Hot Sports News 24 Hours

Nadia Petrova qualified Australian Open quarterfinals

2010-01-24T21:00:00.000+06:00

Nadia Petrova

When the draw for the Australian Open was made, many experts excitedly anticipated a potential match up between Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin in what was viewed as a Belgian quarter. Few picked Nadia Petrova, the 27-year-old Russian, to reach the quarterfinals.

But a new Nadia Petrova has surfaced at this year’s Australian Open, where she produced her second upset victory to enter the quarterfinals and share the spotlight that usually shines on other Russian players.

Petrova beat French Open champion and compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 on Sunday, continuing a surprise run that sent U.S. Open champion Clijsters home after a stunning 6-0, 6-1 defeat in the third round.

Petrova’s win made her the first Russian into the quarters, where she will be joined by at least one and possibly two more.

Maria Kirilenko advanced to the quarterfinals after fellow Russian and No. 2-seeded Dinara Safina retired from their fourth-round match with an apparent leg or back injury and limped off the court. Safina was facing set point, trailing 4-5 and serving at 30-40 when she withdrew.

No. 9 Vera Zvonareva plays her fourth-round match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus on Monday.

Petrova has equaled her best run at the Australian Open by reaching the last eight. She’s never gone further than the semifinals at a major.

She attributes some of her resurgence to the fighting spirit of Russian players.

“There’s a lot of competition between us,” said the No. 19-seeded Petrova. “There’s a lot of us, obviously … Everyone of us wants to be the No. 1 in our country.”

She ended Clijsters’ chances of back-to-back major titles in 52 minutes.

“When I played Kim, before going on court, I said ‘It’s all or nothing. I’ve got to give everything.’ And I did,” Petrova said Sunday. “Same thing happened today. If I can continue doing this, I can get even further.”

On paper Sunday’s match looked close. Petrova had 25 winners compared with Kuznetsova’s 22, and 47 unforced errors against Kuznetsova’s 55.

But Petrova held her nerve, while Kuznetsova let frustration get the best of her.

“I was doing too many unforced errors. I didn’t serve good. I was just struggling to find my game,” Kuznetsova said. “I lost confidence, I was very frustrated.”

“Definitely she’s getting confidence and she’s playing at her best level that I’ve seen her at lately,” Kuznetsova added. “You have to play well if you beat Kim 6-love, 6-1.”

As a young player, Petrova looked set to become a star with her big serve and solid groundstrokes

In 2003, she reached the semifinals at Roland Garros, knocking off Monica Seles and Jennifer Capriati on the way.

But she was upstaged in 2004 by other Russians. Maria Sharapova won Wimbledon that year, Anastasia Myskina won the French Open, and Kuznetsova took home the trophy at the U.S. Open.

Petrova has played the Australian Open 10 previous times, making her best showing in 2006 when she reached the quarters. Her best Grand Slam results have come at the French Open where she reached the semifinals in 2003 and 2005.

Petrova had a disappointing start to this year, losing in the first round at both Brisbane—to Henin—and Sydney.

But now, Petrova says her game is the best it’s been in years—and much of it is mental.

“I’m working hard and digging deep, because I know there’s still a lot to accomplish,” she said. “I really want to finally be a complete player. I want to quit tennis knowing that I’ve done everything possible, that I developed as mush as I could and I gave 100 percent.”

Australia vs Pakistan 1st ODI Highlights 22/01/2010

2010-01-22T16:37:00.000+06:00

Australia Vs Pakistan

The Australians have picked their 12 and the only tricky decision is whether to play Nathan Hauritz or use three quicks in partnership with Watson and James Hopes. Michael Clarke has talked about being ready to bowl some of his left-arm spin, so he may be employed if Hauritz is left out.

Things are less clear for Pakistan, who are lugging around a 17-man squad. Expect Kamran Akmal to return, more for his power hitting than his glovework, after he was dropped for the final Test in Hobart. The tourists have a lot of strike power, led by Afridi and the Akmal brothers

Australia Squad :
Shane Watson, Shaun Marsh, Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke, Cameron White, Brad Haddin (wk), James Hopes, Clint McKay, Peter Siddle, Doug Bollinger, Nathan Hauritz.

Pakistan squad :
Salman Butt, Imran Farhat, Fawad Alam, Mohammad Yousuf (capt), Younis Khan, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal (wk), Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Khalid Latif, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul, Rao Iftikhar, Mohammad Aamer, Naved-ul-Hasan, Mohammad Asif.

Pitch and Conditions :
The Gabba has been excellent for batting during the domestic Twenty20 matches over the past month and whoever wins the toss will want to set a big target. In the early overs of the second innings the ball can swing as darkness falls, making life harder for the run-makers, and the extra bounce will take the Pakistanis some time to adjust to. The weather is expected to be fine throughout Friday, with a top of 32C.

Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears NFL highlights

2009-12-29T17:38:00.002+07:00

Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears highlights

Bears 36-30 victory over the Vikings . A Very Entertaining Game Between 2 NFC Rivals. Chicago Ends ...

Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Redskins highlights and match review

2009-12-28T23:51:00.005+07:00

Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Redskins highlights

COWBOYS CLINCH TRIP TO PLAYOFFS WITH 17-0 DISMANTLING OF DIVISION-RIVAL REDSKINS. THE DALLAS COWBOYS RETURNED TO THE PLAYOFFS SUNDAY NIGHT, DOMINATING THEIR 100TH MEETING WITH THE WASHINGTON REDSKI.

Clemson vs. Kentucky highlights and Match Review

2009-12-28T22:33:00.005+07:00

Clemson vs Kentucky highlights

Analysis is Clemson's 21-13 victory overy Kentucky in the Music City Bowl.

Australia vs Pakistan 1st Test Highlights Day 2 Melbourne

2009-12-28T00:59:00.003+07:00

Australia vs Pakistan 1st Test Highlights Day 2 Melbourne

Australia vs Pakistan 1st Test Highlights Day 2 Melbourne.

India vs Sri Lanka 5th ODI Highlights

2009-12-28T00:32:00.005+07:00

India vs Sri Lanka 5th ODI Highlights

It was surprising that it took them 23.3 overs to call off play because of dangerous conditions. On a Kotla pitch where the bounce - from similar lengths - varied from shin to shoulder in as short ...

India Vs Sri Lanka 4th ODI Kolkata match schedule

2009-12-24T11:11:00.005+07:00

India Vs Sri Lanka 4th ODI Kolkata

India

vs.

Sri Lanka

Match scheduled

Date:
24-12-2009

Time:
from 09:00 until 17:00 (GMT)

India Vs Sri Lanka 4th ODI Kolkata Match details

2009-12-24T10:59:00.005+07:00

The absence of two big players in Indian cricket team will encourage Sri Lanka to perform well and make their come back in the ODI series. Indian regular captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is out of the ODI tournament for his two match ban due to slow over rate. He can take part in the final ODI match against Sri Lanka.

Their ODI series victory can be a farewell for spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan. You may know that it is the last tour series for Muttiah Muralitharan. You know that he is injured and he can not play. It is up to the other players to bring this happy memory for him.

India is leading the 5-match ODI series 2-1. Fourth ODI match is going to be much competitive game between these two teams. Millions of fans will be watching to see that if Sri Lanka can snatch the victory to make the series level.

This match will kick off at 09:00 GMT (14:30 GMT). In the first two matches of this ODI series, we saw top scoring game where batsmen ruled the matches. After that we saw bowlers took the control of the pitch in the 3rd ODI match. I think we can see the same thing in the 4th ODI match. Eden Garden is bowling friendly pitch. Especially spinners will get benefit in this venue.

At the beginning of this entry, I have told you that India will be under huge pressure after losing two potential batsmen for the 4th ODI match against Sri Lanka. However, master blaster batsman Sachin Tendulkar has got back his form. He scored unbeaten 96 in the 3rd ODI match. Virender Sehwag is enough to make a fierce start in the opening stand.

Virat Kohli is the probable player who can replace Yuvraj Singh. It is expected that he will play a potential role in the in the middle order position. On the other hand, Sri Lanka will hope to make a good start in the opening stand.

They will depend on Tillakaratne Dilshan. His aggressive batting style can change the match result. He is now in good form. Dilshan scored two consecutive centuries in the first two ODI matches against India. So, he will get much importance in the 4th ODI match.

However, I think that another opener Upul Tharanga can help his team to stay in the crease passionately and make a big partnership with others. Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara is in formidable form. Who do you think can win the match?

Fans are also curious to know the squad of both teams. We can see some big change in the Indian squad. I have given the probable squad of both teams that can be used in the 4th ODI match.

Indian Squad: Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Dinesh Karthik, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, Praveen Kumar, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra.

Sri Lankan Squad: Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara (WK & C), Mahela Jayawardene, Sanath Jayasuriya, Thilina Kandamby, Randiv, Lasith Malinga, Ajantha Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekara, Welededara.

New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls Match details and start time

2009-12-23T01:34:00.001+07:00

NBA

New York Knicks

vs

Chicago Bulls

Match scheduled

Date:
23-12-2009

Time:
from 01:30 until 04:00 (GMT)

The National Basketball Association, called NBA, this is their main league, very interesting!

Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets match schedule

2009-12-23T01:26:00.002+07:00

NBA

Los Angeles Clippers

vs.

Houston Rockets

Match scheduled

Date:
23-12-2009

Time:
from 01:30 until 04:00 (GMT)

Philadelphia 76ers vs Washington Wizards match schedule

2009-12-23T01:21:00.003+07:00

NBA

Live Atalantic Coast College basketball Tournament

Philadelphia 76ers

vs

Washington Wizards

Match scheduled

Date:
23-12-2009

Time:
from 00:00 until 02:30 (GMT)

South Alabama vs Florida Match start schedule

2009-12-23T01:15:00.002+07:00

NCAA College Basketball

Live Atalantic Coast College basketball Tournament

South Alabama

vs.

Florida

Match scheduled

Date:
23-12-2009

Time:
from 00:00 until 02:000 (GMT)

Michigan State Vs Texas Match Time

2009-12-22T23:56:00.003+07:00

NCAA College Basketball

Live Atalantic Coast College basketball Tournament

Michigan State

vs.

Texas

Match scheduled

Date:
23-12-2009

Time:
from 00:00 until 02:000 (GMT)

Ospreys v Viadana Highlights and match review of Heineken Cup

2009-12-22T23:33:00.001+07:00

Rugby: Heineken Cup highlights

Highlights from our Round 4 Heineken Cup home fixture against Viadana...

Catalonia vs Argentina International Friendly Match Schedule

2009-12-22T01:21:00.003+07:00

International Friendly Matches

of

Catalonia

vs

Argentina

Match scheduled

Date:
22-12-2009

Time:
from 19:30 until 21:30 (GMT)

Besides qualifying for euro 2008 or World Cup 2010 there are also international friendly matches.

New York Giants vs Washington Redskins match schedule

2009-12-22T00:54:00.003+07:00

The National Football league

of

New York Giants

vs

Washington Redskins

Match scheduled

Date:
22-12-2009

Time:
from 01:30 until 05:00 (GMT)

The National Football league called NFL.

NFL Countdown Show Match schedule

2009-12-22T00:22:00.003+07:00

The National Football league

of

NFL Countdown Show

Match scheduled

Date:
22-12-2009

Time:
from 00:00 until 01:30 (GMT)

The National Football league called NFL.

India vs Sri Lanka ODI Highlights 2009 Indian Batting

2009-12-22T00:12:00.004+07:00

Compac Cup Sri Lanka vs India 3rd One day International

Compac Cup Sri Lanka vs India 3rd One day International, Indian Batting .
Compac Cup Sri Lanka vs India 3rd One day International, Indian Batting .

India Vs Srilanka 2009 3rd ODI Cuttack Highlights

2009-12-21T17:16:00.004+07:00

India Vs Srilanka 2009 3rd ODI

India vs Srilanka 2009 3rd ODI on Barabati Stadium, Cuttack at 21st December 2009 Live Stream & Highlights India Team : Ashish Nehra,Gautam Gambhir,Harbhajan Singh

Qatar Stars League Match Schedule of Umm Salal vs Al-Sailiya

2009-12-21T16:39:00.003+07:00

Qatar Stars League

Of

Umm Salal

vs.

Al-Sailiya

Match scheduled

Date:
21-12-2009

Time:
from 14:30 until 16:30 (GMT)

NCAA College Basketball Match schedule of UTEP Vs Oklahama

2009-12-21T16:30:00.004+07:00

NCAA College Basketball

UTEP

vs.

Oklahama

Match scheduled

Date:
21-12-2009

Time:
from 23:30 until 01:30 (GMT)

Live Atalantic Coast College basketball Tournament

India vs Sri Lanka at Cuttack, 3rd ODI 2009 match schedule

2009-12-21T14:01:00.004+07:00

India vs Sri Lanka at Cuttack, 3rd ODI 2009

India v Sri Lanka at Cuttack, 3rd ODI

India

vs

Sri Lanka

Match scheduled

Date:
21-12-2009

Time:
from 09:00 until 17:00 (GMT)

NFL Match scheduled of Arizona Cardinals vs Detroit Lions

2009-12-21T00:42:00.004+07:00

The National Football league

Arizona Cardinals

vs

Detroit Lions

Match scheduled

Date:
20-12-2009

Time:
from 18:00 until 21:30 (GMT)

NFL : Cleveland Browns vs Kansas City Chiefs Match Schedule

2009-12-21T00:19:00.002+07:00

The National Football league

Cleveland Browns

vs.

Kansas City Chiefs

Match scheduled

Date:
20-12-2009

Time:
from 18:00 until 21:30 (GMT)