SportsArea

Final Day Drama | English Premier League

2012-05-13T14:17:00.003+06:00

The Barclays Premier League wraps up for the season 2011-2012 today with a host of drama set to unfurl to keep even the football fan on the edge of their seat.

It'll be full action packed, all at once. With more tension for the mix.

For the tittle race key fixtures are:

Manchester City Vs Queens Park Rangers at the Etihad Stadium
Sunderland Vs Manchester United at the Stadium of Light

Both Manchester sides go into the last day with same 86 points, but United's neighbour City are ahead in goal difference. So United need a big favour from Queens Park Rangers to better City's result today. Manchester City won seventeen of their matches out of eighteen matches and drew the other at home. They are in a very good position compares to United who will travel to Sunderland. Manchester United won just two matches out of their last five matches.

For Champions League Qualifications the key fixtures are:

West Bromwich Albion v Arsenal at the Hawthrons
Everton v Newcastle United at the Goodison Park
Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham at the White Heart Lane

What has become very interesting is that, though Chelsea already out of race for the 4th place but If Chelsea win the Champions League, the automatic place for the FA Cup winners will transfer to fourth in the league, so no August qualifiers. If they lose to Bayern Munich they will go straight into the Europa League groups. From the league, the top three will automatically go into the group stages of next year's Champions League competition with the fourth placed team in the final qualifying round. But if Chelsea win the Champions League, that fourth placed club would be dumped into the Europa League.

So for the Champions League qualification today's matches are very very important for Arsenal, Tottenham and for New Castle, who are currently at 5th place. For Arsenal, win at West Brom is enough to secure the Champions league spot. But no side has a final day they can truly consider comfortable, and any could find themselves sitting in fifth when the drama ends.

For the Religation race Bolton and QPR have to battle it out to survive. Bolton(35 points) will take on Stoke City at Britanika and QPR(37 points) will face the league leader manchester City. So Bolton simply must need a victory as most predict QPR will be beaten at Etihad.

It'll be filled with excitement and full of tension not only on the players, also everywhere among the fans. It's Just few hours to go. Get Ready!!!

Football | Barclays Premier League Weekend Preview

2012-03-10T12:32:00.000+06:00

Barclays Premier League - 6 matches will be played on Saturday

QPR is visiting Reebok Stadium to meet Bolton. QPR currently on 16th on the table with 22 points while Bolton still struggling at the bottom in 19th with 20 points.

Sunderland taking on Liverpool at home. Liverpool lost their last two matches as they struggling to get a Champions League spot by finishing in the top four. 5 points separating them as Reds are in 7th place with 39 points.

Wolverhapmton facing Blackburn. Both currently at 22 points as they battling out to a avoid relegation. Blackburn just a little ahead in 17th with better goal difference.

Chelsea will play against Stoke at home. The Blues currently at 5th 3 points behind the Gunners. They are under interim coach Roberto di Matteo after Andre Villas-Boas was sacked.

Fulham visiting Villa park to meet Aston Villa. Fulham are playing consistently as they are in 8th position and Villa are in 15th with 30 points, 6 points behind from Fulham.

Tottenham taking on Everton at Godison Park. Even though Spurs are in 3rd position but they lost their last two matches very badly. Everton always promises to be finished in the top half currently struggling a bit at no 13 in the table.

Barclays Premier League - 3 matches will be played on Sunday

Manchester United hosting West Brom. The Man Utd 2 points behind from the League leader Man City will try to keep pressing. West Brom doing well as they are now at 10th on the table.

Manchester City will be facing Swansea at Liberty Stadium. Mancini's Man City are on top with 2 points ahead of Man Utd, they'll try to keep that intact.

Norwich will play against Wigan. Wigan still struggling at the bottom of the table with 20 points and 15 points behind from Norwich.

What They Are Saying

2012-02-12T20:26:00.000+06:00

Liverpool's striker Luis Suarez refuse to shake Patrice Evra's hand before the start of the match. Manchester United won the match by 2-1 at Old Trafford.

The incident has shocked key figures in the game. Below there are some reactions after the match.

Sir Alex Ferguson: Luis Suarez is a disgrace

"Suarez is a disgrace to Liverpool Football Club," said United manager Ferguson. "He should not be allowed to play for Liverpool again. He could have caused a riot."

Not only that, the two sets of players reportedly clashed in the tunnel at half-time before Liverpool players reacted angrily to Evra's celebrations at the full-time whistle.

Photo Credit: cliverich

Ferguson said "I couldn't believe Suarez refused Evra's handshake. You saw the referee. He didn't know what to do. It was a terrible start to the game and it created a terrible atmosphere.

He also added "Racism is an important issue and football has come a long way since the days of bananas being thrown at John Barnes."

He believes Evra "kept his dignity" by offering to shake Suarez's hand, but did not condone the Frenchman's post-match celebrations.

"Evra shouldn't have jumped in front of Suarez in celebration at the end," he added. "He shouldn't have done that."

Football Association says it has no intention of abandoning handshakes before matches

The FA will await referee Phil Dowd's report before deciding whether it needs to take any further action.
Evra caused added tensions at the final whistle when he celebrated United's 2-1 victory in front of Suarez.

It is understood that the FA will not sanction Suarez for refusing a handshake, but it urged football as a whole to take responsibility for its actions in line with the FA's "Respect" campaign.

"It's clearly symbolic and its symbolism has its place in the game. From a player's perspective it's very difficult to shake someone's hand if you don't want to.

But players have a responsibility to their club and to the wider interests of the game and it's disappointing if he had agreed to shake his hand. I think if it can cause more problems in a particular circumstance, it's right for the clubs to dispense with it," said FA chief executive Mark Palios In a interview with BBC radio.

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand: "After seeing what happened, I decided not to shake his hand. I lost all respect for the guy." He told MUTV.

He also added "He has not got the respect that he needs to acknowledge he's made a mistake and say sorry and move on from that. It could have been resolved between the two players today. After this, it's not great."

Former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen: "The rhetoric from both clubs before the game was restraint. Liverpool said there would be a handshake, so for Suarez to snub Evra is totally unacceptable. Liverpool have given Suarez total support through thick and thin and I think he's let Kenny down, he's let the club down and he's let himself down." He said on the BBC.

Former Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer: "Kenny is fiercely loyal but Suarez has let him down. This should have been the start of the end. I totally disagree with Suarez not shaking his hand. Evra puts his hand out - and then Ferdinand chooses not to shake.

It's not a great day for football." On Evra's post-match celebration, he added: "There was no need for Evra to do that in front of Suarez, who keeps calm."He also said on BBC.

"When I saw it live and they didn't shake hands, it just amazed me. I can't imagine after everything that has gone on this week that this was not discussed by Liverpool in terms of are they going to shake hands or not.
"It's a big shock and was compounded by Evra at the end and then Sir Alex Ferguson. It's not a good day from a PR perspective for either club." Said Former Liverpool striker John Barnes on ESPN

He also added, "For me, we are making a mountain out of a molehill. There are worse things happening in the world."

Former England manager and Liverpool striker Kevin Keegan said he was unimpressed by Ferguson's call for Liverpool to sell Suarez, insisting both clubs have behaved badly over the issue:

"To come out and say a player shouldn't play for another club that you have no control of, I think is wrong. Instead of calming this down, they've allowed it to escalate.

"They are the two biggest clubs in this country in terms of winning things and I think both clubs at different times have handled it badly, I think Liverpool in the beginning very badly.

"Today was a chance to say to the player, 'Shake his hand and get on with it', and then there's nothing to say. Then Evra after the game, why would he want to do that? He's won his case, the guy's got a lengthy ban, just keep quiet. You've won the game." He said.

In Brief | Football

2012-02-10T12:14:00.001+06:00

Football Association chairman says next manager will 'not definitely be English'.

FA chairman David Bernstein says there is no guarantee that the next England manager will be English, with it important for them to find the right man for the job.

He admits that the preference would be to turn to an Englishman, in the wake of Fabio Capello's resignation, but he has made it clear that all options will be considered. Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is the firm favourite to take the reins, with it expected that the FA will look to appoint a home-grown coach.

FA chairman claims no decision has been taken as yet regarding the next coach, with it important for the organisation to avoid rushing the selection process. Asked if Capello's successor will definitely be English, he said: "No, he will not definitely be English. There clearly is a preference for an Englishman.

England U21 coach to take charge of senior side for Holland friendly

FA chairman has revealed that Stuart Pearce will take charge of the England team for the friendly date with Holland on 29th February. With Fabio Capello having stepped down from his role as Three Lions coach on Wednesday, the nation find themselves without a permanent figurehead in the build-up to Euro 2012.

Their preparations for that tournament will see them take in games against Holland, Norway and Belgium, before opening their European Championship campaign against France on 11th June.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknepp is not thinking of England job

Harry insists he has 'not even thought' about the England job and is fully focused on Tottenham amid heavy speculation linking him with the vacant post.

Photo credit: nevercaptainnickybutt.com

Redknapp is the clear frontrunner to succeed Fabio Capello in the role following the Italian's resignation on Wednesday evening, with players and pundits alike backing him for the job. Capello stepped down just hours after the Spurs boss was cleared of all charges following a two-week tax evasion trial.

Speculation has surfaced Redknapp could take over England on a part-time basis to allow him to see out the campaign with Tottenham before taking full charge in the summer ahead of the European Championship in Poland and Ukraine.

Thierry Henry is not extending his stay at Arsenal

New York Red Bulls coach Hans Backe insists Thierry Henry will not be extending his loan spell at Arsenal. The Gunners moved to bring their record goalscorer back for a second spell in North London at the turn of the year and he has scored two goals in five games.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had recently claimed he would look into extending Henry's stay at the Emirates with the Frenchman being included in the club's UEFA Champions League squad.

Injury blow for Bayern Munich miedfielder Schweinsteiger

Bayern midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger faces a spell on the sidelines after tearing ankle ligaments. Schweinsteiger suffered the injury during Bayern's 2-0 win over Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal on Wednesday night.

The midfield schemer lasted just 17 minutes of the game before he was forced to limp off and scans have confirmed Bayern's worst fears.

"We will have to make a prediction as to when Bastian will be able to train or play again at a later date," said Bayern's club doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt.

In Brief: What's Hot In Footobal

2012-02-04T16:21:00.000+06:00

John Terry has been stripped of the England captaincy

The FA has confirmed that Terry has been stripped of the captaincy. The 31-year-old Chelsea centre-back was informed of the decision by FA chairman David Bernstein. In a statement, the FA said Terry would not "captain the England team until the allegations against him are resolved".

Terry is due to stand trial in July over racial abuse allegations after an incident with QPR's Anton Ferdinand, who lost the captaincy once previously, has entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.

This decision has been taken due to the higher profile nature of the England captaincy, on and off the pitch, and the additional demands and requirements expected of the captain leading into and during a tournament."

The FA said Capello was free to select Terry for the Netherlands friendly in February and Euro 2012. "FA chairman David Bernstein has spoken to both John Terry and Fabio Capello to explain the facts to them," the statement continued.

Carlos Tevez return is possible

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini admitted he could pick Carlos Tevez again and he has named him in his 25-man squad.

Tevez remains at City after interest from AC Milan, Inter Milan and Paris St Germain failed to turn into a transfer.

"If he comes back - and he is fit - it is possible," conceded Mancini.

"Carlos is not an option at the moment but it is possible in the future if he comes back," added Mancini.
"I hope for him he has been training in the last three months to help his condition.

"There is only one thing on my mind, the Barclays Premier League."

Point table not worrying Wenger

"I don't look at the table. Never. Even when we are in front I never look at the table because I know where we are. It is very tight," said Wenger.

"We are in a competition with Liverpool, who have not won the league for 20 years, but before they have won in 18 times in 20 years, so it [being outside the top four] can happen.

"You have always to be humble and fight hard and support your team. That is all you can do."

Arsenal manager said: "I am just worried to do as well as I can for this club, every day. I will let other people judge how good it is.

"At the moment it is a bit under scrutiny, but it does not stop me from being as motivated as I have always been to do well for the club.

"To do well for the club is to play the football I want to play and to win football games."
Wenger fought back against what he sees as continued negative external vibes.

Pep Guardiola has no concern over Messi's form

Guardiola insisted he is still better than most even when he's not playing at his peak.

"Leo is always fine, he is very competitive," Guardiola said. "He has experienced many things and he always plays well, you already know my opinion.

"Without being at his best, he is superior to other players. He sometimes takes responsibilities without having to."

Football | What They Are Saying

2011-10-09T01:44:00.000+06:00

Capello says It's 'too early' to speak about Rooney

Capello has made no attempt to deny that Rooney deserved to be dismissed but is hopeful UEFA will not extend the mandatory one-match ban.

"It will be a good lesson for him," he said. "We have to play three games at the start next year. I don't know how many he will miss. One, maybe two, but I hope not. Really, it is too early to speak about it."

Rooney was sent off for a petulant kick on Friday night as England secured a 2-2 draw in Montenegro.

The result ensured England topped their qualification group and will play at Euro 2012, but they will be without their star man for at least one of the group games. UEFA is expected to rule on the punishment ahead of the November play-offs.

England will be taking on the defending world and European champions Spain at Wembley on November 12. "We will play young players and new players," Capello said.

"I want to see some players at Wembley and how they do when they wear the senior shirt. Spain will be a really difficult game, but it will help me to understand a lot of things."

Germany’s Thomas Muller: The Team Has More Options Down The Left Than The Right.

Muller claims Germany favours left flank. The Bayern man scored and added two assists as Germany beat Turkey 3-1 in Istanbul to maintain their 100 per cent record in qualification for Euro 2012. Muller was happy with the result and was keen to find comparisons between the national team and his club side, Bayern.

“We did not have as much possession of the ball initially,” he said. “In addition, there was not much action down the right. We are a little left-heavy, the same as Bayern Munich. It doesn’t matter though, I’ll always find some space,” he said. The 22-year-old also spoke of the importance of taking the lead in what was a hostile stadium environment.

“We already knew that Turkey would struggle when we played our game and moved the ball quickly,” he said. “That tactic worked for most of the game very well. Only at the beginning did we have a few problems but once we made it 1-0, it was quiet in the stadium and we could understand each other.”

Germany now face Belgium on Tuesday in Dusseldorf, knowing that a victory will mean the team qualify with a 100 per cent record for the first time. “It is important that we deliver on Tuesday for our fans. I hope we break the record but if not, we will still continue to live happily, knowing we already have our ticket for the European Championships,” Muller said.

Spain Boss Del Bosque Hails Midfield

Del Bosque said on the Spanish federation's website: "We started very strongly and at the end we let go, but we had controlled the match. Our midfielders were able to dominate the entire game.

"Silva and Mata are very important players. They link up well in midfield. They had a great game."

Chelsea midfielder Mata added: "In Alicante we are going to try to be just as competitive as we have been until now, and if I play I plan to seize the moment. "We are pleased with how we played, how we approached the game. We were very competitive from the start and that helped us win. I am very happy to have played and to have scored. Playing in this team is a pleasure. This team has a lot of quality.

"We always try to play football the best we can and today we played a great game. I'm enjoying a good spell. My first few weeks in London have gone very well, and also for the national team. I am very happy and just hope this moment lasts."

Mata added: "Fernando Torres has played very well. He has tried but not been rewarded. We are all very happy with him and sure he will soon be back at his best."

Netherlands Coach Bert van Marwijk Blasts Bayern Over Robben

Bert van Marwijk has launched a stinging attack on Bayern Munich over injured winger Arjen Robben. Robben was included in the national team to face Moldova and Sweden in the Euro 2012 qualifiers, yet he returned to Munich on Friday to have an operation to remove a hernia.

“Now they put the blame for Arjen’s hernia on us instead of being thankful that we had him re-examined thoroughly. All at once they blame us, it can drive you crazy. It’s almost anti-social,” van Marwijk told Radio.1.

“Even when called up for the games against Moldova and Sweden, Arjen told me that he was not fully fit. Robben told us that at Bayern he had played through pain.”

“For us it is common for all players who claim to have an injury, to be examined before the start of training. Therefore we had Arjen examined by our doctor on Monday morning.”

“Dr Gert-Jan Goudswaart had doubts about the diagnosis of inflammation of the pelvis. So he was not surprised when he discovered the hernia.”

“We are very careful with Robben, that is why our doctor recommended a new investigation from a well-known radiologist.”

In February, it was announced Bayern and the Netherlands would contest a friendly at the Allianz Arena on May 22 next year as part of a compensation package following Robben’s injury problems, but Van Marwijk wants the match cancelled.

“If it’s up to me, we won’t play Bayern anymore. I’ve had it with Bayern. As far as I’m concerned, we don’t play them in May,” he added.

However, the Dutch Football Association director Bert van Oostveen has dismissed the idea that the game may not go ahead. “I understand the emotion that can arise after the game, but we have a clear agreement with Bayern Munich. The KNVB respects these agreements. We will play against Bayern, there is no question about that,” he said.

Football | What They Are Saying

2010-12-13T20:01:00.000+06:00

"We have an opportunity to show how good we are - that is what you want in life."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wants his youngsters to come of age against Manchester United.

"Let's go without any preconceived ideas, not [thinking] about any weakness of Manchester United, nor about any weakness from us, just let's focus on the day, to give your best, play with belief, play for each other and we have a good chance to beat anybody," he said.

Arsen said, "I know that my team will be really up for it, and I always have great belief in my players - I know how hungry they are for success and am sure that will come out in the game."

"It's always for me in the heat of the moment," Wenger added on Arsenal's official website.

"I'm not somebody who bears grudges for years. I can forgive - indeed, sometimes I need to be the person to be forgiven - but I'm not somebody who thinks for 10 years, forever, 'I will hate you'.

"Relations with people go up and down a little bit. Why? Because many things happen in the heat of the moment and you know it's not for definite.

"I had [arguments] not only with him but with other managers," he also added.

"It was a great achievement but in this league you cannot think for a minute you will go through undefeated."

Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled out the possibility that his team can emulate Arsenal's "Invincibles".

"It won't happen again," said Ferguson in quotes by the Daily Mail.

"When Arsenal did it they had 12 draws.

"Don't be deceived by the view that the Gunners play pretty football but can be kicked out of games.

"Other managers tell me that the present Arsenal side is the most physical since the days of Martin Keown.

"There is an edge through their team that accounts for their presence as challengers. They are not the lilywhites portrayed by some", he added.

Wayne Rooney will also be a threat for the Red Devils, according to Rio Ferdinand.

Ferdinand said: "Wayne's looking sharp and just having him back around the place in a good mood is fantastic. It's only a matter of time before he scores."

Football | What They Are Saying

2010-12-09T01:03:00.000+06:00

"For us it's quite simple: we want the Champions League to be an important part of our targets, we want to be in the last 16, and to qualify we want to win"

In a Group H clash Arsenal will face FK Partizan in London as they look to secure a place in the last 16 of the Champions League. Arsene Wenger accepts Arsenal are embarking on a "decisive time".

He also said: "We have put ourselves in a tricky position but it's still in our hands. We lost in Donetsk and Braga and the fact Donetsk have won all their games apart from the big defeat here means they are in a strong position to finish top of the group.

In Braga we were a bit unlucky and when we played Donetsk they had a very good game. I didn't necessarily expect it to come down to the last game but you have to be ready for every possibility in this job. Ideally you want to finish top of the group but now we want to just make sure we qualify."

"People focus on our defensive problems but don't forget we have the best away record in the Premier League so that means we are defensively quite solid. We want to focus on our defensive duties at home and it's more down to that than any defensive deficiencies. In the last few games we were punished every time we made a mistake defensively and that is not always the case," he added.

"We struggle all the time in defence. We have to score more than we concede. That's it"

Arshavin, who has scored six goals so far, believes the Gunners need to tighten up if they are to push on and have a successful campaign.

"It is very frustrating. We are trying to improve, but we can't.

"We don't just blame our defenders. Sometimes I can't run, and let defenders cross so the forwards score a goal.

"It doesn't always depend on defenders. As a team we need to improve defensively."

"I think we have no chance of topping the group," he said.

"It is disappointing, but we always knew Shakhtar and Braga were good teams, especially at home. Unfortunately they showed that against us.

"We will get a difficult draw, but Arsenal want to win the Champions League and if you want to win it you have to play the best teams, like Barcelona and Real Madrid.

"It doesn't matter if it's in the last 16, quarter-finals or semi-finals."

On his future to Arsenal, he said, "It depends how long I am going to play, if one week, yes, if five or six years, I don't know. It is difficult to say," Arshavin reflected.

"The English league is the best and everybody dreams to play here."

Football | What They Are Saying

2010-12-07T20:31:00.000+06:00

"Real and Barcelona are the best two club sides in the world"

Valencia coach Unai Emery does not believe Manchester United are quite at the same level as Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.

"Manchester United are almost level with them but I think they are just behind," he said.

"At the start of the Champions League we had two aims. First, we wanted to qualify, which we have achieved. Secondly, we wanted to win the group," he revealed.

"There are many reasons for doing that. For us it is not about wanting to avoid certain opponents.

"We want to show to the rest of Europe that we can produce a top performance at a big club.

"There are so many good teams in this competition. We want to get a result that will make other teams take notice of us and stand us in good stead for the remainder of the tournament," he said.

Emery takes his side, Velancia to Old Trafford on Tuesday in a Group C clash.

Sir Alex Ferguson wants Manchester United FC to "avoid the big hitters"

Ferguson has promised to put out his best Manchester United team against Valencia in the UEFA Champions League.

According to quotes in the Guardian, Ferguson said: "I think in European games the players realise the concentration has to be 100%."

He also said, "In one way it's a plus [that the game against Blackpool FC was postponed] in that we don't have any more injuries. But the players would rather have played because it's been ten days since we had a game. The sensible approach to try and avoid big hitters like Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid is by finishing top, because they're all leading their groups at the moment. I will play my strongest side tomorrow. We'll then have six days to prepare for Arsenal."

"Historically against Valencia we've always had very tough, tight games and I think that will be the case. Let's see how they set themselves out, because at Real Madrid on Saturday they were very compact, didn't show much in the way of positive intentions but were very difficult to beat. In their previous away game against Villarreal they went with five attackers and very nearly won," he added.

Roger Federer Has Equalled Pete Sampras

2010-10-25T16:48:00.001+06:00

Roger Federer equalled Pete Sampras' mark of 64 career titles as he beat Florian Mayer in the final of the Stockholm Open.

The 29-year-old Federer, who has already surpassed Pete Sampras on the Open Era Grand Slam titles list, has now tied the American for fourth place on the Open Era overall titles list. It was the Swiss player’s third tour-level title of the season.

photo: Sky Sports

The Swiss roared back from going down a break in the first set to triumph 6-4 6-3 and claim his third title of the year by sewing up the contest in just over an hour.

"It means the world to me to win this title. It’s always nice winning in a place like this with a tennis heritage and a lot of history," said Federer.

Jimmy Connors holds that record with 109 final victories ahead of Ivan Lendl (94) and John McEnroe (77).

Sports Updates In Brief

2010-10-12T02:34:00.001+06:00

Cricket

Bangladesh beat New Zealand by 7 wickets at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur and took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Bangladesh won two consecutive ODIs against top-flight opposition for the first time in their 232-match history, by cruising to a seven-wicket victory in the third one-dayer at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur.

Photo Courtesy: The Daily Star

The stage was set for Bangladesh's batsmen after their spinners had decimated the New Zealand line-up - and they didn't disappoint, hunting down the meagre total of 173 in 40 overs, ensuring the visitors had to win both the remaining matches to draw the five-match contest.

Bangladesh 177 for 3 (Nafees 73, Kayes 50) beat New Zealand 173 (Taylor 62*, 3-14)

Full Scorecard

Australian Test great Shane Warne said he was shocked by the news that Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab have been thrown out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) over ownership issues.

Warne, who captained the Royals to success in the inaugural IPL tournament in 2008, said he hoped the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), who own the cash-rich Twenty20 event, would "come to their senses".

The BCCI announced Sunday it had decided to terminate the franchise agreements with Punjab and Rajasthan "based on legal opinions" it had obtained and also issued notices to the new Kochi franchise to resolve ownership disputes.

Formula 1

Sebastian Vettel has won at the Japanese GP at Suzuka and kept alive his Formula One world championship hope.

Vettel won from pole position at Sunday's incident-packed race.

The German led home a Red Bull one-two from championship leader Mark Webber while Ferrari's Fernando Alonso took a strong third.

The McLarens of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton were fourth and fifth respectively, leaving both as rank outsiders for the title heading into the final three races of the season.

The result sees Webber increase his championship lead to 14 points over Alonso and Vettel, who are locked together on 206 points.

Hamilton is now on 192 points, 28 down on Webber, while Button has seen the gap to the leader open up to 31.

Football

Rio Ferdinand will once again lead England out when they face Montenegro for the Euro 2012 qualifiers on Tuesday.

According to The Daily Mail, Fabio Capello has decided to keep faith in the Manchester United centre-back, who was out of action for five months since the knee injury that ruled him out of the World Cup in South Africa.

Sky Sports News sources understand that Singapore billionaire Peter Lim is preparing a new and improved bid for Liverpool.

The battle for ownership at Anfield has been raging for some time and will head to the High Court on Tuesday following a dispute between Tom Hicks and George Gillett and prospective buyers New England Sports Ventures.

Jose Mourinho has expressed his keenness to add Zinedine Zidane to his team of coaching staff at Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The three-time world player of the year has attracted the attention of Mourinho who now wants him to come onboard as a coach.

Speaking to French TV, "I would like to have him more with me and less with the president,' Mourinho, who joined Real during the close season,

"I don't think he wants to become a coach but I would still like to have him with me," said Mourinho.

John Terry was ruled out with a back injury ahead of their Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro.

Tennis

Novak Djokovic successfully defended his China Open crown after beating David Ferrer in straight sets.

The Serbian world number two claimed the 18th title of his career by seeing off the Spaniard 6-2 6-4 in the final which was carried over to Monday after rain washed out Sunday's play with Djokovic leading 3-1.

Delhi CWG 2010: Australia on Top

2010-10-08T02:08:00.000+06:00

Australia strengthened their stay at the top of the medals tally on day four by taking Golds in swimming and cycling.

Alicia Coutts wrapped up a third Gold medal of the week by winning women's 100m butterfly. She clocked 57.53secs to go past England's Ellen Gandy, who took the Silver. Jemma Lowe of Wales took the Bronze.

England's Katrina Hart has won Gold in the women's 100m T37 athletics final, taking Englnad's Gold medals tally to 8.

Chad le Clos of South Africa wins the men's 400m individual medley in a time of 4:13.25, a Commonwealth Games record, with England's Joe Roebuck taking silver a couple of seconds behind.

South Africa's Natalie du Toit wins the Para S9 100m freestyle Gold, with England's Stephanie Millward taking silver.

Australia set up a new Games' record of 3:55.476secs to claim the Gold medal, beating New Zealand in the final lap. Earlier, Northern Ireland captured Bronze in the same event overtaking India around the half way mark.

Brent Hayden clocked 47.98, a new Games' record, to snatch the Gold. Simon Brunett of England took the Silver while, Australia's Eamon Sullivan took the Bronze.

Madals Telly (As of Thursday, October 07, 2010) - Top 5

Country	Gold	Silver	Bronze	Total
Australia	32	19	18	69
India	14	11	9	24
England	12	23	12	47
Canada	11	2	12	26
South Africa	5	5	6	16

Delhi Commonwealth Games 2010 Have Begun With A Spectacular Show

2010-10-04T17:56:00.001+06:00

In Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, The 2010 Commonwealth Games have begun with a spectacular opening ceremony.

Athletes from the 71 competing nations, paraded, with India dressed in burgundy and gold traditional dress joined in a parade that began with 2006 hosts Australia and ended with India.

Prince Charles and Indian president Pratibha Patil announced the Games open, "Let the games begin," Pratibha Patil, the Indian president, said.

Prince Charles had read a message from the Queen, who missed her first Commonwealth Games for 44 years but said: "When countries can compete together in sports ... it serves as an inspiration for nations to work together for peace throughout the world".

Organisers and politicians had wanted to keep the show focused on Indian culture and heritage.

The glittering opening ceremony, which charted both the heritage and present-day experience of India and featured about 9,000 performers went smoothly.

Photo courtesy: deepwarriors.com

In his speech, Kalmadi stated that India was ready to host the Games despite much-publicised problems in the build-up.

A vibrant performance of Jiyo, Utho, Bado, Jeeto, the theme song for the Games, by Bollywood's AR Rahman, who composed the music for Slumdog Millionaire, marked the end of the ceremony.

The sporting action gets under way with the heats of the women's 200m freestyle swimming at 0830 local time on Monday.

Over the course of the following 11 days, 4,300 athletes will compete in 17 sports across 12 venues.

On the first day eight gold medals are up for grabs on the first day of the Commonwealth Games 2010.

Swimming will offer five, Weightlifting two and Gymnastics one.

The first gold medal will be decided in the women's Weightlifting 48 kg category, scheduled to begin at 2:00 pm IST. Sandhya Rani Devi Atom and Ngangbam Soniya Chanu will represent India in the event.

The second gold medal will be decided in the nmen's 56 kg category, scheduled for 6:30 pm IST, with India's Sukhen Dey and Srinivasa Rao Valluri amongst the contenders.

Out of five gold medals in Swimming, two are on offer in the women's 200 m Freestyle and 200 m Individual Medley.

Men will compete in the 400m Freestyle Finals, 200m Butterfly Finals and 4 x 100 m Freestyle Relay.

The last gold medal of the day will be awarded in Gymnastics in Team Competition and Individual Qualification Men's Subdivision 2. Of the three events, host nation India's eyes will be on the Weightlifting event.

The US Open 2010: Rain delay

2010-09-13T19:44:00.001+06:00

Persistent rain in New York yesterday meant the two players never even made it onto the court and forced play into an extra day for a third year in succession at Flushing Meadows.

The Rain delay pleases Djokovice as he recovered from two sets to one down and saved two match points to beat Roger Federer in five sets in Saturday's semi-finals. It was a very hard battle amd He and Federer slug it out for three hours and 44 minutes.

Told rain was forecast for yesteday, Djokovic had laughed and said: "Really? I don't know the rituals to invite the rain but an extra day would be great actually.

Photo courtesy: skysports.com

"I am tired, there's no secret about that. For four sets I was quite okay but the fifth set was very intensive mentally and physically and took a lot out of me.

"But in the end it's a remarkable win and I'm sure I will find the strength to give my best on the court."

In the end Djokovic did not have to worry, the persistent rain seeing tournament officials abandon play for the day shortly after 6:15pm local time.

Nadal was not perturbed by the delay and said he would be coming away from the tournament with positives win or lose.

"I just wait one more day here in New York, it's not terrible!" he said.

"I just need to make sure I'm ready. I am in the final for the first time and this is a new step in my career. It is the last Grand Slam remaining, so if I lose I will come back with positive things and that is important."

The women's doubles final was deep in the third set when play was suspended in early afternoon and was initially switched from Arthur Ashe Stadium to another court in the hope that the weather would improve.

That match - with the sixth seeds Vania King and Yaroslava Shvedova serving at 0-15 and 4-5 down in the third set against second seeds Liezel Huber and Nadia Petrova - is scheduled to resume at 3pm local time on Monday.

The men's final is then scheduled to follow, with a start time not before 4pm.

Andy Roddick in 2003 is the last man to have played a five-set semi-final and gone on to win the title, while the last US Open champion to have played the second semi-final on 'Super Saturday' was Federer in 2007.

Nadal is looking to become only the seventh man in history to complete the career Grand Slam and the first since Rod Laver in 1969 to win the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open in succession.

The world number one could also become the first man since 1960 to win the US Open without dropping a set if he can beat Djokovic in straight sets.

However, although Djokovic trails Nadal 14-7 overall in their career head-to-head, the Serbian has won their last three meetings and has a 7-3 win-loss record on hard courts against the left-hander.

The US Open 2010: Nadal Beats Lopez in Three Set and Verdasco Wins a Five Set Thriller Against Ferrer

2010-09-08T14:30:00.001+06:00

Verdasco beats Ferrer in a five set epic
In a tense and titanic war between two compatriots and Davis Cup teammates, a late-afternoon match that went long into the night - as Spanish affairs tend to - Fernando Verdasco came back from a two-set deficit, and a break down in the final set, to snatch victory from David Ferrer, 5-7, 6-7 (8), 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (4).

Verdasco

Eighth seed Verdasco looked down and out after two hard-fought defeats in as many sets but grew as the game went on and played some thrilling shots in a decisive fifth-set tie-break.

Nadal thrashes Lopez in three sets
Rafael Nadal booked his place in the US Open quarter-finals with a business-like victory over compatriot Feliciano Lopez.

The current World No.1 had little trouble disposing of countryman and friend Lopez, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 to advance to the quarterfinals for the fourth time and third in a row at the US Open. The No. 1 seed took an early lead and was rarely in trouble in a match that started after 11 p.m. thanks to a marathon day session on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Nadal, whose much talked about serve topped out at 135 mph said: "To be in quarterfinals of the US Open without lose a set and without lose a serve, two things must work really well: the concentration and the serve," he added: "I think I am playing better and better every day, and I had to play a little bit better this match."

The World No.1 Nadal's next opponent is another Spaniard, Fernando Verdasco. Just as Nadal was taking the court Verdasco was putting the finishing touches on a five-set thriller against David Ferrer that spurred memories of his 2009 Australian Open semifinal against Nadal, a match Nadal won after five sets and four hours.

In the Other Matches Stanislas Wawrinka, who dismised Murray in his 3rd Round match prevailed in a five-set epic against Sam Querrey. This is the first time Wawrinka has reached the last eight of a grand slam.

Five sets and nearly four and a half hours into Wawrinka and Sam Querrey's Round of 16 match, it was still impossible to tell which man would emerge victorious. The Swiss and American fought through exhausting momentum shifts in Arthur Ashe Stadium Tuesday afternoon, but it was the 25-year-old Swiss who finally notched his first Grand Slam quarterfinal berth, 7-6 (9), 6-7 (5), 7-5, 4-6, 6-4.

And Wawrinka will meat Youzhny in the Quarter after Twelfth seed Mikhail Youzhny reached the quarter-finals of the US Open with a 7-5, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 win over Spain's Tommy Robredo.

The last time Mikhail Youzhny faced Tommy Robredo, he crushed the Spaniard in the fourth round of the 2006 US Open. Robredo won a paltry three games in 77 minutes, suffering one of the worst losses of his solid career. Robredo did better Tuesday in the same round, but it wasn't enough to stop the talented Russian from prevailing.

"Every match I've played better and better," Youzhny said in an on-court interview, adding there's room for improvement.

Crickcet | Latest From Cricket's 'spot-fixing' Scandal

2010-09-01T03:12:00.000+06:00

The 'Match Fixing', 'spot-fixing' or whatever we can call it, has been hit the cricket world very hard once again.

New stories around this scandal is coming out one after another. Here's few latest updates in brief about this 'spot-fixing' scandal.

In a dramatic new twist to the 'spot-fixing' scandal Pak Test captain Salman Butt and two other tainted players were stopped from practicing at Taunton.

The three players, at the center of the scandal, have been asked to return to London for another round of questioning by the Scotland Yard.

According to sources, the decision to delink the three players from the team was taken by the team management after a marathon meeting which took stock of the developments arising out of the sting operation of the British tabloid 'News of the World'.

The sources said that there was considerable pressure from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to take action on the tainted players to restore the credibility of the upcoming T20 and ODI series

Yawar said that the three players had been called to the High Commission where the High Commissioner has invited a leading British legal expert to be present along with PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt.

"In all probability, the PCB chief and the High Commissioner will talk to the players in front of the legal expert and take a decision on future course of action in the investigations," one team source said.

Customs investigators have made three more arrests in connection with the Pakistan spot-fixing investigation, Cricinfo has confirmed.

"Two men and a woman, all from London, were questioned yesterday as part of an investigation into money laundering before being released on bail," HM Revenue and Customs said in a statement.

The arrests are understood to be part of a line of enquiry that is separate to the Lord's spot-fixing scandal. Customs confirmed that "two 35-year-olds (a male and a female) from the Croydon area and a 49-year-old male from the Wembley area" had been arrested, adding: "These individuals were arrested, questioned and have been bailed pending further investigations."

Four Pakistan cricketers 'unlikely' to finish tour
Four Pakistan cricketers under scrutiny for claims of spot-fixing are unlikely to play again on the current England tour.

The International Cricket Council's anti-corruption unit is preparing an urgent report, while police carry out a separate criminal investigation.

The ICC was concerned about banning the four players based on a newspaper expose and an incomplete investigation from Scotland Yard, and therefore wanted to receive the findings from the anti-corruption unit urgently. It is expected within days.

The anti-corruption unit's representatives are now in the UK, while the Pakistani government is sending its equivalent members to work with Scotland Yard. An ICC press conference has now been pencilled in for Thursday, our correspondent added.

Pakistan are due to play Somerset in a tour match from Thursday before playing the first of two Twenty20 internationals against England on Sunday - by which time the ICC hopes to have made its initial report.

Chief executive Haroon Lorgat said: "The reputation of the game has been tarnished and it is something we must make right. There is no question that people's confidence will have been swayed.

The four players being questioned are Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif and Kamran Akmal.

PCB won't suspend any players
Ijaz Butt, the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, has insisted none of the players at the centre of spot-fixing allegations will be suspended until the police investigation comes up with some solid evidence. That throws open the possibility that they could appear in the Twenty20 internationals, which begin next week in Cardiff, despite the severe controversy hanging over them.

Bookie approached Shane Watson twice
Shane Watson, who reported two approaches by an illegal bookmaker in England last year. Watson and his team-mate Brad Haddin confirmed they were spoken to by the Indian man during the tour and immediately told Australia's manager Steve Bernard.

Watson was invited for drinks by the bookmaker, who the allrounder initially thought was a fan. "I didn't think too much more of it until I found out a bit more information and that he was actually one of the illegal bookmakers," Watson said in Sydney. "It was just a little bit different to what normal fans are."

Haddin said the man had knocked on his door in the hotel asking if he wanted to go to his room to have a drink. "I quickly rang Steve Bernard and John Rhodes [the ICC's security manager] just to tell them something weird had just happened," Haddin said.

"You don't usually get a knock on your door with someone asking you to come across to your room for a drink and then go out for dinner with someone you don't know." Footage of the person was checked and it was a figure familiar to investigators.

The bookie, who was arrested for alleged 'spot-fixing' in the Eng-Pak Lord's Test, has claimed that the result of the January Sydney Test between Australia and Pakistan was rigged.

Later the man at the centre of cricket betting scam allegations concerning the Pakistan team has been released without charge on police bail.

The alleged match-fixer Mazhar Majeed, who was released on bail, is seen boasting about the fixed result and the money he earned from it in the video of the sting operation carried out by British tabloid 'The News of the World'.

The News of the World claimed it paid him for advance details of when three no balls would be played in the latest Lord's Test, which England won.

After reading all the news we have to say this is an another shame for cricket. These Match Fixing scandal still going on. The ICC must work more harder then ever before. As a cricket fan we don't want to hear any more of this Match Fixing stories. Whoever found guilty should face the toughest action.

Football | Latest Few Happenings In Brief

2010-08-30T03:26:00.000+06:00

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere was arrested in the early hours of Sunday following a "fracas", according to the player's spokesman.

Wilshere, who came on as an 84th-minute substitute in yesterday's 2-1 win over Blackburn, was arrested but released on bail.

The statement, issued by the Wasserman Media Group on behalf of the 18-year-old, went on to assert Wilshere was "unlikely" to face charges.

The statement read: "Jack Wilshere was arrested by police in the early hours following a fracas but was released on bail later. The police have made it very clear that he is an important witness to the incident and played the role of peacemaker and is unlikely to face any charges as a result. Jack has made it very clear he will co-operate fully with the police investigation."

Wilshere made his England debut in the friendly against Hungary earlier this month but was named in the Under-21 squad for the upcoming matches against Portugal on September 3 and Lithuania four days later.

Luke Young hopes Aston Villa caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald becomes manager following their 1-0 win over Everton on Sunday.

MacDonald has yet to decide if he wants to be considered for the job but Young told Sky Sports 1: "The boys respect Kev. He's got great football knowledge and we all think he can do the job.

"It's up to Kev whether he puts his name forward. We will have to see what happens in the coming week."

Petrov echoed Young's views on MacDonald and is keen for an end to the uncertainty over O'Neill's permanent successor.

"It (uncertainty) has not helped but we just need to go out and perform. We think he (MacDonald) deserves the job and we hope that he takes it."

Young admitted Villa had been determined to put the recent setbacks behind them against Everton and although the Merseysiders dominated for long periods Villa defended with determination.

"For the last 10 or 15 minutes they were camped in our half but we dug in and got our win.

"We were disappointed to lose by six goals against Newcastle when we let ourselves down a bit and then we went out in Europe in midweek. We just had to pick ourselves up and today we put bodies on the line."

MacDonald did not want to be drawn on whether or not he will put himself forward for the job when he speaks to owner Randy Lerner.

He said: "It's a little bit early to say. I will be in training tomorrow morning and if Mr Lerner is in I'll speak to him then.

"You are very much in the spotlight as a manager. If I decide I want an interview, get an interview and get the job the spotlight is something I would have to accept.

"The most important thing for me is to get on the training ground with top quality players and work with them."

Everton boss David Moyes was frustrated that his side could not turn dominance into goals.

"I can't believe we lost it," he said. "I thought from first minute to last we were in control of the game.

"We have to give Aston Villa a lot of credit for how they defended.

"We have been playing well but not scoring goals. I have no complaints about the players today. They went about their jobs excellently but we just cannot get the ball in the net at the moment.

"I think the players are playing well enough to win games. We are just lacking a bit in the final third of the pitch."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hailed Theo Walcott's influence in his side's battling 2-1 win at Blackburn.

Wenger said: "It looks like he's more confident in his moves forward. Last week he was much more on the ball but what you want from a striker is sometimes you have less opportunities but you are still dangerous and sharp.

"He had a clinical finish and so, while you judge a striker by the number of goals he scores and assists he makes, his numbers were already very good today."

Wenger added: "Cesc has shown he is class but, of course, he is not completely there yet. In two weeks he should be ready to play (a whole game)."

The Frenchman was clearly delighted with his side's hard-fought win, which he believes will stand them in good stead for plenty of similar physical tests away from home in the Barclays Premier League this season.

Tennis | The Latest Update

2010-08-23T02:09:00.001+06:00

Federer wins Cincinnati Masters title

Roger Federer warmed up for the US Open in style by clinching his 17th Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati.

The world number two ended a seven-month title drought on Sunday as he battled past the in-form Mardy Fish 6-7(5), 7-6(1), 6-4 to win the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters for a fourth time in two hours and 40 minutes.

The 29 year had gone title-less since capturing his 16th Grand Slam championship at the Australian Open in January and was contesting his 90th tour-level final. In winning his 63rd tour-level title, the Swiss moved into joint-fifth position with Bjorn Borg in the list of Open Era (since 1968) title leaders.

Federer also won the Cincinnati title in 2005, 2007 and 2009 and became only the second player to win the title four times, joining Swede Mats Wilander (1983-84, ’86, ’88). He is the first player to win back-to-back titles in Cincinnati since Andre Agassi in 1995-96.

Del Potro Unable To Defend US Open Crown

Juan Martin del Potro has announced that he will not be able to defend his US Open crown this year. The Argentine has been sidelined since January with a right wrist injury and underwent surgery on 4 May at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

The 21-year-old del Potro said: "I feel extremely sad to announce that I will not to be able to defend my US Open title,. Winning in New York last year has been my major accomplishment in tennis and my best memory so far. I am so sorry for my fans, my sponsors and all the people that care about me, but I have only started practising in the last two weeks and unfortunately I cannot compete at the top level yet. I look forward to returning to New York in 2011 and wish all the best to the tournament organizers and my fellow players."

When he defeated Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer back-to-back at Flushing Meadows last year. He went on to finish the season a personal-best No. 5 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings after reaching the final of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals (l. to Davydenko).

Gilbert: Murray on course for major

Andy Murray is on course to win a tennis major, according to his former coach Brad Gilbert.

Gilbert, who coached Murray for 18 months before parting company with the British number one, said: "When I started coaching him almost five years ago he had this five-year plan that his game was going to blossom.

"He felt it was going to happen at the Australian Open (where he was beaten by Roger Federer in the final in January). Everything was lined up and I think he had a hangover from that for about four or five months.

"I think now finally that he's changed his game, he's finally over that and at 23 years old he is coming into his own and now it's just a matter of getting to the finish line but he really believes he can do it."

Gilbert maintains Murray, who won the Toronto Masters earlier this month despite being still without a coach after releasing Miles Maclagan, has accepted he needs to play more aggressively.

Gilbert told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "I have never seen Andy Murray play more positive and aggressive tennis than in Toronto. He did not rely on defence and it is so much more economical to play offensive tennis.

"By nature he likes to play defensive, he can weave tangled webs and get out of it, but it's so much more enjoyable and fun to play offensive and win offensive and that's what he's doing and that's what he needs to do to win majors."

Football | Werder Bremen: Mesut Ozil is Staying Put

2010-08-17T02:36:00.000+06:00

Werder Bremen have reiterated German World Cup star Mesut Ozil is staying put, despite Real Madrid's plans to make a new offer.

Reports in Spanish News Paper Jose Mourinho's side are preparing to launch a €14million (£11.5m) bid for the 21-year-old midfielder - €5m more than their original offer.

But Werder sports director Klaus Allofs insists Ozil is going nowhere, and emphasised the first offer from Spanish giants Real was "unacceptable".

"There is nothing new. I have already said the offer is unacceptable, I might say risible," said Allofs.

"Mesut is under contract with Werder and I believe he will remain so."

He added: "We have not received a new offer and we rejected the first."

German media have reported that Bremen have slapped a €16million (£13.1m) price tag on Ozil, who is out of contract at the Bundesliga club in June next year and has recently turned down the chance of a new deal.

The midfield ace, who arrived at Bremen for €4.25m (£3.5m) in January 2008, is also a reported target of Arsenal and Manchester United.

Ozil, who impressed for Germany in South Africa this summer, helping his side to a third-placed finish, has said himself he could make the move to Real this summer.

The deadline for the transfer could be Wednesday, when Bremen face Italian side Sampdoria in the Champions League. If Ozil plays, it would make him ineligible to play for Real in the same tournament.

source: espnstar.com

Football | The New Kid, Blackpool In The EPL

2010-08-14T03:02:00.000+06:00

The new 2010-2011 English Premier League Session is almost here. As we know The Premier League is the world's most popular and most watched sporting league. The new sessions will kick off from 14th of August. We football fan especially who follow English Premier League are really excited.

From Wikipedia "Since 1888, a total of 23 clubs have been crowned champions of the English football system. Of the forty-four clubs to have competed since the inception of the Premier League in 1992, four have won the title: Arsenal (3 titles), Blackburn Rovers (1), Chelsea (3), and Manchester United (11). The current champions are Chelsea, who won the 2009–10 seasons."

We know the three lowest placed teams are relegated into the Football League Championship and the top two teams from the Championship, together with the winner of play-offs involving the third to sixth placed Championship clubs, are promoted in their place.

As a result there are three new teams will be competing in this 2010-2011 sessions. And they are Newcastle United, West Bromwich Albion and the Blackpool Football Club.

From these three teams the Blackpool Football Club is the real new kid in the Premier league. Their play-off final 3-2 victory over Cardiff City ensured they would be the 44th different club to play in the Premier League. Their 100th consecutive season in the Football League. It will be their debut in the Premier League, and it will be their first appearance in England's top flight since 1971.

It was a remarkable achievement for them after most considered that they had been second favourites for relegation from the Championship at the start of the campaign.
They achieved their unlikely promotion with an average attendance of just 8,611 and immediately announced plans to increase the capacity of their Bloomfield Road ground from 12,000 to 16,000.

The club's first foray into the Football league lasted just three seasons. They joined the 16-team Second Division in 1896/97 but, after finishing third-bottom, were not re-elected at the end of the 1898-99 campaign.

During their 12 months out of the League, Blackpool amalgamated with local rivals South Shore.

They won the Division 2 title in 1930 to reach the top flight for the first time, staying there for three years. After four seasons back in the Second Division, they regained their place among the elite in 1937, remaining there for 30 years.

Blackpool enjoyed a golden era in the Fifties with the highlight being their 1953 FA Cup win.

It has for ever become known as the Matthews Final for the dazzling wing play of Sir Stanley Matthews - even though it was Stan Mortensen who scored a hat-trick as they came from 3-1 down to beat Bolton Wanderers 4-3.

The Tangerines were relegated in 1967 but bounced back to Division 1 in 1970 where they remained for just one season before beginning a decline which took 39 years to redeem.

After seven years in the second tier and three in the third, Blackpool dropped into the basement division for the first time in their history in 1981.

They finished fourth from bottom of the entire league in 1983 and suffered the indignity of having to apply for re-election.

The Seasiders survived that and went on to finish second in 1985 to climb back to Division 3.

Five years later they dropped back to Division 4, winning promotion via the play-offs in 1992 thanks to a penalty shoot-out victory over Scunthorpe United.
After narrowly avoiding the drop over the next two seasons, the club brought in Sam Allardyce as manager in the summer of 1994.

He led them to a mid-table finish and then third place only to lose 3-2 on aggregate to Bradford City in the play-off semi-finals after being 2-0 up from the first leg.

He was replaced by Gary Megson then Nigel Worthington and former Liverpool midfielder Steve McMahon who was unable to stave off relegation back to the bottom division in 2000.

Promotion was achieved at the first attempt, again via the play-offs - and that system has proved profitable for the club.

Blackpool have now become the first club to go through all four divisions, winning promotion via the play-offs.

Simon Grayson led them to a 2-0 win over Yeovil Town at Wembley in 2007 and now his successor Ian Holloway has completed the journey.

We have to wait and see how the Blackpool going to do in their first ever Premier League Campaign

Football | The New EPL Official Ball Unveiled

2010-08-12T02:36:00.001+06:00

Nike has launched their new Nike Total 90 Tracer ball in time for this season's Barclays Premier League

The new ball has been designed for unrivalled consistency, accuracy, touch and visual acuity and developed in tandem with the world's premier footballers and teams.

It was meticulously engineered down to every detail including the bladder's tension, hand-sewn seams and surface texture. The result is a ball that delivers superior playing benefits for players at every level.

During an extensive two-year testing process Nike worked closely with the Premier League and other top leagues in Europe, with national teams. The Nike design team also spent 18 months testing the T90 Tracer Ball at the Nike Equipment Innovation Test Lab in Oregon, USA.

"The world's best leagues, federations and players demand the most innovative product on the market, that's why our brief was very simple: to create the world's best football."

Chris Bond, Nike General Manager of Soccer Equipment said: "As the game gets even faster and more competitive around the world, we've designed a product to exceed the demands of today's players from the amateur to elite levels."

The result is the Total 90 Tracer, which delivers enhanced consistency, accuracy, touch and visual science. It is the most pinpoint accurate ball in the world, helping players hit their targets with consistency.
Testing shows that the Total 90 Tracer consistently hits a three-foot in diameter bulls-eye while the leading competitor ball hits a bulls-eye approximately six-feet in diameter, showing the Total 90 Tracer is more than twice as consistent as the competition.

Stoke City goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen believes accuracy of the new T90 Tracer Ball means it is the best yet. "We've been used to the Nike ball in the Premier League for 10 years now and it has progressed," he said. "I think it is a better ball now than when it started. A lot of research has gone into it.

"From a goalkeeper's point of view, you want confidence that you can make the ball do certain things and it's not the ball doing it on its own. Because that puts unpredictability in there as a goalkeeper if the flight of the ball is not true to the strike, it's not a confidence builder."

source: premierleague.com

Football | English Premier League Updates

2010-08-10T14:56:00.000+06:00

English Premier League 2010-2011 session is just a few days away to kick off. English Primier League is the world's most popular and watched sporting league. Here are few updates from EPL what's hapening lately.

Aston Villa coach Martin O'Neill quits

The club have confirmed that Martin O'Neill has resigned as Aston Villa manager just days before the start of the new season.

Villa released a statement on its offical website announcing the departure of O'Neill, adding that reserve team manager Kevin MacDonald has assumed the role of caretaker manager and will prepare the team for the opening Barclays Premier League game of the season against West Ham on Saturday at Villa Park.

Paul Faulkner, chief executive of Aston Villa, said: "The club would like to thank Martin for the great work he has done at Aston Villa over the past four years.

"He has helped to establish the club in the upper echelons of the Premier League, has taken us to Wembley and we have also qualified for European competition for the past three seasons under his management.

"We wish him the best in the future."

O'Neill's shock departure comes as the club wrangles over James Milner's impending move to Manchester City. It is understood that the timing of O'Neill's resignation points to a renewed frustration over the club's continued willingness to sell its star players.

"I have enjoyed my time at Aston Villa immensely. It's obviously a wrench to be leaving such a magnificent club," O'Neill said in a statement.

"I would like to pay tribute to the Villa players, my coaching staff and the Villa supporters for all the support and encouragement they have given both the club and me personally during my time as manager.

"I wish them all the best for the future. I will obviously be assisting the club in the immediate short-term with regard to the handover of my duties."

Bob Bradley appears to be the major contender to become the new Aston Villa manager.

The USA boss was widely backed in the wake of O'Neill's announcement on Monday afternoon, becoming favourite for the job with both Sky Bet (3/1) and Stan James (4/1).

Betfair's Andy Lulham said: "It's no surprise that Bradley is being linked to Villa Park having done a decent job at international level with the United States, and that's why the Betfair punters have made him the early favourite for the position.

"But I imagine Villa fans will be worried that as a fellow American he could be brought in merely to act as a puppet whilst chairman Randy Lerner pulls the strings behind the scenes."

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has ruled out letting Joe Hart leave the club this summer.

Hart's future at City has been the subject of speculation for some time. Sunderland have made an enquiry about taking the England goalkeeper on loan, while Arsenal are also reported to be interested in signing the keeper.

Mancini said: "In this moment we have two good goalkeepers and one will play and one will stay on the bench."

"We play many games, a lot of games, in one year - three games every week - so we could play both goalkeepers.

"I have an idea who will play in goal but I have one week more to decide."

He is not worried about any tension between the pair as they fight for a place in his starting XI.

"It is important if there's an injury to a goalkeeper. If we don't have another good one, then that will be a problem," added Mancini.

Didier Drogba revealed he has been playing in pain throughout his Chelsea career with a groin problem.

Speaking to the Guardian, He said: "The problem was a hernia. I first had it six years ago and, for the last six years, I have been struggling with it.

"I couldn't really work: it was difficult sometimes for me to play some games. I also had to miss some training sessions.

"Now I am really happy because it has gone and I feel more free. It really was a strange feeling [against United] because sometimes last year I needed some tablets to play.

"Now I am not even asking. It is a good feeling. There are no more tensions [in the groin]. You know it is really good for me - I am really happy that I had the operation."

Drogba elaborated: "I learned how to play with the hernia, how to deal with it, and I had to adapt my game to it.

"So now, maybe, I will have to change my game again. I don't know if I can do better than last year.

"But the thing is I will feel better, more free in my movements on the pitch. I will feel much better and will be happy to have the same season as last year."

Giggs: Chelsea is ordinary
After Manchester United's 3-1 win against rivals Chelsea in the Community Shield, Ryan Giggs believes Chelsea is "ordinary".

In comments quoted by the Sun, Giggs believes that his side made the current Premiership champions look ordinary at Wembley.

Giggs, 36, said: "I felt we controlled the game.

"Chelsea are a good team and at times we made them look ordinary.

"It is always nice to win in this manner and that is what we will take out of it.

"The aim of pre-season is to get through with no injuries but obviously you want to win games as well.

"We are confident and our pre-season has gone well and we topped it off with a good show."

Sagna backs Emir Spahic for Arsenal

Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna has given his backing to Montpellier centre-back Emir Spahic.

In comments quoted by The Sun, Sagna said:"I knew him from last year because he played well and scored some good goals.

"I used to follow him in French football last year and he is a good player.

"He is the captain of the Bosnian national team so he's a good player.

"Spahic is a good enough player to play for Arsenal and everyone will welcome him if he does come.

"He is a positive man and a good player and we need that.

"All good players would be welcomed into the team and will settle into the squad because the atmosphere is great here."

Thus far Arsenal have signed striker Marouane Chamakh and defender Lorient Koscielny.

United win the Community Shield

Manchester United won the Community Shield by beating Chelsea 3-1 at Wembley. It is their third win in four years as they avenged last year's Wembley defeat to Chelsea.

A sublime opener finished by Antonio Valencia and a comical debut goal from substitute Javier Hernandez put United 2-0 up.

Salomon Kalou pulled a goal back late on and double-winning Chelsea threatened to level before Dimitar Berbatov sealed their fate in stoppage time.

Ferguson: We deserved that win!

"Some of the football was very good at times. I think we deserved to win it. I don't know if Wayne and Park are ready yet. The internationals in the coming week are a bonus for them and I'm delighted they are involved. Michael doesn't have that problem but we'll step up his training.

"We've got so many players away but having the (first Premier League) game (against Newcastle) on the Monday helps us.

"I don't think anyone can understand why we've got an international friendly before the season starts but we've been given a bit of luck through that."

On Hernandez's goal, Fergie joked on Sky Sports: "He'll not try it again - it was a quite peculiar goal.

"But he's quick to get in the box - he's a really good finisher. He's got a bubbly character and speaks good English. He's settled in very well."

And Ferguson is expecting big things from Berbatov this season, adding: "He has great talent.

"You can't dispute the man's ability - he's a genius at times. Maybe it's going to be his season now."

Samir Nasri: I am starving for football!

Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri is looking forward to shine for club and country in the season ahead.

Nasri said while speaking to L'Equipe: "I was very frustrated last season, being injured early on.

"I needed time to get back to my best level. Then I wasn't called up for the World Cup.

"I missed football for two-and-a-half months. I had a lot of time to rest and ask myself questions. I am not hungry now, I am starving."

"When I discovered that I wasn't part of the squad for the World Cup, I got a big slap in the face," he said.

"The next day I had a chat with [Arsenal boss] Arsene Wenger and he reassured me.

"What really bothered me were the reasons given by some people. I was told that myself and Karim Benzema weren't chosen because we cause trouble.

"After seeing the strike, I told myself: 'We haven't been called upon because we are troublemakers, what would have happened if we had been there?'

"Usually it is not good to be absent from such events, but not on this occasion. There is now an opportunity for those players who weren't at the World Cup.

"No-one has won in all of this though. We have become the laughing stock of world football."

Football | Some Top News In Brief

2010-08-02T23:29:00.000+06:00

Chinese businessman Kenny Huang hopes to force Liverpool co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett to finally sell up.

Press Association Sport understands Huang, head of Hong Kong-based investment company QSL Sports Ltd, has been in talks with Royal Bank of Scotland for some time over repaying the £237million owed to them by the Reds.

Huang's advisors bypassed Liverpool's independent chairman Martin Broughton, brought in to oversee proceedings when Hicks and Gillett announced their decision to sell in April, in order to have a better bargaining position.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has ruled out a move to bring Real Madrid playmaker Kaka to Stamford Bridge, according to The Sun.

Ancelotti and Kaka worked together during their time at AC Milan and there have been speculation linking them with a reunion in England.

Reports have suggested that Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is not too keen in keeping Kaka at the Bernabeu.

However, Ancelotti has quashed the possibility of a move for Kaka.

He said: "Kaka cannot come to Chelsea.

"He was one player of mine and has done so much for Milan but now he belongs to Real Madrid and he will decide about his future along with his current club.

"Certainly neither I nor Chelsea will decide his future."

Arsene Wenger has confirmed Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie will not feature in the last pre-season friendly at Legia Warsaw.

The pair have been on extended leave following their exploits in South Africa, but are scheduled to return to the club later this week for the official photocall and Members Day at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday.

"Against Legia Warsaw you will see the players we saw [in the Emirates Cup]," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.

"I believe [Alex] Song will be short, you have a little chance to see Denilson and a very little chance to see [Abou] Diaby - but Fabregas and Van Persie will not be ready."

Chelsea have agreed on a €22 million fee to sign Brazilian and Benfica midfielder Ramires, according to a report in Record.

The 23-year-old has been continually linked with a move to Stamford Bridge following his strong performances for Brazil in the World Cup.

Benfica were thought to be reluctant to let their starman go but it has been reported that the English powerhouse have struck an agreement with the Portuguese champions to secure midfielder's services for a fee of €22 million.

Defender Danny Wilson has penned a three-year deal with Liverpool from Rangers after passing his medical.

The Merseyside club will pay £2million up front to the Ibrox side for the 18-year-old centre-back, with a further £3m dependent on appearances and add-ons.

Wilson, the Scottish Football Association and Football Writers' Young Player of the Year, insists he is ready for the Premier League move.

"This is a massive challenge for me. This is one of the best leagues in the world and I will be playing for one of the biggest teams in the world," said Wilson.

"Coming here from Scotland, people may say I might not be ready for this, but that is a challenge I want to put on myself and that's the reason I came here.

"It wasn't a difficult decision to come here as Liverpool are not a team who come in for you every day, so I can't wait to get started.

"There were other clubs interested in me who are in the Champions League, but once Liverpool came in for me there was only one team I wanted to go to."

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has pleaded for understanding from fans over Cesc Fabregas' potential return to Barcelona.

He believes Fabregas now has a tough decision to make and has pleaded for understanding from fans as to whatever the Spaniard decides.

"Everybody knows I love Arsenal so for me as an Arsenal fan, you always want to see Cesc staying at Arsenal.

"But also how can you blame someone that wants to go back home because that is his home at the end of the day and you knew somehow that was always going to happen.

"You just don't want it to happen now but as I said, I wouldn't like to be him right now because it is going to be a very tricky decision for him.

"But I will repeat it - as an Arsenal fan you want him to stay but you can't blame someone who wants to go back home.

"So I'm actually not saying anything, I'm just trying to play it like normal, you know.

"But, hey, I wouldn't like to be him right now and I just hope he's going to make the right decision for him at the end of the day and I hope - whether he goes or he stays - that people will understand his decision, that's the most important thing."

Joe Cole is adamant Liverpool are ready for the new season despite their friendly defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach.

The former Chelsea midfielder signed for the Anfield outfit during the summer on a free transfer and made his debut in Sunday.

The 28-year-old, who played for 65 minutes in Germany, is confident Roy Hodgson will have a team in shape when the new season gets underway.

"Nobody is firing on all cylinders yet but there were some good moments," he was quoted as saying in The Sun.

"The main thing we take out of it is the shape of the team and the organisation, which was good.

"It was a good workout. It was hot day and pre-season is always difficult. There were no injuries, so everything went well.

"We have looked solid in all the pre-season games and we can build on that.

"We lost the game but the young lads who were playing got some good experience.

"While it's good to do lots of training, you need as many games as you can get and I am so glad I got through the 60 minutes."

"It was lovely to pull on a red shirt. I really enjoyed it. I'm glad I got a run-out as I needed to get the legs going," he concluded.

Joe Cole admits he is relishing the prospect of linking up with Fernando Torres at Liverpool.

"One of the main reasons I came to Liverpool was because I wanted to play with these great players and I'm going to work every day to make Fernando as many chances as I can," Cole said.

"I've been watching the way he plays ever since he came to the club and, the season before last, he was the best striker in the world, without a shadow of a doubt.

"I love playing with strikers who play on the shoulder of the last defender. The best striker I played with at Chelsea was (Hernan) Crespo; his movement was absolutely unbelievable.

"I had a good relationship with him and hopefully I will be able to have that kind of relationship with Fernando. My job is to make chances for the front men and I can't wait to play alongside him."

Manchester United’s World Cup stars will return to action on Wednesday when they take on Airtricity League XI in Dublin.

Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick, Ji-Sung Park and Nemanja Vidic are all back in the Manchester United squad for Wednesday's friendly, after returning from a prolonged World Cup holiday.

F1 | Ferrari Boss Montezemolo Slams F1 'hypocrisy'

2010-07-29T16:45:00.001+06:00

Ferrari have been fined $100,000 for appearing to give Felipe Massa a coded order to allow Alonso through to win and referred to F1's governing body.

After that incident Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has slammed the "hypocrisy" of those who have criticised Fernando Alonso's victory in Sunday's German Grand Prix.

Montezemolo said: "Enough of the hypocrisy. This has always happened. If one races for Ferrari, then the interests of the team come before those of the individual."

Alonso is now 34 points behind championship leader Hamilton with eight races remaining, while Massa, who had failed to score a single point in the previous three races, is 38 points adrift of his Spanish team-mate.

Montezemolo told the Ferrari website: "The polemics are of no interest to me.

"These things have happened since the days of (Tazio) Nuvolari (a Ferrari driver in the 1930s) and I experienced it myself when I was sporting director, in the days of Niki Lauda.

"Therefore, enough of this hypocrisy, even if I can well believe that some people might well have liked to see our two drivers eliminate one another, but that is definitely not the case for me or indeed for our fans.

"I am very happy for all our fans who finally saw two Ferraris lead from start to finish as they dominated the race.

"The result is down to the efforts of all our people, who never give up.

"Now we have to continue working like this, to improve the car so that is competitive at all the circuits we will encounter.

"Alonso and Massa also did very well, giving their all throughout the weekend. The next race is at Hungary this weekend."

----------------

source: bbc

Tennis | Del Potro: I am Improving

2010-07-24T22:03:00.001+06:00

Mystery still surrounds the long-awaited ATP World Tour return of reigning US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro.

Debunking reports that he had resumed practising following May wrist surgery, the 6' 6" Argentine has said that his return date remain uncertain.

"I haven't picked up a racquet yet so I can't tell an exact date," del Potro wrote on his Twitter account. "When I know I'll tell you the news here. I'm improving, that's a good thing."

Del Potro underwent right wrist surgery on 4 May at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Del Potro won his first Grand Slam title at last year's US Open when he came from behind to upset Roger Federer, denying the Swiss a record sixth consecutive triumph in New York.

-----------------
Source: ATP