Should Chelsea lose to Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow, Blues manager Roberto Di Matteo admits that it will be tough for the Stamford Bridge outfit to make it into the Premier League's top four.
Friday, 23 March 2012
Venus shuts out Kvitova in third set for victory
KEY BISCAYNE, Florida (AP)â€"Venus Williams took a big step in her comeback Friday when she defeated reigning Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova 6-4, 4-6, 6-0 in the second round of the Sony Ericsson Open.
Williams is playing in her first tournament since she withdrew from the U.S. Open in August after being diagnosed with a fatigue-causing autoimmune disease.
A former No. 1 and seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, Williams is ranked No. 134 and needed a wild card to enter the tournament, which she has won three times. She hopes to improve her ranking enough in the coming weeks to qualify for the London Olympics.
“I’ve got nothing to lose,†Williams said. “Everything, every shot, is a victory and a blessing. So it’s like I’m just, you know, going for it.â€
She showed plenty of staying power against the No. 3-seeded Kvitova, taking charge in the final set. When Kvitova pushed a weary forehand wide on the final point after nearly 2 1/2 hours, Williams trotted to the net with a grin and raised fist.
“I have definitely come a long way physically,†said Williams, who is trying to pace herself by taking things easy when not on the court. “I definitely have to cut out a lot of extracurricular activities. I’m not going to be the one having fun dinners. I am going to be the one stuck in the room. The price to pay is definitely worth it.â€
Defending champion Victoria Azarenka won her 24th match in a row and first since arriving at Key Biscayne when she beat Michaella Krajicek, 6-3, 7-5.
The top-ranked Azarenka’s streak began with her first match this year, and her start is the best since Martina Hingis went 37-0 in early 1997.
“I’m not really thinking about numbers, the streaks, whatever,†Azarenka said. “It’s your job to count; mine is to play tennis.â€
Azarenka won her first Grand Slam title in January at the Australian Open, where she beat Maria Sharapova to earn the No. 1 ranking. She also has won titles this year at Sydney, Doha, andâ€"just a week agoâ€"Indian Wells.
When asked to give a reason for the streak, Azarenka wavered.
“There is not really an answer,†she said. “There is one thing that I do, and it keeps happening for me: to win. There is really no magic.â€
On the men’s side, No. 2 Rafael Nadal began a bid for his first Key Biscayne title by beating Santiago Giraldo 6-2, 6-0.
No. 10 seed John Isner overcame a slow start to beat Nikolay Davydenko 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. Davydenko retreated eight feet behind the baseline to better cope with the 6-foot-9 Isner’s booming serves, but failed to break in the final two sets.
Williams took plenty of big swings against Kvitova, as though eager to hit winners and keep rallies short. She was 0 for 5 on break-point chances before she converted in the 10th game, taking the opening set when Kvitova netted a backhand.
A timid second serve gave Williams problems, but she repeatedly came up with clutch shots on break points, saving nine of 11.
Kvitova, who was slowed by a virus earlier this year, fell to 3-5 on North American hard courts since winning Wimbledon.
“She’s back,†Kvitova said. “She looks very ready, very fit.â€
Alisa Kleybanova, playing in her first tournament since being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma last May, lost to No. 22 Maria Kirilenko 7-6 (1), 6-3.
No. 15 Ana Ivanovic lost only six points on her first serve and beat American Vania King 6-4, 7-5. Ivanovic was playing for the first time since she retired with a left hip injury a week ago at the Indian Wells semifinals.
Two wild cards eliminated seeded women. Garbine Muguruza Blanco of Spain upset No. 9 Vera Zvonareva 6-4, 6-3, and Aleksandra Wozniak of Canada rallied past No. 28 Monica Niculescu 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Other seeded women eliminated included No. 11 Francesca Schiavone, No. 18 Angelique Kerber, No. 27 Lucie Safarova, No. 31 Kaia Kanepi and No. 32 Nadia Petrova.
No. 4 Andy Murray, the 2009 champion, beat Alejandro Falla 6-2, 6-3. Also advancing were No. 6 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, No. 9 Janko Tipsarevic, No. 13 Gilles Simon, No. 16 Kei Nishikori and No. 18 Alexandr Dolgopolov.
Ruthless Rafa Races Into Third Round
Rafael Nadal beats Santiago Giraldo 6-2, 6-0 at the Sony Ericsson Open.
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Petersen, Duminy make hosts toil after rain delay
New Zealand's on-field misery matched the Wellington weather by the end of the first session on day two, as South Africa sauntered to 222 for 2 after rain accounted for almost four hours of play for the second consecutive day
Aimar off as Benfica draw blank
Benfica suffered a blow in their challenge for the Portuguese Liga title as they were held to a goalless draw by Olhanense, with substitute Pablo Aimar receiving a red card just 18 minutes after coming on.
Federer named greatest player by Tennis Channel
LOS ANGELES (AP)â€"Roger Federer has been named the greatest player of all time by America’s Tennis Channel.
The television network’s “100 Greatest of All Time,†a five-night series, aired this week and culminated Friday.
Federer edged Rod Laver for the top spot. Rounding out the top 10 were Steffi Graf in third, followed by Martina Navratilova, Pete Sampras, Rafael Nadal, Bjorn Borg, Margaret Court, Chris Evert and Billie Jean King.
The rankings were determined by an international panel.
The television network’s “100 Greatest of All Time,†a five-night series, aired this week and culminated Friday.
Federer edged Rod Laver for the top spot. Rounding out the top 10 were Steffi Graf in third, followed by Martina Navratilova, Pete Sampras, Rafael Nadal, Bjorn Borg, Margaret Court, Chris Evert and Billie Jean King.
The rankings were determined by an international panel.
Venus beats Kvitova to reach Miami third round
KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP)â€"Venus Williams took a big step in her comeback Friday night when she defeated reigning Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova 6-4, 4-6, 6-0 in the second round of the Sony Ericsson Open.
Williams is playing in her first tournament since she withdrew from the U.S. Open in August after being diagnosed with a fatigue-causing autoimmune disease.
She showed plenty of staying power against the third-seeded Kvitova, taking charge in the final set. When Kvitova pushed a weary forehand wide on the final point after nearly 2 1/2 hours, Williams trotted to the net with a grin and raised fist.
A former No. 1 and seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, Williams is ranked No. 134 and needed a wild card to enter the tournament, which she has won three times.
Williams is playing in her first tournament since she withdrew from the U.S. Open in August after being diagnosed with a fatigue-causing autoimmune disease.
She showed plenty of staying power against the third-seeded Kvitova, taking charge in the final set. When Kvitova pushed a weary forehand wide on the final point after nearly 2 1/2 hours, Williams trotted to the net with a grin and raised fist.
A former No. 1 and seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, Williams is ranked No. 134 and needed a wild card to enter the tournament, which she has won three times.
The Messis and Ronaldos of 1912
From coal miners and bankers to a groundbreaking Brazilian, FIFA.com travels back in time to look at some of the individual players who were thrilling football supporters a century ago.
Champions-elect Celtic eye Ibrox coronation
FIFA.com previews tomorrow's Old Firm meeting at Ibrox between Rangers and Celtic, with the former looking for a boost amid financial problems and the latter aiming to lift the Scottish title at the home of their rivals.
Azarenka, Murray win opening matches in Miami
KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP)â€"In a nature preserve across the street from the Sony Ericsson Open, waterfowl trade calls not unlike the shrill shrieks heard on stadium court Friday afternoon.
Defending champion Victoria Azarenka was back in action on Key Biscayne. The noisiest No. 1 since Maria Sharapova, Azarenka hooted with nearly every stroke and won her opening match over Michaella Krajicek, 6-3, 7-5.
It was the Belarrussian’s 24th victory in a row. The streak began with her first match this year, and her start is the best since Martina Hingis went 37-0 in early 1997.
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“I’m not really thinking about numbers, the streaks, whatever,†Azarenka said. “It’s your job to count; mine is to play tennis.â€
There were no questions at a postmatch news conference about Azarenka’s grunting. She dislikes discussing the subject, and her record of late says it all anyway.
Azarenka won her first Grand Slam title in January at the Australian Open, where she beat Sharapova in a shriekers’ showdown to earn the No. 1 ranking. She also has won titles this year at Sydney, Doha, andâ€"just a week agoâ€"Indian Wells.
When asked to give a reason for the streak, Azarenka wavered.
“There is not really an answer,†she said. “There is one thing that I do, and it keeps happening for me: to win. There is really no magic.â€
On the men’s side, No. 10 seed John Isner overcame a slow start to beat Nikolay Davydenko 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. Davydenko retreated eight feet behind the baseline to better cope with the 6-foot-9 Isner’s booming serves, but failed to break in the final two sets.
Also reaching the third round was No. 4 Andy Murray, who beat Alejandro Falla 6-2, 6-3.
Murray, the 2009 champion, bounced back from a loss in his first match at Indian Wells two weeks ago. He also avoided a repeat of last year, when he lost his opening match at both Indian Wells and Key Biscayne.
With the victory, Murray improved to 15-3 this year.
Other seeded men to advance included No. 6 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, No. 9 Janko Tipsarevic, No. 13 Gilles Simon, No. 18 Alexandr Dolgopolov and No. 22 Jurgen Melzer.
No. 15 Ana Ivanovic lost only six points on her first serve and beat American Vania King 6-4, 7-5. Ivanovic was playing for the first time since she retired with a left hip injury a week ago at the Indian Wells semifinals.
Two wild cards eliminated seeded women. Garbine Muguruza Blanco of Spain upset No. 9 Vera Zvonareva 6-4, 6-3, and Aleksandra Wozniak of Canada rallied past No. 28 Monica Niculescu 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Other seeded women eliminated included No. 18 Angelique Kerber, No. 27 Lucie Safarova, No. 31 Kaia Kanepi and No. 32 Nadia Petrova.
As Azarenka began a bid for her third Key Biscayne title, she was far from sharp against Krajicek, double-faulting six times and losing three service games. But Krajicek was even more erratic with her serve. Krajicek failed to hold at 5-4 in the second set, double-faulting three times.
When Azarenka put away an overhead for 5-all, Krajicek angrily flung her racket against the backstop, and a linesman hopped to avoid getting hit.
With Krajicek in meltdown mode, Azarenka took advantage and swept the final 10 points.
“It was important to raise my level at the end of the match,†Azarenka said. “I found the right shot selection and the right opportunities when I needed to.â€
Defending champion Victoria Azarenka was back in action on Key Biscayne. The noisiest No. 1 since Maria Sharapova, Azarenka hooted with nearly every stroke and won her opening match over Michaella Krajicek, 6-3, 7-5.
It was the Belarrussian’s 24th victory in a row. The streak began with her first match this year, and her start is the best since Martina Hingis went 37-0 in early 1997.
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“I’m not really thinking about numbers, the streaks, whatever,†Azarenka said. “It’s your job to count; mine is to play tennis.â€
There were no questions at a postmatch news conference about Azarenka’s grunting. She dislikes discussing the subject, and her record of late says it all anyway.
Azarenka won her first Grand Slam title in January at the Australian Open, where she beat Sharapova in a shriekers’ showdown to earn the No. 1 ranking. She also has won titles this year at Sydney, Doha, andâ€"just a week agoâ€"Indian Wells.
When asked to give a reason for the streak, Azarenka wavered.
“There is not really an answer,†she said. “There is one thing that I do, and it keeps happening for me: to win. There is really no magic.â€
On the men’s side, No. 10 seed John Isner overcame a slow start to beat Nikolay Davydenko 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. Davydenko retreated eight feet behind the baseline to better cope with the 6-foot-9 Isner’s booming serves, but failed to break in the final two sets.
Also reaching the third round was No. 4 Andy Murray, who beat Alejandro Falla 6-2, 6-3.
Murray, the 2009 champion, bounced back from a loss in his first match at Indian Wells two weeks ago. He also avoided a repeat of last year, when he lost his opening match at both Indian Wells and Key Biscayne.
With the victory, Murray improved to 15-3 this year.
Other seeded men to advance included No. 6 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, No. 9 Janko Tipsarevic, No. 13 Gilles Simon, No. 18 Alexandr Dolgopolov and No. 22 Jurgen Melzer.
No. 15 Ana Ivanovic lost only six points on her first serve and beat American Vania King 6-4, 7-5. Ivanovic was playing for the first time since she retired with a left hip injury a week ago at the Indian Wells semifinals.
Two wild cards eliminated seeded women. Garbine Muguruza Blanco of Spain upset No. 9 Vera Zvonareva 6-4, 6-3, and Aleksandra Wozniak of Canada rallied past No. 28 Monica Niculescu 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Other seeded women eliminated included No. 18 Angelique Kerber, No. 27 Lucie Safarova, No. 31 Kaia Kanepi and No. 32 Nadia Petrova.
As Azarenka began a bid for her third Key Biscayne title, she was far from sharp against Krajicek, double-faulting six times and losing three service games. But Krajicek was even more erratic with her serve. Krajicek failed to hold at 5-4 in the second set, double-faulting three times.
When Azarenka put away an overhead for 5-all, Krajicek angrily flung her racket against the backstop, and a linesman hopped to avoid getting hit.
With Krajicek in meltdown mode, Azarenka took advantage and swept the final 10 points.
“It was important to raise my level at the end of the match,†Azarenka said. “I found the right shot selection and the right opportunities when I needed to.â€
Real's Pepe, Ozil hit by bans
Real Madrid duo Pepe and Mesut Ozil were hit with two and one match bans respectively for arguing with a referee, raising pressure on the league leaders as Barcelona snap at their heels.
Klinger sweeps South Australia awards
South Australia's captain Michael Klinger dominated the state's awards night on Friday, being named the Redbacks' best player in the Sheffield Shield and the Ryobi Cup, and the best Adelaide Strikers T20 player for the summer
Allegri keeping focus close to home
With AC Milan facing off against Roma tomorrow, Massimiliano Allegri has said he will be looking for his side to guarantee their lead over Juventus with a win, rather than hoping Inter Milan can take points from the second-placed side.
Isner eyes Olympic mix with Venus or Serena
John Isner is hoping to play mixed doubles at the London Olympics with one of the Williams sisters. "It’s fun to serve as hard as I can against the women," he told the Miami Herald with a smile. "If I ever get the chance to play for Olympic gold, I’m not going to take it easy."
Isner Maintains Run Of Form
Tenth seed John Isner maintained his run of form on Friday when he beat Russian Nikolay Davydenko, the 2008 champion, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, at the Sony Ericsson Open.
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Serena and Venus inseparable housemates
Serena Williams says she and her older sister Venus still share a home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, even though Venus is 31 and Serena is approaching 30. "Yeah, we probably should have moved out a long time ago," she told reporters. "Honestly, it’s ridiculous now, like we have kind of held each other back. Hey, we’re in for the long run. That’s like my husband. We’re always laughing together. You know, I tell her everything, so it’s fun."
Harrison ready to make statement v. Federer
American teen Ryan Harrison, who is 0 for 10 against Top 10 players, believes he has chance to upset world No. 3 Roger Federer in the second round of Miami. "I'm certainly ready to [make a statement],'' the 73rd-ranked Harrison told reporters. "I'm hoping this is the year where I'm a threat to win these matches. That's my mindset. Obviously, he's an outstanding player, that's an understatement. I'm going to try to control things on my side of the court. If I'm serving well, I have a chance against anyone.''
Murray wins opening match in Miami
KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP)â€"Andy Murray won his opening match Friday at the Sony Ericsson Open by beating Alejandro Falla 6-2, 6-3.
Murray, the 2009 champion, bounced back from a loss in his first match at Indian Wells two weeks ago. He also avoided a repeat of last year, when he lost his opening match at both Indian Wells and Key Biscayne.
With the victory, the No. 4-seeded Murray improved to 15-3 this year.
No. 13 Gilles Simon defeated qualifier Roberto Bautista-Agut 6-4, 6-2.
In women’s play, No. 9 Vera Zvonareva was upset by wild card Garbine Muguruza Blanco 6-4, 6-3.
Rafael Nadal and John Isner are among those scheduled to play later Friday. Top-ranked Victoria Azarenka was to play her opening match.
Murray, the 2009 champion, bounced back from a loss in his first match at Indian Wells two weeks ago. He also avoided a repeat of last year, when he lost his opening match at both Indian Wells and Key Biscayne.
With the victory, the No. 4-seeded Murray improved to 15-3 this year.
No. 13 Gilles Simon defeated qualifier Roberto Bautista-Agut 6-4, 6-2.
In women’s play, No. 9 Vera Zvonareva was upset by wild card Garbine Muguruza Blanco 6-4, 6-3.
Rafael Nadal and John Isner are among those scheduled to play later Friday. Top-ranked Victoria Azarenka was to play her opening match.
CAS Confirms Life Ban Imposed On Koellerer But Lifts Fine
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has rendered its decision in the arbitration between the Austrian tennis player Daniel Koellerer and the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), Women's Tennis Association (WTA), International Tennis Federation (ITF) & Grand Slam Committee. The CAS has confirmed the decision of the Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer (AHO) to rule that Daniel Koellerer be permanently ineligible to participate in any event organised or sanctioned by any of the four tennis...
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In-Form Spaniards Beat Lindstedt/Tecau
Spaniards David Marrero and Fernando Verdasco, winners of two ATP World Tour doubles titles this year, defeated fourth seed Robert Lindstedt and Horia Tecau 7-6(5), 6-2 on Friday for a place in the Sony Ericsson Open second round.
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Murray, Ivanovic win opening matches in Miami
KEY BISCAYNE, Florida (AP)â€"Andy Murray won his opening match Friday at the Sony Ericsson Open by beating Alejandro Falla 6-2, 6-3.
Murray, the 2009 champion, bounced back from a loss in his first match at Indian Wells two weeks ago. He also avoided a repeat of last year, when he lost his opening match at both Indian Wells and Key Biscayne.
With the victory, the No. 4-seeded Murray improved to 15-3 this year.
On the women’s side, No. 15 Ana Ivanovic lost only six points on her first serve and beat American Vania King 6-4, 7-5. Ivanovic was playing for the first time since she retired with a left hip injury a week ago at the Indian Wells semifinals.
Two wild cards eliminated seeded women. Garbine Muguruza Blanco of Spain upset No. 9 Vera Zvonareva 6-4, 6-3, and Aleksandra Wozniak of Canada rallied past No. 28 Monica Niculescu 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Rafael Nadal, John Isner and top-ranked Victoria Azarenka were among those scheduled to play later Friday.
Another hurdle for F1 in America: Kids don’t care about cars
I’ve run across two separate stories this week with a singular premise: American youth don’t care about cars anymore. One was a commentary on Wednesday’s morning NPR show by longtime sports journalists Frank DeFord. His was specifically about the troubles that NASCAR faces as a result of the growing lack of interest and enthusiasm for
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• Facebook • Twitter • Delicious • Digg • StumbleUpon • Add to favorites • Email • RSS • LinkedInNo tennis talk for couple Bubka and Azarenka
Sergei Bubka Jr. says that he and his girlfriend, world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka, don’t talk about tennis often. The two stay together when they are in Monaco, where both are based. "I think it’s better for our relationship," he told the Miami Herald. "If we speak tennis at home it’s going to be tennis 24-7. That could make you go crazy."
The son of a famous pole vaulter, Bubka Jr. was involved in a serious car crash in July 2010 that left him with a significant scar on his head and severe headaches for four months. "I understand how precious life is," he said. "Tennis is a great part, but it’s not the most important part. It’s much more important to stay healthy and enjoy my time with family and friends."
The son of a famous pole vaulter, Bubka Jr. was involved in a serious car crash in July 2010 that left him with a significant scar on his head and severe headaches for four months. "I understand how precious life is," he said. "Tennis is a great part, but it’s not the most important part. It’s much more important to stay healthy and enjoy my time with family and friends."
Nalbandian, Gonzalez Join Un Techo Para Mi Pais In Fight Against Poverty
David Nalbandian, Fernando Gonzalez and Nicolas Lapentti joined WTA stars Paolo Suarez and Gisela Dulko at the third edition of BreakPoint, an event created by Un Techo para mi PaÃs (TECHO), a non-profit organisation that works to eradicate the extreme poverty that affects over 80 million people in Latin America.
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Who’s on first…first?
With six World Drivers Champions on the current Formula One grid, three of those, Button, Vettel and Hamilton, look likely to be fighting for wins throughout the 2012 season. But what about the other three? Last season, even though Ferrari were not the best team at the sharp end, I would never have counted Fernando
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• Facebook • Twitter • Delicious • Digg • StumbleUpon • Add to favorites • Email • RSS • LinkedInMurray Bounces Back With Falla Win
Fourth seed Andy Murray bounced back from an early loss at the BNP Paribas Open by beating Alejandro Falla of Colombia 6-2, 6-3 on Friday for a place in the Sony Ericsson Open third round.
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Raikkonen facing five-place grid penalty
Lotus's Kimi Raikkonen is set to drop five places on the grid for Sunday's race in Malaysia thanks to an unscheduled gearbox change following Friday's opening practice sessions. Â"A bit more work for Kimi's crew this evening,Â" said the team
Koellerer banned for life for match fixing
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP)â€"Tennis player Daniel Koellerer lost his appeal against a life ban for match-fixing at world sport’s highest court on Friday.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport dismissed the 28-year-old Austrian’s challenge to a ban imposed by the Tennis Integrity Unit created by the sport’s professional tours, Grand Slam Committee and International Tennis Federation.
Koellerer allegedly “made invitations to other tennis players to fix matches on five occasions,†the court said in a statement. “The panel ruled that the tennis governing bodies had met their burden of proof.â€
However, the court decided Koellerer should not pay a $100,000 fine previously ordered.
“The player did not benefit financially from any of the charges for which he has been found liable,†the panel of three arbitrators decided.
Koellerer was the first player banned for life for attempted corruption after being found guilty of violations from October 2009 to July 2010.
He challenged his expulsion from tennis at a two-day CAS hearing held last November.
The court upheld his ban, “acknowledging that the sanction was sufficiently high enough to reflect the seriousness of the corruption offences.â€
Koellerer’s ranking peaked at No. 55 in October 2009.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport dismissed the 28-year-old Austrian’s challenge to a ban imposed by the Tennis Integrity Unit created by the sport’s professional tours, Grand Slam Committee and International Tennis Federation.
Koellerer allegedly “made invitations to other tennis players to fix matches on five occasions,†the court said in a statement. “The panel ruled that the tennis governing bodies had met their burden of proof.â€
However, the court decided Koellerer should not pay a $100,000 fine previously ordered.
“The player did not benefit financially from any of the charges for which he has been found liable,†the panel of three arbitrators decided.
Koellerer was the first player banned for life for attempted corruption after being found guilty of violations from October 2009 to July 2010.
He challenged his expulsion from tennis at a two-day CAS hearing held last November.
The court upheld his ban, “acknowledging that the sanction was sufficiently high enough to reflect the seriousness of the corruption offences.â€
Koellerer’s ranking peaked at No. 55 in October 2009.
Enrique doubtful of Milan distractions
Roma coach Luis Enrique has said he doubts AC Milan will have one eye on hosting Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League when they face off in Serie A, saying the title race will be at the forefront of their minds.
Cole embracing French culture
Having been in Lille for the length of the season so far since moving on loan from Liverpool, Joe Cole has said he is embracing French culture, including the food, and is noticing the differences from fans back at home.
Beach Soccer gets in the festival mood
The beach soccer world has started 2012 just as it ended 2011: at a frenetic pace. FIFA.com has the details in its latest round-up of events on planet beach soccer.
Mercedes fires back at Red Bull: Hey, what’s up with your engines?
It’s hard for me not to think there’s a little “payback” involved in this: According to Autosport, Mercedes has questioned the behavior of Red Bull’s Renault engines to the FIA. The team sent an audio recording to the FIA as part of the request for “clarification.” In other words: “Two can play this game, Christian.”
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• Facebook • Twitter • Delicious • Digg • StumbleUpon • Add to favorites • Email • RSS • LinkedInMonzon thriving despite Nice travails
Having found his way into the hearts of Nice's fans since his move from South America, FIFA.com spoke with Les Aiglons full-back Fabian Monzon on his blossoming career in France and his call-up to the Argentinian national side.
Pirelli: Mercedes tire wear in ‘context’
Mercedes AMG Petronas has gained a lot of attention of late with their unique rear wing design (challenged by other teams and exonerated by the FIA) and the increased performance the team seems to have made in the off season. Â As Free Practice 2 ended, 7-time champion Michael Schumacher was second quickest leaving many fans
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• Facebook • Twitter • Delicious • Digg • StumbleUpon • Add to favorites • Email • RSS • LinkedInDriver quotes: Malaysian GP practice
MALAYSIAN GRAND PRIX KUALA LUMPUR FRIDAY DRIVER QUOTES 23 MARCH 2012 Red Bull Racing Sebastian Vettel “I would love to be a bit higher up this afternoon, but all in all we had decent running today â€" although there is still a lot to do. The tyres drop off quite quickly here, which is the
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• Facebook • Twitter • Delicious • Digg • StumbleUpon • Add to favorites • Email • RSS • LinkedInFIA Friday press conference - Malaysia
Team Representatives - Riad Asmat (Caterham), Monisha Kaltenborn (Sauber), Gerard Lopez (Lotus), Martin Whitmarsh (McLaren), Stefano Domenicali (Ferrari), Christian Horner (Red Bull). Q: Riad, if I can start with you, just a quick question about Melbourne to here. I think you were perhaps a bit disappointed with the performance in Melbourne - are things going to be better this weekend?
Football and the net, a virtual match
The power of the internet to reach millions at the touch of a button is being used to often-ingenious effect in the football world, whether it is to rouse fans ahead of a big game or even recruit budding internationals.
Injured Mathews out of first England Test, future as bowler doubtful
Angelo Mathews, the Sri Lanka allrounder, has been ruled out of the first Test against England with a calf injury that has quickened speculation that his ability to bowl at international level is now open to serious doubt
Miami Friday Briefing - Nadal, Murray Open Campaigns On Stadium Court
Media notes for the Sony Ericsson Open, an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event.
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Troubled Chelsea progress in Cup
Chelsea were forced to work hard before subduing Birmingham with two second-half goals to begin life after Andre Villas-Boas with a win and advance into the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Injured Mathews out of first England Test, future as allrounder doubtful
Angelo Mathews, the Sri Lanka allrounder, has been ruled out of the first Test against England after failing to pass a fitness test on his injured calf on Friday morning, leaving his future as an allrounder in doubt
Compatriots collide as group races hot up
Brazilian sides Santos and Internacional are set to square off as in-form Union Espanola host fellow Chileans Universidad Catolica, while Boca Juniors-Fluminense and Penarol-Universidad de Chile games are also on the menu.
Ahly return to action
The return of African football giants Al Ahly to competitive football headlines the weekend's CAF Champions League fixtures, while former winners TP Mazembe of Congo DR feature again after a one year absence.
Practice Two - Hamilton stays on top for McLaren
Lewis Hamilton and McLaren continued their morning form by dominating Practice Two in Sepang on Friday afternoon. Despite a couple of minor offs as he tried to go quicker, Hamilton lapped in 1m 38.172s and might have gone quicker still had the 2008 not encountered Sergio Perez's Sauber at the end of his best lap. Michael Schumacher was again on the pace for Mercedes, 0.361s down with 1m 38.533s, while Jenson Button was right on his tail in the second McLaren with 1m 38.535s, a mere two thousandths of a second back. Nico Rosberg was with them on 1m 38.696s in the second Mercedes.
Malaysia FP2 Recap: Hamilton leads again in McLaren, Mercedes 2-by-2
Lewis Hamilton (1:38.172) continued to dominate the Friday practice sessions for the 2012 Malaysian Grand Prix, leading Michael Schumacher, Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg, and Daniel Ricciardo as the fastest five at the end of the afternoon session. Though rain had been forecast, the skies held the moisture, and the session was dry if impossibly hot.
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• Facebook • Twitter • Delicious • Digg • StumbleUpon • Add to favorites • Email • RSS • LinkedInDi Venuto can make a difference - Bonora
Italy captain Alessandro Bonora believes Michael Di Venuto can transom his amateur Italian side and help them leave an impression on the World T20 qualifiers which begin on March 13 in the UAE.
Unpredictable Eredivisie bucking the trend
While most European titles are being fought over by a couple of contenders, the Dutch championship has six genuine challengers still in the fight. FIFA.com takes a closer look.
Venus, Kim, Kleybs heartened by return wins
Venus Williams, who played her first singles match since the U.S. Open in a win over Kimiko Date-Krumm at Miami, said she is feeling as well as can be expected. "I feel like a person that has an auto-immune disease,†said Williams, who is suffering from Sjogren's Syndrome. "You know, for me, I’m not going to probably feel like everybody else. But for me, my personal best is to give 100 percent. You know, someone with an auto-immune disease definitely faces different challenges than other people. But it doesn’t mean you can’t be successful."
Alisa Kleybanova, who returned after battling Hodgkin's lymphoma, also scored a win, besting Johanna Larsson and then quietly celebrating with her team. "For the rest of us, in normal conditions, it’s just the first round," she said. "But for me, inside, it was really emotional. And of course, for my coach and for my friends that were out there for me today. You know, it’s not like I celebrated so much, like jumping around, but inside, we just looked at each other, and it was something between us. It was a very special moment."
Former No. 1 Kim Clijsters, who has slid to No. 37 and is playing her first tournament at Miami since her Australian Open semifinal loss to Victoria Azarenka, says that her sore ankle is feeling about "95 percent."
"My ankle feelsâ€"it feels totally fine," said Clijsters, who won her first two matches. "I don't worry about it anymore. I'm not able to play without the tape yet. I still need that support."
Alisa Kleybanova, who returned after battling Hodgkin's lymphoma, also scored a win, besting Johanna Larsson and then quietly celebrating with her team. "For the rest of us, in normal conditions, it’s just the first round," she said. "But for me, inside, it was really emotional. And of course, for my coach and for my friends that were out there for me today. You know, it’s not like I celebrated so much, like jumping around, but inside, we just looked at each other, and it was something between us. It was a very special moment."
Former No. 1 Kim Clijsters, who has slid to No. 37 and is playing her first tournament at Miami since her Australian Open semifinal loss to Victoria Azarenka, says that her sore ankle is feeling about "95 percent."
"My ankle feelsâ€"it feels totally fine," said Clijsters, who won her first two matches. "I don't worry about it anymore. I'm not able to play without the tape yet. I still need that support."
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