Amir must focus on rehabilitation - Lorgat

Mohammad Amir must go through a process of rehabilitation and not focus on the reduction of the ban imposed on him by an ICC tribunal, the ICC chief Haroon Lorgat has said

Palladino plans quick recovery from broken jaw

Derbyshire seam bowler Tony Palladino has a fighting chance of being fit for the start of the county season after flying back from a pre-season tour to Barbados with a broken jaw

Furth lament 'bitter' exit

Greuther Furth coach Mike Buskens has spoken about last night's dramatic DFB-Pokal defeat to Borussia Dortmund and his decision to switch goalkeepers just before the German champions' winning goal.

Mariners, Nagoya finish all square

Markus Tulio Tanaka put Nagoya Grampus ahead away to Central Coast Mariners, but Patrick Zwaanswijk earned the Australians a draw to move both sides on to four points from two outings.

Marseille eliminated by French Cup part-timers

Struggling Marseille have been eliminated from the French Cup quarter-finals as third-tier part-timers Quevilly claimed a 3-2 extra-time win to advance to the last four for the second time in three years.

Mexico beat Canada to book London trip

Mexico became the last team to qualify in the North, Central and Caribbean region for London 2012 with a 3-1 victory over ten-man Canada in the semi-finals of the CONCACAF U-23 Men's Championship.

Iniesta and Messi goals sink Athletic

Andres Iniesta opened the scoring before Lionel Messi sealed Barcelona a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao from the spot, keeping the Catalans within six points of La Liga leaders Real Madrid.

Tigre stumble, Banfield move up

Tigre suffered a 2-1 defeat at home by Argentinos Juniors, and as a result, failed to make up ground on leaders Estudiantes, while Banfield moved off the bottom of the table with an emphatic 5-2 win over Olimpo.

Benfica snap Braga run

Benfica ended Braga's 13-game winning run as they claimed a 2-1 win with Bruno Cesar scoring a last-minute decider, while Porto took over top spot with a 2-0 defeat of Olhanense.

Wenger: Something was missing at QPR

Following Arsenal's defeat by Queens Park Rangers, coach Arsene Wenger has said his side lacked commitment, while Mark Hughes believes his relegation-threatened club can rack up more wins before the season's end.

Iniesta, Messi see Barça past Athletic

Andres Iniesta opened the scoring before Lionel Messi sealed Barcelona a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao from the spot, keeping the Catalans within six points of La Liga leaders Real Madrid.

Mainz stun shaky Bremen

Mainz moved five points clear of the bottom three in the Bundesliga with a convincing 3-0 victory over Werder Bremen, who are on the brink of missing out on Europe next season.

Real maintain lead, Barça keep chase

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid retained their six-point lead at the top of the La Liga table with a 5-1 thrashing of Osasuna, while Barcelona kept up the pressure with a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao.

Parma bag vital victory over Lazio

Parma put some much-needed space between themselves and the bottom of the table in Serie A, while simultaneously denting Lazio's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season with a 3-1 win.

Robben edges Bayern past Nurnberg

Arjen Robben scored in the second half to edge Bayern Munich 1-0 past Nurnberg in the Bavarian derby, which moves the second-placed side to within three points of Borussia Dortmund at the top.

Paes Captures 50th Doubles Title

Seventh seeds Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek rallied to defeat second-seeded Max Mirnyi and Daniel Nestor 3-6, 6-1, 10-8 to win the Sony Ericsson Open on Saturday, their second team trophy of the season.

[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]]

Nancy shock PSG, Nice snatch points

Yohan Mollo scored in the 89th minute to snatch Nancy a 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, who were unable to leapfrog Montpellier at the Ligue 1 summit, while Nice dealt Saint-Etienne a blow in a narrow 3-2 win.

F1B Sector 3: March 31, 2012

Here’s what you NEED to know about formula One this week! Join me for our Sector 3 news wrap up of the week in formula 1 in 5 minutes or less

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Zenit edge closer to title as CSKA draw

Russian Premier League leaders Zenit St Petersburg beat Spartak Moscow 2-1 to move nine points clear at the top of the table, while nearest chasers CSKA Moscow were held to a 1-1 draw by Kuban Krasnodar.

Petrov: I will beat this illness

Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov appeared at Villa Park today to watch his side against Chelsea in the Premier League, and has said he is drawing inspiration from Fabrice Muamba since he was diagnosed with acute leukaemia.

Bayern close on Dortmund, Freiburg triumph

Bayern Munich grabbed a vital three points against Nurnberg in their pursuit of leaders Borussia Dortmund, Freiburg claimed a 2-0 win over a lacklustre Bayer Leverkusen, while Mainz moved up to tenth with a 3-0 win at Werder Bremen.

Radwanska defeats Sharapova in Miami final

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP)â€"Maria Sharapova lost her serve in the final game of each set Saturday and again fell short in a bid for her first Sony Ericsson Open title, losing to Agnieszka Radwanska 7-5, 6-4.
 
Sharapova, a three-time Grand Slam champion, fell to 0-4 in Key Biscayne finals. She was also the runner-up in 2005, 2006 and last year.

Radwanska, ranked a career-best No. 4, earned her ninth career title and fourth since last summer. She’s 0-4 in 2012 against top-ranked Victoria Azarenka and 26-0 against everyone else.
 
The match was 72 minutes old before Radwanska hit her first baseline winner. She was content to play steadily and extend rallies until the more aggressive Sharapova would make a mistake.
 
Sharapova finished with 45 unforced errors, many from the backhand side. Radwanska committed only 10 unforced errors and erased all three break points she faced.
 
On a sunny, 85-degree afternoon, the South Florida crowd was divided in its support.
 
“Vamos Maria!” one spectator hollered for the Russian.
 
“Vamos Agnes!” another shouted for the Pole.
 
Sharapova draped a rolled-up cold towel around her neck during changeovers, but the heat didn’t seem to faze either player. But the pressure to hold serve made Sharapova wobble twice.
 
Serving at 5-6 in the first set, she committed four unforced errorsâ€" including a blown overheadâ€"to lose the set.
 
The pattern was similar in the second set, when Radwanska had only one break pointâ€"the last point of the match. Sharapova sailed a forehand long, and Radwanska lifted her arms in triumph.
 
Radwanska beat Venus Williams en route to the final and won every set she played. She improved to 2-7 against Sharapova, with her other victory at the 2007 U.S. Open.
 
Sharapova was trying to extend her streak of winning at least one title for a 10th consecutive year. Instead she settled for her third runner-up trophy in 2012â€"she also lost finals at the Australian Open and Indian Wells, both to Azarenka.

WTA addresses grunting issue in meeting

The WTA is considering putting into place measures that may cut down on grunting, the New York Times reports.

In a meeting last weekend in Key Biscayne, the WTA board of directors took up the topic, which according to WTA vice president of communications Andrew Walker, "stemmed from an increase in negative fan reaction to excessive grunting and an increase in media coverage, and we made a determination that the landscape had changed, and we owed it to the fans to take a look at it."

However, Walker told TENNIS.com that the WTA "hasn't developed a detailed plan re: education or rules/rules enforcement."

Some analysts and players have called for chair umpires enforcing the hindrance rule when a player is grunting too loudly.

However, the WTA's two top players and loudest grunters, Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova, have strongly come out against any measures that would attempt to change their behavior, which puts the WTA in a tricky position as they are dependent on their star players to promote the tour.

The WTA hopes to convince the International Tennis Federation to help educate players at the junior level, as well as work with academies and coaches.

"If junior players start getting docked points for excessive grunting, they won’t care what their role models do," Walker told the Times. "If we get the proper education and enforcement, it will resolve itself."â€"MC

Nadal: Knees much better than in 2009

Rafael Nadal, who pulled out of his semifinal against Andy Murray at Miami’s Sony Ericsson Open, says his sore left knee is not as bad as it was in 2009, when he was forced to pull out of Wimbledon and did not have chance to defend his title. Nadal said the knee pain began while he was training at home in Mallorca in February, then got worse at the tournament at Indian Wells, where he lost in the semifinals to Roger Federer.

The Spaniard is optimistic about the clay-court season, when he is scheduled to play five tournaments in two months time: Monte Carlo and Barcelona back to back, Madrid and Rome back to back, and then Roland Garros.

“Seriously the tendons are much better today than three years ago,” Nadal told reporters. “The treatments worked fantastic. Even if today a really bad knee and last couple of days were tough for me, but positive thing the tendon improve a lot the last couple of years. I am more health with both tendons than now. So the treatments are working well. In 2009 I compete in very bad conditions a lot of times. For the last couple of years, 2010, 2011, I was able to compete with perfect conditions for almost all the year. So that's always fantastic when that's happening...I try my best in every moment with pain, without pain, but when I see the situation is done and I cannot, I cannot."

WTA discusses grunting issue in meeting

The WTA is considering putting into place measures that may cut down on grunting, the New York Times reports.

In a meeting last weekend in Key Biscayne, the WTA board of directors took up the topic, which according to WTA vice president of communications Andrew Walker, "stemmed from an increase in negative fan reaction to excessive grunting and an increase in media coverage, and we made a determination that the landscape had changed, and we owed it to the fans to take a look at it."

However, Walker told TENNIS.com that the WTA "hasn't developed a detailed plan re: education or rules/rules enforcement."

Some analysts and players have called for chair umpires enforcing the hindrance rule when a player is grunting too loudly.

However, the WTA's two top players and loudest grunters, Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova, have strongly come out against any measures that would attempt to change their behavior, which puts the WTA in a tricky position as they are dependent on their star players to promote the tour.

The WTA hopes to convince the International Tennis Federation to help educate players at the junior level, as well as work with academies and coaches.

"If junior players start getting docked points for excessive grunting, they won’t care what their role models do," Walker told the Times. "If we get the proper education and enforcement, it will resolve itself."â€"MC

Chelsea deny Villa, City held by Sunderland

Chelsea quelled an Aston Villa fight-back as they beat the Midlanders 4-2 at Stamford Bridge thanks to a Branislav Ivanovic race, while Manchester City's title tilt took another knock having been held 3-3 at home by Sunderland.

Vegalta go clear as Tokyo stumble

Vegalta Sendai are two points clear at the top of the J.League after a 2-1 victory over Cerezo Osaka, FC Tokyo suffered a 1-0 loss to Sanfrecce Hiroshima, and Kashima Antlers bagged their first point at Yokohama F. Marinos.

Djokovic beats Monaco to reach Miami final

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP)â€"A marathon second set was all even in a tiebreaker Friday night when Novak Djokovic found himself involved in yet another grueling point.

He hit 13 shots, all smacked aggressively from the backcourt, many landing within a foot or two of the baseline at the far end.

Finally Djokovic’s dogged opponent cracked. Juan Monaco sailed a weary forehand long, and moments later the top-ranked Djokovic clinched a berth in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open by winning 6-0, 7-6 (5).

“In the tiebreak I stayed calm and focused and closed it out when I needed to,” Djokovic said.

The final will be Djokovic’s first since winning the Australian Open for his fifth Grand Slam title and third in a row. His opponent Sunday will be 2009 champion Andy Murray, who advanced with a walkover when Rafael Nadal withdrew hours before their semifinal because of a left knee injury that has bothered him in recent weeks.

Nadal said the injury has been getting worse, but he hopes for a quick recovery to avoid missing any of the upcoming clay-court season.

Djokovic won a quick first set and a 96-minute second set against Monaco, an Argentine playing in just his second Masters 1000 semifinal. Djokovic was broken for the only time when he served for the match, but in the tiebreaker he took the lead for good by winning a 26-stroke rally to go up 4-3.

Grinding tiebreaker rallies twice left Monaco with his hands on his knees afterward trying to recover. On match point, he pushed a forehand into the net.

The drama at the finish seemed unlikely when Djokovic dominated at the start. The first set took only 27 minutes, and Monaco won just seven points, two on double-faults by Djokovic.

“All the credit to him for staying in the match, fighting and coming back,” Djokovic said. “It was the semifinals. It was never going to be easy.”

Thanks to South Florida’s large Argentine population, Monaco had plenty of support from the capacity crowd. Fans sang in Spanish, encouraging a rally, and he obliged.

“The crowd started to sing my name, and it was a great feeling for me,” Monaco said. “I started to think a little bit better.”

Monaco’s first serve kept him in the second set, and Djokovic wobbled briefly. Serving at 5-4, he fell behind love-40, erased all three break points but then double-faulted. Monaco finally broke when Djokovic pushed a forehand into the net for 5-all, and the crowd erupted.

“I couldn’t close it out,” Djokovic said. “But OK. I’m in the final, and that’s a positive fact. I’ll try in the final not to have that letdown.”

Djokovic’s experience in big matches showed at the finish, and he improved to 89-8 since the beginning of last year. Monaco fell to 0-5 against the Serb, winning just one of 13 sets.

“The first set was incredible,” Monaco said. “I mean, he played like the real No. 1. It was tough for me. Then it was big fight in the second set, but he really deserved to win. I think the second set we played a great match.”

Djokovic seeks his third Key Biscayne title and second in a row. He has a 7-5 record against Murray and won when they met in the Australian Open semifinals in January.

“We know each other really well,” Djokovic said. “It’s going to be a good match.”

Mancini: City will win the title

Roberto Mancini has explained Manchester City’s dip in form, insisted they will win the Premier League title, discussed Carlos Tevez’s imminent return to action and praised Fernando Torres.

Di Matteo backs Torres to shine after double

Chelsea interim manager Roberto Di Matteo believes Fernando Torres will blossom after the Spanish striker scored two goals against Leicester to end a five-month run without hitting the back of the net.

Farewell Birgit, hello Uruguay

In FIFA.com's monthly review of women's football, we look back on Birgit Prinz calling time on an illustrious career, Uruguay booking their ticket to Azerbaijan 2012 and international cups aplenty.

Le Mans to LeMons

Racing costs money, and lots of it. From F1, ALMS, Grand-Am, and everything in between, each series attaches a respective price-tag. But what if there was a series that didn’t cost much money at all? What if anyone who only possesses a valid driver’s license could sign up for wheel-to-wheel racing? Sounds like a crazy

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Daegu leave it late, Ulsan held

Two strikes in the final five minutes gave Daegu FC a 3-2 win over Jeonbuk Motors to take them into the top four, while Ulsan Hyundai Horangi were prevented from leading the K-League having been held 2-2 by Sangju Sangmu Phoenix.

Tigres close the gap, Cruz Azul held

Tigres Monterrey edged closer to the top of the table in the Mexican Clausura with a 2-0 win over Pumas UNAM, while Cruz Azul were held to a 1-1 draw by Puebla.

Liverpool into cup final four

Stewart Downing's second-half strike was enough to prevent Stoke City getting any joy at Anfield as Liverpool progressed into the semi-finals of the FA Cup thanks to a 2-1 win.

Kuyt: Reds criticism understandable

Following a dismal run of just three points from their last six Premier League games, Dirk Kuyt has said it is no surprise Liverpool are being criticised, but hopes they can address their poor form against Newcastle United.

Levante boost European hopes

A very late winner from Xavi Torres earned Levante a crucial 1-0 victory in their attempt to qualify for Europe next season and condemned Villarreal to a fourth defeat in five matches.

BCCI to probe alleged JKCA financial scam

In the wake of the widespread allegations of embezzlement of the BCCI grants at the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), the Indian board has asked its auditors to investigate the matter and prepare a detailed report on the situation

Barça players dedicate win to Abidal

Barcelona players Cesc Fabregas, Gerard Pique and Victor Valdes have paid tribute to team-mate Eric Abidal, while coach Pep Guardiola has accepted that his team will not win La Liga this season.

Football Ferns put one foot in London

A thumping 8-0 win for New Zealand over Papua New Guinea in their OFC Women's Qualifer final for London 2012 has left the Football Ferns just 90 minutes away from a place at the Olympics.

Brisbane hold edge in play-off

Goals from Henrique and Erik Paartlu gave Brisbane Roar a two goal advantage over Central Cost Mariners in the race to reach the A-League Grand Final in their first-leg showdown today.

Japan 2012 venues and match schedule announced

Some of Japan’s premier stadiums will feature at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Japan 2012 with matches to be played in Miyagi, Saitama, Tokyo, Kobe and Hiroshima.

New and old foes meet in Japan

With FIFA Women's World Cup™ winners Japan set to welcome USA and Brazil in a newly-created three-nation tournament, FIFA.com takes a closer look at the most memorable matches between the elite sides.

Wright to decide on future with New Zealand

New Zealand coach John Wright's contract is due to expire in August after the tour of the West Indies but New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White is hopeful that a decision on Wright's future is made before the end of April

Decision on Wright's future by April end

New Zealand coach John Wright's contract is due to expire in August after the tour of the West Indies but New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White is hopeful that a decision on Wright's future is made before the end of April

Sporting, Salt Lake stay perfect

Sporting Kansas City lead the early Eastern Conference standings in Major League Soccer after beating New England Revolution 3-0, while Real Salt Lake won their second match to top the Western table.

Mirallas: I’ve really blossomed at Olympiacos

FIFA.com spoke exclusively to Olympiacos striker Kevin Mirallas about his improvement in form since moving to Greece, how he has learned from past mistakes, and today's derby with Panathinaikos.

Barcelona see off Sevilla, Rayo win

Goals from Lionel Messi and Xavi were enough to claim Barcelona a relatively comfortable victory at Sevilla, while Rayo Vallecano's impressive progress continued with a 3-0 win over Real Betis.