Rain holds up Ryder Cup fourballs

38th Ryder Cup
Venue: Celtic Manor, Newport Date: 1-3 October Starts: 0745 BST on Friday Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live & online, live text commentary online & daily highlights on BBC TWO. Live on Sky Sports 1

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The opening morning of the Ryder Cup has been suspended because of appalling conditions at Celtic Manor.

Persistent heavy rain left many parts of the course waterlogged and with no sign of the conditions improving, play was called off at 0943 BST.

Organisers are expected to make a further announcement at 1300 BST.

The event began at 0745 BST with standing water on the course and it was called off with Europe leading in three of the four fourballs matches.

The leading match of Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer against the United States duo of Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson were on the sixth fairway when play was halted.

Chief Ryder Cup referee John Paramor told BBC Radio 5 live: "Being matchplay, we leave a lot up to the players themselves.

ROB HODGETTS BLOG Two marshals huddle under umbrellas. They're alone in the middle of the vast stand. Rain pelts down, the wind lashes in from the left. Ordinarily no-one would be out in this

"They were continuing but it got to such a stage where even with all the resources we have here it was just too much. We were fighting an uphill battle.

"We were hoping for a break in the weather, it was there for a few minutes, but unfortunately those lovely breaks filled in and it's turned out to be pretty strong rain again.

"It's a very strong storm system that is affecting us and it can change but we are looking at early afternoon to start again. That is the indication.

"We will be looking at possibly playing on Sunday morning now and we have the ability to go to Monday but hopefully the weather will improve and we can get going again."

The delay raises the possibility that the opening day foursomes, scheduled for the afternoon, will not finish on Friday.

And with no further announcement expected until 1300 BST, there are now doubts as to whether the event can be completed on Sunday.

With rain falling all morning and the course getting increasingly sodden, there was no choice but to call off play as the players tried to plot their way through pools of standing water all over the fairways and greens.

And with Europe making a fine start to the opening morning, skipper Colin Montgomerie was left ruing the weather conditions.

"We are up in three matches, it's been a super start and I just hope we can maintain this momentum," he told BBC Radio 5 live.

"I heard on the radio that the weather is to improve by two o'clock but that does not give us enough time to finish this and the foursomes.

Ground staff at Celtic Manor try to clear the course of water

"We are in this horrible position of not finishing the two rounds today. The forecast is better for Saturday and Sunday so hopefully we can make up this time.

"It is a great pity, Friday's forecast was always ugly and unfortunately it has come to fruition. It's a fantastic shame for everybody."

Mickelson and Johnson started the event earlier this morning with the home European support in full voice despite the dreadful conditions.

Johnson had the honour of hitting the first shot, the 26-year-old rookie seemingly feeling the pressure as he sliced his drive.

Mickelson and Johnson soon found themselves behind, with Westwood carding a birdie at the second while the English world number three produced a wonderful bunker shot at the fourth to increase the advantage to two.

Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell are one up after four holes in what is shaping up to be a fierce contest against 2009 Open champion Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar.

A par at the first was enough for the Europeans to take the lead only for Cink to respond with a monster putt at the third which squared the match.

However, a bogey for Cink at the fourth handed the advantage back to the Europeans.

Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher are leading world number one Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker after three holes.

The Europeans won the first hole while a Woods birdie at the second squared the match before Poulter nailed a 30ft putt at the third to go one up.

Rookies Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton are providing one bright spot for the United States as they are two up on Luke Donald and Padraig Harrington after two holes.

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Sousa and Leicester part company

Sousa has won just one game as Leicester manager

Paulo Sousa has parted company with Leicester City after less than three months in charge.

Coach Chris Powell and goalkeeping coach Mike Stowell will take temporary charge for Saturday's match with Scunthorpe at the Walkers Stadium.

Sousa joined Leicester in July after taking Swansea to the brink of the Championship play-offs last season.

But the Foxes are currently bottom of the Championship with only one win from their first eight matches this season.

His final game in charge was Leicester's 4-3 defeat at Norwich on Tuesday night.

A statement of the Leicester City website said: "The decision has been taken as a result of the club's poor run of results this season.

606: DEBATE This is the problem with football these days no patience to allow a new manager to settle in DruDrutheRam

"The club would like to state that Paulo Sousa is a first-class individual, but that this decision has been taken in the best interests of the club and our ambitions are to move up the Championship.

"The search for a new manager begins immediately and club anticipates a quick appointment."

Leicester chairman Milan Mandaric had backed Sousa before Tuesday night's defeat saying he would give the manager "a chance to turn things around".

Following that defeat, Sousa remained defiant stating "I am more positive than ever because I feel the right attitude and spirit".

But the Foxes are rooted to the bottom of the Championship table with just five points from their first nine matches.

I have had a lot of contact with clubs in the last week, that's normal, but I won't comment on this story Sven-Goran Eriksson

Sousa led Swansea to a seventh-placed finished in the Championship last season, missing out on the play-offs by a single point.

He took over at Leicester from Nigel Pearson in July, who left his post to manage relegated Hull City.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has been linked with the now vacant post at the Walkers Stadium, but he refused asked to comment when asked by the BBC.

The former Notts County director of football said: "I have had a lot of contact with clubs in the last week, that's normal, but I won't comment on this story."

Paulo Sousa's last game in charge of Leicester City

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Wozniacki edges into Toyko final

Wozniacki showed admirable resolve to battle past Azarenka in Tokyo

Caroline Wozniacki took a step closer to usurping Serena Williams as the new world number one after reaching the final of the Pan Pacific Open.

The Dane could take the top ranking if she lifts the trophy and reaches the last four in next week's China Open.

The top seed had to dig deep in Tokyo, though, holding off Belarussian Victoria Azarenka 6-2 6-7 (3-7) 6-4.

Wozniacki will face Elena Dementieva in Sunday's final after the Russian beat Italian Francesca Schiavone 6-4 7-5.

American Williams was forced out of the events in Tokyo and China after failing to recover fully from a foot injury.

And that has created a window of opportunity for Wozniacki, who endured a hard-fought battle to overcome eighth seed Azarenka, despite a comfortable first set.

After letting the second set slip on a tie-break - despite Azarenka failing to close out the set on serve thanks to a double fault - Wozniacki then allowed her Belarussian opponent to recover from 5-0 down to 5-4 in the final set before closing out victory.

606: DEBATE Discuss all the latest news from the ATP and WTA tours...

"At 5-0 in the final set I felt really good, I thought the match was mine," Wozniacki said. "Then Victoria started playing well and all of a sudden the score is 5-4 and I knew I had to close it out with my serve.

"The third set was really tough. It was like a new match, a new game."

Both players struggled on serve, with Azarenka conceding 12 double faults, including the one that allowed Wozniacki to level the second set 6-6.

"I may have come back from 5-1 or 5-2 before, but never 5-love," said the Belarussian. "I lost my concentration but it's hard to keep your concentration for that long."

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Bale set for greatness - Redknapp

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Redknapp tips Bale for greatness

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp says Gareth Bale is not for sale and he believes the 21-year-old can become the best left-sided player in the world.

Bale has been in fine form this season and has forged a formidable partnership with left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto.

"Ashley Cole is the best left-back in the world at the moment, but Gareth Bale is a young player who is going to be as good as anyone," said Redknapp.

"Left-back or left-sided, he's got everything to be a great player."

Wales international Bale joined Tottenham from Southampton in 2007 but initially struggled to get into the first team.

606: DEBATE Have your say on Bale's form

The Cardiff-born star went 24 Premier League games without winning a game for Tottenham but soon moved from left-back to left-wing as his fortunes turned at White Hart Lane.

Bale's revival coincided with Tottenham's as they secured a top-four finish last term and Champions League football for this season.

And Bale scored in Tottenham's 4-1 Champions League victory over FC Twente on Tuesday, adding to his growing reputation as one of Europe's most feared wingers.

His form has led Redknapp to slap a 'not for sale' sign on Bale's head, with the Spurs boss determined to keep hold of one of his star assets.

"No-one's rung me about Gareth Bale, but we won't be selling Gareth," Redknapp told BBC Sport.

"We are building something at Tottenham, we want to establish ourselves and be right up there every season challenging for Champions League football and trophies.

Redknapp added: "He needs to stay with Tottenham and develop.

"He's gone from a lad who couldn't get in the team and then when he could, through no fault of his own, he had a horrendous record of not winning in the Premier League for 24 games, which played on his mind and played on my mind and everyone associated with the club."

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Title 'completely open' - Button

Button says he is still in the thick of the title race

Reigning world champion Jenson Button says he thinks the title race is still wide open, despite lying fifth in the standings with four races left.

The next race is in Japan, where McLaren driver Button has never won a race, but he said he felt confident.

"Obviously there's no room for mistakes but any of the top five drivers could easily steal the title," he said.

"It might seem a disadvantage to be behind in the standings but make no mistake, I know I can win this title."

With four races left in the season, Button has 177 points, 25 fewer than championship leader, Red Bull driver Mark Webber.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso is second, with McLaren's Lewis Hamilton third and Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel fourth, four points ahead of Button.

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Friday's F1 gossip column

BBC Sport brings you a regular round-up of the gossip in newspapers and on specialist websites around the world.

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Mercedes team chief Ross Brawn has ruled himself out of the running to be the next head of the Formula One Teams' Association.
Full story: Autosport

Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson has confirmed he will continue to back the Virgin Racing team next year and is prepared to have less branding on the car to allow other sponsors to get involved.
Full story: Autosport

McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton says it no longer feels special beating seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, who has returned to racing this season with Mercedes. "In the beginning I was very excited about his comeback but now it's not the same because he is mostly racing behind me," he said.
Full story: espnf1.com

South Korean tyre manufacturer Kumho, who supply Formula 3, say they want to become F1's tyre supplier in the future.
Full story: espnf1.com

The FIA is to set up an academy to train young drivers, with former F1 driver Alexander Wurz one of the instructors.
Full story: jamesallenonf1.com

Red Bull duo Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel say they expect their car to be extremely competitive at the next Grand Prix in Japan. "The momentum is currently with Ferrari going into the race, as they have had two victories on the bounce, but the points situation is still very open," said Webber.
Full story: Autosport

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Manchester City reveal �121m loss

Sheikh Mansour of Abu Dhabi (centre) is Manchester City's wealthy owner

Manchester City have announced losses of £121m for the 12 months leading up to 31 May this year, having spent more on wages than their entire turnover.

The financial losses, up from £92.5m for the previous year, represent one of the heaviest in Premier League history.

Wage costs of £133m exceeded a turnover of £125m, which in the vast majority of businesses would be unsustainable.

But City are owned by wealthy Sheikh Mansour of Abu Dhabi, who wants to see the club competing at the very top.

He has spent more than £300m on players since buying City - who have not won a trophy for 34 years - from the former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in late 2008.

World-renowned stars such as Carlos Tevez, James Milner, David Silva and Yaya Toure have joined the club on big weekly wages as Roberto Mancini's squad bid to break into the top four of the Premier League, having just missed out in fifth place last season.

"Two years ago I was fortunate enough to become part of the Manchester City story and I remain grateful for the warmth of the welcome that you have given me," Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan said in a letter posted on the club's official website.

"The ownership of a club like Manchester City, with such a rich heritage and diverse community of stakeholders, carries a unique set of obligations to the fans, staff and broader Manchester community.

"This is something I do not take lightly.

"Therefore the challenge I set my board and executive leadership team is to develop City so that it is one of the most successful clubs both on and off the pitch, but to do so without losing any of the characteristics that make it so special."

The highest financial Premier League loss was Chelsea's in 2004-2005, with the London club losing £141m at the end of the first full year following the takeover by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.

Though City's wage bill rose from £83m to £133m following Sheikh Mansour's first full year of ownership, the club has appointed a further 106 non-playing staff during the period in question.

It also increased earnings from £87m in 2008-2009 to £125m.

As with Chelsea, Manchester City have stressed that they intend for their business to eventually become far more financially sustainable.

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Cycling boss silent over Contador

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Contador blames food contamination

The head of cycling's world governing body has refused to comment on the suspension of three-time Tour de France champion Alberto Contador.

The Spaniard was provisionally banned on Thursday after testing positive for the banned drug clenbuterol.

Contador, 27, claims he is the victim of contaminated food from Spain.

Cycling chief Pat McQuaid said he was "completely limited" in what he could say about Contador's suspension and was therefore "saying nothing".

A World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited lab in Cologne, Germany, found a "very small concentration" of clenbuterol in Contador's urine sample provided during the Tour on 21 July.

Both Contador's A and B samples tested positive but a statement from the International Cycling Union (UCI) said the case required further scientific investigation before any conclusion could be drawn.

The amount of the muscle-building and fat-burning drug was 400 times less than the 50 picogram benchmark measurement that anti-doping laboratories accredited by Wada must be able to detect.

If people are cheating and getting caught, that's a good thing Road race world champion Cadel Evans

McQuaid said he had every confidence in the investigative process.

"It's an independent process," he said after attending the UCI Congress meeting in a Melbourne hotel. "The UCI are working closely with WADA and we wait until we get to the process."

Within hours of Contador's case becoming public, the UCI announced that two other Spanish riders failed drug tests during the Spanish Vuelta in September - runner-up Ezequiel Mosquera and David Garcia. The UCI said both tested positive for hydroxyethyl starch, which increases blood volume.

When asked whether a rash of positive tests was a reflection of the effectiveness of the UCI anti-doping regime, McQuaid said "the system works."

Meanwhile, road race world champion Cadel Evans said he wanted to find out more about Contador's case before commenting on the Spaniard's situation.

"I just read some little things in the paper, I don't really know what the situation is," said Evans. "If people are cheating and getting caught, that's a good thing. But if people want to exaggerate the stories and claim cycling is a filthy sport, that's not such a good thing.

"I don't know exactly what the situation is there, they're still waiting on further analysis."

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Pedrosa suffers broken collarbone

Japanese MotoGP, Motegi
Date: 2-3 October

Saturday 2 October: Qualifying, 0450-0800, BBC Red Button/online
Sunday 3 October: 125cc & Moto2, 0350-0600, BBC Red Button/online, MotoGP 0640-0800, BBC Two/online. MotoGP repeat, 2350-0110, BBC Two/online

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Pedrosa (foreground) was the only serious challenger to Lorenzo

Dani Pedrosa has broken his collarbone after a crash in practice for Sunday's Japanese MotoGP, all but handing the world title to Jorge Lorenzo.

The Repsol Honda rider suffered a multiple fracture of his left collarbone six minutes into practice at Motegi, his team's home circuit.

He is likely to miss three races which take place over consecutive weekends.

With him being Lorenzo's only serious title rival, that means the Fiat Yamaha rider has almost won the title already.

Pedrosa, 25, crashed after just two laps and was seen limping away from his bike.

"He is receiving treatment at the medical room inside the circuit," said a team spokesman.

Lorenzo leads the championship race by 56 points, with five races remaining.

He has been by far the most consistent rider in the competition, failing to finish on the podium in just one race so far this season.

But he has also benefitted from a broken leg sidelining team-mate Valentino Rossi and ending his world title chances, and now Pedrosa's misfortune too.

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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea may take advantage of stalled contract talks between Philippe Mexes and Roma to try and land the French defender on a free transfer.
Full story: Daily Mail

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson may try to tempt Manchester United striker Michael Owen into a return to Anfield as he looks to increase the Reds' attacking options.
Full story: caughtoffside.com

Wigan attacker Charles N'Zogbia still has his heart set on a move away from the DW Stadium and has hinted that Marseille could come in for him in January.
Full story: Daily Mail

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp may test Manchester City's resolve to hang on to striker Emmanuel Adebayor in the January transfer window.
Full story: caughtoffside.com

Spurs boss Redknapp has also warned Real Madrid off his left-sided Welsh star Gareth Bale.
Full story: The Sun

Valencia and Portugal defender Miguel has admitted he is interested in playing for Liverpool to link up with international team-mate Raul Meireles at Anfield.
Full story: talkSPORT

Bristol City are interested in bringing Ajax midfielder Evander Sno, who recently suffered a suspected heart attack, back to Ashton Gate, with a loan move until January a possibility.
Full story: talkSPORT

Arsenal's French striker Gilles Sunu could be in line for a loan move back to Derby after recovering from a cartilage problem picked up in pre-season.
Full story: talkSPORT

Arsenal are also weighing up a £3m move for Tromso midfielder Kara Mbodj after he impressed chief scout Steve Rowley.
Full story: Daily Mail

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, who is suffering from an ankle injury, is willing to stand up to manager Sir Alex Ferguson if he attempts to hold him back from joining up with England for the European Championship qualifier against Montenegro on 12 October. Arsenal playmaker Jack Wilshere could also be called up.
Full story: Daily Mail

In the expected absences of Jermain Defoe and Bobby Zamora, Newcastle striker Andy Carroll is poised for an England senior call by Fabio Capello on Monday after being left out of the Under-21 squad for the European Championship play-off.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Chelsea's Russian owner Roman Abramovich has told his players that he expects them to win both the Champions League and the Premier League this season.
Full story: The Sun

West Ham joint owner David Gold says he is confident his club will win their bid to move into the Olympic Stadium after London 2012.
Full story: talkSPORT

AND FINALLY

After returning from injury, Wolves midfielder Stephen Hunt is working so hard in training he does not know what day it is.
Full story: The Sun

France coach Laurent Blanc forgot to name two players for the forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers against Romania and Luxembourg, failing to mention that Arsenal's Samir Nasri and Real Madrid's Lassana Diarra were in his squad.
Full story: The Sun

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez was involved in a stand-off with an angry farmer in a tractor at the club's training ground which nearly left him stuck in a ditch.
Full story: Daily Mirror

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Tottenham keen on Olympic Stadium

Tottenham have registered an interest in taking over the London 2012 Olympic Stadium, the club have announced.

More to follow.

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Robertson to carry England flag

Flag bearer Robertson with Team England chef de mission Craig Hunter

Badminton player Nathan Robertson will carry the England flag at Sunday's Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.

Robertson, from Nottingham, won the mixed doubles in Melbourne in 2006 with Gail Emms, who has since retired, and is now partnered by Jenny Wallwork.

Northern Ireland's flag-bearer will be wrestler Mark Montgomery, who competed in judo in 2002 and 2006.

Swimmer David Davies is tipped to carry the Wales flag while Scotland reveal their flag-bearer later on Friday.

Athletes vote on who should carry their flag.

Montgomery, 36, finished fifth in judo at the Manchester Commonwealth Games eight years ago and was persuaded to switch sports in 2008.

He won British Championship bronze in the 96kg category in June and, when not training, runs a day nursery with his wife.

"The Commonwealth Games is the only multi-sport event which Northern Ireland can be represented in and to be selected for flagbearer is the biggest sporting honour that anyone could have," said Montgomery.

"It will be crazy to walk out into the stadium, which is now sold out for the opening ceremony.

"There is a great atmosphere in Team Northern Ireland and to walk out in front of them will be the highlight of my sporting career so far."

Robertson is appearing in his fourth Commonwealth Games for England and has seven medals, including team gold in 2002.

Welshman Davies is the defending 1500m freestyle champion but has struggled for form this year and has recently relocated to Cardiff to rejoin former coach Dave Haller.

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Live text - Ryder Cup 2010

MAJOR INCIDENTS (all times BST)

BBC leaderboard / rydercup.com leaderboard

To get involved use Twitter, 606 or text us on 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666 (worldwide) with GOLF before your message. (Not all contributions can be used. Messages will be charged at your standard operator rate.)

By Mark Ashenden

0746: A lot of thick coats in the galleries. The brollies have been tucked away for now. Plenty of hats. Plenty of big smiles though. Westwood and Kaymer get a huge cheer. Monty looks on apprehensively as he chews his lips. I hope the big Scot had breakfast this morning..... let's play golf.

0744: We're almost there. Huge roars for the players. Loads of comments so far by you. When things have settled a bit, I'll get as many up on the website as possible. Here we go..........

0740: Two minutes to go. 15 years ago Colin Montgomerie was playing on the first tee alongside Nick Faldo at Oak Hill. Faldo tells Monty he's playing the first shot. Monty: "Suddenly it became clear an achievement just to stand up." Phenomenal. We can all play that first shot on a pitch and putt with just a couple of mates watching. But with thousands watching within 10 feet, millions on TV and the hopes and expectations of a whole continent resting on your shoulders....massive. And here are the four players with that responsibility. Westwood and Kaymer up against Mickelson and Johnson. Will they stay stood up? Massive. Give me your thoughts NOW.

0738: I want to hear from you beautiful people. Anybody in Wales? Anybody made it into the office for an early one? Any Americans out there nervously chewing your bagels? Tweet me @bbcsport_mark, text me on 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666 (worldwide) with GOLF before your message, or join the banter on 606.

Ian Poulter on Twitter: "Having breakfast in the team room with Westwood, great sleep last night ready for the best of day of golf ever. Feel the energy"
This was obviously a little while ago. If Westwood's still chomping on his Welsh bacon and six fried eggs then Europe are in trouble.

0734: As daylight blesses the Celtic Manor course, here's Lee Westwood for a few words ahead of his match: "It's typical October weather in Britain. We're used to it! We've just got to get on with it. It will be very special"

0732: A few details on how you can get involved in a bit because I want all your opinions and predictions but a quick look at who's going to be clogging one down the first fairway in 13 minutes. Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer vs Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson. Monty said yesterday it was crucial to get the momentum going in the morning - for the Europeans that is. Huge pressure on these boys. All four of them. They go off at 0745. There are four four-balls this morning.

0724: First things first. No, not nibble on my cream bun and slurp my first coffee of the day. There's talk of the 'preferred lie' rule at Celtic Manor. The water has been falling out of those Welsh clouds by the barrel load and to put it bluntly - the course is damp, puddly if you like. A decision on it shortly. The rule basically means you can move your ball if it's in a rubbish spot. More details in a sec...

0719: So many things to talk about it. So much history. So much of everything. Any ideas where to start? I'm pumped. I hope you are too.

0711: It's wet. It's windy. And it's the Ryder Cup. It's only the bloomin' Ryder Cup. Wake up folks. The waiting is over....

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Games chief stands by Delhi hosts

Fennell has been forced to defend awarding the Games to Delhi

Commonwealth Games chief Mike Fennell insists he has no regrets over awarding the 2010 event to Delhi despite a rush to finish venues and security concerns.

"We have to take these journeys or you will confine these events to just a few countries," Fennell told BBC Sport.

"You can't have the largest Commonwealth country make an acceptable offer and then not accept it."

The Games, which open on Sunday, have been hit by athlete withdrawals and criticism of the athletes' village.

Several teams had suggested that the standard of accommodation provided might cause the Games to be cancelled or postponed.

The collapse of a footbridge close to the main stadium and of the weightlifting venue roof increased concerns over construction standards.

But Fennell insisted the Commonwealth Games Federation had to allow local officials freedom to deliver the event in their own way.

"You entrust the organisation to an organising committee and that organising committee has to get on with the job," he said.

606: DEBATE It has transformed into an ordeal which I fear may end up marring the image of a nation asif islam

"You cannot sit on top of them every day. You have to applaud their efforts but the management and systematic follow through was just not there.

"I have to say that in many countries, not just India, they do resist outsiders telling them what to do and what pace to do it at.

"People here have been very cooperative but they have their own style."

The build-up to the event has not been helped by the withdrawal of several high-profile athletes.

Jamaican 100m world record holder Usain Bolt, along with sprint rival and countryman Asafa Powell, had already been ruled out through injury.

But English triple-jumper Phillips Idowu and Scottish tennis player Elena Baltacha withdrew through fears for their safety and health respectively.

South African 800m world champion Caster Semenya and Kenya's 800m world record holder David Rudisha will also be absent.

This edition is only the third time in 19 Games that the event has been held outside of the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.

It will be held in Glasgow in 2014 after the Scottish city defeated Abuja in Nigeria in the CGF's selection process.

Fennell described the work done by Glasgow as "very, very good".

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Hodgson defends misfiring Torres

Torres' subdued start to the season continued in Utrecht

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson backed misfiring striker Fernando Torres and urged fans to be patient after the 0-0 draw at Utrecht in the Europa League.

The Spain international, 26, missed an excellent second-half chance to win the game for the lacklustre Reds.

Hodgson said: "We know he can do more, we expect more, he expects more.

"But it's early in the season and we've got to be patient. You can't fault his work-rate at the moment, he's just after that elusive goal."

Liverpool were dominated by the home side for long periods of the game and their clean sheet owed much to saves from goalkeeper Pepe Reina as well as a goal-line clearance from Raul Meireles.

But Hodgson was satisfied to come away from the Stadion Galgenwaard with a point, especially as Utrecht are unbeaten there this season - and the result also keeps Liverpool at the top of Group K.

"I thought it was a good point," said Hodgson. "We knew it was going to be a tough game.

"It wasn't a dull 0-0. Utrecht did well. Utrecht were very committed. We saw a good team. They came into this game with enormous confidence. We will take a good point back to Liverpool."

Liverpool have now gone four matches without a victory in all competitions but Hodgson is calling for patience.

He added: "I think people are piling expectations on the club which are unrealistic anyway, so the last thing I am going to do is pile on even further unrealistic expectations.

"If you're not satisfied with being top of the group, you're never going to be satisfied. We have a good home win against Steaua Bucharest and a good draw here in Utrecht.

"Fernando [Torres] is still battling to find his very best form, Dirk Kuyt is coming back from his shoulder injury, but I was very satisfied with everyone's performance tonight. Unfortunately the one or two problems we did get into we created ourselves with individual errors."

606: DEBATE Our style of play is terrible and doesn't suit Liverpool. When would some fans and Roy learn this? It's fairly clear that only mid table teams play so deep, not even against United or a tough team. Honestlivpool

Utrecht had described this game as the biggest in the club's history, and the result obviously meant a lot to their players who applauded all four sides of their ground at the final whistle.

And coach Ton du Chatinier hinted that he felt his side had the better of things in the match.

He said: "We thought they would be stronger. They had a lot of the ball in midfield but we saw in the second half against Manchester United they have problems when they play against attackers.

"We had four or five good chances but Fernando Torres had one and could have killed the game if he had scored."

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Man City fight back to hold Juventus

Man City   1 - 1   Juventus

Johnson's strike was only his second since joining City in January

By David Ornstein

Manchester City came from behind to secure a hard-fought draw with Juventus in an entertaining Europa League Group A encounter at Eastlands.

The Italian giants dominated the early stages and Vincenzo Iaquinta opened the scoring with a drive from distance.

But City battled back and after Gareth Barry's header hit a post, Adam Johnson met Yaya Toure's pass to slot home.

Barry shot over and Alessandro del Piero hit a free-kick against the bar, but neither side could find a winner.

The result was probably a fair reflection of proceedings and it puts City level with Lech Poznan, who beat Salzburg 2-0 to move top of the group by virtue of goals scored, on four points.

Juve are two points further back and will now turn their attention to Sunday's eagerly-anticipated Serie A meeting with champions Inter Milan at the San Siro.

For City, the focus switches to Saturday's lunchtime kick-off against Newcastle in the Premier League and they will hope to pick up where they left off against champions Chelsea last weekend.

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on Manchester City's draw with Juventus at Eastlands

The hosts arrived high on confidence following that victory and despite making four changes to their starting XI, boss Roberto Mancini still managed to send out a team a worth £132m.

Emmanuel Adebayor was handed a rare opportunity to partner Carlos Tevez in attack, while Patrick Vieira lined up against his former club, Johnson occupied the right wing and summer signing Jerome Boateng got his first City start.

Mancini, a boyhood Juve fan, admitted the alterations were made with half an eye on Newcastle and they seemed to disrupt his side, who got off to disjointed start.

There seemed a lethargy about their passing and possession was relinquished too easily. The visitors, by contrast, looked hungry and sharp on and off the ball, harrying their opponents into mistakes and getting forward en masse.

Only three minutes were on the clock when Iaquinta saw a near-post drive saved by Joe Hart after Mohamed Sissoko robbed Gareth Barry in midfield and, soon after, Hart did well to repel a long-range free-kick by Del Piero.

Italy striker Iaquinta struck early for his third goal of the season

Juventus boss Luigi del Neri made five alterations to the side that beat Cagliari on Sunday but they settled into a tidy rhythm and deservedly took the lead when Claudio Marchisio found Iaquinta and the Italian forward rifled in a 30-yard strike that Hart might have kept out.

The momentum was with the two-time European champions and City were reduced to speculative efforts - Tevez, Vieira, Johnson and Boateng all sending shots from distance way off target - while the impressive Milos Krasic had a decent penalty appeal rejected.

Mancini was becoming increasingly agitated on the touchline and his players eventually responded, with a tireless Tevez at the forefront of their resurgence.

Juventus seemed to be sitting on their lead - wide men Krasic and Jorge Martinez no longer making the runs which epitomised their team's early progress - and City capitalised.

They were almost on level terms when Barry glanced a Tevez cross on to the post and Johnson's follow-up was smothered by former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger.

Moments later City's pressure told as Yaya Toure dissected the Juve defence with a delicious slide-rule pass, which Johnson ran on to before easily beating Manninger.

Mancini's men carried their momentum into the second half but struggled to break down a defence featuring Italy international centre-backs Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci.

Barry hooked a shot over the bar and Tevez crossed for a disappointing Adebayor to head well wide, while at the other end Del Piero flashed a set-piece narrowly off target with Hart at full stretch.

A lull ensued as substitutes arrived and both sides seemed content with their point, although there was a late flurry of activity as another Del Piero free-kick rattled the bar and bounced on - but not over - the goal line.

Grateful for the let-off, City then pushed for a winner and Tevez and David Silva both came close to breaching the Juve backline - but the Italians held firm.

Live text and stats

 

Thursday, 30 September 2010

Europa League

Home Team	Score	Away Team	Time
Man City	1-1	Juventus	FT
(HT 1-1)
A Johnson 37		Iaquinta 10

Man City

• 25 Hart
• 04 Kompany
• 05 Zabaleta (Boyata 46)
• 17 Boateng (Milner 84)
• 28 Kolo Toure
• 11 A Johnson
• 18 Barry yellow card
• 24 Vieira
• 42 Yaya Toure
• 09 Adebayor (Silva 73)
• 32 Tevez

Substitutes

• 01 Given,
• 19 Lescott,
• 38 Boyata,
• 07 Milner,
• 21 Silva,
• 34 De Jong,
• 27 Jo

Juventus

• 13 Manninger
• 03 Chiellini
• 19 Bonucci
• 21 Grygera yellow card
• 29 De Ceglie (Motta 72)
• 05 Sissoko
• 08 Marchisio
• 25 Martinez (Pepe 54)
• 27 Krasic yellow card (Felipe Melo 75)
• 09 Iaquinta
• 10 Del Piero

Substitutes

• 30 Storari,
• 02 Motta,
• 33 Legrottaglie,
• 04 Felipe Melo,
• 20 Lanzafame,
• 23 Pepe,
• 41 Nicolo Giannetti

Ref: Iturralde GonzalezAtt: 35,212

MAN CITY

JUVENTUS

Possession

• Man City 49%
• Juventus 51%

Attempts on target

• Man City 3
• Juventus 5

Attempts off target

• Man City 10
• Juventus 4

Corners

• Man City 5
• Juventus 2

Fouls

• Man City 11
• Juventus 3

• Final Result
• Full Time
• 90:00+3:07 The match has reached full-time.
• 90:00+2:10 The referee penalises Carlos Tevez for handball. Alex Manninger takes the indirect free kick.
• 90:00+1:03 Mohamed Sissoko has an effort at goal from outside the penalty box missing to the wide right of the target.
• 87:33 Outswinging corner taken by Adam Johnson, Vincenzo Iaquinta manages to make a clearance.
• 84:59 Gareth Barry challenges Vincenzo Iaquinta unfairly and gives away a free kick. Shot comes in from Alessandro Del Piero from the free kick,
• 83:20 Substitution James Milner on for Jerome Boateng.
• 75:00 Substitution Milos Krasic goes off and De Carvalho Felipe Melo comes on.
• 74:23 Zdenek Grygera gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Adam Johnson. Dedryk Boyata takes the free kick.
• 73:47 Booking Zdenek Grygera goes into the referee's book for unsporting behaviour.
• 72:41 Substitution David Silva replaces Emmanuel Adebayor.
• 70:57 Substitution Paolo De Ceglie goes off and Marco Motta comes on.
• 70:02 Free kick awarded for a foul by Carlos Tevez on Leonardo Bonucci. Leonardo Bonucci restarts play with the free kick.
• 69:34 Free kick awarded for a foul by Vincent Kompany on Vincenzo Iaquinta. Zdenek Grygera restarts play with the free kick.
• 66:43 Header from close range by Emmanuel Adebayor misses to the right of the goal.
• 64:55 Kolo Toure gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Alessandro Del Piero. Alessandro Del Piero has an effort direct from the free kick.
• 63:54 Effort on goal by Gareth Barry from just inside the box goes harmlessly over the target.
• 62:22 Alessandro Del Piero restarts play with the free kick.
• 62:22 Booking The referee shows Gareth Barry a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.
• 62:12 Foul by Gareth Barry on Mohamed Sissoko, free kick awarded.
• 56:46 Adam Johnson takes a shot. Save by Alex Manninger.
• 54:53 Outswinging corner taken by Alessandro Del Piero from the right by-line, Header by Giorgio Chiellini from deep inside the penalty area misses to the left of the target.
• 53:10 Substitution Simone Pepe joins the action as a substitute, replacing Jorge Martinez.
• 51:47 The assistant referee signals for offside against Emmanuel Adebayor. Alex Manninger takes the free kick.
• 47:30 Milos Krasic produces a cross, save made by Joe Hart.
• 45:47 Alessandro Del Piero takes a shot. Save by Joe Hart.
• 45:01 The game restarts for the second half.
• 45:01 Substitution Dedryk Boyata joins the action as a substitute, replacing Pablo Zabaleta.
• Half Time
• 45:00+1:03 The whistle is blown to end the first half.
• 44:43 Claudio Marchisio takes a shot. Joe Hart makes a save.
• 42:18 Inswinging corner taken by Alessandro Del Piero from the left by-line, save by Joe Hart.
• 41:20 Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Adam Johnson.
• 39:49 Booking The referee books Milos Krasic for unsporting behaviour.
• 37:34 Pablo Zabaleta takes a shot. Alex Manninger makes a save.
• 36:08 Gnegneri Toure Yaya provided the assist for the goal.
• 36:08 GOAL - Adam Johnson:Man City 1 - 1 Juventus Adam Johnson scores a goal from inside the area low into the middle of the goal. Man City 1-1 Juventus.
• 33:09 Headed effort from close in by Gareth Barry bounces off the post. Adam Johnson takes a shot. Save by Joe Hart. Inswinging corner taken by Adam Johnson, Leonardo Bonucci manages to make a clearance. The referee blows for offside against Carlos Tevez. Free kick taken by Alex Manninger.
• 31:11 Unfair challenge on Carlos Tevez by Zdenek Grygera results in a free kick. Carlos Tevez takes the free kick.
• 29:46 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Milos Krasic by Pablo Zabaleta. Free kick taken by Alessandro Del Piero.
• 28:46 Shot from outside the box by Jerome Boateng goes wide right of the target.
• 25:56 Shot from just outside the box by Adam Johnson goes over the bar.
• 24:42 Claudio Marchisio fouled by Patrick Vieira, the ref awards a free kick. Alessandro Del Piero restarts play with the free kick.
• 21:03 Shot from outside the penalty box by Patrick Vieira goes wide right of the goal.
• 20:26 Emmanuel Adebayor is adjudged to have handled the ball. Indirect free kick taken by Claudio Marchisio.
• Correction - 18:38 Carlos Tevez produces a right-footed shot from deep inside the penalty area which goes wide of the right-hand post.
• 18:38 Carlos Tevez produces a right-footed shot from the edge of the box and misses to the right of the goal.
• 16:18 Free kick awarded for a foul by Gnegneri Toure Yaya on Paolo De Ceglie. Giorgio Chiellini restarts play with the free kick.
• 11:30 Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Adam Johnson from the right by-line, Patrick Vieira takes a shot. Unfair challenge on Alex Manninger by Gnegneri Toure Yaya results in a free kick. Alex Manninger takes the free kick. Inswinging corner taken by Adam Johnson.
• 9:56 GOAL - Vincenzo Iaquinta:Man City 0 - 1 Juventus A goal is scored by Vincenzo Iaquinta from outside the penalty box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Man City 0-1 Juventus.
• 5:37 Free kick awarded for a foul by Vincent Kompany on Vincenzo Iaquinta. Alessandro Del Piero produces a shot on goal direct from the free kick, Joe Hart makes a save.
• 3:35 Gnegneri Toure Yaya concedes a free kick for a foul on Jorge Martinez. Alessandro Del Piero takes the free kick.
• 3:02 Vincenzo Iaquinta takes a shot. Save by Joe Hart.
• 0:14 Paolo De Ceglie challenges Adam Johnson unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Jerome Boateng. Jerome Boateng takes a shot.
• 0:00 The match gets underway.

---

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.

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Vuelta runner-up fails drugs test

Mosquera said he took a legal serum during stage 15 of the race

The runner-up in the 2010 Tour of Spain has failed a drugs test.

Ezequiel Mosquera and his Xacobeo team-mate David Garcia Da Pena both tested positive for banned substance hydroxyethyl starch during the Vuelta.

Hydroxyethyl starch is a plasma substitute that increases blood volume, boosting oxygen delivery to the body.

The news comes on the day it was revealed that Tour de France champion Alberto Contador has tested positive for banned drug clenbutrerol.

"It will be a minor punishment or a warning," said Mosquera, who could face a two-year ban from the sport.

"We will have to try to clear up the issue in the next few days. My conscience is clear. I don't feel guilty."

Juan Campos, agent to both Mosquera and Garcia De Pena, added that Mosquera claims he took "a serum that as of now is not banned" by the UCI on stage 15 of the Tour of Spain, an individual time trial, on 15 September

The samples of Mosquera and Garcia Da Pena were tested at a World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) accredited laboratory in Cologne.

The positive tests were revealed by the International Cycling Union (UCI) on Thursday and Campos said his clients had yet to be officially informed.

Mosquera finished second behind Italian Vincenzo Nibali in La Vuelta earlier this month.

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Blues 22-6 Connacht

Blues (16) 22
Tries: Laulala Cons: Parks Pens: Parks (3), Halfpenny DG: Parks
Connacht (3) 6
Pens: Keatley (2)

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Laulala's moment of skill earned him the man-of-the-match award

Casey Laulala scored the only try as the Blues battled to a win over always-competitive Connacht in Cardiff.

Ian Keatley kicked the visitors ahead, but Dan Parks replied with 14 points from the boot to supplement Laulala's 31st-minute glide through the defence.

With wing Fionn Carr always threatening, there were thoughts of a shock comeback by the Irish side.

But a 51m Leigh Halfpenny kick sealed victory in a scrappy game, the Blues going top of the Magners League table .

It was the 12th win in 13 games for the Welsh side, who open their Heineken Cup campaign against Edinburgh at Cardiff City Stadium on 9 October.

Vintage Blues on Sunday's Scrum V

In-form Connacht - whose only defeat this season was a late 35-33 loss at the Scarlets in round two of the league - started well in front of the 11,000 crowd, Carr looking particularly dangerous with two scintillating breaks.

Fly-half Keatley opened the scoring with a penalty that was soon cancelled out by Blues opposite number Parks.

The Scotland international then calmed home nerves, taking his side clear with a second penalty followed by a drop-goal.

The Blues' creative inspiration Laulala then received the ball just outside the Connacht 22 and ripped their defence apart with a sublime piece of skill.

The former New Zealand All Black dummied a pass to Ben Blair, then stepped sweetly between the flailing Keatley and Niva Ta'auso to slide in under the posts for a converted try.

Connacht mounted a sustained assault on the Blues line as the first half drew to a close, Carr again to the fore, but a knock on left the home side's 16-3 lead intact at the break.

Keatley landed his second penalty to reduce the deficit at the start of the second period, before fine defensive work from Gavin Duffy denied Chris Czekaj a try after a break-out from his own half, sparked by Blair.

Keatley blew a straightforward penalty chance as the game Irish side continued to press.

But any fears felt by the home fans disappeared as Parks landed another kick then Halfpenny booted a long-range penalty from just inside his own half.

The Blues have now won all eight of their games against Connacht, who have just one win from their last 23 visits to Wales.

"We have to give Connacht credit but we caused ourselves problems with our lack of accuracy, especially at the set piece," said Blues coach Dai Young.

"A bit of magic and Dan Parks' boot made the difference.

"It's a win but it shows how far we've come that we can really play poorly and win.

"It's a disappointed dressing room but we know we have to improve for the Heineken Cup, Edinburgh will be rubbing their hands watching that."

Laulala added: "We're doing something right - we're not playing great rugby but we're winning."

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Cardiff Blues: Blair, Halfpenny, Laulala, Hewitt, Czekaj, Parks, Cooper, Yapp, R. Williams, Filise, B. Davies, Jones, Paterson, Warburton, Rush.
Replacements: Sweeney for Laulala (75), Shanklin for Hewitt (37), Baller for Cooper (78), Jenkins for Yapp (60), Dacey for R. Williams (71), Andrews for Filise (60), Tito for Jones (60), Pretorius for Paterson (55).

Connacht: Duffy, Nathan, Ta'auso, Matthews, Carr, Keatley, F. Murphy, Wilkinson, Flavin, Hagan, Swift, A. Browne, McCarthy, Ofisa, McComish.
Replacements: Fanning for Nathan (79), Nikora for Matthews (48), Willis for F. Murphy (71), Loughney for Wilkinson (53), D. Murphy for Flavin (78), Sweeney for Hagan (70), Upton for A. Browne (65), O'Connor for McComish (40).

Att: 11,058

Referee: Andy Macpherson (SRU)

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