It may have had more to do with the fact that he had won five points in the last six games he played rather than any nagging pain in his ankle, but Nicolas Almagro quit on his stool last night, speeding Andy Murray’s passage into the quarter-finals of the BNP Paribas Open on a sultry evening under the lights.
These helping hands in major championships do not come along that often, so the fact that Murray played only 37 minutes of tennis should be taken as a positive gesture and move purposefully on, having shown only fitful authority in his first two matches. Now, tomorrow, he will play Robin Soderling of Sweden, with whom the British No 1 has not crossed swords with in four years.
Soderling’s steady ranking improvement, the fact that he reached last year’s French Open final, having beaten four-time champion Rafael Nadal on the way, his arrival into the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals of the 02 arena last November and his crushing victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France in the fourth round yesterday, serve to confirm that the No 6 seed is an opponent not to be underestimated.
But there are opportunities everywhere. The loss of the top two seeds Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic – beaten by Croatian veteran Ivan Ljubicic in straight sets after running himself into the ground during February – Nikolay Davydenko’s wrist injury and the inability of Federer’s conqueror Marcos Baghdatis to rise above Tommy Robredo’s steadiness yesterday, means that the field has lost a clutch of performers considered to have a champion’s potential. Murray and Nadal, who were finalists a year ago, appear best placed.
As brief as the work-out was for the Scot, it was full of good things. Almagro is a flashy player and so much depends on whether you stay with him and indicate that you possess a robustness he would find difficult to break down. When Murray lost his serve in the third game – a net cord contrived to help the Spaniard on the second break point – his response was truly emphatic.
Defensively brilliant – he had to contend with some massive Almagro service returns and still managed to be able to control the rallies – and picking off the Spaniard at will as the first set went on, Murray was soon in complete control, enough for Almagro to be lashing at the ball rather than striking it with much intended control.
At the end of the set, his left ankle was strapped and when Murray thumped down an ace to win the first game of the second set, Almagro decided that it was fruitless to continue playing.
Nadal was absolutely thrilled with his 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 victory over John Isner, the giant American whose serve was just off enough in the third set for it to cost him dear. The Spaniard, playing his first tournament since the Australian Open, has begun to look like the Rafa of old and had enough in reserve to go out 45 minutes later and win a doubles match with Marc Lopez, his partner, against Michael Llodra of France and Israel’s Andy Ram, 6-2, 6-4.
“He (Isner) is a very dangerous player, maybe he will make a really, really top player," Nadal said. "When you have a serve like this – maybe I had better not talk any more because if he improves just a little it is going to be very difficult to stop him.”
Nadal meets Tomas Berdych, the No 19 seed from the Czech Republic, in today's quarter-final.
Source:The Times
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Jonny Wilkinson runs into Toby Flood barrier as he is dropped
This is not where Martin Johnson hoped England would be on the concluding day of the RBS Six Nations Championship: fielding a refurbished back division against unbeaten France in Paris, dropping his one iconic player, Jonny Wilkinson, to the replacements’ bench and crossing his fingers that a shock success will add a little lustre to a disappointing season.
Nor does Johnson, the England team manager, yet know whether his captain will make it as far as the Stade de France on Saturday. Steve Borthwick’s left knee is giving serious concern and two specialists have offered opinions, one negative, the other positive. Borthwick is keeping it in a protective brace for 48 hours and he will be assessed again today, with Louis Deacon and Tom Palmer, the Stade Français lock, on standby.
But at the end of the championship, there is as creative a look about England’s backs as there seemed at the start against Wales, even though only three players have survived from that opening victory.
Toby Flood has the onerous task of taking over from Wilkinson at fly half, a role delegated only twice before, to Paul Grayson in the 1999 World Cup quarter-final against South Africa and Danny Cipriani against Ireland in 2008.
Indeed, Wilkinson, who has mixed some outstanding play with some indifferent execution, will learn to steer clear of future Calcutta Cup matches. Two years ago, he established a world record for career international points against Scotland, but England lost and he was dropped. During last Saturday’s draw at Murrayfield, he passed Ronan O’Gara’s record for points scored in the Six Nations and has suffered the same fate.
“Jonny took a number of heavy knocks against Scotland but we’re happy to pick Toby,” Johnson said. “We need two players in every position and Toby suffered something similar last week, after taking a blow to the head while playing for his club. We’re lucky to have two guys who can play so well at 10, we will need them going forward to next year’s World Cup.
“You can see Toby growing as an on-field general and ball player. He’s not as experienced as Jonny, but he’s played in a World Cup final. He is graduating into that sort of leadership role in the team as he gets more experience. He needs more game time in that position over the next 18 months, but if I thought Jonny was in decline, I wouldn’t have picked him in the last seven internationals.”
Wilkinson is only one of seven changes (one positional) from the team that played out a drab 15-15 draw against Scotland and can finish no higher than third in the championship.
There is a first cap on the wing for Chris Ashton, whose first representative appearance in rugby league four years ago was on the winning side against France at Headingley, and a 61st appearance for Mike Tindall, who makes up the same midfield trio (with Flood and Riki Flutey) that functioned so well against France at Twickenham last year.
Ben Foden makes his first international start at full back and will look for good ball from a pack strengthened by the return of Simon Shaw at lock while Lewis Moody, having been dropped one week, returns at open-side flanker, with Joe Worsley displacing James Haskell on the blind side.
If Borthwick withdraws, Deacon will be his replacement, although Johnson was coy about naming a replacement captain. Tindall would be one candidate, Nick Easter another, but England’s state at the end of a demanding campaign is such that David Flatman and Hendrik Fourie joined training yesterday to allow Tim Payne and sundry back-row players to rest.
Scotland named an unchanged XV to play Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday, although amendments to the bench bring in Richie Gray for the injured Nathan Hines, Mike Blair for Rory Lawson and Alasdair Dickinson for Geoff Cross. Simon Taylor, the former Scotland No 8, is to join Bath on a three-year contract after three seasons with Stade Français.
England (to play France at Stade de France on Saturday): B Foden (Northampton); M Cueto (Sale Sharks), M Tindall(Gloucester), R Flutey (Brive), C Ashton (Northampton); T Flood(Leicester), D Care (Harlequins); T Payne (London Wasps), D Hartley (Northampton), D Cole (Leicester), S Shaw (London Wasps), S Borthwick (Saracens, captain), J Worsley (London Wasps), L Moody (Leicester), N Easter (Harlequins).Replacements: S Thompson (Brive), D Wilson (Bath), L Deacon (Leicester), J Haskell (Stade Français), B Youngs(Leicester), J Wilkinson (Toulon), M Tait (Sale Sharks).
Source:The Times
Nor does Johnson, the England team manager, yet know whether his captain will make it as far as the Stade de France on Saturday. Steve Borthwick’s left knee is giving serious concern and two specialists have offered opinions, one negative, the other positive. Borthwick is keeping it in a protective brace for 48 hours and he will be assessed again today, with Louis Deacon and Tom Palmer, the Stade Français lock, on standby.
But at the end of the championship, there is as creative a look about England’s backs as there seemed at the start against Wales, even though only three players have survived from that opening victory.
Toby Flood has the onerous task of taking over from Wilkinson at fly half, a role delegated only twice before, to Paul Grayson in the 1999 World Cup quarter-final against South Africa and Danny Cipriani against Ireland in 2008.
Indeed, Wilkinson, who has mixed some outstanding play with some indifferent execution, will learn to steer clear of future Calcutta Cup matches. Two years ago, he established a world record for career international points against Scotland, but England lost and he was dropped. During last Saturday’s draw at Murrayfield, he passed Ronan O’Gara’s record for points scored in the Six Nations and has suffered the same fate.
“Jonny took a number of heavy knocks against Scotland but we’re happy to pick Toby,” Johnson said. “We need two players in every position and Toby suffered something similar last week, after taking a blow to the head while playing for his club. We’re lucky to have two guys who can play so well at 10, we will need them going forward to next year’s World Cup.
“You can see Toby growing as an on-field general and ball player. He’s not as experienced as Jonny, but he’s played in a World Cup final. He is graduating into that sort of leadership role in the team as he gets more experience. He needs more game time in that position over the next 18 months, but if I thought Jonny was in decline, I wouldn’t have picked him in the last seven internationals.”
Wilkinson is only one of seven changes (one positional) from the team that played out a drab 15-15 draw against Scotland and can finish no higher than third in the championship.
There is a first cap on the wing for Chris Ashton, whose first representative appearance in rugby league four years ago was on the winning side against France at Headingley, and a 61st appearance for Mike Tindall, who makes up the same midfield trio (with Flood and Riki Flutey) that functioned so well against France at Twickenham last year.
Ben Foden makes his first international start at full back and will look for good ball from a pack strengthened by the return of Simon Shaw at lock while Lewis Moody, having been dropped one week, returns at open-side flanker, with Joe Worsley displacing James Haskell on the blind side.
If Borthwick withdraws, Deacon will be his replacement, although Johnson was coy about naming a replacement captain. Tindall would be one candidate, Nick Easter another, but England’s state at the end of a demanding campaign is such that David Flatman and Hendrik Fourie joined training yesterday to allow Tim Payne and sundry back-row players to rest.
Scotland named an unchanged XV to play Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday, although amendments to the bench bring in Richie Gray for the injured Nathan Hines, Mike Blair for Rory Lawson and Alasdair Dickinson for Geoff Cross. Simon Taylor, the former Scotland No 8, is to join Bath on a three-year contract after three seasons with Stade Français.
England (to play France at Stade de France on Saturday): B Foden (Northampton); M Cueto (Sale Sharks), M Tindall(Gloucester), R Flutey (Brive), C Ashton (Northampton); T Flood(Leicester), D Care (Harlequins); T Payne (London Wasps), D Hartley (Northampton), D Cole (Leicester), S Shaw (London Wasps), S Borthwick (Saracens, captain), J Worsley (London Wasps), L Moody (Leicester), N Easter (Harlequins).Replacements: S Thompson (Brive), D Wilson (Bath), L Deacon (Leicester), J Haskell (Stade Français), B Youngs(Leicester), J Wilkinson (Toulon), M Tait (Sale Sharks).
Source:The Times
How the races unfolded on day three of the Festival
Copper Bleu continues winning run for Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson, left, with determined success in the Jewson Chase.
1 Copper Bleu (R Johnson) 12-1
2 Othermix (P J Brennan) 50-1
3 The Midnight Club (Paul Townend) 16-1
4 China Rock (N P Madden) 9-1
20 ran. Also: 6-1 fav Rivaliste
Copper Bleu won an eventful renewal of the Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase, the first race on day three of the Cheltenham Festival.
There were plenty of casualties throughout the two-mile-five-furlong contest, but Richard Johnson weaved his way through the field to lead at the final fence.
Philip Hobbs’ eight-year-old, who was fourth in the Supreme Novices’ last year, began to idle out in front which enabled Paddy Brennan to have another go on runner-up Othermix.
The pair crossed paths on the run-in, but Johnson showed his strength to galvanise his mount once more and score by three and a half lengths.
Willie Mullins’sThe Midnight Club ran on well for third, with the well-backed China Rock in fourth.
Johnson said: “He ran well here last year (fourth in the Supreme) and I always felt on that form he had a good chance today.
“The tongue-tie helped and I think the extra trip has also helped today. He was having a look around on the run-in but it’s just fantastic to have a winner.
“It’s a funny place when you are on your own. He wasn’t stopping, he was just looking around.”
Hobbs’ wife, Sarah, said: “The horse is still very green but he jumped super and Richard gave him a great ride. I thought to have one winner [Menorah won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on Tuesday] was great, but to have two is fantastic.”
Philip Hobbs added: “He developed a breathing problem over the last couple of months so I tied his tongue down.
“The plan was to be handy, but Richard said he was flat-out all of the way. He also got lucky avoiding any trouble going down the inner.
“We’ll probably go to Punchestown, where he won last year, for a two mile five furlong novice handicap chase.”
Tom George, trainer of the runner-up: “Obviously we are delighted with the run, he’s improving and he’ll keep on doing so.
“Blinkers definitely sharpened him up and I’d say he’ll go to Aintree because we are only just getting him right.”
Mullins said: “I’m delighted with the run. They’ve gone a good gallop from start to finish and the ground was a little bit too lively. His jumping kept him in the race and he stayed all the way to the line.
“Today’s race was only two miles and five furlongs which is on the short side for him. The Irish National is an option but that may come too soon so the big novice in Punchestown is more likely.”
Source:The Times
1 Copper Bleu (R Johnson) 12-1
2 Othermix (P J Brennan) 50-1
3 The Midnight Club (Paul Townend) 16-1
4 China Rock (N P Madden) 9-1
20 ran. Also: 6-1 fav Rivaliste
Copper Bleu won an eventful renewal of the Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase, the first race on day three of the Cheltenham Festival.
There were plenty of casualties throughout the two-mile-five-furlong contest, but Richard Johnson weaved his way through the field to lead at the final fence.
Philip Hobbs’ eight-year-old, who was fourth in the Supreme Novices’ last year, began to idle out in front which enabled Paddy Brennan to have another go on runner-up Othermix.
The pair crossed paths on the run-in, but Johnson showed his strength to galvanise his mount once more and score by three and a half lengths.
Willie Mullins’sThe Midnight Club ran on well for third, with the well-backed China Rock in fourth.
Johnson said: “He ran well here last year (fourth in the Supreme) and I always felt on that form he had a good chance today.
“The tongue-tie helped and I think the extra trip has also helped today. He was having a look around on the run-in but it’s just fantastic to have a winner.
“It’s a funny place when you are on your own. He wasn’t stopping, he was just looking around.”
Hobbs’ wife, Sarah, said: “The horse is still very green but he jumped super and Richard gave him a great ride. I thought to have one winner [Menorah won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on Tuesday] was great, but to have two is fantastic.”
Philip Hobbs added: “He developed a breathing problem over the last couple of months so I tied his tongue down.
“The plan was to be handy, but Richard said he was flat-out all of the way. He also got lucky avoiding any trouble going down the inner.
“We’ll probably go to Punchestown, where he won last year, for a two mile five furlong novice handicap chase.”
Tom George, trainer of the runner-up: “Obviously we are delighted with the run, he’s improving and he’ll keep on doing so.
“Blinkers definitely sharpened him up and I’d say he’ll go to Aintree because we are only just getting him right.”
Mullins said: “I’m delighted with the run. They’ve gone a good gallop from start to finish and the ground was a little bit too lively. His jumping kept him in the race and he stayed all the way to the line.
“Today’s race was only two miles and five furlongs which is on the short side for him. The Irish National is an option but that may come too soon so the big novice in Punchestown is more likely.”
Source:The Times
The Spike Bar: Tiger Woods's return - in the player's own words
Peter Dixon recalls the Woods saga, bemoans the ludicrous pro-am and welcomes back a Ryder Cup favourite.
After the best part of four months away from the game, Tiger Woods has announced his comeback. It has been quite a ride since he had that argument with a fire hydrant outside his Florida home at the end of last year and here, through the words of the man himself, The Spike Bar looks back at the way events have unfolded.
November 15, 2009
On winning the JBWere Masters in Melbourne:
"I'm very, very thankful to come here and play in front of such great people and put together some good rounds. My friends and family came down and everyone had a great time."
Elin, his wife, was at home. But among those friends was one Rachel Uchitel, party hostess and catalyst for everything that was about to follow.
November 17, 2009
In an interview for New Zealand television, it was put to Woods: “Family first and golf second. Always been that way?”
Tiger's reply: “Always. Always."
Ten days later, his world came crashing down. Literally.
November 27, 2009
Statement on Tiger's website:
"Tiger Woods was in a minor car accident outside his home last night. He was admitted [to hospital], treated and released today in good condition. We appreciate very much everyone's thoughts and well wishes."
... and now go away.
November 29, 2009
Statement on Tiger's website:
"Although I understand there is curiosity, the many false, unfounded and malicious rumors that are currently circulating about my family and me are irresponsible."
And which false, unfounded and malicious rumours might they be?
December 2, 2009
Statement on Tiger's website:
"I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves."
Transgressions? With 12 mistresses and counting, I suppose that's one way of putting it.
December 11, 2009
Statement on Tiger's website:
"After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father and person."
And with that, it was time to head off for a touch of therapy - the rich man's get-out.
February 19, 2010
That apology in front of family, friends and associates ... and millions of television viewers worldwide:
"I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to. I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled. I was wrong. I was foolish. I don't get to play by different rules ...
"I do plan to return to golf one day, I just don't know when that day will be. I don't rule out that it will be this year."
... all said with hand on heart (or was it wallet?) and, in truth, toe-curlingly awful. The one thing that made everybody sit up was the announcement that he had no idea when he might play again. Reduced to a husk of his former self, the world No 1 did not look like a man who could return to competition any time soon.
And then, 25 days later ...
March 16, 2010
Statement on Tiger's website:
"After a long and necessary time away from the game, I feel like I'm ready to start my season at Augusta." (The Masters, April 8-11).
"I have undergone almost two months of inpatient therapy and I am continuing my treatment. Although I'm returning to competition, I still have a lot of work to do in my personal life."
And so the soap opera moves on to Augusta next month. One thing is for certain. It will not be dull.
Anti pro-am
Desperate times call for desperate measures I suppose, which probably explains why the European Tour's Trophée Hassan II golf tournament in Morocco this week is in that most dreaded of formats - the pro-am. You would not send Joe Public on to the pitch with Wayne Rooney would you? And yet for some reason, professional golf seems content to let the happy hackers get in the way of their star performers. Put it down to money, sponsors' money.
At least in this instance the tour has seen sense in discarding the amateurs after 36 holes and letting the professionals get on with their real jobs over the final two days. It is something that should be considered for the Dunhill Links Championship that takes place at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns each October. Why not let the amateurs play the three courses and then clear the decks when the pros go for the line at St Andrews on the final day? With big money and world ranking points at stake things suddenly become very serious. And by this stage, the amateurs are getting in the way - and they know it.
McGinley back in the fray
On the subject of Morocco, it is good to see that Paul McGinley is playing again after four months recuperating from a sixth operation on a knee he damaged while playing Gaelic football as a teenager. One of the most articulate and engaging of golfers, McGinley still harbours hopes of qualifying for the Ryder Cup team that will take on the United States at Celtic Manor, Newport, in October. If he fails in his quest - and even he would admit that he is up against it - then the Irishman is expected to become one of Colin Montgomerie's vice-captains. And rest assured, with the Ryder Cup coursing through his veins, McGinley would be a great addition to the team.
Money talks when it comes to the World Cup
I see the World Cup, that most unloved of golfing events, will become a biennial competition from next year. It was dropped from the calendar this year, but will resurface at the Mission Hills Resort, on Hainan Island, China, in November 2011.
In 2009 much criticism was levelled against the Americans, who could barely get together a two-man team to represent their country. But do the organisers really believe that by increasing the prize fund by $2 million, golf's spoilt and pampered stars are going to jump on their private jets and head to the other side of the world? When the Molinari brothers won in 2009, they shared a first prize of $1.4 million. How much more do these guys need?
Hansen's taxing problem
One man who might be only too pleased to play for such riches is Soren Hansen. The Dane finds himself in court in Denmark this week on a charge of tax evasion. The Ryder Cup player has been accused of misreporting his earnings in the six years up to 2006, claiming that he lived most of that time in Monaco and not Denmark. The taxman is seeking 9.6 million kroner (about $1.75 million) and up to an additional 10 million kroner as a penalty payment if he were to be found guilty.
Source:The Times
After the best part of four months away from the game, Tiger Woods has announced his comeback. It has been quite a ride since he had that argument with a fire hydrant outside his Florida home at the end of last year and here, through the words of the man himself, The Spike Bar looks back at the way events have unfolded.
November 15, 2009
On winning the JBWere Masters in Melbourne:
"I'm very, very thankful to come here and play in front of such great people and put together some good rounds. My friends and family came down and everyone had a great time."
Elin, his wife, was at home. But among those friends was one Rachel Uchitel, party hostess and catalyst for everything that was about to follow.
November 17, 2009
In an interview for New Zealand television, it was put to Woods: “Family first and golf second. Always been that way?”
Tiger's reply: “Always. Always."
Ten days later, his world came crashing down. Literally.
November 27, 2009
Statement on Tiger's website:
"Tiger Woods was in a minor car accident outside his home last night. He was admitted [to hospital], treated and released today in good condition. We appreciate very much everyone's thoughts and well wishes."
... and now go away.
November 29, 2009
Statement on Tiger's website:
"Although I understand there is curiosity, the many false, unfounded and malicious rumors that are currently circulating about my family and me are irresponsible."
And which false, unfounded and malicious rumours might they be?
December 2, 2009
Statement on Tiger's website:
"I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves."
Transgressions? With 12 mistresses and counting, I suppose that's one way of putting it.
December 11, 2009
Statement on Tiger's website:
"After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father and person."
And with that, it was time to head off for a touch of therapy - the rich man's get-out.
February 19, 2010
That apology in front of family, friends and associates ... and millions of television viewers worldwide:
"I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to. I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled. I was wrong. I was foolish. I don't get to play by different rules ...
"I do plan to return to golf one day, I just don't know when that day will be. I don't rule out that it will be this year."
... all said with hand on heart (or was it wallet?) and, in truth, toe-curlingly awful. The one thing that made everybody sit up was the announcement that he had no idea when he might play again. Reduced to a husk of his former self, the world No 1 did not look like a man who could return to competition any time soon.
And then, 25 days later ...
March 16, 2010
Statement on Tiger's website:
"After a long and necessary time away from the game, I feel like I'm ready to start my season at Augusta." (The Masters, April 8-11).
"I have undergone almost two months of inpatient therapy and I am continuing my treatment. Although I'm returning to competition, I still have a lot of work to do in my personal life."
And so the soap opera moves on to Augusta next month. One thing is for certain. It will not be dull.
Anti pro-am
Desperate times call for desperate measures I suppose, which probably explains why the European Tour's Trophée Hassan II golf tournament in Morocco this week is in that most dreaded of formats - the pro-am. You would not send Joe Public on to the pitch with Wayne Rooney would you? And yet for some reason, professional golf seems content to let the happy hackers get in the way of their star performers. Put it down to money, sponsors' money.
At least in this instance the tour has seen sense in discarding the amateurs after 36 holes and letting the professionals get on with their real jobs over the final two days. It is something that should be considered for the Dunhill Links Championship that takes place at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns each October. Why not let the amateurs play the three courses and then clear the decks when the pros go for the line at St Andrews on the final day? With big money and world ranking points at stake things suddenly become very serious. And by this stage, the amateurs are getting in the way - and they know it.
McGinley back in the fray
On the subject of Morocco, it is good to see that Paul McGinley is playing again after four months recuperating from a sixth operation on a knee he damaged while playing Gaelic football as a teenager. One of the most articulate and engaging of golfers, McGinley still harbours hopes of qualifying for the Ryder Cup team that will take on the United States at Celtic Manor, Newport, in October. If he fails in his quest - and even he would admit that he is up against it - then the Irishman is expected to become one of Colin Montgomerie's vice-captains. And rest assured, with the Ryder Cup coursing through his veins, McGinley would be a great addition to the team.
Money talks when it comes to the World Cup
I see the World Cup, that most unloved of golfing events, will become a biennial competition from next year. It was dropped from the calendar this year, but will resurface at the Mission Hills Resort, on Hainan Island, China, in November 2011.
In 2009 much criticism was levelled against the Americans, who could barely get together a two-man team to represent their country. But do the organisers really believe that by increasing the prize fund by $2 million, golf's spoilt and pampered stars are going to jump on their private jets and head to the other side of the world? When the Molinari brothers won in 2009, they shared a first prize of $1.4 million. How much more do these guys need?
Hansen's taxing problem
One man who might be only too pleased to play for such riches is Soren Hansen. The Dane finds himself in court in Denmark this week on a charge of tax evasion. The Ryder Cup player has been accused of misreporting his earnings in the six years up to 2006, claiming that he lived most of that time in Monaco and not Denmark. The taxman is seeking 9.6 million kroner (about $1.75 million) and up to an additional 10 million kroner as a penalty payment if he were to be found guilty.
Source:The Times
Bernie Ecclestone wants boffins to steer clear of rulebook
Formula One supremo pondering the wisdom of allowing engineers and scientists to devise the sport's regulations.
Bernie Ecclestone wants to stop Formula One’s boffins writing the rules after criticism over a dull season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix poured into his office yesterday.
The first race of 2010 was one of the most eagerly awaited in years with four world champions on the track. But the race was a flop as new regulations, including a ban on refuelling, led to a procession with almost no overtaking.
Ecclestone, Formula One’s commercial rights-holder, believes that allowing the engineers and scientists who work for the teams to write the technical regulations has led to a sport in which staring at computers and worrying about tyre pressures have become more important than the spectacle. But he does not want a radical overhaul of the new rules yet.
“There is no panic, no crisis for F1,” he said. “I think there is nothing we can do immediately and we should not just knee-jerk into changes.
“I had a meeting with the teams and tried to explain to them what our business is about — racing and entertaining the public, not about playing with computers and going fast over one lap. The problem is that you cannot really have teams in any shape or form having a part in the sporting or technical regulations. You cannot have the inmates writing the regulations.”
Ecclestone wants to hand the job to a team of outside experts but that is a long-term objective and the question is whether Formula One needs a rapid change now. Christian Horner, the Red Bull team principal, wants the immediate introduction of two mandatory pitstops to break up the field.
That is likely to be rejected by Jean Todt, the new president of the FIA, the sport’s governing body. He will want to see what happens at the next three races, in Australia, Malaysia and China, before being pushed into making any sweeping alterations.
Ecclestone believes that the rules need to be given time, while Ferrari, for whom Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa took a 1-2 finish in Bahrain, will veto any proposals to add to pitstops.
Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 world champion, also believes that the new regulations need time to work.
“The rules are fine,” the Canadian said. “One race doesn’t mean anything. The worst thing would be for sudden changes before everybody is sure what they want.”
Source:The Times
Bernie Ecclestone wants to stop Formula One’s boffins writing the rules after criticism over a dull season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix poured into his office yesterday.
The first race of 2010 was one of the most eagerly awaited in years with four world champions on the track. But the race was a flop as new regulations, including a ban on refuelling, led to a procession with almost no overtaking.
Ecclestone, Formula One’s commercial rights-holder, believes that allowing the engineers and scientists who work for the teams to write the technical regulations has led to a sport in which staring at computers and worrying about tyre pressures have become more important than the spectacle. But he does not want a radical overhaul of the new rules yet.
“There is no panic, no crisis for F1,” he said. “I think there is nothing we can do immediately and we should not just knee-jerk into changes.
“I had a meeting with the teams and tried to explain to them what our business is about — racing and entertaining the public, not about playing with computers and going fast over one lap. The problem is that you cannot really have teams in any shape or form having a part in the sporting or technical regulations. You cannot have the inmates writing the regulations.”
Ecclestone wants to hand the job to a team of outside experts but that is a long-term objective and the question is whether Formula One needs a rapid change now. Christian Horner, the Red Bull team principal, wants the immediate introduction of two mandatory pitstops to break up the field.
That is likely to be rejected by Jean Todt, the new president of the FIA, the sport’s governing body. He will want to see what happens at the next three races, in Australia, Malaysia and China, before being pushed into making any sweeping alterations.
Ecclestone believes that the rules need to be given time, while Ferrari, for whom Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa took a 1-2 finish in Bahrain, will veto any proposals to add to pitstops.
Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 world champion, also believes that the new regulations need time to work.
“The rules are fine,” the Canadian said. “One race doesn’t mean anything. The worst thing would be for sudden changes before everybody is sure what they want.”
Source:The Times
Angus Fraser: Eoin Morgan can step up to Test cricket
England may be forced to "take a punt" on Eoin Morgan to discover if he is cut out for Test cricket, according to Angus Fraser, Middlesex managing director.
The Irish left-hander has emerged as one of England's most dynamic limited-overs batsmen, scoring a match-winning century in the second one-day international against Bangladesh in Dhaka.
However, his participation in England's short-format squads and in the Indian Premier League (IPL) will leave him with little Championship cricket ahead of the Test series this summer. He did not make England's Test squad to play Bangladesh.
But Fraser says Morgan should still be considered for the summer series against Bangladesh. "The fixture list doesn't allow him to play a great deal of championship cricket," Fraser said.
"He's got the skill and ability to adapt to the longest form of the game. It may come down to whether England will be prepared to take a punt on him. Maybe the Bangladesh series would have been a good time."
Morgan went immediately from Bangladesh to join up with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.
The Dubliner's startling impact in Twenty20, capped by a match-winning 67 not out for England against Pakistan in Dubai last month, means he should be a shoo-in for England's final 15-man squad for the World Twenty20 in May.
But if Morgan were to be considered for England's first Test against Bangladesh at Lord's later that month, it is likely he would not have played a single LV County Championship match to prepare.
"The biggest thing for Eoin is to compartmentalise," Fraser said. "He's got a game in one-day cricket that works very well for him and he's confident with. He might have to make a few adjustments to be as effective in the longer format. The skill is to able to change from one to the other without them affecting each other."
Source:The Times
The Irish left-hander has emerged as one of England's most dynamic limited-overs batsmen, scoring a match-winning century in the second one-day international against Bangladesh in Dhaka.
However, his participation in England's short-format squads and in the Indian Premier League (IPL) will leave him with little Championship cricket ahead of the Test series this summer. He did not make England's Test squad to play Bangladesh.
But Fraser says Morgan should still be considered for the summer series against Bangladesh. "The fixture list doesn't allow him to play a great deal of championship cricket," Fraser said.
"He's got the skill and ability to adapt to the longest form of the game. It may come down to whether England will be prepared to take a punt on him. Maybe the Bangladesh series would have been a good time."
Morgan went immediately from Bangladesh to join up with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.
The Dubliner's startling impact in Twenty20, capped by a match-winning 67 not out for England against Pakistan in Dubai last month, means he should be a shoo-in for England's final 15-man squad for the World Twenty20 in May.
But if Morgan were to be considered for England's first Test against Bangladesh at Lord's later that month, it is likely he would not have played a single LV County Championship match to prepare.
"The biggest thing for Eoin is to compartmentalise," Fraser said. "He's got a game in one-day cricket that works very well for him and he's confident with. He might have to make a few adjustments to be as effective in the longer format. The skill is to able to change from one to the other without them affecting each other."
Source:The Times
Glazers hope to cut down Red Knights in battle for Manchester United
The Glazer family are considering a second round of refinancing in an effort to remove Manchester United’s huge debt burden.
The American owners also hope that the move would help to stave off a planned takeover by the Red Knights.
Initial talks have taken place within the Glazers’ inner circle about how to get rid of their payment in kind (PIK) loans that could total £588 million by the time they are due to be repaid in 2017, The Times has learnt.
No final decision has been taken and a deal could be many months away, but a second refinancing would represent an about-turn for the Glazers, who, publicly at least, have shown little concern about the PIK loans until now.
The debt, which stood at £202.1 million according to the latest accounts, is rolling up at an astonishing annual interest rate of 14.25 per cent.
The club’s £716.5 million total debt has been cited by the Red Knights, a group of City financiers-cum-United fans, as the key driver behind their plans to organise a takeover.
It also emerged yesterday that the multimillionaire boss of one of the UK’s biggest hedge funds is one of dozens of rich United fans considering joining the Red Knights. Jon Aisbitt, the Man Group chairman, has held talks with Nomura, the Knights’ investment bank, about signing up.
Despite the debt, United’s commercial revenues are soaring, with the club expected to announce today a sponsorship agreement with a mobile telecommunications company in southern Africa, their third such deal in a week.
The Glazers have yet to appoint a bank to oversee the planned refinancing, although it is likely that they will turn to J.P. Morgan, their trusted financial adviser, which drove through the recent £504 million bond issue.
There are a number of ways in which the Glazers could refinance the PIK debt. A source close to the Americans said they had already had several approaches from investors who would want to buy a stake in the club.
A well-placed banker told The Times: “The Glazers have been approached by lots of groups about a deal.” Rather than sell a stake, however, the Glazers would prefer to refinance the PIK at a more favourable rate of interest.
“Crazier things have been done than this,” the banker said. “What you will see in periods of buoyant global markets like this is that investors become anxious to get their hands on new bond issues.”
Because the interest rate could rise to 16.25 per cent if a debt threshold outlined in the PIK notes is exceeded by August 16, there is good reason for the Glazers to secure a refinancing package as quickly as possible.
Under the terms of United’s bond, the Americans will be able to use up to £70 million of the £117 million of cash on the club’s balance sheet to start repaying the PIK notes, for which they are personally responsible.
A spokesman for the owners declined to comment.
Source:The Times
The American owners also hope that the move would help to stave off a planned takeover by the Red Knights.
Initial talks have taken place within the Glazers’ inner circle about how to get rid of their payment in kind (PIK) loans that could total £588 million by the time they are due to be repaid in 2017, The Times has learnt.
No final decision has been taken and a deal could be many months away, but a second refinancing would represent an about-turn for the Glazers, who, publicly at least, have shown little concern about the PIK loans until now.
The debt, which stood at £202.1 million according to the latest accounts, is rolling up at an astonishing annual interest rate of 14.25 per cent.
The club’s £716.5 million total debt has been cited by the Red Knights, a group of City financiers-cum-United fans, as the key driver behind their plans to organise a takeover.
It also emerged yesterday that the multimillionaire boss of one of the UK’s biggest hedge funds is one of dozens of rich United fans considering joining the Red Knights. Jon Aisbitt, the Man Group chairman, has held talks with Nomura, the Knights’ investment bank, about signing up.
Despite the debt, United’s commercial revenues are soaring, with the club expected to announce today a sponsorship agreement with a mobile telecommunications company in southern Africa, their third such deal in a week.
The Glazers have yet to appoint a bank to oversee the planned refinancing, although it is likely that they will turn to J.P. Morgan, their trusted financial adviser, which drove through the recent £504 million bond issue.
There are a number of ways in which the Glazers could refinance the PIK debt. A source close to the Americans said they had already had several approaches from investors who would want to buy a stake in the club.
A well-placed banker told The Times: “The Glazers have been approached by lots of groups about a deal.” Rather than sell a stake, however, the Glazers would prefer to refinance the PIK at a more favourable rate of interest.
“Crazier things have been done than this,” the banker said. “What you will see in periods of buoyant global markets like this is that investors become anxious to get their hands on new bond issues.”
Because the interest rate could rise to 16.25 per cent if a debt threshold outlined in the PIK notes is exceeded by August 16, there is good reason for the Glazers to secure a refinancing package as quickly as possible.
Under the terms of United’s bond, the Americans will be able to use up to £70 million of the £117 million of cash on the club’s balance sheet to start repaying the PIK notes, for which they are personally responsible.
A spokesman for the owners declined to comment.
Source:The Times
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