Umars snatch win for Pakistan

AFP

Umar Akmal and Umar Gul dragged Pakistan out of the jaws of defeat as they defied the South Africans to script a two-wicket win.

Umar Gul played the innings of his life, carving out his top T20 international score of 32 off 17 balls while Umar Akmal re-emphasised his abilities with an unbeaten 43 off 41 balls as Pakistan final scrambled home by two wickets with two balls to spare.

Neither team wanted to win this one, it seems. South Africa played right into Pakistan’s hands with some unimaginative batting to start with, and then Pakistan made a right royal hash of the very moderate total.

The two Umars were involved in an improbable 49-run eighth-wicket stand which dragged Pakistan from a losing 76 for seven to a near-winning 125 for eight. Chasing South Africa’s 133/6, Pakistan ended at 136 for eight in 19.4 overs.

Akmal was left with having to score nine runs off the last over. After two dots, he hammered Morne Morkel for a six, which essentially sealed the game.

The contest was an agony in turn for supporters of both teams as neither seemed to have a winning formula in place. The only people who would be addressing the game with unbridled delight would be statisticians – rarely would you ever see so many bowlers, as many as eight, striking gold in their first overs.

Robin Peterson had a double delight and that opened the match up. Bowling the fourth over of the innings, he was carted for a six by Mohammad Hafeez but then a classic left-armer’s delivery had the Pakistan skipper swatting air as his counterpart AB de Villiers whipped off the bails.

Nasir Jamshed gave Peterson his second with a mindless yahoo, a lack of intelligence that was seen in all quarters.

Dale Steyn steamed in to get rid of Imran Nazir with a snorter earlier. Then Johan Botha had a first-ball wicket as Kamran Akmal tried a cut a saw his stumps shattered.

Jacques Kallis and JP Duminy then made merry as Shoaib Malik and Shahid Afridi continued the mindlessness, hoisting easy offerings into the sky.

The run-rate, a very gettable 6.65 at the beginning of the inning, had crossed 11 by the time Yasir Arafat was rocked by Steyn. It seemed all over bar the shouting.

The South African innings had a remarkable statistic. Four bowlers –Arafat, Saeed Ajmal, Hafeez and Gul – claimed wickets in their first overs. That in itself was something that rattled the batting to a large extent.

But the real dummy was sold by Pakistan in opening their bowling with left-arm spinner Raza Hasan. The 20-year-old from Sialkot, who replaced Sohail Tanveer in the XI, got the ball to skid and also bounce, making life difficult for Richard Levi and Hashim Amla. He should have had Amla, but Kamran Akmal made a hash of a stumping opportunity.

The ball tended to stop a little, and Arafat benefitted as Amla played a shade early to lop an easy catch into the cover region.

The same hesitancy in the pace of the wicket, combined with the profligacy of the SA batsmen saw them slide to 28 for three at the beginning of the seventh over.

Levi tried to outwit Ajmal with a reverse sweep with predictable results, while Kallis, again a victim of the ball stopping, patted Hafeez straight to Afridi.

With the overs passing and runs not coming any clip whatsoever, Duminy and Farhaan Behardien tried to stitch together  a partnership till Behardien ran down to Hafeez and was left stranded.

Eventually, it was Duminy’s 48 and a 35 from De Villiers that kept South Africa in the match. The stand of 44 and some long handle towards the end gave South Africa what then looked like a pretty meager total.
Teams
Pakistan: Mohammad Hafeez (c), Imran Nazir, Nasir Jamshed, Kamran Akmal (wk), Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Yasir Arafat, Raza Hasan, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal
South Africa: RE Levi, HM Amla, JH Kallis, AB de Villiers (c & wk), JP Duminy, F Behardien, JA Morkel, J Botha, RJ Peterson, DW Steyn, M Morkel

Read more...

Hamilton to leave for Mercedes

Vladimir Rys / Getty Images

Lewis Hamilton will end his 14-year association with McLaren at the end of the season and join Mercedes.

Press Association Sport understands Hamilton is to sign a three-year deal with the German manufacturing giant, worth a reported £15million a year.
Although McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh admitted just three weeks ago there was "no plan B" should Hamilton quit, but it is understood Sauber's Sergio Perez is to replace the 27-year-old at the Woking-based marque.
The big question now, which has still to be answered, surrounds the future of seven-times champion Michael Schumacher.
Hamilton will partner close friend Nico Rosberg at Mercedes, leaving Schumacher out in the cold, but with the prospect of staying on as a brand ambassador for the team.
With Hamilton's move sparking a domino effect there is a possibility 43-year-old Schumacher could yet join another team, but it is likely he will retire for a second time.
As for Hamilton, it is now clear he is to cut his ties with McLaren.
Hamilton has spent the last few weeks agonising over the decision, having signed for the team at the age of 13.
Mercedes entered into talks with McLaren's management company XIX Entertainment several weeks ago.
Their offer was significant, not only in terms of money, but vitally allowing Hamilton greater freedom with regard to his image rights and less impact on his personal time from sponsorship appearances.
By contrast, McLaren's opening gambit was to cut Hamilton's salary by a third given the current economic climate, which was hardly an ideal starting point.
As a storm gathered around Hamilton at the Italian Grand Prix, a race he won from pole, it appeared then he was on his way.
However, McLaren countered Mercedes with an improved contract offer of £2million per year, which is understood to have swayed Hamilton, especially given the team's form at the time.
In Singapore at the weekend Whitmarsh and Hamilton both appeared more relaxed, and the signs were then Hamilton would stay, with one source confirming a deal was "85-90 per cent" done.
Even F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone conceded at the weekend Hamilton was in two minds because according to the 81-year-old "he was definitely on his way, no matter what".
Despite the financial inducements being offered by Mercedes, Hamilton must also believe in the vision being offered to him by team boss Ross Brawn.
Since winning world titles with the Brawn GP team in 2009, and with Hamilton's current McLaren team-mate Jenson Button at the wheel, Brawn has slowly built up Mercedes over the past few years.
Mercedes have only won one of 52 races since Mercedes took over Brawn GP at the end of the 2009, but the core of people behind the scenes is second to none.
Importantly, with new engine regulations due to come into force in 2014 as F1 switches to a new turbo era, Mercedes should have an advantage as a manufacturer and with McLaren as a customer.
Without doubt Hamilton's move is a gamble, especially given his long-stated ambition to win multiple world titles.
But with only one in five years at McLaren - likely to be six - and that back in 2008, he must now feel a change is required.
For McLaren, losing their big-name star will hurt, but in Perez they are recruiting a potential future world champion.
The 22-year-old, still a member of Ferrari's young driver academy, also brings with him considerable financial backing from Mexico, notably telecommunications giant Telmex which is run by one of the world's richest men in Carlos Slim.

Read more...

Ferguson: Terry got off lightly

Getty Images / Getty Images Europe

Sir Alex Ferguson thinks John Terry might consider himself to have got off lightly after being hit with a four-match ban by the FA.

And Ferguson declared it was "time to move on" from a saga that has dragged on for almost a year since the Blues skipper was first accused of abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.
Ferguson, who saw United full-back Patrice Evra and Liverpool striker Luis Suarez end their own racism feud in Sunday's game between the sides, said of Terry: "There is a danger of it resurrecting itself because it has been going on so long.
"But the fact he got a four-game ban, he may consider that is quite lenient considering Luis Suarez got eight.
"It is time to move on and so should the game."
On Friday, Terry was still awaiting the full written judgment of the independent Football Association panel over his guilty verdict, which also saw him fined £222,000.
The 31-year-old, who admitted saying "f***** black c***" during an altercation with Ferdinand but only to deny using the insult in the first place, had already been cleared in court of a similar offence and may lodge an appeal.
West Brom boss Steve Clarke, who was at coach at Chelsea for several years and helped nurture Terry, said: "I know John Terry. He is not a racist but he has been found guilty of making racist comments, which is probably slightly different.
"He was also found not guilty in a court of law. It's a really complex issue and, without seeing the full report, it is really difficult to comment on.
"Has he been a plonker? I wouldn't like to say that because that is you putting words in my mouth. John Terry is not a plonker.
"When I worked with John, I found him to be a really good guy. I couldn't see any sign of racism in him and I can only call it as I see it from my relationship with John Terry."
He added: "I think it's good there has been a decision. It has dragged on far too long.
"The one thing I would say about the whole episode is there were two high-profile episodes which happened last season and they are still dragging on and on.
"Hopefully now they are both resolved. I don't know whether John will appeal or not.
"I would like to think we can all move on quickly from it and, in a year's time, we are not talking about racism in the game, which will mean everyone has learnt a lesson."
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew called for the FA to make the penalties for racism even more "severe".
He said: "I am not party to all the information, but the games, the fine - you do want to see consistency in that area.
"That's something that I think needs to be looked at, and I hope the FA do that going forward because if it does happen again, it should be a severe fine if somebody is guilty."
Pardew said of Terry's punishment: "I think perhaps there needs to be some sort of explanation from the FA as to why - that would make sense."
He added: "You can't just wash it away or bury your head in the sand about it. You have got to deal with it.
"Show Racism the Red Card and those groups need to stay on their toes and make sure we eradicate it."
Fulham manager Martin Jol was pleased to see the FA taking action over racism.
"It happened a couple of times and I think in England you should make a decision on that sort of thing like Suarez and John Terry," he said.
"It was the end of it with the FA. They coped with it and this is what they should do."
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini did not think racism was a problem limited to English football.
The Italian said: "I think this problem could also be all over the world not only here or in Italy or Spain.
"But I don't know this situation - I've just read about it in the newspaper."
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert refused to be drawn, saying: "To be honest, I don't like to get involved with things like that.
"I don't know enough about it."

Read more...

Watson, Warner wreck India

AFP

Shane Watson and David Warner made a mockery of India’s bowling, guiding Australia to a huge nine-wicket win over India.

Australia, chasing 140, finished off with 141 for one off 14.5 overs. Watson scored 72 off 42 balls while Warner remained not out on 63 off 41 balls.

Suffice it to say that the bowling plans went down the drain faster than the Indians could think. So much so that the five-bowler plan was in tatters and Dhoni had to fall back on Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh and Rohit Sharma.

The W gang was in with a mission and plan. They would not let any of the bowlers settle. The three spinners Dhoni came in with were not really allowed any quarter as Watson and Warner took turns to go after them.

Watson blasted Piyush Chawla for two sixes in an over and Warner followed, clobbering Harbhajan Singh for a brace. Even the medium-pacers were in for it as Irfan Pathan to found himself at the wrong end of Watson’s flashing bat.

Six sixes were hit in three overs, one each from the three bowlers, and Australia were well and truly running away with the match. Watson, when he is in the mood, is as pugnacious as any batsman in the world. He even made Warner look sedate!

It wasn’t as if they were playing impossible shots. The Indians supplied them with enough long hops and length deliveries, wide enough to allow the full swing of the bat. What else can a batsman ask for?

Watson’s dismissal was almost an apology on this plot, since they were already 133 runs to the good by the time he departed. Just a blip on a smooth as silk effort. Watson’s 72 came with seven sixes and two fours.

There was never even a half-chance in the two batsmen’s knocks. Not one close call. Zaheer Khan had a slew of leg-before appeals against Watson but those were more in hope than with any conviction.

India were off the boil, there was no doubt about that. The batting began well enough, with stand-in opener Pathan, along with Gautam Gambhir, giving India a pretty decent start. The argument about dropping Virender Sehwag was pretty much decided in skipper Dhoni’s favour.

But that effort was cut short by Gambhir’s run-out and after that not much really came out from the batting cupboard. The tendency to hit in the air, combined with the slightly dodgy bounce on the track, put India on the rack.

Horizontal-bat shots, merited probably by the length of the deliveries, didn’t however cater for the hesitant momentum off the pitch. Kohli fell to one such shot and his dismissal was crucial, since he has been the man in form. Thereafter, the batting struggled.

Yuvraj and Pathan fell in the same over to Watson and the momentum was well and truly arrested. There was a hint of strangeness in the batting, since it wasn’t like the wickets fell in a heap. Most of the batsmen were there long enough to be able to carry on, but couldn’t.

Sharma’s ponderous progress continued, as he was blasted out by Mitchell Starc and thereafter 30 runs accrued for the sixth wicket, but never with any conviction.

Dhoni didn’t look his usual self, since the Australian bowlers stuck to their jobs well. Suresh Raina added 26 off 19 but Pathan ended up being the top-scorer with 31 off 30 balls – the one Dhoni decision that worked.

Teams:
India: G Gambhir, V Kohli, SK Raina, Yuvraj Singh, RG Sharma, MS Dhoni (Captain & WK), IK Pathan, R Ashwin, Harbhajan Singh, PP Chawla, Z Khan.
Australia: DA Warner, SR Watson, MEK Hussey, CL White, GJ Bailey (Captain), GJ Maxwell, MS Wade (WK), DT Christian, GB Hogg, PJ Cummins, MA Starc.

Read more...

Cycling: Lopez joins Team Sky

Alexander Hassenstein / Getty Images Europe

Team Sky have added Spanish rider David Lopez to their roster of riders for the next two seasons.

The 31-year-old specialist climber joins from Movistar, after six years with the team formerly known as Caisse d'Epargne during which he claimed a stage victory at the 2010 Vuelta a Espana.
A dedicated team player, or 'domestique', Lopez is relishing his role within the British-based squad.
He said: "I am very happy to have signed for Team Sky.
"As soon as Team Sky approached me, there was nobody else I wanted to sign for and I want to work as hard as I can to gain success for the team.
"Most of the time that will be for someone else, but if the chance arises for me as well, then I will definitely try to take it. The most important thing though, is that everyone is happy with my work."
Team Sky on Thursday announced the arrival of Italian rider Dario Cataldo, also on a two-year contract, and last week brought in experienced Norwegian Gabriel Rasch.

Read more...

Radwanska, Petrova cruise into Tokyo final

Kiyoshi Ota / Getty Images AsiaPac

Agnieszka Radwanska will take on Nadia Petrova in Saturday's final of the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.

Both won in straight sets on Friday, with Radwanska seeing off Angelique Kerber for the loss of only two games and Petrova producing an upset in knocking out Samantha Stosur.
Russian Petrova, who was named as a 17th seed when her 13th-seeded compatriot Maria Kirilenko withdrew before the tournament with an injury, was an impressive 6-4 6-2 winner over former US Open champion Stosur.
She had a low first-serve percentage but still managed to fire nine aces and did not allow her Australian opponent to make any inroads, defying the eighth seed on the three break points that Stosur had.
Polish third seed Radwanska has earned titles this year in Dubai, Miami and Brussels, and on the basis of her form against Kerber will take some stopping in the final.
Radwanska posted a crushing 6-1 6-1 win over the German fifth seed, a player she also knocked out in the Wimbledon semi-finals in July.
The 23-year-old will not be taking Petrova lightly in the final, which will be the 23rd of the 30-year-old Russian's career and Radwanska's 14th.
Radwanska said on wtatennis.com: "Nadia has been playing great tennis the whole week. First of all I'm very, very happy I could reach the final and fight for the title again. I'll try my best - it's the final, the most important match of the week."

Read more...

McIlroy, McDowell help maintain parity

Jamie Squire / Getty Images North America

The opening session of the Ryder Cup was shared 2-2 for the first time since 1997 after an action-packed - and for a moment contentious - morning's golf at Medinah in Chicago.

World number one Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell hit back from an early, but lengthy rules debate to win on the last green against Jim Furyk and last weekend's £7million man Brandt Snedeker.
But after Europe had led in all four games two hours into the eagerly-awaited clash, their victory followed the first-ever foursomes defeat for both Luke Donald - playing in the city that has been his home for the last 15 years - and Sergio Garcia.
After six successive wins in the format for Donald and eight wins and a half for Garcia since he made his debut in 1999, they went down 4&3 to Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley.
Mickelson became his country's most capped player by appearing for the ninth time, but it was the cup newcomer who finished things off with a 30-foot putt on the 15th.
Holders Europe then trailed 2-1 when Lee Westwood and Francesco Molinari were beaten 3&2 by Zach Johnson and Jason Dufner - another of American captain Davis Love's rookies.
It was all eyes then on the bottom game featuring Tiger Woods, but - from the moment he badly hooked his opening drive - he was involved in a battle with his own game as much as Justin Rose and Ian Poulter.
The English pair downed Woods and Steve Stricker 2&1, Poulter producing a key putt on the 16th that was greeted by his now trademark "Come On" roar - and a long, cold stare from Woods.
By then Love had resisted what must have been a temptation to drop Woods for the first time in his cup career, but that surely had to follow if he could not deliver in the afternoon.
All four 24 players were used on the first day - Paul Lawrie, Peter Hanson, Martin Kaymer and first-timer Nicolas Colsaerts coming in for the fourballs in place of Donald, Garcia, Poulter and Molinari and the Americans introducing Dustin Johnson, Matt Kuchar, Masters champion Bubba Watson and US Open champion Webb Simpson.
The dispute in the top game was over whether McDowell could take relief from a sprinkler head by the second green.
It would have meant McIlroy putting rather than chipping, but with Furyk stepping in and believing it should not be given a second opinion for called for.
"We've been friends a long time," Furyk said at one point to McDowell, but the American also then called for calm when a few boos rang out.
McIlroy was eventually told to chip, the Northern Irish pair lost the hole, but they then had four birdies in a row, the first of them the result of a genius chip by the 23-year-old from over the fourth green.
From three down with six to go - Furyk had incurred a penalty on the long 10th when his ball move as he prepared to chip - the Americans fought back to level, only for Snedeker to hit a simply dreadful drive down the last.
There was still work to be done when McDowell hit into the bunker short of the green, but his partner splashed out to five feet and the 2010 match-winner made no mistake.
McDowell told his American girlfriend Kristin, attending her first match: "Welcome to the Ryder Cup - hope you enjoyed yourself.
"That match to me just personifies it. You're playing against two very gutsy players who clawed their way back.
"But we had stacked our team with this finish in mind. I wanted Rory hitting the tee shots on 16 and 18 and our strategy paid off."
McIlroy added: "Fortunately for us, Brandt didn't hit the best tee shot on the last."
McDowell may have shown nerves of steel to win the cup back at Celtic Manor, but they had affected him when he was called on to hit the first tee.
It clipped a tree barely 100 yards off the tee, but Furyk also went badly left to emphasise what stage-fright can do to even the most experienced players.
Poulter took his cup record to nine wins in 12 games, but two of the three defeats had come against Woods and he said: "I never wanted wanted to have another one."
Woods hit a spectator on the head for the second day running and he and Stricker were three over par when they lost - easily the worst scoring of the session.
They have now lost their last three games together 6&5 (to Westwood and Donald in Wales), 7&6 (to Adam Scott and KJ Choi at last year's Presidents Cup) and now 2&1, but they had a chance to make amends against Westwood and big-hitting Belgian Colsaerts.
Westwood had not played well alongside Molinari, though, and his tee shot into the water on the driveable 15th - McDowell had done the same - contributed to their downfall.
Johnson and Dufner won when their opponents three-putted the next.
Donald said of the defeat for him and Garcia, who were looking to make it five out of five together: "We played solid. They just played a little better."

Read more...

Spain take 2-0 lead over USA in Gijon

Manuel Queimadelos / Getty Images

Spain took a giant step towards the Davis Cup final by opening up a 2-0 lead against the United States on day one of their tie in Gijon.

David Ferrer gave them a winning start against Sam Querrey and Nicolas Almagro battled to a five-set win against John Isner.
The Spanish are now overwhelming favourites to set up a final against either Argentina or the Czech Republic, who are locked at 1-1 in their semi-final after wins for Juan Martin Del Potro and Tomas Berdych.
Querrey took the opening set against all expectations against the US Open semi-finalist.
Ferrer is among the world's very best on clay and the world number five soon began to show his pedigree, cutting down on the error count which had been uncharacteristically high early on.
Once the 30-year-old levelled the contest, it seemed inevitable Querrey would bow to Ferrer in four sets. Despite having as many as nine break points in the fourth set, Querrey failed to convert.
In three minutes over three hours, Ferrer finished up a 4-6 6-2 6-2 6-4 winner over a man still battling back to where he wants to be in the world rankings after an injury-ruined 2011 season.
One-time world number 17 Querrey is knocking on the door of the top 20 again but a lack of clay-court expertise was his undoing.
Ferrer told Davis Cup Radio: "Sam is a very great player, it was a very close match but my performance was good.
"In the first set he was more aggressive than me, the second I broke in the first game and it was more easy."
Almagro had to battle for four hours and 16 minutes before finally seeing off Isner 6-4 4-6 6-4 3-6 7-5.
Almagro, leading by two sets to one, had six break points against the Isner serve early in the fourth set but could not capitalise.
And they went to a decider when Isner broke Almagro in the eighth game and held easily.
Isner saved three break points in the 10th game but could not hold out next time around, when a volley into the net handed Almagro a fourth match point which he took when Isner sent a forehand long.
Last year Spain saw off the United States in a quarter-final staged on hard courts in Houston and the reigning champions are hot favourites again to win the tie - even without talisman Rafael Nadal.
That is even more the case when you consider their 37-0 record in ties in which they have led 2-0, while the USA are 1-37 from 2-0 down.
In the other tie, Del Potro put Argentina 1-0 ahead against the Czech Republic with a convincing win over Radek Stepanek, the 2009 US Open champion prevailing 6-4 6-4 6-2.
Del Potro let two break points slip away in the seventh game but broke through on his next opportunity and closed the set out.
Stepanek broke early in the second but Del Potro levelled and broke for a second time, before breaking twice more to win the third set.
Del Potro, who has been suffering with a wrist injury, said: "It's difficult to play when you have some pain (wrist) but here in my country with a fantastic crowd, it's amazing for me and I really enjoyed it.
"I'm very passionate for all my competitions. I'm trying to play well and give a good show for the crowd - I have all my family, my parents and my friends close, it's great to show my tennis to them.
"I played really well, took my chances to break his serve. Sometimes with this crowd it gets easier than we expect but it's still a difficult match for Argentina."
Tomas Berdych levelled the tie at 1-1 after a thrilling match against Juan Monaco.
The Argentinian looked set to romp to victory when he led 1-6 6-4 6-1 4-1, but Berdych won nine straight games for a 4-0 lead in the deciding set.
Back came Monaco, winning four of the next five to get back on serve, but he was broken in the next game as Berdych sealed a 6-1 4-6 1-6 6-4 6-4 triumph.

Read more...

Mourinho not worried about Ronaldo

Jasper Juinen / Getty Images

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho insists his main concern regarding Cristiano Ronaldo is what the Portugal international does on the pitch.

Ronaldo has been at the centre of intense gossip about his future after revealing following Madrid's home win over Granada earlier this month that he did not celebrate his two goals in the match because he was "sad" for professional reasons, but without elaborating.
The Spanish media were quick to suggest the 27-year-old, who has scored 150 goals in 149 matches for Real since his world-record £80million move from Manchester United, was eager to leave the Bernabeu, while his desire for a new improved contract was also mooted as a possible reason for Ronaldo's discontent.
The Portugal star has twice taken to Facebook to deny the contract suggestion but that has only led to more talk about what has caused his misery.
Asked about the situation at Friday's pre-match press conference for Saturday's league trip to Sevilla, Mourinho said: "I'm a football coach and at this moment the only thing I'm concerned about is that my team still haven't played well.
"If Cristiano's sad and he plays like he plays, then that's perfect for me.
"Cristiano works at 100%, plays at 100%. At times he does better and other times worse. He cannot be the match-winner in every game but he's always a team player, who in every training session and in terms of discipline is exemplary.
"I don't have to worry about things that for me are supplementary and not fundamental."
Mourinho also urged the media and public to judge Ronaldo on his performances and not speculate on other issues.
"I think you (media) have had 15 days to speculate because there hasn't been any football or special international matches.
"Now Cristiano needs peace and tranquility to play football, which is what he knows and likes most.
"You, the Bernabeu and the public, we must evaluate his performances on the pitch and nothing more.
"If tomorrow [Saturday] in the 75th or 80th minute he has played a horrible match, or he's tired, then he'll be taken off and someone else will come on, that's how it is."
Madrid travel to Sevilla lying 11th in the standings after a sluggish start to the defence of their title, which has seen them held at home by Valencia, lose at Getafe before finally claming their first win with that triumph over Granada.

Read more...

Bland fires his way to the top in Turin

Stuart Franklin / Getty Images

Richard Bland birdied the last three holes of his second round to take the halfway lead at the Italian Open in Turin.

The Englishman carded a second successive 66, with birdies at the first, the 11th and four of the last six holes to eventually move ahead of a developing logjam at the top of the leaderboard.
France's Gregory Bourdy shot 64 to leap to 11 under alongside Scot Marc Warren and Spaniard Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, who both went round in 65, and Garth Mulroy of South Africa (67).
Bourdy said: "This morning [Friday] it was perfect conditions to play on this course.
"It was a lovely round and I enjoyed it a lot. I was very solid and I'm very proud. Almost everything went right today [Friday].
"Last week my driving was wonderful and so were my irons, and that continued today [Friday]. I'll try to do the same at the weekend."
Richard McEvoy was at 10 under after following his opening 66 with a four-under-par 68.
First-round leader Joel Sjoholm fell into a seven-way tie for seventh on nine under after failing to go with the trend of improved scoring on Friday.
He could only follow Thursday's eight-under-par 64 with a 71 and was level with fellow Swedes Mikael Lundberg and Joakim Lagergren, Spain's Pablo Larrazabal, South African Richard Sterne, England's Sam Little and Victor Dubuisson of France.
English pair Lee Slattery and David Howell were hot on Sjoholm's tail overnight and that was where they remained, shooting 71 and 70 respectively to join compatriot Robert Coles and a host of others on eight under.
Ryder Cup-bound Martin Kaymer, Spaniard Rafa Cabrera-Bello, Welshman Bradley Dredge, Darren Fichardt of South Africa and India's Shiv Kapur completed the group.
A second Ryder Cup player, Italian Francesco Molinari, was in the group at seven under as was Graeme Storm, who was fifth in Holland last week having led for two rounds and started well again here with rounds of 69 and 68.
Molinari's brother Eduardo, the big-hitting Alvaro Quiros and Frenchman Thomas Levet were among the higher-profile players to miss the cut.

Read more...

BCCI terminates Deccan Chargers

AFP

The BCCI (Board Of Control For Cricket In India) on Friday night terminated the contract of the debt-ridden Deccan Chargers.

The decision to terminate Deccan's contract was taken at an emergency governing council meeting of the IPL in Chennai, the capital city of the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

The BCCI President N Srinivasan took the final call to end Charger's contract after discussing the issue with other members, a top BCCI official said.

BCCI's working committee will meet on Saturday to decide the future course of action.

The committee will decide whether to float a fresh tender for a new team or allow PVP Ventures, a Hyderabad-based urban infrastructure and film production company, whose Rupees 900 crore bid was rejected by Deccan at the auction on Thursday, to take the team.

Deccan Chronicle Holdings, the owner of Deccan Chargers, received a bid of Rs 900 crore by PVP Venture Capitals but surprisingly chose to reject it at the auction as it considered the price and terms unsuitable.

The development brought the BCCI back into the picture. PVP Ventures may be given the team now.

The late night development comes as a setback for Deccan Chargers which was trying to resolve its financial problems ahead of the 5 pm deadline on Saturday.

BCCI sources said that a fresh tender for a new IPL team could be issued.

"This option would be discussed when the governing council meet tomorrow as we want nine teams to take part in the next edition of the IPL" the source said.

The BCCI, it is learnt, also took legal opinion before deciding to terminate the Deccan contract mainly on the ground that it mortgaged the team to a consortium of banks.

The Deccan Chargers owned by Deccan Chronicle Holdings, was hoping to resolve its financial problems by selling the team but it rejected the sole bid it received at the auction yesterday.

PVP Ventures Limited, the Hyderabad-based urban infrastructure and film production company, had offered Rupee 900 crores but Deccan rejected it finding the terms of payment and the amount unacceptable.

It is said that the banks were primarily unhappy with the mode of payment which ultimately led to the deal falling through.

There were also reports that one of the banks was willing to bail out Deccan Chargers by making the payment to the players. But with the BCCI terminating the contract, the gesture would serve no purpose now.

Deccan Chronicle Holdings purchased the Hyderabad franchise for Rs 428 crore in 2008. At the auction, the base price was said to be around Rs 750 crore.

The winning bidder had to meet BCCI's eligibility criteria and other requirements. This was the first time an entire IPL franchise has been put on the block by its owners, although Rajasthan Royals sold a small stake in 2009 to the actress Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra.

PVP Ventures Group is owned by Potluri Vara Prasad, a successful entrepreneur having interests in infrastructure, movies and financing.

He was named as accused number 19 in the alleged disproportionate assets case against Y S Jaganmohan Reddy.

BCCI sources said that a fresh tender for a new IPL team could be issued.

"This option would be discussed when the governing council meet tomorrow as we want nine teams to take part in the next edition of the IPL" the source said.

The BCCI it is learnt also took legal opinion before deciding to terminate the Deccan contract mainly on the ground that it mortgaged the team to a consortium of banks.

The Deccan Chargers owned by Deccan Chronicle Holdings, was hoping to resolve its financial problems by selling the team but it rejected the sole bid it received at the auction on Thursday.

PVP Ventures Limited, the Hyderabad-based urban infrastructure and film production company, had offered Rupee 900 crores but Deccan rejected it finding the terms of payment and the amount unacceptable.

It is said that the banks were primarily unhappy with the mode of payment which ultimately led to the deal falling through.

There were also reports that one of the banks was willing to bail out Deccan Chargers by making the payment to the players. But with the BCCI terminating the contract, the gesture would serve no purpose now.

Deccan Chronicle Holdings purchased the Hyderabad franchise for Rs 428 crore in 2008. At the auction, the base price was said to be around Rs 750 crore.

The winning bidder had to meet BCCI's eligibility criteria and other requirements. This was the first time an entire IPL franchise has been put on the block by its owners, although Rajasthan Royals sold a small stake in 2009 to the actress Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra.

PVP Ventures Group is owned by Potluri Vara Prasad, a successful entrepreneur having interests in infrastructure, movies and financing.

He was named as accused number 19 in the alleged disproportionate assets case against Y S Jaganmohan Reddy.

Read more...

Fabregas ready to take down Getafe wall

David Ramos / Getty Images

Cesc Fabregas is confident Barcelona can continue their perfect start to the season but expects an out-and-out defensive performance by Getafe in their La Liga clash.

Barca have won their three opening league games to sit top of La Liga at this early stage of the season and have already opened up a five-point gap over rivals Real Madrid.
The trip to Getafe marks Barca's return to the domestic league following the international break, but Fabregas is not concerned about their opponents' playing style - which traditionally does not suit his side.
"It's a difficult place to go," Fabregas told the club's official website.
"They close down well with a 10-man defence and then counter-attack. They play their own game.
"Now they've got some good players, they've made some good signings. It's a small stadium with lots of pressure from the fans.
"It'll be difficult but we're confident we can keep this run going."
Striker Alexis Sanchez (thigh) and central midfielder Andres Iniesta (hamstring) both miss out for Barcelona after they picked up injuries while on international duty. Coach Tito Vilanova will also serve the second game of his two-match touchline ban.
However, despite this, Fabregas believes Barcelona are not far off reaching their full potential.
"We had a good pre-season and we've already played five competitive matches," Fabregas said.
"We've gradually got into shape and the truth is that the team is looking good. We have two days to prepare the match together and next week the Champions League starts. "That helps you get going. Shortly, we'll be at 100%."
Getafe have no new injury worries ahead of the match and coach Luis Garcia has been preparing his side for a change in tactics against tomorrow's [Saturday] opposition.
Garcia told www.marca.com: "Although we like to have the ball, it will be Barcelona.
"We must try not to lose possession at any time. We must try to push them as high as possible, and try to make the play direct, closing down any balls that they do pass out."

Read more...

Di Matteo: Terry can cope with hecklers

Getty Images / Getty Images Europe

Roberto Di Matteo has no concerns about John Terry's mental or physical wellbeing ahead of Chelsea's clash with QPR.

Saturday sees Terry face the latest trial by fire of his controversial career when he returns to Loftus Road for the first time since being acquitted of racially abusing Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand.
Blues captain Terry, who is still contesting a Football Association charge over the same matter, is expected to be snubbed by Ferdinand - and possibly other QPR players - during the pre-match handshake.
On top of that, he is likely to be taunted mercilessly by Rangers supporters, something which happened on his last visit there in January.
Manager Di Matteo said: "As a human being there are certain aspects of life that will faze you.
"But, if you look at his career, he's always got on with it. He's a confident player.
"I played with some great players in my career. There were certain players who were very, very confident."
Indeed, former Italy star Di Matteo compared Terry's mental strength with that of some of the best players he had ever played with - "Paolo Maldini, [Angelo] Peruzzi, [Pierluigi] Casiraghi, [Alessandro] Costacurta, [Alessandro] Del Piero, all players who have spent 15 to 20 years at the highest level, domestic and international football."
He added: "To be able to survive for so many years at the top level in football, at club and international level, you need to be mentally strong.
"That goes for all the players who have had that kind of career, not just JT."
Terry's desperation to play on Saturday has been compared to that ahead of January's FA Cup fourth-round tie at Loftus Road, which saw him aggravate a knee injury, sidelining him for several weeks.
There is a sense of deja vu about the Barclays Premier League clash, with Terry coming into the game having only just shaken off an ankle problem.
Di Matteo said: "To be honest, an injury can happen to anybody in the game.
"My assessment is on the fact that if the medical department tells me a player is fine, he's available to be selected. You never know what happens in the game.
"I don't think there are any concerns that he aggravates anything."
It seems certain Terry will start on Saturday but Di Matteo refused to confirm that, claiming he would consider every aspect of Saturday's clash - including the handshake - before finalising his team.
He said: "I always consider everything. The internal and external environments, and also the fitness of the team and what's the best team to play against QPR."

Read more...

Top 10 Signings - Summer of 2012

Jamie McDonald / Getty Images Europe

This summer transfer window has once again seen plenty of players move across Europe and millions of dollars exchanging hands as clubs use this opportunity to strengthen their teams.
Some new signings have made us sit up and take notice, while other signings have had us slump back into our seats scratching our heads but for better or worse, these clubs are stuck with the players on their books till January when the transfer madness start all over again.
Here are my picks on the top 10 transfer signings which I believe will make the biggest positive impact on their clubs.
Eden Hazard: LOSC Lille to Chelsea

Speculated transfer fee: €40million
Quite possibly the most exciting young talent in the world of football now, Eden Hazard's brilliance at Lille made him a long time target of top clubs like Arsenal, Real Madrid and Manchester United and it was only a matter of time before the Belgian would move to an elite club.
Although he had previously made his preference for a move to Arsenal or Manchester United known, Chelsea's success in the Champions League swung Hazard's decision in the Blues' favour.
What he brings to the team
Blessed with extremely quick feet, excellent technical ability and with bags of pace to burn, Hazard's capture is a real coup for Roman Abramovich's outfit and already the 21-year-old has justified the high price paid for him with some sterling displays for his new club in the Premier League.
Santi Cazorla: Malaga to Arsenal

Speculated transfer fee: €16million
It was rumoured that Cazorla was close to securing a move to Arsenal from Villarreal in 2011 before the oil-funded Malaga swooped in and brought the Spain international to Andalusia for a reported fee of €21million.
Malaga, with Cazorla pulling the strings in midfield, thrived in La Liga and finished fourth last season but have since run into financial difficulties, forcing them to sell their most valuable asset when Arsenal came knocking at the door.
What he brings to the team
For a bargain fee of €16million, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has bought himself a gifted playmaker who has the ability to create something out of nothing. The 27-year-old is also one of those rare players who are comfortable using either foot to strike the ball, making him extremely versatile and hard to tackle. He seems to have seamlessly slotted into Arsenal's midfield and has been the main creative outlet for the Gunners so far.
Joe Allen: Swansea City to Liverpool

Speculated transfer fee: €15million
Last season, Swansea thrilled fans and neutrals alike with their sleek passing and attacking style of play under manager Brendan Rodgers. One of the integral cogs to the well-oiled Swansea machine was Joe Allen, who kept the Swans ticking with his metronomic passing and excellent ball retention.
When manager Brendan Rodgers made the move from the Swans to Liverpool, it was only natural that Allen was someone the new Reds manager wanted to bring along with him. Although Rodgers had a gentlemen's agreement not to sign any Swansea players to Liverpool, the Swans could not resist an offer of €15million for a player who had cost them nothing, having risen through the ranks of their academy.
What he brings to the team
The 22-year-old is no stranger to Rodgers' style of possession football and is one of the few Liverpool players who are versatile enough to effectively play the ball on the ground or in the air. Sitting deep, he has the ability to pick out passes from afar and serves as the link between defence and attack for the Reds.
Robin Van Persie: Arsenal to Man Utd

Speculated transfer fee: €24million
Arsenal had Robin van Persie to thank for firing them into the Champions League after the Dutch striker scored an amazing 30 goals for the club in the Premier League last season. Having joined the Gunners from Feyenoord in 2004, Van Persie spent a vast majority of his Arsenal career on the treatment table but was still regarded as one of the club's most important players.
With one year left on his contract last summer, Van Persie declared he would not be signing a new deal and Wenger was forced to cash in on Van Persie or risk losing him on a free transfer the next summer. Along came league rivals Manchester United and although Wenger was loathe to sell the 29-year-old to another Premier League club, the lack of concrete interest from foreign clubs meant that the Frenchman had no choice but to let Van Persie join up with his old adversary Sir Alex Ferguson.
What he brings to the team
Van Persie's quality is apparent for all to see. Deadly in front of goal, the Dutch international also has the vision to create goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates and coupled with his never-say-die attitude, he is the perfect addition to give Ferguson that extra quality upfront.
Alex Song: Arsenal to Barcelona

Estimated transfer fee: £15million
Along with Van Persie, Song was one of the standout players for Arsenal last season and garnered the highest amount of assists (12) for the Gunners that campaign. Having joined Wenger's side from Bastia in 2006, it took some time before the Cameroonian finally found his feet in the Premier League and became one of the world's best midfielders.
Wenger may have invested a lot of time and effort to mould Song into the player he is now but reports of the 24-year-old's poor attitude on the training ground made it easy for the long-serving Arsenal manager to dispense with Song once Barcelona made their interest known.
What he brings to the team
Although Song has been often touted as a defensive midfielder, a closer look at his statistics and playing style suggests he operates more as a deep lying playmaker. Physically strong and imposing, Song can easily outmuscle opponents off the ball and is also capable of shielding the ball extremely well. Despite his ungainly style, the former Bastia player is comfortable with the ball and has the vision and composure to effectively utilise possession.
Luka Modric: Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid

Estimated transfer fee: £33million
Luka Modric established himself quickly in the heart of Tottenham's midfield when he first joined the club in 2008 and the Croatian soon became a crowd favourite at White Hart Lane with his dazzling displays in midfield.
The 26-year-old was soon attracting attention from top clubs around the world, especially from cross town rivals Chelsea. However, despite the promise of silverware and Champions League football from interested suitors, Modric stayed on at the Lilywhites till last summer, when Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy finally sanctioned a move for the highly-rated playmaker to La Liga champions Real Madrid.
What he brings to the team
Possessing a bagful of tricks and full of energy, the former Dinamo Zagreb player has the ability to control the game and is capable of turning the game on its head with a moment of magic. A consummate professional on and off the pitch, Modric will definitely thrive when playing with a group of other top class players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
Jordi Alba: Valencia to Barcelona

Estimated transfer fee: €14 million
Alba started out his footballing career as a left winger at Barcelona but was unable to make an impression and was released by the Catalan club in 2005. He eventually moved to Valencia and was soon converted into a wing-back where he really flourished and was soon a regular starter for Los Che under then manager Unai Emery.
The 23-year-old was in stellar form for Valencia last season and ultimately earned himself a call-up to the Spain national squad for the 2012 European Championships. He was one of the standout performers in the international tournament, earning himself a spot in the UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament in the process, and made a high-profile return to his boyhood club during the summer.
What he brings to the team
Having had experience playing on the wings, Alba offers a devastating outlet of attack down the flanks and is seen as a natural replacement for the unfortunate Eric Abidal. His defensive work is also severely understated and not many players can get the better of him in one-on-one situations. Attacking wise, Alba is no stranger to the tiki-taka style of play Barcelona is used to playing and his pin-point crosses will surely reap a few goals for his side.
Sebastian Giovinco: Parma to Juventus

Estimated transfer fee: €11 million
Sebastian Giovinco is a product of the Juventus youth academy and his excellent performances soon earned him a promotion to the first team, but despite impressing in his sporadic appearances for the Bianconeri, he never really managed to break into the squad and he was loaned to Parma in 2010, before the Crociati decided to make the move permanent in 2011.
It was last season at Parma where Giovinco really shined; the 25-year-old earned the plaudits for his numerous match-winning displays and ended the season leading the Crociati's scoring (15) and assists (11) chart, leading Parma to eight in the Serie A. The Italy international was the subject intense transfer speculation last summer, with English champions Manchester City especially interested, but Giovinco eventually opted to make the move back to Serie A champions Juventus.
What he brings to the team
Due to his diminutive stature, Giovinco has a very low centre of gravity and coupled with his blistering pace and excellent close control of the ball is capable of weaving through defences with ease. Capable of playing on either flanks or through the middle, he is also an accomplished set-piece taker and plays with the maturity and experience of a much older player.
Antonio Cassano: AC Milan to Inter Milan

Estimated transfer fee: Player swap with Giampaolo Pazzini
One of the infamous bad boys of Italian football, Antonio Cassano's immense talent was evident from a young age but a series of disciplinary issues almost ruined his career and for a while, it seemed the Italy international's full potential would never be fulfilled.
Despite his bad boy reputation, AC Milan took a gamble on the volatile Italy international but he never really managed to break into the first team and was often overlooked in favour of strikers Zlatan Ibrahmovic.
His time at AC Milan was also hampered by health issues. Cassano made just 16 league appearances for the club last season after being side-lined for six months following minor heart surgery back in October.
Having grown disillusioned with Milan by their sales of star players Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva to Paris Saint-Germain during the summer, Cassano requested for a transfer and made the move to the Rossoneri's arch-rivals Inter Milan.
What he brings to the team
Cassano, who operates primarily as a second striker, is known for his intelligent movement off-the-ball and effectively stretches opposition defences by running into the channels at opportune times. The 30-year-old also possesses a fair amount of flair and brings along with him a wealth of experience and cunning, which will prove useful in unlocking watertight defences.
Javier Martinez: Athletic Bilbao to Bayern Munich

Estimated transfer fee: €40 million
Martinez signed for Bilbao from Osasuna in 2006 and almost immediately became a regular in the side despite then being only 17-years-old. His effective and dominant presence in the middle of the park made him an integral part of the club and he went on to make 251 appearances for Bilbao.
Despite an imposing €40 million buy-out clause in his contract, Bayern Munich had saw enough of Martinez to decide to meet the clause and bring the Spain international to the Allianz Arena;  in the process, the 24-year-old became the most expensive player in the history of the Bundesliga.
What he brings to the team
At 1.90 metres tall, Martinez cuts an imposing figure on the pitch and he uses his physical superiority to great advantage. With tons of energy and stamina, he can go from box-to-box with ease and is often the conduit for his side's counter-attacks. Tenacious in the tackle and tactically aware, he also offers sufficient protection for his backline and is technically proficient to recycle possession effectively after winning it.

Read more...

Federer beaten by Berdych in four

Clive Brunskill / Getty Images North America

Tomas Berdych sensationally upset world number one Roger Federer to set up a US Open semi-final against Andy Murray.

It was a performance of sustained brilliance from the sixth seed as he handed Federer his earliest defeat at Flushing Meadows since 2003.
Federer had never lost in 23 night-session matches at the US Open while Berdych had never played one until Wednesday night, but the conditions were certainly to his liking as he powered to a 7-6 (7/1) 6-4 3-6 6-3 victory.
The Czech said: "It couldn't be better. There is no better feeling than to play my first night session against Roger and be able to beat him.
"There is no better moments than this. I really enjoyed it. The crowd were great and I'm really looking forward to the next one."
Berdych had played very well in his run to the quarter-finals but still went into the match as a big underdog, even though he had beaten Federer in their last grand slam meeting at Wimbledon two years ago.
The top seed began brilliantly, breaking the Berdych serve in the opening game, but the Czech was playing at a high level and, when the Swiss' dropped, he took advantage.
The first-set tie-break was a bit of a horror show from Federer but still it seemed there was no real alarm until he dropped serve at the start of the second set.
The 31-year-old then fought back from 0-40 down to hold for 3-2 but, instead of being a turning point, it merely showed how much pressure Berdych was putting on his opponent.
The Czech was overpowering Federer and broke again to lead 5-2. The world number one hit straight back but Berdych was faultless on his second attempt to serve out the set.
The Arthur Ashe crowd were stunned when Federer was again broken at the start of the third set, leaving his hopes hanging by a thread.
It was far from over, though. Federer had beaten Berdych from two sets down at the Australian Open in 2009 and he retrieved the break in the sixth game when his opponent double-faulted, to huge roars from the crowd.
The noise only increased when Federer made it four straight games with another break, and then five to clinch the set.
The world number one certainly had his mojo back and one outrageous backhand in the fifth game of the fourth set left Berdych flat on the ground as he scrambled in vain to reach it.
That took Federer to 0-30 but the Czech hung on, and in the eighth game he had his chance, which he took with a stunning cross-court forehand to leave him serving for the match.
He did not falter, powering down four serves to which Federer had no answer and celebrating with clenched fists and a disbelieving smile.

Read more...

NFL: Cowboys beat Giants in opener

Al Bello / Getty Images North America

Tony Romo threw for 307 yards and three touchdowns on Wednesday night as the Dallas Cowboys opened the season with a 24-17 victory over the New York Giants.

Kevin Ogletree was the recipient on two occasions, with fellow wide receiver Miles Austin on the end of a third as the Cowboys stretched their lead to 24-10 in front of 82,287 fans - a record crowd at MetLife Stadium for a Giants game.
New York reduced the deficit with 2:36 remaining in the fourth quarter when Eli Manning and Martellus Bennett connected, but they could make no further inroads.
The game was a rematch of the Jan 1 game won by the Giants that ultimately gave them the NFC East title. The Cowboys defended solidly as they made three sacks and six pressures to frustrate the Super Bowl champions who lost the season opener for the first time in nine games.
Ogletree also impressed for the Cowboys as he made114 yards on eight catches and had 25 receptions for 294 yards. The New York native confessed his surprise at the confident manner of his side's victory and enjoyed his team's performance at the MetLife Stadium.
"A huge emphasis for us was big plays," said Ogletree.
"I don't want the focus to be on me too much, but I am very, very humbled and appreciative of how we played today [Wednesday].
"I'm close to home, so it's a good feeling. But Dallas is my home now."

Read more...

Hamilton link to Mercedes denied

Clive Mason / Getty Images Europe

Lewis Hamilton's management team are denying suggestions the 27-year-old is poised to sign a deal with Mercedes.

All eyes will be on Lewis Hamilton when he walks into the Monza paddock on Thursday as speculation intensifies regarding his future.
Hamilton departed Spa-Francorchamps on Sunday as one of the main talking points in light of the furore surrounding his tweeting, notably a picture of sensitive telemetry data ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.
A first-corner smash that wiped out four cars went on to damage his Formula One title chances and merely added to his weekend woes.
It left Hamilton insisting earlier this week that the events at Spa were firmly behind him and his focus would be "on driving as fast as possible this weekend" in the Italian Grand Prix.
That focus may now be diverted as Hamilton is certain to face a barrage of questions from the media after Eddie Jordan threw the cat among the pigeons on Wednesday.
The former team boss and BBC F1 analyst claimed "Hamilton and Mercedes have already agreed personal terms and a deal could be imminent".
Hamilton's future has long been the subject of speculation given he is out of contract with the Woking-based marque at the end of this season.
In response, however, McLaren issued a cleverly-worded but unequivocal statement, passing the buck on to XIX Entertainment who look after the 27-year-old's business interests.
"We have been told by Lewis Hamilton's management team the story is untrue," a McLaren spokesperson told Press Association Sport.
In addition, a spokesperson for XIX has insisted Hamilton is more on the brink of re-signing with McLaren than moving elsewhere.
The spokesperson told Press Association Sport: "As mentioned in the past by all parties, we are in advanced discussions with McLaren about a new deal.
"More importantly, at the moment, Lewis is focused on Monza and competing strongly for the championship."
Mercedes, however, refused to add their own line of denial as a spokesperson said: "Until we are in a position to confirm our full driver line-up for next season, it is inevitable there will be speculation around this topic.
"We would ask for your understanding, however, that we do not comment on speculation."
Press Association Sport understands all signs point to Hamilton remaining with McLaren.
There are, however, a number of issues to be resolved, amongst them future image rights and personal sponsorship deals beyond those in-house within the Woking-based team.
It is why Mercedes are not being ruled out at this stage because at the age of 27, any new deal is being viewed by XIX as the most important of Hamilton's career.
The belief is it would be a disservice to any interested parties not to discuss potential options with them, so Mercedes are at least in the background.
But for Hamilton, given his history with McLaren, the loyalty felt on both sides, and providing the finer points of a new contract can be finalised, the indication at this stage is he will stay at Woking.

Read more...

Carrick: RVP will make United better

Shaun Botterill / Getty Images Europe

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is convinced Robin van Persie will bring the best out of the club.

The £24million Dutchman has already had an impact at Old Trafford, scoring on his home debut against Fulham before firing home the hat-trick that allowed his new club to register a comeback at Southampton on Sunday.
That victory allowed United to keep tabs on early pace-setters Chelsea and Carrick is convinced there is far more to come, especially now they have Van Persie's class to rely on.
"World-class players have got a presence," said Carrick.
"When the ball came to Robin for his first goal on Sunday, I was so confident it was going to be a goal.
"To have someone like that in your team is satisfying because you know if you supply him with the right ammunition, more often than not, he will put it away."
Van Persie collected the Golden Boot last season with his 30 Premier League goals for Arsenal.
And with four already for United this season, the 29-year-old is already well ahead of schedule.
It was the middle of October before he reached that figure last term, although from that point Van Persie did find the net an incredible 20 times in 17 games, emphasising the high standards he has set for himself.
Question marks have been raised over the impact Wayne Rooney is likely to have, especially as Shinji Kagawa has made such an impressive start to his own United career.
The options for manager Sir Alex Ferguson are huge, which Carrick believes will only be of benefit as the season progresses.
"If Robin carries on like this I will enjoy it very much," said the United midfielder.
"To get off the mark with pretty much his first touch was special, then his hat-trick was much needed because we were in a tough position.
"It's a better start than he could have hoped for.
"We have got some firepower at the club now and whoever the manager calls upon, we will look dangerous."

Read more...

D'Ambrosio to replace Grosjean at Monza

Mark Thompson / Getty Images

Lotus have confirmed reserve driver Jerome D'Ambrosio will replace the banned Romain Grosjean for this weekend's Italian Grand Prix.

Grosjean was punished severely for sparking a four car pile-up at the start of Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix that also took out the Ferrari of championship leader Fernando Alonso, McLaren's Lewis Hamilton and Sauber of Sergio Perez.
Team principal Eric Boullier confirmed immediately after the stewards had handed out the ban he was "80% certain" Belgian D'Ambrosio would partner Kimi Raikkonen at Monza.
Boullier has now firmly made up his mind, ensuring D'Ambrosio will line up in a race for the first time since the end of last season when he drove for Virgin Racing, now Marussia.
A delighted D'Ambrosio said: "My desire for 2012 has always been to get back into the seat of a Formula One, car so I am grabbing this opportunity with both hands.
"As third driver, I have worked with the team at every grand prix, attending all the briefings and meetings that the race drivers do, so I am well prepared in this respect.
"I want to reward the faith the team has in me with a good haul of points from the race."
Boullier is convinced D'Ambrosio has the talent, and with the car beneath him as Raikkonen is currently fourth in the standings, is expecting the 26-year-old to deliver.
"When we signed Jerome as our third driver we signed a man who is highly motivated, fresh, talented and who contested the full 2011 season," said Boullier.
"Now he has the challenge of a grand prix at the challenging circuit of Monza, in a car which is capable of finishing on the podium."

Read more...

Hamilton puts Spa fiasco behind him

Mark Thompson / Getty Images Europe

Lewis Hamilton is adamant his troubled weekend in Spa is already firmly behind him.

Hamilton endured what he described following Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix as "the worst week".
The death of a close aunt on Wednesday was followed by the 27-year-old becoming embroiled in a Twitter furore.
Initially, after qualifying on Saturday, Hamilton referenced acronyms to phrases that included expletives, with the tweets subsequently deleted from his account.
Hamilton followed up on Sunday morning by publishing a picture of telemetry data highlighting the differences between a qualifying lap from himself and team-mate Jenson Button.
It resulted in Hamilton being forced to remove the tweet after a meeting with team principal Martin Whitmarsh, but not before it had been widely re-circulated on the social networking site and picked up by rival teams.
Hamilton's race then lasted just 200 metres as his was one of four cars involved in a pile-up at the first corner La Source hairpin sparked by Lotus' Romain Grosjean.
In need of a boost, as he continues to trail Ferrari's Fernando Alonso by 47 points after the Spaniard was also involved in the crash, Hamilton is determined to bounce back at this weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
"Spa was just one of those weekends," said Hamilton.
"But the beauty of these double-header races is that it's already firmly behind me.
"And Monza is such a unique and invigorating circuit that it's easy to put my disappointments to one side and just focus on driving as fast as possible this weekend."

Read more...

Puyol returns to training

David Ramos / Getty Images

Barcelona central defender Carles Puyol wore a protective mask in training on Wednesday as he continued his recovery from a fractured cheekbone.

The 34-year-old, who missed Spain's successful defence of the European Championship title with a knee injury in the summer, suffered the cheekbone setback in a clash with Osasuna forward Roland Lamah during Barcelona's 2-1 win on August 26.
The Barcelona captain, who will be absent from Spain's World Cup qualifier away to Georgia on Tuesday, will be allowed to wear the mask against Getafe in Barcelona's next La Liga match on September 15.
Barcelona carried a photograph on the club website of Puyol wearing the mask during a training session he took part in for the club's B team.

Read more...