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IPL 6: Aussie bowler Shaun Tait angry over spot fix claims
Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait has strongly denied any link to the arrest of three Indian teammates allegedly involved in spot-fixing during an Indian domestic Twenty20 cricket tournament.
Test player Shanthakumaran Sreesanth and fellow bowlers Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila were all arrested Thursday, Indian police said, with 11 bookmakers also detained in connection with the inquiry.
The three cricketers play for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, as does former Test star Tait.
Tait's name was circulated in social media, on radio and a number of websites along with the three Indians, but he robustly denied any wrongdoing in a statement.
"I'm bewildered, I'm angry and I'm upset at the false suggestions I've been involved in any wrongdoing," he said in the statement.
"While I welcome the recent statements from police clearing me of any involvement, for a few hours I was deeply distressed by the rumours that were rapidly circulating about me, most of which were aired in the social media space.
"Not only were they without foundation, they highlight the danger of a medium that deals with innuendo rather than fact, the result of which has brought my name into question," he added.
"At no stage in my career have I engaged in spot or match fixing and I'm in discussions with my manager and legal representatives to examine how this episode unfolded and any further action I may take."
Cricket Australia said the head of its anti-corruption unit Sean Carroll had spoken to Tait following Delhi police's statement.
"Shaun reiterated to CA that he had absolutely no involvement in any of the issues that are currently being investigated," CA said in a statement Friday.
"CA is comfortable that Shaun is being appropriately supported in India and reminds those who have been speculating on the ongoing investigations to base their comments on known facts, not unsubstantiated rumour."
Spot-fixing is an illegal activity where a specific part of a game, but not the outcome, is fixed.
Sreesanth, who has played 27 Tests for India, is alleged to have been paid four million rupees ($75,000) to give away around 14 runs in an over while playing for the Royals against the Kings XI Punjab on May 9.
Chavan also allegedly agreed to give away the same number of runs in a match on Wednesday night against the Mumbai Indians in exchange for six million rupees ($110,000), police said.
A third player, Chandila, is accused of accepting two million rupees ($36,000), for giving away a set number of runs in a match between the Rajasthan Royals and the Pune Warriors.
Test player Shanthakumaran Sreesanth and fellow bowlers Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila were all arrested Thursday, Indian police said, with 11 bookmakers also detained in connection with the inquiry.
The three cricketers play for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, as does former Test star Tait.
Tait's name was circulated in social media, on radio and a number of websites along with the three Indians, but he robustly denied any wrongdoing in a statement.
"I'm bewildered, I'm angry and I'm upset at the false suggestions I've been involved in any wrongdoing," he said in the statement.
"While I welcome the recent statements from police clearing me of any involvement, for a few hours I was deeply distressed by the rumours that were rapidly circulating about me, most of which were aired in the social media space.
"Not only were they without foundation, they highlight the danger of a medium that deals with innuendo rather than fact, the result of which has brought my name into question," he added.
"At no stage in my career have I engaged in spot or match fixing and I'm in discussions with my manager and legal representatives to examine how this episode unfolded and any further action I may take."
Cricket Australia said the head of its anti-corruption unit Sean Carroll had spoken to Tait following Delhi police's statement.
"Shaun reiterated to CA that he had absolutely no involvement in any of the issues that are currently being investigated," CA said in a statement Friday.
"CA is comfortable that Shaun is being appropriately supported in India and reminds those who have been speculating on the ongoing investigations to base their comments on known facts, not unsubstantiated rumour."
Spot-fixing is an illegal activity where a specific part of a game, but not the outcome, is fixed.
Sreesanth, who has played 27 Tests for India, is alleged to have been paid four million rupees ($75,000) to give away around 14 runs in an over while playing for the Royals against the Kings XI Punjab on May 9.
Chavan also allegedly agreed to give away the same number of runs in a match on Wednesday night against the Mumbai Indians in exchange for six million rupees ($110,000), police said.
A third player, Chandila, is accused of accepting two million rupees ($36,000), for giving away a set number of runs in a match between the Rajasthan Royals and the Pune Warriors.
Black Caviar puts in on the linem in TJ Smith Stakes
THE gamesmanship and cross-border jousting has helped set the scene.
Now for some racing.
Black Caviar, the horse that can't be beaten, puts it on the line for the 25th time at Randwick tomorrow and is a $1.10 favourite to keep her peerless record intact.
The champion sprinter of the world is also attempting to win her 15th Group I race in the TJ Smith Stakes, a feat that would be an Australian record in itself.
And barring a catastrophe, and it would be one, she will win.
While some are suggesting the Melbourne mare will be given the treatment by her Sydney opposition, no-one is tipping against a Black Caviar victory.
Trainers in Sydney this week have raised their eyebrows and put on knowing looks when questioned about the tactics likely to be employed against Black Caviar.
John O'Shea, who will run Sea Siren, said her inside barrier draw could be a disaster and fellow trainer Joe Pride, has questioned the quality of those who have opposed her in her past few wins.
It is a popular knock on the mare that she hasn't faced large or good fields in many of her 24 victories.
That observation can be met with another that says it has always been so with the greatest horses.
Phar Lap, for instance, met fewer horses in most of his Australian starts than Black Caviar has.
In 31 of his 36 Australian wins, Phar Lap faced six or fewer opponents.
In 15 of those wins only three or fewer lined up against him and in five of those he met only two challengers.
Yet, when he was called on to perform he did.
After three months without a race and after three weeks in a horse box on the open deck of a steamship crossing the Pacific, Phar Lap, in his first run on dirt, started favourite and won the richest race on earth in track record time.
At Randwick, Black Caviar confronts 10 other horses ranging from Bel Sprinter at $11 to Onthelookout, whose trainer admits he's only there to earn bragging rights, at $301.
Already O'Shea has declared the classy Sea Siren is short of her peak, the outstanding sprinter Hay List is under a cloud and stewards have been informed he won't engage in any speed battle, and Bel Sprinter's trainer Jason Warren says he will drop straight to the rear.
Corey Brown on the likely leader Rain Affair has declared he will serve it up the mare and Pride says she will be made to earn her cheque.
It's all been said before.
She beat Hay List when he was younger and fitter and gave him a six-length start.
She's beaten 35 individual Group I winners in her 24 starts.
And, as Moody said this week, under the conditions of the race, “there is no horse on the planet that can beat her”.
Now for some racing.
Black Caviar, the horse that can't be beaten, puts it on the line for the 25th time at Randwick tomorrow and is a $1.10 favourite to keep her peerless record intact.
The champion sprinter of the world is also attempting to win her 15th Group I race in the TJ Smith Stakes, a feat that would be an Australian record in itself.
And barring a catastrophe, and it would be one, she will win.
While some are suggesting the Melbourne mare will be given the treatment by her Sydney opposition, no-one is tipping against a Black Caviar victory.
Trainers in Sydney this week have raised their eyebrows and put on knowing looks when questioned about the tactics likely to be employed against Black Caviar.
John O'Shea, who will run Sea Siren, said her inside barrier draw could be a disaster and fellow trainer Joe Pride, has questioned the quality of those who have opposed her in her past few wins.
It is a popular knock on the mare that she hasn't faced large or good fields in many of her 24 victories.
That observation can be met with another that says it has always been so with the greatest horses.
Phar Lap, for instance, met fewer horses in most of his Australian starts than Black Caviar has.
In 31 of his 36 Australian wins, Phar Lap faced six or fewer opponents.
In 15 of those wins only three or fewer lined up against him and in five of those he met only two challengers.
Yet, when he was called on to perform he did.
After three months without a race and after three weeks in a horse box on the open deck of a steamship crossing the Pacific, Phar Lap, in his first run on dirt, started favourite and won the richest race on earth in track record time.
At Randwick, Black Caviar confronts 10 other horses ranging from Bel Sprinter at $11 to Onthelookout, whose trainer admits he's only there to earn bragging rights, at $301.
Already O'Shea has declared the classy Sea Siren is short of her peak, the outstanding sprinter Hay List is under a cloud and stewards have been informed he won't engage in any speed battle, and Bel Sprinter's trainer Jason Warren says he will drop straight to the rear.
Corey Brown on the likely leader Rain Affair has declared he will serve it up the mare and Pride says she will be made to earn her cheque.
It's all been said before.
She beat Hay List when he was younger and fitter and gave him a six-length start.
She's beaten 35 individual Group I winners in her 24 starts.
And, as Moody said this week, under the conditions of the race, “there is no horse on the planet that can beat her”.
Nuggets win 14th straight, 101-100 over 76ers
The Denver Nuggets' streak lives on thanks to some luck and pluck.
Corey Brewer sank three free throws with 2.1 seconds left and the Denver Nuggets stretched their franchise-best winning streak to 14 games with a 101-100 thriller over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night.
Anthony Randolph blocked Damien Wilkins' desperation jumper at the buzzer to secure Denver's 16th straight win at the Pepsi Center - and its most unlikely.
The Nuggets, overlooked in the great surge by the Miami Heat, trailed by five as the clock ticked below 10 seconds.
Brewer sank a 3-pointer with 9.2 seconds left that made it 100-98. He fouled Evan Turner with 7.1 seconds left and Turner, a 75 percent free-throw shooter, missed both of his foul shots, the first one bouncing out and the second one slowly rimming out.
''It's crazy. To be honest, I didn't think we had any chance of winning,'' Brewer said. ''Then he missed those free throws and I was like, 'OK, we've got a little chance.' He gave us life.''
After a timeout, Anthony Miller inbounded to Danilo Gallinari, who handed it off to Brewer, who quickly fired up a 3-pointer as Wilkins slapped him on his left arm, drawing the whistle with 2.1 seconds left.
''I saw him coming and I just tried to get it off quick. He hit my arm, luckily, so I'll take the foul,'' said Brewer, who finished with 29 points.
Brewer took a deep breath and sank the first shot.
''I was just trying to be calm. I knew I needed to make two out of three and once I made the first one, a little pressure's off,'' Brewer said.
He hit his second, then took a step back while JaVale McGee returned to the game. Once McGee was in place for a possible rebound, Brewer swished his third free throw.
After a timeout, Randolph blocked Wilkins, who finished with 24 points, and win No. 14 was theirs.
''There's no one to point the finger at,'' Turner said. ''We played hard the whole game, whatever could go wrong did go wrong.''
The Nuggets haven't lost at home since Jan. 14 against Washington and they're in the midst of their longest winning streak since joining the NBA in 1976, a streak that survived despite an uncharacteristic 20 turnovers.
Even though Miller scored a season-high 21 points, the Nuggets sorely missed Ty Lawson (right heel) and Wilson Chandler (left shoulder), both of whom were hurt in Denver's signature win at Oklahoma City Tuesday night.
They nearly lost to the NBA's lowest scoring team, one that owns just six road wins, tied for the fewest in the league this season.
Gallinari's turnover led to Wilkins' jumper that made it 98-90 with two minutes remaining, and the crowd was standing in disbelief.
Randolph's slam dunk with made it 98-95, but Jrue Holiday, who had 15 assists to go with his 18 points, sank two free throws with 14 seconds remaining to give Philadelphia a seemingly safe five-point cushion.
Before the game, it was noted that George Karl's team has been flying under the radar because of the Heat's 24-game winning streak that included a comeback Wednesday night from a 27-point deficit in Cleveland.
''That's fine,'' Karl said. ''That's fine with me. I just don't want to get down 27 tonight. I don't think we can shoot the 3 as well as Miami does and make the comeback.''
Turns out the Nuggets needed a big comeback of their own.
''Yeah, you need one of these,'' Brewer said. ''You see the Heat win. They were down 27 last night and they win a crazy game. So, it's fitting for us to win a game like this.''
It might have been the most satisfying of their 14 straight wins, too.
''It was a crazy win,'' Gallinari said. ''We didn't play our best basketball. We know it. Everybody knows it. And to win in this way, even when you don't play your best basketball is a very good sign.''
The Sixers wanted to hold their heads high - but they couldn't quit shaking them in disbelief.
''Effort was there, energy was there, it was closing out the game,'' Turner said. ''That's not what lost the game. Situations occurred. That's some crazy stuff that just happened. The season's been rough. That's one you just shake your head. It seems like a fluke to me.''
Philadelphia coach Doug Collins was agitated at his team's failure to close out a winnable game.
''We had a seven-point lead and the ball,'' Collins lamented. ''I can sit here and do my best TNT (sugar-coating) and the end result is we didn't get it done.''
NOTES: Chandler said his shoulder felt better Thursday but added that he plans to sit out Denver's next two games and hopes to return March 27 against San Antonio. ... Lawson leads the Nuggets with a 16.9-point scoring average. Chandler is averaging 11.8 points and five rebounds.
Corey Brewer sank three free throws with 2.1 seconds left and the Denver Nuggets stretched their franchise-best winning streak to 14 games with a 101-100 thriller over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night.
Anthony Randolph blocked Damien Wilkins' desperation jumper at the buzzer to secure Denver's 16th straight win at the Pepsi Center - and its most unlikely.
The Nuggets, overlooked in the great surge by the Miami Heat, trailed by five as the clock ticked below 10 seconds.
Brewer sank a 3-pointer with 9.2 seconds left that made it 100-98. He fouled Evan Turner with 7.1 seconds left and Turner, a 75 percent free-throw shooter, missed both of his foul shots, the first one bouncing out and the second one slowly rimming out.
''It's crazy. To be honest, I didn't think we had any chance of winning,'' Brewer said. ''Then he missed those free throws and I was like, 'OK, we've got a little chance.' He gave us life.''
After a timeout, Anthony Miller inbounded to Danilo Gallinari, who handed it off to Brewer, who quickly fired up a 3-pointer as Wilkins slapped him on his left arm, drawing the whistle with 2.1 seconds left.
''I saw him coming and I just tried to get it off quick. He hit my arm, luckily, so I'll take the foul,'' said Brewer, who finished with 29 points.
Brewer took a deep breath and sank the first shot.
''I was just trying to be calm. I knew I needed to make two out of three and once I made the first one, a little pressure's off,'' Brewer said.
He hit his second, then took a step back while JaVale McGee returned to the game. Once McGee was in place for a possible rebound, Brewer swished his third free throw.
After a timeout, Randolph blocked Wilkins, who finished with 24 points, and win No. 14 was theirs.
''There's no one to point the finger at,'' Turner said. ''We played hard the whole game, whatever could go wrong did go wrong.''
The Nuggets haven't lost at home since Jan. 14 against Washington and they're in the midst of their longest winning streak since joining the NBA in 1976, a streak that survived despite an uncharacteristic 20 turnovers.
Even though Miller scored a season-high 21 points, the Nuggets sorely missed Ty Lawson (right heel) and Wilson Chandler (left shoulder), both of whom were hurt in Denver's signature win at Oklahoma City Tuesday night.
They nearly lost to the NBA's lowest scoring team, one that owns just six road wins, tied for the fewest in the league this season.
Gallinari's turnover led to Wilkins' jumper that made it 98-90 with two minutes remaining, and the crowd was standing in disbelief.
Randolph's slam dunk with made it 98-95, but Jrue Holiday, who had 15 assists to go with his 18 points, sank two free throws with 14 seconds remaining to give Philadelphia a seemingly safe five-point cushion.
Before the game, it was noted that George Karl's team has been flying under the radar because of the Heat's 24-game winning streak that included a comeback Wednesday night from a 27-point deficit in Cleveland.
''That's fine,'' Karl said. ''That's fine with me. I just don't want to get down 27 tonight. I don't think we can shoot the 3 as well as Miami does and make the comeback.''
Turns out the Nuggets needed a big comeback of their own.
''Yeah, you need one of these,'' Brewer said. ''You see the Heat win. They were down 27 last night and they win a crazy game. So, it's fitting for us to win a game like this.''
It might have been the most satisfying of their 14 straight wins, too.
''It was a crazy win,'' Gallinari said. ''We didn't play our best basketball. We know it. Everybody knows it. And to win in this way, even when you don't play your best basketball is a very good sign.''
The Sixers wanted to hold their heads high - but they couldn't quit shaking them in disbelief.
''Effort was there, energy was there, it was closing out the game,'' Turner said. ''That's not what lost the game. Situations occurred. That's some crazy stuff that just happened. The season's been rough. That's one you just shake your head. It seems like a fluke to me.''
Philadelphia coach Doug Collins was agitated at his team's failure to close out a winnable game.
''We had a seven-point lead and the ball,'' Collins lamented. ''I can sit here and do my best TNT (sugar-coating) and the end result is we didn't get it done.''
NOTES: Chandler said his shoulder felt better Thursday but added that he plans to sit out Denver's next two games and hopes to return March 27 against San Antonio. ... Lawson leads the Nuggets with a 16.9-point scoring average. Chandler is averaging 11.8 points and five rebounds.
Review slams Australian swimming's 'toxic' culture
AN independent review commissioned by Swimming Australia in the wake of the disappointing 2012 London Games is damning in its findings of the sport.
The report highlighted a failure of culture and leadership and the creation of “toxic” environment in which winning wasn't everything - it was the only thing.
The review by Melbourne consultant Dr Pippa Grange and commissioned by Swimming Australia claimed “the most significant issue in swimming was the quietly growing lack of focus on people across the board”.
As a result of a failure of leadership and of team culture, swimmers felt they were less members of an Australian Olympic team and more individuals pursuing their own goals and objectives, often feeling neglected or shut out.
“Swimmers described these Games as the lonely Olympics and the individual Olympics,” the report said.
The review cited incidents of “getting drunk, misuse of prescription drugs, breaching curfews, deceit, bullying”.
“Situations were left to bleed with not enough follow through for fear of disrupting preparation for competition,” the report said.
“Although few situations relating to London reported through this review were truly grave in nature, they compounded in significance as no one reigned in control.”
The report noted that swimmers were praised for a win and Australia only won a solitary gold medal in the pool in the women's 4x100m freestyle relay or their performances were met with silence.
“People felt the failure very keenly while they were still in the midst of performance. It was a contagious feeling that had a high impact on the mood,” the report said.
“Some athletes let their emotion play out as bravado, withdrawal, disinterest and sulking. This tension was not nipped in the bud ... indeed it was heightened with scuttlebutt and assumptions and diagnoses of doom from the media and the pool deck; things aren't going well.”
The report found the “glorification of a few was seen somewhere between embarrassing and irritating to other team members”.
“One person said he felt that it was not really about whether you swam your heart out, it was about whether you could sell your heart out,” it said.
The report said some older athletes saw the storm brewing and attempted to intervene, but their attempts were seen as being negative and criticising.
“Some individual incidents of unkindness, peer intimidation, hazing and just bad form as a team member that were escalated to personal coaches were not addressed and had no further consequence.”
Head coach Leigh Nugent and some support staff didn't hear about most of the incidents until they returned to Australia.
“Athletes felt disconnected from the head coach, and their sense of duty was localised,” it said.
“Things were managed quietly rather than brought to a head and several examples of coaches passing over the responsibility for hard conversations were given.”
Australian swimmers won just one gold, six silver and three bronze medals at the London Olympics, the lowest return at the pool since the 1992 Barcelona Games.
The swim team entered London amid claims of schoolboy pranks at a lead-in camp, with allegations that senior members of the men's 4x100m freestyle relay team devised an initiation ritual involving taking the prescription sleeping pill Stillnox on a bonding night.
The review recommended creating an ethical framework for Australian swimming - a position of what the sport, governing body and athletes won't stand for, and also stated goals and values.
The review also said internal codes of conduct for swimmers, coaches and staff be updated with reference to team rules at camps and events.
There also should be clear processes designed for managing issues around standards and expectations.
“There is a dire need to develop and enable leadership throughout swimming,” said the report, recommending multi-faceted leadership development programs for athletes.
And the head coach should also undergo an intensive “coach-the-coach” leadership program lasting at least three months.
The report highlighted a failure of culture and leadership and the creation of “toxic” environment in which winning wasn't everything - it was the only thing.
The review by Melbourne consultant Dr Pippa Grange and commissioned by Swimming Australia claimed “the most significant issue in swimming was the quietly growing lack of focus on people across the board”.
As a result of a failure of leadership and of team culture, swimmers felt they were less members of an Australian Olympic team and more individuals pursuing their own goals and objectives, often feeling neglected or shut out.
“Swimmers described these Games as the lonely Olympics and the individual Olympics,” the report said.
The review cited incidents of “getting drunk, misuse of prescription drugs, breaching curfews, deceit, bullying”.
“Situations were left to bleed with not enough follow through for fear of disrupting preparation for competition,” the report said.
“Although few situations relating to London reported through this review were truly grave in nature, they compounded in significance as no one reigned in control.”
The report noted that swimmers were praised for a win and Australia only won a solitary gold medal in the pool in the women's 4x100m freestyle relay or their performances were met with silence.
“People felt the failure very keenly while they were still in the midst of performance. It was a contagious feeling that had a high impact on the mood,” the report said.
“Some athletes let their emotion play out as bravado, withdrawal, disinterest and sulking. This tension was not nipped in the bud ... indeed it was heightened with scuttlebutt and assumptions and diagnoses of doom from the media and the pool deck; things aren't going well.”
The report found the “glorification of a few was seen somewhere between embarrassing and irritating to other team members”.
“One person said he felt that it was not really about whether you swam your heart out, it was about whether you could sell your heart out,” it said.
The report said some older athletes saw the storm brewing and attempted to intervene, but their attempts were seen as being negative and criticising.
“Some individual incidents of unkindness, peer intimidation, hazing and just bad form as a team member that were escalated to personal coaches were not addressed and had no further consequence.”
Head coach Leigh Nugent and some support staff didn't hear about most of the incidents until they returned to Australia.
“Athletes felt disconnected from the head coach, and their sense of duty was localised,” it said.
“Things were managed quietly rather than brought to a head and several examples of coaches passing over the responsibility for hard conversations were given.”
Australian swimmers won just one gold, six silver and three bronze medals at the London Olympics, the lowest return at the pool since the 1992 Barcelona Games.
The swim team entered London amid claims of schoolboy pranks at a lead-in camp, with allegations that senior members of the men's 4x100m freestyle relay team devised an initiation ritual involving taking the prescription sleeping pill Stillnox on a bonding night.
The review recommended creating an ethical framework for Australian swimming - a position of what the sport, governing body and athletes won't stand for, and also stated goals and values.
The review also said internal codes of conduct for swimmers, coaches and staff be updated with reference to team rules at camps and events.
There also should be clear processes designed for managing issues around standards and expectations.
“There is a dire need to develop and enable leadership throughout swimming,” said the report, recommending multi-faceted leadership development programs for athletes.
And the head coach should also undergo an intensive “coach-the-coach” leadership program lasting at least three months.
Subban signs 2-year contract with Canadiens
Defenseman P.K. Subban signed a two-year, $5.75 million contract with the Montreal Canadiens on Monday.
''I'm happy to be at this point and I'm looking forward to reintegrating with the team and helping them win,'' Subban said on a conference call. ''It was about getting a deal done that was fair to both sides.''
Subban, who was a restricted free agent, will be paid a prorated $2 million this season and $3.75 million in 2013-14 for an annual salary cap hit of $2.875 million.
The 23-year-old will join the team on Wednesday in Ottawa, but it was unclear if he would play that night against the Senators. If not, he will likely begin his season Saturday afternoon at home against Buffalo.
Subban led the Canadiens in average ice time per game at 24:18 last season. He had seven goals and 29 assists in 81 games and was seventh among NHL defensemen with 205 shots on goal.
In his NHL career, he has 21 goals and 55 assists in 160 games.
Note: The signing came on the same day the Canadiens confirmed that rookies Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher will stay with the NHL club. The 18-year-old Galchenyuk was drafted third overall in June and has a goal and two assists in four games, while the 20-year-old Gallagher has two points.
''I'm happy to be at this point and I'm looking forward to reintegrating with the team and helping them win,'' Subban said on a conference call. ''It was about getting a deal done that was fair to both sides.''
Subban, who was a restricted free agent, will be paid a prorated $2 million this season and $3.75 million in 2013-14 for an annual salary cap hit of $2.875 million.
The 23-year-old will join the team on Wednesday in Ottawa, but it was unclear if he would play that night against the Senators. If not, he will likely begin his season Saturday afternoon at home against Buffalo.
Subban led the Canadiens in average ice time per game at 24:18 last season. He had seven goals and 29 assists in 81 games and was seventh among NHL defensemen with 205 shots on goal.
In his NHL career, he has 21 goals and 55 assists in 160 games.
Note: The signing came on the same day the Canadiens confirmed that rookies Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher will stay with the NHL club. The 18-year-old Galchenyuk was drafted third overall in June and has a goal and two assists in four games, while the 20-year-old Gallagher has two points.
Cooper blooper doesn't scare Reds coach
Even Quade Cooper's clumsy ways could not convince Queensland
Reds coach Ewen McKenzie that boxing was a bad idea for his prized
playmaker.
McKenzie could not guarantee Cooper would play their
opening trial against the Blues in Toowoomba on February 2 - six days
before the five-eighth's professional boxing debut in Brisbane.
However,
the coach did not seem concerned by Cooper juggling boxing with rugby
like his good mate Sonny Bill Williams despite the increased injury
risk.
Not even after Cooper almost took out Queensland teammate Ben Lucas at training on Friday.
'He tripped Benny over and winded him,' McKenzie said.
'But things happen.
'I could fall over walking out the back door.
'I am sure Quade is not going to get involved in boxing if he didn't think he had some capacity.
'And my mail is he has more ability than a lot of you probably think.'
Budding
cruiserweight Cooper announced his boxing debut during a 'total
communication breakdown' with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU).
They resolved their differences and Cooper announced a two-year ARU deal on Friday, reportedly for $800,000 a season.
Cooper
told a Brisbane news conference that he hoped to still contest the
Reds' opening trial despite the looming bout before McKenzie
interjected: 'Hold on, it's not up to him.
'The boxing was something done in the absence of a contract.
'In terms of another vocation, each to his own but we will worry about that (boxing) when we get closer to it.
'From my perspective, Quade is available for all the matches that matter.'
Asked if he would sit ringside at Cooper's first fight, McKenzie smiled: 'I don't know if I could afford the tickets'.
Bellamy blows his top over NRL draw
Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy is threatening to withdraw
some of his players from their 2013 round-two clash with North
Queensland, saying the NRL draw threatens their health.
He also sees the draw as unfair with his team receiving five five-day breaks, more than any other side.
The
defending premiers play the Cowboys in the heat of North Queensland on
Saturday March 16, with the game kicking off at 6.30pm local time.
They
are then required to return to Melbourne for a grand final rematch
against the Bulldogs on the Thursday night, a five-day turn-around.
With
the bulk of the team returning for pre-season training in Melbourne on
Monday a furious Bellamy said the draw showed a lack of 'common
sense'.
'The NRL and the Players' Association talked to doctors
about the shoulder charge but is anyone talking to them about
dehydration?
'It takes us a full day to get to the Cowboys and it's basically still summer time.
'It's really hot and humid and then it's a full day's travel back and then they expect us to play four days later.
'We're
really worried about the welfare of our players, so we're told, but
are any doctors being asked about their opinions on what this does to
players.
'We feel we've been shafted with that turnaround between the Cowboys and Bulldogs.'
He said he would consider resting players from the North Queensland game.
'I'm
really concerned about our players and if I think it's dangerous for
some of our players then they won't be playing up there.'
The
coach said he was made aware of the draw while enjoying a holiday break
on a Queensland beach, late the afternoon before it was made public.
He said the NRL should follow the AFL's lead and give clubs at least a few days to voice their concerns about the draw.
'Then there's still time to perhaps change it.
'And
going back to the AFL, none of their teams have five-day turnarounds
and with all due respect I think our game's a bit more physical in
contact than their game.'
Bellamy said it was time for the Players' Association to stand up for the players.
While
most of the Storm players got their pre-season underway, superstars
Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk won't be seen until after
Christmas.
Veteran half Brett Finch, who is returning for a second stint, will be on deck in early December.
Manning avoids injury, stays in MVP hunt
The defense did all of the celebrating. The special teams did most of
the scoring. But it was Peyton Manning who quietly and matter-of-factly
led the Denver Broncos to a fourth consecutive victory at the Carolina
Panthers.
Manning’s play in a 36-14 victory vs. the Panthers (2-7) strengthened
the case for him to be the first MVP and comeback player of the year
winner in the same season since the latter award was introduced in 1998.
He passed for 301 yards with a touchdown, completing 71% of his
passes, as the Broncos moved to 6-3 and extended their AFC West lead to
two games.
The only thing Manning didn’t do well Sunday was scramble. He escaped
the pocket for 6 yards in the second quarter, sliding and jamming his
knee into the ground when the knee brace he was wearing dug into the
turf.
Manning sat and grimaced, stood and adjusted the brace and then
completed his next three passes amid Denver’s run of 29 unanswered
points. Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme, who made the hop from the
Indianapolis Colts to Denver with Manning, saw the tail end of the play.
“I guess his brace buckled up or something, because when I saw it, I
was like, ‘Ooh!’ You know? I asked him if he was all right, and he just
kind of hopped up,” Tamme said. “Obviously it’s a priority for us to
keep hits off of him, and everybody takes a lot of pride in that.”
Tamme said he had never played with someone as important to a team as
Manning. “He’s a different type of player,” Tamme said. “Not only can
you not replace what he does, you can’t really get an understanding for
it unless you’re with him every week, preparing.”
The Broncos have shifted into a higher gear over the last month. The
defense has posted 12 sacks over the last two weeks, with seven Sunday
plus a few Superman celebrations mocking opposing quarterback Cam
Newton’s signature move.
Special-teams newcomer Trindon Holliday has returned kicks for touchdowns in consecutive games.
And Manning has vaulted himself into the MVP conversation after a 2-3 start to the season.
With his first-quarter touchdown pass to wide-open Brandon Stokley,
Manning tied retired Dan Marino for second all time on the NFL’s passing
touchdown leaderboard with 420. Retired Brett Favre owns the record
with 508.
Yet Manning says he’s not 100% after having offseason neck surgery.
Furthermore, the Broncos aren’t clicking as well as he would like.
“I didn’t know what kind of progress I would make physically,” he
says. “I’ve made some, and I continue to have some that I still need to
make. I continue to do my rehab. And the team, I think we have improved
on certain things and are developing some type of chemistry.
“This is not a team that has been together four or five years, so we still have some things we can do better.”
That’s evident to one man who’s close to Manning: former Colts
general manager Bill Polian, who attended Sunday’s game along with Colts
offensive coordinator Tom Moore to watch the Broncos quarterback.
“Obviously they need to do a better job protecting him,” Polian said
of Manning. “He got knocked down a little bit more than I’m used to
seeing.”
Polian lives in the area, having once served as general manager for
the Panthers. He didn’t like seeing the Broncos’ protection break down
early on a few occasions, leading to one sack.
Polian was one of two prominent former employees of Panthers owner
Jerry Richardson on hand. Broncos coach John Fox was not retained when
his contract expired after the 2010 season after nine years as
Carolina’s coach. He didn’t express a desire to stick it to his former
team, though his players recognized the significance and gave him the
game ball. He wanted to avoid any emotional encounters before the game
but got a hug from Carolina wide receiver Steve Smith as soon as he
walked out of the tunnel leading to the field for pregame warm-ups.
“There’s a lot of people here that I have fond feelings about and
players on the other side, so you try not to see them too much before
the game,” Fox said. “But after the game, it was nice to see a lot of
those faces.”
Australian Olympic rower Josh Booth likely to be sent home after for vandalising shops following his final rowing event
DISGRACED rower Josh Booth is likely
to be sent home early, ordered to pay $2200 (1400 pounds) in damages
and make personal apologies to shop owners after smashing windows in
Egham.
A decision on Booth's immediate future is expected within hours as
the Australian Olympic committee, police and local business owners try
to resolve the matter.
Booth allegedly smashed windows at two
businesses in the English village of Egham, apparently thinking he was
breaking into his own home.
The damage occurred after Booth and
his men's rowing eight teammates spent a day at the pub after finishing
last in their final at Eton Dorney.
The businesses included
engineering firm B.W. Dartnell and Associates, where Booth allegedly
used a large planter box to break a patterned glass window.
Two doors down, a window at Hugo's Restaurant was also smashed.
AOC deputy Chef de Mission Chris Fydler refused to say if Booth would be ordered home by team boss Nick Green.
"That's something Nick will talk about at 5 o'clock today, the
actual discipline that will be applied to Josh. I don't want to pre-empt
that," Fydler said.
"We've been working with the local police in that area as well as the shop owners where the damage was done.
"We are working through a process at the moment of Josh formally apologising to the shop owners for the damage he caused.
"We've had assessment of that damage and Josh will be paying those shop owners to repair that damage.
"The amount is approximately 1400 pounds in total to repair that damage.
"Later
today - we expect it will be probably 5pm - Nick Green, down at Eton,
will be making a press statement hopefully to resolve this matter
completely for us.
"It's a process we're working through with police at the moment.
"We're
looking for an effective resolution between ourselves, the police and
the shop owners and we feel confident that we will have that resolution
by this afternoon."
Fydler said other sport section managers have been put on notice to remind athletes such behaviour will not be tolerated.
"This has been an embarrassing situation, not just for rowing, but for us as well," he said.
"We
expect a much higher standard of behaviour from all of our athletes and
we'll certainly be reminding the section managers, as various sports
start to complete that a level of behaviour is expected of their
athletes."
Fydler said Booth was inconsolable.
"Nick has spent some time with Josh when he was down at Eton yesterday," Fydler said
"Josh is very apologetic and embarrassed about what's happened and certainly wants to make good for any damage that he caused.
"It's
quite out of character for Josh and he really can't explain why he
actually conducted himself in that particular way but accepts that is
what happened and is prepared for any of the repercussions that result."
A
spokeswoman for the Egham engineering firm said Australian Olympic Chef
de Mission Nick Green apologised to her over the phone for their
smashed door window.
"He said he was sorry and Josh was very sorry for the damage he caused," the staff member said.
She said she accepted the apology and pitied the young athlete.
"Probably sober he would never dream of doing what he did but it's a shame as that is what he will be remembered for."
The
men's eight crew member will also have to face the Australian Olympic
Committee, whose officials had warned them to "behave appropriately".
Dressed
in his gold Australian tracksuit, Booth had been out drinking with
fellow rowers on Wednesday after his crew finished last in their final
at nearby Eton Dorney.
Fox Sports appoints Frykberg
FOX Sports has appointed a new
Director of Acquisitions, Jarrod Frykberg, formerly General Manager
Australasia for global sports rights agency, Pitch International.
Frykberg replaces Tony Sinclair who will take time off following
the London Olympic Games where he is consulting to the broadcaster.
Patrick Delaney, chief executive officer for Fox Sports, said Frykberg is joining the broadcaster “with a strong reputation in sports rights and sales and is well placed to continue our acquisition plans in line with strategies set for the future.
"We also wish Tony Sinclair well in his future endeavours after deciding to take a well-earned break after eight years at Fox Sports. Tony is a very highly regarded and respected television executive and we thank him for his contribution as Director of Content Acquisitions over the past four years and prior to that as head of Fox Sports channels."
Patrick Delaney, chief executive officer for Fox Sports, said Frykberg is joining the broadcaster “with a strong reputation in sports rights and sales and is well placed to continue our acquisition plans in line with strategies set for the future.
"We also wish Tony Sinclair well in his future endeavours after deciding to take a well-earned break after eight years at Fox Sports. Tony is a very highly regarded and respected television executive and we thank him for his contribution as Director of Content Acquisitions over the past four years and prior to that as head of Fox Sports channels."
Lance Armstrong faces new doping charges
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency brought formal doping charges against former cyclist Lance Armstrong in an action that could cost him his seven Tour de France titles, according to a letter sent to Armstrong and several others.
As a result of the charges, Armstrong
has been banned from competing in triathlons, a sport he took up after
retiring from cycling in 2011.
In a 15-page letter obtained by The
Post, USADA made previously unpublicized accusations against Armstrong,
alleging it collected blood samples from him in 2009 and 2010 that were
"fully consistent with blood manipulation including EPO use and/or blood
transfusions."
Armstrong has never tested positive.
In February, the U.S. Attorney's
Office in Los Angeles ended a nearly two-year probe into doping
allegations involving Armstrong without bringing criminal charges.
Armstrong's former teammates Floyd Landis and Tyler Hamilton cooperated with federal investigators and publicly accused him of doping.
USADA is the quasi-government
agency that oversees anti-doping in Olympic sports in the United
States. It is empowered to bring charges that could lead to suspension
from competition and rescindment of awards. It does not have authority
to bring criminal charges.
"I have never doped, and, unlike many
of my accusers, I have competed as an endurance athlete for 25 years
with no spike in performance, passed more than 500 drug tests and never
failed one," Armstrong said in a statement.
USADA's letter, dated Tuesday, alleges that Armstrong and five former cycling team associates -- Drs. Michele Ferrari of Italy, Pedro Celaya of Luxembourg and Luis Garcia del Moral of Spain, trainer Jose Pepi Marti and team manager Johan Bruyneel
-- engaged in a massive doping conspiracy from 1998 to 2011 and that
"the witnesses to the conduct described in this letter include more than
ten (10) cyclists."
The letter specifically alleges that
"multiple riders with firsthand knowledge" will testify that Armstrong
used the blood booster erythropoietin, or EPO, blood transfusions,
testosterone and masking agents, and that he distributed and
administered drugs to other cyclists from 1998 to 2005. The letter
alleges that numerous witnesses will testify that Armstrong also used
human growth hormone before 1996.
"These charges are a product of malice
and spite and not evidence," Robert D. Luskin, Armstrong's
Washington-based attorney, said yesterday.
Armstrong competed for the U.S. Postal Service team and later the Discovery Channel team from 1998 to 2005. In 2009, he rode for Astana Cycling and RadioShack's team in 2010-11.
Luskin said USADA sent Armstrong a
letter last week asking him to meet with anti-doping officials.
Armstrong declined, believing USADA was interested in only a confession,
Luskin said.
Should Kyle be sacked? Austereo canvas listeners
Southern Cross Austereo is reportedly surveying its listeners to ask them whether Kyle Sandilands should be sacked, after his recent on-air spray about a journalist sparked an exodus of advertisers and an online furore.
Listeners have been asked if the radio host should be fired and whether they had stopped tuning in to 2DayFM or had boycotted advertisers after Sandilands verbally attacked a News Ltd journalist, The Australian's website reported.
A spokeswoman for Austereo, which owns 2DayFM, confirmed the company had been conducting a survey.
"We're doing a lot to gauge the reaction of our clients and listeners," she said.
"We're doing it as due diligence for our stakeholders."
The spokeswoman did not return a call by smh.com.au about the reported survey.
The news comes a day after major Australian companies, including Coles, Bunnings, Vodafone, McDonald's, Ford and Blackmores, said their boycott of Sandilands' show would continue into 2012.
A raft of companies pulled their advertising support from the Kyle and Jackie O Show in the days after Sandilands called entertainment journalist Alison Stephenson a "piece of shit" and threatened to "hunt her down" when she wrote a critical article about his Channel Seven television special late last month.
But the show went on, with Sandilands defending his comments as "freedom of speech".
A campaign to get him off the airwaves swept Twitter, with the hashtag #vilekyle, along with a petition at Change.org.
Source http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/should-kyle-be-sacked-austereo-canvas-listeners-20111207-1oik6.html
Listeners have been asked if the radio host should be fired and whether they had stopped tuning in to 2DayFM or had boycotted advertisers after Sandilands verbally attacked a News Ltd journalist, The Australian's website reported.
A spokeswoman for Austereo, which owns 2DayFM, confirmed the company had been conducting a survey.
"We're doing a lot to gauge the reaction of our clients and listeners," she said.
"We're doing it as due diligence for our stakeholders."
The spokeswoman did not return a call by smh.com.au about the reported survey.
The news comes a day after major Australian companies, including Coles, Bunnings, Vodafone, McDonald's, Ford and Blackmores, said their boycott of Sandilands' show would continue into 2012.
A raft of companies pulled their advertising support from the Kyle and Jackie O Show in the days after Sandilands called entertainment journalist Alison Stephenson a "piece of shit" and threatened to "hunt her down" when she wrote a critical article about his Channel Seven television special late last month.
But the show went on, with Sandilands defending his comments as "freedom of speech".
A campaign to get him off the airwaves swept Twitter, with the hashtag #vilekyle, along with a petition at Change.org.
Source http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/should-kyle-be-sacked-austereo-canvas-listeners-20111207-1oik6.html
Ling hangs up the boots
Geelong's premiership captain Cameron Ling has announced his retirement from the AFL, just days after leading the Cats to a third flag in five years.
The 30-year-old Ling kicked the final goal of Geelong's 38-point win over Collingwood in the AFL grand final on Saturday, seen as the perfect finish to his 246-game career.
Joel Selwood is the favourite to take over the Geelong captaincy and lead the next generation of Cats under premiership coach Chris Scott.
Ling, a Geelong native, was drafted by the Cats in 1999 and went on to become one of the competition's best taggers, renown for his tireless workrate and physicality in shutting down the AFL's best midfielders.
Fellow veterans Cam Mooney and Darren Milburn, who both missed selection for the grand final, are also expected to confirm their departures from the club.
Source http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-05/ling-hangs-up-the-boots/3299960
The 30-year-old Ling kicked the final goal of Geelong's 38-point win over Collingwood in the AFL grand final on Saturday, seen as the perfect finish to his 246-game career.
Joel Selwood is the favourite to take over the Geelong captaincy and lead the next generation of Cats under premiership coach Chris Scott.
Ling, a Geelong native, was drafted by the Cats in 1999 and went on to become one of the competition's best taggers, renown for his tireless workrate and physicality in shutting down the AFL's best midfielders.
Fellow veterans Cam Mooney and Darren Milburn, who both missed selection for the grand final, are also expected to confirm their departures from the club.
Source http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-05/ling-hangs-up-the-boots/3299960
Aussie Ricciardo prepares for Nurburgring
Daniel Ricciardo is out to tick the second box in his fledgling Formula One career in Germany this weekend.
The young West Australian successfully negotiated his maiden grand prix for Hispania Racing in England earlier this month and is now moving on to the second goal.
For the 22-year-old, on loan to Hispania from Red Bull, that means closing the gap on the field.
Ricciardo drove cautiously and kept out of trouble as he trundled home last at Silverstone and now aims higher.
He has to try to get a better handle on the tricky Pirelli tyres, which stablemate Mark Webber has also struggled with this year.
"I have learnt that there is a lot more to the tyres and managing them than I thought. For now this is one of the main things I need to learn quickly about," said Ricciardo, confident he will feel comfortable at the historic Nurburgring layout, where he has competed in lesser categories.
"I know the track reasonably well even if my worst souvenir was in 2008 when I raced in F3 Euro Series and I stalled on the start of the second race (of the weekend)," he said.
"But in the first race I finished sixth in the points.
"Recently, I drove there last month in the World Series by Renault. I had a great race there with Robert Wickens in dramatically changing weather conditions.
"I didn't win the battle, but it was still a great race because I enjoy the track so much."
The conditions might be a help for Ricciardo, with bad weather forecast for Sunday's German GP.
Source http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/aussie-ricciardo-prepares-for-nurburgring-20110722-1hsjo.html
The young West Australian successfully negotiated his maiden grand prix for Hispania Racing in England earlier this month and is now moving on to the second goal.
For the 22-year-old, on loan to Hispania from Red Bull, that means closing the gap on the field.
Ricciardo drove cautiously and kept out of trouble as he trundled home last at Silverstone and now aims higher.
He has to try to get a better handle on the tricky Pirelli tyres, which stablemate Mark Webber has also struggled with this year.
"I have learnt that there is a lot more to the tyres and managing them than I thought. For now this is one of the main things I need to learn quickly about," said Ricciardo, confident he will feel comfortable at the historic Nurburgring layout, where he has competed in lesser categories.
"I know the track reasonably well even if my worst souvenir was in 2008 when I raced in F3 Euro Series and I stalled on the start of the second race (of the weekend)," he said.
"But in the first race I finished sixth in the points.
"Recently, I drove there last month in the World Series by Renault. I had a great race there with Robert Wickens in dramatically changing weather conditions.
"I didn't win the battle, but it was still a great race because I enjoy the track so much."
The conditions might be a help for Ricciardo, with bad weather forecast for Sunday's German GP.
Source http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/aussie-ricciardo-prepares-for-nurburgring-20110722-1hsjo.html
Queensland's Darren Lockyer targets triumphant State of Origin finale
QUEENSLAND great Darren Lockyer will aim to steal a line off 'the King' in his State of Origin farewell tonight.A packed Suncorp Stadium, in Brisbane, is set to send off one of the Maroons' greatest servants, while NSW is out to play party poopers as they seek to capture a first series since 2005.
The home side is heavily favoured to win on its home turf, but Suncorp Stadium hasn't been a happy hunting ground when it comes to Origin deciders.
Queensland haven't won a decider at 'The Cauldron'' since 1991, the game which proved to be Wally Lewis Origin farewell.
Since then there have been three deciders at spiritual home of Queensland rugby league, with NSW winning two of them and the other in 1999 ending in a draw.
Lockyer will be out to ensure a winning send-off in his 36th game.
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NSW coach Ricky Stuart hopes to spoil the party, even if he says Lockyer deserves a triumphant farewell.
"He deserves a big send-off. That's the sort of person you stand and applaud in regards to what he has done for the game,'' Stuart said.
Stuart has done his best throughout the build-up to the pivotal clash to remove the 'Lockyer factor' from his players' thoughts.
This Blues camp has been about his side, with the team locked away from the prying eyes of the media and general public to ensure his players retain their focus.
From naming a 20-man squad to failing to reveal the make-up of his final 17 to a secret training session on match eve, Stuart has gone to great lengths to shield his squad.
And all while attempting to convince them there is no pressure on them heading into tonight's blockbuster.
"We're not expected to win this and there's no pressure on us about winning,'' Stuart said.
"We just need to play a good game of football to try and be in the competition.
"They've got the best players in the world which is why they should win the match.''
Source http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/queenslands-darren-lockyer-targets-triumphant-state-of-origin-finale/story-e6frg7mf-1226089028435
Carissa Moore wins Beachley Classic
Hawaii's Carissa Moore jumped to the top of the world surfing rankings when she scored her second win of the year in the Beachley Classic.
Moore, 18, has made the final of all four events this year, claiming victories on Gold Coast and at Dee Why.
The Hawaiian defeated 2004 world champion Sofia Mulanovich in the final after coming into the tournament ranked No.2 behind Australia's Sally Fitzgibbons.
Fitzgibbons dropped to second on the world ratings after she was beaten in the semi-finals by Mulanovich.
'Thanks to all the girls for surfing so well this week and pushing me so hard,' Moore said.
'This is a great event and thanks to Layne (Beachley) for being such an inspiration and organising such a great event.'
Fitzgibbons had a nerve-wracking wait at the end of her semi with Mulanovich's last wave of 6.53 calculated well after the final hooter to get the Peruvian home to a 14.03 to 13.6 win.
Australia's other main hope Stephanie Gilmore, the reigning world and Beachley champion, jumped one place in the rankings to four after she was a beaten semi-finalist.
Gilmore fell to Moore after opening up her semi with a 9.6 but her next best wave was a 6.4 while Moore had two solid scores of 8.33 and 8.17 to give her a 16.5 to 16 victory in difficult three-foot waves.
The Gold Coast surfer admits she lost concentration after her big early score.
'I felt like I was surfing really good, it just came down to wave selection in that heat,' Gilmore said.
'I think I got a little too relaxed when I got a really high score. I just let my guard down.'
Source http://www.skynews.com.au/sport/article.aspx?id=609538&vId=2382262
Moore, 18, has made the final of all four events this year, claiming victories on Gold Coast and at Dee Why.
The Hawaiian defeated 2004 world champion Sofia Mulanovich in the final after coming into the tournament ranked No.2 behind Australia's Sally Fitzgibbons.
Fitzgibbons dropped to second on the world ratings after she was beaten in the semi-finals by Mulanovich.
'Thanks to all the girls for surfing so well this week and pushing me so hard,' Moore said.
'This is a great event and thanks to Layne (Beachley) for being such an inspiration and organising such a great event.'
Fitzgibbons had a nerve-wracking wait at the end of her semi with Mulanovich's last wave of 6.53 calculated well after the final hooter to get the Peruvian home to a 14.03 to 13.6 win.
Australia's other main hope Stephanie Gilmore, the reigning world and Beachley champion, jumped one place in the rankings to four after she was a beaten semi-finalist.
Gilmore fell to Moore after opening up her semi with a 9.6 but her next best wave was a 6.4 while Moore had two solid scores of 8.33 and 8.17 to give her a 16.5 to 16 victory in difficult three-foot waves.
The Gold Coast surfer admits she lost concentration after her big early score.
'I felt like I was surfing really good, it just came down to wave selection in that heat,' Gilmore said.
'I think I got a little too relaxed when I got a really high score. I just let my guard down.'
Source http://www.skynews.com.au/sport/article.aspx?id=609538&vId=2382262
Jo Edwards win third World Cup title
New Zealand lawn bowler Jo Edwards has landed her third World Cup success after claiming the final of the women's singles at Warilla, New South Wales today.
Edwards, the world No 1 and reigning World Cup champion, downed world No 3 Alison Merrien 9-4 7-7 to avenge a fourth round defeat by the Guernsey bowler.
The triumph gave Edwards, who bowls out of the Burnside club in Christchurch, her third successive World Cup title.
Source http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/4911407/Jo-Edwards-win-third-World-Cup-title
Edwards, the world No 1 and reigning World Cup champion, downed world No 3 Alison Merrien 9-4 7-7 to avenge a fourth round defeat by the Guernsey bowler.
The triumph gave Edwards, who bowls out of the Burnside club in Christchurch, her third successive World Cup title.
Source http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/4911407/Jo-Edwards-win-third-World-Cup-title
Green expects tough fight against Tarver
Danny Green is expecting the toughest fight of his career after announcing he'll defend his IBO cruiserweight world title against American Antonio Tarver.
Green will fight the former multiple light heavyweight world champion at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on July 20.
The West Australian declared he was totally over the appendix problem which required surgery in a Perth hospital back in January.
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"My health is fantastic, I'm feeling in good condition," Green told a media conference on Wednesday.
"I lost 13 kgs. To be honest, when I was lying in hospital, I didn't think that I would be able to fight again, which was obviously fairly scary for me.
"I've recovered well and put most of my weight back on and I'm in the process to go into a training camp in about four or five weeks to get ready for the toughest test of my career.
"Antonio Tarver is a monster of a bloke and his credentials are impeccable."
Tarver, 42, (28-6) is dropping down after one fight in the heavyweight division.
Both Tarver and 38-year-old Green (31-3) have knocked out former multiple-division world title winner Roy Jones jr.
Tarver wasn't worried about Green's impressive knockout record and planned to arrive at least two weeks before the bout to ensure he's fully acclimatised and ready.
"I've faced punches before, they have to land in order to be effective so I'm not worried about that," Tarver said from the United States.
"I know Danny Green is going to bring his attitude, his aggression. He's a proud fighter, so am I. So this fight makes to be a great fight."
Source http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/green-expects-tough-fight-against-tarver-20110406-1d3pj.html
Green will fight the former multiple light heavyweight world champion at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on July 20.
The West Australian declared he was totally over the appendix problem which required surgery in a Perth hospital back in January.
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"My health is fantastic, I'm feeling in good condition," Green told a media conference on Wednesday.
"I lost 13 kgs. To be honest, when I was lying in hospital, I didn't think that I would be able to fight again, which was obviously fairly scary for me.
"I've recovered well and put most of my weight back on and I'm in the process to go into a training camp in about four or five weeks to get ready for the toughest test of my career.
"Antonio Tarver is a monster of a bloke and his credentials are impeccable."
Tarver, 42, (28-6) is dropping down after one fight in the heavyweight division.
Both Tarver and 38-year-old Green (31-3) have knocked out former multiple-division world title winner Roy Jones jr.
Tarver wasn't worried about Green's impressive knockout record and planned to arrive at least two weeks before the bout to ensure he's fully acclimatised and ready.
"I've faced punches before, they have to land in order to be effective so I'm not worried about that," Tarver said from the United States.
"I know Danny Green is going to bring his attitude, his aggression. He's a proud fighter, so am I. So this fight makes to be a great fight."
Sehwag's knee problems keep India on tenterhooks
Opener Virender Sehwag's knee injury will keep India on tenterhooks as the co-hosts aim to end Australia's World Cup domination with a quarter-final victory on Thursday.
Sehwag missed India's last Group B match against West Indies on Sunday following an allergic reaction to an injection on his right knee but more than one billion home fans will want him to show up against Australia as he has the ability to blunt their formidable pace attack.
However, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni could not announce him fit for what is a repeat of the 2003 final.
"On Viru (Sehwag) we are taking a call late in the evening or tomorrow morning before the start of the game," Dhoni told reporters on Wednesday.
Australia's aura of World Cup invincibility was punctured by Pakistan when they beat the four-times champions on Saturday, ending a 34-match unbeaten run.
However, while that defeat did not have much riding on it since it was a round-robin match, a loss on Thursday will mean Australia will not feature in a World Cup final for the first time since 1992.
Determined to avoid suffering that fate, Ricky Ponting will let loose his battery of pacemen, who will literally aim high at the Indian batsmen's body.
In Australia's last match at the same venue, the pacemen -- Brett Lee, Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson -- crushed Zimbabwe by 91 runs with the trio claiming seven of the 10 wickets.
At the same time, Ponting's men can expect the co-hosts to spin a web around their batsmen with a combination of their frontline and part-timer tweakers.
"No doubt we rely on our fast bowlers to take the wickets and India are probably the exact opposite of that," Ponting, seeking a hat-trick of World Cup titles as captain, told reporters.
"We could be facing 30 overs of spin bowling and they will probably... face 30 overs of fast bowling."
Thursday's quarter-final, in all likelihood will be the last World Cup appearance for either Ponting or Sachin Tendulkar -- the two most prolific run-scorers in international cricket.
While the 36-year old Ponting is battling a slump in form, the Indian batting maestro, 37, has been in a rich vein of form with already two centuries in the tournament.
The partisan crowd at the 48,000-strong Sardar Patel Stadium will throng the stands with two wishes -- Tendulkar gets to his 100th ton in international cricket and India set up a semi-final clash with Pakistan in Mohali.
"It is a big advantage. You have 30,000-40,000 people coming on to the ground to cheer for you. If they are cheering for you then it definitely makes a difference," Dhoni said.
Source http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/sports/sehwag%60s-knee-problems-keep-india-tenterhooks_531574.html
Sehwag missed India's last Group B match against West Indies on Sunday following an allergic reaction to an injection on his right knee but more than one billion home fans will want him to show up against Australia as he has the ability to blunt their formidable pace attack.
However, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni could not announce him fit for what is a repeat of the 2003 final.
"On Viru (Sehwag) we are taking a call late in the evening or tomorrow morning before the start of the game," Dhoni told reporters on Wednesday.
Australia's aura of World Cup invincibility was punctured by Pakistan when they beat the four-times champions on Saturday, ending a 34-match unbeaten run.
However, while that defeat did not have much riding on it since it was a round-robin match, a loss on Thursday will mean Australia will not feature in a World Cup final for the first time since 1992.
Determined to avoid suffering that fate, Ricky Ponting will let loose his battery of pacemen, who will literally aim high at the Indian batsmen's body.
In Australia's last match at the same venue, the pacemen -- Brett Lee, Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson -- crushed Zimbabwe by 91 runs with the trio claiming seven of the 10 wickets.
At the same time, Ponting's men can expect the co-hosts to spin a web around their batsmen with a combination of their frontline and part-timer tweakers.
"No doubt we rely on our fast bowlers to take the wickets and India are probably the exact opposite of that," Ponting, seeking a hat-trick of World Cup titles as captain, told reporters.
"We could be facing 30 overs of spin bowling and they will probably... face 30 overs of fast bowling."
Thursday's quarter-final, in all likelihood will be the last World Cup appearance for either Ponting or Sachin Tendulkar -- the two most prolific run-scorers in international cricket.
While the 36-year old Ponting is battling a slump in form, the Indian batting maestro, 37, has been in a rich vein of form with already two centuries in the tournament.
The partisan crowd at the 48,000-strong Sardar Patel Stadium will throng the stands with two wishes -- Tendulkar gets to his 100th ton in international cricket and India set up a semi-final clash with Pakistan in Mohali.
"It is a big advantage. You have 30,000-40,000 people coming on to the ground to cheer for you. If they are cheering for you then it definitely makes a difference," Dhoni said.
Source http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/sports/sehwag%60s-knee-problems-keep-india-tenterhooks_531574.html