All Sports Update: 8 Mar 2012

Thursday, 8 March 2012

Pirelliâ€™s tire-testing new, old car

Pirelli has a new test car in the form of a 2010 Renault R30. The Italian tire maker was looking for a new car as their Toyota from 2009 was getting a bit outdated just like Jarno Trulli, Rubens Barrichello, Mark Webber and Michael Schumacher to those Generation Y fans out there. According to Pirelli,

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â€˜Who is a Williams F1 fan?â€™

Last evening I gave a 2012 Formula One season preview presentation to a large group of F1 fans here is my hometown of St. Louis Missouri. It’s been an honor to do these presentations for motoring clubs aroundÂ theÂ country and help Americans understand what Formula One is and why it is such a terrific sport. It’s

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Is Spa holding up a new French Grand Prix?

Two things weÂ definitelyÂ know about Formula One. The Spa Francorchamps circuit in belgium is one of the most favored circuits in the history of the Formula One calendar for fans and drivers alike and the circuit has has funding issues for years now. The former notion is a given and if you listen to press reports

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Amla keeps South Africa on course for 3-0

In what seems almost a more clinical replay of the second one-dayer in Napier, South Africa set about making short work of another poor New Zealand total with Hashim Amla at the rudder

Sri Lanka call up Kapugedera as replacement

Chamara Kapugedera, the middle-order batsman, has been named as a replacement for one of the three injured allrounders in the Sri Lanka squad that qualified for the finals of the Commonwealth Bank tri-series

Russia's marathon enters final stages

FIFA.com previews the remainder of the Russian season, which resumes this weekend following the winter break, with Zenit St Petersburg in pole position to defend their title.

Porto beat Benfica to go top

Porto opened up a three-point lead at the top of the table in Portugal with a 3-2 win over rivals Benfica, with Maicon scoring the winner just three minutes from time.

Ferguson silent over England job after United loss

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said, after watching his side suffer UEFA Europa League defeat against Athletic Bilbao, that he has been asked not to comment on the vacant England national team job.

Ferguson silent over England job as United lose

Ginepri, Falconi, Kubot advance at Indian Wells

INDIAN WELLS, California (AP)â€"Robby Ginepri became the first American to win his way into the second round of the BNP Paribas Open by beating Paoli Lorenzi of Italy 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Thursday.

Lukasz Kubot of Poland came away with a 6-4, 6-2 victory against Ivo Karlovic, who complained about having to share a practice court on Tuesday.

On the womenâ€™s side, Irina Falconi of the United States and Alexandra Dulgheru of Romania played into the second set before Dulgheru retired with a left knee injury and gave Falconi a 4-6, 5-2 win.

Australiaâ€™s Jelena Dokic retired after the first game of her match with Gisela Dulko of Argentina because of a right wrist injury. Greta Arn of Hungary lasted five games and was down 4-1 in the opening set of her match with Johanna Larsson of Sweden when she retired with neck problems.

Other men advancing to the second round were Andreas Seppi of Italy, Santiago Giraldo of Colombia, Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany, Sergly Stakhovsky of the Ukraine, Matthew Ebden of Australia and two Spaniards, Pablo Andujar and Albert Ramos.

Womenâ€™s winners included Simona Halep of Romania, Tamira Paszek of Austria, Chanelle Scheepers of South Africa, Silvia Soler-Espinoza of Spain, Ksenia Pervak of Kazakhstan, Lesia Tsurenko of the Ukraine and Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania.

Phil Hillâ€¦in his words

As a primer for my upcoming interview with The Limit author Michael Cannell, I wanted you to have a look at this outstanding story by the late Phil Hill, an American Formula One champion. My desire to categorize America as a nation that loved F1 in the late 60′s and early 70′s (perhaps that is

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Barcelona play catch-up without Messi

Barcelona will attempt to cut into Real Madrid's ten point lead without top scorer Lionel Messi as the champions host Sporting Gijon on Saturday, while their rivals face Espanyol a day later.

Nadal Seeks Match Play Experience

World No. 2 Rafael Nadal will play his first match since the Australian Open when he takes the court for his first-round doubles match at the BNP Paribas Open Friday evening on Stadium Court. Out of action for nearly six weeks, the two-time Indian Wells champion is playing both the singles and doubles events to ensure he acquires match play experience.

[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]]

Landstromâ€™s eager pursuit of silverware

Sweden are looking to build on their impressive showing at last year's FIFA Women's World Cup™ and forward Jessica Landstrom tells FIFA.com about team spirit, London 2012 and setting targets.

Nadal: Time violations should be discretionary

Rafael Nadal responds to Roger Federer's comments that the time taken in between points is being violated and that officials do not properly enforce it enough. At the Grand Slams, the ITF allows 20 seconds between points, while the ATP allows 25.

Federer said on Wednesday that "I'm not complaining a lot, but I don't know how you can go through a four-hour match with Rafa [Nadal] and he never gets a time violation."

On Thursday at Indian Wells, Nadal responded by saying: "The rules are there, but we cannot expect to play six hours and play rallies of crazy points and rest for 20 seconds for nobody. If the umpire considers that he has to put a warning because the player is not doing the right thing between points, I think the players have to accept. The rule is there but I think it is more the [interpretation] of the umpire, that's my way to understand the rule. Everyone understands different ways and you can understand to some its 15 seconds under normal conditions. But you have to understand how the match goes and that's the role of the umpire. They have given me a lot of warnings in my career and I have accepted almost every one, because sometimes they are right. and the same for Novak [Djokovic] having to do it a few times, too. It's part of the game and we have to follow the rules, but we don't have to [put blinders on]." - MC

Womenâ€™s round-up: February 2012

FIFA.com's review of the big events from the past month in women's football includes Marta's latest move, a scare for USA, and key preliminary matches in Europe and South America.

Athletic stun United, Valencia convince

Athletic Bilbao claimed a stunning 3-2 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford, while Valencia cruised to a 4-2 defeat of PSV Eindhoven, and Hannover salvaged a 2-2 draw with Standard Liege in the UEFA Europa League.

FIFA Statement on ECA

FIFA is surprised by recent comments made by ECA stating that they are not satisfied with their discussions with football’s world governing body regarding topics of interest to the European clubs.

Dawson faces lengthy injury lay-off

Tottenham Hotspur today confirmed that defender Michael Dawson suffered a ruptured ankle ligament in their FA Cup win over Stevenage and is likely to be out for a period of 10 to 12 weeks.

Sochaux talk up Hely, PSG eye Dijon

Sochaux have talked up their new caretaker coach Eric Hely as they look to fight for survival, while Paris St Germain visit Dijon in the hope of extending their lead at the top of Ligue 1.

Sporting sink City, Atletico cruise

A goal from Xandao was enough to send Sporting fans home happy, after his back-heel sealed a 1-0 win over Manchester City in the night's first batch of UEFA Europa League, while Atletico Madrid won 3-1 against Besiktas.

Introducing this yearâ€™s F1 contender for â€œdouble diffuser controversyâ€

Before the first “Lights out!” to begin a grand prix, we may already have Formula 1′s 2012 “double diffuser” controversy. This time it is coming via Red Bull and the team’s far-forward exhaust, which coupled with a few well-placed slots fore of the rear wheels may be directing air into the diffuser area. Sound familiar?

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Weekly Snapshot: Djokovic Leads All-Star Indian Wells Field

In this latest Weekly Snapshot, we look at the week ahead in Indian Wells.

[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]]

South Americans set for Bolivian battle

With the South American U-17 Women's Championship set to kick off tomorrow, and the top three sides qualifying for Azerbaijan 2012, FIFA.com takes a look across the competition about to get underway in Bolivia.

Indian Wells Thursday Briefing

Media notes for the BNP Paribas Open, an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event.

[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]]

ECB defer decision on Morgan Review

The ECB has bowed to pressure within the county game by deferring a decision on the Morgan Review and instead deciding to will conduct further research throughout the summer into the future structure of the county game.

McClaren pleased with Twente reaction

Twente coach Steve McClaren has said he was impressed by his side's reaction to their 6-2 victory over PSV Eindhoven and is pleased with the Eredivisie's side ability to shift focus towards challenges that now await.

Ecclestone: small teams should run last yearâ€™s big team cars

Sky Sports Craig Slater asked Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone if he had any sympathy for the struggling teams, Marussia and HRT, as they were unable to compete at the level of the top teams or even make use of the off-season testing in preparation for the 2012 season. Â Ecclestone said: “Yes and no. It’s

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Marussia: A female back in F1, a team on the mend

Marussia have signed Maria de Villota, daughter of former F1 driver Emilio de Villota,Â as their official test driver this week and that’s good news if you feel its high time that Formula One have a female driver involved int eh series. Sure, Maria isn’t the first female to drive an F1 car but she is

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Kuerten To Be Inducted To The International Tennis Hall Of Fame

One of Brazilâ€™s most beloved and successful athletes, Gustavo â€œGugaâ€ Kuerten, has been elected to receive the highest honor in the sport of tennisâ€" induction to the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]]

New 2012 features for F1 Timing & Track Positioning App

With 2012 cars launched and pre-season testing complete, the only official F1 Timing and Track Positioning App for iPhone and Android (Blackberry* coming soon) from Soft Pauer has just been updated with a range of exciting new features in readiness for the start of the 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship, which begins in Australia next weekend on March 16

Dilshan, Sangakkara dominate India

On a day that India needed to be at their most attacking they were palpably below-par as Sri Lanka capitalised on their lack of intensity to deliver a dominating performance with the bat

Over-rate fine only blip in Australia's victory

Australia's stand-in captain Shane Watson will be in danger of a suspension during the ODI series in the West Indies after he and his team were fined for a slow over-rate in their triangular series final victory at Adelaide Oval

Schumacher: â€˜I see Red Bull in frontâ€™

Red Bull is the front-runner heading into Australia, Michael Schumacher says in a Q&A at his own website. It’s right here. A few key points: The car is reliable, okay, but is it fast as well? Die speed is promising. I hope we can show that in Melbourne. We were able to drive a lot

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Kuerten elected to Int'l Tennis Hall of Fame

NEWPORT, R.I. (AP)â€"Three-time French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten has been elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

The lanky Brazilian nicknamed â€œGugaâ€ reached No. 1 in the ATP rankings and collected singles titles at Roland Garros in 1997, 2000 and 2001.

He showed up at the 1997 French Open unheralded, unknown and 66th in the rankings, but wound up being the second-lowest-ranked man to win a Grand Slam championship.

Kuerten was awarded the ATP World Tourâ€™s Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award in 2003.

Kuertenâ€™s election was announced Thursday. Other new Hall of Fame members include 1975 U.S. Open champion Manuel Orantes, administrator and promoter Mike Davies, and the late wheelchair player Randy Snow.

The 2012 class will be inducted on July 14.

Mancini confirms Van Persie interest

Roberto Mancini has saluted Robin van Persie as a “fantastic striker”, stated his interest in signing him for Manchester City but revealed he expects the Dutchman to remain at Arsenal.

Schumacher content but cautious ahead of Melbourne

With the new Mercedes looking quick and reliable during its 4,250 kilometres of winter testing, fans are hopeful 2012 could see the team finally take on the frontrunners. But while driver Michael Schumacher is pleased with how their pre-season preparations have progressed, he's playing down the speculation before the season is fully underway. Â"The car is reliable which is already good,Â" he told his official website. Â"The first impressions have been already quite positive. We were drove out of the box and everything went well, so there is potential. We are heading into the season much better prepared than in the past two years, and we can fully concentrate onto the development of our car.

Let's Get Creative: The Annual ATP Photo Shoot

Main draw action at the BNP Paribas Open begins on Thursday, 8 March, but players on the ATP World Tour have been keeping themselves busy off the court as they prepare for the first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event of the season. One activity that theyâ€™ve been involved in is the annual ATP photo and video shoot, which provides creative assets for not only the organisation, but its members, players and tournaments.

[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]]

Ljubicic to retire from pro tennis in April

ZAGREB, Croatia (AP)â€"Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia has announced he will retire from tennis after the Monte Carlo Masters in April.

The 32-year-old tells the ATP website it wasn't an "easy decision" to quit the sport but that he plans to "continue to stay involved and contribute in some ways."

Since turning professional in 1998, Ljubicic has won 10 titles and reached a career-high ranking of No. 3 in May 2006. His biggest title win came at Indian Wells in 2010 when he beat Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick.

He was also part of Croatia's Davis Cup-winning team in 2005 and won an Olympic bronze medal in doubles with Mario Ancic at the 2004 Athens Games.

Upbeat Montezemolo praises Ferrari's fighting spirit

It's no secret that Ferrari's winter hasn't quite gone to plan and after struggling to find performance and reliability from their innovative F2012, most in the Italian team - including technical chief Pat Fry - believe they will struggle to finish on the podium at next week's Australian season opener. Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, however, is hopeful that the doom-filled predictions of a slow start to the season will eventually prove unfounded. And after visiting the Maranello factory on Wednesday and meeting with team principal Stefano Domenicali and top engineers, Di Montezemelo has commended the Scuderia's resolve.