancer, receives a hero's welcome and responds with some sparkling golf
It was anticipated that Phil Mickelson would receive a hero’s welcome at this US Open, but what happened on the Black course at Bethpage State Park yesterday exceeded expectations. New Yorkers, who had taken him to their hearts in 2002, when he was the runner-up here to Tiger Woods, excelled themselves as they showed their support for the player and, indirectly, for his wife, Amy, who is about to begin treatment for breast cancer.
Mickelson was given ovations on every tee and as he left every green. Buoyed by this support, he responded with some sparkling golf — and some that was not so sparkling. The world No 2 had said that he hoped he would play well, but with all that was going on in his life now he could not be sure. Apart from losing a ball with a wild drive from the 13th tee, he took advantage of having his first round delayed from Thursday by going round in 69, one under par.
Good as that score was for Mickelson, it was five strokes more than Mike Weir’s remarkable 64, one of the best first rounds in US Open history and ten strokes fewer than Woods, the defending champion. Weir had one double-bogey, nine pars and eight birdies, which, wrung from a course that is very, very difficult, must have made him feel like a man who had got away with a bank robbery.
Weir’s play overshadowed a 66 by Peter Hanson, of Sweden, while elsewhere the day resembled a walk down memory lane with former winners of the tournament. David Duval, who last had a top-ten finish in any tournament in 2002 and is ranked 882nd in the world, showed some of the form that won him the 2001 Open. His 67 was the same score as Todd Hamilton, the 2004 winner at Royal Troon.
You can set your watch by Graeme McDowell. Come a major championship and he will be there atop the leaderboard after the first round. That is where he was on the Thursday evening of the 2006 Open at Hoylake and that was where he was on the Thursday evening of last year’s Open at Royal Birkdale, too.
And for a while yesterday, after the rain-interrupted first round of the US Open had begun again, there was McDowell in his customary position once more. “I am fascinated by the challenge of major championships,” McDowell said after his 69. “It is what we measure our games by. Pinehurst in 2005 was my first major championship and I was frozen, like a deer in a car’s headlights. I was probably two out of ten at coping then. Now I would give myself five out of ten. I am starting to get my head around these things. Guys like Tiger and Padraig Harrington have learnt how to do it and prepare mentally for it.”
McDowell’s reference to Woods and Harrington was understandable. Between them, the world Nos 1 and 11 have won three of the past four major championships, but for all that they have 17 major championships between them, the two were well outscored by the Northern Irishman yesterday.
Harrington was already four over par when he and Woods picked up where they had left off the previous night and for Harrington, things did not get much better. He finished with a 76. Harrington says he has to improve what has been the bedrock of his success, the short game. “Putting is the weak link,” he said, though to this observer it was his game from tee to green that let him down.
Friends and family are concerned that his tinkering either has gone on too long in 2009 or is not working. He has missed the halfway cut in three of his past four tournaments in the United States and in the 3 Irish Open at County Louth golf club, too.
Woods was level par with four holes remaining. It had been a mixed round to that point but on a course as wet as this one, even though some of the holes had been shortened because of the rain, this was only to be expected.
Woods was not concerned at his slow start nor his poor finish, although when he saw how those players who played their entire round yesterday had received such an advantage, he might have reconsidered his position. Even for a man such as he, making up ten shots on Weir is asking something.
First-round scores .
United States unless stated; * denotes amateur
64: M Weir (Can).
66: P Hanson (Swe).
67: D Duval, T Hamilton, R Barnes.
68: R Mediate.
69: G McDowell (N Ire), D Weaver, L Glover, D Toms, A Scott (Aus), P Mickelson, S O’Hair.
70: I Poulter (GB), J Brehaut, *C Tringale, J Edfors (Swe), R Moore, D Smail, *K Stanley, S García (Sp), S Hansen (Den), R Fisher (GB), F Funk, O Wilson (GB).
71: F Molinari (It), M Sim (Aus), J Leonard, K Sutherland, J Mallinger, T Murphy, A Kim, C Villegas (Col), T Lehman, K Perry, A McLardy (SA), B Snedeker, M Kuchar.
72: V Singh (Fiji), R Sabbatini (SA), J Furyk, K J Choi (S Kor), B Curtis, B Watson, L Westwood (GB), *B Martin, A Yano, D Johnson, R McIlroy (N Ire), H Mahan, T Levet (Fr), R Blaum.
73: S Stricker, J Merrick, C Wittenberg, G Ogilvy (Aus), A Romero (Arg), B van Pelt, T Clark (SA), H Stenson (Swe), R Spears, P Tomasulo, S Allan (Aus), *N Taylor (Can), B Baird, J J Henry, J B Holmes, A Quirós (Sp), N Watney, R Goosen (SA), J Rose (GB), S Cink, J-F Lucquin (Fr), B Gay, *T Alexander, M Welch, R Jacquelin (Fr), B Mayfair, S Stefani, G Woodland.
74: C Kirk, R Pampling (Aus), T Woods, J P Hayes, Á Cabrera (Arg), *B Burgoon, G McNeill, A Parr (Can), Bae Sang Moon (S Kor), C Bowden, L Donald (GB), J Kamte (SA), M Laird (GB), D Clarke (N Ire), S Ames (Can), D Batty (Aus), C Yancey.
75: C Wi (S Kor), Z Johnson, R Allenby (Aus), P Casey (GB), R Imada (Japan), S Khan (GB), M Bettencourt, G Fernández-Castaño (Sp), C Pettersson (Swe), C Lowe, D Stiles.
76: B Crane, K Duke, M Kaymer (Ger), E Romero (Arg), H Slocum, P Harrington (Ire), *V Snyder, C Beckman, D J Trahan, S Appleby (Aus). C Stroud, C Beckstrom, *M Nagy, *C Klaasen.
77: R Bland (GB), M Campbell (NZ), M Á Jiménez (Sp), A Que (Phil), J M Lara (Sp), N Tyler, K Yokoo (Japan), S Gutschewski, C Schwartzel (SA).
78: J M Singh (India), C Jensen, *D Erdy, S Dyson (GB), *R Fowler, J McCumber, K Silva, M Miles, J Nitties (Aus), E Els (SA), M Jones (Aus), C Beljan.
79: E Axley, B Weekley, G Kraft, S Kai (Japan).
80: *D Kittleson, C Campbell, A Svoboda, S Farren, S Conway. 81: D Horsey (GB), *S Lewis, *K Peterman.
83: *J Brock.
Source:The times
It was anticipated that Phil Mickelson would receive a hero’s welcome at this US Open, but what happened on the Black course at Bethpage State Park yesterday exceeded expectations. New Yorkers, who had taken him to their hearts in 2002, when he was the runner-up here to Tiger Woods, excelled themselves as they showed their support for the player and, indirectly, for his wife, Amy, who is about to begin treatment for breast cancer.
Mickelson was given ovations on every tee and as he left every green. Buoyed by this support, he responded with some sparkling golf — and some that was not so sparkling. The world No 2 had said that he hoped he would play well, but with all that was going on in his life now he could not be sure. Apart from losing a ball with a wild drive from the 13th tee, he took advantage of having his first round delayed from Thursday by going round in 69, one under par.
Good as that score was for Mickelson, it was five strokes more than Mike Weir’s remarkable 64, one of the best first rounds in US Open history and ten strokes fewer than Woods, the defending champion. Weir had one double-bogey, nine pars and eight birdies, which, wrung from a course that is very, very difficult, must have made him feel like a man who had got away with a bank robbery.
Weir’s play overshadowed a 66 by Peter Hanson, of Sweden, while elsewhere the day resembled a walk down memory lane with former winners of the tournament. David Duval, who last had a top-ten finish in any tournament in 2002 and is ranked 882nd in the world, showed some of the form that won him the 2001 Open. His 67 was the same score as Todd Hamilton, the 2004 winner at Royal Troon.
You can set your watch by Graeme McDowell. Come a major championship and he will be there atop the leaderboard after the first round. That is where he was on the Thursday evening of the 2006 Open at Hoylake and that was where he was on the Thursday evening of last year’s Open at Royal Birkdale, too.
And for a while yesterday, after the rain-interrupted first round of the US Open had begun again, there was McDowell in his customary position once more. “I am fascinated by the challenge of major championships,” McDowell said after his 69. “It is what we measure our games by. Pinehurst in 2005 was my first major championship and I was frozen, like a deer in a car’s headlights. I was probably two out of ten at coping then. Now I would give myself five out of ten. I am starting to get my head around these things. Guys like Tiger and Padraig Harrington have learnt how to do it and prepare mentally for it.”
McDowell’s reference to Woods and Harrington was understandable. Between them, the world Nos 1 and 11 have won three of the past four major championships, but for all that they have 17 major championships between them, the two were well outscored by the Northern Irishman yesterday.
Harrington was already four over par when he and Woods picked up where they had left off the previous night and for Harrington, things did not get much better. He finished with a 76. Harrington says he has to improve what has been the bedrock of his success, the short game. “Putting is the weak link,” he said, though to this observer it was his game from tee to green that let him down.
Friends and family are concerned that his tinkering either has gone on too long in 2009 or is not working. He has missed the halfway cut in three of his past four tournaments in the United States and in the 3 Irish Open at County Louth golf club, too.
Woods was level par with four holes remaining. It had been a mixed round to that point but on a course as wet as this one, even though some of the holes had been shortened because of the rain, this was only to be expected.
Woods was not concerned at his slow start nor his poor finish, although when he saw how those players who played their entire round yesterday had received such an advantage, he might have reconsidered his position. Even for a man such as he, making up ten shots on Weir is asking something.
First-round scores .
United States unless stated; * denotes amateur
64: M Weir (Can).
66: P Hanson (Swe).
67: D Duval, T Hamilton, R Barnes.
68: R Mediate.
69: G McDowell (N Ire), D Weaver, L Glover, D Toms, A Scott (Aus), P Mickelson, S O’Hair.
70: I Poulter (GB), J Brehaut, *C Tringale, J Edfors (Swe), R Moore, D Smail, *K Stanley, S García (Sp), S Hansen (Den), R Fisher (GB), F Funk, O Wilson (GB).
71: F Molinari (It), M Sim (Aus), J Leonard, K Sutherland, J Mallinger, T Murphy, A Kim, C Villegas (Col), T Lehman, K Perry, A McLardy (SA), B Snedeker, M Kuchar.
72: V Singh (Fiji), R Sabbatini (SA), J Furyk, K J Choi (S Kor), B Curtis, B Watson, L Westwood (GB), *B Martin, A Yano, D Johnson, R McIlroy (N Ire), H Mahan, T Levet (Fr), R Blaum.
73: S Stricker, J Merrick, C Wittenberg, G Ogilvy (Aus), A Romero (Arg), B van Pelt, T Clark (SA), H Stenson (Swe), R Spears, P Tomasulo, S Allan (Aus), *N Taylor (Can), B Baird, J J Henry, J B Holmes, A Quirós (Sp), N Watney, R Goosen (SA), J Rose (GB), S Cink, J-F Lucquin (Fr), B Gay, *T Alexander, M Welch, R Jacquelin (Fr), B Mayfair, S Stefani, G Woodland.
74: C Kirk, R Pampling (Aus), T Woods, J P Hayes, Á Cabrera (Arg), *B Burgoon, G McNeill, A Parr (Can), Bae Sang Moon (S Kor), C Bowden, L Donald (GB), J Kamte (SA), M Laird (GB), D Clarke (N Ire), S Ames (Can), D Batty (Aus), C Yancey.
75: C Wi (S Kor), Z Johnson, R Allenby (Aus), P Casey (GB), R Imada (Japan), S Khan (GB), M Bettencourt, G Fernández-Castaño (Sp), C Pettersson (Swe), C Lowe, D Stiles.
76: B Crane, K Duke, M Kaymer (Ger), E Romero (Arg), H Slocum, P Harrington (Ire), *V Snyder, C Beckman, D J Trahan, S Appleby (Aus). C Stroud, C Beckstrom, *M Nagy, *C Klaasen.
77: R Bland (GB), M Campbell (NZ), M Á Jiménez (Sp), A Que (Phil), J M Lara (Sp), N Tyler, K Yokoo (Japan), S Gutschewski, C Schwartzel (SA).
78: J M Singh (India), C Jensen, *D Erdy, S Dyson (GB), *R Fowler, J McCumber, K Silva, M Miles, J Nitties (Aus), E Els (SA), M Jones (Aus), C Beljan.
79: E Axley, B Weekley, G Kraft, S Kai (Japan).
80: *D Kittleson, C Campbell, A Svoboda, S Farren, S Conway. 81: D Horsey (GB), *S Lewis, *K Peterman.
83: *J Brock.
Source:The times
Sebastien Vettel takes pole as Button falters
Sebastian Vettel will start from pole for tomorrow's British Grand Prix after crushing his rivals in qualifying, leaving championship leader Jenson Button down in sixth.
Vettel finished nearly four tenths of a second quicker than Rubens Barrichello in his Brawn GP, and Mark Webber who missed out on an all-Red Bull Racing front row by 0.012secs.
Lewis Hamilton, who thrilled his fans a year ago at Silverstone with a storming win in the wet, qualified 19th as his wretched season slipped to a new low.
Button was left languishing by almost 0.8secs behind Vettel as the Briton also has Toyota's Jarno Trulli and Kazuki Nakajima in his Williams ahead of him, the Japanese qualifying a career high of sixth.
For the 29-year-old, who goes into the sell-out race at Silverstone tomorrow with a 26-point lead in the championship after winning six of this season's first seven races, it was his worst qualifying run of the season.
As for Hamilton, it was a day to forget, with his chances wrecked by an accident late on in the initial 20-minute qualifying run by an accident involving friend Adrian Sutil in his Force India.
Sutil at least climbed out of the cockpit of his car unharmed in the wake of a shunt that saw him slam sideways into a tyre wall.
Entering Abbey, Sutil suffered a brake issue as his car careered across the grass and then gravel before finally hitting the tyres.
The force of the impact was such Sutil bounced off the wall before finally coming to rest.
It was a couple of minutes before the German clambered away from the wreckage before then being taken to the track medical centre for examination where he was given the all clear.
The accident immediately led to the session being red flagged with just 24 seconds left, ending Hamilton's prospects of completing one final hot lap.
It left the 24-year-old stranded 19th, with only Sebastien Buemi slower in his Toro Rosso, and a slow-down lap in which the Briton waved to his fans on his return to the pits.
"I did the best I could," reflected Hamilton, who has now failed to make it into Q2 for the last three races.
"I was pushing on that last lap, as hard as I could, but it was nothing special. We were just dead slow.
"The race is over, but we'll keep fighting and hopefully put on a good show for the fans.
"I've had incredible support from them. They're the ones that really get me through it."
Behind Button, the top 10 is completed by Williams' Nico Rosberg, Timo Glock for Toyota, the Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso for Renault.
A number of big guns were knocked out in the 15-minute Q2, led by Ferrari's Felipe Massa who starts 11th when he appeared on course to make the top 10 at least.
BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica qualified 12th, followed by the McLaren of Heikki Kovalainen, Nelson Piquet in his Renault - out-qualified by team-mate Alonso for the 26th consecutive race - and the second BMW of Nick Heidfeld.
Ahead of Hamilton and Buemi in the final five are Force India's Giancarlo Fisichella, Sebastien Bourdais in his Toro Rosso and Sutil.
After clinching the fourth pole of his career, third of the year and second in a row, Vettel said: "It's been a fantastic weekend so far from beginning to end.
"All the parts we have brought here seem to be working well, so we have made a good step forward. But when it comes to qualifying there is tension there, you try to do your best and you try to get a good feeling.
"In Q3 I had the lap of the weekend. From beginning to end it was very close to being perfect. I brought the lap to the chequered flag, and I was surprised by how quick I was at that stage, yet it was enough to get pole."
Vettel, who is 32 points behind Button in the standings, is at least relieved to have the Briton some way behind him. "He has the advantage, quite a comfortable gap," added Vettel. "We are here to win races, we're in the best position tomorrow, and it's good he is not sitting with us [Barrichello and Webber]. But even though he is starting sixth, he can still come back and score a lot of points."
Source:The times
Vettel finished nearly four tenths of a second quicker than Rubens Barrichello in his Brawn GP, and Mark Webber who missed out on an all-Red Bull Racing front row by 0.012secs.
Lewis Hamilton, who thrilled his fans a year ago at Silverstone with a storming win in the wet, qualified 19th as his wretched season slipped to a new low.
Button was left languishing by almost 0.8secs behind Vettel as the Briton also has Toyota's Jarno Trulli and Kazuki Nakajima in his Williams ahead of him, the Japanese qualifying a career high of sixth.
For the 29-year-old, who goes into the sell-out race at Silverstone tomorrow with a 26-point lead in the championship after winning six of this season's first seven races, it was his worst qualifying run of the season.
As for Hamilton, it was a day to forget, with his chances wrecked by an accident late on in the initial 20-minute qualifying run by an accident involving friend Adrian Sutil in his Force India.
Sutil at least climbed out of the cockpit of his car unharmed in the wake of a shunt that saw him slam sideways into a tyre wall.
Entering Abbey, Sutil suffered a brake issue as his car careered across the grass and then gravel before finally hitting the tyres.
The force of the impact was such Sutil bounced off the wall before finally coming to rest.
It was a couple of minutes before the German clambered away from the wreckage before then being taken to the track medical centre for examination where he was given the all clear.
The accident immediately led to the session being red flagged with just 24 seconds left, ending Hamilton's prospects of completing one final hot lap.
It left the 24-year-old stranded 19th, with only Sebastien Buemi slower in his Toro Rosso, and a slow-down lap in which the Briton waved to his fans on his return to the pits.
"I did the best I could," reflected Hamilton, who has now failed to make it into Q2 for the last three races.
"I was pushing on that last lap, as hard as I could, but it was nothing special. We were just dead slow.
"The race is over, but we'll keep fighting and hopefully put on a good show for the fans.
"I've had incredible support from them. They're the ones that really get me through it."
Behind Button, the top 10 is completed by Williams' Nico Rosberg, Timo Glock for Toyota, the Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso for Renault.
A number of big guns were knocked out in the 15-minute Q2, led by Ferrari's Felipe Massa who starts 11th when he appeared on course to make the top 10 at least.
BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica qualified 12th, followed by the McLaren of Heikki Kovalainen, Nelson Piquet in his Renault - out-qualified by team-mate Alonso for the 26th consecutive race - and the second BMW of Nick Heidfeld.
Ahead of Hamilton and Buemi in the final five are Force India's Giancarlo Fisichella, Sebastien Bourdais in his Toro Rosso and Sutil.
After clinching the fourth pole of his career, third of the year and second in a row, Vettel said: "It's been a fantastic weekend so far from beginning to end.
"All the parts we have brought here seem to be working well, so we have made a good step forward. But when it comes to qualifying there is tension there, you try to do your best and you try to get a good feeling.
"In Q3 I had the lap of the weekend. From beginning to end it was very close to being perfect. I brought the lap to the chequered flag, and I was surprised by how quick I was at that stage, yet it was enough to get pole."
Vettel, who is 32 points behind Button in the standings, is at least relieved to have the Briton some way behind him. "He has the advantage, quite a comfortable gap," added Vettel. "We are here to win races, we're in the best position tomorrow, and it's good he is not sitting with us [Barrichello and Webber]. But even though he is starting sixth, he can still come back and score a lot of points."
Source:The times
Carlos Tevez to leave Manchester United
Carlos Tevez will leave English Premier League champions Manchester United, the club have confirmed.
Tevez's two-year loan deal was set to expire this month because United have been unable to agree a transfer fee with the group of investors who own the economic rights to the Argentine forward.
United offered Tevez a new five-year deal that would have made him one of the highest-paid players at Old Trafford, but said he turned it down.
A statement from Manchester United said: "Following contact received from Carlos Tevez's advisors last night, in advance of the deadline the Club set for concluding negotiations, Manchester United announces that Carlos will not be signing a new contract with the club.
The club agreed to pay the option price of £25.5 million and offered Carlos a five-year contract which would have made him one of its highest-paid players.
"Disappointingly, however, his advisors informed the club that, despite the success he has enjoyed during one of the club's most successful periods, he does not wish to continue playing for Manchester United.
"The club would like to thank Carlos for his services over the last two seasons and wishes him good luck for the future."
The decision paves the way for Tevez, who has been linked to a number of top flight clubs in England including Liverpool and Manchester City, to relaunch his career in the Premier League.
Despite playing a leading role in United's success last season, regularly being used as a substitute, the Argentine complained of not playing enough.
Source:The times
Tevez's two-year loan deal was set to expire this month because United have been unable to agree a transfer fee with the group of investors who own the economic rights to the Argentine forward.
United offered Tevez a new five-year deal that would have made him one of the highest-paid players at Old Trafford, but said he turned it down.
A statement from Manchester United said: "Following contact received from Carlos Tevez's advisors last night, in advance of the deadline the Club set for concluding negotiations, Manchester United announces that Carlos will not be signing a new contract with the club.
The club agreed to pay the option price of £25.5 million and offered Carlos a five-year contract which would have made him one of its highest-paid players.
"Disappointingly, however, his advisors informed the club that, despite the success he has enjoyed during one of the club's most successful periods, he does not wish to continue playing for Manchester United.
"The club would like to thank Carlos for his services over the last two seasons and wishes him good luck for the future."
The decision paves the way for Tevez, who has been linked to a number of top flight clubs in England including Liverpool and Manchester City, to relaunch his career in the Premier League.
Despite playing a leading role in United's success last season, regularly being used as a substitute, the Argentine complained of not playing enough.
Source:The times
Sri Lanka into World Twenty20 final
Brit Oval (West Indies won toss): Sri Lanka beat West Indies by 57 runs .
Tillekeratne Dilshan has every chance of being named the player of the World Twenty20 tomorrow when Sri Lanka and Pakistan contest the final at Lord’s, a game full of pathos coming little more than three months after their Test match in Lahore was abandoned after the terrorist attack on the touring team.
Going into the last match, Dilshan is the leading run-scorer with 317, has hit 18 more fours than his nearest rival — 46 to the 28 of Jacques Kallis — and came last night within a few feet of extending the best individual innings of the competition into its first century from the final ball against a powerless attack.
It was not so much the “Dilscoop” as the Dildrive, Dilpull and Dilcut that did for West Indies. Dilshan’s unbeaten 96 came from 57 balls, while the 63 faced by his colleagues produced only 62 runs. The comparison would be even starker but for a cameo of 12 runs from four balls by Angelo Mathews at the finish of the innings.
Dilshan seemed to be playing a different game, dominating a first-wicket stand of 73 with Sanath Jayasuriya. Later, Chamara Silva contributed 11 of a 50-run partnership. Dilshan twice hit Dwayne Bravo for three fours in an over, slogging only once he started to tire.
West Indies found hope when Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena all self-destructed in the eleventh and twelfth overs, but Dilshan carried on regardless, almost hitting Chris Gayle, the West Indies captain, for the six he needed to complete three figures at the end.
Gayle knew that West Indies needed early runs before Sri Lanka turned to spin. He cannot have expected that Mathews would be the executioner, leaving the reply teetering at one for three after six balls as Xavier Marshall and Bravo edged on unsure whether to play or leave, and Lendl Simmons was bowled leg stump. Gayle carried his bat for 63 from 50 balls, but none of his colleagues attacked Muttiah Muralitharan with equal conviction.
Sangakkara, the Sri Lanka captain, praised his team’s mental toughness. “Terrorism can happen to anyone and it happened to us,” he said. “I think it’s great the way the guys have gone out, showed no fear and focused on cricket. I think this is a fitting reward.”
It was not all sweetness and light. Sangakkara was fined 10 per cent of his match fee and the rest of his side 5 per cent because Sri Lanka were judged to have fallen an over short of completing their allocation in time.
Sri LankaT M Dilshan not out 96S T Jayasuriya c Taylor b Bravo 24*†K C Sangakkara c Pollard b Bravo 0D P M D Jayawardena c Chanderpaul b Pollard 2L P C Silva c Ramdin b Benn 11J Mubarak c Sammy b Taylor 7A D Mathews not out 12Extras (lb 3, w 3) 6Total (5 wkts, 20 overs) 158I Udana, S L Malinga, M Muralitharan and B A W Mendis did not bat.Fall of wickets: 1-73, 2-73, 3-77, 4-127, 5-134.Bowling: Sammy 4-0-19-0; Taylor 4-0-31-1; Bravo 3-0-32-2; Benn 4-0-24-1; Gayle 3-0-35-0; Pollard 2-0-14-1.
West Indies*C H Gayle not out 63X M Marshall b Mathews 0L M P Simmons b Mathews 0D J Bravo b Mathews 0S Chanderpaul lbw b Mendis 7R R Sarwan c Mathews b Muralitharan 5K A Pollard st Sangakkara b Muralitharan 3†D Ramdin c Jayawardena b Udana 9J E Taylor c sub b Muralitharan 2D J G Sammy c Mubarak b Mendis 1S J Benn b Malinga 0Extras (b 1, lb 2, w 7, nb 1) 11Total (17.4 overs) 101Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-1, 3-1, 4-43, 5-64, 6-75, 7-86, 8-95, 9-97.Bowling: Mathews 4-0-16-3; Udana 3-0-20-1; Malinga 2.4-0-24-1; Mendis 4-0-9-2; Muralitharan 4-0-29-3.Umpires: Aleem Dar (Pakistan) and R E Koertzen (South Africa).TV umpire: D J Harper (Australia).Match referee: A G Hurst (Australia).Reserve umpire: A M Saheba (India).
Source:The times
Tillekeratne Dilshan has every chance of being named the player of the World Twenty20 tomorrow when Sri Lanka and Pakistan contest the final at Lord’s, a game full of pathos coming little more than three months after their Test match in Lahore was abandoned after the terrorist attack on the touring team.
Going into the last match, Dilshan is the leading run-scorer with 317, has hit 18 more fours than his nearest rival — 46 to the 28 of Jacques Kallis — and came last night within a few feet of extending the best individual innings of the competition into its first century from the final ball against a powerless attack.
It was not so much the “Dilscoop” as the Dildrive, Dilpull and Dilcut that did for West Indies. Dilshan’s unbeaten 96 came from 57 balls, while the 63 faced by his colleagues produced only 62 runs. The comparison would be even starker but for a cameo of 12 runs from four balls by Angelo Mathews at the finish of the innings.
Dilshan seemed to be playing a different game, dominating a first-wicket stand of 73 with Sanath Jayasuriya. Later, Chamara Silva contributed 11 of a 50-run partnership. Dilshan twice hit Dwayne Bravo for three fours in an over, slogging only once he started to tire.
West Indies found hope when Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena all self-destructed in the eleventh and twelfth overs, but Dilshan carried on regardless, almost hitting Chris Gayle, the West Indies captain, for the six he needed to complete three figures at the end.
Gayle knew that West Indies needed early runs before Sri Lanka turned to spin. He cannot have expected that Mathews would be the executioner, leaving the reply teetering at one for three after six balls as Xavier Marshall and Bravo edged on unsure whether to play or leave, and Lendl Simmons was bowled leg stump. Gayle carried his bat for 63 from 50 balls, but none of his colleagues attacked Muttiah Muralitharan with equal conviction.
Sangakkara, the Sri Lanka captain, praised his team’s mental toughness. “Terrorism can happen to anyone and it happened to us,” he said. “I think it’s great the way the guys have gone out, showed no fear and focused on cricket. I think this is a fitting reward.”
It was not all sweetness and light. Sangakkara was fined 10 per cent of his match fee and the rest of his side 5 per cent because Sri Lanka were judged to have fallen an over short of completing their allocation in time.
Sri LankaT M Dilshan not out 96S T Jayasuriya c Taylor b Bravo 24*†K C Sangakkara c Pollard b Bravo 0D P M D Jayawardena c Chanderpaul b Pollard 2L P C Silva c Ramdin b Benn 11J Mubarak c Sammy b Taylor 7A D Mathews not out 12Extras (lb 3, w 3) 6Total (5 wkts, 20 overs) 158I Udana, S L Malinga, M Muralitharan and B A W Mendis did not bat.Fall of wickets: 1-73, 2-73, 3-77, 4-127, 5-134.Bowling: Sammy 4-0-19-0; Taylor 4-0-31-1; Bravo 3-0-32-2; Benn 4-0-24-1; Gayle 3-0-35-0; Pollard 2-0-14-1.
West Indies*C H Gayle not out 63X M Marshall b Mathews 0L M P Simmons b Mathews 0D J Bravo b Mathews 0S Chanderpaul lbw b Mendis 7R R Sarwan c Mathews b Muralitharan 5K A Pollard st Sangakkara b Muralitharan 3†D Ramdin c Jayawardena b Udana 9J E Taylor c sub b Muralitharan 2D J G Sammy c Mubarak b Mendis 1S J Benn b Malinga 0Extras (b 1, lb 2, w 7, nb 1) 11Total (17.4 overs) 101Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-1, 3-1, 4-43, 5-64, 6-75, 7-86, 8-95, 9-97.Bowling: Mathews 4-0-16-3; Udana 3-0-20-1; Malinga 2.4-0-24-1; Mendis 4-0-9-2; Muralitharan 4-0-29-3.Umpires: Aleem Dar (Pakistan) and R E Koertzen (South Africa).TV umpire: D J Harper (Australia).Match referee: A G Hurst (Australia).Reserve umpire: A M Saheba (India).
Source:The times
South Africa v Lions - first Test - live!
Latest score - South Africa 26 Lions 21
3.43pm: South Africa 26 Lions 21 Jones converts!
3.42pm: South Africa 26 Lions 19 ...and Phillips races in from nowhere! He punches the ball away when he'd be better served taking it back to Stephen Jones, ready for the conversion.
3.41pm: The Lions are working so, so hard now...
3.38pm: Ugo Monye collects on the left, and Steyn tackles him and knocks the ball out of his hands, right on the line.
3.37pm: Penalty to the Lions, and they decide to go quickly and run in, all of a sudden enthused and infused with energy.
3.35pm: South Africa 26 Lions 14 The conversion makes the scoreline look slightly more respectable.
3.33pm: South Africa 26 Lions 12 After a period of Lions pressure, Tom Croft gets his second try of the afternoon, after a great run from Roberts.
3.29pm: O'Driscoll chips it sneakily out to Bowe on the right, but he can't gather.
3.24pm: And now Habana is taking on Bowe, as they both career out of play, into touch and into the hoardings.
3.18pm: And so the penalty is given to South Africa, because Rees punched a man on the ground, and that is, of course, foul play.
3.16pm: Bowe makes a break for it, and then tosses it back, with nobody claiming it. The referee awards a penalty for a knock-on and then Bryan Habana decides to have a scrap with Rees.
3.29pm: O'Driscoll chips it sneakily out to Bowe on the right, but he can't gather.
3.24pm: And now Habana is taking on Bowe, as they both career out of play, into touch and into the hoardings.
3.18pm: And so the penalty is given to South Africa, because Rees punched a man on the ground, and that is, of course, foul play.
3.16pm: Bowe makes a break for it, and then tosses it back, with nobody claiming it. The referee awards a penalty for a knock-on and then Bryan Habana decides to have a scrap with Rees. 3.11pm: Phillips lunges for the line, and the referee asks for clarification. Phillips loses the ball; Botha can't hold it, and Mears tries to put it down, but it's not given and it's a scrum.
3.08pm: South Africa 26 Lions 7 Pienaar converts.
3.07pm: South Africa 24 Lions 7 There is absolutely no way back for the Lions now. South Africa are simply too powerful, and this time it's Brussow who touches down.
3.04pm: South Africa are positively rampant, moving the Lions back by about 20 metres.
3pm: The teams assemble on the pitch ready for the second half, and with the Lions ready to put plan B into action.
2.49pm: And that's the last action of the half. The Lions have been cruelly awoken by the world champions so far.
2.48pm: Pienaar misses that kick from an acute angle. For the Lions, Byrne's gone off with a heel problem, and is replaced by Kearney.
2.46pm: The Lions have not been doing well in the scrums today, and yet again it's a penalty to South Africa after they fail to bind properly. 2.45pm: The referee apologises to Jones as he stops the game rather than letting the advantage accrue after a knock-on. Too late, though. It's a scrum.
2.43pm: South Africa 19 Lions 7 A great kick from Pienaar, looping nicely over the bar.
2.41pm: Another penalty to South Africa, this time for the Lions not releasing. Paul O'Connell is given a stern talking-to by the referee.
2.40pm: South Africa 16 Lions 7 Pienaar has more luck than his team-mate, not having to rely on sheer blast power and thus kicking with increased accuracy.
2.39pm: Pienaar's turn to kick, and he prepares himself with several muttered words of encouragement.
2.35pm: Terrible kick from Steyn - several metres wide.
2.31pm: South Africa 13 Lions 7 And the kick goes over.
2.30pm: South Africa 13 Lions 5 O'Driscoll cuts through, passing to Croft about ten yards from the line just before he's taken down. Croft does the rest, despite Steyn's best efforts.
2.28pm: South Africa 13 Lions 0 And he gets it.
2.27pm: South Africa get a penalty for the dangerous tackle, and Steyn is going to take it.
2.25pm: Du Preez is hit by Jenkins, and clatters to the ground, landing heavily on his shoulder.
2.22pm: Jones misses his second penalty. 2.21pm: The Lions have a spell of great running play, but South Africa reclaim possession, before Habana is halted by Jenkins.
2.20pm: Possession is slightly in the Lions' favour (55%), but frankly that means nothing when the Springboks are taking all their opportunities.
2.17pm: South Africa 10 Lions 0 Ruan Pienaar gets his second kick of the afternoon over, and this is ominous for the Lions.
2.13pm: Bryce Lawrence has absolutely no idea what his television-watching colleague is telling him. It is classic.
2.11pm: Ugo Monye takes a great ball from O'Driscoll and uses his explosive pace to cross the line, but De Villiers' arm is very much in the way as he touches down. The referee refers the decision...
2.09pm: South Africa 7 Lions 0 And Pienaar converts.
2.08pm: South Africa 5 Lions 0 John Smit charges over the line. The Lions were defending with utter desperation, and the try was inevitable.
2.06pm: Jones has the height and the distance but not the positioning.
2.05pm: Penalty to the Lions for offside. Stephen Jones throws an advertising hoarding out of the way, readying himself for the run-up.
2.04pm: De Villiers goes in with a shoulder on O'Driscoll, who kicks well upfield.
2.03pm: Here we go! South Africa kick off!
2pm: Time for the singing - the Lions don't seem to know whether they are going to have their arms round each other in fraternal solidarity, or put their arms straight down in front of them.
1.58pm: The flags are flying, and the teams are trotting up the tunnel. The home side take to the pitch to a huge roar from the crowd.
1.55pm: Seven Sharks starting today at the Absa Stadium, their home ground.
1.30pm: Good afternoon, everyone, and here are the teams for this afternoon's match -
South Africa: F Steyn, Pietersen, Jacobs, de Villiers, Habana, Pienaar, du Preez, Mtawarira, du Plessis, Smit, Botha, Matfield, Brussow, Smith, Spies.
Replacements: Steenkamp, Carstens, Bekker, Rossouw, Januarie, Fourie, M Steyn.
Lions: Byrne, Bowe, O'Driscoll, Roberts, Monye, S. Jones, Phillips, Jenkins, Mears, Vickery, A Jones, O'Connell, Croft, Wallace, Heaslip.
Replacements: Rees, A Jones, O'Callaghan, M. Williams, Ellis, O'Gara, Kearney.
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
Source:The times
3.43pm: South Africa 26 Lions 21 Jones converts!
3.42pm: South Africa 26 Lions 19 ...and Phillips races in from nowhere! He punches the ball away when he'd be better served taking it back to Stephen Jones, ready for the conversion.
3.41pm: The Lions are working so, so hard now...
3.38pm: Ugo Monye collects on the left, and Steyn tackles him and knocks the ball out of his hands, right on the line.
3.37pm: Penalty to the Lions, and they decide to go quickly and run in, all of a sudden enthused and infused with energy.
3.35pm: South Africa 26 Lions 14 The conversion makes the scoreline look slightly more respectable.
3.33pm: South Africa 26 Lions 12 After a period of Lions pressure, Tom Croft gets his second try of the afternoon, after a great run from Roberts.
3.29pm: O'Driscoll chips it sneakily out to Bowe on the right, but he can't gather.
3.24pm: And now Habana is taking on Bowe, as they both career out of play, into touch and into the hoardings.
3.18pm: And so the penalty is given to South Africa, because Rees punched a man on the ground, and that is, of course, foul play.
3.16pm: Bowe makes a break for it, and then tosses it back, with nobody claiming it. The referee awards a penalty for a knock-on and then Bryan Habana decides to have a scrap with Rees.
3.29pm: O'Driscoll chips it sneakily out to Bowe on the right, but he can't gather.
3.24pm: And now Habana is taking on Bowe, as they both career out of play, into touch and into the hoardings.
3.18pm: And so the penalty is given to South Africa, because Rees punched a man on the ground, and that is, of course, foul play.
3.16pm: Bowe makes a break for it, and then tosses it back, with nobody claiming it. The referee awards a penalty for a knock-on and then Bryan Habana decides to have a scrap with Rees. 3.11pm: Phillips lunges for the line, and the referee asks for clarification. Phillips loses the ball; Botha can't hold it, and Mears tries to put it down, but it's not given and it's a scrum.
3.08pm: South Africa 26 Lions 7 Pienaar converts.
3.07pm: South Africa 24 Lions 7 There is absolutely no way back for the Lions now. South Africa are simply too powerful, and this time it's Brussow who touches down.
3.04pm: South Africa are positively rampant, moving the Lions back by about 20 metres.
3pm: The teams assemble on the pitch ready for the second half, and with the Lions ready to put plan B into action.
2.49pm: And that's the last action of the half. The Lions have been cruelly awoken by the world champions so far.
2.48pm: Pienaar misses that kick from an acute angle. For the Lions, Byrne's gone off with a heel problem, and is replaced by Kearney.
2.46pm: The Lions have not been doing well in the scrums today, and yet again it's a penalty to South Africa after they fail to bind properly. 2.45pm: The referee apologises to Jones as he stops the game rather than letting the advantage accrue after a knock-on. Too late, though. It's a scrum.
2.43pm: South Africa 19 Lions 7 A great kick from Pienaar, looping nicely over the bar.
2.41pm: Another penalty to South Africa, this time for the Lions not releasing. Paul O'Connell is given a stern talking-to by the referee.
2.40pm: South Africa 16 Lions 7 Pienaar has more luck than his team-mate, not having to rely on sheer blast power and thus kicking with increased accuracy.
2.39pm: Pienaar's turn to kick, and he prepares himself with several muttered words of encouragement.
2.35pm: Terrible kick from Steyn - several metres wide.
2.31pm: South Africa 13 Lions 7 And the kick goes over.
2.30pm: South Africa 13 Lions 5 O'Driscoll cuts through, passing to Croft about ten yards from the line just before he's taken down. Croft does the rest, despite Steyn's best efforts.
2.28pm: South Africa 13 Lions 0 And he gets it.
2.27pm: South Africa get a penalty for the dangerous tackle, and Steyn is going to take it.
2.25pm: Du Preez is hit by Jenkins, and clatters to the ground, landing heavily on his shoulder.
2.22pm: Jones misses his second penalty. 2.21pm: The Lions have a spell of great running play, but South Africa reclaim possession, before Habana is halted by Jenkins.
2.20pm: Possession is slightly in the Lions' favour (55%), but frankly that means nothing when the Springboks are taking all their opportunities.
2.17pm: South Africa 10 Lions 0 Ruan Pienaar gets his second kick of the afternoon over, and this is ominous for the Lions.
2.13pm: Bryce Lawrence has absolutely no idea what his television-watching colleague is telling him. It is classic.
2.11pm: Ugo Monye takes a great ball from O'Driscoll and uses his explosive pace to cross the line, but De Villiers' arm is very much in the way as he touches down. The referee refers the decision...
2.09pm: South Africa 7 Lions 0 And Pienaar converts.
2.08pm: South Africa 5 Lions 0 John Smit charges over the line. The Lions were defending with utter desperation, and the try was inevitable.
2.06pm: Jones has the height and the distance but not the positioning.
2.05pm: Penalty to the Lions for offside. Stephen Jones throws an advertising hoarding out of the way, readying himself for the run-up.
2.04pm: De Villiers goes in with a shoulder on O'Driscoll, who kicks well upfield.
2.03pm: Here we go! South Africa kick off!
2pm: Time for the singing - the Lions don't seem to know whether they are going to have their arms round each other in fraternal solidarity, or put their arms straight down in front of them.
1.58pm: The flags are flying, and the teams are trotting up the tunnel. The home side take to the pitch to a huge roar from the crowd.
1.55pm: Seven Sharks starting today at the Absa Stadium, their home ground.
1.30pm: Good afternoon, everyone, and here are the teams for this afternoon's match -
South Africa: F Steyn, Pietersen, Jacobs, de Villiers, Habana, Pienaar, du Preez, Mtawarira, du Plessis, Smit, Botha, Matfield, Brussow, Smith, Spies.
Replacements: Steenkamp, Carstens, Bekker, Rossouw, Januarie, Fourie, M Steyn.
Lions: Byrne, Bowe, O'Driscoll, Roberts, Monye, S. Jones, Phillips, Jenkins, Mears, Vickery, A Jones, O'Connell, Croft, Wallace, Heaslip.
Replacements: Rees, A Jones, O'Callaghan, M. Williams, Ellis, O'Gara, Kearney.
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
Source:The times
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Justin Rose: Forget about tweeting, I just want birdies
Everyone is talking about Twitter and tweeting. Until Ian Poulter started doing it I hadn't paid any attention to Twitter. I had heard people talking about it but I didn't know how it worked. It's fun but it's not for me. I have a hard enough time keeping on top of my text and e-mail messages as it is.
I flew up here [to New York for the US Open] on Monday morning with Poults. He loves gadgets and all the craziness that goes with them. He is very different to me. For me, tweeting is another thing to add to what is already rather a crazy lifestyle.
One of my biggest problems is I find it hard to have downtime. Kate, my wife, is a big believer in that when it is family time the phone should be off. I need to get away from things, to shut off the outside world.
I played nine holes with Poults and Ross Fisher on Monday. It took quite a while - three hours and ten minutes! I liked the course on my first sight of it. I thought it was not overly tricked-up for a US Open course. It was very playable and very fair. But it sure was long with all the rain they have had.
The mistake I made at last year's US Open at Torrey Pines, San Diego, where I failed to make the cut, was that I focused too much on my long game. I was playing well but lacking in the short-game department. The reality is that the guys who are playing well still miss greens, still hit bad shots.
I was disappointed to have to pull out of the BMW PGA at Wentworth last month because my back flared up. But I recovered quickly. Antoni Jakubowski, my chiropractor, helped me to get back on the straight and narrow. I have also started working with a new fitness trainer, Justin Buckthorp. I am really excited about what I have been doing with him. Right now I feel as fit as I have felt for a long, long time.
The weather was fantastic when we were at home in England last month. From a lifestyle perspective it was great to go and have a coffee on the river in London, to hang out and catch up with my friends. It wasn't a wasted trip, even though I didn't play Wentworth. I went out and played a round at Worplesdon, at the New Zealand. The plan was to go round Surrey and play the hidden gems I hadn't really played before. New Zealand is an old school golf course and club. It is great. It is 5,800 yards and I don't think I broke par.
One day Kate and I strolled around London and found ourselves near Downing Street. It was the time of the MPs' expenses row. The media were camped out there. I don't know enough about the issue but the whole thing stinks. You could smell a rat and it is not nice when there are so many families in the country struggling and there are people claiming for helipads.
God knows what happened to me at the Memorial Tournament at the start of the month, where I missed the cut. I hit the same amount of greens as Luke Donald in the first round. He shot 64 and I shot 80. OK he was hitting the ball closer to the flagstick than I was, but you know ...
I have not been scoring well. I have got to be really patient now. It is a game of patience. If you get advice from Gary Player and Eduardo Romero, all the guys who have been round the block and who still view me as a young man, they say: “Be patient, it is going to happen. You have time on your side.”
This is going to be an emotional US Open because of Amy Mickelson, the wife of Phil who was found to have breast cancer last month. Amy is the kind of person who gets two weeks' work done in a day, a mother of three who takes the kids here, there and everywhere, e-mails, stays on top of things and is really bright.
You look at her and you think: “a beautiful, vibrant young woman who appears to have everything in the world.” It shows you how fickle life is and the fact that you're a pro golfer does not mean you are immune to any of that sort of stuff.
Source:The times
I flew up here [to New York for the US Open] on Monday morning with Poults. He loves gadgets and all the craziness that goes with them. He is very different to me. For me, tweeting is another thing to add to what is already rather a crazy lifestyle.
One of my biggest problems is I find it hard to have downtime. Kate, my wife, is a big believer in that when it is family time the phone should be off. I need to get away from things, to shut off the outside world.
I played nine holes with Poults and Ross Fisher on Monday. It took quite a while - three hours and ten minutes! I liked the course on my first sight of it. I thought it was not overly tricked-up for a US Open course. It was very playable and very fair. But it sure was long with all the rain they have had.
The mistake I made at last year's US Open at Torrey Pines, San Diego, where I failed to make the cut, was that I focused too much on my long game. I was playing well but lacking in the short-game department. The reality is that the guys who are playing well still miss greens, still hit bad shots.
I was disappointed to have to pull out of the BMW PGA at Wentworth last month because my back flared up. But I recovered quickly. Antoni Jakubowski, my chiropractor, helped me to get back on the straight and narrow. I have also started working with a new fitness trainer, Justin Buckthorp. I am really excited about what I have been doing with him. Right now I feel as fit as I have felt for a long, long time.
The weather was fantastic when we were at home in England last month. From a lifestyle perspective it was great to go and have a coffee on the river in London, to hang out and catch up with my friends. It wasn't a wasted trip, even though I didn't play Wentworth. I went out and played a round at Worplesdon, at the New Zealand. The plan was to go round Surrey and play the hidden gems I hadn't really played before. New Zealand is an old school golf course and club. It is great. It is 5,800 yards and I don't think I broke par.
One day Kate and I strolled around London and found ourselves near Downing Street. It was the time of the MPs' expenses row. The media were camped out there. I don't know enough about the issue but the whole thing stinks. You could smell a rat and it is not nice when there are so many families in the country struggling and there are people claiming for helipads.
God knows what happened to me at the Memorial Tournament at the start of the month, where I missed the cut. I hit the same amount of greens as Luke Donald in the first round. He shot 64 and I shot 80. OK he was hitting the ball closer to the flagstick than I was, but you know ...
I have not been scoring well. I have got to be really patient now. It is a game of patience. If you get advice from Gary Player and Eduardo Romero, all the guys who have been round the block and who still view me as a young man, they say: “Be patient, it is going to happen. You have time on your side.”
This is going to be an emotional US Open because of Amy Mickelson, the wife of Phil who was found to have breast cancer last month. Amy is the kind of person who gets two weeks' work done in a day, a mother of three who takes the kids here, there and everywhere, e-mails, stays on top of things and is really bright.
You look at her and you think: “a beautiful, vibrant young woman who appears to have everything in the world.” It shows you how fickle life is and the fact that you're a pro golfer does not mean you are immune to any of that sort of stuff.
Source:The times
Talks break down over F1 budget cap
Negotiations between Formula One's ruling body and the teams' association over the proposed changes to the sport have broken down.
Financial experts from Formula One Teams Association (Fota) and the International Automobile Federation (FIA) met to try to overcome an impasse over the controversial £40 million budget cap that has divided the sport.
However, the FIA has said that the talks ended almost as soon as they began due to Fota's inflexibility and that the proposals remain in place.
"Unfortunately, the Fota representatives announced that they had no mandate to discuss the FIA's 2010 financial regulations. Indeed, they were not prepared to discuss regulation at all," the ruling body said in a statement.
"As a result, the meeting could not achieve its purpose of comparing the FIA's rules with the Fota proposals with a view to finding a common position.
"In default of a proper dialogue, the Fota financial proposals were discussed but it became clear that these would not be capable of limiting the expenditure of a team that had the resources to outspend its competitors. Another financial arms race would then be inevitable. The FIA financial regulations therefore remain as published."
Ferrari have threatened to walk out on Formula One if the budget cap, designed to attract new teams and to allow existing ones to weather the credit crunch, is not scrapped. Renault, Toyota and the two Red Bull teams have also said they cannot accept the rules.
In a later statement, the FIA accused Fota of wanting to take over the sport. "Fota, made up of participants who come and go as it suits them, has set itself two clear objectives: to take over the regulation of Formula One from the FIA and to expropriate the commercial rights for itself," the FIA said. "These are not objectives which the FIA can accept."
The governing body added that the sport would have a full starting grid in 2010 with everyone competing under the same regulations. The FIA published its 2010 entry list on Friday with Ferrari and Red Bull as confirmed participants, against their wishes, and five other existing teams as provisional.
The five were given until Friday to make their entries unconditional, with a warning that other potential entrants were prepared to replace them and join three new teams.
There was hope that a solution would be found at the meeting after the FIA said it felt there had been a "large measure of agreement" in talks on Thursday with representatives of Ferrari, Toyota, Red Bull and Brawn GP.
"There are still the opportunities this week to resolve the issues and if the issues are resolved then we will be happy to enter," Ross Brawn, the Brawn team principal, said yesterday.
However the FIA also warned that there was an "element" within Fota that was "determined to prevent any agreement being reached".
Source:The times
Financial experts from Formula One Teams Association (Fota) and the International Automobile Federation (FIA) met to try to overcome an impasse over the controversial £40 million budget cap that has divided the sport.
However, the FIA has said that the talks ended almost as soon as they began due to Fota's inflexibility and that the proposals remain in place.
"Unfortunately, the Fota representatives announced that they had no mandate to discuss the FIA's 2010 financial regulations. Indeed, they were not prepared to discuss regulation at all," the ruling body said in a statement.
"As a result, the meeting could not achieve its purpose of comparing the FIA's rules with the Fota proposals with a view to finding a common position.
"In default of a proper dialogue, the Fota financial proposals were discussed but it became clear that these would not be capable of limiting the expenditure of a team that had the resources to outspend its competitors. Another financial arms race would then be inevitable. The FIA financial regulations therefore remain as published."
Ferrari have threatened to walk out on Formula One if the budget cap, designed to attract new teams and to allow existing ones to weather the credit crunch, is not scrapped. Renault, Toyota and the two Red Bull teams have also said they cannot accept the rules.
In a later statement, the FIA accused Fota of wanting to take over the sport. "Fota, made up of participants who come and go as it suits them, has set itself two clear objectives: to take over the regulation of Formula One from the FIA and to expropriate the commercial rights for itself," the FIA said. "These are not objectives which the FIA can accept."
The governing body added that the sport would have a full starting grid in 2010 with everyone competing under the same regulations. The FIA published its 2010 entry list on Friday with Ferrari and Red Bull as confirmed participants, against their wishes, and five other existing teams as provisional.
The five were given until Friday to make their entries unconditional, with a warning that other potential entrants were prepared to replace them and join three new teams.
There was hope that a solution would be found at the meeting after the FIA said it felt there had been a "large measure of agreement" in talks on Thursday with representatives of Ferrari, Toyota, Red Bull and Brawn GP.
"There are still the opportunities this week to resolve the issues and if the issues are resolved then we will be happy to enter," Ross Brawn, the Brawn team principal, said yesterday.
However the FIA also warned that there was an "element" within Fota that was "determined to prevent any agreement being reached".
Source:The times
Kevin Pietersen offers answer to leading question
Of all the contenders for the World Twenty20, England were the only side not to be captained by their established leader. Choice of locum for Andrew Strauss became an issue before the squad announcement and, after being knocked out under Paul Collingwood by West Indies on Monday night, it will be subject of similar speculation again before the next tournament, in the Caribbean, starting in April 2010.
Collingwood was a reluctant captain, saying only weeks before his appointment that he would need a lot of persuading to take on the role after his resignation last year. He has now declined to commit to the post for the future. He did not enjoy a good tournament, either with bat or armband, and alternatives are sure to be considered as part of the debrief.
Kevin Pietersen, the obvious replacement, would love another crack at some point despite his public humiliation at the hands of the ECB in January, when he pre-empted his sacking by resigning. Although he let it be known that a return would be too soon while the selectors deliberated for the present event, lingering anger may have calmed by the time that West Indies play host.
It is one thing to answer a hypothetical question with a show of no interest, quite another to reject a real approach by Geoff Miller, the national selector. Could Pietersen resist an offer couched in terms that his country needs him, especially when the job occupies only three weeks of what should be fun, rather than the whole package with its stresses and strains? He can leave that for Strauss.
Miller and his colleagues rejected an outsider in Robert Key this time because they were unsure that he could justify his place in the team. So, other than Pietersen, alternatives to Collingwood are sparse, if there at all. Stuart Broad, 23 next week, is too callow for now. James Anderson has matured impressively over the past year, but it is a big step from leading the bowlers to leading the team.
According to Adam Wheatley, Pietersen's agent, captaincy is “not at the forefront of his client's mind at the moment”. That is good to hear; the priority for Pietersen is to continue to build up fitness after Achilles tendon trouble and then to score stacks of runs in the Ashes. Perhaps, like Collingwood, who was unaware when England next play a 20-over international, Pietersen is not up to speed with commitments beyond the coming months.
The Australia series will dominate thinking between now and late August. On Monday, England announce an extended squad of perhaps 16 or 17 for a training camp later in the week, which may prove to be the last chance of a recall for Michael Vaughan. It effectively reproduces the start of an overseas tour, especially given the three-day warm-up match against Warwickshire from July 1, a week before the start of the first npower Test in Cardiff.
At some point, though, the selectors must return to Twenty20 strategy. The middle order clearly needs beefing up and Collingwood's role as nudger at No5 must be in jeopardy with Luke Wright, if he continues to open with Ravi Bopara, offering sup-port to the seam bowlers. England cannot afford to field a team with James Foster as high as No6 and Graeme Swann at 7, as they did two days ago.
But it runs deeper than a tinker here or there. The underlying principle that Test players can adapt to any format must be re-evaluated. Twenty20 needs certain skills, yet England were eliminated with four specialists from the squad in Graham Napier, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Key and Eoin Morgan out of the side. Collingwood said that England needed to be brave. In the end, they were too cautious.
Source:The times
Collingwood was a reluctant captain, saying only weeks before his appointment that he would need a lot of persuading to take on the role after his resignation last year. He has now declined to commit to the post for the future. He did not enjoy a good tournament, either with bat or armband, and alternatives are sure to be considered as part of the debrief.
Kevin Pietersen, the obvious replacement, would love another crack at some point despite his public humiliation at the hands of the ECB in January, when he pre-empted his sacking by resigning. Although he let it be known that a return would be too soon while the selectors deliberated for the present event, lingering anger may have calmed by the time that West Indies play host.
It is one thing to answer a hypothetical question with a show of no interest, quite another to reject a real approach by Geoff Miller, the national selector. Could Pietersen resist an offer couched in terms that his country needs him, especially when the job occupies only three weeks of what should be fun, rather than the whole package with its stresses and strains? He can leave that for Strauss.
Miller and his colleagues rejected an outsider in Robert Key this time because they were unsure that he could justify his place in the team. So, other than Pietersen, alternatives to Collingwood are sparse, if there at all. Stuart Broad, 23 next week, is too callow for now. James Anderson has matured impressively over the past year, but it is a big step from leading the bowlers to leading the team.
According to Adam Wheatley, Pietersen's agent, captaincy is “not at the forefront of his client's mind at the moment”. That is good to hear; the priority for Pietersen is to continue to build up fitness after Achilles tendon trouble and then to score stacks of runs in the Ashes. Perhaps, like Collingwood, who was unaware when England next play a 20-over international, Pietersen is not up to speed with commitments beyond the coming months.
The Australia series will dominate thinking between now and late August. On Monday, England announce an extended squad of perhaps 16 or 17 for a training camp later in the week, which may prove to be the last chance of a recall for Michael Vaughan. It effectively reproduces the start of an overseas tour, especially given the three-day warm-up match against Warwickshire from July 1, a week before the start of the first npower Test in Cardiff.
At some point, though, the selectors must return to Twenty20 strategy. The middle order clearly needs beefing up and Collingwood's role as nudger at No5 must be in jeopardy with Luke Wright, if he continues to open with Ravi Bopara, offering sup-port to the seam bowlers. England cannot afford to field a team with James Foster as high as No6 and Graeme Swann at 7, as they did two days ago.
But it runs deeper than a tinker here or there. The underlying principle that Test players can adapt to any format must be re-evaluated. Twenty20 needs certain skills, yet England were eliminated with four specialists from the squad in Graham Napier, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Key and Eoin Morgan out of the side. Collingwood said that England needed to be brave. In the end, they were too cautious.
Source:The times
Manchester United play Birmingham City in season opener
Premier League new boys travel to the champions on opening day of next season. All League fixtures have been released.
Premier League new boys Birmingham City face the toughest possible test on the opening day of next season after being handed a trip to play Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 15.
The champions then tackle Burnley - the Coca-Cola Championship play-off winners - the following weekend in a difficult start for the newly promoted teams.
All League fixtures were announced this morning.
United have to wait until the end of the month before their first match against one of the top four clubs as they take on Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 29, with the return fixture at Emirates Stadium on January 30. United visit Anfield to play Liverpool on October 24 and the Premier League runners-up are at Old Trafford on March 20.
Chelsea are the last of the other top four sides to face United as new manager Carlo Ancelotti's side are at home to the title holders on November 7, with the return fixture on April 3. United close the season at home to Stoke City on May 9.
Liverpool start and end their season with away fixtures, at Tottenham Hotspur on August 15 and Hull City on May 9. They visit Stamford Bridge on October 3 and play host to last season's third-placed team on May 1.
Rafael Benitez's side are at home to Arsenal on December 12 and visit the Gunners on February 9.
Ancelotti's first game in charge of Chelsea in English football will be at home to Hull on August 15, with the season finishing at home to Wigan Athletic on May 9. Chelsea are away to Arsenal on November 28 and at home to the Gunners on February 6.
Arsene Wenger's side open their campaign away to Everton and close the season with a home fixture against Fulham.
Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Championship winners, are at home to West Ham United on the opening day of the season and finish off with a home fixture against Sunderland.
Wolves fans will be looking forward to a December 15 trip to Old Trafford to play Manchester United and a home fixture against the champions on March 6.
Phil Neville, the Everton captain, believes against Arsenal on the opening weekend can set them up for another successful season. David Moyes's side finished fifth in the Premier League last season.
"I am like every other football fan when the fixtures come out," Neville said. "We all want to know who we have got in the first few weeks and over Christmas and the new year.
"The opening fixture of a new season is always an exciting one, but that we are playing a side like Arsenal adds even more spice to the occasion. A full house at Goodison on day one is something special and we will be looking to get off to a good start."
Source:The times
Premier League new boys Birmingham City face the toughest possible test on the opening day of next season after being handed a trip to play Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 15.
The champions then tackle Burnley - the Coca-Cola Championship play-off winners - the following weekend in a difficult start for the newly promoted teams.
All League fixtures were announced this morning.
United have to wait until the end of the month before their first match against one of the top four clubs as they take on Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 29, with the return fixture at Emirates Stadium on January 30. United visit Anfield to play Liverpool on October 24 and the Premier League runners-up are at Old Trafford on March 20.
Chelsea are the last of the other top four sides to face United as new manager Carlo Ancelotti's side are at home to the title holders on November 7, with the return fixture on April 3. United close the season at home to Stoke City on May 9.
Liverpool start and end their season with away fixtures, at Tottenham Hotspur on August 15 and Hull City on May 9. They visit Stamford Bridge on October 3 and play host to last season's third-placed team on May 1.
Rafael Benitez's side are at home to Arsenal on December 12 and visit the Gunners on February 9.
Ancelotti's first game in charge of Chelsea in English football will be at home to Hull on August 15, with the season finishing at home to Wigan Athletic on May 9. Chelsea are away to Arsenal on November 28 and at home to the Gunners on February 6.
Arsene Wenger's side open their campaign away to Everton and close the season with a home fixture against Fulham.
Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Championship winners, are at home to West Ham United on the opening day of the season and finish off with a home fixture against Sunderland.
Wolves fans will be looking forward to a December 15 trip to Old Trafford to play Manchester United and a home fixture against the champions on March 6.
Phil Neville, the Everton captain, believes against Arsenal on the opening weekend can set them up for another successful season. David Moyes's side finished fifth in the Premier League last season.
"I am like every other football fan when the fixtures come out," Neville said. "We all want to know who we have got in the first few weeks and over Christmas and the new year.
"The opening fixture of a new season is always an exciting one, but that we are playing a side like Arsenal adds even more spice to the occasion. A full house at Goodison on day one is something special and we will be looking to get off to a good start."
Source:The times
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Shaun Briscoe ready to emerge from shadow of Paul Wellens
Shaun Briscoe operated in the shadows of Kris Radlinski at Wigan Warriors and Paul Wellens at international level for several years, but the Hull Kingston Rovers full back has the chance to stake a permanent claim to an England place against France at Stade Jean-Bouin in Paris tomorrow.
Born in Wigan, nothing has come easy for the 26-year-old in a career that has taken him from the Warriors to Hull and across the city to Rovers, for whom he has been a bedrock of the defence in their climb to second place in the engage Super League.
“My parents instilled a great work ethic in me at an early age,” said Briscoe, whose misshapen nose comes from years of sticking it in places where others fear to tread. “You have to graft for these chances and make the most of them.
“You learn to take the knocks going for the high balls. I'm not the fastest, biggest or most skilful player, but I pride myself on the effort I put in. Paul Wellens has held the No1 shirt for a few years. It's mine to lose now.”
Tony Smith, the England coach, has confirmed that Scott Moore, who is uncapped, will start at hooker ahead of James Roby, one of only seven survivors in the team from last year's World Cup and who will start on the bench. Ryan Hall, the Super League's leading tryscorer, is the other newcomer on the wing.
Sam Burgess takes the place of the injured Sean O'Loughlin at loose forward and the uncapped duo of Sam Tomkins and Joe Westerman are omitted. “In some ways I'd like to play them at full strength, but we're not going to worry too much about who they play or don't play,” Smith said.
Source:The times
Born in Wigan, nothing has come easy for the 26-year-old in a career that has taken him from the Warriors to Hull and across the city to Rovers, for whom he has been a bedrock of the defence in their climb to second place in the engage Super League.
“My parents instilled a great work ethic in me at an early age,” said Briscoe, whose misshapen nose comes from years of sticking it in places where others fear to tread. “You have to graft for these chances and make the most of them.
“You learn to take the knocks going for the high balls. I'm not the fastest, biggest or most skilful player, but I pride myself on the effort I put in. Paul Wellens has held the No1 shirt for a few years. It's mine to lose now.”
Tony Smith, the England coach, has confirmed that Scott Moore, who is uncapped, will start at hooker ahead of James Roby, one of only seven survivors in the team from last year's World Cup and who will start on the bench. Ryan Hall, the Super League's leading tryscorer, is the other newcomer on the wing.
Sam Burgess takes the place of the injured Sean O'Loughlin at loose forward and the uncapped duo of Sam Tomkins and Joe Westerman are omitted. “In some ways I'd like to play them at full strength, but we're not going to worry too much about who they play or don't play,” Smith said.
Source:The times
Tony Smith starting his revolution in France
There were long and dark moments for Tony Smith in the aftermath of what the England coach referred to as a “disappointing” World Cup in Australia last year. He still bristles at the words “disaster” and “shambles”.
A new-look England play their first match for seven months since an ignominious semi-final exit against New Zealand in the bearpit of Brisbane, amid the non-threatening atmosphere of Stade Jean Bouin in Paris and against a badly depleted France.
For all that it should be a Saturday night stroll, Smith is aware that England must lay better foundations for tackling New Zealand and Australia in the new Four Nations series in England and France in the autumn.
Only seven of Smith’s World Cup squad have survived the cull and a clutch of new and nearly new faces are not the only changes to the England set-up, with Smith back in club coaching at Warrington Wolves and feeling revitalised. The year out preparing for the World Cup, after he had steered Leeds Rhinos to a second Super League title in 2007, was a worthwhile one but Smith is happier wearing two coaching hats. “I enjoyed not being subject to the day-in, day-out pressure for a while, but somehow it wasn’t for me,” Smith said. “I need that pressure to focus my coaching ability.
I haven’t coached England since the World Cup. Who knows, it might not be any different to then, but I’m feeling the benefits of coaching on a weekly basis, in working on my instincts and delivery to players.”
Warrington have been the other beneficiaries of Smith’s move there in March, winning ten of 15 matches and reaching the Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-finals. Smith will be on a flight back tomorrow in time for the visit of Bradford Bulls on Sunday.
“Sure, it’s demanding, but whether you’re coaching one team or two, you still put in the same hours,” he said.
The France game is one of the first blocks in a rebuilding process towards the 2013 World Cup, which has included the establishment of an elite England squad and appointment of Barrie-Jon Mather, the former dual-code England international, as the RFL’s head of player development. As part of the process, there are newcomers in Scott Moore at hooker and Ryan Hall on the wing. Richard Myler, 19, starts at scrum half, there is a fresh centre partnership in Ryan Atkins and Michael Shenton, while Shaun Briscoe and Eorl Crabtree come in at full back and in the pack.
“The work towards the next World Cup and beyond is aimed at getting better performances from our national team at the end of the domestic season, which has been an issue for 20 years, with the odd exception.
“I’d hoped to have a bigger impact at the World Cup without changing much. I realised in Australia that wasn’t possible. Change starts now.”
Source:The times
A new-look England play their first match for seven months since an ignominious semi-final exit against New Zealand in the bearpit of Brisbane, amid the non-threatening atmosphere of Stade Jean Bouin in Paris and against a badly depleted France.
For all that it should be a Saturday night stroll, Smith is aware that England must lay better foundations for tackling New Zealand and Australia in the new Four Nations series in England and France in the autumn.
Only seven of Smith’s World Cup squad have survived the cull and a clutch of new and nearly new faces are not the only changes to the England set-up, with Smith back in club coaching at Warrington Wolves and feeling revitalised. The year out preparing for the World Cup, after he had steered Leeds Rhinos to a second Super League title in 2007, was a worthwhile one but Smith is happier wearing two coaching hats. “I enjoyed not being subject to the day-in, day-out pressure for a while, but somehow it wasn’t for me,” Smith said. “I need that pressure to focus my coaching ability.
I haven’t coached England since the World Cup. Who knows, it might not be any different to then, but I’m feeling the benefits of coaching on a weekly basis, in working on my instincts and delivery to players.”
Warrington have been the other beneficiaries of Smith’s move there in March, winning ten of 15 matches and reaching the Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-finals. Smith will be on a flight back tomorrow in time for the visit of Bradford Bulls on Sunday.
“Sure, it’s demanding, but whether you’re coaching one team or two, you still put in the same hours,” he said.
The France game is one of the first blocks in a rebuilding process towards the 2013 World Cup, which has included the establishment of an elite England squad and appointment of Barrie-Jon Mather, the former dual-code England international, as the RFL’s head of player development. As part of the process, there are newcomers in Scott Moore at hooker and Ryan Hall on the wing. Richard Myler, 19, starts at scrum half, there is a fresh centre partnership in Ryan Atkins and Michael Shenton, while Shaun Briscoe and Eorl Crabtree come in at full back and in the pack.
“The work towards the next World Cup and beyond is aimed at getting better performances from our national team at the end of the domestic season, which has been an issue for 20 years, with the odd exception.
“I’d hoped to have a bigger impact at the World Cup without changing much. I realised in Australia that wasn’t possible. Change starts now.”
Source:The times
Master Of Disguise can leave rivals chasing shadows at York
Improving sprinter has plenty going for him, while Richard Hills, pictured, is fancied to get the timing right on Last Three Minutes.
Those that raced close to the early pace were favoured in sprints at York yesterday and Master Of Disguise looks the ideal type to continue that trend in the Reg Griffin Memorial Trophy (3.10) on the Knavesmire today.
He again showed a high cruising speed when beating Noble Storm with plenty in hand at Sandown Park last time and that form could hardly be working out better, with the second, third and fifth all winning subsequently. The handicapper has reacted by raising Master Of Disguise by 11lb in the weights, but he is improving so quickly that he can prove up to the task.
Proclaim deserves top weight after his latest defeat of the useful Akhenaten at Doncaster but may prefer faster ground and bigger threats could come from Dark Mischief, who was unsuited by a slow early pace at Salisbury last time and Quanah Parker, who should appreciate dropping back in trip after a good second over seven furlongs here last time.
The Godolphin team is slowly hitting its stride and Sovereign Remedy is taken to land the Daniel Prenn Royal Yorkshire Stakes (3.45). The form of his debut second at Kempton Park has worked out well and Sovereign Remedy opened his account in determined fashion in a maiden at Nottingham last time. A son of Lailani, the Irish Oaks winner, he should relish this step up in trip and can make the most of a lenient handicap mark.
Mull Of Dubai was forced wide when well beaten at Chester last time but has a good record here and should go close in the Queen Mother's Cup (2.05), while Last Three Minutes showed an impressive turn of foot when winning at Lingfield Park last time and can handle a step up in class in the ladbrokes.com Stakes (2.35).
Brassini is fancied to take advantage of a falling mark in the Toteswinger Handicap (2.50) at Sandown Park. He shaped as though returning to form when fifth in a stronger race at Goodwood last time and, now 2lb lower in the weights than when winning over course and distance last July, looks ready to strike.
Bravo Echo was ill-served by a slow early gallop when a staying-on third over course and distance last time and, provided he is given a truer test of stamina, he can make amends in the Totescoop6 Handicap (2.20).
Noble Storm has a progressive profile and can gain a first success in listed company in the Agfa Healthcare Scurry Stakes (3.25). He showed excellent early speed when winning at Beverley last time, never looking like being caught, and from a plum draw against the far rail is likely to again be hard to peg back.
The best bet of the day is Lenny Bee (7.40) at Leicester. Despite finishing second on each occasion, he has shaped like the best horse in the race on his past two starts, being given too much to do at Kempton Park and just failing to last home when tried over farther at Ayr. Back to the minimum trip, he can gain a deserved success.
Source:The times
Those that raced close to the early pace were favoured in sprints at York yesterday and Master Of Disguise looks the ideal type to continue that trend in the Reg Griffin Memorial Trophy (3.10) on the Knavesmire today.
He again showed a high cruising speed when beating Noble Storm with plenty in hand at Sandown Park last time and that form could hardly be working out better, with the second, third and fifth all winning subsequently. The handicapper has reacted by raising Master Of Disguise by 11lb in the weights, but he is improving so quickly that he can prove up to the task.
Proclaim deserves top weight after his latest defeat of the useful Akhenaten at Doncaster but may prefer faster ground and bigger threats could come from Dark Mischief, who was unsuited by a slow early pace at Salisbury last time and Quanah Parker, who should appreciate dropping back in trip after a good second over seven furlongs here last time.
The Godolphin team is slowly hitting its stride and Sovereign Remedy is taken to land the Daniel Prenn Royal Yorkshire Stakes (3.45). The form of his debut second at Kempton Park has worked out well and Sovereign Remedy opened his account in determined fashion in a maiden at Nottingham last time. A son of Lailani, the Irish Oaks winner, he should relish this step up in trip and can make the most of a lenient handicap mark.
Mull Of Dubai was forced wide when well beaten at Chester last time but has a good record here and should go close in the Queen Mother's Cup (2.05), while Last Three Minutes showed an impressive turn of foot when winning at Lingfield Park last time and can handle a step up in class in the ladbrokes.com Stakes (2.35).
Brassini is fancied to take advantage of a falling mark in the Toteswinger Handicap (2.50) at Sandown Park. He shaped as though returning to form when fifth in a stronger race at Goodwood last time and, now 2lb lower in the weights than when winning over course and distance last July, looks ready to strike.
Bravo Echo was ill-served by a slow early gallop when a staying-on third over course and distance last time and, provided he is given a truer test of stamina, he can make amends in the Totescoop6 Handicap (2.20).
Noble Storm has a progressive profile and can gain a first success in listed company in the Agfa Healthcare Scurry Stakes (3.25). He showed excellent early speed when winning at Beverley last time, never looking like being caught, and from a plum draw against the far rail is likely to again be hard to peg back.
The best bet of the day is Lenny Bee (7.40) at Leicester. Despite finishing second on each occasion, he has shaped like the best horse in the race on his past two starts, being given too much to do at Kempton Park and just failing to last home when tried over farther at Ayr. Back to the minimum trip, he can gain a deserved success.
Source:The times
Tiger Woods begins US Open defence in major company
Tiger Woods will launch his defence at next week’s US Open in high-profile company with Ángel Cabrera, the 2007 winner, and Padraig Harrington, the Open champion.
Woods, the world No 1, Cabrera, the Masters champion from Argentina, and Harrington, who also won the last major of last year, the US PGA, tee off just after noon in Thursday’s opening round at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York.
Woods, who clinched last year’s US Open after a gripping 19-hole play-off with Rocco Mediate at Torrey Pines, outside San Diego, is heavily favoured to win the second major championship of the year.
Although he was sidelined for eight months after his Torrey Pines victory while recovering from reconstructive knee surgery, the American has triumphed twice in seven PGA Tour starts this season, including the Memorial tournament on Sunday. Woods also won the US Open when it was first held at Bethpage in 2002 and will be bidding for his fourth success in the tournament next week. Phil Mickelson, the world No 2, who has yet to win the US Open, has been grouped with Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, of South Africa, for the first two rounds. Els and Goosen have each won the US Open twice.
Paul Casey, Britain’s new world No 3, will play with Geoff Ogilvy, of Australia, and Jim Furyk, the American. Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, will play his first US Open rounds with Anthony Kim and Dustin Johnson, the Americans.
Source:The times
Woods, the world No 1, Cabrera, the Masters champion from Argentina, and Harrington, who also won the last major of last year, the US PGA, tee off just after noon in Thursday’s opening round at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York.
Woods, who clinched last year’s US Open after a gripping 19-hole play-off with Rocco Mediate at Torrey Pines, outside San Diego, is heavily favoured to win the second major championship of the year.
Although he was sidelined for eight months after his Torrey Pines victory while recovering from reconstructive knee surgery, the American has triumphed twice in seven PGA Tour starts this season, including the Memorial tournament on Sunday. Woods also won the US Open when it was first held at Bethpage in 2002 and will be bidding for his fourth success in the tournament next week. Phil Mickelson, the world No 2, who has yet to win the US Open, has been grouped with Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, of South Africa, for the first two rounds. Els and Goosen have each won the US Open twice.
Paul Casey, Britain’s new world No 3, will play with Geoff Ogilvy, of Australia, and Jim Furyk, the American. Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, will play his first US Open rounds with Anthony Kim and Dustin Johnson, the Americans.
Source:The times
Golf and sevens lead race for 2016 Olympics
The chance for a sport to join the Olympic Games comes around so infrequently, it pays not to miss the boat.
The most recent welcomed to the top table were taekwondo and triathlon at the Sydney Games in 2000 and it will not be until 2016 when another two get the kind of global exposure that transforms followings and fortunes.
The four-year campaign for inclusion is almost over and, on Monday, the seven candidates vying for up to two slots on the Olympic programme have a final chance to convince the IOC of their suitability.
The bidding sports are baseball, golf, karate, rugby sevens, softball, squash and roller sports. This shortlist will be whittled down to two by the IOC's executive board at a meeting on August 13 on the eve of the World Athletics Championships in Berlin.
Jacques Rogge, the IOC president, hopes the recommendations will be rubber-stamped at the annual congress in Copenhagen in October. The move is designed to avoid a repeat of the fiasco in Singapore in 2005 when no sport was voted in despite two places being made available by the exclusion of baseball and softball after the Beijing Games.
Given the potential rewards of inclusion, the lobbying circus has travelled from New Zealand to Colorado in recent months in an attempt to win the majority vote.
Olympic insiders suggest golf and rugby sevens are the front-runners because the IOC aims to include one individual sport and one team sport that is open to both sexes.
Rogge, a former Olympic sailor, is keen to create a gender-neutral Games and has already said that women's boxing should be included in London 2012. While he has confessed to a greater love for rugby, having played open-side flanker for Belgium, he emphasised that he had no vote.
Fifteen-a-side rugby union was dropped in 1924, but sevens has improved its chances since IOC board members were exposed to the success of its World Cup in Dubai in March. To prove its regard for the Olympics as its pinnacle, the International Rugby Board (IRB) has promised to drop the World Cup if it gains an Olympic spot. “Inclusion is a chance to grow the game further around the world and give little nations such as Fiji and Samoa the chance for a gold medal,” Bernard Lapasset, the IRB chairman, said.
Golf has pledged to field the world's best male and female players in 60-player strokeplay tournaments in each week of the Games, while using the Olympics to dispel its “country club image”. The stars and the sponsors that golf would bring to the Games will be hard to reject.
Yet it is by no means a done deal. Squash still presents a good case for inclusion as it tries to shake its yuppie image immortalised by Wall Street, Oliver Stone's 1987 film about corporate excess.
Glass showcubes, dropped into locations as diverse as Grand Central Station in New York and the Pyramids in Giza, have improved its televisual appeal, while high-definition cameras will make it even easier to watch.
Peter Nicol, the former Great Britain No1, would swap his sole World Open title for an Olympic gold medal. “There is just something so symbolic about being an Olympian,” he said. However, it is unlikely that Tiger Woods, who is backing golf's bid, would surrender his first Masters green jacket for a medal of any sort.
Squash argues that it has much more to gain. Jahangir Khan, the Pakistani considered the greatest to play the game, told The Times: “I won all the titles but I never won an Olympic gold medal and it was my dream. The players now have that same dream. The standard, the coverage, the sponsorship - everything would change.”
During the Copenhagen session, the IOC will also select the 2016 host city from the shortlist of Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.
Squash is the bookies’ choice, with baseball, karate and softball not far behind
GolfHaving featured twice in the Games, in 1900 and 1904, it has Olympic heritage and is global. A 72-hole strokeplay tournament would bring big stars such as Tiger Woods, big television audiences and big sponsors’ cheques.Odds 5-1
Rugby sevensFast and exciting to watch, the abbreviated game has a good chance as Olympic officials seek more team sports to fill stadiums and boost TV ratings.Odds 4-1
Squash The next logical leap for a sport that is a Commonwealth Games event, but it is burdened by the difficulty of watching a very small ball travelling at 160mph.Odds 6-4
BaseballThe drugs issue, in which Major League Baseball stars have admitted to steroid use, has overshadowed the sport, which was kicked out at the last reshuffle for London 2012.Odds 2-1
SoftballAlthough it joined the Olympic scrapheap in 2005, it has a strong case as an all-female sport but if women’s boxing is admitted for 2012, this argument would be undermined.Odds 2-1
KarateMost Olympic watchers think there are already too many baffling martial arts in the Games. The sport may claim 100 million participants worldwide but they are not the ones who are casting the vote.Odds 2-1
Roller sportsThe IOC is keen to grab the attention of young sports fans, but the vision — road racing but no skateboarding or roller hockey? — is muddled and the lobbying non-existent.Odds 4-1
Odds offered by William Hill
Words by Ashling O’Connor .
Source:The times
The most recent welcomed to the top table were taekwondo and triathlon at the Sydney Games in 2000 and it will not be until 2016 when another two get the kind of global exposure that transforms followings and fortunes.
The four-year campaign for inclusion is almost over and, on Monday, the seven candidates vying for up to two slots on the Olympic programme have a final chance to convince the IOC of their suitability.
The bidding sports are baseball, golf, karate, rugby sevens, softball, squash and roller sports. This shortlist will be whittled down to two by the IOC's executive board at a meeting on August 13 on the eve of the World Athletics Championships in Berlin.
Jacques Rogge, the IOC president, hopes the recommendations will be rubber-stamped at the annual congress in Copenhagen in October. The move is designed to avoid a repeat of the fiasco in Singapore in 2005 when no sport was voted in despite two places being made available by the exclusion of baseball and softball after the Beijing Games.
Given the potential rewards of inclusion, the lobbying circus has travelled from New Zealand to Colorado in recent months in an attempt to win the majority vote.
Olympic insiders suggest golf and rugby sevens are the front-runners because the IOC aims to include one individual sport and one team sport that is open to both sexes.
Rogge, a former Olympic sailor, is keen to create a gender-neutral Games and has already said that women's boxing should be included in London 2012. While he has confessed to a greater love for rugby, having played open-side flanker for Belgium, he emphasised that he had no vote.
Fifteen-a-side rugby union was dropped in 1924, but sevens has improved its chances since IOC board members were exposed to the success of its World Cup in Dubai in March. To prove its regard for the Olympics as its pinnacle, the International Rugby Board (IRB) has promised to drop the World Cup if it gains an Olympic spot. “Inclusion is a chance to grow the game further around the world and give little nations such as Fiji and Samoa the chance for a gold medal,” Bernard Lapasset, the IRB chairman, said.
Golf has pledged to field the world's best male and female players in 60-player strokeplay tournaments in each week of the Games, while using the Olympics to dispel its “country club image”. The stars and the sponsors that golf would bring to the Games will be hard to reject.
Yet it is by no means a done deal. Squash still presents a good case for inclusion as it tries to shake its yuppie image immortalised by Wall Street, Oliver Stone's 1987 film about corporate excess.
Glass showcubes, dropped into locations as diverse as Grand Central Station in New York and the Pyramids in Giza, have improved its televisual appeal, while high-definition cameras will make it even easier to watch.
Peter Nicol, the former Great Britain No1, would swap his sole World Open title for an Olympic gold medal. “There is just something so symbolic about being an Olympian,” he said. However, it is unlikely that Tiger Woods, who is backing golf's bid, would surrender his first Masters green jacket for a medal of any sort.
Squash argues that it has much more to gain. Jahangir Khan, the Pakistani considered the greatest to play the game, told The Times: “I won all the titles but I never won an Olympic gold medal and it was my dream. The players now have that same dream. The standard, the coverage, the sponsorship - everything would change.”
During the Copenhagen session, the IOC will also select the 2016 host city from the shortlist of Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.
Squash is the bookies’ choice, with baseball, karate and softball not far behind
GolfHaving featured twice in the Games, in 1900 and 1904, it has Olympic heritage and is global. A 72-hole strokeplay tournament would bring big stars such as Tiger Woods, big television audiences and big sponsors’ cheques.Odds 5-1
Rugby sevensFast and exciting to watch, the abbreviated game has a good chance as Olympic officials seek more team sports to fill stadiums and boost TV ratings.Odds 4-1
Squash The next logical leap for a sport that is a Commonwealth Games event, but it is burdened by the difficulty of watching a very small ball travelling at 160mph.Odds 6-4
BaseballThe drugs issue, in which Major League Baseball stars have admitted to steroid use, has overshadowed the sport, which was kicked out at the last reshuffle for London 2012.Odds 2-1
SoftballAlthough it joined the Olympic scrapheap in 2005, it has a strong case as an all-female sport but if women’s boxing is admitted for 2012, this argument would be undermined.Odds 2-1
KarateMost Olympic watchers think there are already too many baffling martial arts in the Games. The sport may claim 100 million participants worldwide but they are not the ones who are casting the vote.Odds 2-1
Roller sportsThe IOC is keen to grab the attention of young sports fans, but the vision — road racing but no skateboarding or roller hockey? — is muddled and the lobbying non-existent.Odds 4-1
Odds offered by William Hill
Words by Ashling O’Connor .
Source:The times
Time for golf to come to the fore at Olympics
A most important 30 minutes in the history of golf occurs on Monday when a well-rehearsed team will advocate the inclusion of the game in the 2016 Olympics to the executive board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Whether or not golf should be in the Olympics is not a hot topic among golfers but that should not diminish the debate. Golf was an Olympic sport in 1904. It is time it was again.
Golf has 60million participants in 120 countries, making it one of the world's most popular sports in terms of players and followers, and were it to become an Olympic sport then financial support would be made available to grow the game even more. “In order to jump-start interest and support of the sport, you need money,” David Fay, executive director of the United States Golf Association, said recently. “The best way to get that is through two sources - your government or the national Olympic committee. For these countries [such as Croatia or Russia], there's no substitute for it being an Olympic medal sport.”
The Olympic ideals embody sportsmanship and integrity. So, too, do those of golf, which remains a game in which players call penalties on themselves and wish their opponents well at the start and conclusion of a round. The sport is considered by other sports to be largely untouched by drugs, gambling or any other controversy. Indeed there is a school of thought that opposes golf's inclusion in the Games on the ground that by doing so golf would be sullying itself.
It is true that the Olympics would not represent the pinnacle of achievement for participants, who will continue to regard the four major championships as the ultimate prizes. But that is true of tennis, too. It is also true that another 72-hole strokeplay event would be repetitive of almost every other tournament and that many of the game's leading players would not qualify.
But the format has the approval of the game's stars. Present plans allow for 60 men and 60 women to participate, with the world's top 15 gaining automatic entry. The rest of the field would be filled by the highest world-ranked players from countries that do not already have two players represented.
There are eight different countries represented in the leading 15 players in the men's game and six in the women's game. Tiger Woods, the best male player, was born to an African-American father and a Thai mother. The best woman player, Lorena Ochoa, is a Mexican. Isn't this what the Olympics is meant to be? Truly international competition.
I hope that golf's campaign succeeds and that it becomes the moment the game rids itself of its shabby attitude towards women. I first wrote the following paragraph in the mid-1980s and so little has changed in the meantime that three months ago I was able to write it again.
“This country has had a Queen reigning over us for nearly 60 years and for a good few of those years a female Prime Minister led the Government in Westminster but despite this it is still possible for a man to say to his wife: ‘Darling, we can share a bed and a bank account but we can't share the tee straight after breakfast on a Saturday or Sunday morning.'”
In this regard it struck me as odd that IOC representatives were invited to attend the Masters in April. If I were making a case for an all-embracing game to be included in the Olympic Games I don't think I would have used a men-only golf club in the south of the United States with only a few non-white members as an exemplar.
Despite this, and in contrast to the half-hearted attempt to get golf into the Olympics in 1996, Ty Votaw, a vice-president of the PGA Tour in the US, has led a good campaign, resulting in golf and rugby sevens being the favoured candidates for 2016.
A few decisions in golf recently have been made on the basis of “for the good of the game” - such as staging the Ryder Cup in Spain in 1997 - and this is another one of those decisions. Is the game strong enough within itself to embrace a new concept? I certainly hope so. Golf should be in the Olympics. It belongs there.
Jostling for contention
Golf Joint favourite.Rugby sevens Joint favourite. Boosted following with its World Cup.Baseball Outsider because of drug culture.Softball Contender as all-women sport.Roller sports Rank outsider.Karate Aren't there enough martial arts in the Games?Squash Strong contender.
Source:The times
Whether or not golf should be in the Olympics is not a hot topic among golfers but that should not diminish the debate. Golf was an Olympic sport in 1904. It is time it was again.
Golf has 60million participants in 120 countries, making it one of the world's most popular sports in terms of players and followers, and were it to become an Olympic sport then financial support would be made available to grow the game even more. “In order to jump-start interest and support of the sport, you need money,” David Fay, executive director of the United States Golf Association, said recently. “The best way to get that is through two sources - your government or the national Olympic committee. For these countries [such as Croatia or Russia], there's no substitute for it being an Olympic medal sport.”
The Olympic ideals embody sportsmanship and integrity. So, too, do those of golf, which remains a game in which players call penalties on themselves and wish their opponents well at the start and conclusion of a round. The sport is considered by other sports to be largely untouched by drugs, gambling or any other controversy. Indeed there is a school of thought that opposes golf's inclusion in the Games on the ground that by doing so golf would be sullying itself.
It is true that the Olympics would not represent the pinnacle of achievement for participants, who will continue to regard the four major championships as the ultimate prizes. But that is true of tennis, too. It is also true that another 72-hole strokeplay event would be repetitive of almost every other tournament and that many of the game's leading players would not qualify.
But the format has the approval of the game's stars. Present plans allow for 60 men and 60 women to participate, with the world's top 15 gaining automatic entry. The rest of the field would be filled by the highest world-ranked players from countries that do not already have two players represented.
There are eight different countries represented in the leading 15 players in the men's game and six in the women's game. Tiger Woods, the best male player, was born to an African-American father and a Thai mother. The best woman player, Lorena Ochoa, is a Mexican. Isn't this what the Olympics is meant to be? Truly international competition.
I hope that golf's campaign succeeds and that it becomes the moment the game rids itself of its shabby attitude towards women. I first wrote the following paragraph in the mid-1980s and so little has changed in the meantime that three months ago I was able to write it again.
“This country has had a Queen reigning over us for nearly 60 years and for a good few of those years a female Prime Minister led the Government in Westminster but despite this it is still possible for a man to say to his wife: ‘Darling, we can share a bed and a bank account but we can't share the tee straight after breakfast on a Saturday or Sunday morning.'”
In this regard it struck me as odd that IOC representatives were invited to attend the Masters in April. If I were making a case for an all-embracing game to be included in the Olympic Games I don't think I would have used a men-only golf club in the south of the United States with only a few non-white members as an exemplar.
Despite this, and in contrast to the half-hearted attempt to get golf into the Olympics in 1996, Ty Votaw, a vice-president of the PGA Tour in the US, has led a good campaign, resulting in golf and rugby sevens being the favoured candidates for 2016.
A few decisions in golf recently have been made on the basis of “for the good of the game” - such as staging the Ryder Cup in Spain in 1997 - and this is another one of those decisions. Is the game strong enough within itself to embrace a new concept? I certainly hope so. Golf should be in the Olympics. It belongs there.
Jostling for contention
Golf Joint favourite.Rugby sevens Joint favourite. Boosted following with its World Cup.Baseball Outsider because of drug culture.Softball Contender as all-women sport.Roller sports Rank outsider.Karate Aren't there enough martial arts in the Games?Squash Strong contender.
Source:The times
Max Mosley under fire as Formula One teams revolt over budget cap
The revolution in Formula One against budget-capping and the rule of Max Mosley, the president of the FIA, reached boiling point yesterday as the big teams appealed over Mosley’s head to the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) and Senate urging them to intervene.
The move came on a dramatic day when the FIA announced entrants for next year’s championship, in which it excluded five of the present teams — Toyota, Brawn GP, McLaren Mercedes, BMW Sauber and Renault — but gave them until Friday to drop conditions they have imposed on their entries. As it stands, neither Jenson Button, of Brawn, nor Lewis Hamilton, of McLaren, would race next year.
The FIA provocatively included Ferrari as an entrant, against their will, as it did Red Bull and Toro Rosso because in each case the FIA says that those teams are subject to legal agreements binding them to Formula One whether they like it or not.
Ferrari announced immediately that they will not take part “under the regulations adopted by the FIA in violation of Ferrari’s rights under a written agreement with the FIA”. The list of entries includes three new teams taking advantage of spending controls being advocated by Mosley.
The FIA revealed that 15 new outfits applied to join and that several others were close to fulfilling the criteria to make it. The clear hint was that, should any of the five excluded teams fail to drop their objections, others will take their place. The successful new entrants are the Campos Meta team, from Spain, Manor Grand Prix Racing, from Britain, and Team US F1, from America.
The decision by the teams in the Formula One Teams Association (Fota) to write to the WMSC and the Senate, the FIA’s highest body, is further evidence that the big five manufacturers have had enough of Mosley and want him to be removed or restrained. Senior sources in this group told The Times yesterday that they could never countenance their companies being “at the mercy” of the FIA president, which could happen under a budget-capping regime.
The impression gained is that the letter to the FIA has not come out of the blue but follows considerable efforts by Fota to sound out senior members of the organisation who may be willing to assist their cause. The letter did not mention Mosley by name but there could be no doubt who was being referred to in passages that complained of a “confrontational and negative approach that has dominated the sport for years”.
Fota also criticised the instability of the regime administered by Mosley. “The constant announcements of regulatory changes, resulting from the unstable governance process that exists, has unfortunately created a situation of confusion and uncertainty among the public and sponsors,” the letter read. “This situation is adversely affecting the business of both the teams and the organisers.”
Sources close to Mosley laughed off the move, saying that it was “ridiculous” of the teams to write to the WMSC to complain about a new rules regime that the Council had approved.
Bernie Ecclestone, the sport’s commercial rights-holder said: “I would just ask everyone, instead of throwing mud at each other in public or behind each other’s backs, to just be quiet and let things settle down a bit.” Ecclestone remains convinced that all the teams in this year’s championship will be back next year.
Source:The times
The move came on a dramatic day when the FIA announced entrants for next year’s championship, in which it excluded five of the present teams — Toyota, Brawn GP, McLaren Mercedes, BMW Sauber and Renault — but gave them until Friday to drop conditions they have imposed on their entries. As it stands, neither Jenson Button, of Brawn, nor Lewis Hamilton, of McLaren, would race next year.
The FIA provocatively included Ferrari as an entrant, against their will, as it did Red Bull and Toro Rosso because in each case the FIA says that those teams are subject to legal agreements binding them to Formula One whether they like it or not.
Ferrari announced immediately that they will not take part “under the regulations adopted by the FIA in violation of Ferrari’s rights under a written agreement with the FIA”. The list of entries includes three new teams taking advantage of spending controls being advocated by Mosley.
The FIA revealed that 15 new outfits applied to join and that several others were close to fulfilling the criteria to make it. The clear hint was that, should any of the five excluded teams fail to drop their objections, others will take their place. The successful new entrants are the Campos Meta team, from Spain, Manor Grand Prix Racing, from Britain, and Team US F1, from America.
The decision by the teams in the Formula One Teams Association (Fota) to write to the WMSC and the Senate, the FIA’s highest body, is further evidence that the big five manufacturers have had enough of Mosley and want him to be removed or restrained. Senior sources in this group told The Times yesterday that they could never countenance their companies being “at the mercy” of the FIA president, which could happen under a budget-capping regime.
The impression gained is that the letter to the FIA has not come out of the blue but follows considerable efforts by Fota to sound out senior members of the organisation who may be willing to assist their cause. The letter did not mention Mosley by name but there could be no doubt who was being referred to in passages that complained of a “confrontational and negative approach that has dominated the sport for years”.
Fota also criticised the instability of the regime administered by Mosley. “The constant announcements of regulatory changes, resulting from the unstable governance process that exists, has unfortunately created a situation of confusion and uncertainty among the public and sponsors,” the letter read. “This situation is adversely affecting the business of both the teams and the organisers.”
Sources close to Mosley laughed off the move, saying that it was “ridiculous” of the teams to write to the WMSC to complain about a new rules regime that the Council had approved.
Bernie Ecclestone, the sport’s commercial rights-holder said: “I would just ask everyone, instead of throwing mud at each other in public or behind each other’s backs, to just be quiet and let things settle down a bit.” Ecclestone remains convinced that all the teams in this year’s championship will be back next year.
Source:The times
Manchester United line up bids for Samuel Eto'o and Antonio Valencia
Manchester United are lining up a move to take Samuel Eto’o to Old Trafford as they prepare to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo’s impending departure.
Sir Alex Ferguson is eager to find a replacement for the Portugal forward as soon as possible and has made a firm inquiry about Eto’o. The United manager is confident of getting the Barcelona forward and knows that he needs to bolster his roster of strikers if Carlos Tévez leaves the club this summer.
Eto’o is one of Manchester City’s leading summer transfer targets, but United look like beating their rivals to the Cameroon player’s signature.
A £17 million deal for Antonio Valencia, the Wigan Athletic and Ecuador winger, is also in place and should be concluded shortly.
Eto’o, aged 28, had a fine season at Barcelona, scoring 34 goals to help his team to an unprecedented Spanish league, cup and Champions League treble. He was on target in the 2-0 victory over United in the Champions League final in Rome last month.
He has only a year remaining on his contract, but while Barcelona would like to keep him, they would prefer to cash in now rather than lose him for nothing at the end of next season.
City had offered up to £25 million for Eto’o and were prepared to make him the highest-paid player in the Premier League, but United would hope to secure a deal for less.
Ferguson’s interest in Valencia was confirmed yesterday by Dave Whelan, the Wigan owner, who said that United had monitored the player throughout the season.
The price would leave Ferguson with £63 million left over from the £80 million transfer fee paid by Real Madrid for Ronaldo, which is being delivered in annual instalments of £20 million. A spokesman for the Glazer family, United’s owners, implied yesterday that the Scot would be free to spend that money on any new players he wishes to sign.
Whelan did not speak like a man who would be obstructive in negotiations over Valencia either. “United have been in touch over Antonio for the past two or three months, actually putting cash on the table,” he said. “I think they were waiting to see if Ronaldo went to Real, which has happened, so we will sit down now.”
The sale of Ronaldo was Ferguson’s decision and not a result of the club’s enormous debt, according to a spokesman for the Glazer family. “The idea that Manchester United are motivated by a debt burden is just not true,” he said. “Cristiano Ronaldo decided, after six years, it was time to move on and the manager said, ‘OK.’ Sir Alex Ferguson is in total control of his squad. He is empowered to make whatever decisions he thinks are in the best interests of Manchester United.
“Only the paranoia of some supporters would lead you to believe the owners are not going to continue investing in the team. A substantial number of world-class players have been brought to the club in the past few years and that will still be the case.”
United, whose attacking strength could shrink farther given the uncertainty over Tévez’s future, have also been linked with Franck Ribéry and Karim Benzema, but their respective clubs are standing firm.
Uli Hoeness, the Bayern Munich general manager, says that only a “crazy” offer would tempt them to sell Ribéry, the France playmaker, while Jean-Michel Aulas, the Lyons president, claims that Benzema, the France striker, will stay at the club at least until next summer.
“We spoke a lot and it’s true that there are many clubs after him,” Aulas said. “We interrogated his agent and are not under the impression that he will leave in the short term.”
Gordon Taylor, the Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive, suggested that United might have made more effort to retain Wayne Rooney had he been in Ronaldo’s position.
“As an Englishman, if I was asked to make a choice I would have Wayne,” he said. “Although Ronaldo has become more of a team player, there was a significant individual element to the way he played. Wayne has not been far away from being one of the best players in the world for a long time.”
Source:The times
Sir Alex Ferguson is eager to find a replacement for the Portugal forward as soon as possible and has made a firm inquiry about Eto’o. The United manager is confident of getting the Barcelona forward and knows that he needs to bolster his roster of strikers if Carlos Tévez leaves the club this summer.
Eto’o is one of Manchester City’s leading summer transfer targets, but United look like beating their rivals to the Cameroon player’s signature.
A £17 million deal for Antonio Valencia, the Wigan Athletic and Ecuador winger, is also in place and should be concluded shortly.
Eto’o, aged 28, had a fine season at Barcelona, scoring 34 goals to help his team to an unprecedented Spanish league, cup and Champions League treble. He was on target in the 2-0 victory over United in the Champions League final in Rome last month.
He has only a year remaining on his contract, but while Barcelona would like to keep him, they would prefer to cash in now rather than lose him for nothing at the end of next season.
City had offered up to £25 million for Eto’o and were prepared to make him the highest-paid player in the Premier League, but United would hope to secure a deal for less.
Ferguson’s interest in Valencia was confirmed yesterday by Dave Whelan, the Wigan owner, who said that United had monitored the player throughout the season.
The price would leave Ferguson with £63 million left over from the £80 million transfer fee paid by Real Madrid for Ronaldo, which is being delivered in annual instalments of £20 million. A spokesman for the Glazer family, United’s owners, implied yesterday that the Scot would be free to spend that money on any new players he wishes to sign.
Whelan did not speak like a man who would be obstructive in negotiations over Valencia either. “United have been in touch over Antonio for the past two or three months, actually putting cash on the table,” he said. “I think they were waiting to see if Ronaldo went to Real, which has happened, so we will sit down now.”
The sale of Ronaldo was Ferguson’s decision and not a result of the club’s enormous debt, according to a spokesman for the Glazer family. “The idea that Manchester United are motivated by a debt burden is just not true,” he said. “Cristiano Ronaldo decided, after six years, it was time to move on and the manager said, ‘OK.’ Sir Alex Ferguson is in total control of his squad. He is empowered to make whatever decisions he thinks are in the best interests of Manchester United.
“Only the paranoia of some supporters would lead you to believe the owners are not going to continue investing in the team. A substantial number of world-class players have been brought to the club in the past few years and that will still be the case.”
United, whose attacking strength could shrink farther given the uncertainty over Tévez’s future, have also been linked with Franck Ribéry and Karim Benzema, but their respective clubs are standing firm.
Uli Hoeness, the Bayern Munich general manager, says that only a “crazy” offer would tempt them to sell Ribéry, the France playmaker, while Jean-Michel Aulas, the Lyons president, claims that Benzema, the France striker, will stay at the club at least until next summer.
“We spoke a lot and it’s true that there are many clubs after him,” Aulas said. “We interrogated his agent and are not under the impression that he will leave in the short term.”
Gordon Taylor, the Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive, suggested that United might have made more effort to retain Wayne Rooney had he been in Ronaldo’s position.
“As an Englishman, if I was asked to make a choice I would have Wayne,” he said. “Although Ronaldo has become more of a team player, there was a significant individual element to the way he played. Wayne has not been far away from being one of the best players in the world for a long time.”
Source:The times
Wayne Parnell sends West Indies crashing
The Brit Oval: South Africa beat West Indies by 20 runs.
South Africa took a big step towards securing their place in the World Twenty20 semi-finals with victory over West Indies at The Oval.
Herschelle Gibbs hit 55 as the South Africa, put into bat by West Indies skipper Chris Gayle, posted 183 for seven from their 20 overs.
In reply, West Indies lost big-hitter Gayle and Dwayne Bravo, the hero of last night's win over India, but Lendl Simmons led the chase with a sparkling innings.
However, when Simmons departed for 77, so did the West Indies' chances as South Africa, who beat England in their first Super Eight game, triumphed by 20 runs.
Teenage fast bowler Wayne Parnell was the undoubted star of the South Africa attack with four wickets for 13 runs.
Source:The times
South Africa took a big step towards securing their place in the World Twenty20 semi-finals with victory over West Indies at The Oval.
Herschelle Gibbs hit 55 as the South Africa, put into bat by West Indies skipper Chris Gayle, posted 183 for seven from their 20 overs.
In reply, West Indies lost big-hitter Gayle and Dwayne Bravo, the hero of last night's win over India, but Lendl Simmons led the chase with a sparkling innings.
However, when Simmons departed for 77, so did the West Indies' chances as South Africa, who beat England in their first Super Eight game, triumphed by 20 runs.
Teenage fast bowler Wayne Parnell was the undoubted star of the South Africa attack with four wickets for 13 runs.
Source:The times
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Maverick Guy Martin ready for Isle of Man TT
In the back of a transit van sits a man with satanic sideburns and a packet of Russian Caravan tea. He used to take tablets to keep awake on Grimsby docks, but now survives on the life-affirming fix of the near-death experience. He is the last of the working-class heroes.
For most of the year Guy Martin fixes trucks. Then, for two weeks in June, he is fêted by the thousands flocking to the Isle of Man for the TT festival. “I think it was Laurel and Hardy who said, 'Don't believe the hype,'” he said. “I get a lot of smoke blown up my a*** here, but then I go back to work and the lads don't give a s***. Some go back to polishing their motorhomes; they don't like it when I say that, but it's true.”
The TT still splits opinion. To some it is a twisted mongrel of a race, an outdated throwback of recycled tragedy. To others it is racing in its purest form, along wall-lined roads marked by memorials for those who duelled and died.
Today Martin will meet Valentino Rossi, regarded as the greatest bike racer of modern times. The MotoGP world champion is visiting the island for the first time but he will not be racing. The GP stars have not done so since the TT was removed from the calendar three decades ago after the likes of Giacomo Agostini and Barry Sheene turned their backs on it, bemoaning a death toll now standing at 225.
Martin likes Rossi because he shuns the corporate mores of modern sport, but finds it hard to explain the TT to laymen. “It's so fast and long, the thick end of 200mph, sucking the rabbits out of the hedges,” he said, parked up across the road from the cavernous cemetery in Douglas. “But really, I was driving down the dual carriageway and saw a guy about my age, in a people carrier, kids in the back, bonnet up, steam coming out of the engine, wife at his side giving him all that. What's he do at the weekend? Mow the grass? Wash the car? I mean, how can I explain something like this to someone like that? It's just not in his DNA.”
Martin is the most unguarded sportsman you will come across. Hence, he explains a wager he has struck with his mechanic about whether he can stay celibate for two weeks. He then recalls how he borrowed some tablets so he could stay awake when working on the docks, before segueing seamlessly into a tale of how he worked in a restaurant where the staff had to dance on the tables whenever one of four songs came on. “Every time I hear Build Me Up Buttercup on the radio, I'm away,” he said.
PR-pampered professionalism is anathema to the 27-year-old from Lincolnshire. At a Honda function to mark 50 years of racing at the TT, he turned up in grubby shorts and a grey T-shirt, instead of his team uniform. Was it deliberate? “Aye, it was a bit,” he conceded. “People who are good at a sport, whether it be football or motorcycling, think it's their only way to make money. And to make money they have to say the right things, so any time a microphone comes out, they come out with the same old s***. It's like they're reading off a card.
“Maybe if I didn't go back to the job then I'd lose a lot and be the same. The only GP rider who is not dull is Rossi.” Footballers, he believes, are “poofters who kick a bag of wind” and “as for Formula One, Jesus!”
Martin has been on the podium five times at the TT but has never won and will have to overcome six laps, 227 miles and John McGuinness, the 14-times winner, to break his duck. He has five chances this week on his Hydrex Honda, starting with today's Superbike race, which was postponed from Saturday because of heavy rain. He counted down by waxing lyrical about the merits of tea and showing off his Tea Appreciation Society T-shirt. “The British troops used it [tea] to camouflage themselves in India because they realised their red jackets made them stand out,” he said. “It's part of what Englishness is all about.”
So is the eccentric maverick. Perhaps fittingly, Martin turned to racing on the roads of Ireland after a run-in with a race director at Rockingham Motor Speedway in Northamptonshire. “He was being very smarmy so I slammed his laptop shut on his fingers and told him to stick his championship,” Martin said.
The road ahead is long, winding and potted with potential disaster. “That's what it's all about,” he insists. Had he ever had a close call, where he thought it was over? “Oh my God, yes,” he said and his eyes lit up. “That's the thing that keeps me coming back. That near-death thing. Getting out of a bad moment. There's nothing I've found that gives me the same buzz.”
Racing around a track is like “riding round Morrisons' car park” in comparison. The juxtaposition of Rossi, with his fame, millions and entourage, and Martin, with his transit van, borrowed camper and shared house, is just as jarring. The TT money is good and Martin could make up to £200,000 if all goes well this week, but the racers live in different worlds. “Rossi could learn this place in two years and win,” Martin said. “He's got the natural ability. Trouble is those GP guys are all brought up on health and safety.”
When Martin previously met Rossi they talked about the TT. Martin expects the Italian to find that seeing is still disbelieving. “He had one word for the TT,” he remembered. “Crazy.”
Source:The times
For most of the year Guy Martin fixes trucks. Then, for two weeks in June, he is fêted by the thousands flocking to the Isle of Man for the TT festival. “I think it was Laurel and Hardy who said, 'Don't believe the hype,'” he said. “I get a lot of smoke blown up my a*** here, but then I go back to work and the lads don't give a s***. Some go back to polishing their motorhomes; they don't like it when I say that, but it's true.”
The TT still splits opinion. To some it is a twisted mongrel of a race, an outdated throwback of recycled tragedy. To others it is racing in its purest form, along wall-lined roads marked by memorials for those who duelled and died.
Today Martin will meet Valentino Rossi, regarded as the greatest bike racer of modern times. The MotoGP world champion is visiting the island for the first time but he will not be racing. The GP stars have not done so since the TT was removed from the calendar three decades ago after the likes of Giacomo Agostini and Barry Sheene turned their backs on it, bemoaning a death toll now standing at 225.
Martin likes Rossi because he shuns the corporate mores of modern sport, but finds it hard to explain the TT to laymen. “It's so fast and long, the thick end of 200mph, sucking the rabbits out of the hedges,” he said, parked up across the road from the cavernous cemetery in Douglas. “But really, I was driving down the dual carriageway and saw a guy about my age, in a people carrier, kids in the back, bonnet up, steam coming out of the engine, wife at his side giving him all that. What's he do at the weekend? Mow the grass? Wash the car? I mean, how can I explain something like this to someone like that? It's just not in his DNA.”
Martin is the most unguarded sportsman you will come across. Hence, he explains a wager he has struck with his mechanic about whether he can stay celibate for two weeks. He then recalls how he borrowed some tablets so he could stay awake when working on the docks, before segueing seamlessly into a tale of how he worked in a restaurant where the staff had to dance on the tables whenever one of four songs came on. “Every time I hear Build Me Up Buttercup on the radio, I'm away,” he said.
PR-pampered professionalism is anathema to the 27-year-old from Lincolnshire. At a Honda function to mark 50 years of racing at the TT, he turned up in grubby shorts and a grey T-shirt, instead of his team uniform. Was it deliberate? “Aye, it was a bit,” he conceded. “People who are good at a sport, whether it be football or motorcycling, think it's their only way to make money. And to make money they have to say the right things, so any time a microphone comes out, they come out with the same old s***. It's like they're reading off a card.
“Maybe if I didn't go back to the job then I'd lose a lot and be the same. The only GP rider who is not dull is Rossi.” Footballers, he believes, are “poofters who kick a bag of wind” and “as for Formula One, Jesus!”
Martin has been on the podium five times at the TT but has never won and will have to overcome six laps, 227 miles and John McGuinness, the 14-times winner, to break his duck. He has five chances this week on his Hydrex Honda, starting with today's Superbike race, which was postponed from Saturday because of heavy rain. He counted down by waxing lyrical about the merits of tea and showing off his Tea Appreciation Society T-shirt. “The British troops used it [tea] to camouflage themselves in India because they realised their red jackets made them stand out,” he said. “It's part of what Englishness is all about.”
So is the eccentric maverick. Perhaps fittingly, Martin turned to racing on the roads of Ireland after a run-in with a race director at Rockingham Motor Speedway in Northamptonshire. “He was being very smarmy so I slammed his laptop shut on his fingers and told him to stick his championship,” Martin said.
The road ahead is long, winding and potted with potential disaster. “That's what it's all about,” he insists. Had he ever had a close call, where he thought it was over? “Oh my God, yes,” he said and his eyes lit up. “That's the thing that keeps me coming back. That near-death thing. Getting out of a bad moment. There's nothing I've found that gives me the same buzz.”
Racing around a track is like “riding round Morrisons' car park” in comparison. The juxtaposition of Rossi, with his fame, millions and entourage, and Martin, with his transit van, borrowed camper and shared house, is just as jarring. The TT money is good and Martin could make up to £200,000 if all goes well this week, but the racers live in different worlds. “Rossi could learn this place in two years and win,” Martin said. “He's got the natural ability. Trouble is those GP guys are all brought up on health and safety.”
When Martin previously met Rossi they talked about the TT. Martin expects the Italian to find that seeing is still disbelieving. “He had one word for the TT,” he remembered. “Crazy.”
Source:The times
Rafael Nadal hopeful of defending Wimbledon title
It may be a risky strategy and there are many across the world who will be praying that he has not let his heart rule his head. Rafael Nadal's decision to defend his Wimbledon title has not been made without much soul-searching but ultimately he is big enough to make up his own mind and he would not pass up the chance to return to Centre Court this year if he did not think he could last the entire championships.
The tendinitis which Nadal has endured for a number of years flares every now and again. It was clear, before and during the French Open - where he lost in the fourth round to Robin Soderling, the eventual runner-up - that Nadal was unhappy. He did not practise well, he did not feel the ball coming off the strings well, he did not seem himself.
A couple of days of tests in Barcelona have confirmed that though he is stricken with tendinitis, he can still play tennis and on a grass court, the chances of harming himself are minimalised. If the US Open was upon us, there seems little question that he would withdraw.
What a story is unfolding, with Roger Federer having clinched his 14th grand slam tournament title in Paris and who will enter the All England Club free-wheeling, Andy Murray's improvement on every surface unrelenting, Novak Djokovic determined to make a decent impression on grass and half-a-dozen others who ought to be challenging, if they put it all together for two weeks.
For heaven's sake, Marat Safin was a semi-finalist last year. But Nadal's news is excellent, for himself and for the tournament.
"I have been playing with pain in my knees for some months now and I simply can't go on like this," Nadal, who is suffering from tendonitis in both kneecaps, said. "The pain was limiting certain movements in my body, which affected me mentally as well.
"After the tests, and with the appropriate treatment, we have decided to travel to London. I am going to give 200 per cent to be ready for the most important tournament in the world, the one that I always dream about.
"I will not go out and play, especially on the Wimbledon Centre Court, if I am not 100 per cent ready to play. I have two difficult weeks ahead of me, especially because I won't be doing what I like doing most, which is to play tennis, but I will be working on my recovery through physiotherapy treatments as well as recovery work on the specific muscular area."
Nadal won his first Wimbledon title last year following an epic five-set battle with Roger Federer. He recently saw his bid for a fifth successive French Open trophy ended by Robin Soderling in the fourth round.
Source:The times
The tendinitis which Nadal has endured for a number of years flares every now and again. It was clear, before and during the French Open - where he lost in the fourth round to Robin Soderling, the eventual runner-up - that Nadal was unhappy. He did not practise well, he did not feel the ball coming off the strings well, he did not seem himself.
A couple of days of tests in Barcelona have confirmed that though he is stricken with tendinitis, he can still play tennis and on a grass court, the chances of harming himself are minimalised. If the US Open was upon us, there seems little question that he would withdraw.
What a story is unfolding, with Roger Federer having clinched his 14th grand slam tournament title in Paris and who will enter the All England Club free-wheeling, Andy Murray's improvement on every surface unrelenting, Novak Djokovic determined to make a decent impression on grass and half-a-dozen others who ought to be challenging, if they put it all together for two weeks.
For heaven's sake, Marat Safin was a semi-finalist last year. But Nadal's news is excellent, for himself and for the tournament.
"I have been playing with pain in my knees for some months now and I simply can't go on like this," Nadal, who is suffering from tendonitis in both kneecaps, said. "The pain was limiting certain movements in my body, which affected me mentally as well.
"After the tests, and with the appropriate treatment, we have decided to travel to London. I am going to give 200 per cent to be ready for the most important tournament in the world, the one that I always dream about.
"I will not go out and play, especially on the Wimbledon Centre Court, if I am not 100 per cent ready to play. I have two difficult weeks ahead of me, especially because I won't be doing what I like doing most, which is to play tennis, but I will be working on my recovery through physiotherapy treatments as well as recovery work on the specific muscular area."
Nadal won his first Wimbledon title last year following an epic five-set battle with Roger Federer. He recently saw his bid for a fifth successive French Open trophy ended by Robin Soderling in the fourth round.
Source:The times
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