Offseason: O-Dawg, Catcher, Shortstop

Orlando Hudson

Geoff Baker mentions in his latest blog post that the Seattle Mariners may “take a look at” free agent 2B Orlando Hudson this offseason. This comes as no surprise considering the team’s reported interest in him last offseason, and that Jose Lopez doesn’t fit well with GM Jack Zduriencik and manager Don Wakamatsu’s plans. Hudson isn’t a star anymore, but he’d provide a small upgrade over Lopez and would allow Seattle to try and improve another position of need with Lopez.

A veteran catcher?

If I’m the Seattle Mariners I’m very comfortable going into 2010 with Adam Moore and Rob Johnson splitting time behind the plate, but it’s hard to know what Zduriencik wants to do. Zduriencik has hinted that he’s concerned with Moore’s inexperience and Johnson’s multiple offseason surgeries, and that a veteran backstop could be joining the team. Does that mean the Mariners are going to go after a free agent like Greg Zaun, or will they search for a Jaime Burke type in case of emergency? My gut points to the latter, but we’ll find out soon enough.

Jack Wilson versus the field

I still think that Jack Wilson is the Mariners shortstop for 2010, despite the idea among some fans that a trade for J.J. Hardy is inevitable and that Josh Wilson is a better option than Jack. I don’t like the idea of trading for Hardy, by the way, unless it’s a true buy low situation, and the reports and rumors hint that the Milwaukee Brewers are not to that point just yet. I don’t see the bat rebounding to his All Star levels, especially after a league change and transition to Safeco Field. I do like Jack though, especially if my (and others’) feeling that he’ll be extended to something like 2 years/$8-10M. But there are several shorstops in free agency that are also known as great glovemen who would cost a fraction of Wilson’s $8.4M 2010 option, and probably less than his discounted extension.

Adam Everett, Omar Vizquel and Alex Gonzalez are among them. All three have their shortcomings, but Everett and Vizquel can be had for less than $2M and Gonzalez wouldn’t cost much more. I’d take jack over any of those guys in a vacuum, but if the money saved can be used to upgrade another spot in the lineup then a slight downgrade could be worthwhile.

One Day International Betting: India v Australia, Round Two.

The first one day international between India and Australia produced a last over thriller and a fine advertisement for the fify over format. Andrew Hughes looks ahead to the second match of the series at Nagpur on Wednesday

Venue and Conditions

The Vidarbha Cricket Stadium is a new venue for one-day internationals, although it has hosted a Test match between these two sides and six domestic games have been played there this year. There is not much data to go on, but it is worth noting that the recent NKP Salve Challenge Trophy was played on this ground and in four day-night matches, the team batting second came out on top three times. That suggests chasing under lights here is not a problem, possibly because of the dew that makes it hard for fielders and bowlers to grip the ball. During the final of that tournament India Blue were skittled out for 84 and the average first innings total was just 226 so can probably expect some assistance for the bowlers.

Team News

India will be pleased to see star batsman Yuvraj Singh return to the team after his finger injury with Virat Kohli the most likely player to step aside. Munaf Patel has been in good form domestically but Ishant Sharma and Asish Nehra did well in the first game at Vadodara and although Praveen Kumar was expensive, his belligerent 40 not out nearly won the game for India, so it would be harsh if he were dropped.

Australia, already without Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin and Nathan Bracken have further injury problems. James Hopes is definitely out with a hamstring problem and more significantly, both Brett Lee (elbow) and Mitchell Johnson (ankle strain) are facing late fitness tests. Ben Hilfenhaus and Doug Bollinger would be the bowling replacements, with opening batsman Shaun Marsh another option, though if he does play, he is likely to be asked to bat down the order.

Match Odds

Australia had the first game sewn up until Praveen Kumar and Harbhajan Singh plundered some late runs and nearly snatched it. You could therefore argue that these teams are fairly closely matched and the injury problems for Australia, combined with the return of Yuvraj Singh could just give India the edge. The home side are currently 2.0 with the visitors on 1.98 but it is worth waiting to see whether Johnson and Lee are fit enough to play, because if they don't India's price could shorten significantly.

That said the Indians will need to raise their game, particularly in the batting department. Yet again, the star-studded line-up failed to sparkle and became bogged down in the middle overs, thanks to some excellent bowling from Lee and Peter Siddle. By contrast, Australia managed a solid team effort and it was only some dubious bowling tactics by Shane Watson that gave India a chance to get back into the game.

Top Batsman

On paper, it might appear that we are spoilt for choice with the Indian line-up, but in reality, few of them are in form. The most consistent Indian batsman in recent times has been Gautam Gambhir and it was his innings of 68 that held the run-chase in Vadodara together. He is worth backing at 4.5 or better.

For Australia, the choice is harder. Ricky Ponting, Tim Paine, Michael Hussey and Cameron White were all amongst the runs in the first game and it is possible to make a case for all of them in the top batsman market. However, with Paine and White playing in India for the first time, it is probably better to side with experience and now that he has rediscovered his touch, you could do worse than back the run-hungry Michael Hussey at 5.0 or better.

Featured Market

Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar versus Tim Paine and Shane Watson. If this were tag team wrestling, we might have a close fight on our hands. But when it comes to cricket there is no contest in this battle of the openers. Back India in the 'Top Opening Partnership' market at 1.9 or better.

World Cup Betting: Who should be on the plane to South Africa .

There's a while to go and injuries and form will inevitably have a role to play but Paul Moon knows who would be on the plane to South Africa if he was Fabio Capello. Michael Owen doesn't make the cut.

Historically the English media over-estimate the home nation's chances of winning a trophy and the 2010 World Cup will be no exception. Hype must not be allowed to gloss over areas of grave concern.

The first eleven almost pick themselves but within the nature of a tournament, squad deployment, along with fitness and tactics, become vital. Irrespective of form, there are certainties for the plane in David James, Glen Johnson, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, Wayne Bridge, Gareth Barry, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Jermaine Jenas, Owen Hargreaves and Wayne Rooney.

English goalkeeping is at an all-time low! Rationale indicates you cannot win a major trophy without a decent keeper. Despite his propensity to commit aberrations between the sticks and gift goals, David James stands clear of his challengers and this shows the value of our depleted stock. Paul Robinson and Robert Green are probably deserving of the other goalkeeping spots in the squad.

England's chances would be significantly improved if Micah Richards, frozen out by Fabio Capello, could rediscover the phenomenal form of his first few games for England. They would further be improved if the dodgy knees of Ledley King could last a couple of games within the tournament. Alas, this will not happen meaning Wes Brown, Joleon Lescott and Mathew Upson will dilute the quality of the defence. Hopefully Gary Neville will not be required.

International football tournaments demand fitness, intelligence, ball retention and passing ability and the squad should reflect this. Whilst you can carry an artisan or a poacher, carrying a gaggle of lightweights is somewhat different. The blind alley boys Shaun Wright-Phillips and Theo Walcott lack the necessary ingenuity, craft and guile and are totally unable to produce a decent final ball. They should stay home to reflect on their short-comings with Michael Carrick and Stewart Downing, who both lack real conviction.

High energy, low quality also applies to Aaron Lennon but his blistering pace is a nightmare for full-backs and he might be useful in a bit-part capacity. He should share the right side of midfield duties with Beckham (15 caps in 18 matches under the tenure of Capello) who may also be asked to cover the centre of midfield when necessary. Ashley Young is upwardly mobile, quick and with a good delivery meaning he can ask different questions to those Joe Cole will pose on the left side of midfield. The versatile, honest and energetic James Milner is able to cross with either foot so adds an extra option to the squad based on the fact he can play on either wing and already has an understanding with Villa team-mates Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young and former Villain Gareth Barry.

The delirium associated with Heskey is grossly misplaced. Seven goals in 57 games is a paltry return while silly mutterings about him being unselfish means zilch in the final analysis. Peter Crouch should take his place - he is the second best striker in the squad with 18 goals in 35 appearances. Jermain Defoe and Gabriel Agbonlahor offer variance and because of the goals from midfield, there would be no need for a fifth striker. If an extra striker were deemed necessary then Carlton Cole would be the best bet but probably at the expense of Young. Regretfully, natural goalscorer Michael Owen can no longer be trusted to prove his fitness and injured players are no use to anyone over a league season, let alone at major tournaments where the permitted size of squad is smaller.

While it is both trite and hypothetical to say that if England had a world class goalkeeper and the hardcore stayed fit they would be genuine contenders, it is probably true. Reality suggests that the keeping department, combined with the lack in depth and mental strength, will scupper their chances.

Now is not the time to look to young guns. Capello will continue to organise and hone within the players recently used and the latest Betfair prices show: Brazil 6.0 Spain 6.0 England 7.8 Argentina (10.5] Germany 14.0 Italy 16.5 Holland 17.0 Portugal 23.0 France 24.0. England will probably just fall short and Argentina will self-destruct so Spain (if they can deal with the added pressure of being European Champions) looks great odds to make it a tournament win double. A saver on Brazil is always advised.

My proposed squad - James, Robinson, Green, Johnson, Ashley Cole, Bridge, Terry, Ferdinand, Upson, Lescott, Brown, Barry, Lampard, Beckham, Gerrard, Joe Cole, Young, Lennon, Crouch, Rooney, Carlton Cole, Agbonlahor, Defoe.

Premier League Betting: A weekend of missed opportunities.

Ralph Ellis tells us about a number of missed betting opportunities of his own and a number of missed opportunities for the likes of Everton, Manchester City, Man Utd and Tottenham. All of which have allowed Chelsea to re-establish themselves as the team to beat.

For me, it was a weekend of missed opportunities. It started when I forgot to put a few pounds of my own on Steve Staunton's choice of charity bet for the Betfair Big Interview, and The Grey One duly came home in the 5.40 at Wolverhampton at 9.6. It carried on when I kept thinking how 3.1 for Liverpool to win a home match was incredible value but didn't actually back it. And then, being a West Ham fan, I contemplated a loyal bet by laying Arsenal at 1.05

when they were 2-0 up at half time at Upton Park, but decided it wasn't worth wasting a fiver even though it would have won a hundred quid.

At least I wasn't on my own. Missed opportunities was the theme right through the Barclays Premier League as only Chelsea took their chance to make some headway by thrashing Blackburn 5-0. Joe Cole's return to the starting side was the key, giving Carlo Ancelotti's team, now 2.54 title favourites, a bit more invention and craft. The result left Blackburn drifting towards trouble, but it's funny how it never appears to be the fault of Sam Allardyce when anything goes wrong. He explained the heavy loss on his players ignoring his game plan. Just one point above the bottom, three they should be far shorter than 9.8 to be relegated.

Sir Alex Ferguson is another who always has somebody else to blame, and in his case it was, surprise, surprise, the referee. Andre Marriner got the big decisions spot-on, but Fergie still tried to focus attention away from his own team's problems. Antonio Valencia is a decent player but he's not Cristiano Ronaldo, and United don't have that bit of dazzle and invention that Cole might be bringing back to Chelsea. That's why they missed their chance to go back to the top of the table.

Sunderland's Steve Bruce summed up the problems that everybody else suffered - the difficulty for players who can raise their game against the biggest opposition to hit the same standards against the minnows. His team didn't turn up for the first hour at Birmingham and ended up losing 2-1, even though Darren Bent might have rescued them an undeserved point in the final minute.

"You think it's going well and then we throw in an hour like we did today," he said. "For all of us trying to catch up, we don't have the history and tradition that supports the big boys. They are used to hitting the top standard every week and it's the biggest challenge for everybody else to find that consistency."

Manchester City didn't. Two goals up and cruising against Fulham they took their foot off the gas and ended up getting only one point. It suggests they shouldn't be as short as 1.7 to be winner without the big four. That said, Aston Villa, the other club looking to gatecrash the top places, even took the lead with 11 minutes left only for Steve Sidwell to give away a penalty four minutes later for a 1-1 draw.

At least they didn't wreck their chance as badly as Tottenham. I recommended laying Spurs for a top six finish at 1.89 last week and you could see why as they were well below par losing 1-0 at home to Stoke. Again you suspect Harry Redknapp's side thought they only needed to turn up against one of the less fashionable clubs. Oddly enough it makes them sensational value at 6.0 to win at Arsenal next Saturday when they will be at their best!

The price for a new top four at the end of the season, as short as 1.5 last week, is moving back towards even money. Everton, fifth the last two seasons, won't be the ones to break up the monopoly. They missed their chances too as they lost 3-2 at Bolton.

At the bottom, Hull and Portsmouth would both have wanted a win and instead got a 0-0 draw. Hull are now clear 3.2 favourite to finish rock bottom, with Pompey 4.0, but doubts over the real financial clout of Fratton Park's new owners, and just four points from ten games and only one of those against the big four, suggest Paul Hart's team are the most likely to stay rooted to the foot of the table. All season they've played promising football but never turned it into goals. It's a stark reminder to us all that opportunities are there to be taken!

Sex and Tennis

About 4am last Sunday in the chilly early morning air of Stockholm, Sweden, two men entered a hotel accompanied by two young women. The men were tennis players in town for the Stockholm Open though only one of them was entered into the tournament.

As they entered the hotel, the players were arrested by local police who’d been keeping tabs on the two women. The women were prostitutes and the players were charged with soliciting sex. They spent the rest of the night in jail but were released after signing a confession and paying a fine of 2500 Swedish krona (about US $370).

The police have confirmed that much and nothing more. The rest of our information comes from tour players who say that the two men were Ernests Gulbis (pictured above) and his friend and hitting partner David Juksha.

Okay, first of all, if this had happened in the US, the police report and the mug shots would have been up on the internet by the end of the day. And the prostitutes would have hired publicists and had feelers for a reality show soon thereafter - that is after they were arrested and paid their fine.

But the prostitutes in Sweden weren’t arrested and this set me off on a trip through prostitution and the legal system. In some countries you can be executed, in some countries prostitution is legal and regulated, and in some countries - like Sweden - the person soliciting sex is arrested and not the prostitute. Sweden views prostitution as violence against women.

If the players had been arrested in certain places in the United States, they would have been given the option to pay a fine and go to a one day John’s school which is similar to going to traffic school to get a traffic ticket wiped off your record. All this leads me to wonder a few things.

First of all, shouldn't the ATP create a card similar to the card listing banned substances that any player can download from the ATP website? The card could list the legal status of prostitution by country and players could slip it into their wallets next to their drug cards and their condoms.

Second, why do athletes need an escort service? Don’t women flock to good looking potential millionaires? Especially Gulbis who comes from a wealthy family. I suppose it’s one way to avoid emotional entanglement though, for me, that takes some of the fun out of it. I have considered using an escort service but I was always worried about getting arrested. And I’ve never been able to erase the image of Jane Fonda looking at her watch as she turns a trick in the movie Klute. I mean, how much could an escort be into it?

There is one more thing I wondered about. How often does this happen on the ATP tour? There have been plenty of athletes (and politicians) turning up on the client list of call girls, but I haven’t seen it in the tennis world. The closest thing to an answer came from tennis writer extraordinaire Matt Cronin who’s twitter feed pointedly mentioned an 11 slam winner who had a glowing reputation for the same behavior.

There are three players who’ve won 11 slams: Bjorn Borg, Rod Laver, and Serena Williams. There are escort services that provide male clientele for their female customers but that’s far more rare than the other way around. And though I’m sure most female escorts would be more than willing to service female clientele, if Serena were into women, I’d probably know about it.

Stepping Over the Lines: Wee People Run Wild!

Marcos Baghdatis? Him we remember, we think so anyway. But Olivier Rochus in a final? Or how about Francesca Schiavone and Olga Govortsova? We must be nearing year's end

It was another week in tennis reflecting the approaching end of the season, with a number of lower-ranked players carving their unlikely paths into finals. The bigger names appear to have already packed it up and headed for home, allowing the little guys and girls to run around a bit and grab some glory. I use "little" both in the metaphorical sense (they are not in the Top Ten), and in a couple of cases they are little in stature to boot.

Take Olivier Rochus for instance. He's reinforced my notion that little guys can be quite cute, and what's that all about? The god-figure gives them looks to make up for lack of height? Anyway, I think he's as cute as a button, and - at 5'5" - he may even be a button, who knows. He is not a guy who shows up in a lot of finals, and when he did on Sunday he had his hands full with an in-form Marcos Baghdatis. How often have we said that of late about the Cypriot? I thought if Baggy was a little off that Olivier might stand a chance, but Marcos looked nearly back to where he was when he shot to fame at the Australian Open a few years ago. Gee, the guy is only 24, but it feels like he's been around forever. He served well and hit the ball very cleanly, and his smaller opponent did not have any answers. This is Baghdatis's first win in nearly three years. He credits it all to his staying healthy for long enough to start playing with some consistency. Let's hope he can keep the body together, the game can always use a guy with the emotional heft Baghdatis offers the fans.

Robin Soderling held the Number One seeded spot in Stockholm, and he was playing like he was Number One, up until his shoulder gave way in the semis and Baghdatis got the walkover. Such a shame, that, but at least Robin qualified for London. That he richly deserved. He was the "big mover" in men's tennis if ever there was one this year, with his astounding defeat of Nadal at the French, and then his continued tough play into the fall. Now let's hope he can cap it off by at least getting to play without injury at the year-end championship.

Jelena Jankovic got some love too this weekend, by clawing her way to a win at the Kremlin Cup that earned her that coveted last 8th spot at the women's year-ender in Doha, which starts tomorrow. Thank you very much, said Jelena, who was so relieved to take care of that little bit of business that she promptly went out and lost to Alisa Kleybanova in the next round. Kleybanova has earned a reputation this past year as a killer of giant women, but the lower-ranked girls can give her fits on occasion, particularly when her timing goes awry. It did in the semis against a very unheralded Olga Govortsova, who served big and clubbed enough huge forehands of her own to make her way into Sunday's final in Moscow against Italy's Francesca Schiavone.

Francesca Schiavone, do I love saying that name. Francesca is a midget too, she's also 5'5", but she played about ten feet tall in the final. Her game is just absolutely beautiful, even if it is sometimes a bit top-heavy in the topspin department. For such a little sprite her serve was working really well. She can hit it with gusto and with the confidence that she can place it just about anywhere she wants to. The backhand is one of the loveliest in the women's game, and just about the only one-hander left, until Henin returns early next year.

We could never call Schiavone a net-rusher, but she's got enough savvy to know when to move forward, and when she does get to net she's not - unlike more than a few of the women - a total embarrassment when she gets there. The woman put away a ton of decent volleys. In fact, you could argue Govortsova lost simply because she faced a style of play not many of the women ever get to see. It's hard to defeat what you don't really know, which is why I hope there are a few other Francesca Schiavones lurking out there, ready to pop up and baffle big blonde Russian women. Govortsova does not have the experience yet to come through a final like Sunday's, whereas Schiavone has the world of it. Good to see her, at a ripe 29, playing her best tennis. I hope she sticks around.

Doha begins tomorrow for the top eight women and two alternates. The line-up from top to bottom is Dinara, Serena, Kuzie, Caroline, Elena, Vickie, Venus and Jelena. Vera Zvonareva and Aggie Radwanska are the alternates. This is arguably the most enjoyable time of year for women's tennis, as we don't have to see through what I call those "splatter matches." You know, those early-round blowouts that really do feel like you're watching some gory movie and not a tennis match at all. Hopefully all the women will be physically up to snuff and chomping at the bit for a little year-end redemption.

Pakistan Defeat India by 54 Runs With Yousaf, Malik Recrod Partnership

CENTURION: Pakistan defeated India by 54 runs in an exciting contest in their Group A day-night match in the ICC Champions Trophy here on Saturday.

Chasing a difficult target of 303, India batted well but their tail collapsed after experienced Rahul Dravid departed in 42nd over.

Dravid made 76 with four boundaries while opener Gautam Gambhir smashed 57 from 46 balls with two sixes and seven fours and Suresh Raina hit 46 off 41 balls with five fours and two sixes.

Seamers Mohammad Aamer and Rana naved-ul-Hasan, spinners Shahid Afridi and Saeed Ajmal claimed two wickets each.

Earlier, an enterprising century by Shoaib Malik and brilliant 87 by Mohammad Yousuf helped Pakistan set India a difficult target of 303 runs.

Malik made 128 from 126 balls and struck 16 fours while Yousuf hit seven fours in his 88-ball innings. He was later declared man-of-the-match.

Both added 206 runs, a record fourth wicket partnership against India.

For India, seamers Ashish Nehra bagged four wickets for 55 runs while Ishant Sharma claimed two for 39.

Source: apakistannews.com

Srilanka Vs New Zealand ODI, SL Field First

JOHANNESBURG: Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to field first in their Champions Trophy Group B match against New Zealand at the Wanderers on Sunday.
WATCH LIVE CRICKET MATCH
Sri Lanka made the surprise change of replacing veteran off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan with seamer Thilan Thushara, while New Zealand have brought in fast bowler James Franklin for batsman Gareth Hopkins.

Defeat for New Zealand would rule them out of semi-final contention completely while a loss for Sri Lanka would leave them reling on other results going their way to advance.

Teams

Sri Lanka – Sanath Jayasuriya, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilina Kandamby, Thilan Samaraweera, Angelo Mathews, Nuwan Kulasekara, Thilan Thushara, Lasith Malinga, Ajantha Mendis.

New Zealand – Brendon McCullum, Jesse Ryder, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Neil Broom, James Franklin, Daniel Vettori, Kyle Mills, Daryl Tuffey, Shane Bond. Reuters

Source: apakistannews.com

South Africa Vs New Zealand Today

S Africa Vs New Zealand, CENTURION: After their heart-breaking defeat in the first match, South Africa would look to bring their campaign back on track when they clash against a diffident New Zealand at Sport Park here today.

The hosts lost by 55 runs to Sri Lanka yesterday but would take confidence from the fact that the Black Caps are coming into the event after a morale shattering Lankan tour.

The Kiwis lost their Test series in the Island nation and also failed to make the final of the tri-series, losing both the league matches.

New Zealand have a decent attack, bolstered by return of Shane Bond, but have to overcome their batting woes.

They mostly depend on the trio of Brendon McCullum, Jesse Ryder and Ross Taylor who have been far from impressive in the recent past.

Let’s hope South Africa’s second match in the ICC Champions Trophy against New Zealand proves a better spectacle than Pakistan’s low-scoring victory over West Indies.

To lose by 117 balls suggests the West Indies haven’t improved since their dismal showing against England earlier this year. Pakistan looked awesome, though.

Source: apakistannews.com

Pak Vs WI: Windies Out for 133

Pak Vs WI: A second-string West Indies team was bowled out for 133 inside 35 overs by Pakistan in the Champions Trophy on Wednesday, with only tailender Nikita Miller reaching a half-century.

Miller scored 51 off 57 balls with six boundaries and a six after coming in with West Indies on 47-7 at Wanderers stadium.

Darren Sammy (25) and Devon Smith (18) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures as fast bowlers Mohammad Aamer took 3-24 and Umar Gul 3-28.

West Indies’ squad for the event has been affected by a long-running contract dispute between the players and the cricket board.

West Indies captain Floyd Reifer’s decision to bat first after winning the toss backfired immediately on a lively pitch.

Dale Richards was caught and bowled by Aamer for 1 on the sixth ball of the innings. Three overs later, Andre Fletcher was out for 7, and 11-2 soon became 14-3 when Travis Dowlin was caught by Kamran Akmal for a duck off Aamer.

Smith and David Bernard put on 22 before Smith was caught by Umar Akmal off Gul.

Aamer bowled Bernard for 6, and Gul then dismissed Floyd Reifer (7) and Chadwick Walton in successive deliveries to leave West Indies on 47-7 in the 15th over.

Miller and Sammy added 38 but West Indies’ resistance was soon broken, helped by spinner Saeed Ajmal’s two wickets.

Source: apakistannews.com

Asif eyes successful return

Mohammad Asif is back from the wilderness vowing to give his best whenever he gets the opportunity to represent the country in future.

The pacer has completed his one-year doping ban and joined the team here early on Wednesday morning. Asif was banned for using performance enhancing drugs during the Indian Premier League (IPL) last summer.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) was so strict on him that he was not even allowed to train and travel with the team till the expiry of the ban that ended midnight Tuesday. “Thank God I am back. I would do my best to serve the country whenever I get an opportunity to play,” he said.

The Pakistan think tank wants Asif to practice more with the team instead of rushing him in after a long break from international cricket.

He returned to the national side after a gap of nearly 17 months because of disciplinary and doping issues.

Yawar Saeed, the Pakistan team manager, said that the team management wanted him to get into the rhythm in next two days so that he could play in the crunch match against India on Saturday.

“It all depends on how our bowlers play in the match against West Indies. His inclusion largely depends on the performance of the other bowlers. If they perform well I think we will continue with the same attack,” he said.

Yawar said Asif’s return was great news for the team as he was a bowler who could always challenge any batsman.

“But we feel he needs some more time in the nets to find his rhythm and tempo before he returns to the international arena,” he added.

Asif has bad memories of this ground as it was here almost two years back that he was hit by a bat by none other than his teammate Shoaib Akhtar. Shoaib was banned for the misadventure and as a result also lost his place on the team.

Source: paktribune.com

Champions Trophy wide open: Ponting

Australia captain Ricky Ponting oozed confidence Wednesday ahead of their 2009 ICC Champions Trophy debut this weekend against the West Indies. “It is the second biggest one-day tournament and we will be doing our best to win it. We have been playing some very good one-day cricket,” he told a media conference.

Ponting arrived in South Africa after leading Australia to a 6-1 series win in England and shot down suggestions that his team considered the two-week, 15-match competition as just another tournament. “The Champions Trophy is going to be a very tight tournament because there are some very good teams taking part and Sri Lanka have already caused a surprise. “I regard Sri Lanka as one of the top ODI teams and once they put on more than 300 runs it was always going to be hard work for South Africa,” Ponting said.

He conceded there were some weary Australians after Test, ODI and Twenty 20 series in England and preparations for the West Indies clash would start Thursday. “There are some tired bodies in our camp at the moment so we will have a rest today and start preparing tomorrow for our first tournament match on Saturday.”

Source: paktribune.com

Henin to return to competitive tennis

BRUSSELS – Former world No. 1 Justine Henin is returning to competitive tennis, making the announcement barely a week after Kim Clijsters capped her comeback from retirement with a second U.S. Open title.

Henin had been retired for just over a year, but at 27 says she has the fire and physical strength to compete for an eighth Grand Slam title. Her announcement on VTM television capped an about-face that went from her "definitive decision" to retire last year, to weeks of no comment to a smiling admission Tuesday that she truly missed the game too much.

She wants to play two exhibition tournaments, in Charleroi, Belgium, and Dubai, to hone her skills ahead of a competitive return next year with plans to compete in the next Grand Slam, the Australian Open.

"The fire within burns again," Henin said. "I want to come back in January."

Henin officially retired on May 14, 2008, initially rejecting any thought of a comeback with a dogged determination that had come to mark her play throughout a decade-long career that yielded seven Grand Slam titles and one Olympic gold medal.

At 27, it certainly is not too late for a comeback. As Clijsters proved, breaking back into the top tier at short notice is far from impossible. She won the U.S. Open in her third tournament since announcing her return.

"Subconsciously, it might have had an impact," Henin said of Clijster's successful comeback. "But it certainly was not the most important reason."

Like Clijsters, Henin is still in her prime and has been able to rest her body for over a year. Throughout her retirement, during which she became a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, Henin looked fit enough to immediately step back onto a court.

As recently as May, she complained about the old injuries that still gave her pain in the mornings and the dreaded life of living in a bubble as she was shuttled around the world chasing victories.

"The last 15 months I've been able to recharge the batteries, emotionally as well," Henin said.

Henin said coming face to face with the world's misery on UNICEF trips to places like eastern Congo widened her horizons like tennis never could.

Henin has won nearly $20 million in prize money and had been ranked No. 1 for all but seven weeks since Nov. 13, 2006, until her retirement. When she retired after a string of early tournament exits just ahead of Roland Garros, she felt the fire no longer within and gave in.

It was the first time in a life totally centered around her prodigious talent for whipping backhands past hapless competitors. She became the first woman player to retire as No. 1.

Then, suddenly, this summer the craving came back.

Source: news.yahoo.com

Sri Lanka amass 319-8 against Protease

CENTURION: Sri Lanka piled up 319 runs for the loss of eight wickets in the allotted 50 overs against hosts South Africa in the opening match of the sixth ICC Champions Trophy here on Tuesday.

Winning the toss, South Africa captain Graeme Smith put Sri Lanka into bat who after the early dismissal of veteran opener Sanath Jayasuriya, plundered a huge score to give the hosts a difficult target of 320 runs.

Opener Tillekaratne Dilshan smashed a brilliant century and made 106 from 92 balls with the help of 16 fours and a six while captain Kumar Sangakkara and former captain Mahela Jayawardene hit half centuries. They made 54 and 77, respectively.

For South Africa, seamers Dale Steyn and Wayne Parnell claimed three wickets each.

Teams
South Africa: Graeme Smith (captain), Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Mark Boucher (wk), Albie Morkel, Johan Botha, Roelof van der Merwe, Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell

Sri Lanka: Tillakaratne Dilshan, Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara (captain/wk), Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Thilina Kandamby, Angelo Mathews, Nuwan Kulasekara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Lasith Malinga, Ajantha Mendis

Umpires:Simon Taufel (AUS), Ian Gould (ENG), Steve Davis (ENG) and Tony Hill (NZ)
Match referee: Jeff Crowe (NZ)

Source: geo.tv

O'Sullivan seals Shanghai Masters

World number one Ronnie O'Sullivan captured the opening ranking event of the season with a 10-5 win over Liang Wenbo to secure the Shanghai Masters.

O'Sullivan rattled in a break of 70 in the opener and won a tactical frame lasting almost an hour to move 3-0 up.

A break of 80 put him 4-1 ahead before Liang came back with 81 in the next.

Breaks of 75 and 91 helped 33-year-old O'Sullivan go 6-3 ahead after the first session and he duly secured his 22nd career title in just over four hours.

"I'm very happy to have won the tournament and got my season off to a good start," said O'Sullivan.

"It was a tough match, I struggled with my technique and I wasn't hitting the ball sweetly.

"I would have loved to entertain and play open snooker as that was the kind of game I was expecting but it got slow and there were some drawn out frames so it was hard to build any momentum.

"I was only able to play flamboyant snooker in two or three frames. The rest of it was steady, hard, match snooker and I needed patience."

The Englishman paid tribute to his Chinese opponent for making the final difficult for him.

"You think you've got him in trouble and you'll get back to the table and then he pots a difficult ball - and he pots so many - and you have to stay in your seat, so you can get frustrated," he added.

"It's very satisfying to get a victory, especially here in China where snooker is so popular."

Source: bbc.co.uk

Henin to return to tennis in 2010

Former world number one Justine Henin has announced she will return to competitive tennis in 2010, having retired just 16 months ago.

The 27-year-old Belgian, who won 41 singles titles including seven Grand Slams, sparked rumours of a comeback when she began training again recently.

Henin retired on 14 May, 2008, saying she had lost her passion for tennis.

Her return follows the fairytale comeback of compatriot Kim Clijsters, who won the US Open earlier this month.

"I'm really happy and deeply moved to be able to announce tonight that I'm coming back to competitive tennis," Henin said as she made the announcement live on Belgian television.

"These past 15 months have been enriching but there is a flame that has been re-lit. I thought it had been put out forever."

Henin plans to play two exhibition tournaments this year, in Charleroi, Belgium, and Dubai, before returning to competition at the Australian Open in January.

"I think it is a good choice, a big decision in my life," she said. "The past 15 months I have been able to recharge my physical batteries, mental batteries, emotional batteries.

"The aim is to return in January in Australia. In any case it will be during the 2010 season."

And Henin's coach, Carlos Rodriguez, said her ambition to win a first Wimbledon title after twice finishing runner-up was a driving force.

"I swear I was extremely surprised," he said. "I'm happy because at the end of the day it's what she loves.

"She has entrusted me (to be her coach) once again and I will try to never let her down.

"I'm very happy to be helping her to restart her new life. It's a super challenge for her. The desire to win Wimbledon is one of the main reasons she's come back and I'll do everything to help her do it."

And Henin herself admitted that success at the All England Club is her chief aim, saying: "It is a dream of mine. I want to work to get it. I make it a priority."

Clijsters returned to the sport after two-and-a-half years away, during which time she gave birth to a daughter, Jada.

After barely a month back on the tour, the 26-year-old former world number one beat both Venus and Serena Williams on her way to success at Flushing Meadows.

However, Henin said that Clijsters had not been the main motivation behind her own decision to return.

"Subconsciously, it might have had an impact," said Henin. "But it certainly was not the most important reason."

She added: "Returning at that level so fast is something I respect enormously."

Henin had played down speculation of a comeback in May, saying that the sport had left her with so many physical ailments a return was unthinkable.

But since the revelation that she was back in training, she had refused to speculate on a possible return to the WTA Tour.

Following her retirement, Henin, who was ranked number one in the world when she quit, had been working as a goodwill ambassador for Unicef and opened her own tennis academy.

She won the French Open four times, the US Open twice, the Australian Open once and an Olympic gold in 2004.

Henin's relatively small stature - she is only 5ft 5ins tall - and elegant one-handed backhand made her stand out among her rivals.

Her last competitive match was a three-set defeat by current world number one Dinara Safina at the German Open on 8 May, 2008.

The news of Henin's return comes as huge boost for women's tennis, which had been struggling for competition at the very highest level before Clijsters' shock US Open win.

"Justine is one of the great champions in the history of women's tennis, and we, along with millions of her fans around the globe, are thrilled with her announcement today," said Stacey Allaster, chairman and chief executive of the WTA Tour.

"Justine is that rare athlete who decided to step away from the game at the height of her powers, and no doubt she will be a force to be reckoned with from the get-go.

"Her career was marked by so many amazing moments, and a new chapter begins today."

Source: bbc.co.uk

Chelsea expect Ashley and Joe Cole to follow John Terry with new contracts

England captain John Terry has finalised a deal to become football’s highest-ever paid defender while Chelsea are also poised to end any long-term uncertainty over two more of Fabio Capello’s key players with new contracts for both Joe and Ashley Cole.

Joe Cole is continuing his rehabilitation from the knee injury that has sidelined him since January, but Ashley Cole and Terry reported for England duty at the team’s Hertfordshire base on Monday ahead of the friendly against Slovenia on Saturday and the World Cup qualifier against Croatia a week on Wednesday.

Chelsea have already made it clear that they want the two Coles to commit to new long-term contracts, with Ashley having agreed a deal in principle and Joe about to open negotiations.

Terry, who was the subject of a £30million offer from Manchester City, has agreed a new contract worth around £150,000 a week that makes him Chelsea’s best paid player and also the second highest earning footballer in the Premier League after Robinho. The new deal keeps Terry at Chelsea under 2014 when he will be 33. “This reaffirms both John’s and Chelsea’s long-stated desire for him to be at Stamford Bridge for the rest of his playing career,” a Chelsea statement said.

Terry’s new contract will be widely interpreted as a consequence of Manchester City’s desire to make him their major signing of the summer. It is certainly unusual for Chelsea to enter contract negotiations with someone who had agreed a five-year deal as recently as 2007.

Terry was flattered by City’s interest but insisted that his decision to stay at Chelsea was not linked to a potential new contract. He did, however, hint that Capello’s reaction had been in his thoughts. A move to Manchester City would have pushed Terry’s wages up towards £200,000 a week but he would have missed out on Champions League football in the lead up to the World Cup.

Ashley Cole also warned that next year’s World Cup could represent the last chance for many in the current squad after three quarter-final defeats in major tournaments under Sven-Goran Eriksson and then the failure to qualify for Euro 2008.

“We’ve all grown up. We’ve started to realise that this World Cup finals could be our last tournament,” the 29 year-old said. “I’ve got good young players coming up in my position, so I know there is pressure. I have to focus and make sure I do well. I think it’s the same for a lot of players.

“I think the England team is quite set in the players that play too – we’re not chopping and changing all the time. The manager knows his team and the squad he’ll take if we get there. It feels settled, and people are starting to come into their own. Wayne Rooney, for instance, is playing very well.”

Capello has also acknowledged Rooney’s significance to England. “Rooney is a really important player, he’s incredible and young - he can improve a lot with more experience and confidence in himself,” he said.

Source: telegraph.co.uk

Keiren Fallon lands plum ride in Betfred Sprint Cup

Kieren Fallon will partner the favourite when he rides in his first Group One race in Britain in more than three years.

Fallon will be aboard the William Haggas-trained High Standing, a progressive type who heads the market at 3-1 for Saturday's Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock Park.

The six-times champion jockey had also been linked to July Cup runner-up Main Aim – Ryan Moore is under suspension – but Sir Michael Stoute said it would be a late call on whether the colt even takes his chance. “He would not want fast ground, so we’re prepared to wait as long as we have to, and then decide. But I’m very pleased with him,” Stoute added.

Fallon had also been mentioned as a possible to ride the Stoute runners at Leopardstown on Saturday. But Doctor Fremantle misses the Irish Champion Stakes because of a minor foot injury, and the well-regarded Heaven Sent is to be partnered by Mick Kinane in the Matron Stakes.

Fallon, who makes his comeback following spells on the sidelines for the Old Bailey ‘race-fixing’ trial, from which he emerged with ‘no case to answer,’ and an 18-month drugs-related racing ban, has been in demand as he prepares for his return on Friday.

Last night, Fallon said: “I’m just going through the rides now with Dave [Pollington, his agent], but it looks like I’ll have three at Lingfield Park and five at Kempton (at night) on my first day back.” This is indicative of strong support from racing’s mainstream trainers.

Fallon is scheduled to meet officials from the British Horseracing Authority on Tuesday when he will apply for a jockey’s licence. This formality will be completed with Paul Scotney, the BHA’s head of security and licensing, reminding Fallon that he must not transgress the Rules of Racing.

High Standing, the Wokingham Handicap winner, is a cracking first Group One ride, befitting a former champion on the comeback trail. The four-year-old is a rapid-improver, who heads a list of 16 acceptors for one of the season’s leading sprints. Fleeting Spirit, the July Cup winner, is 7-2 second favourite, with Finjaan, who returned to his best at Goodwood, at 5-1.

In Ireland, Sea The Stars will face a maximum of 10 rivals in the Irish Champion Stakes, if he runs. Aidan O’Brien is playing safe, with six acceptors, including both the ante-post favourite Fame And Glory and Juddmonte International runner-up Mastercraftsman. Officials are striving to provide a good racing surface to ensure Sea The Stars and Fame And Glory both line up, but rain was reported at Leopardstown on Monday.

Watching Brief by Marlborough

Velvet Touch: Mark Johnston boasts a 26 per cent strike-rate in nurseries this season and could strike again with Iron Velvet (3.00 Ripon). After weakening badly over seven furlongs at York, Iron Velvet was dropped back to six at Catterick and scored decisively. He is a progressive type likely to improve further.

Safe Trip: Monashee Rock (3.20 Leicester) has not won for over a year but her last 11 defeats have all come over distances beyond her optimum. She is suited by seven furlongs on a straight track and has dropped to a favourable mark in the handicap.

Bet of The Day: Tot Of The Knar (3.10 Newton Abbot) steps up to a more suitable distance on his first start for the Paul Nicholls stable.

Source: telegraph.co.uk

Jenny Meadows attacks IAAF over timing of Caster Semenya gender row

Jenny Meadows, the world 800 metres bronze medallist, has renewed her criticism of the International Association of Athletics Federations' handling of the Caster Semenya gender row, though she admitted she would be "delighted" if her medal was replaced with a silver one once medical tests have been completed on the 18-year-old South African.

As revealed by Telegraph Sport, preliminary tests on Semenya have shown that the teenager has unusually elevated testosterone levels, though the IAAF will not rule on whether she can keep the gold medal she won in Berlin 13 days ago until complex gender verification tests have been completed.

"If anything happened I'd obviously be delighted for myself but I'm not sitting by the phone waiting," said Meadows, whose next outing will be at the World Athletics Final in Thessaloniki, Greece, in 12 days' time.

The meeting could, in theory, pit her against Semenya for a second time, though the South African lacks the ranking points for automatic qualification and would require a wild-card.

Given that wild-card invitations are the gift of the IAAF, which is embroiled in a bitter political battle with the South African federation over the gender controversy, one can assume there will be no rematch. But Meadows remains critical of the IAAF's decision to confirm details of Semenya's gender tests just five hours before the start of the 800m final in Germany.

"I thought it was strange timing," Meadows said. "I know a lot of the girls at the time were saying that maybe Semenya wouldn't be in the final. But I put that at the back of my mind because whoever I was racing, it was a final and I just want to come in the top three in every single race."

Meadows, one of 32 World Championship medallists in action at Monday's Aviva British Grand Prix in Gateshead, was beaten into third place in the 800m by American Christy Wurth-Thomas and British team-mate Jemma Simpson.

Her time of 2min 2.15sec was well down on the lifetime best she set in the Berlin final, though she admitted it had been touch and go whether she competed at all.

"My glands are really swollen, I've got a cold and on Friday I thought I wouldn't be able to come," she said.

Despite a top-quality line-up that included 12 champions from Berlin, the meeting failed to ignite. The blustery wind and sporadic rain did not help with the generally lacklustre performances, but the real problem was one of timing.

As Jessica Ennis, the heptathlon world champion, put it after finishing fifth in the 100m hurdles in a time of 13.28 – her slowest of the season by some distance: "It's hard to peak for a championship and then get back into training." She added: "I wasn't expecting to do anything spectacular here. It was all about saying thank-you to the British supporters."

The notable British exceptions were world triple jump champion Phillips Idowu, who won with a highly respectable last-round leap of 17.32m, while Lisa Dobriskey, the world silver medallist, did enough to win her 1500m race comfortably in 4-13.60.

There was also a victory in the 400m for Christine Ohuruogu in a time of 50.94, while William Sharman, who set two lifetime bests in Berlin to finish fourth in the 110m hurdles final, impressed again as he finished second behind American David Payne, the world bronze medallist. There was just 0.01 between them as Payne won in 13.60 into a stiff headwind.

The star of the show, American Tyson Gay, won his 100m with plenty to spare though his time of 10.15 was distinctly underwhelming. It summed up the afternoon.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk

Calvin Borel to again ride Mine That Bird

Saratoga Springs, NY (Sports Network) - Two-time Kentucky Derby winning jockey Calvin Borel will again be in the saddle of Mine That Bird, the gelding he guided to victory in this year's Run for the Roses.

Trainer Chip Woolley made the announcement on Monday.

Woolley said that Borel, who won the 2007 Kentucky Derby on Street Sense, has regained the mount on Mine That Bird for the $350,000 Goodwood Stakes versus older horses at Santa Anita Park on Saturday, October 10. Borel will also ride the gelding in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita four weeks later.

This will be the third go-around for Borel with the three-year-old owned by Mark Allen and Dr, Leonard Blach. After winning the Kentucky Derby, Borel chose to ride the filly Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness Stakes, which she won. The Louisiana-native came back to ride Mine That Bird to a third-place result in the Belmont Stakes behind Summer Bird.

Borel lost the mount when he could not commit to ride Mine That Bird in the $750,000 West Virginia Derby on August 1. The jockey was aboard Warrior's Reward that day at Saratoga in the $500,000 Jim Dandy Stakes and finished second.

Mike Smith, who rode Mine That Bird in the Preakness, came back for the West Virginia Derby and was third there. Smith was scheduled to ride in the Travers Stakes, however the gelding was kept out of the Mid-Summer Derby after undergoing throat surgery earlier this month for an entrapped epiglottis.

Voted the 2008 Canadian champion two-year-old, Mine That Bird has earned $1,892,200 with one win in six starts in 2009.

Mine That Bird is scheduled to lead the post parade for the $2 million All America Futurity at Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico on Labor Day.

Source: http://www.sportsnetwork.com

Federer begins U.S. Open with easy win

Flushing Meadows, NY (Sports Network) - Five-time defending champion Roger Federer cruised in his first-round match Monday at the 2009 U.S. Open, the final Grand Slam event of the year.

The Swiss star easily discarded Devin Britton, 6-1, 6-3, 7-5, in 1 hour, 28 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The world No. 1 Federer took advantage of Britton's 40 unforced errors to make quick work of the American.

Federer beat Andy Murray in last year's final to capture his Open Era-record fifth straight title at Flushing Meadows. The amazing Federer is seeking his 16th major title to extend his own record. He has already won the French Open and Wimbledon this season.

Monday's win was Federer's 35th straight at the U.S. Open (46-4 overall), with his last loss coming at the hands of David Nalbandian in the fourth round in 2003.

Federer, who became the first player in history to surpass $50 million in career prize money with his first-round win, will take on German Simon Greul in the second round. Greul outlasted Giovanni Lapentti of Ecuador, 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 6-0, 7-6 (11-9), to earn a match with Federer.

American James Blake, the 21st seed, defeated Spaniard Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo, 6-1, 6-4, 7-5.

Other seeded winners Monday included Nikolay Davydenko, Robin Soderling, Tommy Robredo, Tommy Haas, and Lleyton Hewitt.

The eighth-seeded Davydenko of Russia handled German Dieter Kindlmann, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5; 12th-seeded Swede Soderling downed Spaniard Albert Montanes, 6-1, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4; 14th-seeded Robredo of Spain dismissed American Donald Young, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3; 20th-seeded Haas of Germany posted a 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (9-7), 6-2 victory over Alejandro Falla of Colombia; and 31st-seeded Hewitt of Australia thumped Brazilian Thiago Alves, 6-0, 6-3, 6-4.

In a pair of mild upsets, Mikhail Youzhny of Russia took down 26th-seeded Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu, 2-6, 7-5, 6-0, 6-2, and hard-serving American John Isner outlasted 28th-seeded Victor Hanescu of Romania, 6-1, 7-6 (16-14), 7-6 (7-5), in 2 hours, 27 minutes.

Marco Chiudinelli of Switzerland posted the first win of the day on the men's side when he beat Italian Potito Starace, 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-2), 6-0.

Other wins came from Spaniards Marcel Granollers and Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, Czech Jan Hernych, Belgian Olivier Rochus, Somdev Devvarman of India, Marsel Ilhan of Turkey, and American Robert Kendrick.

Source: http://www.sportsnetwork.com

Patriots LB Bruschi announces retirement

Foxboro, MA (Sports Network) - New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi announced his retirement from football Monday after a 13-year NFL career.

The Patriots, for whom Bruschi played his entire career, held a news conference Monday morning, where team owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick spoke warmly of the iconic Patriot.

"I've had the opportunity to coach a lot of great players over the years and I'll put Tedy above all of them," said an emotional Belichick. "[He's] the epitome of everything you want in a football player. If you asked me to sum up Tedy Bruschi in five seconds...I'd say he's the perfect player. He helped create a tradition here that we are all proud of."

Bruschi helped anchor a defense that was instrumental in New England's three Super Bowl titles spanning four seasons. During his tenure with the team, New England made the playoffs nine times with eight division championships and five conference titles. The 36-year-old one-time Pro Bowl selection holds the franchise record for most postseason games with 22.

"After 13 years of Patriot football, I'm retiring. Every player's career is going to have a beginning, middle and an end, and today is my end. This is a celebration today. I'm in a great place," remarked Bruschi.

"I had a different career. I have moments that I'll remember for the rest of my life, the Patriots, the fans. Being a Patriot my entire career, I'm very proud of. When you come in this facility there's a sign -- it says do your job. I did my job for 13 years and my job is done."

Bruschi totaled 1,138 tackles, 30 1/2 sacks and 12 interceptions in his career with the Patriots. He was the league's Co-Comeback Player of the Year (with Carolina's Steve Smith) in 2005 after returning to play following a mild stroke.

Last year, Bruschi played in 13 games with 12 starts, recording 75 tackles. He most recently played in the Patriots' preseason game against Washington on Friday, recording one tackle.

A former defensive end at Arizona, Bruschi tied the NCAA Division I-A sack record with 52 during his time with the Wildcats. He was a two-time All- American (1994, 1995) and was selected in the third round of the 1996 NFL Draft by New England.

Source: sportsnetwork.com

World Rally Championship leader Mikko Hirvonen is intent on strengthening his lead of the series in Australia next week, but has acknowledged that avoiding a no score is more important to him than taking a fourth consecutive rally victory.

A hat-trick of wins in Greece, Poland and an emotional home town success last time out in Finland for the BP Ford Abu Dhabi team leader have propelled him into a three-point lead over defending champion Sebastien Loeb ahead of next week's new-Australian event.

But with thirty points still up for grabs over the three WRC rounds which remain this season, the drivers' title fight is far from over - making a solid points haul his biggest priority.

"It's a crucial rally for the championship. I will try to win but if I can't, then I must score as many points as possible. Zero points and the title fight could be over for me this year," explained Hirvonen.

"I have a good record on new rallies, although I don't feel I do anything differently in either the recce or the rally itself. But I'll be happy if I can maintain that record," added Hirvonen, whose co-driver Jarmo Lehtinen will celebrate his 100th WRC start next week.

Hirvonen claimed his first WRC win in Australia in 2006 but the 29-year-old acknowledges that will count for nothing on new roads. "This is a brand new rally so I don't know what to expect," he said. "The roads in the west where I won in 2006 are different to those we will experience here. The tracks were covered in slippery marble-like stones but I understand these roads are more traditional gravel, which should suit me."

Drivers will only begin to develop an understanding of the characteristics of the gravel roads once the recce begins on Tuesday. However, the Ford team's tyre engineer George Black visited the area last year to examine the nature of the stages.

Hirvonen's team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala, starting his third Rally Australia, said the arduous schedule was also likely to be a key factor this time. Drivers must spend more than 14 hours behind the wheel during the first day, over 15 hours on the second and more than 11 hours on the usually short final day.

"They are long days and it will be important to adapt quickly to the time difference after the flight there and sleep a lot to be ready for this rally," he said. "Maintaining concentration will be harder than usual. In most rallies the stages are held in groups of three, but it's different here. The opening section on the first leg includes seven tests so it will be important to remain focused during the long liaison sections.

"Shorter stages usually mean the competition is close because it's more difficult to open big time gaps on short tests than it is on longer sections. The drivers' championship is looking set for an exciting finish and my job in Australia will be to score solid points to help Mikko maintain his challenge for the title," added 24-year-old Latvala.

Abu Dhabi's Khalid Al Qassimi, 37, will drive a third Focus RS WRC for the team. "I am very much looking forward to the Australian east coast rally experience. The stages will be new to everyone, so we are all in the same position to give it our best shot and get the most out of the challenge. I have great confidence in my car and the team, so I just need to prove that I can perform on the unknown stages," he said.

Source: wrc.com

Stobart pair aim for a strong end to the season

Stobart Ford team drivers Henning Solberg and Matthew Wilson are each hoping for strong finishes on Repco Rally Australia next week as they near the end of potentially their best WRC seasons to date.

With just two rounds remaining in Spain and Great Britain after the upcoming long-haul event, Solberg and Wilson are aiming to keep their top ten positions in the drivers' standings and beat their best personal best placings of sixth for Henning (in 2007) and 10th for Wilson (in 2008).

After a suspension-related retirement on the last round in Finland, Norwegian Solberg said he and co-driver Cato Menkerud would be back challenging for the podium again in Australia - hoping to add to the third places they scored this year in Argentina and Poland.

Henning heads to Australia fifth in the drivers' standings and with the honour of being the highest ranked non factory team driver. His younger brother Petter is sixth, two points adrift, but has elected to miss the rally which gives Henning an extra incentive to do well. And with the likelihood of a newer, more competitive car for Petter in Spain and GB, Henning is anxious to put some space between them on the championship table.

“I really enjoy the fast gravel rallies and from competing in Australia before I know that I enjoy it there," said Henning. "I had an accident there last time so I really don’t want a repeat of that. I hope that I can achieve another top-five finish as, with Petter not competing in Australia, that would help my position in the drivers’ standings; so I need to make the most of his absence and score good points. I have had a lot of bad luck recently, and I know that anything can happen, but I hope that it is my turn to have some good luck.”

Meanwhile, Britons Wilson and co-driver Scott Martin are hoping to maintain their consistent finishing record this year, which has featured top-eight placings on seven events and only one non finish. Like Solberg, Wilson is on course for a personal best this year, and like his team-mate he's also trying to make the most of Petter's absence - although Wilson will be playing catch up, trying to narrow the five point gap between them.

“It’s a completely new rally so it’s going to be really exciting but with 35 stages it’s going to be a pretty challenging weekend for us," said Wilson. "We haven’t seen a rally with that many stages for a while so it’s definitely going to be different. I have done Rally Australia before, but it will be a new experience for Scott [Martin] and being in a new venue it will be a great challenge for us both as a team. From what we have heard that are some great, flowing stages, with wide, fast roads so I’m really looking forward to seeing them on the recce.”

Source: wrc.com

US Open Preview

NEW YORK, NY, USA - The biggest stars of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour will assemble in New York City this fortnight, and after Thursday's draw, they could begin colliding as early as the second and third round, especially given a pair of former world No.1s, now on the comeback from injury, are floaters in the draw. Also, the Williams sisters fell on the same side - although they can't meet until the semifinals of the year's final Grand Slam tournament.

Dinara Safina became the 19th player ever to rise to No.1 on April 20 earlier this year and has held onto it ever since. The top seed at this year's US Open, she drew arguably one of the toughest quarterfinal opponents, Jelena Jankovic. Jankovic, a former No.1 herself, reached her first Grand Slam final here one year ago and beat Safina in the pair's only meeting this season, just a few weeks ago in the final of Cincinnati, and in straight sets, no less.

Other Top 16 seeds lurking in the top quarter are No.11 seed Ana Ivanovic, who could meet Jankovic in the fourth round (Ivanovic has won six of their eight career meetings) and No.16 seed Virginie Razzano, who could meet Safina in the fourth round (Safina has won four of their six career meetings).

The second quarter of the draw is highlighted by Elena Dementieva and Svetlana Kuznetsova, the No.4 and No.6 seeds. Kuznetsova has a 6-4 lead in the head-to-head but their most famous match came here, as Kuznetsova beat her compatriot in the 2004 US Open final for her first Grand Slam title. She won her second major at Roland Garros this year; but Dementieva has had a better summer hardcourt season, reaching the semis or better in all three tournaments she played, including a win at the Premier-level stop in Toronto.

Lined up to meet the Russians in the fourth round are are No.9 seed Caroline Wozniacki, who could meet Kuznetsova (Kuznetsova is 2-1 against her) and No.13 seed Nadia Petrova, who could meet Dementieva (they are 7-7 lifetime).

Another name to watch out for in the second quarter is Maria Sharapova, No.1 at one point but now No.30, working her way back up the ranks after a nine-month shoulder injury lay-off that stretched from August 2008 to May 2009. Sharapova, seeded No.29, won one of her three Grand Slam titles here in 2006, and could meet Dementieva in the third round. Although she lost to Dementieva in the Toronto final last week, she keeps an 8-3 head-to-head lead on her.

The bottom half of the draw is highlighted by the Williams sisters, both former champions at the US Open and both former No.1s. Venus lies in the third quarter of the draw, and could meet No.8 seed Victoria Azarenka in the quarters (Venus is 1-0 against her). The American, a winner here in 2000 and 2001 and ranked and seeded No.3, has arguably the most dangerous floater in the draw in her section - Kim Clijsters. Clijsters, a wildcard, returned to the Tour this month after spending over two years in retirement, having her first child. The former No.1 made quarterfinals in her first two events back, Cincinnati and Toronto, and the US Open could bring out the best in her again - she did win her only Grand Slam singles title here in 2005. The other Top 16 seeds in Venus' quarter are No.12 seed Agnieszka Radwanska and No.14 seed Marion Bartoli; Clijsters could play Bartoli in the second round and Venus in the fourth.

Serena, ranked and seeded No.2 and a three-time champion here, in 1999, 2002 and 2008, has No.7 seed Vera Zvonareva as her projected quarterfinal foe. Serena's 5-1 head-to-head lead over Zvonareva is closer than it seems, as the Russian did push three of her losses to three sets. Other Top 16 seeds in the bottom quarter are No.10 seed Flavia Pennetta, who could meet Zvonareva in the fourth round, and No.15 seed Stosur, who could play Serena in the fourth round. Serena's path to the quarters could be somewhat of a revenge mission - she could face No.28 seed Sybille Bammer in the third round (Bammer just beat her in Cincinnati) and Stosur (who just beat her in Stanford).

Whether the favorites make their projected rounds or not, one thing is for sure - it may be one of the most unpredictable draws in US Open history.

Source: sonyericssonwtatour.com

Kata Comes Back in NYC

NEW YORK, NY, USA - She finished 2008 at No.20 in singles and No.4 in doubles, and was primed to climb even higher in 2009. But just as her momentum caught full steam, the injuries crept in, and now, 10 months later, Katarina Srebotnik is finally able to make a welcome return to the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour at the US Open.

Srebotnik had phenomenal results last season, including one final, three semifinals and four quarterfinals, as well as five Top 10 wins. She reached the second week of Roland Garros and the US Open, earning two of those Top 10 wins on those big stages (beating Serena Williams in Paris and Svetlana Kuznetsova in New York), but by the Sony Ericsson Championships at the end of the season, the pain was just too much.

"I was having pain in my Achilles in the last few months of the year but decided to treat it rather than do something drastic. It was hard to play and the treatment was taking longer than I expected. When I finished playing in Doha with Ai, I decided I wouldn't play again until it was 100% healed. I could have started 2009 normally if I took pills to take the pain away, but I really didn't want to do that."

Rather than take a complete break from the sport, Srebotnik, always the hard worker, kept herself in tune as best she could, despite the disappointment of being pushed away at her peak.

"The whole thing felt like a huge punch for me. Physically I was tired from playing so much at the end of the year, so maybe I was ready for a little break. When I couldn't go to Australia, then, it was okay. It's very far and it's hard to begin the year there.

"I wasn't used to doing nothing though, so I was doing upper body work in the gym. Maybe I did a little bit too much of it, because I injured my shoulder on one of the machines. I pulled out of Fes and Madrid because of the shoulder - the Achilles was healthy by then.

"When Roland Garros came and I had been out for so long already, I was really sad. It was hard to watch on TV. I thought it would be okay for Wimbledon - I even went to London - but then a few days before the tournament the pain came back. I didn't want to come back without being 100%, so I withdrew.

"I was always on stand-by mode. It wasn't a holiday at all. Week after week, I was told I'd be back soon, so I was practicing whatever I could practice. But those weeks turned into months. At the time I didn't know it would end up being this long, but that's probably a good thing because it would be harder for me if I knew it would end up being 10 months at the end."

One thought lingering in Srebotnik's mind throughout the lay-off was the possibility for rising higher in the rankings, given the most exceptional results from last season came during the summer and fall.

"I didn't really have anything to defend in the first half of the year - I was still No.25 this April - so I knew if I kept playing like I was, I could have gone even higher, maybe Top 15, who knows. Now I see my ranking dropping and it's going to go down even more... I've had to accept that will happen."

Another trial during the lay-off came in Srebotnik's coaching situation, in that she split with her long-time coach, making the comeback all the more difficult.

"There were three hurdles for me in those 10 months - the first two were the injuries and the third was I lost my coach after Wimbledon. She had different ambitions - she picked to travel with another team on Tour. We had many good years but in this whole situation I realized who really cares for me and who always will. The ones who stuck by me are the true friends.

"Right now I'm trying out a few coaches. I have trial periods with some of them. At the end of the year I'll make a final decision on a coach for 2010. For the US Open, I just have a sparring partner travelling with me and supporting me."

Srebotnik isn't keeping her expectations too high to start. She still has her goals and hopes to get back to her best and even higher, but doesn't want to rush it.

"It took a combination of many things to get over the injuries. The right therapy, the right rehab exercises to strengthen the muscles, taking enough time...

"For the next year or so, I'm not going to put any pressure on myself. I just want to stay healthy and enjoy my tennis. I have a frozen ranking of No.20 in singles and No.4 in doubles, so hopefully they will help me in the eight tournaments next year where I can use them. I believe I can come back. Ideally it would be better to come back at a smaller tournament, but I couldn't play any leading up to the US Open, and the atmosphere there is great. It'll pull me in. I'll still look at my first match as one match. I have to start somewhere - let it be New York!"

Srebotnik drew Nadia Petrova first round, and will take the court Monday or Tuesday. How does she feel about her game coming into her first match back?

"Right now I feel really good. I've been practicing for one month now. I'm still sore in the shoulder, which is understandable considering I hadn't practiced for 10 months, but this is bearable, and it will go away after a few weeks. I'm just excited to be back to competition. I've realized how much I miss this sport, how much I love it. When you're healthy, you don't know what you have.

"I think I speak for a lot of injured players when I say this. There are always worse things than losing a match."

Source: sonyericssonwtatour.com