Sunday, November 1, 2009

Fisher clinches Match Play crown

WORLD MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP, Spain
Venue: Finca Cortesin Golf Club, Casares

Ross Fisher
Fisher played smoothly and confidently throughout Sunday's final

England's Ross Fisher won the World Match Play Championship by defeating Anthony Kim at the Finca Cortesin course in Casares, southern Spain.

He beat the American on the 15th hole of the second round of Sunday's final, winning by a margin of 4&3.

After a pinpoint pitch and short putt had won him the 14th, Fisher drove safely on to the 15th fairway.

Kim was unable to birdie the tough, long par four, and Fisher had the luxury of two putts for victory.

He hit his first putt - from distance - short and left, but confidently nailed the second from five feet, shook hands with Kim and celebrated the victory in muted fashion.

For Fisher, 28, fifth in this year's US Open, it was his third win on the European tour, and by some distance his biggest.

He pocketed £676,000, with Kim having to settle for £405,000.

IAIN CARTER'S BLOG

Fisher's scoring was excellent on Sunday. He played the opening round, in the morning, in a five-under-par 67 for a one-stroke lead - and was six-under for his second round by the time Kim ran out of holes to launch a fightback.

Above all, Fisher outputted his opponent - and a devastating run of birdie, eagle, birdie between the third and fifth holes of the afternoon gave him comfortable breathing space at three-up.

Fisher remained relentlessly ruthless with his putter over the last few holes, giving Kim - who was seven-under for the 33 holes played - little opportunity to put any pressure on him.

The man from Surrey said: "It's been a long, gruelling week. Anthony Kim is a gritty competitor, one of the grittiest around.

"I was happy to get a lead at lunch, and I continued to play really positively. My caddy told me to carry on fighting, and take it one shot at a time. Fortunately the putter finally got a little bit hot."

"This course is very demanding, not only mentally but also physically. All departments of my game were strong: the new driver seems to be going really well, my short game was pretty sharp and there were some shots out there that really paid dividends."

о 5:13 AM 0 коментарі

Live text - Sunday football

GOALFLASHES AND MAJOR INCIDENTS (all times GMT)

606: DEBATE
Your thoughts on the action

To get involved use 606 or text us your views & comments on 81111. (Not all contributions can be used)

By Chris Bevan

1543: Birmingham boss Alex McLeish on recalling goalkeeper Maik Taylor today because Joe Hart, who is on loan from Manchester City, is ineligible to play: "He's in good form and I have no qualms at all about bringing Maik in. I have to make hard decisions on team selection. They are never easy and they are never personal and it is just about how I see things. I am just glad we have two cracking keepers at the club."

From paulmreynolds on Twitter: "I think Vincent Kompany is just the type of player Joleon Lescott needs to play alongside; a leader of men. Lescott to play well today."

1537: One last thing from yesterday... you might have missed Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hurling his jacket to the ground during his side's win in the north London derby with Tottenham at the Emirates? Here's Mr Wenger's explanation why: "I threw my jacket down because I was frustrated, I couldn't communicate with the players because of the noise of the stadium - I am not used to that!"


Your thoughts?

From tom_gilhooleys_spurs on 606: "It's an absolute disgrace that Manchester City boss Mark Hughes continues to leave Stephen Ireland out of the team. Far and away City's best player last season and now warming the bench.

1533: I'm told Manchester City duo Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure have both missed today's game because of ankle injuries. Vincent Kompany will partner Joleon Lescott at the heart of the City defence.

1531: Not many games today, so I need more chat from you - that's only fair, right? So, what are you waiting for... Twit me baby one more time on Twitter, text me via 81111, or drop me a line on 606. Go on, it's not as though you've got anything better to do.

1528: TEAM NEWS Birmingham v Man City
Birmingham goalkeeper Joe Hart is forced to sit the match out as part of the terms of his loan deal from Manchester City. Maik Taylor starts in his place. Other than that, it is the same side that earned a 2-1 victory over Sunderland in Carson Yeung's first home match as Blues chairman last Saturday. Emmanuel Adebayor missed Manchester City's Carling Cup win over Scunthorpe with a back spasm and again misses out at St Andrews. Roque Santa Cruz keeps his place after scoring on Wednesday, Pablo Zabaleta starts ahead of Micah Richards at right-back and Shaun Wright-Phillips is preferred ahead of Martin Petrov in midfield.

From kopite76on 606: "Cardiff v Forest is a great tie, Forest defending well and City one of the best going forward. Cardiff to win today and go top!"

1523: That leaves us with Oldham v Huddersfield in League One (a 1400 GMT kick-off) - where Robbie Williams (he gets everywhere doesn't he?) has just put the Terriers ahead. Then Birmingham v Man City is at 1600 GMT, followed by Cardiff City v Nottingham Forest in the Championship at 1700 GMT. The good news is that if you're in the UK, you will be able to watch that game on this very page - and it's live on BBC 2 as well, for good measure.

1521: As for today? well there were four games in total but that's already been reduced to three-and-a-half after Dundee United v Rangers was abandoned at half-time at Tannadice because of a waterlogged pitch.

1519: Then there's Liverpool, of course. The good news for Reds fans is that Fulham boss Roy Hodgson thinks they can still win the league despite their 3-1 defeat to his side on Saturday. And Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has defended his decision to take off star striker Fernando Torres while the score was 1-1. He needed to nurse the injured Spaniard ahead of Wednesday's crucial Champions League game with Lyon.

1517: TEAMS Birmingham v Manchester City
Birmingham: Maik Taylor, Carr, Roger Johnson, Dann, Ridgewell, Larsson, Ferguson, Bowyer, McFadden, Jerome, Benitez. Subs: Doyle, Phillips, Fahey, McSheffrey, Parnaby, Carsley, Vignal.
Man City: Given, Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Bridge, Wright-Phillips, De Jong, Barry, Bellamy, Santa Cruz, Tevez. Subs: Taylor, Richards, Johnson, Ireland, Sylvinho, Petrov, Weiss.
Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral)

1516: As you'd expect, there's been lot's of fall-out from yesterday's events. Firstly, under-fire Hull boss Phil Brown will remain in charge of the Tigers for next weekend's home game for Stoke, according to BBC Radio 5 live. There had been a lot of talk in today's papers that Brown would be sacked on Monday.

1514: For the record, the men seeing red yesterday were: JLloyd Samuel (Bolton), Diniyar Bilyaletdinov (Everton), Carlos Cuellar (Aston Villa), Geovanni (Hull), Kenwyne Jones (Sunderland), Radoslav Kovac (West Ham), Philipp Degan (Liverpool) and Jamie Carragher (Liverpool). They are all sitting in a big sin-bin, somewhere. Or at least they should be.

1512: Saturday actually set a record for the most sendings off in the Premier League in a single day, beating the six that got their marching orders on 7 May 2005. The record for a weekend is nine, from the 1999/00 season. Will we beat that? Well, the referee at St Andrew's today - Mike Dean - has yet to dismiss a player in any of his four PL games this season... so he's certainly due a red card or two. We'll see.

1510 GMT: How was yesterday for you then? Yes, I know. Crazy wasn't it? Nine Premier League games containing 29 goals and eight red cards. We'll be hard-pressed to match that tally today, mainly because there is only one top-flight game - Birmingham v Manchester City. Still, you never know...


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Leeds stun Wasps to break duck

Wasps (6) 9
Pens: Walder 3
Leeds (12) 15
Pens: Thomas

ul Sackey is wrapped up Leeds defenders
Leeds' ferocious defence kept Wasps at bay throughout the 80 minutes

By James Standley

Leeds claimed their first league win of the season as the bottom side stunned Wasps in the Guinness Premiership.

Four Ceiron Thomas penalties to two from Dave Walder gave Leeds a 12-6 half-time lead in what was a desperately scrappy affair.

Walder cut the gap to three points with his third penalty, but a fifth Thomas kick secured victory.

The one bright spot for the hosts was the return of England second row Simon Shaw from a long-term foot injury.

Wasps went into the game missing from their pack England stalwarts Phil Vickery and Shaw, who was on the bench and set to return to action for the first time since the Lions tour to South Africa.

The Leeds eight boasted plenty of grizzled men from the southern hemisphere and as befits a side coached by legendary England open-side Neil Back, they competed ferociously at the breakdown.

They also threw everything at high-flying Wasps in the scrum and at the line-out, resulting in richly promising Wasps scrum-half Joe Simpson being fed a stream of poor possession, if he received the ball at all.

Leeds prevented Wasps from getting their attacking game going throughout the first half and four penalties from the boot of Thomas, to two from Walder, gave the visitors a 12-6 half-time lead.

606: DEBATE
B-B

It was poor entertainment for the neutral, not helped by the greasy ball and strong wind, and a couple of bizarre decisions from referee Martin Fox, although he was at least even-handed.

First he failed to spot a Leeds kick had gone dead, much to the bafflement of Walder, who was forced to dot down for a drop-out having retrieved the ball from behind the dead-ball line.

A few minutes later Leeds, not for the last time, had Wasps going backwards at the scrum like they were on rails.

Leeds tight-head prop Juan Gomez then slipped and went to ground and was promptly penalised for taking the scrum down when Leeds had advanced the best part of 10m.

Leeds actually had the best chance of the half but after turning over Wasps possession, Norway second row Erik Lund's skills failed him and his pass to the unmarked Kearnan Myall drifted feebly forward.

The second half was little bit better as a spectacle, not that Leeds will mind.

When you are newly promoted and struggling at the foot of the table, concentrating almost solely on stopping the opposition playing is a legitimate tactic, and they did it to perfection.

With the wind behind them Wasps dominated territorially and they came within a finger tip of scoring a try only two minutes into the second half, but Lemi was ruled to have knocked on as he tried to touch down his own chip ahead.

The hosts were given a huge boost when Lions hero Shaw entered the fray after 47 minutes to a rapturous reception but even the giant second row's appearance could not help Wasps improve their error-strewn performance.

Walder did manage to cut the deficit to three points with a penalty but Thomas, after missing one attempt following Wasps indiscipline, was soon handed the chance to take the lead back out to six points.

The hosts desperately tried to claw their way back into the game but Leeds defended as if their lives depended on it and headed back to Yorkshire with their first win in the Premiership since November 2005.

Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks:
"We put on pressure, but we were simply not accurate enough.

"Leeds put pressure on us in scrum and line-out, they really flew into us and technical mistakes proved costly.

"That was a special day for Leeds. Take nothing away from them, they really took it to us and deserved to win.

"This has got to be considered a wake-up call. We have a disappointed, frustrated and angry changing room. A bad day at the office needs to be analysed."

Leeds director of rugby Andy Key:
"It was not the prettiest performance, but we gnarled it out and the players are delighted.

"We never stopped believing after a number of close calls this season. We should have won at Saracens last week but had a good try disallowed.

"The most important Premiership game for us, however, is the next one. We are a team who are developing and growing."

Wasps: Van Gisbergen; Sackey, Mitchell, Kefu, Lemi; Walder, Simpson; Bocca, Ward, Broster, Skivington, Birkett, Worsley, Betsen, Leo.

Replacements: Hickey for van Gisbergen (68), Varndell for Kefu (68), Beech for Bocca (68), Shaw for Leo (48).

Not Used: Whitehead, Baker, Ellis, Fury.

Leeds Carnegie: Hinton; Welding, Hepworth, Barrow, Blackett; Thomas, Gomarsall; Hardy, Ma'asi, Gomez, Lund, Wentzel, Myall, Fourie, To'oala.

Replacements: Mathie for Gomarsall (53), McGee for Hardy (68), Nilsen for Ma'asi (53), Swainston for Gomez (53), Clark for Myall (77), Oakley for To'oala (41).

Not Used: H Paul, Fa'afili.

Att: 7,616

Ref: Martin Fox (RFU).

о 3:59 AM 0 коментарі

Vettel wins after Hamilton fades

Sebastian Vettel cruised to victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ahead of Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber after Lewis Hamilton was forced to retire early.

The McLaren pole-sitter had to stop on lap 20 with a brake problem after which Germany's Vettel romped home with ease in Formula 1's first twilight race.

New world champion Jenson Button launched an edgy attack on Webber late on but had to settle for third.

His Brawn team-mate Rubens Barrichello was fourth at the new Yas Marina track.

The veteran Brazilian never threatened to make up the three points he needed to overhaul Vettel in the final drivers' standings and the 37-year-old must settle for third place after a season in which he occasionally looked like a potential world champion.

I was always catching up in the last sector. That was the secret

Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel

BMW Sauber's Nick Heidfeld came fifth in Abu Dhabi ahead of Toyota's rookie Kamui Kobayashi, while the Japanese's team-mate Jarno Trulli was seventh with Toro Rosso's Sebastien Buemi eighth.

Vettel recorded the fourth win of his hugely-promising season and it was also the third time Red Bull scored a one-two this year.

The last grand prix of 2009 was a largely uneventful race held at the spectacular and well-received new Yas Marina circuit, in which the Abu Dhabi government has invested huge amounts of money.

It was expected that Englishman Hamilton would cruise to victory after a storming performance in qualifying on Saturday in a McLaren car which he said had not been better all season.

But Vettel was afforded that luxury after Hamilton's car suffered a brake problem, McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh explaining to his disappointed driver that the team could not take any risks.

"I was locking and locking and locking it was harder than ever to drive the car," Hamilton told BBC Sport.

"It's a shame as the car felt so good these last couple of days, but we haven't had many brake problems this year so there you go.

"But I still think the whole team should be really proud of how we have recovered this season."

Pole-sitter Hamilton had just lost the lead to Vettel seconds before he retired, the order of the starting grid having not changed up front as all the cars made a rare clean start.

In the 20 laps they were racing each other, Hamilton was unable to build any significant gap on Vettel as Red Bulls tyres worked best on the new track.

Hamilton pitted on lap 18 but when Vettel made his own stop two laps later he was able to emerge at the front of the pack and put himself in charge of a race which only really lit up with Webber and Button's last-lap duel.

Mark Webber (left) and Sebastian Vettel
Germany's Vettel clinched his fourth win of the 2009 season in Abu Dhabi

"We had a very good launch and I was close to out-accelerating Lewis, but he disappeared into the distance with his Kers [energy-boost button]," said Vettel.

"But I was able to stay close enough and we knew we were a little bit heavier and I was always catching up in the last sector. That was the secret.

"After he retired I had a little bit of a cushion and was able to pace myself… but the car was brilliant. A pleasure to sit in it. It's a shame the season ends now but it's a perfect day to finish it on a high."

Barrichello, who looks likely to join Williams next season, suffered from wing damage in a small collision with Webber as the cars made their way through Yas Marina's first turn for the first time - and his chances of a win went with it as Button managed to get by early on.

The world champion was passed himself after pitting on lap 18, with new boy Kobayashi - standing in for injured Timo Glock again - slipping through cleverly in his lighter car at the third attempt.

Unlike the pack who started at the front Kobayashi was on a one rather than two pit-stop strategy and duly could not keep that position gained, but his sixth will be widely admired in F1 circles - especially with many driver line-ups not confirmed for next season.

"The performance was really great," he told BBC Sport.

"It was wet in Brazil and dry here, but for me it's easy to adapt to different conditions."

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Dundee United v Rangers abandoned

Dundee Utd   0 - 1   Rangers

Sunday's match at Tannadice between Dundee United and Rangers in the Scottish Premier League was abandoned at half-time because of heavy rain.

Referee Mike Tumelty informed Rangers manager Walter Smith and United manager Craig Levein about his concerns over surface water and stopped the game.

"Towards half time it became nearly impossible and I did not want the game to become farcical," said Tumelty.

Rangers had a half-time lead through Steven Davis's 29th-minute strike.

Dundee United and Rangers had both made changes for the match which kicked off in miserable conditions.

Both managers agreed that the decision to stop the match was correct after Tumelty raised concerns over safety during the half-time interval.

"There was a lot of water lying on the pitch, and as the first half went on, the water started to lie, particularly at the goalmouth," said Tumelty.

"The safety of the players could have become a real risk.

"I saw Allan McGregor drop the ball, and you could have a whole melee of players in there with boots flying.

"Players were struggling to keep on their feet, so I was concerned for their safety."

McGregor reclaimed the gloves for Rangers, who were aiming to reclaim second place in the league after Hibernian leapfrogged them on Saturday following their 2-0 win over Aberdeen at Easter Road.

David Weir, Davis, Kris Boyd, Steven Naismith and Kenny Miller were all drafted back in to Smith's side after the midweek win over Dundee.

United manager Levein brought in Nicky Weaver, Darren Dods, Craig Conway, Jennison Myrie-Williams, Damian Casalinuovo and Paul Dixon, but Andy Webster was dropped as a result of the terms of his loan deal.

With five minutes played, Casalinuovo broke free on the right and skipped past the Rangers defence, but his final ball failed to challenge McGregor in the Rangers goal.

Almost immediately, at the other end Boyd was thwarted by the slippery surface as he tried to latch on to a long ball in the six yard box.

Five minutes later, Mihael Kovacevic struck the Rangers crossbar with with a powerful header, then Kyle Lafftery put a left-footed shot wide of Weaver at the other end.

United's Paul Dixon flighted in a long-range cross for Casalinuovo, but the big Englishman headed wide.

Myrie-Williams powered into the box in the 24th minute and cut back for Prince Bauben to shoot from 12 yards out and with the goal gaping, the Ghanian fired over the bar.

Davis broke the stalemate on the half hour against the run of play when Rangers defender Papac flighted in a high ball and the Irishman beat the offside trap to coolly slot past Weaver.

Shortly before the interval, Dixon rattled the Rangers crossbar with a curling free-kick from 25 yards out as United pushed for an equaliser.

The match will now be rearranged, but a date has not been given by the SPL.

Live text and stats

 

Sunday, 1 November 2009

Scottish Premier

Home Team Score Away Team Time
Dundee Utd 0-1 Rangers
Due to heavy rain fall
    • Davis 29

    Dundee Utd

    • 01 Weaver
    • 05 Dods
    • 18 Kenneth
    • 23 Dixon
    • 06 Conway
    • 15 Buaben
    • 16 Gomis
    • 19 Kovacevic
    • 07 Myrie-Williams
    • 21 Damian Casalinuovo
    • 25 Goodwillie

    Substitutes

    • 13 Banks,
    • 02 Dillon,
    • 12 Robertson,
    • 14 Swanson,
    • 17 Fotheringham,
    • 10 Cadamarteri,
    • 20 Shala

    Rangers

    • 01 McGregor
    • 03 Weir
    • 05 Papac
    • 16 Whittaker
    • 66 Wilson
    • 07 Davis
    • 08 Thomson
    • 09 Boyd
    • 14 Naismith
    • 18 Miller
    • 27 Lafferty

    Substitutes

    • 25 Alexander,
    • 26 Smith,
    • 47 McMillan,
    • 11 Rothen,
    • 20 Beasley,
    • 10 Novo,
    • 29 Fleck
    Ref: Tumilty
    DUNDEE UTD
    RANGERS

    Possession

    • Dundee Utd 54%
    • Rangers 46%

    Shots on target

    • Dundee Utd 2
    • Rangers 5

    Shots off target

    • Dundee Utd 5
    • Rangers 1

    Corners

    • Dundee Utd 4
    • Rangers 7

    Fouls

    • Dundee Utd 9
    • Rangers 11
    • Match Abandoned
    • 45:00+20:01 The match is abandoned.
    • Half Time
    • 45:00+1:33 The whistle is blown to end the first half.
    • 45:00+1:19 Steven Davis challenges Craig Conway unfairly and gives away a free kick.
    • 45:00+0:57 Outswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Kevin Thomson, clearance by Damian Casalinuovo.
    • 45:00+0:38 Steven Whittaker takes a shot. Nicky Weaver makes a save.
    • 45:00+0:25 Steven Naismith fouled by Darren Dods, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Steven Naismith.
    • 43:53 Steven Whittaker concedes a free kick for a foul on David Goodwillie. Paul Dixon takes the direct free kick.
    • 43:35 The ball is sent over by Sasa Papac, clearance made by Paul Dixon.
    • 43:05 Darren Dods concedes a free kick for a foul on Kris Boyd. Direct free kick taken by Kevin Thomson.
    • 41:44 Corner taken by Craig Conway from the left by-line.
    • 41:02 Steven Davis gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Craig Conway. Craig Conway delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from left channel.
    • 40:11 Kris Boyd is ruled offside. Indirect free kick taken by Nicky Weaver.
    • 39:44 Prince Buaben gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Steven Naismith. Direct free kick taken by Kevin Thomson.
    • 39:30 Prince Buaben has a drilled shot. Save by Allan McGregor.
    • 38:32 Unfair challenge on Craig Conway by Danny Wilson results in a free kick. Shot on goal comes in from Paul Dixon from the free kick,
    • 37:15 The offside flag is raised against Jennison Myrie-Williams. Indirect free kick taken by Allan McGregor.
    • 36:53 Kris Boyd is caught offside. Indirect free kick taken by Garry Kenneth.
    • 36:19 Jennison Myrie-Williams sends in a cross.
    • 36:05 The ball is sent over by Paul Dixon.
    • 35:33 Kevin Thomson takes a shot. Nicky Weaver makes a save.
    • 35:27 Steven Naismith crosses the ball, clearance by Garry Kenneth.
    • 34:40 Centre by Kenny Miller.
    • 31:29 Unfair challenge on Jennison Myrie-Williams by Kyle Lafferty results in a free kick. Michael Kovacevic takes the free kick.
    • 29:16 Damian Casalinuovo gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Danny Wilson. Direct free kick taken by Allan McGregor.
    • 28:18 The assist for the goal came from Sasa Papac.
    • 28:18 GOAL - Steven DavisDundee Utd 0 - 1 Rangers Steven Davis grabs a goal from inside the six-yard box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Dundee Utd 0-1 Rangers.
    • 28:02 Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Steven Davis from the right by-line, clearance made by Garry Kenneth.
    • 27:35 Kevin Thomson takes a shot. Damian Casalinuovo gets a block in. Steven Davis takes a outswinging corner to the near post, Prince Buaben makes a clearance.
    • 27:03 Shot from 20 yards from Kenny Miller. Michael Kovacevic gets a block in. Steven Davis takes the outswinging corner, clearance by Prince Buaben.
    • 26:48 Centre by Steven Naismith, Garry Kenneth makes a clearance.
    • 26:30 A cross is delivered by Steven Naismith, David Goodwillie manages to make a clearance.
    • 24:36 Corner taken by Craig Conway, Unfair challenge on Allan McGregor by Garry Kenneth results in a free kick. Allan McGregor takes the free kick.
    • 23:51 Shot on goal by Prince Buaben from just inside the area clears the crossbar.
    • 23:23 Kris Boyd challenges Michael Kovacevic unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Garry Kenneth.
    • 23:07 Kris Boyd is ruled offside. Garry Kenneth takes the free kick.
    • 22:17 Steven Whittaker concedes a free kick for a foul on David Goodwillie. Direct free kick taken by Nicky Weaver.
    • 21:42 Inswinging corner taken by Kevin Thomson from the right by-line, clearance made by Paul Dixon.
    • 20:44 Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Kevin Thomson, Garry Kenneth makes a clearance. Corner from the left by-line taken by Steven Davis, clearance made by Darren Dods.
    • 19:56 The ball is swung over by Paul Dixon, Damian Casalinuovo produces a headed effort from deep inside the six-yard box which goes wide of the right-hand upright.
    • 19:37 Kris Boyd challenges Jennison Myrie-Williams unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Jennison Myrie-Williams.
    • 18:03 Free kick awarded for a foul by Morgaro Gomis on Kevin Thomson. Direct free kick taken by David Weir.
    • 17:17 Steven Naismith crosses the ball.
    • 16:14 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Steven Naismith by Morgaro Gomis. Direct free kick taken by David Weir.
    • 14:30 Kenny Miller is ruled offside. Nicky Weaver takes the free kick.
    • 14:04 The assistant referee signals for offside against Damian Casalinuovo. Allan McGregor takes the free kick.
    • 12:10 Unfair challenge on Craig Conway by Steven Naismith results in a free kick. The free kick is swung in right-footed by Craig Conway, save by Allan McGregor.
    • 10:57 Corner taken by Craig Conway, Header by Garry Kenneth from deep inside the penalty area misses to the right of the target.
    • 10:50 The ball is sent over by Paul Dixon, clearance made by Sasa Papac.
    • 10:07 Shot from close in by Kyle Lafferty misses to the left of the goal.
    • 9:42 Free kick awarded for a foul by David Goodwillie on Steven Whittaker. Free kick taken by Kevin Thomson.
    • 8:41 Free kick awarded for a foul by Steven Naismith on Morgaro Gomis. The ball is sent over by Craig Conway, Michael Kovacevic takes a shot.
    • 7:17 The ball is delivered by Craig Conway.
    • 6:17 The official flags Kyle Lafferty offside. Nicky Weaver restarts play with the free kick.
    • 5:30 A cross is delivered by Kenny Miller.
    • 4:58 Shot by Michael Kovacevic. Save by Allan McGregor.
    • 3:52 Centre by Kevin Thomson.
    • 2:22 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Craig Conway from the left by-line, David Goodwillie gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Allan McGregor. Free kick taken by Allan McGregor.
    • 1:34 Unfair challenge on Michael Kovacevic by Kevin Thomson results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Garry Kenneth.
    • 1:18 The ball is crossed by Jennison Myrie-Williams, clearance made by David Weir.
    • 0:24 The official flags Kris Boyd offside. Indirect free kick taken by Nicky Weaver.
    • 0:00 The referee starts the match.

    Live text and data provided by The Press Association.

    о 2:59 AM 0 коментарі

    British pair win second ATP title

    Colin Fleming and Ken Skupski
    Fleming and Skupski are beginning to make a name for themselves

    Britons Colin Fleming and Ken Skupski won their second ATP World Tour title, beating Richard Gasquet and Jeremy Chardy in the St Petersburg Open final.

    The duo fought back from a set down to beat the French pair 2-6 7-5 10-4.

    Scot Fleming and Liverpudlian Skupski are expected to represent GB in their Davis Cup tie against Lithuania.

    They have had a fine season, winning their debut main tour title in Metz in September and climbing towards the world's top 50 in ATP doubles rankings.

    On Saturday they beat Israeli pair Andy Ram and Jonathan Erlich 6-4 3-6 10-6 in the semi-final - with the Champions tie-break again deciding the match.

    Their victory in Metz had come against French pair Arnaud Clement and Michael Llodra - at which point they entered the top 100, and last week they kept up their winning run with victory a a Challenger event in Orleans.

    When we beat the Bryan Brothers at the Aegon Championships, that was when things changed

    Ken Skupski

    Earlier in the summer, they had beaten American brothers Bob and Mike Bryan at Queen's before reaching the final in Nottingham.

    "Today's match was interesting because it was similar to the Metz final in lots of ways," said Skupski.

    "Even though we were down we knew we'd been in that position before and we just hung in there and we actually started to play ourselves into form towards the end.

    "It meant that everything went our way when we needed it to and by the end we were playing really well.

    "Leading up to the summer we had some success, winning a couple of Challengers, but when we beat the Bryan Brothers at the Aegon Championships, that was when things changed.

    606: DEBATE
    zarrafak

    "Our mentality going into matches changed after that and we started to feel like we belonged there."

    Fleming said: "Top 50 is the next goal in front of us and then beyond that we'd like try and get some good results at Grand Slam tournaments.

    "We've played one Grand Slam together and we lost first round and that's something we really want to improve on.

    "Winning tournaments like this one will help with that because it gets us into events like the Australian Open and it means we don't have to wait for Wimbledon.

    "The success at those bigger tournaments might not come straight away but we'll keep working hard and keep believing."

    о 2:54 AM 0 коментарі

    Live - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

    LIVE TEXT COMMENTARY (all times GMT)

    606: DEBATE
    Your thoughts on the action

    To get involved text us on 81111 with FORMULA 1 before your message. (Not all contributions can be used; UK mobiles only; network rates apply)

    By Caroline Cheese

    Text in your views on 81111
    From Max via text on 81111: "Dreading the end of the race, I always feel lonely when it all ends for the year! Perhaps I have a problem? Love hurts!"

    1245: "I've got to thank you," says EJ to Sir Richard Branson. "You swore live on the telly and everyone said I'd be the first." Moving on, here is the aforementioned Jay Kay - wearing a cream fedora hat. Wacky. And now EJ literally drags the Crown Prince of Bahrain onto camera. Is no one safe???

    1241: "Come on Martin, I've got Mark Webber, we're going to nail him," barks EJ as he marches off towards the unsuspecting Aussie. Even Boris Becker gets barged out of the way. Blimey.

    Pole sitter Lewis Hamilton: "You never have it in the bag. We've done a great job all week but we've got to do a solid job out there. We definitely have the pace."

    1237: Martin Brundle has taken Eddie Jordan as his wingman on the gridwalk... could be chaotic.

    1237: BORIS BECKER! The great man looks so cool in his aviator specs, I can't listen to what he's saying.

    Get involved on 606
    From Carl1982 on 606: "I think this will be a good race now the pressure is off, however I suspect some drivers would like to make a point for next season."

    BBC Sport's Sarah Holt in Abu Dhabi: "It's not only end of term but the end of an era for BMW Sauber. The German-Swiss team are taking part in their 70th and final race after BMW decided to pull out of the sport. BMW's F1 career started back in 1982 as an engine supplier to Brabham, partnering Williams in 2000 before launching their own team in 2006 after buying Peter Sauber's team. BMW Sauber had a marina-side farewell party in the paddock last night with peers Ross Brawn, Christian Horner, Giancarlo Fisichella and others donned in team shirts raising a glass in goodbye. BMW said: 'We wanted to say thank you to our partners, our competitors, the officials, the drivers, the team and the media - so we invited the entire paddock for a farewell drink. The last 10 years in F1 have been very special for us'."

    1222: Now then, all you people texting in with gridwalk requests for Brundle. I can exclusively reveal that MB is hoping to speak to Freddie Flintoff and TV funnyman James Corden. So there.

    1218: Fernando Alonso is getting ready for his last race with Renault before he heads off to Ferrari. The double world champ says it will be difficult to say goodbye. "This is the team I joined when I was just starting in Formula 1 and where I grew up as a driver. Together we achieved all that we could and so we will always have a special connection." I imagine the (rumoured) £18m salary will make him feel a bit better.

    From toxictomb on Twitter: "Re 1130: Grosjean might find a spot, if not as a driver then as a guide. He does give good 360 views of the car after all."

    1209: Seriously, I don't think Brundle takes requests - although I think it's an excellent idea. BBC1 coverage is under way. That'll be the last time I hear The Chain... until I go and see Fleetwood Mac next week. I'm not ashamed.

    Text in your views on 81111
    From Dave via text on 81111: "Re 1143: Forget Aerosmith, we would love to hear from Jay Kay! He's a true racing fan and fellow Brit. Can Brundle sort that out?"

    Text in your views on 81111
    From Michelle, Birmingham, via text on 81111: "It's always a horrible feeling on the last race day of the season but I'm quivering with excitement at the prospect of 2010, Nando at Ferrari, next year's champion."

    1200: And as for the drivers, if only results from Germany onwards counted, Lewis Hamilton would lead Kimi Raikkonen by two points, with Seb Vettel third on 35. And Hamilton looks a nailed-on cert to win today. Don't believe me, believe the F1 Mole.


    1156: McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh brilliantly invented the Second Half Of The Season Championship ahead of this race - so how are his team's chances looking? From Germany onwards, McLaren are three points behind Red Bull, But while Lewis Hamilton is on pole at Yas Marina, Heikki Kovalainen starts down in 18th after a five-place grid penalty for a gearbox change. Red Bull are second and third on the grid.

    BBC Sport's Sarah Holt in Abu Dhabi: "Hello and welcome to the first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the last of the 2009 season. How did that happen so quickly?! There is definitely an end-of-term feeling at BBC HQ but the big boss wouldn't let us wear our own clothes or bring board games in. He has also been reminding us that it's just 133 days until the opening race of 2010 in Bahrain. Gulp. An even bigger boss is here and he's just said it's 999 days to the London Olympics. Countdowns like that are why these whip-crackers are in charge."

    1146: And cripes, I almost forgot: Boris Boom Boom Becker is about too. Moving on, you'll remember that yesterday Damon Hill said a deal for Silverstone to host the British Grand Prix was "very close". Today, the circuit's president has had a little pop at the swanky new Yas Marina track. "The whole thing is more about corporate hospitality and I think the drivers are at the bottom of the chain," Hill told Arabian Business. "I'm a driver so obviously I have an issue with that. I think you have to remember what F1 is about and that's racing. This event is very much focused on corporate entertainment, maybe too much."

    1143: Well Kev, I'm not sure if Martin Brundle takes requests, but I'll give it a go. Aerosmith are among a host of stars expected on the grid today. Among them: Kings of Leon, Freddie Flintoff, Naomi Campbell, Timbaland and, er, David Richards, the chairman of Prodrive and Aston Martin.

    Text in your views on 81111
    From Kev via text on 81111: "If possible can Martin Brundle get a interview with Aerosmith's Steve Tyler on his grid walk please."

    1134: The F1 drivers are off on their traditional track parade at the moment. There they are, they're waving enthusiastically at a NEAR-EMPTY STAND. Silverstone, come back, all is forgiven.

    1130: Well folks, time to say goodbye to the 2009 Formula 1 season, and with it: BMW, Max Mosley, refuelling, Kers... And probably Romain Grosjean.

    о 1:29 AM 0 коментарі

    Live text - Dundee Utd v Rangers

    LIVE TEXT COMMENTARY (all times BST)
    MY SPORT: DEBATE
    Your thoughts on the action
    To get involved use My Sport or text us your views & comments on 80295. (Not all contributions can be used)

    By Clive Lindsay

    1244: Dundee United and Rangers both make major changes following their midweek Co-operative Insurance Cup exploits. Allan McGregor reclaims the gloves for Rangers, while David Weir, Steven Davis, Kris Boyd, Steven Naismith and Kenny Miller are all drafted back into the side after the midweek win over Dundee. Youngster Danny Wilson retains his place in the team with Madjid Bougherra and Lee McCulloch both still out injured. United also make changes after losing their tie against St Johnstone, with Nicky Weaver, Darren Dods, Craig Conway, Jennison Myrie-Williams, Damian Casalinuovo and Paul Dixon all starting. On-loan Rangers defender Andy Webster is among those who drop out of the side as a result of the terms of his loan deal.

    Dundee Utd: Weaver, Kovacevic, Kenneth, Dods, Dixon, Myrie-Williams, Buaben, Gomis, Conway, Casalinuovo, Goodwillie. Subs: Banks, Dillon, Cadamarteri, Swanson, David Robertson, Fotheringham, Shala. Rangers: McGregor, Whittaker, Weir, Wilson, Papac, Naismith, Davis, Thomson, Lafferty, Miller, Boyd. Subs: Alexander, Novo, Rothen, Beasley, Smith, Fleck, McMillan. Referee: M Tumilty

    1237: Dundee United Stephen Thompson has just been on BBC Radio Scotland clarifying his own club's financial problems. Manager Craig Levein told us earlier in the week that, like Rangers, United were talking to their bank and were looking for some leniency in the current climate. That story grew arms and legs, so to speak, and there were all sorts of suggestions about United's problems. However, Thompson stresses that there is no chance of the club going into administration and that they were just looking for some leeway in light of the loss of the Setanta broadcasting contract at the end of last season.

    "We're playing with two wingers, taking a bit of a gamble, but we owe our supporters a performance and a win, if we can do that. Rangers are unbeaten, but they're difficult to play at any time, but I feel we cannot afford to underestimate Rangers, so we'll have to be at our very best today" Dundee United manager Craig Levein

    "It's probably a more recognisable Rangers team today, but United will guarantee us a tough physical game. The players have handled things really well and have kept us challenging at the top of the table. While things aren't ideal off the park, what the fans want to see is performances on the park and they're keeping up their end of the bargain" Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist

    1224: Rangers have made six changes from the side that defeated Dundee in the Co-operative Insurance Cup, having used the competition to rest a few of their first-choice players. Full details to follow.

    1215: Good afternoon to you all. Today we've got Dundee United entertaining Rangers at Tannaice. Rangers will be glad to start doing their talking on the pitch again today after another traumatic week off the field. The stats are contradictory. Rangers are unbeaten in last eight meetings with Dundee United, the home side's last victory being by 2-1 on 28 October 2007. The Glasgow club won 3-0 in their last visit to Tannadice in May as they clinched the Scottish Premier League title. That was Rangers' first win there since April 2006 and followed three draws on United's home ground.

    Rangers are seeking their second win in the city within five days having knocked United's neighbours, Dundee, out of the Co-operative Insurance Cup with a 3-1 victory at Dens Park on Tuesday.

    That was Rangers' first win in three games after a bruising 4-1 Champions League defeat at home to Romanians Unirea Urziceni and a 1-1 draw with Hibernian, also at Ibrox.

    However, although all the talk has been talk of a crisis at the Glasgow club, it has to be remembered that, while Rangers are third in the SPL table, they are unbeaten in the league this season and will move back above Hibs and to within a point of leaders Celtic should they win at Tannadice.

    United are fifth going into the game and will draw level with Rangers should they emerge the victors.

    Craig Levein's side, looking to bounce back from their midweek cup disappointment at the hands of St Johnstone, are unbeaten in their last four league games but have failed to record a victory in their last two home games.

    A defeat by Motherwell was followed by a draw with the Fir Park club's neighbours Hamilton Accies. Levein will be determined to prevent a hat-trick of victories from invaders from Lanarkshire. And he will be hoping to end a run of 10 games without a win over the Old Firm.



    о 1:19 AM 0 коментарі

    PNG seal 2010 Four Nations berth

    David Mead
    Mead starred for Papua New Guinea at the Lloyd Robson Oval

    Papua New Guinea qualified for the 2010 Four Nations series with a 42-14 win over the Cook Islands in the Pacific Cup final in Port Moresby.

    The hosts dominated from the start to establish a 20-10 half-time lead.

    They raced away after the interval thanks to a hat-trick of tries from Gold Coast Titans youngster David Mead.

    Sheffield Eagles centre Menzie Yere also capped a tremendous tournament with two tries as a young Cook Islands team were outclassed by the Kumuls.

    PNG will take the place of France in the Four Nations for 2010, lining up alongside Australia, New Zealand and England.

    Kumuls captain John Wilshere, the Salford full-back or winger, said: "This means so much to all our boys and everyone here in this country.

    "Rugby league is our national sport, we love it, and next year we're going to be playing in the Four Nations and that's a massive boost for Papua New Guinea."

    PNG coach Adrian Lam said: "I don't think it's really sunk in yet that we're in the Four Nations but we're excited about it and we'll get our heads around it soon enough."

    о 1:15 AM 0 коментарі

    Kiwi centre out of England game

    Steve Matai pictured training with the Kiwis
    The Kiwis hope Matai will be available should they reach the final

    New Zealand centre Steve Matai is set to miss the vital Four Nations game with England after being diagnosed with internal bleeding in his left eye.

    The Manly player was injured while tackling France's Andrew Bentley in the Kiwis' 62-12 win on Saturday.

    He had tests in hospital to see whether he had fractured his eye socket and will be checked out further in England.

    Parramatta's Krisnan Inu is his likely replacement for Saturday's match, with the winner set for a final berth.

    о 12:39 AM 0 коментарі
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