The first day in a new plum position in unusual surroundings can be a bit daunting and there were times in the Caja Mágica last night when Andy Murray did not look quite all he is cracked up to be. And then, often magically, he played in the manner that has brought him into such close proximity with the best in the world.
A place in the third round of the Mutua Madrileña Masters here was guaranteed for the world No 3 only when Simone Bolelli, of Italy, tossed in the odd shot of a No 61. For the most part, he was a long way better than his relatively lowly status; indeed, in style and shot-making, he more than resembled Alex Corretja, the Spaniard who is helping to guide Murray’s transition from a player who learnt the game on clay to one fully conversant with its many intricacies.
With a single-handed backhand whipping through the ball, Bolelli won a lot of points and was on the verge of many others, only for the British No 1’s awesome defences to secure a 7-6, 6-4 victory and a meeting with Tommy Robredo, the No 16 seed from Spain. A case in point was the first-set tie-break, in which the Italian had two set points, the first of which Murray saved with a breathtaking volley not many would have had the audacity to attempt, let alone pull off.
He might have clinched it on his own first set point, thinking he had served an ace, only for Cédric Mourier, the umpire, to deem that the ball had not brushed the line. When Murray changed ends, he inspected the mark and cupped his hand across his mouth in mock disbelief. It required three more chances before he delivered a stinging serve with which Bolelli could not cope.
Source:The times
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Sariska dashes royal hopes with majestic display in Musidora
A biting wind rendered York unfit for a queen yesterday and the monarch was duly absent when Enticement, her Oaks candidate, finished third behind Sariska in the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes. However, any disappointment that Her Majesty appears unlikely to be represented in the Epsom classics is tempered by Enticement's long-term prospects.
She faced a talented opponent in Sariska, whose victory was so authoritative that it swept her to the head of the Oaks market. Enticement was compromised by a fast surface that threatened the winner's participation until her trainer, Michael Bell, walked the course before racing.
“It was fast, safe racing ground, and it suited her,” Bell said after Sariska breezed away from Star Ruby to score by three-and-three-quarter lengths. Ridden from off the pace by Jamie Spencer, Sariska proved much the best in a race of fluctuating rhythms. Her prospects of emulating Motivator, with whom Bell won the Derby four years ago, require little amplification.
Bell is never one to understate his hand, yet his optimism is understandable. He resisted the lure of the 1,000 Guineas with a filly who always promised to improve over distance, and here came the payoff.
“I have been to Epsom with a good colt and now we go with a good filly,” he said. “She will take a bit of beating in the Oaks.” Sariska's triumph rewarded Lady Bamford, her owner/breeder, who has increased her commitment to the sport by investing in some broodmares of quality. Sariska's dam, Maycocks Bay, is among them, although her sire, the sprinter Pivotal, is not readily associated with classic winners over 12 furlongs.
While taken with the manner of Sariska's triumph, Spencer acknowledged that Sariska is unusually bred for an Oaks candidate. “The Pivotals are not meant to get 12 furlongs, but it's the individual that counts,” he said. “I don't doubt her ability to get the trip. It's more important to travel at Epsom, and that's what she does so well.” No filly by a sprinting sire has won the Oaks since Time Charter landed the classic 27 years ago.
Yet bookmakers would have us believe that it is about to happen again. In pricing up Sariska as favourite at 4-1, Coral make Midday, by the sprinter Oasis Dream, second-best at 5-1 after her Lingfield Oaks Trial victory on Saturday.
Supporters of Sariska would be more encouraged were she related to something more substantial than a tribe of staying handicappers. Her third dam, Mountain Lodge, won the Cesarewitch and Irish St Leger; hence the stamina in the line.
Enticement, a rare 310,000 guineas yearling purchase for the Queen, is more regally connected. However, Sir Michael Stoute, who trains the daughter of Montjeu, was a little surprised to see her roll around in the closing stages. “She is a lovely, quality filly who will have her day with some juice in the ground,” Stoute said.
Stoute looses Glass Harmonium in today's totesport Dante Stakes, after which the Derby trials will be all but complete. The Queen's Free Agent, an intended runner, waits instead for Goodwood next week, but connections of Kite Wood, purchased by Godolphin over the winter, are expecting a forward showing.
“It is a tough race for him,” Saeed Bin Suroor, Godolphin's trainer, said, “but he has the class. He has improved a lot over the winter, physically and mentally, and he has worked well for Frankie [Dettori].”
Nick Blofeld is to stand down from his post as managing director of Epsom racecourse in August, two years after he took over from Stephen Wallis. Blofeld is to take up a position outside the sport.
Source:The times
She faced a talented opponent in Sariska, whose victory was so authoritative that it swept her to the head of the Oaks market. Enticement was compromised by a fast surface that threatened the winner's participation until her trainer, Michael Bell, walked the course before racing.
“It was fast, safe racing ground, and it suited her,” Bell said after Sariska breezed away from Star Ruby to score by three-and-three-quarter lengths. Ridden from off the pace by Jamie Spencer, Sariska proved much the best in a race of fluctuating rhythms. Her prospects of emulating Motivator, with whom Bell won the Derby four years ago, require little amplification.
Bell is never one to understate his hand, yet his optimism is understandable. He resisted the lure of the 1,000 Guineas with a filly who always promised to improve over distance, and here came the payoff.
“I have been to Epsom with a good colt and now we go with a good filly,” he said. “She will take a bit of beating in the Oaks.” Sariska's triumph rewarded Lady Bamford, her owner/breeder, who has increased her commitment to the sport by investing in some broodmares of quality. Sariska's dam, Maycocks Bay, is among them, although her sire, the sprinter Pivotal, is not readily associated with classic winners over 12 furlongs.
While taken with the manner of Sariska's triumph, Spencer acknowledged that Sariska is unusually bred for an Oaks candidate. “The Pivotals are not meant to get 12 furlongs, but it's the individual that counts,” he said. “I don't doubt her ability to get the trip. It's more important to travel at Epsom, and that's what she does so well.” No filly by a sprinting sire has won the Oaks since Time Charter landed the classic 27 years ago.
Yet bookmakers would have us believe that it is about to happen again. In pricing up Sariska as favourite at 4-1, Coral make Midday, by the sprinter Oasis Dream, second-best at 5-1 after her Lingfield Oaks Trial victory on Saturday.
Supporters of Sariska would be more encouraged were she related to something more substantial than a tribe of staying handicappers. Her third dam, Mountain Lodge, won the Cesarewitch and Irish St Leger; hence the stamina in the line.
Enticement, a rare 310,000 guineas yearling purchase for the Queen, is more regally connected. However, Sir Michael Stoute, who trains the daughter of Montjeu, was a little surprised to see her roll around in the closing stages. “She is a lovely, quality filly who will have her day with some juice in the ground,” Stoute said.
Stoute looses Glass Harmonium in today's totesport Dante Stakes, after which the Derby trials will be all but complete. The Queen's Free Agent, an intended runner, waits instead for Goodwood next week, but connections of Kite Wood, purchased by Godolphin over the winter, are expecting a forward showing.
“It is a tough race for him,” Saeed Bin Suroor, Godolphin's trainer, said, “but he has the class. He has improved a lot over the winter, physically and mentally, and he has worked well for Frankie [Dettori].”
Nick Blofeld is to stand down from his post as managing director of Epsom racecourse in August, two years after he took over from Stephen Wallis. Blofeld is to take up a position outside the sport.
Source:The times
Colin Montgomerie happy to have three Ryder Cup choices
When Colin Montgomerie was named captain of the Europe team that will attempt to win back the Ryder Cup from the United States at Celtic Manor, Newport, next year he let it be known that he would be seeking an increase in the number of selections he would be allowed for his 12-man team.
It had been suggested that the Scot wanted to follow the American example by having four wildcards instead of two, but last night he had to settle for a compromise when the players’ committee of the European Tour, meeting at County Louth, venue of the Irish Open this week, agreed to increase the number to three.
In the previous two campaigns, the Europe team was made up of five players from the world rankings, five from the European Tour rankings and two wildcards. Now only four players will be taken from the world rankings in the (probably forlorn) hope of persuading leading players to increase their playing commitments in Europe.
Montgomerie said: “We want the strongest team possible and hopefully we have put one foot towards that tonight. I am delighted that I have one more option and very happy that I have got what I was looking for.”
Paul Azinger, the United States captain at Valhalla last September, argued successfully that four picks would allow him to take form into account. But while the American team stopped a fourth successive defeat, there were those in Europe determined not to seek change purely for the sake of change. “We are a committee that believes that because we lose one match we don’t need to panic,” Thomas Björn, the committee chairman, said before the meeting.
Source:The times
It had been suggested that the Scot wanted to follow the American example by having four wildcards instead of two, but last night he had to settle for a compromise when the players’ committee of the European Tour, meeting at County Louth, venue of the Irish Open this week, agreed to increase the number to three.
In the previous two campaigns, the Europe team was made up of five players from the world rankings, five from the European Tour rankings and two wildcards. Now only four players will be taken from the world rankings in the (probably forlorn) hope of persuading leading players to increase their playing commitments in Europe.
Montgomerie said: “We want the strongest team possible and hopefully we have put one foot towards that tonight. I am delighted that I have one more option and very happy that I have got what I was looking for.”
Paul Azinger, the United States captain at Valhalla last September, argued successfully that four picks would allow him to take form into account. But while the American team stopped a fourth successive defeat, there were those in Europe determined not to seek change purely for the sake of change. “We are a committee that believes that because we lose one match we don’t need to panic,” Thomas Björn, the committee chairman, said before the meeting.
Source:The times
Renault join Ferrari in Formula One quit threat
Renault have increased the pressure on the FIA by announcing their intention to follow Ferrari out of Formula One unless plans to introduce a £40 million budget cap are scrapped.
The row over the new directives, which are designed to cut costs in the sport, escalated dramatically yesterday when Ferrari issued an ultimatum that they will pull out of the championship unless new rules for next year are changed. Now Renault have become the fourth team, joining Ferrari, Red Bull and Toyota to declare their intention to pull out of the sport because of the new regulations.
While Renault are not directly opposed to a budget cap, they are unhappy with the way it has been introduced and the resulting two-tier championship that would be formed should than FIA get their way. Under the new regulations, teams that do not agree to cap their budgets would be subject to stricter technical regulation from next season, making them less competitive on the grid.
"We remain committed to the sport, however we cannot be involved in a championship operating with different sets of rules, and if such rules are put into effect, we will be forced to pull out at the end of this season," Bernard Rey, the Renault president, said.
Flavio Briatore, the Renault team principal, added: "Our aim is to reduce costs while maintaining the high standards that make Formula One one of the most prestigious brands on the market. We want to achieve this in a co-ordinated manner with the regulatory and commercial bodies, and we refuse to accept unilateral governance handed out by the FIA.
"If the decisions announced by the World Council on the 29th of April 2009 are not revised, we have no choice but to withdraw from the FIA Formula One World Championship at the end of 2009."
A Renault statement read: "There is frustration Formula One Teams Association's (Fota) constructive proposals, including major cost-saving measures to be adopted progressively between 2009 and 2012, which were carefully constructed by Fota members, have been completely ignored without any form of consultation by the FIA with the teams.
"It should be stressed that Fota has set the same, if not lower, financial objective as the FIA, but Renault strongly believes that this must be introduced through a different procedure agreed by all parties.
"Renault also believes it is paramount that the governance of the sport is co-ordinated with a spirit of consultation with all parties (FIA, FOM, Fota) in order to achieve a better balance between the costs and the revenues.
"Renault is also of the firm view that all entrants in the world championship must adhere to and operate under the same regulations."
Today's developments will dramatically increase the pressure on Max Mosley, the president of the FIA, who despite the uproar remains committed to slashing spending in the world’s most expensive sport.
Sources close to the FIA said Ferrari's announcement yesterday was received without any sense of alarm, with sources close to Mosley indicating that it was neither unexpected nor likely to be followed through.
Meanwhile, Bernie Ecclestone, the Formula One commercial rights-holder, said that he expects significant progress on many of the areas that are causing difficulties to be ironed out at a critical meeting of the teams and Mosley at Heathrow on Friday, which he will also attend.
“I hope common sense will prevail because the last thing we want to do is lose any of the manufacturers or teams currently in Formula One,” he told The Times last night.
Source:The times
The row over the new directives, which are designed to cut costs in the sport, escalated dramatically yesterday when Ferrari issued an ultimatum that they will pull out of the championship unless new rules for next year are changed. Now Renault have become the fourth team, joining Ferrari, Red Bull and Toyota to declare their intention to pull out of the sport because of the new regulations.
While Renault are not directly opposed to a budget cap, they are unhappy with the way it has been introduced and the resulting two-tier championship that would be formed should than FIA get their way. Under the new regulations, teams that do not agree to cap their budgets would be subject to stricter technical regulation from next season, making them less competitive on the grid.
"We remain committed to the sport, however we cannot be involved in a championship operating with different sets of rules, and if such rules are put into effect, we will be forced to pull out at the end of this season," Bernard Rey, the Renault president, said.
Flavio Briatore, the Renault team principal, added: "Our aim is to reduce costs while maintaining the high standards that make Formula One one of the most prestigious brands on the market. We want to achieve this in a co-ordinated manner with the regulatory and commercial bodies, and we refuse to accept unilateral governance handed out by the FIA.
"If the decisions announced by the World Council on the 29th of April 2009 are not revised, we have no choice but to withdraw from the FIA Formula One World Championship at the end of 2009."
A Renault statement read: "There is frustration Formula One Teams Association's (Fota) constructive proposals, including major cost-saving measures to be adopted progressively between 2009 and 2012, which were carefully constructed by Fota members, have been completely ignored without any form of consultation by the FIA with the teams.
"It should be stressed that Fota has set the same, if not lower, financial objective as the FIA, but Renault strongly believes that this must be introduced through a different procedure agreed by all parties.
"Renault also believes it is paramount that the governance of the sport is co-ordinated with a spirit of consultation with all parties (FIA, FOM, Fota) in order to achieve a better balance between the costs and the revenues.
"Renault is also of the firm view that all entrants in the world championship must adhere to and operate under the same regulations."
Today's developments will dramatically increase the pressure on Max Mosley, the president of the FIA, who despite the uproar remains committed to slashing spending in the world’s most expensive sport.
Sources close to the FIA said Ferrari's announcement yesterday was received without any sense of alarm, with sources close to Mosley indicating that it was neither unexpected nor likely to be followed through.
Meanwhile, Bernie Ecclestone, the Formula One commercial rights-holder, said that he expects significant progress on many of the areas that are causing difficulties to be ironed out at a critical meeting of the teams and Mosley at Heathrow on Friday, which he will also attend.
“I hope common sense will prevail because the last thing we want to do is lose any of the manufacturers or teams currently in Formula One,” he told The Times last night.
Source:The times
TV umpire ruled out of Ashes series
The controversial system of allowing players to refer umpires’ decisions to a television official will not be used during this summer’s Ashes series, although it will be employed in Test matches from the autumn.
A meeting at Lord’s yesterday of the ICC Cricket Committee decided that the review system, which has been trialled in four series, including England’s tour to the West Indies this year, needed fine-tuning before it could be introduced for all matches. The system allows players two incorrect challenges on decisions made by the on-field umpires per innings.
It is possible that the system will be used in England’s tour to South Africa in November, but the committee recommended that time should first be spent training umpires to ensure improved consistency in the way the system is used and drafting minimum technical standards in technology for matches around the world.
Haroon Lorgat, the ICC chief executive, said: “There has been a fair amount of feedback. The majority are in favour and everybody accepts the fundamental that we want to get the decisions right. There were concerns about the time it takes to get decisions, but we’ll get better.”
The committee, chaired by Clive Lloyd, were briefed on the broadcasting implications of the review system, including the cost of such technology as Hot Spot, by Mark Lynch, the cricket director for Sky Sports. “It needs to be considered that the facilities and equipment at certain venues are up to the standard we want,” Lorgat said. The committee’s recommendations will be discussed by the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee and the ICC Board next month.
The committee also agreed to explore staging Test cricket at night under floodlights, which would help to rejuvenate the game in countries where attendance at Tests is flagging. Challenges include finding the right coloured ball. Red does not show up well under lights and white discolours easily. Tests are ongoing with a pink ball and Lloyd said that even a green ball was being considered, although the benefit of it standing out clearly against the night sky is offset by the possibility of losing it against grass.
Lorgat wants to see what appetite there is for day-night Tests. “We think spectators would love day-night cricket, but want to get some facts on that,” he said, before reassuring traditionalists that there is no plan to change the colour of clothing.
A trial day-night Test could be held next year, possibly the England versus Bangladesh Test at Lord’s, although Lorgat refused to name a specific match. MCC also wants to stage a first-class match at Lord’s under floodlights this season.
The committee also discussed how to speed up over-rates. Lloyd said that there should be a period of 20 minutes either side of an interval when drinks could not be brought on to the field. Penalties for slow play will be doubled. Any captain who is fined three times in a year for slow play will face a ban.
Keith Bradshaw, the secretary and chief executive of MCC, has stood down from the ECB’s board of directors over a conflict of interests between his role as a spokesman for the club and his loyalty to the ECB. A replacement representative for MCC will be named soon.
Source:The times
A meeting at Lord’s yesterday of the ICC Cricket Committee decided that the review system, which has been trialled in four series, including England’s tour to the West Indies this year, needed fine-tuning before it could be introduced for all matches. The system allows players two incorrect challenges on decisions made by the on-field umpires per innings.
It is possible that the system will be used in England’s tour to South Africa in November, but the committee recommended that time should first be spent training umpires to ensure improved consistency in the way the system is used and drafting minimum technical standards in technology for matches around the world.
Haroon Lorgat, the ICC chief executive, said: “There has been a fair amount of feedback. The majority are in favour and everybody accepts the fundamental that we want to get the decisions right. There were concerns about the time it takes to get decisions, but we’ll get better.”
The committee, chaired by Clive Lloyd, were briefed on the broadcasting implications of the review system, including the cost of such technology as Hot Spot, by Mark Lynch, the cricket director for Sky Sports. “It needs to be considered that the facilities and equipment at certain venues are up to the standard we want,” Lorgat said. The committee’s recommendations will be discussed by the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee and the ICC Board next month.
The committee also agreed to explore staging Test cricket at night under floodlights, which would help to rejuvenate the game in countries where attendance at Tests is flagging. Challenges include finding the right coloured ball. Red does not show up well under lights and white discolours easily. Tests are ongoing with a pink ball and Lloyd said that even a green ball was being considered, although the benefit of it standing out clearly against the night sky is offset by the possibility of losing it against grass.
Lorgat wants to see what appetite there is for day-night Tests. “We think spectators would love day-night cricket, but want to get some facts on that,” he said, before reassuring traditionalists that there is no plan to change the colour of clothing.
A trial day-night Test could be held next year, possibly the England versus Bangladesh Test at Lord’s, although Lorgat refused to name a specific match. MCC also wants to stage a first-class match at Lord’s under floodlights this season.
The committee also discussed how to speed up over-rates. Lloyd said that there should be a period of 20 minutes either side of an interval when drinks could not be brought on to the field. Penalties for slow play will be doubled. Any captain who is fined three times in a year for slow play will face a ban.
Keith Bradshaw, the secretary and chief executive of MCC, has stood down from the ECB’s board of directors over a conflict of interests between his role as a spokesman for the club and his loyalty to the ECB. A replacement representative for MCC will be named soon.
Source:The times
Steven Gerrard wins Footballer of the Year award
Steven Gerrard has been voted the 2009 Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association.
The 28-year-old Liverpool captain topped the poll of journalists ahead of Manchester United team-mates Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney to win the prestigious accolade, which has been running since 1948.
Gerrard, who has led his side's challenge to United for the Barclays Premier League title, will receive his award at the FWA's gala dinner at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on May 29.
"I'm delighted but I'm a little bit surprised," Gerrard said. "When you look at the quality of the players there are in this league, it's a great privilege to win this kind of award.
It's not just the Manchester United players. When you look at the players the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal and other teams have got, they all have fantastic players throughout their squads now.
"The quality is getting better and better each year so to win this award is a great achievement for myself.
"It's made even more special for me because I am following in the footsteps of Liverpool players like John Barnes, Steve Nicol and Kenny Dalglish who were heroes of mine.
"Then further back players like Ian Callaghan and Terry McDermott who were heroes to my dad and so many other Liverpool fans."
Rafael Benitez , the Liverpool manager, had nothing but praise for his captain. "I'm really pleased for Steven," Benitez said.
"It is fantastic for him because he was competing with a lot of good players.
"For him to be named player of the year is massive credit to him and shows just how much he has achieved."
"Steven's performances this season have been of the highest quality," Steve Bates, the chairman of the FWA, said.
"His drive and desire have underpinned Liverpool's Premier League title challenge and ensured a tight finish to the season.
"Steven is clearly in his prime and quite rightly rated one of the finest midfield players of his generation, and the FWA are delighted to honour his contribution to club and country."
Source:The times
The 28-year-old Liverpool captain topped the poll of journalists ahead of Manchester United team-mates Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney to win the prestigious accolade, which has been running since 1948.
Gerrard, who has led his side's challenge to United for the Barclays Premier League title, will receive his award at the FWA's gala dinner at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on May 29.
"I'm delighted but I'm a little bit surprised," Gerrard said. "When you look at the quality of the players there are in this league, it's a great privilege to win this kind of award.
It's not just the Manchester United players. When you look at the players the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal and other teams have got, they all have fantastic players throughout their squads now.
"The quality is getting better and better each year so to win this award is a great achievement for myself.
"It's made even more special for me because I am following in the footsteps of Liverpool players like John Barnes, Steve Nicol and Kenny Dalglish who were heroes of mine.
"Then further back players like Ian Callaghan and Terry McDermott who were heroes to my dad and so many other Liverpool fans."
Rafael Benitez , the Liverpool manager, had nothing but praise for his captain. "I'm really pleased for Steven," Benitez said.
"It is fantastic for him because he was competing with a lot of good players.
"For him to be named player of the year is massive credit to him and shows just how much he has achieved."
"Steven's performances this season have been of the highest quality," Steve Bates, the chairman of the FWA, said.
"His drive and desire have underpinned Liverpool's Premier League title challenge and ensured a tight finish to the season.
"Steven is clearly in his prime and quite rightly rated one of the finest midfield players of his generation, and the FWA are delighted to honour his contribution to club and country."
Source:The times
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