Monday, August 31, 2009

Fisichella to stay put for Monza

Giancarlo Fisichella
Fisichella finished second at the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday

Giancarlo Fisichella has not received an approach from Ferrari and will race for Force India at the Italian Grand Prix next week, his team boss said.

The 36-year-old has been linked with a temporary switch to the Italian team in place of the injured Felipe Massa.

On Monday, Force India commercial director Ian Phillips told BBC Radio 5 live he expected an offer from Ferrari.

But team chief Villya Mallya insisted the Italian will turn out for his regular team at Monza.

Fisichella finished a surprise second behind Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen at the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday to record Force India's first points in 30 races.

He has been touted as a replacement for Luca Badoer, who has struggled as a replacement for the injured Felipe Massa.

"Fisichella has himself clarified that he has 'not received any invitation from Ferrari' and went on to add that 'he was looking forward to driving the Force India car at the Monza GP'," Mallya said, referring to the driver's comments in a news conference shortly after Sunday's race.

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"There has been absolutely no change whatsoever on this front since yesterday and we look forward to Fisichella scorching the tracks at Monza."

Badoer, Ferrari's official reserve driver, was drafted in to replace the Massa after legendary seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher was forced to shelve his comeback plans.

The Italian team are believed to have run out of patience with Badoer, who has qualified last at both of his races so far.

While Raikkonen won Sunday's race at Spa, Badoer trailed in last, nearly 48 seconds slower than the driver in front.

Phillips said it was "pretty likely" that Ferrari would make an approach for Fisichella "in the next 24 hours or so".

Mallya said Phillips's comments should be ignored because he is not an authorized spokesman for the team.

The Italian Grand Prix is on 13 September, followed by races in Singapore and Japan, before the teams head to Brazil.

Gold rejects Croatia 'conspiracy'

David Gold
Gold suggested maybe the comments had been lost in translation

Birmingham owner David Gold has laughed off claims by the Croatian Football Federation that English players have deliberately injured their players.

Last year Arsenal striker Eduardo broke his leg against Birmingham and on Saturday Tottenham's Croatian playmaker Luka Modric suffered the same fate.

"To suggest it's a conspiracy, particularly by our club, is absolutely ridiculous," he told the BBC.

"I can't see an ounce of reality about it at all - I find it nonsensical."

Croatia had already ended England's chances of qualifying for the 2008 European Championship when a challenge by Birmingham's Martin Taylor broke Eduardo's leg and dislocated his ankle.

The Arsenal player was out for 12 months and as a result, missed playing in Euro 2008.

England and Croatia were then drawn again in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, and meet at Wembley next week in a match which could possibly confirm England's place at the finals.

And Croatian Football Federation president Vlatko Markovic thinks the timing of Modric's injury is no coincidence.

"It is terrible what has happened to us," he said.

"Maybe someone has something against us and our national team. In the past year, they [English footballers] have injured Eduardo and now the same has happened to Luka Modric.

"I can only ask whether someone did it deliberately on the eve of the game with England. I can only ask myself whether it is a coincidence or not."

Maybe the problem is the statement has been completely lost in translation, maybe he meant to say something different

David Gold

Gold said the suggestion that Lee Bowyer's challenge on Modric was part of a conspiracy was "so ridiculous it beggars belief".

"I was at the game and I was only a few feet away from the incident and it was a very mild entanglement," he said.

"Modric was outstanding in that game so no wonder they're disappointed at losing him, but to say there a conspiracy is nonsense.

"We should make light of it - maybe the problem is the statement has been completely lost in translation, maybe he meant to say something different."

Live - Transfer deadline day

TRANSFER UPDATES - window closes at 1700 BST

To get involved text us your views & comments on 81111. (Not all contributions can be used)

By Jonathan Stevenson

0807: Rumours are coming out of Wales that Cardiff's inspirational midfielder Joe Ledley is being chased by Wolves. Ledley's a veteran of deadline day speculation, wasn't it Stoke last time?

From CC, via text on 81111: "It's like Notts County have activated the cheat code on Football Manager, giving them loads of cash for Prem players. When I say cash, I of course mean the challenge of taking part in such an exciting project."

0800: Deadline day countdown: Nine hours to go.

0754: Seems to me that Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is putting together a tidy little squad at the Stadium of Light, especially after the big-money signing of Hull defender Michael Turner yesterday, for a deal that could apparently rise to £12m. Not a bad sum, as Hull only paid £350,000 for Turner in 2006. Not gonna keep them up though, is it?

0751: If I had a pound for every Lionel Messi sighting so far today...

0748: The deadline slammed shut in Spain's La Liga last night, by the way, with Ukraine defender Dmytro Chygrynskiy sealing his £22m move to Barcelona and the Catalan club selling Eidur Gudjohnsen to Monaco for about £1.8m. Real Madrid did not buy Franck Ribery from Bayern Munich, if any Chelsea/Manchester United fans are interested.

0744: There may, of course, be an hilarious leftfield option for Club of the Day today, and I'm not talking about Spurs, Man City, or even Newcastle. No, there is an outfit that has been linked with no lesser names than Benjani, Kanu, Freddie Ljungberg and Christian Vieri, once the world's most expensive footballer. Step forward Sven-Goran Eriksson's Notts County.

Text in your views on 81111
From Jim, via text on 81111: "If Paul Hart's reading here's my advice for today: sign Benjani before breakfast, then unhook the phones and lock Kranjcar and James in a cupboard until 1701. Job done!"

0735: Oh no, it's started already. "Which centre-back are Forest gonna buy today, Stevo?" asks John from London. If deadline days of yore are anything to go by Johnny, I'm betting they won't.

0732: Reckon there'll be any crazy deadline day deals today? How about Arsenal making a cheeky £12m bid for Manchester United's, er, combative midfielder Darren Fletcher? More unlikely than Robinho to Man City this time last year?!

0728: ...who, despite lying a lofty second in the league, have been linked with all sorts of players once again. They really are a deadline day dream. Coming in, allegedly, are David James, Niko Kranjcar and Martin Petrov, and going out is David Bentley. If the rumours are right and Man City are offering them £10m+Petrov for Bentley, that is a magnificent piece of business down at The Lane.

0723: Slightly disappointed with how much business was going on yesterday, if I'm honest. Michael Turner to Sunderland, Diego Arismendi to Stoke, Tal Ben Haim to Portsmouth, Manuel da Costa to West Ham, Stefan Maierhofer and Segundo Castillo to Wolves... Don't they know it's deadline day today? Thank heavens for Tottenham...

Text in your views on 81111
From Anon, via text on 81111: "My nan just texted me to say she is serving James Collins a full English at the B&B she runs in Aston."

0715: So, an early plea. The 606 boards don't open until 0900, so you'll have to whack texts over until then. The magic number is 81111, and I'd be disappointed if it wasn't anything other than red-hot all day long. I don't care whether you're at Heathrow or not, get yourself in the deadline day mixer.

0710: If you've just rolled out of bed, you're feeling a little tender and you need your appetite to be whet, look no further than Tuesday's gossip column, bringing you all the could-bes, would-bes and should-bes. It's expanding as I type these very words, too.

0706: For the next 12 hours or so, we're going to bring you every spit and cough of transfer activity on deadline day. It is absolutely imperative that, in order to keep us sane, you get yourselves involved in this, the most glorious of all days to be a football fan.

0700: Happy transfer deadline day. I don't really need to say any more than that, do I?


Portsmouth sign defender Ben Haim

Tal Ben Haim
Ben Haim in action for Israel in the friendly against Northern Ireland

Portsmouth have signed Manchester City's Israeli international defender Tal Ben Haim on a four-year contract.

The 27-year-old, who has also played for Bolton and Chelsea, last featured for City in December, before going out on loan to Sunderland.

Ben Haim could make his Pompey debut on 12 September against Bolton, the club that brought him to England in 2004.

The Israeli centre-back then signed for Chelsea in 2007, before moving to City a year later.

Portsmouth have lost their opening four Premier League games, most recently to City on Sunday, and have sold experienced defender Sylvain Distin to Everton.

"It's a big challenge," said Ben Haim. "I think we can turn things around."

Ibrahmovic off the mark for Barcelona

Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Ibrahimovic showed some neat touches in his first league match

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored on his Spanish league debut as Barcelona began their title defence with a comfortable 3-0 win over Sporting Gijon.

The Swede, who joined Barca from Inter Milan for £40m in the summer, had missed a number of chances, before he netted late on with a diving header.

Two first-half headers from Bojan Krkic and Seydou Keita had put Barca, who fielded a weakened side, in control.

The hosts were missing Lionel Messi, Andreas Iniesta and Thierry Henry.

New signing from Shakhtar Donetsk Dmytro Chygrynskiy also watched from the stands in Camp Nou.

The match had been put back because of Barca's European Super Cup match against Shakhtar in Monaco on Friday, which they won 1-0.

Monday's win capped an impressive start to the season for the Catalan club, following their Spanish Super Cup victory over Athletic Bilbao the previous weekend.

On Saturday, Barca's fierce rivals Real Madrid opened their league campaign with a win, securing a 3-2 home victory over Deportivo La Coruna.

Uruguayan Arismendi joins Stoke

Diego Arismendi
Arismendi made 28 appearances in Club Nacional's title-winning season

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has added Uruguayan midfielder Diego Arismendi to his squad after agreeing a fee of £2.6m with Club Nacional for the 21-year-old.

The deal could see the Uruguayan champions receive a total of about £4.8m for the anchorman.

"It's a dream come true to play in the Premier League," Arismendi told the Stoke website.

He has won two caps for his national side having made his debut in a friendly against Norway in May 2008.

"This is the first time that the club have signed a player directly from South America," said chief executive Tony Scholes.

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"Clearly Diego will need time to settle but we are excited by his potential and are confident he will prove to be a great acquisition."

Arismendi follows Middlesbrough duo Robert Huth and Tuncay to the Britannia Stadium in a busy final week of the transfer window for the Potters.

Midfielder Dean Whitehead, who signed from Sunderland in July for £3m, is the only other arrival of the summer.

Although Whitehead's former team-mate defender Danny Collins has held talks over a possible switch from the Stadium of Light.

Shah to play Twenty20 event in NZ

Owais Shah
Shah received a glowing reference from former NZ captain Stephen Fleming

England batsman Owais Shah has agreed to play for the Wellington Firebirds in New Zealand's domestic Twenty20 cricket competition in December.

In 17 Twenty20 internationals for England, the 30-year-old Middlesex batsman has scored 347 runs at an average of 24.78.

Former Blackcaps and Wellington captain Stephen Fleming, who played with Shah at Middlesex, recommended the batsman.

Fleming said: "He's one of the world's better international Twenty20 batsmen."

He certainly has the ability to make a huge impact on Wellington's Twenty20 season

Former Blackcaps and Wellington captain Stephen Fleming

Pakistan-born Shah is part of England's squad for the Twenty20 and one-day international series against Australia as well as the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa in September and October.

"A key goal for the Firebirds the summer is to win the domestic T20 competition," said Wellington head coach Anthony Stuart.

"There is now the added carrot of a spot in the lucrative Champions League tournament in India."

Shah is the second top international player to join a New Zealand side for the domestic Twenty20 series after Sri Lanka's Tillerkaratne Dilshan signed a short-term deal with Northern Districts.

Earlier this year Shah, who has twice toured New Zealand with England in 2002 and 2008, was signed by Delhi for the second series of the Indian Premier League.

"Owais is a player who has an excellent grasp of the batting strategy required," added Fleming. "He certainly has the ability to make a huge impact on Wellington's Twenty20 season."

Federer eases through in New York

US OPEN
Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York Date: 31 August - 13 September
BBC coverage: Live text commentaries on the website from 1600 BST each day, regular updates on 5 live, full commentary on 5 live sports extra in week two, both finals on 5 live, tennis special on 5 live (3 September, 2000-2100 BST)


Roger Federer
Federer is bidding to win his third Grand Slam title of 2009

World number one Roger Federer began the defence of his US Open title with a 6-1 6-3 7-5 victory over American teenager Devin Britton.

Federer started magnificently and broke his 18-year-old opponent twice before taking the opening set in 18 minutes.

The 28-year-old Swiss was broken once in the second and third sets but came through in 88 minutes and will play Germany's Simon Greul in round two.

Home favourite Andy Roddick, the 2003 champion, plays later on Monday.

Eight seed Nikolay Davydenko eased through with a 6-3 6-4 7-5 win against Dieter Kindlmann and he now faces the Czech Republic's Jan Hernych, who beat 2003 Australian Open finalist Rainer Schuettler in five sets.

Robin Soderling, the French Open champion an 12th seed, was a 6-1 3-6 6-1 6-4 winner against Albert Montanes and number 14 seed Tommy Robredo overcame Donald Young 6-4 3-6 6-2 6-3.

Paul-Henri Mathieu, seeded 26th, got off to a fine start against Mikhail Youzhny but fell apart to lose 2-6 7-5 6-0 6-2 and now trails the Russian 4-1 in their head-to-head record.

The next opponent for Federer is the unseeded Gruel, who came through a marathon to beat Giovanni Lapentti 6-3 4-6 3-6 6-0 7-6 (11-9).

Federer is bidding to become the first man to win six straight US Open titles since Bill Tinden from 1920 to 1925, and he could hardly have wished for a more comfortable start.

Britton, ranked 1,370 in the world and a wildcard entry into the tournament, looked completely out of his depth early on.

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The 2008 junior US Open runner-up won only one point in the first three games but put his name on the scoreboard in the fourth with three scorching aces.

Federer barely broke sweat in taking the first set but it looked as though he might have been in trouble at the start of the second.

Britton engineered three break points in game four and the promising right-hander broke to love with a rasping cross-court return.

But 15-time Grand Slam champion Federer upped the intensity and rattled off a five-game winning streak to go two sets up.

With the third set a more even affair, it seemed Britton's break at 3-3 offered the American a route back into the match.

But he was immediately overpowered by the top seed, losing his serve and then falling 5-4 behind as Federer held comfortably.

Britton held his next game but was again serving to save the match at 6-5 and, after squandering three game points to force a tie-break, he saw a Federer cross-court winner set up match point.

Federer sealed his progress with a fizzing cross-court forehand and he remains in the hunt for a fifth Wimbledon-US Open double - no other man in the open era has achieved that feat more than twice.

He also hopes to win three Grand slam tournaments in a year for the fourth time.

Austrian Maierhofer joins Wolves

Stefan Maierhofer
Maierhofer scored in Rapid's 1-1 draw with Austria Vienna on Saturday

Wolves have signed Austria international striker Stefan Maierhofer from Rapid Vienna on a three-year deal.

The 27-year-old, who scored 23 goals in 37 games for his club last season, is believed to have cost an initial £1.8m.

An additional payment of £900,000 will reportedly be made to the Austrian side if Wolves avoid relegation from the Premier League this season.

Wolves have the option of extending the tall forward's stay for another term at the end of his first three years.

"We are delighted to bring Stefan in as our ninth new arrival this summer," said Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey.

"He is a player who has been a regular goalscorer for Rapid Vienna in recent seasons and helped the club qualify for the Europa League."

Since making his debut in a 2-2 draw against Italy in August 2008, Maierhofer has won another five caps for his country.

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After finalising details on his move, he will now rejoin his international team-mates as they prepare for a World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands on Saturday.

He is Wolves' ninth signing of the summer following the arrival of Segundo Castillo, Nenad Milijas, Marcus Hahnemann, Kevin Doyle, Andrew Surman, Greg Halford, Ronald Zubar and the loan of Chelsea's Michael Mancienne.

Moxey expects that Maierhofer will complete Mick McCarthy's spending until January, although defenders Neill Collins and Darren Ward are likely to depart.

"There are still 24 hours remaining until the transfer window closes, and it may well be that there is more activity in the outgoing department," said Moxey.

West Ham sign Portugal's Da Costa

Manuel Da Costa
Da Costa played for PSV Eindhoven before joining Fiorentina

West Ham have signed Fiorentina's Portuguese defender Manuel da Costa in a swap deal that involves winger Savio Nsereko moving to the Serie A club.

The 23-year-old Da Costa, who was born in France, played for Dutch club PSV Eindhoven before going to Fiorentina.

He played just one game for Fiorentina, joining Sampdoria on loan in January.

Nsereko, 20, joined West Ham in January for reportedly a club record £9m fee, topping the £7.5m West Ham paid Liverpool for Craig Bellamy in 2007.

When the Ugandan-born German signed for West Ham, the club said they had beaten off "fierce competition" to sign him.

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Hammers technical director Gianluca Nani had worked with the Germany Under-19 international when he was at Brescia.

In 2008 Nsereko was named player of the tournament at the Uefa Under-19 Championship in the Czech Republic, which was won by Germany.

2010 is last bid for glory - Cole

International Friendly: England v Slovenia
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London Date: Saturday, 5 September KO: 1730 BST
Coverage: Live on ITV1 and BBC Radio 5 live


Ashley Cole
Cole played most of England's recent 2-2 draw against the Netherlands

England defender Ashley Cole believes the World Cup in 2010 could be the last chance for him and many of his team-mates to win an international trophy.

Fabio Capello's men can secure their place at the finals in South Africa with a win over Croatia on 9 September.

"We've all grown up. We've started to realise that this could be our last tournament," said the 28-year-old.

"I've got good young players coming up in my position. I think it's the same for a lot of players."

John Terry, 28, Steven Gerrard, 29, Rio Ferdinand, 30, Frank Lampard, 31, and David Beckham, 34, may also face their final chance to win on the biggest stage.

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They and Cole started England's quarter-final defeat by Portugal at the World Cup finals in 2006.

England were absent from last summer's European Championships after losing 3-2 to Croatia in their final qualifying match at Wembley.

But Chelsea left-back Cole, who was an unused substitute in the defeat, believes the experience will help England close out a successful campaign.

"We have to learn from that. If you don't perform on the day you can get turned over," he said.

"We know how big the game is for us this time. They will want to come to Wembley and beat us again."

Gay wins 100m in Gateshead

Phlllips Idowu
Idowu won the triple jump in slippery conditions after a slow start

Phillips Idowu and Lisa Dobriskey were the pick of Britain's World Championship medallists at a rain-hit British Grand Prix in Gateshead.

World triple jump champion Idowu overcame a slow start to leap 17.32m, beating Bulgarian Momchil Karailiev.

Dobriskey went one better than Berlin as she won the 1500m from Sonja Roman of Slovenia in blustery conditions.

And Christine Ohuruogu just nudged past American world relay gold-medallist Debbie Dunn to win the 400m.

Heptathlon star Jessica Ennis was happy just to be in Gateshead, where she finished fifth in the 100m hurdles to Brigitte Foster-Hylton, world champion in that event.

"To be announced as world champion was brilliant and a nice way to end my season," Sheffield athlete Ennis told BBC Sport.

"It was a really strong field but it was good experience.

"I wasn't expecting to do anything spectacular but it was nice to compete in front of a home crowd and thank everyone."

With world champion Usain Bolt absent, preparing for the World Athletics Final in Greece in September, American Tyson Gay won the men's 100m.

I needed a bit of strength for the last 100m but I didn't want to come here and lose so I had to dig in

Christine Ohuruogu

Gay, who was well clear of 2003 world champion Kim Collins, recorded a time of 10.16 in a 2m/s headwind and revealed he will have surgery on a groin injury at the end of the season.

Britain's Craig Pickering won the B final in 10.32 sec, saying he was angry, with something to prove after being passed over for the British sprint relay team in Berlin.

In the women's 800m Britain's Jemma Simpson, motivated by missing the final in Berlin, pushed world bronze-medallist Jenny Meadows into third place behind American Christy Wurth-Thomas.

"Jenny executed a really good championships. I had a bit more to prove today and I had a bit more determination," said Simpson.

Meadows explained: "I ran the race of my life just 12 days ago. It's been a really tough week and I got quite run down and ill.

"Top three [here] was as good as I could have hoped for."

Dobriskey, who will marry former 800m runner Ricky Soos in December, passed American Erin Donohue on the final bend to seal a stylish victory, with Brit Hannah England third.

"I enjoyed it so much. I felt huge pressure but [the crowd] were so supportive," said the Ashford athlete.

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"It's definitely changed. I'm not the up-and-coming youngster I was and I hope I can inspire other athletes."

Ohuruogu, who has endured a disappointing year since winning Olympic gold, was pleased to put on a good show for the hardy crowd.

"I needed a bit of strength for the last 100m but I didn't want to come here and lose so I had to dig in and cross the line first," said Ohuruogu.

"It was windy and rained earlier but it doesn't matter. You have to come out and perform."

Donna Fraser, 36, who won world relay bronze in 2005 and '07, was seventh in what is likely to be her last race in the UK.

Uganda's Moses Kipsiro secured an upset win in the men's 3,000m over Bernard Lagat, a double world medallist in Berlin, while Britain's Mo Farah limped in ninth after a fall.

"Somebody caught my leg so I just went down," said Farah. "It took a lot out of me and I didn't have it when they went at the end."

Allyson Felix, the Jamaican who won her sixth world gold in Berlin, out-sprinted Emily Freeman to win the women's 200m.

American Leonel Manzano just held off a surging Andy Baddeley - who missed the World Championship final after bursting a blood vessel in his foot - to win the men's 1500m.

World and Olympic 400m champion LaShawn Merritt added another win to his list, out-sprinting GB's Martyn Rooney, who was seventh in the individual final in Berlin before taking a world relay bronze.

Dobriskey beats Hannah England
Dobriskey left it late but cruised ahead of the field to win the 1500m

In the 200m, 2004 Olympic champion Shawn Crawford edged compatriot Wallace Spearmon - who finished ahead of him to take bronze in Berlin - with veteran Brit Marlon Devonish third.

Long jump world champion Dwight Phillips of the USA leapt a venue record 8.39m to beat Australian Fabrice Lapierre, with Britons Chris Tomlinson and Greg Rutherford fifth and sixth respectively.

There was another venue record in the javelin, where Czech Barbora Spotakova - second in Berlin - threw 65.57m before the weather worsened.

Brit Goldie Sayers was sixth after a year that has been spoiled by a back injury following her fourth place at the Olympics.

The weather was so poor that Russian Viktor Chistyakov and America's Derek Miles opted to share pole vault victory after both failed to clear anything over 5.70m, while Brit Steve Lewis was fifth.

America's world 110m hurdles bronze medallist David Payne again finished just ahead of William Sharman, although the Northamptonshire athlete was overjoyed with his showing.

America's Carmelita Jeter, disappointed with bronze in Berlin, out-classed the women's 100m field, winning from Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie of the Bahamas in 11.08 sec.

America's world finalist Nick Symmonds won a sprint in the men's 800m from Geoffrey Rono of Kenya, with Britain's Joe Thomas third.

There was a Kenyan 1-2-3 in the women's 3,000m, with world 5,000m champion Vivian Cheruiyot opening up a sizeable gap on Berlin 10,000m winner Linet Masai, with Britain's Laura Kenney fourth.

Clijsters wins on US Open return

US OPEN
Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York Date: 31 August - 13 September
BBC coverage: Live text commentaries on the website from 1600 BST each day, regular updates on 5 live, full commentary on 5 live sports extra in week two, both finals on 5 live, tennis special on 5 live (3 September, 2000-2100 BST)


Kim Clijsters
Clijsters has not contested a Grand Slam since the 2007 Australian Open

Former world number one Kim Clijsters marked her Grand Slam return with a 6-1 6-1 thumping of Ukraine's Viktoriya Kutusova in round one of the US Open.

Clijsters, 26, retired in 2007 and is making her first appearance in New York since winning the 2005 title.

The Belgian dominated Kutusova from the outset and, with five breaks of serve, stormed through in 54 minutes to meet Marion Bartoli or Rossana De Los Rios.

Defending champion Serena Williams and sister Venus also play on Monday.

Elsewhere, eighth seed Victoria Azarenka made light work of Romania's Alexandra Dulgheru to progress.

Azarenka has been tipped by many as an outsider for the title and the Belarusian won 6-1 6-1 to set up a second round meeting with Poland's Marta Domachowska or Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic.

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Agnieszka Radwanska, the number 12 seed from Poland, saw off Patricia Mayr 6-1 6-2 and she will now play Maria Kirilenko after the unseeded Russian beat Mariya Koryttseva 6-2 6-1.

Another comfortable victor was Italy's Francesca Schiavone, the 26th seed easing to 6-1 6-2 win against Yvonne Meusburger.

Collingwood seeks to make impact

Second Twenty20 international: England v Australia
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester Date: Tuesday 1 September Start: 1900 BST
Coverage: Listen to Test Match Special on BBC Radio 4 LW, 5 live sports extra, Red Button and BBC Sport website, with text commentary online. Also on Sky


Paul Collingwood
Collingwood led England at this year's World Twenty20

Paul Collingwood wants a win in the second Twenty20 clash against Australia at Old Trafford on Tuesday as he looks to cement his place as England skipper.

Collingwood's mandate as captain officially ends in Manchester, but he hopes to be in the role for the World Twenty20 in the Caribbean next April.

"Until I'm told otherwise, I want to lead England into the next Twenty20 world cup," said the all-rounder.

"I'm pretty clear on my role [and] I'm happy with that arrangement."

Collingwood led England in this summer's World Twenty20 on home soil, and with Andrew Strauss unlikely to make a return to the shortest form of the game, he is best placed to lead the side beyond the current series with Australia.

The first game of the two-match series was washed out on Sunday, with England, chasing 146 to win, tottering on 4-2.

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Kent's Joe Denly made a first-ball duck in England's reply, taking on a Brett Lee bouncer, but Collingwood has told the newcomer to keep playing his shots.

"I'm glad he's got the belief and confidence to go for a shot like that," said Collingwood.

"It didn't come off, but that's the kind of attitude and approach you want from a Twenty20 player who is going to be opening the batting.

"You've got to try and take on the bowlers, but it didn't come off for him. You have to give people some time to find their feet.

"One of the areas we identified was the middle order, having some bigger hitters down there - so we dropped Luke Wright down to cover that.

"There was a space at the top - and looking at Joe Denly and Jonathan Trott's records domestically, it doesn't get any better than that. So we're giving them the chance to do it internationally."

Collingwood added that Denly would keep his place fielding at backward-point, despite dropping a straightforward catch off Cameron White on Sunday.

Collingwood has long been considered one of the world's best at backward-point, but said he was unable to do his job as captain from that area.

"When I was captaining the one-dayers I found it hard to captain from backward-point. It was too difficult with the angles and communicating to the bowlers," said the Durham all-rounder.

"So it's a position I've had to give away - someone younger can dive around in there now. Joe has done wonderfully well there for Kent, so I'm sure that the drop was just a slip."


England (from): P Collingwood (c), J Anderson, R Bopara, T Bresnan, S Broad, J Denly, E Morgan, M Prior (wk), A Rashid, O Shah, R Sidebottom, G Swann, J Trott, L Wright.

Australia (from): M Clarke (c), C Ferguson, N Hauritz, B Hilfenhaus, D Hussey, M Johnson, B Lee, D Nannes, T Paine (wk), A Voges, D Warner, S Watson, C White.

Umpires: P Hartley, N Long.

Third Umpire: I Gould.

Match referee: R Madugalle.

Live text - US Open

LIVE TEXT COMMENTARY (all times BST)

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To get involved text us on 81111 with TENNIS before your message. (Not all contributions can be used; UK mobiles only; network rates apply)

By Chris Bevan

Twitter
BBC Radio 5 live's David Law tweeting from Flushing Meadows: "Tennis channel in the US just listed Kim Clijsters' strengths and weaknesses. Strengths: Movement, power, fresh. Weaknesses: her daughter."

Results
1707: Agnieszka Radwanska completes a one-sided victory over Patricia Mayr, with the Pole cruising to a 6-1 6-2 win. She wasn't the first player into round two of this year's tournament, however, as that honour went to Vania King. The American was leading Anastasiya Yakimova 2-1 when her opponent was forced to retire because of an injury.

The sun is out
1703: A bit of weather news for you from Flushing Meadows, where they had a cloudy start to the day but the sun has just broken through. It is also a bit blustery down at court level, I'm told, The Arthur Ashe Stadium is starting to fill up a bit too - Roger Federer is next up after Clijsters-Kutuzova of course.

From Cogen on 606: "Clijsters performing a demolition job."

1659: Kim Clijsters picks up at the start of the second set where she left off at the end of the first. The Belgian needs five break points but again gets the better of Kutuzova's serve, and holds to love in the next game to lead 6-1 2-0.

1653: Phew. Agnieszka Radwanska is not hanging around in the second set against Patricia Mayr, leading 6-1 5-1. And Francesca Schiavone, the London-based Italian 26th seed, has just taken the first set 6-1 against Yvonne Meusburger of Austria.

1648: There are some men in action too you know. Paul-Henri Mathieu is the only seed in action at the moment and the Frenchman took the first set of his match against Russia's Mikhail Youzhny 6-2. The 26th seed has been broken at the start of the second set, though, and trails 2-1.

1645: The last time Kim Clijsters stepped out on the court at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, it was to win the 2005 final. She's still in pretty good form by the looks of things, despite nearly two years away from tennis. She double-faults on her first set point but, at 40-15, a big serve pushes Kutuzova wide and the Belgian slams a forehand winner into the opposite side of the court to take a very impressive first set 6-1. She will be happy with that.

1642: Viktoriya Kutuzova has got previous form at Flushing Meadows - the 21-year-old was the runner-up in the 2003 girls' event - and, at last, she shows some of that here with a fierce forehand winner and a delightful drop volley among the highlights as she finally gets off the mark against Clijsters. Good news for the Ukranian, but bad news for me and my bagel graphic - that will have to wait a while longer... Clijsters to serve for the first set at 5-1.

1640: No stopping Victoria Azarenka - she has just taken the first set 6-1 against Romania's Alexandra Dulgheru - and Agnieszka Radwanska is also looking good for a place in the second round after taking the opening set in her match Patricia Mayr by the same scoreline. It is Clijsters who is closing in on the first bagel of the 2009 US Open, however, as she is now 5-0 up against Kutuzova, who has crumbled completely.

From TeleKemis on 606: "The women's game just was not the same without Clijsters. Once Justine Henin went, my interest did too but I'm so glad to see Kim back. It's given the game a lift as she is such a talented player. It won't take much for her to re-enter the top 10."

1633: Clijsters won the first seven points against Kutuzova but she is not having it all her own way. The Belgian needed seven deuces before holding to move 3-0 up, and she has made a few unforced errors too although, so far, she looks to have too much power for Kutozova to handle.

1626: So, what's going on around the courts? Eighth seed Victoria Azarenka is a break and 3-1 up against Alexandra Dulgheru while Agnieszka Radwanska started like a train against Austria's Patricia Mayr - the 12th seed went 4-0 up but has just been broken back.

Twitter
BBC Radio 5 live's Jonathan Overend tweeting from Flushing Meadows: "Ok, 256 players left in this championship... Let's start knocking some out... Showtime!"

1620: Kim Clijsters holds to love in the first game. She's already beaten Svetlana Kuznetsova and Victoria Azarenka since returning to the game, so she's obviously in good shape. How far can she go at Flushing Meadows though?

Get involved on 606
From StandfreeFM on 606: "Already booked the Monday after the men's final off work. If that doesn't jinx Andy Murray, nothing will."

1618: Kim Clijsters is warming up right now ahead of her clash with Viktoriya Kutuzova, the world number 79. It's a bit cloudy in New York at the moment, but no rain is forecast.

1613: Murray will play Gulbis, the Latvian world number 95 on Tuesday or Wednesday. But the bad news for British tennis is that the Scot is our only representative in either the men's or women's singles after Laura Robson and Elena Baltacha both lost in the final round of qualifying.

1610:

Murray teams up with comedian Ferrell

If you're wondering how Andy Murray's been preparing for his first-round match with Ernests Gulbis, then take a look at the footage from his pre-tournament comedy doubles match featuring American actor Will Ferrell, Andy Roddick and comedian Will Arnett. Murray and Ferrell, who are big fans of each other's work, teamed up together. Ferrell's serve isn't that bad, by the looks of things...

1606: I'm expecting to hear from you lot while all this is going on of course. Drop me a line on 606, via text on 81111 or give me a cheeky little tweet on Twitter. I'll be disappointed if you don't get in touch.

1605: Federer is in action today, beginning the defence of his title against American wildcard Devin Britton. But before that, Clijsters is first up on the Arthur Ashe Stadium against Ukraine's Viktoriya Kutuzova - and there is lots more going on around the courts.

1603: That's not forgetting the women either of course - Serena Williams is the heavy favourite to defend her title and clinch a fourth US title, while world number one Dinara Safina is still looking for her first major success and the return of 2005 champion Kim Clijsters in her first Grand Slam for two years has captured everyone's imagination.

1601: And there is plenty to play for at Flushing Meadows this year. Oh yes. Can Roger Federer become the first man to win six successive US Open titles since 'Big' Bill Tinden managed it from 1920 to 1925? Will Rafa Nadal return from his injury problems to capture the only Grand Slam title to elude him... Or will Andy Murray go one better than last year, when he lost to Roger Federer in the final? We will find out, soon enough.

USA
1558 BST: Afternoon folks, hope you are enjoying your Bank Holiday (not if you are in Scotland, obviously). The bad news is that the summer, if that's what you can call it this year, is almost over... the good news is that the US Open is about to begin - in just a matter of minutes. Hoorah!

Liverpool release Itandje on loan

Charles Itandje
Itandje had few opportunities at Anfield

Liverpool's French goalkeeper Charles Itandje has been loaned to Greek club Kavala FC until 30 June 2010.

Itandje, 26, made seven first-team appearances in two seasons.

He was caught on camera nudging a team-mate during the Hillsbrough memorial service in April, after which he expressed his "deep regret".

Kavala, nicknamed the Blue Argonauts, were promoted to the top tier of the Greek domestic league after finishing third in the Beta Ethniki last season.

Scotland call up striker O'Connor

World Cup qualifier: Scotland v Macedonia
Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow Date: Saturday, 5 September KO: 1500 BST
Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Scotland the BBC Sport website


Scotland striker Garry O'Connor
O'Connor has scored four goals in 15 Scotland appearances

Birmingham striker Garry O'Connor has been called up for Scotland's vital World Cup qualifying double-header with Macedonia and the Netherlands.

The former Hibernian forward is a replacement for Kilmarnock's Kevin Kyle, who has withdrawn from George Burley's squad with a knee injury.

The 26-year-old won the last of his 15 caps as a substitute against Ukraine at Hampden in October 2007.

O'Connor, yet to score this season, has netted four times for his country.

Burley has recalled Rangers skipper David Weir for the must-win matches at Hampden and has said the 39-year-old defender will start against Macedonia on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Craig Gordon is also assured of a place, having recently returned from injury at Sunderland.

Defenders Stephen McManus, Steven Caldwell and Christophe Berra were named in Burley's squad despite carrying injuries, and the trio missed out for their clubs at the weekend.

Bristol City forward David Clarkson may also be a doubt, having missed his club's last two outings through injury.

Kyle, who has netted 10 goals in 15 games for his club, had been recalled after a five-year absence from the international scene but needs surgery on a damaged knee.

The Netherlands, who have secured a place at next year's World Cup finals, will be without injured midfielder Ibrahim Afellay on 9 September, while defender Andre Ooijer is a serious doubt.


Scotland squad for the World Cup qualifiers against FYR Macedonia (5 September) and Netherlands (9 September) at Hampden Park:

Goalkeepers: Gordon (Sunderland), N Alexander (Rangers), Marshall (Cardiff)

Defenders: Barr (Falkirk), McManus (Celtic), Berra (Wolves), G Caldwell (Celtic), S Caldwell (Burnley), Davidson (Preston), Hutton (Tottenham), McAllister (Bristol City), Whittaker (Rangers), Weir (Rangers); G Alexander (Burnley)

Midfielders: Brown (Celtic), Commons (Derby), D Fletcher (Manchester United), Hartley (Bristol City)

Forwards: McFadden (Birmingham), Maloney (Celtic); Clarkson (Bristol City), S Fletcher (Burnley), Miller (Rangers), Naismith (Rangers), O'Connor (Birmingham)

Terry pens five-year Chelsea deal

John Terry
Terry has made 276 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 17 goals

Chelsea captain John Terry has signed a new five-year contract which is reported to be worth £150,000 per week.

The defender was the subject of much transfer speculation in the summer, with claims of a £40m bid from Manchester City for the 28-year-old.

A statement on the official Chelsea website stated the club was "delighted" that Terry had signed the new deal.

It added that the move reaffirms the England skipper's desire to end his career at Stamford Bridge.

After prolonged rumours suggesting Terry was considering a move to Manchester City this summer, the centre-back eventually ended his silence by pledging his future to the club in July.

Terry was wanted by City boss Mark Hughes as a key part of the Manchester club's recent revolution that has seen them spend in excess of £120m on the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz and Gareth Barry.

606: DEBATE
newTrueBlue4life

It was reported that City were willing to offer Terry £200,000 a week to sign for them.

City subsequently turned their attention to alternative defensive targets.

They signed Kolo Toure from Arsenal for £14m on 29 July and Terry's England colleague Joleon Lescott from Everton for £22m on 25 August.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti said in his first media conference after taking the reigns at the club that he would not consider selling Terry.

It was reported Terry wanted assurances from owner Roman Abramovich that the Londoners were still able to match his own ambitions before committing to the club.

So far this season, Terry has played every minute of Chelsea's 100% start to the season, which has seen them win four straight matches to top the Premier League along with Tottenham.

Terry has been with Chelsea since the age of 14 and has won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and a Cup Winners Cup in the last 11 years, leading to his nickname of "Mr Chelsea".

He also led Chelsea to the Champions League final against Manchester United in 2008, although his missed penalty in the shoot-out after the teams had fought out a 1-1 extra time draw in Moscow allowed United to lift the European Cup instead.

Terry has made 276 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 17 goals and has been capped 54 times by England since his international debut in 2003.

Live - British Grand Prix

Jessica Ennis

Watch all the action live (UK users only)

606: DEBATE

To get involved use 606 or text us your comments on 81111 with ATHLETICS before message. (Not all comments can be used; texts charged at usual rate)

By Mark Ashenden

LIVE TEXT COMMENTARY (all times BST)

Foster Hylton: "There's a vast difference between first and second. I have to get used to the fussiness. I am enjoying it and my parents say 'embrace it'. The target is now on my back. I have more responsibilities." Felicien in second, Powell third. Ennis in fifth with a time of 13.28.

1508: Lot of heavy breathing in the blocks...Foster Hylton wins in 12.88 into a headwind is a great time. Ennis looked a bit sleepy there but that was tough opposition and she high-fives Spikes the tiger. Where's Berlino? Foster Hylton grins and does a lap of honour - her job's done. Men's 200m coming up....

1506: Ennis gets set into the blocks and she's got a washboard stuck inside her tummy. Hard as nails. The heptathlon world champion gives a little wave when she's introduced to the crowd. World champion Brigitte Foster Hylton wants this one. Here we go....

1503: A quick hands-up. I mentioned world champion hurdler Ryan Brathwaite a few minutes ago. He clearly did not run. Did my eyes deceive me? Nope. Just a late pull-out. Sorry about that. Jess Ennis in action very shortly.

1501: Sharman loses out by 0.01s to Payne. He was only in Berlin after an appeal. Steady steady showing there. Sharman says: "It's been a great season. I always come into form towards the end. I was really pleased with that. I had demons coming through the warm-up tunnel and I had to stay positive. I went from zero to hero at the Worlds. Payne was coming through like a train there and I could feel him. He's a fantastic performer."
And he also reveals his website is up and running shortly - as well as his facebook page. This boy is on it.

1456: Here are the hurdles. Will Sharman was fourth in Berlin. Jamaican Dwight Thomas swings his arms and looks bang up for this. Sharman nods his head - I think he thinks he's won this already. Confident boy. David Payne in lane five. Another false-start. Back to it. Oh no - it's another false-start. First disqualification coming up - and it's Thomas. You come all this way and boom - he's out. Sharman licks his lips and settles down again....silence in Gateshead. I say that and a mobile phone goes off....Payne (bronze medallist in Berlin) wins in 13.59 and Sharman is edged out of it at the end. Still a great run.

1448: The men's 110m hurdles coming up....Ryan Brathwaite - the youngest ever hurdles winner at the Worlds - and he's up against Brit Will Sharman. I wonder if this boy talks when he's running. Stick around to listen to his words after the race. AND YES! He's there..............apparently he got lost on his way from Holland. Berlino the Bear is giving it the large and gets friendly with Spikes the UK Athletics mascot.

1445: Jeter out of the blocks brilliantly and powered ahead with a very upright technique. "Good performance" says Steve Cram. Ferguson-McKenzie in 11.26, Sturrup in third and Emily Freeman in fourth. Jeter says: "I love being in Gateshead. I woke up this morning with a cold so I was trying to execute as best as I could. I need some sleep!"

1442: Lauryn Williams wearing shocking pink. Jeter also in pink and looks super-cool. What a line-up of finely-tuned ladies. Jeter flies through in 11.08. Boy oh boy - she looked up for that.

1439: France's long jumper Lapierre gets as high as he does long and with his eyes closed leaps 7.94 - he's now into third spot. Phillips up again. This boy is quick. He could win this in his slippers. Just 8.11. Just! Women's sprinters lining up....

1436: The women's 100m next in five minutes. Bahamas star Debbie Ferguson McKenzie, American Carmelita Jeter and Brit Montell Douglas lining up in this one.

Get involved on 606
From singingHannahJ on 606: "From glorious summer sunshine in Berlin to the wind-swept track in Gateshead on August bank holiday! Good luck all....."

1432: Joe Thomas and his flapping Welsh fringe waving in the wind. Bell goes and it's a tightly-packed group. Rono pushes on strong with Rimmer looking smooth. American Nick Simmonds puts in a late sprint and eases through to win in 1:47.31. Rono pips Joe Thomas who dives in at the end to get a fine third.

1429: The 800m coming up.....Michael Rimmer waves to the crowd. He's got something to prove after an average Berlin show.

1427: Dwight Phillips in the long jump and the world champion jumps through the clouds and comes down into the sand with a mark of 8.39 - it's the longest jump ever seen in Gateshead. He takes the lead.

LaShawn Merritt after winning the 400m: "I'm feeling great. I won the Olympics and now I'm world champion and I've come here. I'm feeling good."

1424: Rutherford up in the long jump. He's got his dodgy long white socks on and goes 7.63 and is in fifth place.

1423: It's the 400m. Rooney false-starts. Merritt looks as though he's strolling. He then cranks it up - Bingham's left standing. LaShawn Merritt strolls through in 45.11. Rooney in second - pretty good run for the Brit there. Rooney - donning his orange shades - is all smiles. Huge applause for the American.

1421: The long jump has started. Chris Tomlinson flies through the gusty air and gets 7.93. He leads.

1418: Olympic and world champion LaShawn Merritt looking relaxed (he's unbeaten for 14 races) - he's facing all the top Brits - Tobin, Rooney, Bingham. Any chance of a shock?

1416: It's the men's one lap of 400m coming up....

Jenny Meadows: "It was really good - I had the race of my life 12 days ago - it's been a tough week. I got run down and was relieved to get a top three here." Jemma Simpson: "Jenny executed a really good championships. I had more to prove today."

1413: The bell goes with one lap to go....It's the American Christy Wurth Thomas who bursts out with 300m to go and Meadows has no chance. Took the Brits by surprise there. Meadows woke up in the final straight but left it too late - the bronze medallist comes in third with Jemma Simpson storming through at the end to get second.

1409: First up is the women's 800m. The wind looks a little blustery with the hair of Jenny Meadows all over the place. Jemma Simpson lines up hoping to make up for a bit of a glum performance in Germany. First action - here goes...

1358: What's coming up? Jenny Meadows in the 800m at 1409. GB boys take on LaShawn Merritt in the 400m at 1419. Women's 100m at 1441. Motor-mouth and charming William Sharman in the 110m hurdles at 1452. Jess Ennis vs Brigitte Foster-Hylton in the 100m hurdles at 1503. Shawn Crawford and Wallace Spearmon in the 200m at 1514. Phillips Idowu in the triple jump at 1558. Allyson Felix in the 200m at 1604. Lisa Dobriskey in the 1500m at 1643. Ohuruogu in the 400m at 1653. Finishing up with the men's 100m at 1704 with Tyson Gay, Marc Burns, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Tyrone Edgar, MLF and Craig Pickering. Tasty enough for you?

1351: Got your breath back from the mayhem in Berlin? Got a hunger for one more feast of athletics delights? Thought so. Gateshead hosts the British Grand Prix from 1400 BST and there is a list as long as a Usain Bolt stride of superstars in action this afternoon. Ennis, Idowu, Felix, Gay, Merritt, Clement, Cheruiyot, Masai, Ohuruogu. Plus there's a surprise visit from a certain bear. Love him or loathe him, fireworks are guaranteed. It's the last UK athletics meet this season so chuck in your thoughts, predictions and madness on 606 or via text 8111. Live video up and running from 1400. Let the fun begin..