Friday, 6 April 2012
Velez head four-way deadlock
Boca Juniors, Velez Sarsfield and Tigre each picked up their second win in three games to join All Boys in a four-way battle at the top of the fledgling Clausura table.
Outrageous Ronaldo sees off Rayo
Cristiano Ronaldo won a tight game against Rayo Vallecano with the most opulent of finishes, back-heeling through a crowded penalty area to claim a 1-0 win for Real Madird.
Tendulkar misses out, Mumbai Indians bowl
Sachin Tendulkar will not play Mumbai Indians' first home game this season, after he was hit on the glove by a short ball from Doug Bollinger in the season opener in Chennai
Wenger: Senior players set the tone
Arsene Wenger has praised the attitude of his Arsenal team after a dramatic season which appears to be ending in positive fashion, and has backed the leadership of the club's senior players.
Consistent Federer Aims For More Glory
ATPWorldTour.com reviews five storylines from the first quarter of the 2012 season. In the final installment, we look at Roger Federer's consistent start.
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Dalglish: We're all disappointed
Kenny Dalglish has discussed Liverpool's recent dreadful form, which has seen the Reds lose six of their last seven Premier League fixtures, and called on the players to believe in their ability.
'Crucial time' for Serie A sides
Antonio Conte says it is a crucial period of the Serie A season, with Juventus and AC Milan battling for the title, while European places and relegation spots remain in the balance.
Nine-man Besiktas held in Turkey
Besiktas had two players sent off as they drew 1-1 at Karabukspor in the Turkish Super Lig this evening, a result that takes them to fourth, tied on points with Trabzonspor.
Somerset rollercoaster up and running
Supporting Somerset must have been a roller-coaster ride over the years, especially of late when one prize after another has been snatched from their grasp. Missed run-out chances by Middlesex kept them on top.
Mauresmo to help coach Azarenka
Amelie Mauresmo will become a consultant to No. 1 Victoria Azarenka, Reuters and the French web site "We Love Tennis" reported. Mauresmo will help Azarenka’s regular coach, Sam Sumyk. Two-time Grand Slam champion Mauresmo helped coach French male player Michael Llodra last year.
Australia leads South Korea, 2-0, in Davis Cup
BRISBANE, Australia (AP)â€"Bernard Tomic and Matthew Ebden won their opening singles to give Australia a 2-0 lead over South Korea in a Davis Cup Asia-Oceania qualifier on hard courts at Pat Rafter Arena on Friday.
Tomic was broken in the opening game but beat Cho Min-hyeok 7-5, 6-3, 6-3. Ebden defeated Jeong Suk-young 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.
Lleyton Hewitt is not playing for Australia due to a foot injury.
A doubles is scheduled for Saturday, when Australia could clinch the qualifier and advance to a World Group playoff in September.
Australia has won the Davis Cup 28 times, second only to the United States’ 32, but has not played in the eight-team World Group since 2007.
Tomic was broken in the opening game but beat Cho Min-hyeok 7-5, 6-3, 6-3. Ebden defeated Jeong Suk-young 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.
Lleyton Hewitt is not playing for Australia due to a foot injury.
A doubles is scheduled for Saturday, when Australia could clinch the qualifier and advance to a World Group playoff in September.
Australia has won the Davis Cup 28 times, second only to the United States’ 32, but has not played in the eight-team World Group since 2007.
Del Potro evens Argentinia with Croatia
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP)â€"Juan Martin del Potro fought off stomach problems and beat Ivo Karlovic on Friday, leaving Argentina tied with Croatia in the Davis Cup quarterfinals.
Del Potro defeated Karlovic 6-2, 7-6 (7), 6-1.
Marin Cilic gave Croatia the lead, beating David Nalbandian 5-7, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-3 in a match that lasted 5 hours, 9 minutes and put pressure on Del Potro.
Nalbandian and Eduardo Schwank are scheduled to face against Cilic and Lovro Zovko in Saturday’s doubles match on the outdoor clay court. Nalbandian said he intended to play despite speculation captain Martin Jaite might replace him with Juan Monaco. Reverse singles are Sunday.
The 23-year-old Cilic wore down the 30-year-old Argentine, finally winning on his third match point.
Del Potro defeated Karlovic 6-2, 7-6 (7), 6-1.
Marin Cilic gave Croatia the lead, beating David Nalbandian 5-7, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-3 in a match that lasted 5 hours, 9 minutes and put pressure on Del Potro.
Nalbandian and Eduardo Schwank are scheduled to face against Cilic and Lovro Zovko in Saturday’s doubles match on the outdoor clay court. Nalbandian said he intended to play despite speculation captain Martin Jaite might replace him with Juan Monaco. Reverse singles are Sunday.
The 23-year-old Cilic wore down the 30-year-old Argentine, finally winning on his third match point.
Stosur prevents all-Williams semifinal in Charleston
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP)â€"Samantha Stosur beat Venus Williams 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 on Friday, spoiling the chance at all-Williams sister semifinal at the Family Circle Cup.
Serena Williams reached the semis when Sabine Lisicki had to withdraw with a twisted ankle.
Venus hadn’t lost a set in three previous matches and had to get by the reigning U.S. Open champion to set up her first meeting with her younger sister in nearly three years. Venus Williams rallied from a set down and was up 2-1 in the third set before Stosur took control and won five of the final six games.
The win ended a long Friday for Stosur, who finished a rain-delayed third-round match before facing Venus.
Stosur will play Serena Williams on Saturday.
Tipsarevic saves match points to draw Serbia even
PRAGUE (AP)â€"Janko Tipsarevic saved three match points to overcome Radek Stepanek 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 9-7 and draw Serbia level at 1-1 with the Czech Republic after the opening singles of the Davis Cup quarterfinal on Friday.
Tipsarevic, who this week reached his highest ranking of No. 8, faced a match point at 5-6 and two more at 6-7 in the fifth set but served well to remain in the match and prevail in more than five hours.
Earlier, Tomas Berdych eased past Viktor Troicki 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 to give the Czech Republic a 1-0 lead after the opening singles on an indoor clay court at the O2 Arena.
The doubles match is scheduled for Saturday while reverse singles will be played on Sunday.
Serbia, seeking a third straight semifinal, is without top-ranked Novak Djokovic.
Tipsarevic, who this week reached his highest ranking of No. 8, faced a match point at 5-6 and two more at 6-7 in the fifth set but served well to remain in the match and prevail in more than five hours.
Earlier, Tomas Berdych eased past Viktor Troicki 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 to give the Czech Republic a 1-0 lead after the opening singles on an indoor clay court at the O2 Arena.
The doubles match is scheduled for Saturday while reverse singles will be played on Sunday.
Serbia, seeking a third straight semifinal, is without top-ranked Novak Djokovic.
F1B Sector 3: April 6, 2012
Here is what you NEED to know about Formula One this week!
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• Facebook • Twitter • Delicious • Digg • StumbleUpon • Add to favorites • Email • RSS • LinkedInCilic Wins Marathon For Croatia; Tipsarevic Stars For Serbia
A round-up of the two Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group quarter-final ties on Friday.
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Cilic Wins Marathon For Croatia; Berdych Gives Czechs Lead
A round-up of the four Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group quarter-final ties on Friday.
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Rafter: Tomic must focus for lower-ranked foes
After Bernard Tomic struggled to a 7-5, 6-3, 6-3 win over South Korean Min-Hyeok Cho in a Davis Cup zonal match in Brisbane, Australian Davis Cup captain Patrick Rafter said that his young player has to learn to focus against lower-ranked opponents. "We spoke about this all week, we knew this was going to be the situation," Rafter told reporters. "But he got on the court and he got himself in that state again, and that's something that Bernie has to get over, as simple as that. If he wants to develop, he has to learn to treat people with respect, all these guys. This guy [Cho] did well, he competed well … I know he's had a ranking before, he can play the game, and he takes it to Bernie, and it's great to see that. So Bernie's gotta learn, and the quicker he learns it, the quicker he'll develop."
Cilic tops Nalbandian in 5-hour Davis Cup marathon
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP)â€"Marin Cilic defeated David Nalbandian in a five-hour marathon to give Croatia a 1-0 lead over Argentina Friday in their Davis Cup quarterfinal.
Cilic won the error-filled match 5-7, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-3 to put the pressure on Argentina’s No. 1 player Juan Martin del Potro, who faced Ivo Karlovic in Friday’s second singles. Doubles are set for Saturday with reverse singles on Sunday.
The 23-year-old Cilic wore down the 30-year-old Argentine, finally winning on his third match point when Nalbandian hit a ground stroke into the net after 5 hours, 9 minutes to disappoint a 14,000 sellout at Parque Roca.
Nalbandian had a 4-0 record against Cilic, but they had never played on clay. Argentine captain Martin Jaite chose him to play instead of Juan Monaco, who has been in better form and has a higher ranking.
Nalbandian broke Cilic twice in the first setâ€"and was broken once himself â€" to win 7-5 on the red-clay court on the outskirts of the Argentine capital.
Neither player managed much consistency, and in the second set it was Cilic who made fewer errors, breaking the Argentine three times to take the set 6-4.
Nalbandian was steadier in the third set, breaking Cilic in the fifth game and then holding to win 6-4. He won the set with a backhand down the line, prompting loud applause from the chanting, partisan crowd.
The fourth set was filled again with unforced errors, but each player managed to hold on to serve to force the tiebreaker. Nalbandian went ahead 2-1 in the tiebreaker, but lost the next six points to fall 7-2.
Argentina was the favorite playing at home on the red clay. The South Americans have yet to win the Davis Cup and have been the losing finalist four times, including last year against Spain. Croatia won the Davis Cup in 2005.
Argentina and Croatia have met twice in Davis Cup quarterfinals, and the South Americans have won both. Argentina won in 2002 in Buenos Aires, and in 2006 in Zagreb.
Cilic won the error-filled match 5-7, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-3 to put the pressure on Argentina’s No. 1 player Juan Martin del Potro, who faced Ivo Karlovic in Friday’s second singles. Doubles are set for Saturday with reverse singles on Sunday.
The 23-year-old Cilic wore down the 30-year-old Argentine, finally winning on his third match point when Nalbandian hit a ground stroke into the net after 5 hours, 9 minutes to disappoint a 14,000 sellout at Parque Roca.
Nalbandian had a 4-0 record against Cilic, but they had never played on clay. Argentine captain Martin Jaite chose him to play instead of Juan Monaco, who has been in better form and has a higher ranking.
Nalbandian broke Cilic twice in the first setâ€"and was broken once himself â€" to win 7-5 on the red-clay court on the outskirts of the Argentine capital.
Neither player managed much consistency, and in the second set it was Cilic who made fewer errors, breaking the Argentine three times to take the set 6-4.
Nalbandian was steadier in the third set, breaking Cilic in the fifth game and then holding to win 6-4. He won the set with a backhand down the line, prompting loud applause from the chanting, partisan crowd.
The fourth set was filled again with unforced errors, but each player managed to hold on to serve to force the tiebreaker. Nalbandian went ahead 2-1 in the tiebreaker, but lost the next six points to fall 7-2.
Argentina was the favorite playing at home on the red clay. The South Americans have yet to win the Davis Cup and have been the losing finalist four times, including last year against Spain. Croatia won the Davis Cup in 2005.
Argentina and Croatia have met twice in Davis Cup quarterfinals, and the South Americans have won both. Argentina won in 2002 in Buenos Aires, and in 2006 in Zagreb.
Serena reaches semifinals with Lisicki injury
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP)â€"Serena Williams is through to the Family Circle Cup semifinals and waits to see if Venus can do the same.
Fifth-seeded Serena Williams advanced on Friday when 22-year-old Sabine Lisicki retired in the first set after rolling her ankle and falling to the court. Lisicki received treatment and played three more games before withdrawing in tears.
Serena Williams comforted her opponent on the sideline and applauded with the stadium crowd as Lisicki, the 2009 champion her, left.
“I told her, `Don’t cry. You’re going to make me cry, too,â€â€™ said Serena, this tournament’s 2008 champion who is ranked No. 10.
Lisicki, the sixth seed, went to the hospital to have an MRI test on her left ankle.
Williams has had her share of injuries that forced her to miss major tournaments. She told the young German that she had time to heal and would be back.
“I said, `It’s OK. It’s not the French Open. You’ve got time to get better.â€â€™
Williams might not have much time before the latest clash of Williams-vs.-Williams.
First, Venus has to get past reigning U.S. Open champion Samantha Stosur in a later quarterfinal Friday. Stosur completed her rain-delayed, third-round match earlier in the day, needing three sets to get past Galina Voskoboeva 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.
Should Venus prevail, it would again set up one of the most captivating rivalries in women’s tennis. The sisters haven’t played since the WTA Championships in 2009. Serena said neither would hold back because both are eager to add a second Family Circle title to their resume.
“I think it’ll be great, I really do,†Serena Williams said. “Obviously, I want to win and she really wants to win.â€
Venus Williams won this title in 2004. This is her second tournament since she was diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome, a fatigue-inducing autoimmune disease that forced her to withdraw from the U.S. Open last summer. Venus returned to tennis last month and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Sony Ericsson Open before losing to eventual champion Agnieszka Radwanska. Venus hasn’t dropped a set in three matches so far despite this being her first tournament on clay since 2010.
Serena expects the competitive juices each have shown in winning a combined 20 grand slam singles titlesâ€"Serena has 13, Venus sevenâ€"to show front and center if the two meet up Saturday. Serena leads the sibling rivalry, 13-10. The two have split their two previous matches on clay, the last one coming in Serena’s 2002 French Open championshipâ€"the only time Serena has won at Roand Garros.
“Venus is an excellent clay-court player,†Serena said. “And I’m pretty decent on clay.â€
Facing Stosur won’t be easy for Venus, despite Williams’ 4-0 record in their meetings. Stosur is ranked fifth in the world and relentless in attacking the ball.
Venus said Thursday that Stosur is one of the power players who do well on clay. “So it’s an interesting mix,†Williams said.
Also, No. 4 seed Vera Zvonareva takes on ninth-seeded Lucie Safarova, and No. 13 seed Nadia Petrova faces 14th-seeded Polona Hercog in later quarterfinals. Petrova is the 2006 Family Circle champion.
Fifth-seeded Serena Williams advanced on Friday when 22-year-old Sabine Lisicki retired in the first set after rolling her ankle and falling to the court. Lisicki received treatment and played three more games before withdrawing in tears.
Serena Williams comforted her opponent on the sideline and applauded with the stadium crowd as Lisicki, the 2009 champion her, left.
“I told her, `Don’t cry. You’re going to make me cry, too,â€â€™ said Serena, this tournament’s 2008 champion who is ranked No. 10.
Lisicki, the sixth seed, went to the hospital to have an MRI test on her left ankle.
Williams has had her share of injuries that forced her to miss major tournaments. She told the young German that she had time to heal and would be back.
“I said, `It’s OK. It’s not the French Open. You’ve got time to get better.â€â€™
Williams might not have much time before the latest clash of Williams-vs.-Williams.
First, Venus has to get past reigning U.S. Open champion Samantha Stosur in a later quarterfinal Friday. Stosur completed her rain-delayed, third-round match earlier in the day, needing three sets to get past Galina Voskoboeva 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.
Should Venus prevail, it would again set up one of the most captivating rivalries in women’s tennis. The sisters haven’t played since the WTA Championships in 2009. Serena said neither would hold back because both are eager to add a second Family Circle title to their resume.
“I think it’ll be great, I really do,†Serena Williams said. “Obviously, I want to win and she really wants to win.â€
Venus Williams won this title in 2004. This is her second tournament since she was diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome, a fatigue-inducing autoimmune disease that forced her to withdraw from the U.S. Open last summer. Venus returned to tennis last month and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Sony Ericsson Open before losing to eventual champion Agnieszka Radwanska. Venus hasn’t dropped a set in three matches so far despite this being her first tournament on clay since 2010.
Serena expects the competitive juices each have shown in winning a combined 20 grand slam singles titlesâ€"Serena has 13, Venus sevenâ€"to show front and center if the two meet up Saturday. Serena leads the sibling rivalry, 13-10. The two have split their two previous matches on clay, the last one coming in Serena’s 2002 French Open championshipâ€"the only time Serena has won at Roand Garros.
“Venus is an excellent clay-court player,†Serena said. “And I’m pretty decent on clay.â€
Facing Stosur won’t be easy for Venus, despite Williams’ 4-0 record in their meetings. Stosur is ranked fifth in the world and relentless in attacking the ball.
Venus said Thursday that Stosur is one of the power players who do well on clay. “So it’s an interesting mix,†Williams said.
Also, No. 4 seed Vera Zvonareva takes on ninth-seeded Lucie Safarova, and No. 13 seed Nadia Petrova faces 14th-seeded Polona Hercog in later quarterfinals. Petrova is the 2006 Family Circle champion.
Isner enhances reputation as clay-court threat
LONDON (AP)â€"John Isner further enhanced his reputation as a threat on clay with a straight-sets win over Gilles Simon on Friday to give the United States hope of an upset against France in the Davis Cup quarterfinals.
Isner, who beat Roger Federer on indoor clay in the first-round win in Switzerland, comfortably beat Simon 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 at the Monte Carlo Country Club to level at 1-1 against France after the opening day’s singles.
The winner of US-France looks set to face Spain in the semifinals after the defending champion took a 2-0 lead against Austria.
The Czech Republic leads 1-0 over a Serbia team missing No. 1-ranked Novak Djokovic.
Later Friday, Janko Tipsarevic could level for Serbia against Radek Stepanek, and Argentina begins its home match against Croatia.
With a dominant serve and strong forehand, Isner’s game had until this season been considered more of a threat on quicker surfaces, but by following a four-set win over Federer in February with Friday’s rout of Simon, the American indicated he could make a run during the upcoming European claycourt season that culminates in the French Open in May.
Former U.S. captain Patrick McEnroe wrote on Twitter that the No. 11-ranked Isner could even reach the final at Roland Garros.
“I woke up this morning feeling very good,†Isner said. “I didn’t know, but I had a feeling that today was going to be a good day for me. That was the case. Because of that, it was a pretty good day for our team.â€
Isner, a finalist at Indian Wells last month, leveled for the U.S. after Jo-Wilfried Tsonga put France ahead by beating teenager Ryan Harrison 7-5, 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 in the first singles match.
U.S. captain Jim Courier hopes the top-ranked doubles pair of Bob and Mike Bryan can give the visiting team a lead when they face the French pair of Julien Benneteau and Michael Llodra on Saturday.
“Tomorrow will be a great doubles match between four great doubles players,†Courier said.
The Bryans are unbeaten in Davis Cup since losing to France in 2008, when Llodra was partnered by Arnaud Clement.
The U.S., which hasn’t reached the semifinals since 2008, is playing without the fatigued Mardy Fish, while France is missing Gael Monfils. Several other Davis Cup quarterfinalists are also under strength as the top players take the opportunity to rest during a busy season, which this year also includes the Olympics.
Spain made light of the absence of No. 2-ranked Rafael Nadal by winning both the opening singles matches against Austria on clay in Castellon.
Nicolas Almagro easily beat Austria’s No. 1 Jurgen Melzer 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 before David Ferrer made it 2-0 by routing 139th-ranked Andreas Haider-Maurer 6-1, 6-3, 6-1.
“I was a little surprised how easy it was for us today,†Spain captain Alex Corretja said. “I was expecting especially in the first match for it to be more difficult but it didn’t happen. Lucky us. You need to be ready for the big fight and then if it’s easier it’s better for you.â€
Serbia is missing No. 1-ranked Novak Djokovic, and got off to a bad start in the Czech Republic when Viktor Troicki was thrashed by Tomas Berdych, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2.
Isner, who beat Roger Federer on indoor clay in the first-round win in Switzerland, comfortably beat Simon 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 at the Monte Carlo Country Club to level at 1-1 against France after the opening day’s singles.
The winner of US-France looks set to face Spain in the semifinals after the defending champion took a 2-0 lead against Austria.
The Czech Republic leads 1-0 over a Serbia team missing No. 1-ranked Novak Djokovic.
Later Friday, Janko Tipsarevic could level for Serbia against Radek Stepanek, and Argentina begins its home match against Croatia.
With a dominant serve and strong forehand, Isner’s game had until this season been considered more of a threat on quicker surfaces, but by following a four-set win over Federer in February with Friday’s rout of Simon, the American indicated he could make a run during the upcoming European claycourt season that culminates in the French Open in May.
Former U.S. captain Patrick McEnroe wrote on Twitter that the No. 11-ranked Isner could even reach the final at Roland Garros.
“I woke up this morning feeling very good,†Isner said. “I didn’t know, but I had a feeling that today was going to be a good day for me. That was the case. Because of that, it was a pretty good day for our team.â€
Isner, a finalist at Indian Wells last month, leveled for the U.S. after Jo-Wilfried Tsonga put France ahead by beating teenager Ryan Harrison 7-5, 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 in the first singles match.
U.S. captain Jim Courier hopes the top-ranked doubles pair of Bob and Mike Bryan can give the visiting team a lead when they face the French pair of Julien Benneteau and Michael Llodra on Saturday.
“Tomorrow will be a great doubles match between four great doubles players,†Courier said.
The Bryans are unbeaten in Davis Cup since losing to France in 2008, when Llodra was partnered by Arnaud Clement.
The U.S., which hasn’t reached the semifinals since 2008, is playing without the fatigued Mardy Fish, while France is missing Gael Monfils. Several other Davis Cup quarterfinalists are also under strength as the top players take the opportunity to rest during a busy season, which this year also includes the Olympics.
Spain made light of the absence of No. 2-ranked Rafael Nadal by winning both the opening singles matches against Austria on clay in Castellon.
Nicolas Almagro easily beat Austria’s No. 1 Jurgen Melzer 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 before David Ferrer made it 2-0 by routing 139th-ranked Andreas Haider-Maurer 6-1, 6-3, 6-1.
“I was a little surprised how easy it was for us today,†Spain captain Alex Corretja said. “I was expecting especially in the first match for it to be more difficult but it didn’t happen. Lucky us. You need to be ready for the big fight and then if it’s easier it’s better for you.â€
Serbia is missing No. 1-ranked Novak Djokovic, and got off to a bad start in the Czech Republic when Viktor Troicki was thrashed by Tomas Berdych, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2.
France's Forget: Doubles point will be crucial
After the United States and France end the first day of their Davis Cup quarterfinal in Monte Carlo deadlocked at 1-1, French captain Guy Forget said Saturday’s doubles clash between the world’s top-ranked team of Bob and Mike Bryan against Michael Llodra and Julien Benneteau will take on gigantic proportions. Last year, the Bryans split four matches on the ATP Tour with Llodra when the Frenchman was playing with Nenad Zimonjic, and lost the one match they played against Benneteau, who was partnering Nicolas Mahut. The Bryans have only lost two of their 21 matches together in Davis Cup, one of which was to Llodra and Arnaud Clement in 2008.
"Doubles going to be crucial," Forget told Davis Cup.com. "Mike and Bob have a bit of an edge because they are best players and won Monte Carlo a few times, but Michael has won a few Slams and Masters and is one of the best players also. He’s great friends with Julien and they’ve had great runs together in Davis Cup. I think we’ll see great quality and wouldn’t mind witnessing a little upset there."
Lotus out of Formula 1…only the name remains
Following the Lotus/Proton saga for the last several months has been a bit of a challenge. The parent company, Proton, was sold and the new owner was rumored to be selling the Lotus brand with Genii Capital’s Gerard Lopez in the middle of the deal and discussions. That hasn’t played out as many suspected but
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• Facebook • Twitter • Delicious • Digg • StumbleUpon • Add to favorites • Email • RSS • LinkedInStosur completes rain-delayed Charleston win
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP)â€"U.S. Open champion Samantha Stosur won the final five games of the rain-delayed match for a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 victory over Galina Voskoboeva at the Family Circle Cup on Friday.
The second-seeded Stosur returned to play after severe storms swept through the area Thursday night. The washout means double duty for Stosur, who will play Venus Williams in the quarterfinals later Friday.
Stosur is the highest seed left in the tournament following the withdrawal of Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska, who won the Sony Ericsson Open last week.
She led 3-1 in the second set before Voskoboeva rallied to force a third set.
Venus’ sister Serena Williams also has a quarterfinal match Friday. Should the sisters win, it would mean a semifinal showdown between Venus and Serena on Saturday.
The second-seeded Stosur returned to play after severe storms swept through the area Thursday night. The washout means double duty for Stosur, who will play Venus Williams in the quarterfinals later Friday.
Stosur is the highest seed left in the tournament following the withdrawal of Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska, who won the Sony Ericsson Open last week.
She led 3-1 in the second set before Voskoboeva rallied to force a third set.
Venus’ sister Serena Williams also has a quarterfinal match Friday. Should the sisters win, it would mean a semifinal showdown between Venus and Serena on Saturday.
Isner Levels USA With France; Spain Leads Austria 2-0
A round-up of the four Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group quarter-final ties on Friday.
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Isner pulls USA even with France in Davis Cup
ROQUEBRUNE, France (AP)â€"John Isner brushed aside Gilles Simon 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 as the United States drew level with France in their Davis Cup quarterfinal on Friday.
The Americans needed a strong performance from Isner after Jo-Wilfried Tsonga had earlier beaten the inexperienced Ryan Harrison 7-5, 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 to give France a 1-0 lead.
Simon, who was called up to replace the injured Gael Monfils this week, has never beaten Isner and could not cope with his big serve. Simon struggled throughout on his own service game too, on outdoor clay at the Monte Carlo Country Club.
Saturday’s doubles between Bob and Mike Bryan and the French pair of Julien Benneteau and Michael Llodra could prove crucial in deciding which team reaches the semifinals.
Isner hit nine aces and 53 winners and broke Simon’s serve four times. Simon, who is now 0-3 against Isner, had 15 winners but failed to convert any of his five break point chances.
The 11th-ranked Isner took a grip on the match when a double break put him 4-0 up in the second set. With the crowd watching on in resignation, Simon got only a ripple of applause after finally holding to make it 4-1.
The third set was more competitive, but Simon failed to take his chances when they cameâ€"including one at set point.
With Isner trailing 3-2 and 15-40 down in the sixth game, Simon’s two-handed backhand flew into the net.
Isner was 30-40 on his next service game but saved break point with a clinical smash for 4-4.
Simon kept chipping away and, when Isner missed an easy volley at the net, Simon got his chance to pull back a set with Isner on his second serve. But the American kept his cool, and his forehand winner down the line got him out of danger.
The momentum had turned back in Isner’s favor, and his volley on the run gave him break point in the 11th game. After some great defending at the net, he took it to lead 6-5 and easily closed out the match.
Neither team is at full strength.
Simon was a late call up for the injured Gael Monfils, while Harrison replaced ninth-ranked Mardy Fish when he pulled out with fatigue earlier this week.
Earlier, the sixth-ranked Tsonga found it tough at times against the 19-year old American, who was playing in his first meaningful Davis Cup match. Harrison’s aggressive shot-making forced Tsonga to hurry shots as he tried to shorten the rallies early on.
“I hope I play better in my next game (against Isner on Sunday),†Tsonga said. “I had to battle and it worked out quite well for me. Despite losing that third set, I still tried to play my own game.â€
Tsonga broke Harrison in the 12th game to take a laborious opening set in 54 minutes, then began to find his range as Harrison’s temper frayed.
“His major weakness is that he is very, very nervy,†Tsonga said. “I knew that if I held on longer than him it would be to my advantage.â€
Captain Jim Courier spoke with Harrison after the American smashed his racket into the ground following his double fault that gave Tsonga a 3-1 lead in the second set.
“I never (usually) double fault that much, which is funny,†Harrison said. “The sun was against me on that side, and so was the wind.â€
Harrison, ranked 66th and with only one Davis Cup match to his nameâ€"a meaningless dead rubber in the 5-0 thrashing of Switzerland in Februaryâ€"was far from intimidated and applied the early pressure.
But when Tsonga broke in the fourth game of the second set for 3-1, Harrison took it out on his racket, whacking it so violently into the ground that the frame bent into a right angle.
It didn’t go unnoticed.
“You look at him and think ‘OK, he’s not feeling great,â€â€™ Tsonga said.
It prompted Courier, the former two-time French Open champion, to have a gentle word with Harrison.
Courier then offered a sympathetic ear to the player at the end of the second set, nodding while Harrison spoke as they plotted a way to get back into the match.
“I agreed with him that my balls were landing a bit short, and that (Tsonga) was playing the match on his own terms,†Harrison said.
Their chat seemed to work, with Harrison sweeping Tsonga aside in the third set, breaking his serve three times.
But Tsonga drew on his experience and regained control of the match in the fourth set, taking Harrison’s serve with a smash and then holding for a 3-0 lead that left the teenager with too much to do.
The Americans needed a strong performance from Isner after Jo-Wilfried Tsonga had earlier beaten the inexperienced Ryan Harrison 7-5, 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 to give France a 1-0 lead.
Simon, who was called up to replace the injured Gael Monfils this week, has never beaten Isner and could not cope with his big serve. Simon struggled throughout on his own service game too, on outdoor clay at the Monte Carlo Country Club.
Saturday’s doubles between Bob and Mike Bryan and the French pair of Julien Benneteau and Michael Llodra could prove crucial in deciding which team reaches the semifinals.
Isner hit nine aces and 53 winners and broke Simon’s serve four times. Simon, who is now 0-3 against Isner, had 15 winners but failed to convert any of his five break point chances.
The 11th-ranked Isner took a grip on the match when a double break put him 4-0 up in the second set. With the crowd watching on in resignation, Simon got only a ripple of applause after finally holding to make it 4-1.
The third set was more competitive, but Simon failed to take his chances when they cameâ€"including one at set point.
With Isner trailing 3-2 and 15-40 down in the sixth game, Simon’s two-handed backhand flew into the net.
Isner was 30-40 on his next service game but saved break point with a clinical smash for 4-4.
Simon kept chipping away and, when Isner missed an easy volley at the net, Simon got his chance to pull back a set with Isner on his second serve. But the American kept his cool, and his forehand winner down the line got him out of danger.
The momentum had turned back in Isner’s favor, and his volley on the run gave him break point in the 11th game. After some great defending at the net, he took it to lead 6-5 and easily closed out the match.
Neither team is at full strength.
Simon was a late call up for the injured Gael Monfils, while Harrison replaced ninth-ranked Mardy Fish when he pulled out with fatigue earlier this week.
Earlier, the sixth-ranked Tsonga found it tough at times against the 19-year old American, who was playing in his first meaningful Davis Cup match. Harrison’s aggressive shot-making forced Tsonga to hurry shots as he tried to shorten the rallies early on.
“I hope I play better in my next game (against Isner on Sunday),†Tsonga said. “I had to battle and it worked out quite well for me. Despite losing that third set, I still tried to play my own game.â€
Tsonga broke Harrison in the 12th game to take a laborious opening set in 54 minutes, then began to find his range as Harrison’s temper frayed.
“His major weakness is that he is very, very nervy,†Tsonga said. “I knew that if I held on longer than him it would be to my advantage.â€
Captain Jim Courier spoke with Harrison after the American smashed his racket into the ground following his double fault that gave Tsonga a 3-1 lead in the second set.
“I never (usually) double fault that much, which is funny,†Harrison said. “The sun was against me on that side, and so was the wind.â€
Harrison, ranked 66th and with only one Davis Cup match to his nameâ€"a meaningless dead rubber in the 5-0 thrashing of Switzerland in Februaryâ€"was far from intimidated and applied the early pressure.
But when Tsonga broke in the fourth game of the second set for 3-1, Harrison took it out on his racket, whacking it so violently into the ground that the frame bent into a right angle.
It didn’t go unnoticed.
“You look at him and think ‘OK, he’s not feeling great,â€â€™ Tsonga said.
It prompted Courier, the former two-time French Open champion, to have a gentle word with Harrison.
Courier then offered a sympathetic ear to the player at the end of the second set, nodding while Harrison spoke as they plotted a way to get back into the match.
“I agreed with him that my balls were landing a bit short, and that (Tsonga) was playing the match on his own terms,†Harrison said.
Their chat seemed to work, with Harrison sweeping Tsonga aside in the third set, breaking his serve three times.
But Tsonga drew on his experience and regained control of the match in the fourth set, taking Harrison’s serve with a smash and then holding for a 3-0 lead that left the teenager with too much to do.
Ajmal to pull out of Worcestershire deal
Saeed Ajmal, the driving force behind Pakistan's Test series victory against England, is to pull out of his deal to be one of Worcestershire's overseas players in this year's Friends Life t20 competition.
Czechs lead Serbia, 1-0, in Davis Cup
PRAGUE (AP)â€"Tomas Berdych eased past Viktor Troicki 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 to give the Czech Republic a 1-0 lead over Serbia in their Davis Cup quarterfinal on Friday.
The seventh-ranked Berdych never lost his serve and converted his first match point with a return winner to complete the victory in 1 hour, 49 minutes.
Troicki opened the match with a double fault and struggled throughout on a slow indoor clay-court at O2 Arena.
Janko Tipsarevic, who this week reached his highest ranking at No. 8, will play Radek Stepanek in the second singles to try to level the tie.
Serbia is without top-ranked Novak Djokovic.
The winner will face Argentina or Croatia in September’s semifinals.
The seventh-ranked Berdych never lost his serve and converted his first match point with a return winner to complete the victory in 1 hour, 49 minutes.
Troicki opened the match with a double fault and struggled throughout on a slow indoor clay-court at O2 Arena.
Janko Tipsarevic, who this week reached his highest ranking at No. 8, will play Radek Stepanek in the second singles to try to level the tie.
Serbia is without top-ranked Novak Djokovic.
The winner will face Argentina or Croatia in September’s semifinals.
Levski name second new coach in ten days
Bulgarian side Levski Sofia have announced a new coach for the second time in less than a fortnight, with Ilian Iliev to take charge on a three-year contract at the end of the season.
Almagro, Ferrer stake Spain to 2-0 lead
CASTELLON, Spain (AP)â€"Nicolas Almagro and David Ferrer easily won their Davis Cup singles matches Friday to give Spain a 2-0 quarterfinals lead over Austria, putting the defending champions on course for a 23rd straight home win.
Almagro, Spain’s No. 2, broke Melzer five times in an outdoor clay match that the 12th-ranked Spaniard dominated, winning in under two hours.
Fifth-ranked David Ferrer improved to 13-0 in clay singles play with an even easier win, routing 139th-ranked Andreas Haider-Maurer 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 as the five-time champions narrowed in on their first victory over Austria in 33 years.
Spain, which hasn’t lost on clay since a 1999 defeat to Brazil, can secure its passage into the semifinals with a victory in Saturday’s doubles.
Almagro, Spain’s No. 2, broke Melzer five times in an outdoor clay match that the 12th-ranked Spaniard dominated, winning in under two hours.
Fifth-ranked David Ferrer improved to 13-0 in clay singles play with an even easier win, routing 139th-ranked Andreas Haider-Maurer 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 as the five-time champions narrowed in on their first victory over Austria in 33 years.
Spain, which hasn’t lost on clay since a 1999 defeat to Brazil, can secure its passage into the semifinals with a victory in Saturday’s doubles.
Spain, France Win Opening Rubbers
A round-up of the four Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group quarter-final ties on Friday.
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[[More Tennis News on ATPWorldTour.com]]
Tsonga beats Harrison as France leads USA, 1-0
ROQUEBRUNE, France (AP)â€"Jo-Wilfried Tsonga beat the inexperienced Ryan Harrison 7-5, 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 to give France a 1-0 lead against the United States in their Davis Cup quarterfinal on Friday.
The sixth-ranked Tsonga found it tough at times against the 19-year old American, who was playing in his first meaningful Davis Cup match. Harrison’s big forehands and aggressive shot-making forced Tsonga to hurry shots as he tried to shorten the rallies early on.
Tsonga broke Harrison in the 12th game to take a laborious opening set in 54 minutes, then began to find his range as Harrison’s temper frayed.
Captain Jim Courier spoke with Harrison for smashing his racket into the ground, after his double fault gave Tsonga a 3-1 lead in the second set.
Gilles Simon next plays John Isner.
The sixth-ranked Tsonga found it tough at times against the 19-year old American, who was playing in his first meaningful Davis Cup match. Harrison’s big forehands and aggressive shot-making forced Tsonga to hurry shots as he tried to shorten the rallies early on.
Tsonga broke Harrison in the 12th game to take a laborious opening set in 54 minutes, then began to find his range as Harrison’s temper frayed.
Captain Jim Courier spoke with Harrison for smashing his racket into the ground, after his double fault gave Tsonga a 3-1 lead in the second set.
Gilles Simon next plays John Isner.
Almagro routs Melzer to give Spain 1-0 lead
CASTELLON, Spain (AP)â€"Nicolas Almagro routed Jurgen Melzer 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 in the opening singles match Friday to give Davis Cup champion Spain a 1-0 lead over Austria in the quarterfinals.
Almagro, Spain’s No. 2, broke Melzer five times in an outdoor clay match that the 12th-ranked Spaniard dominated, winning in under two hours to put the hosts on course for a 23rd straight win on home soil.
Fifth-ranked David Ferrer, who is 12-0 in clay singles play, can double the five-time champions’ lead with a victory over 139th-ranked Andreas Haider-Maurer in Friday’s second singles match.
The 21st-ranked Melzer saved three break chances to hold his opening serve, but was barely in the match until the third set. Melzer fired long for the Spaniard to seal the first set in just 33 minutes.
“He was nervous, at the start you could see he was tense,†said Almagro, who won 15 straight points to close the first set and open the second, when he went ahead thanks to an opening break of the Austria No. 1’s serve.
Almagro led 4-0 before closing out the second set with one of nine aces.
Melzer’s racket was left mangled after he smashed it into the clay in frustration after Almagro broke again to open the third set.
While the former French Open semifinalist found better form over the final set, Almagro never faced a break point and overpowered his opponent with a serve to take it on his fifth match point.
“I knew I’d have chances and in the end I felt very comfortable,†said Almagro. “It may have been my best (Davis Cup) match, but it was a difficult match.â€
Spain’s last loss on clayâ€"24 series agoâ€"came to Brazil in 1999.
Almagro, Spain’s No. 2, broke Melzer five times in an outdoor clay match that the 12th-ranked Spaniard dominated, winning in under two hours to put the hosts on course for a 23rd straight win on home soil.
Fifth-ranked David Ferrer, who is 12-0 in clay singles play, can double the five-time champions’ lead with a victory over 139th-ranked Andreas Haider-Maurer in Friday’s second singles match.
The 21st-ranked Melzer saved three break chances to hold his opening serve, but was barely in the match until the third set. Melzer fired long for the Spaniard to seal the first set in just 33 minutes.
“He was nervous, at the start you could see he was tense,†said Almagro, who won 15 straight points to close the first set and open the second, when he went ahead thanks to an opening break of the Austria No. 1’s serve.
Almagro led 4-0 before closing out the second set with one of nine aces.
Melzer’s racket was left mangled after he smashed it into the clay in frustration after Almagro broke again to open the third set.
While the former French Open semifinalist found better form over the final set, Almagro never faced a break point and overpowered his opponent with a serve to take it on his fifth match point.
“I knew I’d have chances and in the end I felt very comfortable,†said Almagro. “It may have been my best (Davis Cup) match, but it was a difficult match.â€
Spain’s last loss on clayâ€"24 series agoâ€"came to Brazil in 1999.
Ferguson warns of relegation revivals
Sir Alex Ferguson believes the sides at the bottom of the table are waking up, saying Manchester United's upcoming games against Queens Park Rangers and Wigan Athletic come just as they are hitting form.
Emery wary of Atletico semi
Having made it to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals, Valencia coach Unai Emery has said he would have preferred to avoid Atletico Madrid, but hopes to banish the memories of 2010 when Los Rojiblancos eliminated them.
Muller calls for calm as Bayern hunt Borussia
Having reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, Bayern Munich turn their attention back to domestic matters as they stay on the tail of leaders Borussia Dortmund and their three-point lead.
Mueller calls for calm as Bayern hunt Borussia
Having reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, Bayern Munich turn their attention back to domestic matters as they stay on the tail of leaders Borussia Dortmund and their three-point lead.
Rai: Sport is a force for good in society
Brazilian FIFA World Cup™-winner Rai speaks to FIFA.com about receiving a Laureus award for his charity work, his future with football, Brazil 2014 and his expectations for A Seleção over the coming years.
Gayle, WICB reach agreement on return
Chris Gayle and the WICB have reached an understanding that paves the way for the former West Indies captain to return to the national team as early as the upcoming tour of England, Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) has reported
Heldt: Schalke honourable in defeat
Following last night's 2-2 draw with Athletic Club in the UEFA Europa League, meaning Schalke lost to the Bilbao side 6-4 on aggregate, director of sport for the German side Horst Heldt said the team leave with pride.
Eriksen: I've got a lot to learn
Denmark at last seem to have a new superstar coming through their ranks in the form of Christian Eriksen, and the Ajax star spoke exclusively to FIFA.com about his development thus far, and his future with club and country.
Mancini stays positive about title chance
Roberto Mancini has accepted that Manchester City could potentially be out of the title race by Sunday night, but the Italian manager still believes his side are capable of winning the Premier League.
China preview quotes - Pirelli, Marussia, Sauber & more
The Shanghai International Circuit's stunning architecture, high-speed straights and winding turns, mean the teams are more than happy to journey back to Asia to enjoy the chance to race in China. Here senior team personnel and the drivers contemplate their hopes for the event and explain why they count this track as one of their favouritesÂ…
China preview quotes - Marussia, Sauber, Lotus & more
The Shanghai International Circuit's stunning architecture, high-speed straights and winding turns, mean the teams are more than happy to journey back to Asia to enjoy the chance to race in China. Here senior team personnel and the drivers contemplate their hopes for the event and explain why they count this track as one of their favouritesÂ…
La Liga dominates Europa semis
Three Spanish clubs - Valencia, Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid - showed the quality of La Liga extends beyond Barcelona and Real Madrid by cruising into the UEFA Europa League semi-finals.
Kaka: Real must focus on Valencia
Real Madrid midfielder Kaka has said that the La Liga leaders need to stay focused on their upcoming match against Valencia, and not get distracted by their success in the UEFA Champions League.
Dallas quell Revolution with late winner
An injury-time winner from Ugo Ihemelu lifted FC Dallas to a 1-0 home victory over
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