First wife Brooke Shields persuaded Agassi to shave his head
Former tennis star Andre Agassi wore a wig held together with pins in his first Grand Slam final, excerpts from his autobiography have revealed.
The hairpiece - in his famous mullet style - had fallen apart the night before the 1990 French Open final, which Agassi lost to Andres Gomez.
Before the match he prayed "not for victory, but that my hairpiece would not fall off", he writes in Open.
Earlier excerpts revealed his use of drug crystal methamphetamine in 1997.
The 39-year-old, who retired in 2006, admits that - in order to escape a ban - he lied to tennis authorities that his drink had been spiked with the highly addictive drug.
Clamped together
Further excerpts describe his distress at the hair loss which led to him wearing a hairpiece.
"Every morning I would get up and find another piece of my identity on the pillow, in the wash basin, down the plughole," he writes.
But after the wig fell apart in the shower the night before the Paris final, his brother helped him clamp it together using about 20 clips.
Agassi writes: "Of course I could have played without my hairpiece, but what would all the journalists have written if they knew that all the time I was really wearing a wig?
"During the warming-up training before play I prayed. Not for victory, but that my hairpiece would not fall off.
"With each leap, I imagine it falling into the sand. I imagine millions of spectators move closer to their TV sets, their eyes widening and, in dozens of dialects and languages, ask how Andre Agassi's hair has fallen from his head."
Agassi went on to win eight Grand Slams during his career and is one of only six men to win all four major titles.
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By Julian Shea
1442: Australia's Billy "See ya later" Slater (best nickname in sport? Discuss) has already taken a knock to his leg which he is trying to run off, and has a bloody nose. That's proof that at least England are taking the game to the Kangaroos.
1435: TRY England 0-6 Australia.
Just as I was about to say what a fairly cagey start it was by both teams, Australia pull the trigger and open the scoring through Darren Lockyer. Johnathan Thurston passes to captain Lockyer on the half-way line, his pass finds Greg Inglis and he sprints straight down the field, offloading to Lockyer just short of the line for him to touch down the opening try.Thurston adds the afters. Five minutes gone and it's already become a lot more difficult for England.
1430: National anthems played by the Dinnington Colliery Brass Band and conducted by, er, comedian and 'Maestro' winner Sue Perkins.
1415: Are you sitting comfortably? Then get ready for an afternoon of spills, thrills and probably a bit of bellyaching after the final hooter. This afternoon Kangaroos captain Darren Lockyer, already the most capped Australian player in history, equals Clive Churchill's record for matches as captain. But after seeing Australia get out of jail against New Zealand last week, Tony Smith's England will fancy their chances of spoiling his celebrations.
Admittedly England didn't set the world on fire in their opening match against France, but at least they come into the game on the back of a victory, rather than a snatched draw. This could be a good 'un.
England: S Briscoe, T Briscoe, Smith, Shenton , Hall, McGuire, Tomkins, Morley, Roby, Graham, Ellis, Peacock (capt), Sinfield.
1439: We've got a minor problem with the automatic refresh at the moment folks, so if you could manually refresh for the moment, thanks.
1426: Celtic manager Tony Mowbray has just told BBC Scotland he is confident of improving the quality of his playing squad while producing winning football. "The players know the demands here and the supporters expect us to win every game but that's not always possible," he said.
1419: BBC Sport's Chick Young is telling Sportsound listeners to brace themselves for further tough financial times ahead following their respective clubs.
1417:
From DiegoforUtd on My Sport
"Some good matches in store for us today. Every match can be seen as an important six-pointer!"
1416: Motherwell make two changes from the side that lost 3-0 to St Mirren in midweek. Stephen Craigan seems to have incurred manager Jim Gannon's wrath again and drops out along with Jamie Murphy. Ross Forbes and John Sutton are the guys coming into the starting line-up against Hearts.
1415: Some team news for Hearts fans from Fir Park. The Jambos are without captain Michael Stewart with an ankle injury, the man who scored the Co-operative Insurance Cup winner against Celtic in midweek, is replaced with Eggert Jonsson in midfield.
1406:
From DavidAttenborough on My Sport
"Predictions for today: Celtic 3-0 Kilmarnock, Hibernian 1-1 Aberdeen, Motherwell 2-1 Hearts, St Johnstone 1-0 Falkirk, St Mirren 0-0 Hamilton."
1402: Early team news from Celtic Park, where the hosts make four changes to the side which lost to Hearts in the Co-operative Insurance Cup. Defender Glenn Loovens comes in for the suspended Stephen McManus. Paddy McCourt starts at the expense of Shaun Maloney, Scott McDonald and Georgios Samaras come in for Zheng Zhi and Chris Killen.
1358: Recent history points to a share of the spoils at Easter Road. Aberdeen have taken a point from five of their last six league visits at Hibernian.
1357: St Johnstone and Falkirk last met in a Scottish Cup fourth round tie in 2007, with the Perth side, then in the First Division, enjoying a 3-0 away win.
1355: You have to go back to December 1955 for the last time Kilmarnock won a league game at Celtic Park. David Curlett fired a double in a 2-0 win for the Ayrshire club. Bill Haley and his Comets were number 1 in the charts with Rock Around The Clock and cinema-goers were flocking to see Lady and the Tramp, and Oklahoma.
League leaders Celtic host Kilmarnock, it's Hibs against Aberdeen, Motherwell face Hearts, St Johnstone take on Falkirk and St Mirren entertain Hamilton.
1350: Good afternoon and welcome to week 10 of the Scottish Premier League season. We've got five games to get our teeth into today.
Silverstone is "very close" to agreeing a deal with Bernie Ecclestone to host the 2010 British Grand Prix, according to the circuit's president Damon Hill.
Silverstone is the only hope for the race's future following the failure of Donington Park, which had a contract for 2010, to raise the necessary funds.
"We are very close. It comes down to a little bit of give on the negotiation and I think we're there," said Hill.
"We are doing everything we can to get the grand prix. It has been non-stop."
Hill, who is president of the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) which owns Silverstone, said "I'm not involved in the discussions but I've been keeping abreast, until it's done, there's nervousness that it's achievable but we are doing everything we possibly can."
Silverstone Holdings operate the track and their managing director Richard Phillips said "We're getting a lot closer and we are hopeful. We have to try to secure this for the UK.
"These five-year-deals we've had in the past are no good. We need a longer term deal - that is key to securing the investment we need in the circuit. We're not there yet, but we're optimistic we will be."
Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has long been critical of the facilities at Silverstone and contrasted the venue to the sparkling purpose built £250m Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
"People will start to understand when they see these sort of things, what we've been complaining about with Silverstone and Magny-Cours [in France] and all those places.
"It's not just here but everywhere that has raised the standard so [much] higher. This is just even on top of that.
"It's not just a case of [Silverstone] signing the contract and paying. They must raise their standard.
"They have a contract if they want to sign it. I'd be delighted. If they don't want to sign it it's OK."
Asked if there was anything Silverstone could do to speed up a deal, Ecclestone said: "They need to go and buy a pen."
The contract on the table is believed to demand a £12m fee for 2010, with an increase of 7% per year after that.
Donington's struggle to raise the required finances highlights the difficulties circuits face in trying to keep pace with newer venues like Abu Dhabi, which is hosting the season finale this weekend and is part of a £32bn state-funded development.
"Silverstone is a private entity and it has to cut it cloth accordingly," said Hill.
"If you don't you end up with wreckage on your hands and we don't want that.
"It's important to distinguish between Silverstone itself - a venue that has been nurtured - and the fans. They have made F1 what it is today," continued Hill.
"We need a good venue for the British GP and Silverstone has been going to the end of the earth to provide a venue.
"We want it to be better. It's really a question for the sport itself - whether it regards venues as key elements and stakeholders in the sport.
"We're doing everything we can to get the grand prix. The team has gone through the numbers. It has been non-stop. Trying to work out how we deliver on the demands for a grand prix."
Former world champion Sir Jackie Stewart told BBC Sport that he believes the F1 heritage and know-how Britain possesses means it is important the race is not lost.
"There must be a British Grand Prix," he said. "And I think Bernie knows that too.
"Races like Turkey and Abu Dhabi… all the races in those countries are government-financed. The British government doesn't do that.
"I hope and pray it comes true [that Silverstone lands the deal], but it must be affordable. If it's affordable then it will happen. You cannot have it and lose millions.
"We must improve the facilities - not only for the F1 people and the media - but for the spectators too. To do that, you've got to be able to make money to spend money.
"We have to keep the races that started it all. Where did the modern era of Formula 1 motor racing begin? Silverstone. It is an essential to keep that with us - we do need history and tradition."
To get involved use 606 or text us your views & comments on 81111. (Not all contributions can be used)
By Chris Bevan
1243: The Arsenal and Tottenham players make their way out on to The Emirates pitch... to use my final Halloween pun, it's a bit of a cauldron out there today. Sorry.
1242: BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at The Emirates: "The Carling Cup draw was not greeted with huge rejoicing by either set of supporters here. Two tough trips to Manchester, United for Spurs and City for Arsenal - watch those goal celebrations Mr Adebayor. What will catch England coach Fabio Capello's eye today? Jermaine Jenas used the build-up to this north London derby to remind Capello of his existence and there is also the chance for Peter Crouch to shine in front of a man who still appears to harbour doubts about his class at elite level."
From Jay, Gunners fan in London, via text on 81111: "Could it be that Nicklas Bendtner is played down the middle for Arsenal for once? He usually scores when he's not on the wing."
1241: The Tottenham players are in the tunnel at the Emirates, just waiting for Arsenal now. Robbie Keane is doing an impressive 'jumping on the spot' warm-up.
From kDamo on Twitter:
"The Carling Cup draw has been kind to us (Villa), but it just means the big teams will knock us out in the semis instead."
1237: As far as the Carling Cup goes then, for starters, I'm sure Manchester City's former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor will be looking forward to seeing his old friends again. He's probably planning his goal celebrations now... they won't be too lively, I'd wager.
1235: Ten minutes to go until kick-off at The Emirates. England coach Fabio Capello has just taken his seat.
1232: That little lot should be quite interesting, shouldn't it? Who do you see making it through to the semi-finals then?
1230: CARLING CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW Blackburn v Chelsea Manchester United v Tottenham Portsmouth v Aston Villa Manchester City v Arsenal Games to be played week commencing 30 November
From David, Spurs fan in Chippenham, via text on 81111: "Let's hope it's not a 'grave' day for Spurs, and we see a few 'ghouls' at The Emirates!"
1224: The Carling Cup quarter-final draw is just a few seconds away...
From TorreSamK9 on Twitter:
"Liverpool have lost two of their last four against Fulham away. Let us hope that doesn't come back to 'haunt' them."
1221: You've probably already heard this week that under-fire Hull City boss Phil Brown is confident his players are a "million per cent behind him" today - 100 per cent just isn't enough these days is it? Sadly for Brown, he cannot be so sure of the support of his board, and incoming chairman - whoever that proves to be. A fair few rumours flying about that Brown will be sacked unless his side beat Burnley this afternoon at 'Fortress Turf Moor'... how do you see that one going, Tigers fans?
From sewey89 on 606:
"Re 1207. There's more chance of the pumpkin rolling in the area than Zamora hitting it!"
1217: I'm told my Twitter link was wrong earlier but you can find the real me
right here.
Sorry about that.
1215: BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at The Emirates: "Big and confident talk from Spurs before the game - and as expected David Bentley and Peter Crouch get the nod in Harry Redknapp's starting line. Jermain Defoe is serving the final game of a three-game ban and will be a serious miss. Jonathan Woodgate is fit enough to take his place on the bench after suffering a head injury against Stoke City last Saturday."
1213: TEAM NEWS Arsenal v Tottenham Manuel Almunia is back between the posts for Arsenal for the first time in five games with Lukasz Fabianski suffering from a thigh injury. Arsene Wenger is also without Tomas Rosicky, Denilson and Theo Walcott in midfield, so lines up with Nicklas Bendtner, Robin van Persie and Andrei Arshavin up front. Tottenham's former Gunners midfielder David Bentley makes his first Premier League start since January, while Jermaine Jenas is back in the side and Peter Crouch is up front alongside Robbie Keane with Jermain Defoe suspended.
1211: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger on today's clash with neighbours Spurs: "We want to win and the fact it is a derby gives us a little bit extra special motivation for everybody to win. But when the game starts it will be just down to the quality of the display no matter how much other psychological involvement there is in the game."
1209: TEAMS Arsenal v Tottenham Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy, Fabregas, Song Billong, Diaby, Bendtner, van Persie, Arshavin. Subs: Mannone, Senderos, Nasri, Eduardo, Ramsey, Eboue, Gibbs. Tottenham: Gomes, Corluka, King, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto, Bentley, Huddlestone, Palacios, Jenas, Keane, Crouch. Subs: Button, Hutton, Bale, Pavlyuchenko, Dawson, Kranjcar, Woodgate. Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)
1207: I'm trying to keep the Halloween puns to a minimum folks, but I'm sure you'll join me in hoping for a spook-tacular afternoon, with a few tricks and treats in store for us all. It would be nice if they were topical too... what do you think the odds are on a Bobby Zamora shot hitting a stray pumpkin that has rolled into the Liverpool penalty area at Craven Cottage, and ricocheting past Pepe Reina?
1204: Here are the teams, and their draw numbers, that are in the hat for the upcoming Carling Cup quarter-final draw: Arsenal (1), Aston Villa (2), Blackburn (3), Chelsea (4), Manchester City (5), Manchester United (6), Portsmouth (7) and Tottenham (8). The ties will be played in the week commencing 30 November.
From rudeluded909 on 606:
"I wonder if we'll be treated to a goal fest or tricked into a dull day of goalless football. Let's hope it's the former!!"
1202: I need you lot to get involved in today's action too of course.
Trick or Tweet me on Twitter,
text me on 81111 or have your say on
606.
To paraphrase Richard Marx, I am right here waiting for your chat.
League Cup in 90 seconds (UK users only)
1200: So, what else is going on today? Quite a lot, I can tell you. Firstly, at around 1225 GMT, we've got the draw for the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup - featuring six of the top eight PL sides, oh and Blackburn and Portsmouth. I'll give you more details on that in a short while but, for now,
feast your eyes on a round-up of this week's fourth-round ties...
go on, it will only take you 90 seconds.
1158: Er, is now a good time to mention Tottenham's dismal record on the road against the Big Four? Spurs haven't won in their last 64 Premier League visits to Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in a run that goes back to their 2-1 win at Anfield in August 1993. Shall I tell Harry, or do you want to?
1155: So, recent history is on Arsenal's side but the good news for Tottenham fans is that Spurs boss Harry Redknapp doesn't seem to care: "Arsenal play fantastic football but so do we. We have a squad here capable of matching anyone so we will be going there to win the game, absolutely. We always go for it and we only know one way to play. We'll be positive and take it to them. Certain parts of our game can cause them problems and we have to take it to them and give them something to think about."
1153: Yep, today sees the 162nd north London derby - which starts at 1245 GMT. It's the first of nine top flight games, which makes it the busiest Premier League Saturday for, ooh ages (definitely this season anyway).
1151 BST: Hello. I hope you're having a happy Halloween. Here's something really scary (for Tottenham fans): Spurs haven't beaten local rivals Arsenal in the Premier League for 10 years and are without a win on Gunners' territory - whether it be Highbury or The Emirates - since 1993. The good news? They have a chance to put that right today.
ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX Venue: Yas Marina Dates: 30 Oct - 1 Nov 2009 Coverage: Comprehensive live coverage of Friday practice, Saturday qualifying and Sunday's race - which starts at 1300 GMT - across BBC TV, radio and online platforms.
Find full listings here
Englishman Button, 29, captured the world title at the last race in Sao Paulo
By Chris Whyatt
New world champion Jenson Button showed he could finish his 2009 in style as he topped the final practice session for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Brawn driver snatched the fastest time late on from McLaren's Lewis Hamilton with a lap of one minute 40.625 seconds in hot conditions.
Slightly more than 1.7 seconds separated 19 drivers as they got to grips with the new Yas Marina circuit.
Jaime Alguersuari did not drive as his Toro Rosso suffered hydraulic failure.
With 29-year-old Englishman Button and his Brawn team having sewn up the drivers' and constructors' championship at the last race in Brazil, most drivers and teams emitted a relatively relaxed mood as they continued to explore Formula 1's newest track.
Indicating McLaren's potential ahead of qualifying at 1300 GMT, Hamilton went quickest in the first session on Friday before his team-mate Heikki Kovalainen did the same in the second session under the dusky conditions under which drivers will run in Sunday's race.
Though lacking in any real drama for onlookers, the third session gave teams the chance to fine-tune their race set-up as shadows lengthened over the track towards the end of the allocated hour.
He topped the session at various points but Button and Hamilton cruised through late on, giving some hint of a potential rivalry for next season that could have neutrals licking their lips.
The two Englishman have never before stood on the same podium in three seasons in the sport, but that looks a distinct prospect on Sunday.
Other likely challengers, such as Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel, had a wobble early on at Turn One.
The German driver, who is hoping to keep Barrichello at bay on Sunday to secure second spot in the drivers' championship, finished a nondescript 11th with Australian team-mate Mark Webber 15th.
