Serena relief at 10th Grand Slam

Williams is now targeting the French Open and Wimbledon titles

Serena Williams was relieved to reach a landmark 10th Grand Slam singles title by capturing the Australian Open crown with a 6-0 6-3 win over Dinara Safina.

The American is only the seventh woman to notch up 10 major singles titles.

"I'm so excited to win because I felt I really needed it," said Williams, 27, a three-time Australian Open winner.

"I wanted to get to 10 and opportunities sometimes don't present themselves twice, but I felt like this was my chance to take it."

Williams notched up back-to-back Grand Slam victories by adding a third Australian Open title to the third US Open crown she won last September.

The American is now planning a repeat of her "Serena Slam" where she held all four Grand Slam titles at once, but not in the same calendar year.

Williams won the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open in 2002, adding the Australian crown in 2003.

"It would be great to win more than one, more than two Grand Slams this year, more than three," she commented.

606: DEBATE Is Serena the greatest of all time? Eaglegun

"That would be awesome and obviously my sights are on doing well in Paris.

"I didn't do well at all last year. So when I get there, I won't have that much to lose and I'll just be really relaxed."

Williams, who also climbed back to the world number one spot, insisted she had no plans to slow down her quest for more Grand Slam crowns.

There was speculation that her best days were behind her after she dropped out of the world's top 100 in 2006 because of an ongoing ankle injury.

But Williams says she is now focused on another era of dominance: "I feel like I can go forever.

"I always talk to [sister] Venus and we're like 'we're going to play forever'.

"I definitely feel I have so many years to play and I think I'm playing pretty well too."

I lost the match, and now it's back to training - I don't see any reason to panic Dinara Safina

Safina, who was playing in her second Grand Slam final, explained the pressure of playing for a major title and the world number one ranking got the better of her.

"It was the first time for me to play not only for the Grand Slam but also for the top spot," said the 22-year-old.

"I have never been through this situation and (Serena) has already. I would say she was much more experienced than I was today stepping on the court.

"I was not able maybe to show my game, you know. It's also very disappointing."

But Safina, sister of men's 2005 Australian Open champion Marat Safin, insisted she would bounce back from a second defeat in a Grand Slam final.

"There is much more positive than negative," said the Russian, who lost the 2008 French Open final to Ana Ivanovic.

"I lost the match, and now it's back to training. I don't see any reason to panic or to make a thousand thoughts in my mind.

"I hope it's not the last one, you know. I still have time."

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McCullum doubt for Perth opener

First one-day international, Perth:
Australia v New Zealand
Date: Sunday, 1 February Start time: 0430 GMT
Coverage: Live on Sky Sports 3, live scorecard on BBC Sport website

---

McCullum may be restricted to batting rather than wicketkeeping

Fresh from losing 3-1 to South Africa in their one-day international series, Australia take on New Zealand in the first of a five-game ODI series.

Ricky Ponting's side return to Perth less than 48 hours after being knocked off the top of the ODI world rankings.

New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder is ruled out with a shoulder injury, while Brendon McCullum's hip problem may prevent him from keeping wicket.

But he could play as a batsman, with Gareth Hopkins taking over as keeper.

"I'd rather be involved in the series just as a batter than not play at all," McCullum said.

606: DEBATE Aus are in a bit of dissaray at the moment and NZ have a great opportunity to cash in and go one up on Sunday medium-pacer

"I've just got to make sure I'm sensible about what's right and wrong and don't try to force it too much."

Although the doubt over McCullum affects the balance of the side, the Kiwis are likely to play five specialist bowlers in any event - with paceman Kyle Mills batting at seven.

Tim Southee should return after being rested for the warm-up game against a Prime Minister's XI.

Teenage seamer Trent Boult and all-rounder Brendon Diamanti are the two uncapped players in the Black Caps squad, while Otago batsman Craig Cumming will stay with the party while Ryder is sidelined.

Paceman Shaun Tait is pushing for a recall for Australia after missing the final ODI against South Africa.

---

Australia (from): Ricky Ponting (captain), Nathan Bracken, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin (wk), Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh, Shaun Tait, David Warner, Cameron White.

New Zealand (from): Daniel Vettori (captain), Trent Boult, Neil Broom, Brendon Diamanti, Grant Elliott, Peter Fulton, Martin Guptill, Gareth Hopkins (wk), Brendon McCullum (wk), Kyle Mills, Iain O'Brien, Jeetan Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.

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Zimbabwe to wait for Test return

Zimbabwe's return to Test cricket is at least "six months to two years or more" away, according to an ICC task force.

Zimbabwe stepped back from Test cricket in 2006 because of the country's political and economic problems.

And their re-inclusion depends on the findings of the delegation, led by West Indies Board president Julian Hunte.

An ICC statement said: "Pending the final report, the board was told none of the stakeholders were of the view Zimbabwe was ready to return."

The statement, resulting from Hunte's interim report, added: "The time-frames proposed range from six months to two years or more.

Hunte's final report will be delivered at the ICC's (International Cricket Council) next board meeting in April.

Other items on the agenda at the meeting in Perth included the Future Tours Programme (FTP) and the Indian Cricket League's application for approval.

There have been calls for a Test championship to replace the FTP, which concludes in 2012, but that has been met with some concern, prompting the ICC to call for further discussion.

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"With the BCCI [Board of Control for Cricket in India] and the England and Wales Cricket Board [ECB]expressing reservations about the idea of an enhanced Test championship, the Board agreed further consultation was necessary between ICC management and the ICC Chief Executive's Committee [CEC] with a view to producing an acceptable model," the statement continued.

"It was further agreed this process would be led by ICC general manager of cricket David Richardson, and would take place in the lead-up to and during the next CEC meeting, due to be held in Johannesburg in February."

The ICL's application was also deferred "pending further discussions between representatives of the BCCI, ICL and the ICC".

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O'Sullivan linked with US return

Eddie O'Sullivan is reported to be a candidate for the US Eagles post

Former Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has emerged as a possible successor to Scott Johnson as coach of the USA team.

Australian Johnson, formerly caretaker Wales boss, is leaving the Americans at the end of the season to take over at Welsh club Ospreys.

O'Sullivan was in charge of the US Eagles before becoming Ireland's assistant coach in 1999.

He won three Triple Crowns as Irish boss and has recently made two coaching trips to the United States.

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Peel earns late Welsh squad call

Dwayne Peel has won 64 Wales international caps

Dwayne Peel has been given an 11th hour call-up to Wales' Six Nations squad due to an injury scare to Gareth Cooper.

Wales coach Warren Gatland caused a shock when he omitted the Sale Sharks scrum-half from his initial squad.

But Cooper aggravated a knee injury in training so Gatland sent an SOS to Lions star Peel and the 27-year-old will report to Wales camp on Tuesday.

Mike Phillips is likely to start as Wales' scrum-half in their opener in Scotland with Peel as cover.

Peel reacted to his omission from Wales' Six Nations squad by scoring a fine solo try to help Sale beat Clermont Auvergne 26-17 in the Heineken Cup before vowing "to do my talking on the pitch."

606: DEBATE Does Dwayne Peel deserve his call into the Wales squad?

Ospreys star Phillips and Gloucester's Cooper were chosen ahead of for Scarlets man Peel in Gatland's initial 28-man squad for Wales' Grand Slam defence, which starts at Murrayfield on Sunday, 8 February.

Wales assistant coach Rob Howley bemoaned Peel's "limited amount" of rugby this term after the scrum-half's big-money move from the Scarlets to Edgeley Park last summer.

Peel had shared Sale's number nine jersey with England international Richard Wigglesworth has, who has only started two successive matches once.

But the 64-times international has been given an international recall but Cooper remains in the Wales squad.

A Welsh Rugby Union statement confirmed: "Cooper picked up a knee injury in training on Saturday and is currently undergoing assessment and treatment.

"With only two scrum-halves in his 28-strong squad, Gatland has asked Peel to join the group next week as they build towards the game in Edinburgh."

Peel was one of the few Lions tourists to return with their reputation unscathed from the unsuccessful trip to New Zealand in 2005.

The two-time Grand Slam winner started all three Lions Test defeats against the All Blacks and was expected to join fellow number nines Phillips and Scotland's Mike Blair on this year's tour to South Africa.

---

Forwards (16): Gethin Jenkins, John Yapp, Adam Jones, Rhys Thomas, Matthew Rees, Huw Bennett, Ian Gough, Alun Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris, Bradley Davies, Ryan Jones (capt), Jonathan Thomas, Dafydd Jones, Andy Powell, Martyn Williams, Robin Sowden-Taylor.

Backs (13): Mike Phillips, Gareth Cooper, Dwayne Peel, Stephen Jones, James Hook, Gavin Henson, Andrew Bishop, Jamie Roberts, Tom Shanklin, Shane Williams, Leigh Halfpenny, Mark Jones, Lee Byrne.

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Mickelson misses cut in Arizona

Local favourite Mickelson cut a disconsolate figure in Arizona

World number four Phil Mickelson missed the cut at the FBR Open after a disastrous second round in Arizona.

Having carded a "disgusting" five-over-par 76 on the first day, the American could only manage a 73 to leave him seven over par for the tournament.

"It just didn't come together. I didn't play well," he admitted.

Friday's second round was curtailed in darkness with the final group out on the course - with America's Nick Watney leading on nine under par.

The projected cut was at level par.

Mickelson was making his debut appearance of the 2009 season, and had never failed to make the cut in a seasonal debut in his 18-year career.

606: DEBATE Discuss the FBR Open on 606

But the former Arizona State college student, who had won on this course in 1996 and 20005, never found his rhythm in either round - collecting eight bogeys in two days.

"The course is beautiful. It's in great shape, and it's an exciting time here with the Arizona Cardinals being in the Super Bowl, but I didn't get that momentum," he said.

"I didn't feel as far off as the score indicated obviously, but I'll get some good work done this weekend and hopefully come out sharp and ready to play next Thursday in San Diego.

"I feel like I hit the ball fairly solid but just made a lot of errors here and there."

Watney was one stroke clear of fellow countrymen Charley Hoffman and Matt Kuchar, and Australia's James Nitties when play was halted.

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Benitez plays down pressure talk

Venue: Anfield Date: Sunday, 1 February Kick-off: 1600 GMT
Coverage: Live on Sky Sports 1. Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Merseyside 95.8 FM, 1485 MW and DAB & BBC London 94.9, DAB and the station's website; text commentary on BBC Sport website & highlights on Match of the Day 2

---

Benitez was in belligerent mood ahead of his side's crunch clash with Chelsea

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has dismissed suggestions his team are under pressure ahead of Sunday's match with title rivals Chelsea at Anfield.

Four straight draws have seen Benitez's side slip from the top of the Premier League to third, two points behind new table toppers Manchester United.

But the Spaniard said: "I am pleased to be where we are, close to the top.

"We're eight points better than at this time last season and if we beat Chelsea you will say we're back in the race."

The Reds are on a 15-match unbeaten run, but seven draws in their last 11 league outings have coincided with a run of six straight wins for United, who have also gone 11 matches without conceding a goal.

The run has come on the back of Benitez's now infamous outburst against United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, in which he claimed they benefit from favourable treatment from the Football Association and bullied match officials.

However, Benitez insists he and his team are not buckling under the pressure of the title race, saying: "This Chelsea match has always been a must-win-game - as they all are.

"After my comments about Mr Ferguson, we still knew we had to win at Stoke. Those words didn't change anything on the pitch.

"The same applies to other games this month that have followed some controversy.

606: DEBATE My personnel view why we haven't won the title in all those years is because we give our managers too long, including Rafa RedBangla

"Every point is important - it doesn't matter what is being said off the pitch. It is a very long race. I have confidence in my team and my players - and they have a good mentality. They must go on to the pitch to show their qualities."

And Benitez has earned sympathy and support from Chelsea counterpart Luiz Felipe Scolari, who has also found himself under pressure this campaign amid rumours of dressing room unrest.

"I look at him as a friend - who had a kidney stone like me," said the Brazilian, referring to Benitez's recent surgery. "He had to go three times in the hospital - me, only once.

"He has the same problems as I have building a team. We have some problems and we try to build the best - but sometimes the result is not what I want or he wants. He tries to work hard."

But sympathy will be left on the sidelines for Sunday's match - with Scolari more than aware of the threat of the Reds, and captain Steven Gerrard, at Anfield.

"Gerrard is a fantastic player - one of the best in this position," said Scolari. "It's not only Gerrard, though.

"He's fantastic because he scores, marks, dribbles, crosses. He's the complete player.

"But the other players together help him to be that. I'm thinking about the complete Liverpool."

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Live text - Scottish Premier League

SPL fixtures:

St Mirren 0-0 Kilmarnock
Falkirk v Aberdeen (1500)
Hamilton v Hearts (1500)
Hibernian v Motherwell (1500)
Rangers v Dundee Utd (1500)

St Mirren v Kilmarnock

GOALFLASHES AND MAJOR INCIDENTS (all times GMT)

MY SPORT: DEBATE Your thoughts on the action

To get involved use My Sport or text us your views on 80295. (Not all contributions can be used)

By Colin Moffat

1256: Andy Dorman is denied again. This time, the Buddies midfielder latches on to a loose ball inside the penalty box but his powerful strike is charged down by Frazer Wright.

1253: Terrible miss for St Mirren. Andy Dorman makes one of his trademark runs from midfield to collect a great pass from Dargo but slides his shot wide from 12 yards as Alan Combe advances.

1251: "That's him in the history books. Well done Willie Collum." BBC Radio Scotland pundit Murdo MacLeod as Mehdi Taouil becomes the first player booked at the new St Mirren Park after a theatrical dive.

1250: St Mirren striker Jim Hamilton scoops an awkward shot wide from a promising position, following more good work from the lively Craig Dargo. It looks like the wee forward has had some extra sugar on his Coco Pops this morning.

1247: St Mirren keeper Mark Howard makes a routine save after Kevin Kyle gets a knockdown to an obscured team-mate from a Mehdi Taouil corner.

1242: "I've heard the new St Mirren pitch is absolutely massive and the stands are quite far away from each other... What's the atmosphere been like? Nice to see them selling out, empty seats are a nightmare, just ask any Hibee!" the A_A team on My Sport Join the debate on My Sport

The pitch looks splendid but the fans have been pretty quiet so far. It's often the case with these daft early kick-offs.

1239: St Mirren midfield Stephen McGinn runs on to a neat lay-off from Craig Dargo inside the penalty box but doesn't catch his shot properly and Killie clear for a corner.

1238: "Both sides are just settling in and getting used to the new stadium. Both playing 4-4-2." BBC Radio Scotland pundit Murdo MacLeod.

1235: Chaos in the Killie goalmouth! St Mirren break at speed and Manuel Pascali skies an attempted clearance high over his own keeper, Alan Combe, leaving Simon Ford to make an uncertain clearance from the goal-line.

1231: The ball is hoofed right up the park and Buddies keeper Mark Howard has to look lively to come from his line and smother it, with David Fernandez sniffing around.

1230: And we're off. Killie, wearing a very fetching all-purple strip, get the game underway.

1226: Breaking news: Motherwell striker Chris Porter has signed for Derby, while out-of-favour Celtic striker Chris Killen is set for a loan move to Norwich.

1223: TEAM NEWS:

St Mirren: Howard, Ross, Potter, Cuthbert, Robb, McGinn, Dorman, Murray, Brady, Hamilton, Dargo. Subs: Smith, Mason, Mehmet, Wyness, Brighton, McAusland, Thomson.

Kilmarnock: Combe, Fowler, Wright, Ford, Hay, Bryson, Pascali, Taouil, Skelton, Kyle, Fernandez. Subs: Rascle, Invincibile, Murray, Gibson, Flannigan, Nolan, Simmonds.

St Mirren's Steven Robb is in for the suspended Franco Miranda and Jim Hamilton replaces top-scorer Billy Mehmet.

Kilmarnock welcome back David Fernandez from suspension, give Kevin Kyle a debut up front and Gavin Skelton gets a run out in midfield.

1220: We've now got a brass band on the pitch, striking up 'When the Saints Go Marching In'. Some fireworks go off to muted applause from the crowd and there's a rather rude chorus in honour of First Minister Alex Salmond, who is on the pitch with St Mirren chairman Stewart Gilmour.

1217: "I predict a riot. Seriously, there is going to be some game on our hands at Ibrox. Here's hoping United can sneak a wee victory against the OF. I said on Wednesday that I'd give up a place in the Co-op Cup final for a win against the Gers today..." shalalalalatheterror looks ahead to the later games on My Sport. Join the debate on My Sport

1215: A piper strikes up a rather mournful tune as the old centre spot from Love Street is laid in the turf by the side of the new pitch. It's a two-piece jigsaw but Buddies legend Tommy Turner makes a bit of hash of it.

1210: Early teams news; striker Kevin Kyle makes his Kilmarnock debut. The giant former Sunderland forward won nine caps for Scotland between 2002 and 2004, scoring once, against a crack Hong Kong select side.

1206: First Minister Alex Salmond is a guest for today's game and the new stadium is looking rather tidy. I wonder how many of the 8,000 seats will be taken today? Err... I've just been told it's a sell-out, so that would be all of them.

1203: "I predict an up and at them type of game. 12 yellow cards, 2 red cards, 8 goals, with all games today ending in a draw." Does this look rash to you is first up on My Sport Join the debate on My Sport

Get a quid on that Mr Rash and you could end the day a very rich man.

1200: Welcome to an another busy Saturday in the Scottish Premier League.

First up, we have St Mirren's bow at their new stadium, imaginatively called St Mirren Park, which is what their home for the last 114 years was called, although we often referred to its postal address, Love Street.

There was an emotional send off for the old place on 3 January but the Buddies could only muster a 0-0 draw with Motherwell.

This time, Kilmarnock are the guests and the Ayrshire side may be in the mood to spoil the party since they have saved their best form for their travels this season.

Aberdeen and Rangers served up a dreary snoozefest in last weekend's early kick-off and goals may be hard to come by again, if previous form is anything to go by.

The last nine meetings between St Mirren and Killie have only produced eight goals, so let's be positive and say we're long overdue an avalanche of goalmouth action.

Later on, the league's form side, Aberdeen, aim to continue their excellent run at Falkirk, who haven't won on SPL duty since mid-November.

Hamilton, recent masters of the clean-sheet at home, host Hearts, who will be without skipper Christophe Berra since he is off discussing a possible switch to Wolves.

Motherwell have turned the corner since they were humbled 4-1 at Fir Park by Hibs in November and the visitors will be gunning for revenge at Easter Road.

Finally, there should be a cracker at Ibrox, where Dundee United shared six goals with Walter Smith's side on their last trip to Govan, while it was 2-2 at Tannadice in December.

As ever, BBC Radio Scotland will provide commentaries from all the games, which you can tune into via this website.

So, make yourself comfy and stay with us all the way through until around 1700 GMT, and send in your comments via: My Sport and text on 80295.

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Federer eyes historic 14th Slam

AUSTRALIAN OPEN
Venue: Melbourne Park Date: 19 January-1 February
Coverage: Men's final, Sunday 0830 GMT, BBC Two, BBC Red Button, Radio 5 Live sports extra, BBC Sport website

---

Federer and Nadal will play each other for the 19th time on Sunday

Roger Federer will attempt to equal the all-time record for Grand Slam titles when he takes on Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final on Sunday.

The Swiss world number two will match Pete Sampras's mark of 14 major titles if he beats the Spaniard in Melbourne.

Nadal, the world number one, is looking for his sixth Grand Slam crown, first in Australia and first on hard courts.

It will be the first time that the pair have met since their epic Wimbledon final, which Nadal won in five sets.

The Spaniard holds a 12-6 lead in career meetings and has won four of their six Grand Slam final clashes, three of which came on clay at the French Open.

I'd prefer another opponent but that's what makes the sport so big, finals like this Rafael Nadal

However, Federer was back to his best when he won the last major title on hard courts at the US Open in September and has had the advantage of an extra day's rest going into Sunday's final.

Nadal, on the other hand, was involved in the longest match in Australian Open history as he took five hours 14 minutes to beat Fernando Verdasco in the second semi-final.

"I don't think it's really going to affect Rafa that much," said Federer. "He's had very easy matches going into this semi-final.

"OK, he has a day less. But, look, you got to be fit and recover from this kind of a match. I think he will, even though he took a while.

ROGER FEDERER Age: 27 Turned pro: 1998 Titles: 57 Grand Slam titles: 13 (5 Wimbledon, 5 US Open, 3 Australian) Prize money: $44.6m

"His matches usually take longer than other matches because he takes his time out on the court. I don't think he will be really affected on Sunday."

Asked if he felt it was unfair to play the semi-finals on consecutive days, Federer responded: "I don't think so. I mean, you still got a day off. It's not like he has to play right now, so this is a different story.

"I mean, it's just the way it is. You know, the US Open, we have the same problem over there. At the US Open we have no days off, so let's be happy we have a day off here, to be quite honest."

And the 27-year-old Swiss is relishing the opportunity to make history with a 14th Grand Slam crown.

Music montage: The best final?

"It's an unbelievable opportunity for me, of course, not being number one any more, trying to beat number one in the world and getting the 14th Grand Slam.

"This is where I won the Grand Slam to become number one in the world back in 2004 really, so I've always had a specially liaison with this tournament.

"The stage is set, basically, for a great match. I hope we can live up to them like we did in Wimbledon.

"I think it's going to be a close match. I think he's playing well, and he showed it throughout the tournament.

"Yesterday his match was fantastic, so I'm looking forward to a great match and then hopefully equal Pete's record."

RAFAEL NADAL Age: 22 Turned pro: 2001 Titles: 31 Grand Slam titles: 5 (4 French Open, 1 Wimbledon) Prize money: $20.8m

For Nadal, the final is an opportunity to cement his place as the world's top player and take a first Grand Slam title on hard courts after his victories in Paris and Wimbledon.

But after his marathon semi-final the 22-year-old admitted he would rather not have to face the three-time Australian champion Federer.

"It is always special to play against Federer but to play another final of a Grand Slam (against him) is more exciting," said Nadal.

"For sure, I'd prefer another opponent but that's what makes the sport so big, finals like this."

He added: "I don't know how I'm going to be for the final.

"I'm going to try my best to recover my body and my physical performance but after a match like this, the next day you feel much heavier."

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Eagle fires McIlroy to Dubai lead

SECOND ROUND LEADERBOARD:
-12 R McIlroy (NI) -11 L Oosthuizen (SA), H Stenson (Swe) -10 R Green (Aus), J Rose (Eng) -9 G Havret (Fr)
Selected others: -8 S Garcia (Spa) -4 C Montgomerie (Sco), L Westwood (Eng) -1 D Clarke (NI)
Dubai Desert Classic leaderboard

---

McIlroy is currently 39th in the world golf rankings

Rory McIlroy spectacularly eagled the final hole of his second round to take a one-shot lead at the halfway point of the Dubai Desert Classic.

The 19-year-old from Northern Ireland sank a 25-yard putt at the par five 18th to post a 68, taking him to 12 under par overall.

In-form South African Louis Oosthuizen, who fired a hole-in-one on the 11th, is one shot behind, as is Henrik Stenson.

Meanwhile, England's Justin Rose is a further shot behind on 10 under.

Fellow Ryder Cup players Paul Casey and Sergio Garcia are both eight under although American Erik Compton, who underwent a second heart transplant eight months ago, failed to make the cut.

I led after the first day and after today, if I can just keep going it will be very nice Rory McIlroy

The completion of the second round was delayed due to fog but when play did resume McIlroy was able to seize the initiative with his final stroke.

"I missed a few putts on the back nine, I gave myself a fair few chances, but all in all, it was probably a fair reflection of how I played," said the teenager.

"I knew that putt at the last was for the lead after two rounds and it's nice. I led after the first day and after today, if I can just keep going it will be very nice."

Oosthuizen, who has finished runner-up in the last two events in Abu Dhabi and Qatar, carded an impressive back nine, adding five birdies to his hole-in-one.

Speaking of the ace, his first in tournament golf, the 26-year-old said: "I saw it all the way. It came running towards the pin and next thing you know, my playing partners turned around and gave me a high-five so I guessed it was in."

606: DEBATE He has the talent to be a multiple major winner but at 19 with millions in the bank it will be interesting to see how he matures as a player and a person hogie

Stenson, who tied with Oosthuizen for second in Qatar, had the clubhouse lead before the fog delay having hit seven birdies to post a 65 to go with his first round 68.

Rose, tied fourth with Australian Richard Green, could have been even better placed had he not tarnished his round, which contained seven birdies, with a double bogey at the 15th.

Compton's brave bid to extend his tournament ended after his three over 75 wrecked the chance he had made possible with an opening round of 71.

The former top-ranked amateur, who as a child was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that hinders its ability to pump blood, suffered a massive heart attack last year and had to undergo a second transplant - but after recovering received a sponsor's invitation to play in this event.

Europe's new Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie fired his second consecutive 70 to go four under, while a 69 allowed Darren Clarke to make the cut by just one stroke.

Ernie Els and Montgomerie's captaincy rival Jose Maria Olazabal were among those who failed to make the cut by one shot.

The tournament is running behind schedule after the first two days were affected by fog.

The third round will be played from two tees and in a threeball format in an attempt to finish as many rounds as possible by Saturday evening, with the likes of McIlroy and Stenson expected to have to still play around 25 holes in the day.

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