INDIA STRIKES AGAIN

INDIA NOW DOMINATING ON BANGLADESH.THEY TAKE 5 WICKETS BEFORE LAUNCH BREAK.BANGLADESH SCORE 66 RUNS.

Sisters win in straight sets

The American top seed won 6-0 6-3 at the Hisense Arena but needed eight set points to clinch the opener, while Suarez managed a comeback of sorts in the second set, winning three games.

However, there was clearly only going to be one winner and Williams moves on to face Australian Sam Stosur in the last 16.

Williams seemed on course for a first-set whitewash as she strolled to a 5-0 lead, with Suarez winning only five points in that time.

The Spaniard came to life then, however, delaying the inevitable in a 23-minute sixth game which saw 13 deuces and seven wasted break points by the American.

Boosted perhaps by that resistance, Suarez's intelligent shot selection saw her push Williams harder in the second set.
Trademark

The 11-time Grand Slam champion displayed her trademark power and stamina, however, taking everything Suarez could muster and, after breaking her opponent in the third and reaching 5-3, broke the Spaniard again to wrap up the win.

The 28-year-old Californian is expecting a tough challenge in the next round where she will meet Stosur, a 6-4 6-1 winner over Alberta Brianti.

Stosur beat Williams when they last met in Los Angeles last year and with a noisy home crowd behind the Australian, the defending champion is wary of the threat to her crown.

"She beat me the last time we played, so she has a lot of momentum," said Serena Williams.

"A ton of momentum. She serves great. She gets a lot of big, big first serves. I definitely expect the crowd to root for Sam. I mean, I would."

Stosur claimed she could cause the upset, saying: "I guess I don't really have that much to lose. I can go out there and just really enjoy it."

Hat-trick

Venus Williams also progressed as she made it a hat-trick of wins against left-handers by overcoming Australia's Casey Dellacqua.

Williams won 6-1 7-6 but was made to battle in a contest which lasted one hour and 47 minutes.

It was the sixth seed's third win against left-handed opposition, after beating Lucie Safarova and Sybille Bammer in the earlier rounds, and - like her sister -she is still to drop a set in Melbourne.

The final match on Saturday saw No.4 seed Caroline Wozniacki advance to the fourth round after blitzing Israel's Shahar Peer 6-4 6-0.

The talented Dane, a beaten finalist at the US Open four months ago, will play Na Li for a place in the last eight after the Chinese player overcame Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova 7-5 3-6 6-2.

Russian ice skaters

The Russian world champions were surprised to learn that elders had accused them of stealing an Aboriginal dance idea and causing serious cultural offence.

'We didn't know anything about it,' a wide-eyed Domnina told reporters after scoring 61.49 points for the original dance, taking their total after two dances to 104.27 with Friday's free dance still to come.

The Russians had led by just under five points following Tuesday's compulsory dance and they have increased it slightly to lead Italy's Federica Faiella and Massimo Scali (99.15). Russia's Jana Khokhlova and Sergei Novitski are third (96.46).
Shabalin said they had done their homework but had never intended it to be an authentic Aboriginal dance.

'We researched a lot of information on the Internet. It's just from many thousands of years ago and it wasn't our goal (to be authentic),' he said.

Sol Bellear of the New South Wales state Aboriginal Land Council told Reuters earlier in the day: 'It's very offensive. We see it as stealing Aboriginal culture and it is yet another example of the Aboriginal people of Australia being exploited.'

The theme for the original dance was folk/country dance and Domnina said their routine was just like all the other skaters, drawing inspiration from other countries or cultures.

Manchester United debts over £700m

Red Football Joint Venture Ltd, which is owned by the Glazer family, filed accounts today for the year ending June 2009 showing their overall debt has gone past the £700million mark for the first time, increasing by £17million from £699million.

The biggest rise has come in the 'payment in kind' (PIK) loans, which have had an interest rate of 14.25% which is simply added to the existing debt.

The debt from the PIKs has increased by £27million to £202million and the accounts reveal the situation is due to get even worse when a new 16.25% rate kicks in August.

The situation accounts for the urgency with which the Glazer family are seeking a cash injection from a £500million bond issue. It is thought however they need the bond money to first refinance the £509million owed in bank loans before they can then tackle the PIK debt.

The overall debt figure, not contained in the prospectus for a £500million bond issue released last week, are bound to worry fans, some of whom are already taking up fresh protest action against the Glazers.

The accounts also reveal that the £80million received from Cristiano Ronaldo's sale has led to a decent profit for Red Football.

The company paid out £68.5million in interest on their debts in 2009 but unlike the previous year when interest payments were similar, they returned an overall profit of £6.4milllion in 2009. In 2008, they returned a £47million loss.

The profit can almost entirely be explained by the sale of Ronaldo to Real Madrid in June for £80million.

Red Football's accounts record an £80.7million profit on "disposal of players" compared to a £21million profit in 2008.

A spokesman for the Glazer family insisted that the debt did not have a bearing on the operation of the club.

He told Press Association Sport: "The club has a £50million surplus to work with once the interest payments have been made."

Manchester United's accounts also show their chief executive David Gill was paid £1.8million last year.

The accounts also confirm that six of Malcolm Glazer's children, who are all directors of Red Football, were each given loans worth £1.67million from United's parent company.

Keith Harris, the head of Seymour Pierce merchant bank who has been involved in four Premier League club takeovers, questioned the wisdom of such a practice.

Harris told The Guardian: "You would not expect directors to be borrowing money at a company of United's size and, although it is now allowed legally, it is generally still frowned upon because it does not create a good impression of the directors' governance of the company."

Tevez slams Gary Neville 'the idiot'

The Manchester City striker last night reignited his feud with Neville, after the pair exchanged gestures during the clubs' Carling Cup semi-final first leg clash at Eastlands on Tuesday night. Neville had claimed in an interview at the weekend that United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was right to let Tevez leave Old Trafford in the summer.

The Football Association will speak to both Manchester clubs to try to avoid any flashpoints during next week's second leg at Old Trafford, but Tevez's latest comments will hardly help to reduce the tension.

The Argentina forward told ESPN Radio: 'In all the press here (in England), Gary Neville came out and stood by Ferguson's comments, saying that I wasn't worth 25million.

'I thought he was in the wrong because we were team-mates and I never disrespected him, I always respected him.

'I feel he was a boot-licker when he stood by Ferguson's comments that I wasn't worth that money.

'From a former team-mate it hurts, from a coach it doesn't surprise me.'

After Tevez converted his penalty, he ran to celebrate with the City fans, in front of whom Neville was warming up.

Tevez gestured to Neville to keep his mouth shut. Neville immediately retorted with a one-fingered gesture in Tevez's direction.

Tevez explained: 'I would never do that gesture towards the fans, I would never show a lack of respect towards people. It was directed at Gary Neville.

'Just as I was running off to celebrate the penalty I had scored, I came across Gary and I said to myself, 'shut your trap, keep quiet'.

'I didn't go overboard in my celebration and it was directed at Gary, not at Ferguson and not at the fans. I didn't even look at Ferguson.

'You have to do your talking on the pitch. I know that Ferguson loves me, that's why he always talks about me.'

Tevez was upset when he first heard of Neville's newspaper comments.

'I was the first to sit down to have lunch in the team hotel and all the papers were laid out,' he said.

'I looked at them as, although I couldn't read them, there were (photos) of Gary Neville and they were talking about me.

'Then I asked my team-mates what it said.

'I thought to myself, 'what's this idiot talking about me for when I never said anything about him, when there was never any [problems] with us?'

'It was a lack of respect for a (former) team-mate, aside from the fact that we had won a lot of things together.'

The two teams face off again in the second leg at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Andy Murray in Melbourne

The fifth seed coasted through his opening two matches and while he was tested early by the world number 64, Murray's 7-5 6-1 6-4 win was still fairly comfortable.

Murray had only been broken twice in his first two matches but saw Serra twice break back in the opening set as the 22-year-old Scot was put under pressure for the first time in the tournament.

He responded to the challenge emphatically as he broke Serra for a third time to take the opening set in 52 minutes.

Murray then raced through the second set and when he broke Serra's opening two service games in the third, the result had suddenly become inevitable.

Murray's victory meant he at least fulfilled his modest pre-tournament ambition of matching his best result in Australia, the fourth round, and he will meet the winner of the match between another Frenchman, Gael Monfils, and American John Isner.

The British number one began with a bang, serving three consecutive aces and then breaking his opponent's first service game for the third match running to forge ahead 3-0.

But the Scot then hit a mid-set lull and Serra broke back, albeit after Murray pushed a simple volley wide to characterise a sloppy service game.

INDIA ON FIRE

INDIA IS IN GOOD STAGE NOW.THEY TAKE 4 WICKETS IN FIRST TEST AGAINST BANGLADESH IN SECOND INNINGS.BANGLADESH NEED 309 RUNS MORE.

Sania Decides to Give Up Tennis after Marriage

23-year-old Sania Mirza went down to Aravane Rezai of France at the first round of singles event at Australian Open. Post the match Sania answered many questions like how her experience in Australia was considering the racial attacks by the Australians on Indian students last year as well as about her decision to give up tennis after marriage.

"I've said that all my life. I don't know (how) it's become breaking news two days ago," said Sania.

"They're acting like I'm getting married tomorrow and giving up the day after tomorrow. That's not happening.

"There are a lot of things you have to work out when two people get to that stage of marriage. It's still a long way off," added the Indian tennis star.

Sania engaged to her childhood friend Sohrab Mirza in July last year. However date of their wedding is not yet fixed. Meanwhile, Sania said that her father and fiancé have supported her decision.

Concerned with the whole drama created by Indian press, Sania later added, "It's just my personal choice. I mean I just think that after marriage your priorities change in a lot of different ways," she said. "If I had to keep playing tennis and travel 35 weeks a year, why get married? I'd like to be with my husband, I think."

Although, Sania has exited from singles event of the on-going Grand Slam- Australian Open, her campaign still remains with women's doubles and mixed doubles event. Last year Sania won the mixed doubles title at the event along with compatriot Mahesh Bhupathi, with which she became the first Indian women to win a Grand Slam title.

The TOP 5 BEAUTIFUL TENNIS STAR

Name: Maria Sharapova
* Age: 22
* Country: Russia
* Career Earnings: $12,383,566

How could we pick anyone else for the number one slot? At 22, Sharapova has not only earned $12 million, she’s captured the attention of millions and brought new fans to the sport. She is a true celebrity, ranking in endorsement deals as often as she rakes in grand slam winnings. A full career is ahead of this one, and unlike her past counterparts like Anna Kournikova, this beauty can PLAY. How many wins are ahead of her
* Name: Ana Ivanovic
* Age: 21
* Country: Serbia
* Career Earnings: $6,753,904

21-year-old Ana Ivanovic is easily one of the most beautiful women in tennis today. While tennis fans normally lean toward Russian blondes, this Serbian brunette has a fresh look that drives tennis fans wild. We’re hooked, and we certainly enjoy this young pro doing her thing on the tennis court. While she’s already out of the Wimbledon 2009 competition, expect plenty more of this successful beauty in the future.
* Name: Daniela Hantuchova
* Age: 26
* Country: Slovakia
* Career Earnings: $6,293,457

This 26-year-old Slovakian beauty has amassed a hefty sum of prize money throughout her tennis career. Beyon what Daniela Hantuchova does on the court, she’s quite friendly to the camera off court. It’s not difficult to find lusty pictures of “Danka” in the slightest of sun wear, as exhibited above. She won Wimbledon’s mixed doubles set in 2001, and is back again this year to show her skill on the court. We’re watching, Miss Hantuchova, you’re quite easy to look at…
* Name: Serena Williams
* Age: 27
* Country: USA
* Career Earnings: $24,205,248

The other half of the infamous Williams duo, Serena Williams has earned a whopping $24 million on the tennis court, and is poised to add a few million more at this year’s Wimbledon. For those who like athletic, toned women, Williams has a clear amazonian appeal. Having been linked to rapper Common and other names in the past, her body of work is adored by many.
* Name: Michelle Larcher De Brito
* Age: 16
* Country: Portugal
* Career Earnings: $155,565

We’re a bit leery about adding a 16-year-old to a “hot list”, so consider this an inclusion about the bright future of Portugal’s Michelle Larcher De Brito. As she grows as a tennis player and a woman, Larcher De Brito is likely to become a hit on the tennis courts and in the spotlight. Her wavy hair and energetic look will earn her plenty of attention in the years to come.

Double for Vettel

Zettel stormed down the Radvanje course in a two-run combined time of 1 minute, 42.98 seconds, 0.71sec ahead of Slovenian runner-up Tina Maze, with Maria Riesch of Germany 1.28sec behind.

"I don't know what to say. I couldn't believe I was No. 1 after the second run," said Zettel, who has nine podium finishes so far this season.

"It was a really bumpy second run with a flat light making it tough for racing.

"I'm so happy with this victory. I'm on cloud nine and will take that to the Olympics.

"For me, it's an indescribable feeling."

Riesch's third place finish allows her to take the overall lead from defending champion Lindsey Vonn of the USA, who failed to qualify for the final run and is now 28 points behind the German in the standings. Metro Sport - 19th January, 2010 Share|

Louk Sorensen secures historic WIN

Louk Sorensen secures historic Australian Open win for Ireland
Louk Sorensen became the first Irishman to win a grand slam match in 25 years when he defeated Yen-Hsun Lu in the first-round of the Australian Open.
Louk Sorensen of Ireland hits a return against Taiwan's Lu Yen-Hsun Louk Sorensen of Ireland hits a return against Taiwan's Lu Yen-Hsun

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Sorensen reached the main draw of a major for the first time in qualifying last week and continued his dream run in Melbourne by beating a player ranked almost 200 places higher 6-4 3-6 6-2 6-1.

Ireland had not produced a player that had won a match at a grand slam since the Californian-born Matt Doyle won through to the round of 32 at the 1985 Australian Open.

But Sorensen, ranked 287 in the world, defied the odds to bring that record to an end.

The 25-year-old's match had been postponed after yesterday's rain with the players assigned to arguably the least glamorous court at the Melbourne Park complex - Court 14 where the shunting trams just metres away are more audible than the cheers from the other courts.

Regardless, the court will long live in the memory of Sorensen who, with only five players ranked below than him in the whole main draw, was expected to come unstuck against world number 101 Lu.

But the Irishman, whose father Sean coaches the Davis Cup team, showed his gritty resolve early as he broke in the opening set which he took out, with his third set point, by firing a forehand down the line.

There was little between the players and when Lu levelled the match at one set apiece the contest had already lasted more than an hour and a half.

But from there Sorensen took control as he raced through the next two sets in an hour to claim his historic win.

EXCITING MOMENTS OF SPORTS

Manchester City v Manchester United - City of Manchester Stadium

Baltacha defies the odds

Baltacha, who reaches the third round of a Grand Slam for the third time in her career, fired off 35 winners as she recorded a 6-2 7-5 victory in one hour and 34 minutes.

The 26-year-old, who qualified for the last 32 at Melbourne in 2005 and at Wimbledon in 2002, made light of the gulf in the rankings to dominate from the off.

Baltacha, who rose to a career-high ranking of 83 earlier this month, broke Bondarenko twice to lead 3-0 in the first set.

The Ukrainian threatened to claw her way back as she made it 3-2, however Baltacha rattled off three games on the bounce to take the set.

Bondarenko showed signs of her class in the second set as this time she worked her way into a 3-0 lead.

However Baltacha battled back to win the next four games to steal the initiative and although Bondarenko was able to break back to level, her serve was constantly letting her down.

And Baltacha got the vital break in the 11th game, allowing her to serve out for the match - with the Brit recording only her fourth victory over a top-50 player.

Andy Murray wins

Murray raced through the first set and although he allowed the Frenchman back into it, the result was never in doubt.

'It was a good performance,' he said.

'The conditions were quite tricky. It got quite windy and I had to come through a couple of tough games. So I thought it was solid. It was a great atmosphere. It felt a bit like Davis Cup, there was a lot of noise, a lot of people up and moving around.'

Murray took just 23 minutes to claim the opening set of his second-round match with Marc Gicquel 6-1 at the Australian Open.

The fifth seed coasted through his first-round against Kevin Anderson on Monday, when he lost just four games, and a similarly routine match loomed against the 32-year-old Frenchman.

Murray served out the opening game to love in just a minute, which prompted one member of the crowd to shout: 'Is that all you've got?'

If the fans wanted more they soon got it as Murray immediately broke Gicquel's serve after fighting back from 30-love down.

The deftest of drop shots then ensured the Scot held serve before he expertly disguised another from the back of the court en route to his second break.

Murray went for the shot again in his next service game, but did not pull it off and allowed Gicquel his chance at a break point.

An ace from the 22-year-old snuffed out the danger as he surged into a 5-0 lead.

Giquel held for the first time to get on the scoreboard, but it was elementary as Murray served it out with an ace down the middle.

Murray's ability to get an early break of serve has marked his play since arriving in Australia earlier this month and he did it again in the opening game of the second set.

The only concern for the Scot was his inability to consistently get his first serve into play as he operated under 50% for the second consecutive match.

It started to hinder him as Gicquel took the next service game to deuce, although the Scot came up with an ace at the right time to fend off the danger.

Murray was in more trouble on his next service as he fell 0-40 behind before showing his quality to get five of his next six first serves into play and fight back to take the game and a 4-2 lead in the set.

Gicquel then held twice, either side of Murray's serve again going to deuce, but the Scot served out the set 6-4 when he thrashed a forehand from the net across court.

The pattern of the match continued into the third set as Murray got an early break, this time in the third game, before holding after being taken to deuce for the fourth service in six.

Gicquel rode a friendly net-cord to hold and make it 3-2 as he desperately hung in the match.

The 57th-ranked Frenchman was then rewarded for his doggedness with his first break of serve as the match started to find some life outside Murray's dominance.

Gicquel added further spice with an animated show of petulance to the chair umpire after a line call incorrectly went against him, and it proved costly as he was broken.

The Frenchman handed the break to Murray with a double fault and his frustration showed as he continued his complaints to the official at the change of ends.

It proved to be Gicquel's final yelp of resistance and while Murray failed to take his first two match points, the first when he opted to volley a ball that was already wide of the right line, he won through 6-1 6-4 6-3 at the third time of asking when the Frenchman hit long.

Selby wins a thriller

World number one O'Sullivan established a lead in the afternoon session that he did not relinquish until Selby won the penultimate frame to take the match into a decider.

Selby, winner here in 2008, has a reputation for winning deciding frames and again held his nerve impressively to claim the £150,000 prize money.

O'Sullivan had earlier eased himself into the contest after losing a scrappy opening frame.

The 34-year-old was disgusted with himself for a poor positional shot in the second frame but an unfortunate in-off from Selby led to a break of 56 for O'Sullivan

Rory targets more progress

The Northern Irish starlet catapulted himself into the game's elite during a highly-successful 2009 campaign which saw him claim a first professional win, crack the world's top-10 and finish second in the inaugural Race to Dubai.

But far from being satisfied with his progress, the 20-year-old is now looking to push on again and has set himself new targets for the season ahead.

While McIlroy is aware his rapid rise makes him an easy target, and any fall in ranking or performance could be harshly regarded as a failure, he is keen to make a bright start to his season at this week's Abu Dhabi Golf Championship following his Christmas break.

"There will probably be more pressure this year," he acknowledged. "I have got into the top 10 which brings pressures in itself to try to stay there and to try to move higher.

Nadal IS SAFE

Nadal was simply too strong for the 22-year-old, who was playing against a top-10 player for the first time in his career.

Nadal needed just 31 minutes to wrap up the first set, with Lacko continually spraying his groundstrokes wide at the Rod Laver Arena.

The world No.2 refused to let Lacko settle and although the Slovakian battled on bravely, he could not come close to matching Nadal.

With the writing on the wall, both players looked relaxed in the third set with Nadal even sharing a joke with the crowd before going on to wrap up the victory.

Four-time semi-finalist Andy Roddick is also through to the third round following an impressive 6-3 6-4 6-4 victory over Thomaz Bellucci.

At Least 30 Haiti Soccer Deaths in Quake

At least 30 members of Haiti's soccer federation, including an undetermined number of players, died in the country's earthquake, regional soccer authorities said Tuesday.

The dead included referees, coaches, administrators and medical officials, the Caribbean Football Union said. Haiti's federation's headquarters collapsed during last week's quake.

Federation president Yves Jean Bart survived, the Caribbean Football Union said in its report to soccer's world governing body in Switzerland.

Horace Burrell of Jamaica, vice president of the Caribbean group, visited Haiti over the weekend. He said Bart told him that at least 30 federation members had died. Bart said 20 more were still buried in the rubble or unaccounted for. It was not clear how many players were in the building when it collapsed.

Burrell's report said federation officials were meeting when the quake struck.

''Words cannot describe what I have seen in Haiti. It is heartbreaking,'' Burrell said in his report to FIFA vice president Jack Warner, who also heads the North American, Central American and Caribbean region known as CONCACAF.

Burrell said he met Bart at the airport.

''His injuries and bandages remain stark reminders of his narrow escape from the crumbling building,'' Burrell said.

Warner said FIFA would donate $250,000 to relief efforts and FIFA vice president Chung Moon-jung was personally donating $500,000. Warner said he would contribute $100,000.

Afridi stunned by IPL

Only 11 players were signed in the draft, none of them hailing from Pakistan - the reigning World Twenty20 champions - despite the likes of Afridi, Mohammad Aamer, Umar Gul and Umar Akmal all being available.

Khan argued a perceived issue over visas was to blame for the lack of interest, despite IPL commissioner Modi's claims all franchises were free to bid for any shortlisted players.

'I'd heard prior to the auction that franchises were being advised not to bid for Pakistani players as the players from Pakistan would not be issued with visas by the Indian government and that is precisely what has happened,' Khan told www.pakpassion.net.

'The Indian Premier League have been using Afridi's name and pictures to publicise the tournament and to build up the hype and he was expected to be one of the most popular players amongst the franchises.

'Lalit Modi and the Indian government have a lot to answer for. The way I see it is that, because Afridi and the other Pakistani players would have been employed by an Indian company for the IPL, the Indian government wouldn't issue a visa.

'Yet, if Shahid was to play for South Australia in the Champions League, they would issue him with a visa, as they did for Yasir Arafat when he played for Sussex in last year's Champions League.

'I think Shahid and the other Pakistani players have been wronged and mistreated here.'

Afridi himself declared his shock at being left on the shelf.

'I'm stunned by the omission and, yes, I'm obviously very disappointed as I was really looking forward to playing once again in the Indian Premier League and testing my skills against the world's best players and against friends and colleagues,' he said.

'I thought I would be picked and am very surprised at the outcome of the auction.'

Piquet makes NASCAR move

The 24-year-old Brazilian still has a handful of seats on the F1 grid for next season to go for, but he has decided to move to American and race in NASCAR.

The former Renault Driver was caught up in the infamous 'crashgate' saga after being the driver told to deliberately hit the wall to enable team-mate Fernando Alonso to win the race.

After mulling over his options, Piquet has now taken the decision to race in NASCAR despite his ambition to be a success in Formula One.

"I have spent the last few months carefully evaluating my options for this year," Piquet said on his won website. "I had to choose a path and it was a difficult decision to make.

Australian Open in brief

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)—A look at Tuesday’s second day of the Australian Open:

WEATHER: Cloudy, then sunny but breezy with a high of 73 degrees.

ATTENDANCE: Day: 45,594 (record for any day session in tournament history); Night: 18,009; Total: 63,603.

WINNERS: Men: No. 1 Roger Federer, No. 3 Novak Djokovic, No. 6 Nikolay Davydenko, No. 9 Fernando Verdesco, No. 10 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, No. 12 Gael Monfils, No. 14 Marin Cilic, No. 17 David Ferrer, No. 18 Tommy Haas, No. 19 Stanislas Wawrinka, No. 20 Mikhail Youghny, No. 21 Tomas Berdych, No. 22 Lleyton Hewitt, No. 26 Nicolas Almagro, No. 27 Philipp Kohlschreiber, No. 29 Viktor Troika, No. 30 Juan Monaco, No. 31 Albert Montanes, No. 33 John Isner.

Women: No. 1 Serena Williams, No. 6 Venus Williams, No. 8 Jelena Jankovic, No. 10 Agnieszka Radwanska, No. 11 Marion Bartoli, No. 13 Sam Stosur, No. 17 Francesca Schiavone, No. 19 Nadia Petrova, No. 20 Ana Ivanovic, No. 21 Sabine Lisicki, No. 26 Aravane Rezai, No. 31 Alona Bondarenko, No. 32 Carla Suarez Navarro.

LOSERS: Men: No. 8 Robin Soderling, No. 16 Tommy Robredo, No. 23 Juan Carlos Ferrero, No. 25 Sam Querrey, No. 28 Jurgen Melzer.

Women: No. 18 Virginie Razzano, No. 23 Dominika Cibulkova, No. 25 Anabel Medina Garrigues.

STATS OF THE DAY: 70, number of Grand Slam singles matches played by France’s Fabrice Santoro spanning four decades; 4 hours, 19 minutes—WTA says the duration of Barbora Zahlavova Strycova’s first-round win over Regina Kulikova is a record for a women’s match at a Grand Slam.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I was very happy to come back one more time here. No regrets.”—Santoro, at the 70th, a 7-5, 7-5, 6-3 loss to Marin Cilic in his 18th appearance at Melbourne Park.

On Court Wednesday: No. 2 Rafael Nadal vs. Lukas Lacko; No. 7 Andy Roddick vs. Thomaz Bellucci. No. 3 Svetlana Kuznetsova vs. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, No. 5 Elena Dementieva vs. Justine Henin, No. 15 Kim Clijsters vs. Tamarine Tanasugarn.

Williams Criticizes

There were no outbursts from Serena Williams here — at least on the court. She swiftly and, for the most part stoically, took apart her overmatched opponent, Urszula Radwanska, in straight sets. Afterwards, however, the women’s defending Australian Open champion pointedly questioned the fine given to her for threatening to shove a ball down a line judge’s throat last summer at the United States Open.


Serena Williams, who won the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2009, is the top seed in Melbourne, but her U.S. Open semifinal defeat remains heavy on her mind.



Williams, who was making her first Grand Slam appearance since the profanity-laced outburst, said she believed the $92,000 fine was too severe, and suggested that it would have been less if she had not been a woman.

“I don’t know anyone who ever got fined like that, and people have said worse and done worse,” said Williams, who could have been suspended from playing here.

“I just thought it was a bit much, but that was that.”

Williams said she was not making excuses for her bad behavior, and said she was trying to turn the incident into a positive by raising money for charities, including the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

Still, the world’s top women’s player would not let it go.

“Ninety-two thousand dollars is a lot of money to fine someone,” she said. “I always said what I did wasn’t right, but I turned that around and I’m actually raising $92,000 to educate ladies, women, also for my school in Africa.”

INDIA BACK IN GAME

INDIA COME BACK IN GAME.THIRD DAY OF FIRST TEST THEY TOOK 6 WICKETS UNTIL LUNCH BREAK.

Kessler critical after crash

The German was on a training ride with compatriot Andreas Kloden when he came off his bike.

Kessler sustained severe head injuries in the accident and is now in an induced coma following surgery on Friday.

It had been thought that the 30-year-old's condition was upgraded to serious but the latest reports indicate that the Tour de France stage winner is still critical.

Kessler is currently without a top-level ride after returning from a two-year doping suspension in the summer of 2009.

The classic specialist's greatest achievement came in the 2006 Tour de France when he broke away over the steep Cauberg hill to win stage three of the race.

McGeechan offered Lions in 2013 tour

McGeechan, 62, who coached the Lions in their tour of South Africa earlier this year, has been in talks with Chief Executive John Feehan about the prospect of a planning role for the tour in four years time.

"John has always asked me to have some involvement in the preparations for Australia from a rugby perspective," McGeechan told Sky Sports News.

"It's great because that's the bit that has probably been left until last or not done before so I'm looking forward to that."
Prepared

McGeechan revealed that his main concern was seeing the Lions well prepared for the tour, but insisted he had not cemented any definite involvement.

"It would be more as someone to consult with and just try and use my experience to do the best in that preparation," he said.

"I think it's in everybody's interest that the Lions have the best programme and that they are competitively well prepared ahead of the Test series.

"A competitive Test series then is important for both Australia and the Lions."

When questioned whether there was a possibility he would manage the tour, McGeechan insisted it was too early to make any concrete decisions.

"I don't know, it's four years away yet. That's all I'm doing at the moment, that's all I'm looking at," he added.

"If I can make the next tour from a Lions' perspective as balanced as possible and get preparation right then whoever takes it has hopefully a good opportunity of keeping the Lions competitive which for me is very important."

latest Men's rankings of world tennis

Men's rankings

ATP singles rankings as of Monday 11 January 2010:

1. Roger Federer (Swi)

2. Rafael Nadal (Spa)

3. Novak Djokovic (Ser)

4. Juan Martin Del Potro (Arg)

5. Andy Murray (GB)

6. Nikolay Davydenko (Rus)

7. Andy Roddick (US)

8. Robin Soderling (Swe)

9. Fernando Verdasco (Spa)

10. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (Fra)

11. Fernando Gonzalez (Chi)

12. Gael Monfils (Fra)

13. Radek Stepanek (Cze)

14. Marin Cilic (Cro)

15. Gilles Simon (Fra)

16. Tommy Robredo (Spa)

17. David Ferrer (Spa)

18. Tommy Haas (Ger)

19. Stanislas Wawrinka (Swi)

20. Mikhail Youzhny (Rus)

France's Thierry Henry escapes Fifa ban

Striker Thierry Henry will not be punished by Fifa for his handball in France's World Cup finals play-off victory over the Republic of Ireland.

The world governing body's disciplinary committee concluded there was "no legal foundation" to deal with the case.

The Barcelona striker handled the ball twice in the build-up to the decisive extra-time goal from William Gallas.

The Republic did not qualify for the 2010 World Cup and Fifa rejected a request to have the match replayed.

Previously, Fifa president Sepp Blatter said former Arsenal player Henry was guilty of "blatant unfair playing" but stopped short of calling for him to be punished.

606: DEBATE
Seems that Fifa don't have a 'bringing the game into disrepute' charge then?

Gerrardswhiskers

Henry's defence argued successfully that Fifa's disciplinary code does not give the committee the ability to punish such incidents, something the committee accepted.

"Handling the ball cannot be regarded as a serious infringement as stipulated in the Fifa disciplinary code," said a statement.

"There is no other legal text that would allow the committee to impose sanctions for any incidents missed by match officials."

Henry's handball caused an international furore, with the Republic claiming they had been "cheated" out of a place in the World Cup and demanding a replay.

The extra-time goal meant the match in Paris ended 1-1, with France going through 2-1 on aggregate.

Henry, 32, apologised over the incident and later admitted it left him contemplating whether to quit international football.

On the back of the controversy surrounding the incident, Fifa met at Cape Town to consider goal-line technology and extra referees at the World Cup.

INDIA IN DEEP TROUBLE

INDIA ALL OUT OR 243 IN THEIR FIRST TEST MATCH AT CHITTAGONG.SACHIN SCORES 105.BANGLADESH SCORE 59 FOR 3.

Palmer holds his nerve

Ryan Palmer held his nerve to win the Sony Open in Honolulu on the final hole from Robert Allenby.

Palmer and Allenby had gone head-to-head over the final round having shared the overnight lead.

However after a see-saw battle for the lead, Allenby finally broke at the last as he missed a 10-foot putt to allow Palmer, whose approach had hit the pin, to tap-in for a one-stroke victory.

"I came out here with a lot of hopes for the year and wanted to get off to a good start," said Palmer, who finished on 15-under for the tournament.

"My body felt great all week and I was strong mentally, stuck to my guns and took every day one at a time."

Allenby had to settle for second spot on 14-under, however he refused to be too disappointed at missing out on the title at the Waialae Country Club.
Challenge

"I gave myself a chance, that's all I can do but Ryan played awesome," Allenby said.

"But that's golf, sometimes you win, sometimes you don't."

World No.3 Steve Stricker looked like he could be set to challenge Allenby and Palmer for the title early on as six birdies and a bogey saw him reached 13-under with five holes left to play.

However despite briefly sharing the lead a bogey at the 15th and a missed birdie at the 18th meant that he had to settle for third.

South African Retief Goosen matched his career-lowest score with an eight-under round of 62 to finish fourth on 12-under.

Charles Howell III, Carl Pettersson and Davis Love III were a shot further back in a tie for fifth, while a storming finish from Justin Rose earned him a share of 12th.

Rose's fellow Brit Brian Davis carded a disappointing final-round 73.

Shock exit for Sharapova

Former champion Maria Sharapova saw her bad run in the majors continue as she crashed out of the first round of the Australian Open.

The 14th seed, who lost in the second round at Wimbledon and the third round at the US Open last year, came unstuck in Melbourne after an epic three-setter against Maria Kirilenko.

Fellow Russian Kirilenko held on to record a 7-6 (7-4) 3-6 6-4 victory after three hours and 21 minutes.

Sharapova, who won the title in 2008, had gone into the competition claiming she was feeling at her best since surgery had disrupted her 2009 campaign.

However she was guilty of committing 66 unforced errors while also serving 11 double faults, allowing Kirilenko to snatch the victory.

Sharapova certainly had her chances on the Rod Laver Arena, having led 4-2 in the first set and even broke back in the final set to trail 5-4. However Kirilenko was able to make the most of her opportunities to upset her close friend.

Zettel wins Maribor giant slalom

With less than a month to go before the Winter Olympics begin in Vancouver on February 12, Zettel's seventh career win was especially satisfying as she finally beat two of the best skiers in the world.

Germany's Maria Riesch finished second, 0.23 seconds behind. Maribor queen Anja Paerson, winner of seven previous races in the Slovenian city, was third after she crossed the line 0.48 seconds off the pace.

Despite failing to climb on top of the podium, the result provided a much needed boost for the Swede as she had hurt her knee in a crash in Flachau on Tuesday.

Like her arch-rival Riesch, World Cup leader Vonn looked ideally placed to claim a long overdue giant slalom medal when she was second fastest in the first run.

But the American crashed with the finish line in sight in the afternoon and failed to score points. Vonn's misfortune meant she has now finished only one of her last six giant slaloms.

"I'm a little bit fed up of crashing. But today I made a big mistake near the top. I fought hard to make up for lost time and I didn't have any strength left in the finale," said Vonn.

The result lifted Riesch to 862 points in the World Cup overall standings, only 32 behind Vonn.

"I knew victory would come at last but this is a great relief," said Zettel, who has skied with a painful knee since the start of the season.

"You get used to the pain and you just ignore it and concentrate on the job ahead. This is a very significant win in that respect."

Paerson had signalled her return to form with two second place finishes in downhills behind Vonn this winter but the Swede had struggled in giant slaloms.

"I focussed on the giant slalom in training because it's actually my best specialty. I know it didn't show in recent years and I'm glad the work paid off," she said.

James' deal collapse explained

Portsmouth chief Peter Storrie insists Stoke City's unwillingness to pay all of David James' wages was why the deal collapsed.

It had looked like Stoke would sign the Pompey and England international on loan for the remainder of the season earlier in the week.

However, Stoke pulled out of the deal on Friday after earlier reports speculated he could even be part of their side that played Liverpool this weekend.

Storrie has now confirmed that Stoke were unwilling to pay 100 per cent of James' wages, nor did they wish to keep paying him until the end of June.
Wages

"As far as I am concerned, if a fellow Premier League side want to take a Premier League player, then pay his wages. Why bother even ringing if they are not going to pay his wages?" he told Sky Sports News.

"They wanted to pay part of his wages, an appearance fee and some more money if they stay in the Premier League.

"They only wanted to do that until the end of the season, where generally if you take a loan of a Premier League player, you pay it until June 30, the end of his contract period.

"I don't think we were being unreasonable. When we want to sign players on loan from the Premier League we have to pay them until June 30.

"I made it abundantly clear that even if we had wanted to let David go, which had not yet been defined, it wasn't worth us going down that line until there was an offer on the table that was reasonably acceptable."

Heineken Cup

The Ireland captain (pictured) latched on to a superb pass out of the tackle from Shane Horgan after some slick handling by the Leinster backs to go over in the corner and set up a potential showdown at London Irish next week.

The five-point performance puts pressure on the Exiles, who downed Leinster in Dublin on the opening weekend of the tournament, when they travel to Scarlets on Sunday.

Leinster head Pool 6 on 20 points, five clear of their Irish rivals, and a win for the Exiles over Scarlets will set up a thrilling group decider at the Madejski Stadium next Saturday.

Brive were winless in the tournament going into the match and missing England internationals Riki Flutey and Andy Goode, but the French side were more than able opponents as they refused to let Leinster develop any momentum until late in the game.

Neither side were able to find their rhythm in a scrappy first half although Leinster had their scoring chances, only to be thwarted by a resolute Brive defence lead by forgotten England centre Jamie Noon and former Wales flanker Alix Popham.

Indeed, Leinster looked rusty due to the postponement of two Celtic League fixtures and were unable to touch down in the first half, and it was only a penalty try for constant infringing at a five-metre scrum by the Brive pack that separated the two sides on the scoreboard at the interval.

The second half was a much-improved affair as both sides contributed to a contest in which Leinster were never able to pull away until the closing stages of the game.

Ireland fly-half Jonathan Sexton made it 10-0 to Leinster with his only penalty of the match soon after the break, and wing Isa Nacewa was then worked into the corner two minutes later after a burst from Rob Kearney and some slick passing from Gordon D'Arcy and flanker Kevin McLaughlin.

Nacewa's try made it 15-0 to Leinster, but the visitors refused to lie down and hit back on the hour when lock Retief Uys burst over from a lineout near the home side's try-line.

Seven minutes later Leinster grabbed their third try when D'Arcy broke a tackle in midfield after an attacking position set up by number eight and man-of-the-match Jamie Heaslip.

With a bonus-point in their sights, Leinster threw caution to the wind in the last 10 minutes, but in doing so left themselves open to Brive counter attacks and the French side took advantage with a well-worked try from full-back Scott Spedding after a strong run out of defence by replacement wing Viliame Waqaceduadua.

That made the score 22-10 and left Leinster with one final chance of snatching a bonus point. The ball was spread wide from a scrum and after Kearney had hit the line at pace, Horgan was given some space on the right flank.

But rather than taking on the defence on the outside, the powerful wing cut inside and took out three defenders before flipping the ball out of the tackle to O'Driscoll on the loop as Leinster saved their best for last.

Joburg Open 2010

Johannesburg and Kensington GC, Johannesburg, South Africa
(Gbr & Irl unless stated, par 71)

195 Charl Schwartzel (Rsa) 63 68 64

199 Darren Clarke 63 69 67

201 Hendrik Buhrmann (Rsa) 68 64 69

202 Alex Haindl (Rsa) 71 66 65, Hennie Otto (Rsa) 67 66 69, Danny Willett 65 67 70, Jaco Van Zyl (Rsa) 71 64 67, James Kamte (Rsa) 67 66 69

203 Jbe Kruger (Rsa) 63 69 71, Keith Horne (Rsa) 68 65 70, Alejandro Canizares (Spa) 66 69 68, Neil Schietekat (Rsa) 62 72 69, Paul Broadhurst 66 68 69

204 Tjaart Van Der Walt (Rsa) 67 70 67, John Parry 66 67 71, Joost Luiten (Ned) 66 69 69, TC Charamba (Zim) 68 68 68, Soren Hansen (Den) 66 70 68, Michael Hoey 68 69 67

205 Oliver Bekker (Rsa) 70 64 71, Peter Whiteford 66 69 70, Marcel Siem (Ger) 67 69 69, Josh Cunliffe (Rsa) 68 70 67, David Lynn 63 67 75

206 Titch Moore (Rsa) 68 68 70, Jamie Elson 71 67 68, Warren Abery (Rsa) 69 67 70, Louis Oosthuizen (Rsa) 70 66 70, Simon Thornton 70 65 71, Clodomiro Carranza (Arg) 65 70 71

207 Gary Lockerbie 70 66 71, Brandon Pieters (Rsa) 70 69 68, Andrew McArthur 65 74 68, Robert Dinwiddie 70 66 71, Ariel Canete (Arg) 68 69 70, Darren Fichardt (Rsa) 67 68 72, Deane Pappas (Rsa) 67 68 72, Fredrik Andersson Hed (Swe) 69 68 70

208 Prinavin Nelson (Rsa) 71 68 69, Kevin Stone (Rsa) 72 63 73, Neil Cheetham 67 69 72, Dawie Van Der Walt (Rsa) 70 68 70, Shaun Norris (Rsa) 67 70 71, Andrew McLardy (Rsa) 67 67 74, Raphael Jacquelin (Fra) 66 69 73

209 Christiaan Ries (Rsa) 68 70 71, Michael Lorenzo-Vera (Fra) 70 68 71, Branden Grace (Rsa) 67 70 72, Carlos Rodiles (Spa) 69 70 70, Julien Quesne (Fra) 69 70 70, Carl Suneson (Spa) 66 70 73, Robert Rock 68 71 70, Alexandre Kaleka (Fra) 71 67 71, Richard Sterne (Rsa) 67 69 73, Trevor Fisher Jnr (Rsa) 72 67 70, Edoardo Molinari (Ita) 70 69 70

210 Ross Wellington (Rsa) 68 69 73, Andrew Marshall 69 69 72, Phillip Price 72 67 71, David Horsey 68 71 71, Andrew Curlewis (Rsa) 68 66 76, Ryan Tipping (Rsa) 72 67 71, Marc Cayeux (Zim) 70 67 73

211 Grant Muller (Rsa) 71 68 72, Adilson Da Silva (Bra) 66 71 74, Rhys Davies 73 66 72, Mark Brown (Nzl) 71 66 74, Barry Lane 65 72 74

212 Sam Hutsby 70 69 73, Theunis Spangenberg (Rsa) 71 68 73, Teboho Sefatsa (Rsa) 69 70 73, Justin Walters (Rsa) 71 67 74

213 Alan McLean 71 66 76, Simon Khan 63 74 76

214 Jacques Blaauw (Rsa) 68 68 78

216 Christiaan Basson (Rsa) 67 72 77, Vaughn Groenewald (Rsa) 69 70 77

Tennis stars hold fundraiser for Haiti victims

Roger Federer and other tennis stars raised more than $185,000 to benefit Haiti earthquake victims by holding a fundraising match on the eve of the Australian Open.

Federer helped organize the event Sunday dubbed “Hit for Haiti.”

The 15-time Grand Slam winner was joined at Rod Laver Arena by reigning Australian Open champions Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams, 2008 winner Novak Djokovic, Andy Roddick, U.S. Open women’s champion Kim Clijsters and Australians Lleyton Hewitt and Samantha Stosur.

The admission price was about $10 and the 15,000-seat stadium filled to capacity for the exhibition. All the players wore microphones on the court, adding to the entertainment.

Championship round-up

Nottingham Forest boosted their promotion ambitions with another win as Alan Irvine and Darren Ferguson had contrasting starts in their new jobs.

Swansea City boosted their play-off ambitions as local rivals Cardiff City drew away from home and Mick Harford started his tenure as Queens Park Rangers' caretaker boss with an away point.

Sheffield United and Crystal Palace also enhanced their prospects of finishing in the top six, while Ipswich Town snatched a thrilling win at home to Coventry City.

Derby County claimed a much-needed three points away to nine-man Peterborough United and Watford are still searching for a first away win since October after losing at Doncaster Rovers.

Forest made it 18 games unbeaten in the Championship after a 2-1 triumph at home to Reading as Nicky Shorey was sent off against his former club.

Ferguson's first game as Preston North End manager ended in disappointment after Bristol City cruised to a 4-2 victory at Ashton Gate.

Jermaine Johnson ensured it was a happy start to his tenure for Irvine as Sheffield Wednesday won for the first time in 12 league games after a 2-1 success at local rivals Barnsley.

QPR twice came from behind to deny Blackpool manager Ian Holloway victory against his old club following a 2-2 draw at Bloomfield Road.

Gorka Pintado's first goal since March last year moved Swansea up to fourth spot in the table after a 1-0 win at home to play-off rivals Leicester City.

Doncaster responded to Sean O'Driscoll staying on as manager by holding on for a 2-1 win over Watford at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Richard Cresswell scored for the third game in a row as his second-half effort was enough to earn Sheffield United a 1-0 win at home to Middlesbrough.

Pablo Counago poached an injury-time winner as Ipswich beat Coventry 3-2 after Richard Wood's stoppage-time own goal appeared to have earned the visitors a draw.

Cardiff maintained their spot in the play-off places after coming from behind to draw 1-1 away to Scunthorpe United.

The in-demand Victor Moses was Palace's hero as he struck the only goal of the game in the first half in a 1-0 win at lowly Plymouth.

Derby claimed a first Championship win in five games after taking advantage of Peterborough having two men sent off in the first half to prevail 3-0 at London Road.

Premier League round-up

Chelsea thrashed Sunderland, Manchester United spoiled Brian Laws' Burnley bow and Stoke added to Liverpool's woes.

Everton brought Manchester City's bandwagon to a shuddering halt at Goodison Park as Wigan overcame Wolves at Molineux with both teams ending the match a man down.

Hull City frustrated Tottenham at White Hart Lane and Portsmouth's meeting with Birmingham was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Chelsea produced a devastating display to put sorry Sunderland to the sword with four goals in the opening 34 minutes at Stamford Bridge, before eventually completing a 7-2 rout.

Nicolas Anelka needed just eight minutes to open the scoring as he rounded Marton Fulop to slot home before Florent Malouda added an excellent solo second.

Ashley Cole produced a breathtaking three touches to pull John Terry's cross from the air, beat the on-rushing defender and then flick beyond Fulop for a truly stunning third and then turned provider for Frank Lampard's close-range volley.

Michael Ballack was left unmarked to head home a fifth from Joe Cole's cross early in the second period, before substitute Bolo Zenden responded for the Black Cats.

Anelka then restored the Blues' five-goal cushion and Lampard headed in a late seventh with Darren Bent's final say for the mauled Black Cats scant consolation.

INDIA IN BIG BIG TROUBLE

INDIA IN BIG BIG TROUBLE NOW.THEY SCORE 150 FOR 6 IN THEIR FIRST TEST MATCH.

Sachin 13, 000 Runs latest news

Sachin Scores 13,000 Runs after scoring 30 Runs. He is still Playing . he is on crease. He becomes first cricketer to reach 13000 Runs. He is ahead of Brian lara.TODAY HE JUST SCORE IT,

ENGLAND VS SOUTH AFRICA TEST CRICKET

ENGLAND ARE FIGHTING AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA.THEY SCORE 60 FOR 3 IN THEIR IN SECOND INNINGS.THEY STILL TRAIL BY 183 RUNS.

INDIA VS BANGLADESH LATEST

INDIA IN A TROUBLE NOW. THEY SCORE 107 FOR 3 UNTILL DRINKS BREAK.

Nadal in 'a little bit' worse shape for 2010 season

Nadal in 'a little bit' worse shape for 2010 season

MADRID (AFP) – Spain's world number two Rafael Nadal, whose injuries have raised fears over his long-term future, says he will start the 2010 tennis season in "a little bit" worse shape than he did last season.

"I believe that this year I'll arrive a little bit more on the short side than at the start of last season," he said in a interview published Wednesday in Spanish sports daily AS, adding his preparation "has been short but good".

"The results will be what they are but right now my hope is to win everything. Because that's impossible you have to try to do what is possible in each tournament," he added.

Nadal, whose Australian Open title gave him a sixth Grand Slam trophy, was the spearhead of Spain's triumphant Davis Cup side which crushed a poor Czech Republic 5-0 in the final.

But the 23-year-old was plagued by knee and stomach injuries during 2009. He needed a three-month break in mid-season to recover from the tendinitis which wrecked his French Open and Wimbledon hopes and, tellingly, the last of his five titles in 2009 came on the Barcelona clay in April.

Three successive defeats at the World Tour finals in London did nothing to dampen fears over his prospects for 2010.

Nadal will take part in an exhibition event later this week in Abu Dhabi.

After competing in the Qatar Open at the beginning of next month, he will seek to defend his Australian Open title in Melbourne.

USC targets Del Rio

There are reports that USC has sent a contract to Jacksonville Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio.

Del Rio still is owed $15 million on his Jaguars’ contract. It is believed the two parties would reach some type of settlement, clearing the way for Del Rio to replace Pete Carroll as Trojans coach.
More From Tom Dienhart

Del Rio, 46, was a linebacker a USC who has compiled a 57-55 record with two playoff appearances as Jacksonville coach since 2003.

Del Rio denied the reports to Jacksonville media Tuesday.

USC targets Del Rio

There are reports that USC has sent a contract to Jacksonville Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio.

Del Rio still is owed $15 million on his Jaguars’ contract. It is believed the two parties would reach some type of settlement, clearing the way for Del Rio to replace Pete Carroll as Trojans coach.
More From Tom Dienhart

Del Rio, 46, was a linebacker a USC who has compiled a 57-55 record with two playoff appearances as Jacksonville coach since 2003.

Del Rio denied the reports to Jacksonville media Tuesday.

World Cup proposals

Novak Djokovic says the world's top male players are to consider proposals for a biennial World Cup that would threaten the future of the Davis Cup.

The Serb said the idea for a 32-nation event came from the ATP Player Council, of which he is a member.

"It's all fresh and it's all ideas... we have to consider other sides as well," said the world number three.

Players are set to discuss plans for the 10-day male-only tournament at next week's Australian Open.
According to The Times, World Cup matches would be shorter and, with a maximum of 25 seconds allowed between points, players would have to watch the clock.

Teams would consist of three players and a captain, with the 32 nations split into eight groups of four and 16 reaching the knockout stages.

Tiger Woods sexnews?

Tiger Woods In SEX REHAB? Arizona Clinic Hosting Golfer, Sources Say

Tiger Woods has checked into an Arizona sex rehab clinic, sources tell both People and X17. Both articles say that the rehab center is called The Meadows, a Wickenburg, Ariz. clinic, which claims on its website to "provide a path to personal completeness and integrity, for those seeking treatment for trauma and addictions."

One of the facility's offerings is Dakota, which promises "Extended Care for Sexual Recovery." The clinic "works with clients to sustain sexual sobriety by facilitating the healing of core issues."

According to one of X17's sources, everyone at the clinic is forced to wear a colored nametag that identifies their addiction. "Sex addicts wear either blue or red and they [are] not allowed to fraternize with members of the opposite sex," the source said.
X17 reported in late December that Woods was in an Arizona sex rehab clinic. Earlier in December, another report claimed Woods entered rehab in Arizona for "sexual compulsion.

Schwartzel pulls 4 strokes clear at Joburg

Schwartzel pulls 4 strokes clear at Joburg Open

Charl Schwartzel took a four-stroke lead at the Joburg Open on Saturday after shooting a 7-under 64 in the third round.

The South African played bogey-free golf for the second straight day, finishing at 18-under 195 to continue the consistent play he used to win last week’s Africa Open.

Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland was next after a 67 on the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington East course.

Schwartzel had two birdies on the front side of the 7,592-yard East course, and then waited out a weather delay before adding five more on the back nine.

“With two hours of waiting, I was sitting around thinking it would be nice to go round in four under for the back nine and get a couple ahead, and I managed to make it five,” he said.

It all began for him on 10, when he got up and down out of a bunker. He then hit a good 7-iron in to the 12th for a birdie on the 200-yard par-3.

“And then, all of a sudden, I started hitting a lot of good shots and converting the putts,” he said.

Clarke felt he could have played better.

“I had two putts out of nowhere go in from 20 feet, but I missed some short ones, which was very frustrating,” he said.

Sunshine Tour veteran Hendrik Buhrmann shot a 69 to take sole possession of third, one shot ahead of a group of five players at 11-under 202.

The $1.87 million tournament is the richest of four Sunshine Tour events co-sanctioned by the European Tour, and is the fourth event in the 2010 Race to Dubai.

Federer hopes Woods resolves his problems

Roger Federer is reluctant to discuss the scandal surrounding Tiger Woods, except to say he wants to see his friend back on the golf course doing what he does best.

Federer is one of the few who have spoken to Woods since the golf star's Nov. 27 car accident and subsequent firestorm over extramarital affairs.

Although the 28-year-old Swiss, who has won 15 Grand Slam singles titles, admits only to "just following it from afar."

"All I can say, I'm not going to talk about his personal life," top-ranked Federer said Saturday, replying to a question from The Associated Press, "but I wish him all the best getting back, hopefully on the golf course, resolving his problems, and see how he goes.

"That's about it."

Federer and Woods are among the world's most recognizable sports stars and a friendship between them has evolved — they've even appeared together on TV advertisements.

Much of the criticism of Woods in the wake of the scandal has pointed to his diminished status as a role model.

Federer said he doesn't feel any pressure to stay squeaky clean.

"I just try to be myself, not change for the press or the public or the fans," he said. "If they like me, that's great. If they don't, that's too bad."

He said it was most important to him that he upheld the principles of fair play, respect for the game and his rivals and to be polite to people he meets.

"Those are key things my parents have taught me," he said. "You know, I try to do the same thing.

"Sure, I'm doing a lot of press conferences, and not being able to hide on the tennis court is not an easy thing sometimes," he added. "But I think I've done well over the years."

In an interview published Friday by French sports daily L'Equipe, Federer said he'd expressed his support to Woods in a telephone call, and predicted Woods will be back soon "as the wonderful golfer we know."

He said that Woods' car accident in November and subsequent reports about his private life have been hard on the golfer and his family.

"The tabloids are going crazy, sponsor contracts are falling apart ... I've always been aware that the image you patiently construct for an entire career can be ruined in a minute," Federer was quoted as saying. "It scares you a bit, but that's the way things are."

Woods hasn't been seen in public since the accident, and other friends have said they have tried — unsuccessfully — to reach him.

"Tiger needs calm. And soon he'll become the wonderful golfer that we know again," Federer was quoted as saying.

Sports world comes together for Haiti relief

Retired NBA star Alonzo Mourning, NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick and the Washington Redskins are among several athletes and sports organizations contributing to the recovery effort in earthquake-ravaged Haiti.
The NFL and the players' union announced Friday that it would donate $500,000 each to the American Red Cross and Partners In Health, while the NBA and its union said it will contribute $1 million toward relief efforts.
Major League Baseball has already pledged $1 million, while the NHL donated $100,000.
Haiti native Samuel Dalembert of the Philadelphia 76ers taped a public service announcement for UNICEF encouraging fans to contribute. He also plans to address the crowd before the 76ers' home game Friday, make a $100,000 donation to UNICEF and match the donations made by fans.
"I was going to go tomorrow morning but you have to get clearance. It's not like you can go to Santo Domingo and drive," said Dalembert, who now hopes to visit Haiti next week. "If I could fly myself, I would go over there after every practice. I am just waiting."
The Comcast-Spectacor Foundation made a $10,000 donation to UNICEF, and Comcast-Spectacor — which owns the 76ers and Philadelphia Flyers — planned to air public service announcements.
The NFL and its network broadcast partners plan to run messages before and during this weekend's playoff games to promote donations. The announcements will drive viewers to the Red Cross Web site and feature Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma and Chargers defensive end Jacques Cesaire. Both players have Haitian parents.
Hendrick Motorsports announced it was loaning an airplane and two flight crews to Missionary Flights International, which will send support teams in and out of Port-au-Prince. The first flight was scheduled to leave Fort Pierce, Fla., on Saturday morning.
Hendrick is covering all the flight costs. At least one roundtrip flight is planned per day with no timeline for how long the plane and personnel will be on loan.
The Redskins are also flying medical supplies, personnel and clothing into Haiti with help from Diageo, one of the team's business partners.
"We're not a relief organization, but there are times when our resources allow us to step in and make a difference, if only a small one," Redskins owner Daniel Snyder said. "Getting the right people and supplies to Haiti is critically important."
On Sunday on the eve of the Australia Open, Roger Federer and other tennis stars will hold a special exhibition event to benefit the victims. Federer said the admission price would be $10 at 15,000-seat Rod Laver Arena.
World TeamTennis is donating clothing items for children through Kids in Distressed Situations, and Red Sox slugger David Ortiz said he is donating food and medical supplies. The Detroit Lions are donating $10,000 to the American Red Cross in the name of three players — Gosder Cherilus, Cliff Avril and Louis Delmas — who are of Haitian descent.
"We're trying to get a fundraiser started right now," Avril said. "Getting supplies is a concern for the whole country. There's no clean water. A lot of people don't have places to stay. Water and medicine is needed."
The Red Cross estimates 45,000 to 50,000 people were killed in Tuesday's earthquake.
Mourning arrived in the devastated capital of Port-au-Prince on Friday with Project Medishare, a Miami-based nonprofit agency that has worked since 1995 to provide quality health care in Haiti. He said in a statement first released to The Associated Press that athletes can "make a difference" for those affected by the earthquake and its aftershocks.
"The Haitian community has deep roots in Miami, a city which I have personally claimed as my own home for 15 years," Mourning said. "As a longtime resident, I feel a profound sense of sadness for my many affected friends and neighbors."
Mourning and former teammate Dwyane Wade are working together on a venture called the "Athletes Relief Fund for Haiti." The Heat have also announced plans to send money and supplies, asking fans to give in exchange for ticket vouchers to February games.
"As professional athletes, we experience the positive effects of teamwork every day," Wade said in Houston, where the Heat were playing the Rockets on Friday night. "Today, our attention is turned to Haiti. While an individual donation is valuable, there is also a special strength found within the force of a unified effort."
Greg McLaughlin, president of the Tiger Woods Foundation, said Friday that his staff was evaluating what it could do to help the relief effort. Rap mogul Russell Simmons said on Twitter that Woods was providing $3 million to help with the recovery.
"Our plan is to be part of the relief effort to help rebuild Haiti by supporting organizations that provide critical resources to young people, which is consistent with our mission and previous efforts," McLaughlin said in a statement.