sports blog

Chris McGrath: Ground-breaking win for Tiago can bury depressing memories of dirt era

2008-10-25T00:36:00.000-07:00

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If you wander among the acacia and palms of the Santa Anita stabling complex you may come across a plaque on the green clapboard wall of Barn 38. It records that this humble shed, between 1937 and 1940, was where Tom Smith housed Seabiscuit, the rags-to-riches champion whose example helped to renew the self-belief of a nation.

Seabiscuit was twice beaten in the Santa Anita Handicap – once when Red Pollard, who had never disclosed the loss of sight in one eye, failed to spot the late arrival of Rosemont. But after an unfeasible return from injury, in 1940, Seabiscuit finally landed "the Hundred Grander" on his final start, in front of 78,000 joyously partisan Californians.

Nearly seven decades later, with a total of $25m at stake during the meeting, some of the world's best thoroughbreds are still coming here in search of the big money. This time, however, the timeless, Art Deco grandstand will witness the start of a brave new epoch in the chronicles of the international sport.

Last year, in the deluges at Monmouth Park, the Breeders' Cup reached a critical crossroads. Its billing as the World Thoroughbred Championships already depended almost entirely on Aidan O'Brien's patrons at Coolmore Stud, and they experienced a harrowing day. In a vile slop, they lost one of their most cherished horses in George Washington. A similar disaster had already claimed one popular champion in Barbaro, and another followed when Eight Belles collapsed grotesquely after finishing second in the Kentucky Derby. It was time for the American sport to examine its conscience.

California had already acted, replacing its dirt tracks with safer, synthetic material. And the arrival here of the Breeders' Cup, in its silver anniversary year, marks an authentic fresh start. The meeting has drawn no fewer than 35 overseas raiders – and several of them are going in "dirt" races, where many previously feared to tread. Quite literally, they are breaking new ground.

For John Gosden, of course, this is a familiar environment. He began his training career here, and won the inaugural Breeders' Cup Mile across town at Hollywood Park. As one of the game's more cerebral observers, he has caught the significance of the moment. Gosden argues that the new surface may mean we no longer salute turf champions and dirt champions, but champions full stop. In turn, the schism in the thoroughbred's bloodlines could be sealed. In the circumstances, he implied it would have been a dereliction of duty not to let Raven's Pass go for the Classic.

It is an audacious choice because his colt has never run beyond a mile and, regardless of the surface, the extra two furlongs will be uncharted. And while he would have been favourite for the Mile, Raven's Pass meets more formidable rivals in the Classic – not least Curlin, the richest performer in the sport's history.

Bar a brief, failed experiment on turf, Curlin has proved invincible over the past year, taking both of the world's most valuable prizes – this race, at Monmouth, and the Dubai World Cup by a record margin. But he has yet to try an artificial surface, and has been less imperious in his last couple of starts. Perhaps two gruelling campaigns are just beginning to show on the petrol gauge.

Henrythenavigator and Duke Of Marmalade also come here at the end of a tough season and, like many in Ballydoyle's party, have been looking a little hirsute in the morning heat. Like his longstanding rival, Raven's Pass, Henrythenavigator must demonstrate stamina, which makes the 12-1 against the dependable Duke Of Marmalade far more tempting.

While the Japanese introduce an unquantifiable talent in Casino Drive, it is easy to envisage a result that would cause reactionaries in the American sport to deplore the end of the dirt era. A case in point might be Tiago (11.45), who looks a knockout each-way at 33-1. By a sire whose stock improve with age, he is at home on this track and his last run intimated progress after an interrupted campaign.

However the raiders fare on the synthetic track, the Americans will be no less vulnerable than usual in the turf races. And there are fresh opportunities, too: Diabolical (6.50), for instance, can redeem an eponymous year for his stable in the new turf Sprint. Stamina is another issue for the locals, so Sixties Icon (6.50) has prospects in the inaugural Marathon, while both failings are often apparent in the Turf itself. The ground may be too firm for Soldier Of Fortune and Conduit, while Winchester must prove his stamina, so preference is for Eagle Mountain (11.00), after that remarkable debut for his new trainer over a mile. The French filly, Goldikova, is favourite for a Mile weakened by the allure of the Classic, but the defending champion, Kip Deville (8.15), is fancied to see off all comers once again.

All in all, far too many of the raiders seem to have come here on an extempore basis. It was at Santa Anita, remember, that Dancing Brave himself ran out of gas in the third Breeders' Cup. Experience is supposed to have taught trainers that they cannot come here as an afterthought. But then history has a habit of repeating itself. We see that all the time. And if that means we have to deal with another Depression, let's hope that we might at least come up with another Seabiscuit, as well.

Master of the horse looks the ace in O'Brien Derby pack

A new generation of Coolmore sires – Galileo, Montjeu and High Chaparral – is altering the complexion of the horses at Ballydoyle. While he has fewer Royal Ascot juveniles, Aidan O'Brien now has literally dozens bred to win a Derby. It duly seems significant he should have identified Masterofthehorse as his most eligible candidate for today's Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster.

Three of the last seven winners have gone on to win at Epsom the following June, including High Chaparral, and Masterofthehorse remains a feasible type despite defeat at the Curragh last time. Caught at the rear when a steady pace picked up, he kept on to be beaten barely half a length. There could be no more fitting winner of the British season's final Group One race.

With 21 such prizes on the board, O'Brien has been running out of steam in his quest to pass Bobby Frankel's record of 25. Tomorrow Yeats must retrieve his peak for the Prix Royal Oak at Longchamp – scene of a dismal run last time. O'Brien also has his work cut out at Santa Anita and is on a five-year barren streak at the Breeders' Cup.

Girls tennis: Amanda Marano defeated Erika Bundrick

2008-10-25T00:18:00.000-07:00

Girls tennis: Amanda Marano defeated Erika Bundrick 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in third singles to clinch a 4-3 win for Mercy (17-1) over Mattituck in the outbracket round of the Suffolk Team Tournament. Mercy will visit No. 4 Half Hollow Hills West on Oct. 28 at 4 p.m.

Courtney Atkinson and Chelsea Redman defeated Ashley Flynn and Elise Kearney 5-7, 6-4, 6-1 in third doubles to clinch a playoff spot for Wantagh (12-3) with the 4-3 win over Baldwin. Wantagh faces Oyster Bay in the first round of the playoffs.

Annie Yueh and Christine Rienzo defeated Maddy Tusa and Brittany Vareccha 7-5, 6-1 in second doubles to clinch a 4-3 win for Hauppauge (4-9) over Smithtown East. Hauppauge will play host to the winner of Harborfields and Northport tomorrow at 3 p.m. in the outbracket match of the Suffolk Team Tournament.

Girls volleyball: Marie Cotter had seven blocks and 16 kills and Angela Carmine added 13 kills, 17 digs and nine consecutive serves in game one for Clarke (9-4 Conference ABC-IV) in a 26-24, 25-17, 25-20 win over Jericho.

Maddy Gergen had 15 kills and 14 digs for Ward Melville in its 25-23, 25-18, 25-16 win over Eastport-South Manor. Alex Kennedy added 10 kills and seven aces.

Stats

7 Number of shutouts for Comsewogue's Kyle Dougherty this season, and the number of saves he made in a 3-0 boys soccer win over Kings Park to earn his most recent shutout.

9 The iron used by Port Jefferson sophomore Drew Crovello to hit a hole-in-one on the 110-yard fourth hole on the front nine at the Rolling Oaks Golf Course in an 8-1 loss to Rocky Point.

23 Number of goals scored by Rocky Point's Kara Mupo this season for girls soccer, tying a Rocky Point record set by Kate Naylor in 2004, according to coach Lauren Lopez.

37.15 The overall score for Bay Shore's Olivia O'Connor in a 156.95-149.4 girls gymnastics win over Port Jefferson. She finished first on the vault (9.1), uneven bars (9.3), balance beam (9.4) and floor (9.35) competitions.

221.05 Jericho junior Mercy Du's final score in the one-meter dive, eclipsing the old school record of 2:19.55 set by Katie Blizzard in 2002, in a 95-90 win over Jericho.

Quote of the Night

"I've been doing this for 35 years and I've never seen a player that dominates like she does," Port Washington girls tennis coach Stan Makover said about first singles player Kristin Norton, who will play at Harvard next year. "She doesn't lose matches. She doesn't lose sets."

Today on Newsday.com Check out Joseph Staszewski's latest N-Zone blog post on a not-so-fitting finish to the Half Hollow Hills West and Smithtown West boys soccer match.

Today in high school sports

2008-10-25T00:13:00.000-07:00

Today in high school sports

Thursday's Must-See Games

Boys soccer: Ward Melville at Patchogue-Medford at 4:15 p.m., North Babylon at Newfield at 4 p.m., Half Hollow Hills West at West Babylon at 4 p.m. Girls soccer: Islip at Eastport/South Manor at 4 p.m.

Wednesday's Highlights

Boys soccer: Nick Masotto had a hat trick and logged an assist to lead the way for St. Anthonys (14-0-1, 8-0-1 CHSAA) in an 8-0 win over Holy Trinity. Kevin Hayes, Alex Naples and Jonathan Wiess combined for three saves and the shutout.

Danny Hudson scored four goals and Alex Doubrava added two more for Mattituck (8-1-0) in a 7-1 win over Babylon in League VII.

Larry Kim scored his second goal, the game-winner, with less than a minute left off a pass from Rich Tomlinson for Smithtown Christian (8-6-0) in a 2-1 win over Port Jefferson in League VIII.

Matt Proveto scored with 3:00 left to tie the score at 2 for Harborfields, and a scoreless double-overtime left the match tied 2-2 with Huntington. The tie clinched a playoff berth for Harborfields.

Dave Keeney headed in a cross from Dakota Edwards 6:00 into the second half for the eventual game-winner, and Travis Redding added a goal off a corner kick from Sage Brown with 0:55 to play to lead Sayville (10-4) over Islip, 2-0. Peter Ryan made eight saves for his sixth shutout.

Steven Quintero scored the winner with 8:00 left in the game on a volley for East Hampton (4-6-4) in a 1-0 win over Glenn in League VI. Brandon West recorded five saves for the shutout.

Boys volleyball: Patrick Lilly had 24 assists, 15 kills and eight blocks for Commack (9-5) in a 25-23, 25-21, 23-25, 25-23 win over Connetquot. Mike Jonke added 12 kills, eight blocks and six aces.

Tyler Brenneman had 14 kills and Connor Waleko added 33 assists for East Hampton (6-8) in a 25-13, 25-22, 25-27, 20-25, 25-19 win over Shoreham-Wading River.

Brett Greiner had 16 kills and six digs for Northport (8-6) in a 25-21, 29-27, 25-21 win over Sachem North. Ross Ragonesi added eight kills, and Corey Riskin chipped in with 31 assists.

Field hockey: Georgia Holland scored the game-winning goal with less than 2:00 left for Ward Melville (13-1) in a slim 1-0 win over Sachem East in Division I. Kaitlyn DeTuro had 13 saves for the shutout. With the win, Ward Melville clinched the first-place seed in Division I.

Sachem North (7-8, 7-7 Division I) won in strokes, 3-1, to break a scoreless tie with Smithtown West. Kristine Puzio recorded three saves in scoreless regulation and overtime play, allowing just one shot in strokes.

Kate Pouder scored on an assist from Mary Moore with 13:11 left in the second half, and Miller Place (12-2) hung on to win 2-1 against East Hampton in Division III. Moore scored a first-half goal on a feed from Pouder.

Girls gymnastics: Courtney Mangini won the vault (9.375), balance beam (9.5) and floor (9.45) competitions for Commack in a 161.725-150.15 win over Ward Melville.

Stephanie Sladky won the vault (9.1) and floor (9.1) exercises for East Islip (4-1) in a 151-140 win over Hauppauge in League II.

Girls soccer: Rachel Vasquez and Amanda Brennan each scored two goals and Wendy Framson added a goal and an assist to lead Sachem North (6-7-2, 6-6 League II) in a 7-0 win over Central Islip. Freshman Erin McNulty recorded two saves for her first career shutout.

Long Island Lutheran (9-5-2) tied 2-2 with Chapin in a non-league game where three goals were awarded to LIL, but only two were scored. Down 1-0, Deidre Hocevar and Kristi Pelizzoli hit the ball at the exact same time, according to the referee, scoring a split-goal 10:00 into the second half to tie the game for Long Island Lutheran. Pelizzoli hit her second goal of the game 20:00 into the second half for a 2-1 lead in non-league before Chapin tied it with 10:00 left.

England is loving Rooney

2008-10-24T01:45:00.000-07:00

Wayne Rooney believes he is in the best England form of his life after five goals in his last three internationals.

Two goals from the Manchester United forward helped England beat Belarus 3-1 on Wednesday for a fourth successive win in Group Six, England's best start to a World Cup qualifying campaign.

"Belaroos! Two-goal Wayne is unstoppable... England are unstoppable," blared the back page of Thursday's Daily Mirror.

"Perfect England, peerless Rooney," wrote the Times.

Rooney, who scored twice in England's 5-1 weekend win over Kazakhstan and once against Croatia last month, said he was playing even better than at Euro 2004, where as a teenager he lit up the tournament with his precocious goals.

"I think it's probably the best I've ever played for England, to be honest. I'm enjoying my football, I'm getting on the ball, scoring goals, making goals," the 22-year-old told the BBC, adding that coach Fabio Capello had helped him find his form.

"Since he's come over, he's helped me with my finishing, he's given me advice on movements, different spaces on the pitch.

"Goals are flying in for both club and country, so hopefully that can continue. I'm enjoying it at the minute."

"We have got the two most difficult games, in Belarus and Croatia, out of the way and managed to come away with maximum points," Rooney said.

"I can always improve and there are still weaknesses there," he said.

Rooney has flourished in a more central forward role with Capello seemingly curing him - temporarily at least - of the overt selflessness and tendency to roam that was robbing him of his youthful menace.

Capello has not just helped sharpen Rooney's finishing, he has provided him with an attacking partnership that works in the form of the hard-working Emile Heskey.

Heskey, who has not scored for England in his last 17 appearances over the past five-and-a-half years, set up Rooney's first goal on Wednesday and has seemed to bring out the best in him.

Capello has spoken of Heskey's importance to the side and yesterday the media were converted, with the Daily Mirror devoting two pages to "Why we're all in love with Heskey... a striker who doesn't score goals." - Reuters, AP

'We'll host the best World Cup yet'

2008-10-24T01:31:00.000-07:00

Transport Minister Jeff Radebe has reassured South Africans that the country will host the best 2010 World Cup yet.

Briefing the media after a whistle-stop tour of the city's main 2010 transport construction sites on Thursday, Radebe dismissed fears that the country was incapable of hosting the soccer spectacular in less than two years.

He assured South Africans that all transport plans for the World Cup were "on track", and would be completed "in time" and within the R13,6-billion budget.

"After Fridays's tour, we can see that the money has been put to good use," said Radebe. "And although the Western Cape started their transport infrastructural upgrades later than all of the other provinces, Cape Town is on track and has made tremendous progress."

Radebe said upgrades to main routes, including the R-300, Koeberg interchange and Hospital Bend, would "change the face of Cape Town forever".

"This is a revolution for transport in South Africa," he said.

"We are leaving a lasting legacy for the economy, the people and future generations. Come 2010, we will be ready."

During his stop at Cape Town International Airport, where a R1,5bn terminal upgrade is under way, curious construction workers stopped work to catch a glimpse of the minister.

Apart from the R1,5bn 2010 terminal project, a 4 000-bay parkade is being built, and upgrades to the apron and road network are almost complete.

Deon Cloete, airport general manager, said phase one of the terminal upgrade should be completed by July 2009, with phase two expected to be fully operational by May 2010.

"Our readiness for the 2010 World Cup is critical," said Cloete. "That's why there is no need to worry.

We will be ready and Cape Town International Airport will complement all the upgrades and road improvements which are currently under way across the city and province."

Radebe commended both local and provincial government officials for their commitment and dedication to making the 2010 transport infrastructure plan a reality.

"All the role-players have worked hard, and it was not merely to accomplish our commitment to Fifa, but also to host the best World Cup ever," he said.

"The co-operation between the three spheres of government has been the catalyst for the tremendous progress."

Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille, who met Radebe and Transport and Public Works MEC Kholeka Mqulwana before the tour, said she was happy with the progress of their 2010 transport infrastructure plan, but had concerns about escalating costs in the light of current budgetary constraints.

But Radebe said there was no cause for concern.

"If there are any outstanding issues in terms of the budget for 2010, the National Treasury will deal with them," he said.

"But for now, we don't foresee any problems."

Mqulwana told the touring party that the provincial government and the city had put their differences aside and were working together to make the 2010 World Cup "the best".

"The circus is over," said Mqulwana.

"Service delivery and plans and preparations for the World Cup should be our first priority now.

"We need to be a responsible government. Even stronger bonds are needed between the provincial and local government in the Western Cape."

Radebe, who is in Cape Town on a two-day visit as part of the government's Transport Month initiative, was expected to visit the R-300 construction site and Cape Town station on Friday

2010 worry about greedy hoteliers

2008-10-24T01:23:00.000-07:00

2010 worry about greedy hoteliers
Greedy hoteliers who want to cash in on the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup will harm the hospitality industry and South Africa's image.

Mmatsatsi Marobe, the chief executive of the Tourism Business Council, who said this in Durban last Thursday, appealed to hoteliers who were going it alone and not signing up with MATCH - the official agency tasked with selling accommodation on behalf of Fifa - to charge market-related prices.

The industry would suffer after 2010 if people charged over-the-top prices, as it would be remembered long afterwards, she said. "Let's not be greedy," she advised.

Marobe, who was talking at the annual Combined Industry Workshop at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, appealed to hotels, B&B's and lodges to sign up with MATCH, which still doesn't have sufficient rooms for soccer fans.

She felt many hotels were keeping their options open rather than signing up, in the hope of doing their own negotiating with fans.

"The world is watching. People will know and remember if your rates are too high," she said.

MATCH needs between 50 000 and 60 000 rooms, but only has between 23 000 and 25 000 so far, she said.

Marobe's gut feeling was that soccer fans would turn out in force for the World Cup, "hence the worry about accommodation".

"The experience of South Africa (for fans) is in our hands. Sign up or we will end up with egg on our faces," she said.

Otto Stehlik, the Cape Town-based chairman of the Ministerial Advisory Forum, which is dealing with hospitality, transport and other issues for 2010, said there were two reasons why hotels were not signing up.

Education

One was that more education was needed about the benefits (MATCH will be launching an educational programme in November), and the other "could be greed".

He said: "People are sitting on the fence and waiting for everything to be full and then sell their rooms at their prices.

"A very good agreement has been negotiated with MATCH and some clauses are still in the process of being changed.

"It will be a great pity if the industry cannot find a united position on this in the best interests of South Africa."

Stehlik said the event was "all about the legacy" that it would leave. "The World Cup is a highly profitable undertaking. It is not about the six weeks of the event, it is about the next 10 years," he said.

The promotional impact of the World Cup would be "enormous" for the country.

He was "unbelievably upbeat" about the event and confident of getting the required number of rooms.

Marobe also called on more African countries to be invited to exhibit at SA Tourism's Indaba - the trade show in Durban - otherwise interested countries would be lured to a trade show in Dubai.

Investors with "serious money" were now "scrambling for Africa" again and she urged the industry to "wake up" as they were needed - or they too would go elsewhere.

She relayed how one business had deliberately given an interested investor wrong information so that the company in question would not bring its multi-million dollar project to the country.

"That's very short-sighted. We need a different approach," she said.

# The workshop was hosted by Fedhasa, Satsa, SKal, Saaci, supported by several industry sponsors, including Durban Tourism and Tourism KwaZulu-Natal.

Metered taxi tariffs on cards before 2010

2008-10-24T01:16:00.000-07:00

Visitors need not worry about being ripped off by unscrupulous cab drivers during the 2010 World Cup, as a standardised tariff system could soon be on the cards for the country's growing metered taxi industry, the transport department has said.

Addressing the media in Cape Town, Mpumi Mpofu, director-general in the department of transport, said the department was in the process of setting up a framework to standardise tariffs for metered taxis during and after the 2010 World Cup.

She said metered taxis would play a critical role during the World Cup, and that all municipalities were looking at ways of incorporating hundreds more of them into the existing public transport network.

"Although most of the spectators will be brought to the stadiums on buses for specific matches, a lot of them would also want to see other attractions and visit fan parks on non-match days. This is where the metered taxis and cabs come in.

Mpofu added that the department was also looking at vehicle specifications for metered taxis.

But some cab companies say a standardised tariff system may not be helpful to an industry that has "been taken over by pirate cab drivers".

Spencer Forbes, operational manager of Marine Taxis, said clients should pay for the service they receive.

"If the metered taxi tariff is standardised, the pirate cab drivers with unroadworthy vehicles will be charging their customers the same fee we charge, with excellent service and vehicles that are mechanically sound."

The co-owner of Grab-a-Cab, who asked not to be named, said a standardised tariff system should only be implemented if it helped metered cab companies maintain their business.

She said most foreigners would opt for metered taxis as they were safer and reliable.

State says World Cup plan on track

2008-10-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

South Africa is on track to build stadiums for the 2010 soccer World Cup but rising costs are a concern, a cabinet spokesperson said on Thursday.

South Africa is the first African nation to host the prestigious tournament, but a global credit crisis coupled with slowing domestic growth and higher prices for building materials have stoked concerns about rising costs.

The country's Treasury provided an extra
R1,4-billion to cover cost overruns in its medium-term budget this week.

Economists say South Africa may struggle to raise cash to fund massive infrastructure plans ahead of 2010 given inflated borrowing costs due to the global credit crunch.

Dikgacoi could become Bafana's own Makelele

2008-10-24T00:56:00.000-07:00

Successful teams have always had players who can score goals at will. They tend to get all the credit, the big-money deals, the glitz and the glamour and capture all the headlines.

Strikers are the hot shots of the team. The same can be said about brilliant playmakers - those players who dazzle with their sublime skill on the ball, with the ability to conjure up something from nothing.

But strikers, attacking midfielders and playmakers would be nothing without a really special kind of player in their midst. A player with a special and unique skill, but who does not always get the recognition or get to be the highest-paid player.

The life of the holding midfielder is a sad and lonely one. But it's probably one of the most important positions on the football field. I would go as far as to say it is more important than that of the striker, for the simple reason that a holding midfielder is the engine of any football team.

Over the past decade or so, most of the successful international teams have had class anchormen in the midfield. One such player who had an influence everywhere he went is a Frenchman called Claude Makelele, widely regarded as the best defensive midfielders of the modern era, so much so that the position is sometimes called the "Makelele position".

Blessed with great anticipation and probably the biggest lungs in the game, Makelele has always been any team's greatest asset in the middle of the park.

He had successful tenures with Real Madrid and Chelsea and won numerous titles with both teams. His ball-winning abilities created space for the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole to shine.

Bafana Bafana have struggled in this department over the last decade, after the retirement of African Nations Cup winners Eric Tinkler and Linda Buthelezi from international football.

Both were extremely hard men and didn't give an inch on the field. They were uncompromising in the tackle and protected their back four. Their ability to create space for stars like Doctor Khumalo and John "Shoes" Moshoeu played a big part in Bafana winning the African Nations Cup on home soil in 1996.

In 2002, MacBeth Sibaya surprised everyone at the World Cup with some storming performances. His hard tackling and no-nonsense approach made him a vital cog in the South African machine. But he has always been criticised for his distribution - something that any classy holding midfielder should have in his armoury.

But one such player is beginning to find his feet at international level and hopefully after a spell in Europe, Kagisho Dikgacoi will be Bafana's "Makelele" at the World Cup in 2010.

The Golden Arrows anchorman is turning heads with his superb displays for club and country. He has complimented Sibaya superbly, with his slick passing and movement off the ball. He is also a very strong and bulky player, and complements the midgets in the Bafana midfield.

A move to Fulham in the English Premiership is on the cards for the youngster and I am sure it will make him the complete player. Technically, he is still very raw, but the pace and physicality of the English game will mould him into a fine player. He certainly has the potential, if he can keep his head straight.

Hopefully by 2010, we will refer to the holding position as the "Dikgacoi position".

National Hockey League Game Capsules

2008-10-23T23:16:00.000-07:00

National Hockey League Game Capsules
(Thursday, October 23rd)

Final Score: Toronto 4, Boston 2

Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Niklas Hagman picked up a goal and one assist, while Anton Stralman's first goal of the year was the game-winner as Toronto topped Boston, 4-2, at TD Banknorth Garden. Nik Antropov and Mike Van Ryn also scored for the Maple Leafs, who snapped a five-game skid. Vesa Toskala made 26 stops for the win. Patrice Bergeron and Blake Wheeler tallied for the Bruins, who wasted a two-goal, first-period lead en route to their fifth loss in six contests. Tim Thomas was solid in defeat, making 33 stops.

Final Score: Dallas 5, NY Islanders 3

Uniondale, NY (Sports Network) - Mike Ribeiro had a goal and a career-high four assists as the Dallas Stars skated past the New York Islanders, 5-3, at Nassau Coliseum. Loui Eriksson had a pair of goals while Brenden Morrow finished with a goal and two assists for the Stars, who had lost three of four coming into the contest. Marty Turco made 24 saves in the win. Mark Streit had a goal and two assists while Rick DiPietro was shelled for five goals on 29 shots for the Islanders, who have dropped three of their last four games.

Final Score: Pittsburgh 4, Carolina 1

Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin both registered a goal and an assist, as the Pittsburgh Penguins used a four-goal third period to defeat the Carolina Hurricanes, 4-1, at Mellon Arena. Ruslan Fedotenko and Maxime Talbot also scored for the Penguins, who have won three straight games and four of five overall. Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 24-of-25 shots to get the win. Brandon Sutter lit the lamp and Michael Leighton allowed three goals on 34 shots for Carolina, which dropped to 1-1-1 on its season-long six-game road swing.

Final Score: Calgary 5, Nashville 3

Nashville, TN (Sports Network) - Jarome Iginla had two goals and an assist as the Calgary Flames downed the Nashville Predators, 5-3, at the Sommet Center. Rene Bourque had a goal and an assist while David Moss and Michael Cammalleri each scored a goal for the Flames, who have won their past two games. Miikka Kiprusoff made 35 saves. Jason Arnott had a goal and an assist while Dan Ellis gave up four goals on 26 shots for the Predators, who have lost three of their last four games. Trailing by two goals, the Flames scored twice within a 1:13 span in the third period to tie the game. Bourque got the first goal at the 6:52 mark of the period on a wrister that beat Ellis.

Final Score: Buffalo 4, Minnesota 3 (OT)

St. Paul, MN (Sports Network) - Derek Roy's tally 44 seconds into overtime sent Buffalo past Minnesota, 4-3, at Xcel Energy Center. Sabres forward Henrik Tallinder carried the puck behind the Minnesota net and dished a blind pass in front. From a scramble in the crease, Roy managed to poke a loose puck through traffic and slip the disc under Minnesota's fallen netminder Niklas Backstrom for the game-winner. Roy, Drew Stafford and Thomas Vanek each contributed a goal and one assist for the Sabres, who improved to 6-0-1 this season after overcoming a two-goal third-period deficit. Ryan Miller stopped 30 shots to earn the win. Benoit Pouliot, Stephane Veilleux and Brent Burns each scored for the Wild, who suffered their first defeat of the campaign in five contests. Backstrom took the loss after allowing four goals on 24 shots.

Final Score: Colorado 4, Edmonton 1

Denver, CO (Sports Network) - Ian Laperriere had a goal and an assist, as the Colorado Avalanche downed the Edmonton Oilers, 4-1, at Pepsi Center. Paul Stastny, Joe Sakic and Cody McLeod also scored for the Avalanche, who have reeled off four straight wins after beginning the season with three consecutive one-goal losses. Ben Guite and Darcy Tucker each collected two assists, while Peter Budaj made 25 saves. Shawn Horcoff lit the lamp and Mathieu Garon allowed four goals on 25 shots for Edmonton, which has lost two games in a row after opening the year with four straight wins.

Final Score: Phoenix 2, Washington 1

Glendale, AZ (Sports Network) - Mikael Tellqvist, making his first start of the season, stopped 31-of-32 shots to help the Phoenix Coyotes to a 2-1 victory over the Washington Capitals. Peter Mueller had the game-winning goal for the Coyotes, who saw their three-game slide become history. Mikkel Boedker also lit the lamp in the win, while Olli Jokinen had an assist. Brooks Laich had the lone tally for the Caps, who have dropped three straight contests. Alexander Semin had an assist in defeat, while Jose Theodore let in both goals on 34 shots.

10/24 01:57:51 ET

Random Ramblings After a World Series Game One Victory

2008-10-23T08:54:00.000-07:00

Random Ramblings After a World Series Game One Victory

I spent a good portion of the game last night on my couch with my hands on my head, pulling my hair out. And the Phils were winning.

It's reached a point where the fan in me is really bursting through. It has become increasingly difficult as the playoffs roll along to come up with coherent things to say. During the season, you analyze this mistake and that botched play, but in the World Series, those things don't really matter as much. Ryan Howard was awful last night both at the plate and in the field, the Phillies bats with runners in scoring position were pathetic, but none of these shortcomings really matter. The Phillies got the win and in a seven game series that means three more and utter pandemonium.

During a particularly tense portion of the game, my brother sent me a message, "Why's it gotta be like this?" Without thinking twice, I responded, "'cause this is why it's fun."

Watching the game and seeing the "fans" in Tampa got me to thinking about something from the previous series.

Aside: I was watching game four of the NLCS with a bunch of kids I go to grad school with, none of which were Philly fans and none of which were particularly interested in the game at all. (I know, I know. Bad Idea, but situation called for it.) We're sitting at a table in a bar/restaurant and these business school kids are talking about their interviews with J&J, Booze Allen, and some BS about corporate social responsibility. Meanwhile, I want to close my eyes and wake up at Chickies or the New Wave Cafe or something. It was when Shane Victorino slapped his glorious home run to tie the game at five in the eighth that I literally jumped out of my chair, screaming and cheering like an idiot and then slowly realized I'm the only person in the place doing so and these people look at me like I have three heads. In Philly, I'd be the norm. They don't get it. As Bill Simmons said in one of his columns last week, "You either love sports or you don't." Philadelphia loves sports.
Worldseriesintensity
image via Yahoo!

I sent this picture to my buddy last night and he responded, "Thats intensity. Even if the rays have a better team, which I dont even believe, I dont think you can rival whatever it is that has gotten into these Phillies."

Then he added, "Very soon, we could be waking up in a world completely different from the one we live in today..."

That would be quite fun, I do believe.

Gold Coast Indy in danger

2008-10-23T08:47:00.001-07:00

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Gold coast Indy
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Gold Coast Indy in danger
Gold Coast Indy in danger

October 23, 2008

AUSTRALIA faces an uphill battle to retain the Gold Coast IndyCar race, with a stand-alone V8 round or an international replacement for the US open-wheelers the best hopes of saving the event.
Indy's fate for 2009 and beyond will be known within two weeks of the finish of this year's event, which started at Surfers Paradise on Thursday and continues until Sunday.

Local Indy chairman Terry Mackenroth said negotiations to keep the street race in Queensland would be held over the weekend.

Organisers want to secure a five-year contract to run the event.

But an impasse between US Indy bosses and the Queensland government over race dates for 2009 is the sticking point.

IndyCar officials want next year's event moved to late September or early October, which would mean a suicidal calendar clash with either the AFL or NRL grand final.

The Queensland government, which pumps $11 million a year into the race, wants it to continue in the late October slot occupied for the past 10 years.

The US open-wheeler series has just been reunited after a Super League-style split of more than a decade, with this year's Gold Coast race an exhibition event not run for championship points.

IndyCar president Terry Angstadt sounded a heavy note of pessimism for the series returning to Australia for 2009, saying the sport needed to shore itself up in the United States.

“We are a US-based series that also races internationally. Are we looking for a lot of international expansion? No we're not,” Angstadt said.

“We want to get our series really good and really strong in America. We compete with things domestically, like the National Football League.

“So for us to go real late in the year and not be on the local sports calendar, that's not good for us.”

The government has set a deadline of 14 days from the finish of this year's event on Sunday to determine whether it continues.

“We will be holding a number of meetings over the weekend. If an agreement can be reached a binding contract will be signed within 14 days of the event,” Mackenroth said.

“It's what we've agreed on and what we intend to do. It is our intention to make a very clear statement within 14 days of the event.”

The IndyCar series has already released its 2009 calendar, which runs from April to mid-October and does not feature a spot for Australia.

Mackenroth said there had been no negotiations with other international motor sport series to fill the breach should the IndyCars walk away from the Gold Coast, which has hosted a race since 1991.

But it could mean the V8 Supercars - which share the billing with the IndyCars and arguably draw more rank-and-file motor racing fans to an event which attracts more than 300,000 over its four days - race on their own next year.

V8 chairman Tony Cochrane is among those involved in talks on the event's future, though the government does not want to commit funding to a race without an international component.

V8 star Craig Lowndes said the popularity of Adelaide's Clipsal 500 since the Australian Formula One Grand Prix was shifted to Melbourne and the V8s took sole billing showed his sport could sustain enough interest to stand alone.

The four-day Clipsal 500 attracts around 260,000 spectators a year.

“The proof's in Adelaide. When Formula One disappeared, we were lucky enough to take it over ... and it's shown the strength of our following in V8 Supercars - it's huge,” Lowndes said.

“If they (the IndyCars) decide not to come back, we'd love to turn it into our race.”

The IndyCars and V8 Supercars take to the Surfers Paradise street circuit for the first time on Friday.

SPORTS SUMMARY

2008-10-23T01:45:00.000-07:00

SPORTS SUMMARY

October 23, 2008

NASCAR penalizes Vickers: Driver Brian Vickers and his crew chief were hit with penalties by NASCAR for illegally trying to make their car lighter. PG2

Bryant says knee is OK: Los Angeles Lakers All-Star Kobe Bryant said his knee injury wasn't serious and he might not miss any regular-season games. PG2

Tour alters course for 2009: The Tour de France has changed the course for next year, putting the rough ascent of Mont Ventoux on the next-to-last day of the event. PG2

Suggs says Smith better choice at QB: Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs told an Atlanta radio station that Troy Smith would be the better choice to start at quarterback instead of Joe Flacco. PG4

Maryland's Toliver top ACC player: Terps senior guard Kristi Toliver was named as Atlantic Coast Conference Preseason Player of the Year in women's basketball in a media and school vote. PG14

Today in high school sports

2008-10-23T01:42:00.001-07:00

Boys soccer: Ward Melville at Patchogue-Medford at 4:15 p.m., North Babylon at Newfield at 4 p.m., Half Hollow Hills West at West Babylon at 4 p.m. Girls soccer: Islip at Eastport/South Manor at 4 p.m.

Wednesday's Highlights

Boys soccer: Nick Masotto had a hat trick and logged an assist to lead the way for St. Anthonys (14-0-1, 8-0-1 CHSAA) in an 8-0 win over Holy Trinity. Kevin Hayes, Alex Naples and Jonathan Wiess combined for three saves and the shutout.

Danny Hudson scored four goals and Alex Doubrava added two more for Mattituck (8-1-0) in a 7-1 win over Babylon in League VII.

Larry Kim scored his second goal, the game-winner, with less than a minute left off a pass from Rich Tomlinson for Smithtown Christian (8-6-0) in a 2-1 win over Port Jefferson in League VIII.

Matt Proveto scored with 3:00 left to tie the score at 2 for Harborfields, and a scoreless double-overtime left the match tied 2-2 with Huntington. The tie clinched a playoff berth for Harborfields.

Dave Keeney headed in a cross from Dakota Edwards 6:00 into the second half for the eventual game-winner, and Travis Redding added a goal off a corner kick from Sage Brown with 0:55 to play to lead Sayville (10-4) over Islip, 2-0. Peter Ryan made eight saves for his sixth shutout.

Steven Quintero scored the winner with 8:00 left in the game on a volley for East Hampton (4-6-4) in a 1-0 win over Glenn in League VI. Brandon West recorded five saves for the shutout.

Boys volleyball: Patrick Lilly had 24 assists, 15 kills and eight blocks for Commack (9-5) in a 25-23, 25-21, 23-25, 25-23 win over Connetquot. Mike Jonke added 12 kills, eight blocks and six aces.

Tyler Brenneman had 14 kills and Connor Waleko added 33 assists for East Hampton (6-8) in a 25-13, 25-22, 25-27, 20-25, 25-19 win over Shoreham-Wading River.

Brett Greiner had 16 kills and six digs for Northport (8-6) in a 25-21, 29-27, 25-21 win over Sachem North. Ross Ragonesi added eight kills, and Corey Riskin chipped in with 31 assists.

Field hockey: Georgia Holland scored the game-winning goal with less than 2:00 left for Ward Melville (13-1) in a slim 1-0 win over Sachem East in Division I. Kaitlyn DeTuro had 13 saves for the shutout. With the win, Ward Melville clinched the first-place seed in Division I.

Sachem North (7-8, 7-7 Division I) won in strokes, 3-1, to break a scoreless tie with Smithtown West. Kristine Puzio recorded three saves in scoreless regulation and overtime play, allowing just one shot in strokes.

Kate Pouder scored on an assist from Mary Moore with 13:11 left in the second half, and Miller Place (12-2) hung on to win 2-1 against East Hampton in Division III. Moore scored a first-half goal on a feed from Pouder.

Girls gymnastics: Courtney Mangini won the vault (9.375), balance beam (9.5) and floor (9.45) competitions for Commack in a 161.725-150.15 win over Ward Melville.

Stephanie Sladky won the vault (9.1) and floor (9.1) exercises for East Islip (4-1) in a 151-140 win over Hauppauge in League II.

Girls soccer: Rachel Vasquez and Amanda Brennan each scored two goals and Wendy Framson added a goal and an assist to lead Sachem North (6-7-2, 6-6 League II) in a 7-0 win over Central Islip. Freshman Erin McNulty recorded two saves for her first career shutout.

Long Island Lutheran (9-5-2) tied 2-2 with Chapin in a non-league game where three goals were awarded to LIL, but only two were scored. Down 1-0, Deidre Hocevar and Kristi Pelizzoli hit the ball at the exact same time, according to the referee, scoring a split-goal 10:00 into the second half to tie the game for Long Island Lutheran. Pelizzoli hit her second goal of the game 20:00 into the second half for a 2-1 lead in non-league before Chapin tied it with 10:00 left.

Terry lifts Chelsea from torpor

2008-10-23T00:57:00.000-07:00

Chesla vs. Roma

Chesla

Roma

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Chelsea 1 - 0 Roma
Even though captain John Terry found a typically heroic winner to secure a victory in this Champions League Group A clash, this was another night when the holes in Chelsea's expensively applied make-up were exposed.
A few hundred million pounds has been lavished in a bid to place this West London club at the forefront of the world game, yet occasions like this suggest Chelsea still have some way to go before they can genuinely call themselves a 'big' club.
Roman Abramovich's investment may have ensured his plaything has arrived as a major force on the football pitch, but their ambition to become a top club without relying on the vast riches of their wealthy benefactor depends on more than just the odd major trophy here and there.
Chelsea's dream of establishing themselves as a truly great football club can only be partly achieved on the field. Their target of joining the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United and AC Milan as global super-clubs is still not there. This eerie night confirmed the Blues master plan is still at its formative stage.
Alan Green, the often grumpy BBC radio reporter, described the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge as "manufactured" and "lacking any form of intimidation" during one of his recent broadcasts and the sight of Chelsea handing out free scarves to their 'supporters' before this Champions League tie suggested they are still seeking to build a fan base.
The club donated giant flags at previous Champions League games, even though some away fans have been banned from brandishing such 'offensive weapons' at Stamford Bridge, and this time it was the traditional symbol of the soccer fan that was used to woo some new-found customers.
Chelsea's expensive ticket prices would explain why many supporters can't afford to attend every Stamford Bridge game, yet the muted atmosphere and lack of passion displayed from the stands for the visit of Roma was proof that instant success on the field cannot buy a club its soul.
Champions League nights at Anfield, the San Siro or Old Trafford are special occasions for supporters who revel in chanting the songs that have been sung by their father and grandfathers before them over the last century, but Chelsea simply don't have such heritage to call upon.
It's not the fault of their players, coach Luiz Felipe Scolari or even Abramovich that their fantasy of turning Chelsea into the world's biggest club may simply be impossible, but reality may one day bite hard for the all concerned.
Departed boss Jose Mourinho recently suggested his former congregation were little more than "soft fans who don't get behind their team so much and that's why Chelsea have a problem asserting themselves as a great club of English football".
Sitting in a muted stadium lacking in any sense of drama, you couldn't help but agree with the maverick coach now in charge of Internazionale. The atmosphere was more akin to something you may expect at a pre-season friendly or for the support act at a gig before U2 or Bon Jovi take centre stage. This was a major Champions League game, but you would never have known it.
With that in mind, the players wearing the blue shirt for the last five years have done a fine job in rising above the lack of noise to turn Stamford Bridge into a formidable fortress. More than four years have passed since they lost a Premier League game here and Roma did little to suggest they believed they could emerge victorious from their trip to the ice-cold caldron.
Playing with skipper Francesco Totti as their only vague attacking option, the out-of-form Italians were content to pack the midfield and stop the likes of Frank Lampard and Deco tearing them apart. Nicolas Anelka was not getting the sort of service he needs, while the disappointing Florent Malouda continued to, well, disappoint.
Other than a free kick from Lampard that flicked off the crossbar mid-way through the first half, Roma passed their first 45 minute exam with distinction. Their tactics were effective, yet an interval coffee was required to ensure the eyes of onlookers did not dip before time.
With the belated and somewhat restrained cries of "come on Chelsea" echoing around the ground, the second half kicked off in a similar moribund vein. When you are not a long-term fan of a team and come merely to be entertained by some nice football, games like this are not ideal and the supporters sitting around us in the press overflow area were looking more than a little bemused by the lack of goalmouth action.
With the Roma fans comfortably out-singing their Chelsea counterparts, the stalemate masterminded by Roma coach Luciano Spalletti was nearly shattered as Salomon Kalou tested keeper Doni with a solid header as he latched onto Lampard's curling free-kick.
Then, just when it seemed as if this game was drifting towards a bore draw, the ever reliable Terry latched onto Lampard's corner and Chelsea had their victory. Their persistence in the face of Roma negativity meant they deserved the points and Scolari was jovial as he met the press.
"It was a very good win because we only have one more group game at home and this victory was so important for us," stated the Brazilian. "They played a tactical game and it was difficult for us. Okay it was not so exciting, but I think this was still a beautiful game as my players tried to pass the pass and didn't just rush forward.
"I have respect for Roma and we had to break them down with hard work. We have to play them again in the next fixture and hopefully they will have to pressure us more next time. Maybe we will get more space in Rome. We are in a good position to progress."
The energetic Giallorossi fans perched to the left of the press box were singing long after their less-than-vocal rivals had headed for Fulham Broadway underground station and after so many years of negative publicity, they emerged from this occasions with their tarnished reputation enhanced.
As for Chelsea, the questions still remain. Their team produced the goods once again, but the curious collection of tourists, passers by and schoolkids who follow the club meant their achievement felt more than a little hollow.
There may yet be a big club in West London one day, but they have not arrived yet.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Frank Lampard
It was hard to pick out a star turn on a night when few sparkled, but Lampard was always Chelsea's most creative force. He put in the perfect ball for Terry to snatch the winner.
PRESS BOX MAYHEM: The cramped Stamford Bridge press room could barely cope with the vast influx of Italian journalists for this game. Apparently, almost 200 applications were received for the game and only a couple of dozen looked as if they were actually working reporters.
ROMA VERDICT: After their troubled start to the season, this was a more solid effort from Spalletti's men. Well drilled, they were so close to claiming a valuable point from this game and can take some positives from their display after their weekend rout against Inter.
CHELSEA VERDICT: It was hard to assess their Champions League credentials on a night when they were stifled by a dour Roma gameplan, but their ability to find a winner bodes well. The Blues are far more likely to be in Rome for the Final than the team hosting the showpiece occasion.

Champions League: Barca romp, Inter victory

2008-10-23T00:52:00.000-07:00

................Barcelona.............

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........... Liverpool ...................

Football

Barcelona put one foot in the Champions League last 16 with a 5-0 away drubbing of Basel on Wednesday which left them as the only team with a 100 percent record in the group stage after three matches.

GettyImages
Jose Mourinho thanks Adriano for a job well done at San Siro.
Chelsea also closed in on the knockout stage after a John Terry header gave them a 1-0 home win over Roma and five-time winners Liverpool are in a good position too following a 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid.
That result left the two teams joint top in Group D on seven points after Simao Sabrosa steered in a late equaliser to cancel out Robbie Keane's 14th-minute opener for Liverpool.
PSV Eindhoven chalked up their first points in the group with a 2-0 home win over Olympique Marseille, courtesy of a Danny Koevermans brace that left the 1993 European Cup winners rooted to the bottom with three defeats.
An Adriano goal on the stroke of half-time handed Inter Milan a 1-0 home success against Anorthosis Famagusta, leaving them firmly in the driving seat in Group B with seven points ahead of the Cypriots, who have four.
Werder Bremen registered their third straight draw after a 2-2 stalemate at Panathinaikos thanks to Hugo Almeida's 83rd-minute equaliser. The draw gave the Greek side their first point.
Crisp one-touch football from Barcelona tore Basel apart as Lionel Messi, Sergi Busquets and Bojan Krkic gave the 2006 winners a 3-0 lead in the opening 22 minutes.
Bojan added the fourth and Xavi Fernandez completed the rout within three minutes after the interval to give Barcelona an excellent chance of securing their progress to the last 16 in the reverse fixture against the Swiss side next month.
Chelsea dominated for long spells of their clash with Roma but were unable to create a clear-cut chance before Terry broke the deadlock in the 77th minute with a glancing header from Frank Lampard's corner.
Lampard shaved the woodwork with a curling shot in the first half and forced a good save from goalkeeper Cristiano Doni with a freekick in the closing stages as last season's finalists piled on the pressure.
Liverpool seemed to be heading for their third consecutive win after Keane took Steven Gerrard's through ball in his stride and fired past Leo Franco but Simao denied the visitors after good work by Diego Forlan seven minutes from time.
The evening's eight matches produced 17 goals in total, less than a half of Tuesday night's record-equalling tally of 36.

Heroes Return Offer Junior Johnson & Robert Johnson Collectable

2008-10-23T00:05:00.000-07:00

American Heroes Return

Robert Johnson

Americal Heroes announces

Nine Unique, numbered collectable certificates.

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United States of America (Press Release) October 21, 2008 -- American Heroes Return (AHR)announces an auction of nine unique, numbered collectable certificates signed by both Junion Johnson, the famed race car drive, and his son, Robert Johnson, a new and exciting racer in the family. All proceeds from the auction will go directly to making Camp Hero possible for our veterans.The certificates can be found on eBay here:http://cgi.ebay.com/Autographed-Junior-Robert-Johnson-AHR-Certificate-4_W0QQitemZ170273278830QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item170273278830&_trkparms=72%3A1240%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A1%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14or by searching for "Junior Johnson" on eBay. 100% of the proceeds from this auction will go directly to Camp Hero.On October 18, 2008, AHR (www.AmericanHeroesReturn.com)held a community salute to veterans in Hamptonville, NC to raise awareness of veteran's needs and share information about Camp Hero, the veteran's transitional retreat. The community came out in questionable weather to support this important veteran's initiative. Of those in attendance were local race legend Junion Johnson and his son Robert Johnson.Along with some great bands, good food, the Army National Guard - Elkin, Power Sports Center - Mooresville, the local fire department complete with ladder trucks, artist Jerry Ridge, and others, the vision, story, and progress of Camp Hero was shared and moved forward.Camp Hero is a project of American Heroes Return, a veteran's transition program, desigend to provide ALL returning veterans from deployment an opportunity to decompress, restore, relax, and prepare for what life has ahead. Our troops deserve this, have alway needed such a retreat, and now it is within reach through this program.For more information, visit www.americanheroesreturn.com or call (888)716-4196.

ArmChairFan

2008-10-22T23:54:00.000-07:00

Live Sports Tv

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SportsPageTV.com Launches the Ultimate Sports Ticker – Sports Scoreboard

2008-10-22T23:39:00.000-07:00

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Wireless sports information

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Digital Signage Industry

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The nation's #1 provider of wireless sports information for over 20 years, TheSportsPage.com, is entering the digital signage industry with its sports scoreboard product, SportsPageTV. With Football season in full swing, SportsPageTV is perfect for businesses where football fans craving up-to-the-minute sports scores gather.

Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.sportspagetv.com/">We've taken the concept of the old and outdated red LED sports ticker -- scoreboard and raised it to a whole new level
Helvetica, sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://www.sportspagetv.com/">Our product not only enables businesses to promote themselves by reminding customers of upcoming Specials and Events but also allows them to directly increase their income stream through advertising sales. Business owners looking to gain an edge on their competition now have a powerful new ally in the form of the SportsPageTV Sports Scoreboard. SportsPageTV is a full color Sports Scoreboard that provides up-to-the-minute sports scores and betting lines for all major sports leagues. It runs on any television (old or new) and is easy to install.
Five game scores are shown on the TV for a few seconds, then another five scores are displayed. Between the score updates SportsPageTV can display unlimited promotional messages and graphics that remind a business's customers of upcoming or current Food and Drink Specials and Events it may be having. Additionally, advertising-space on SportsPageTV can be sold to outside vendors for extra money.
"We've taken the concept of the old and outdated red LED sports ticker -- scoreboard and raised it to a whole new level," said Ed Skowronski, President of SportsPageTV. "Our product not only enables businesses to promote themselves by reminding customers of upcoming Specials and Events but also allows them to directly increase their income stream through advertising sales."
SportsPageTV is currently featured in many of the finest Las Vegas and New Jersey Casinos, Racetracks, Poker Rooms and Sports Bars around the country. And many more businesses are beating down Skowronski's door trying to purchase this versatile product.
"How many times have you been at a place where everyone is watching one game on TV, but you want to know the score for another game," Skowronski said, "if they only had our product everyone would be happy. We want to give businesses the opportunity to make everyone happy."
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Casino $ Sports goes -103 for a World Series Grand Slam

2008-10-22T23:34:00.000-07:00

Casino and Sports

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Heroes Casino and Sports offers -103 on all 2008 Major League Baseball World Series Games. Available starting Wednesday the 22nd of October at 8:00pm all World Series Games between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Philadelphia Phillies will be available at the reduced price of -103. These ground breaking prices cannot be found elsewhere."Leave it to my team to come up with another amazing offer for all those out there looking for the best prices available. Time and time again it appears that Heroes Casino and Sports will be taking our industry to the next level. I cannot wait to see what they dream up next." As stated by James Ford Senior Vice President Customer Relations.For any additional information pertaining to Heroes Casino $ Sport or the MLB World Series please contact Mr Ford at jford@heroescasino.com or visit www.heroescasino.com .Choose Heroes Casino and Sports for your ultimate home based gaming experience.Heroes Casino and Sports (www.heroescasino.com) the industry's fastest growing gaming website was founded in 2007 and is considered the "Home of Reduced Juice". With low limits and low house holds, putting them in the same category of other well know industry leaders. Fully licensed on the island of Curacao, Heroes Casino and Sports supplies you with a comfortable and secure gaming experience offering you unique opportunities to receive a 0.3% Cash Rebate paid every day. Heroes Casino and Sports offers wagering on all major sports with the opportunities to wager -103 on NFL games, and as low as -105 on all other sports. Log on today and let Heroes Casino and Sports fulfill your home based gaming experience.

Fanling in exciting Race to Dubai

2008-10-22T23:27:00.000-07:00

........................ Hong Kong ..........................

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Welcome

Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China (Press Release) October 20, 2008 -- The Fanling showpiece will feature twice in the extended 2009 programme, which begins early next month and concludes almost 13 months later.And that means next year’s UBS Hong Kong Open will be the final event prior to the money-spinning inaugural Dubai World Championship, in which only the top 60 players on the money list will take part.The scene will be set for a battle royal at Fanling next year as players scramble to qualify for the Dubai event, which will carry prize money of US$10 million and a bonus pool of another US$10 million.“With a rich history and tradition stretching back 50 years, the UBS Hong Kong Open has developed into a hugely popular and prestigious destination on the European Tour International Schedule,” said European Tour chief executive George O’Grady.“Now even greater significance will be attached to the UBS Hong Kong Open in the coming months. Not only is next month’s 50th anniversary tournament at Fanling the second counting event towards the Race to Dubai – formerly the European Tour Order of Merit – but the 51st edition next November will be the final event prior to the world’s richest tournament, the inaugural Dubai World Championship.“Without question, this will create an enormous sense of drama and excitement as the leading players in the Race to Dubai battle for one of the top 60 places which will secure admission to the season-ending climax and the opportunity to win the US$10 million bonus pool.”The UBS Hong Kong Open – first staged in 1959 – is the oldest professional sports event in Hong Kong and is considered the “jewel in the crown” of Asian golf with a heritage that no other tournament in the region can match.The 2008 tournament will be held at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling from November 20-23.The 2009 UBS Hong Kong Open will take place from November 12-15 – one week before the Dubai World Championship.From 2010, the European Tour will revert to a calendar-year programme starting with the South African Open in January and concluding with the Dubai World Championship in November.The Dubai World Championship, to be staged at Jumeirah Golf Estates, will carry a first prize of US$1.6 million within its US$10 million prize fund.The bonus pool of US$10 million will be shared by the top 15 players in the Race to Dubai after the tournament, with the race winner taking away US$2 million.

Olympic Sport in 2040?

2008-10-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

Sports ..................................Olympic

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While our economy may be headed back to the 1930s, progress marches on in other areas. Take, for instance, the Rocket Racing League, jetting up the Buzz charts today.
The league, which may or may not be based on an idea from “The Jetsons,” has announced that the FAA has approved a rocket-powered aircraft, propelled by liquid oxygen and alcohol engines, for use in the 2009 RRL exhibition season. The first official competitions will take place in 2010, with ten racers set to face off in eight of 20 venues under consideration (we’re guessing no domed stadiums). The league will headquarter in Las Cruces, New Mexico and hold annual races at the upcoming New Mexico Spaceport.
Now, Buzz denizens may ask, how, exactly, is this gonna work? "Network World" explains:
"The idea is the aircraft will take off like a regular small airplane, blast into the sky and fly through a virtual course with twists, turns and straight-aways like a souped-up Indy or NASCAR racetrack in the sky. Racing League pilots see the course superimposed on helmet-mounted 3-D displays, while the crowd monitors the race from large-screen TVs on the ground."
Wow. Well, it’s all fun and games until some rocketeer forgets to wear his spacebelt and bumps his head. Or ends up destroying Albuquerque. We’ll wait for the PlayStation version.

Toy racers put Hamilton in the big picture

2008-10-22T10:02:00.000-07:00

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Lewis Hamilton is about to become bigger than ever in Britain thanks to a car-crazy artist who paints by buzzing remote-controlled toy racers across his canvas.
Birmingham-based artist Ian Cook has been skidding and steering the tiny cars around an 8x12 metre spread this week to create a giant portrait of McLaren's 23-year-old Formula One hotshot.
The picture, commissioned by Hamilton's sponsors Reebok, will go on open display in the shadow of London's Tower Bridge from Oct 29 until after the title-deciding Brazilian Grand Prix on Nov. 2.
By the time he returns to Britain, Hamilton could be hailed as the sport's youngest champion as well as the first black driver to take the title.
Cook's technique reflects one of Hamilton's boyhood passions, with the Briton a champion radio-controlled car racer before moving into go-karts.
"This concept started last Christmas when I received a radio-controlled car from my then-girlfriend and she said 'don't take it down to your studio and don't get paint on it,'" the artist told Reuters.
"I thought 'Ah, that's a good idea'.
Reebok say the picture could cover a three-storey building.
'AUTO DRAWINGS'
Cook, who takes inspiration from installation artist Michael Landy and coined the term 'popbang' to define his own style of 'auto drawings', lists a sculpture made of his childhood die-cast toy cars among other works.
He has around 40 cars at his disposal, including a Mercedes-McLaren SLR, with the wheel arches modified to cope with the paint and each with different speeds and characteristics.
The paint is applied to the tyres, or occasionally the canvas, with the cars powered up while the public wander in to watch the work in progress in the vacant shop premises off Piccadilly Circus.
Sometimes full size car tyres are rolled across the backdrop for added texture but no paintbrush or roller is used at any stage.
After staring at Hamilton's image for days on end, the artist was even starting to sound like him.
"It won't go wrong. I'm confident. I've done it enough to know what I need to do and what the cars are capable of," said Cook.

China dismisses speculation over Yao "retirement"

2008-10-22T09:57:00.000-07:00

Chinese ബസ്കെറ്റ് Ball
Chinese basketball officials have denied local media reports that NBA All-Star Yao Ming is set to retire from international basketball.
The 7ft-6in (2.286m) Houston Rockets center has always insisted on representing his country as well as playing in the NBA, a year-round schedule which critics say makes him vulnerable to the injuries that have hampered his career.
The 28-year-old said before August's Olympics that Beijing would be his last Games and a report in a Shanghai newspaper on Tuesday said he no longer felt able to commit his time to the national team.
"We do not know anything about this. He has never told us of his intention of retiring. Never," Hu Jiashi, deputy director of the Chinese Basketball Association, told the China Daily newspaper. Yao's China agent said the report was irresponsible.
"I have never heard of Yao planning to retire," he told the paper. "Yao proved he was fully devoted to the national team in the Olympics even if he just returned from injury."
The six-times All-Star, China's most popular and wealthiest sportsman, had to battle back from a stress fracture in his left foot to lead his country to eighth place at the Olympics.
After the tournament, Yao sidestepped questions about returning for a fourth Olympics in London in 2012, when he would be approaching his 32nd birthday.
"Four years ago, I thought 2008 would not be far away, but I had three major operations over that time," he said.
China's next major tournament will be the 2010 world championships in Turkey.

Sports leagues take a hit from bad economy

2008-10-22T09:46:00.000-07:00

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The NBA got lots of attention last month when it said the bad economy was forcing it to lay off 9 percent of its work force. But there was little shock in the Charlotte Bobcats’ organization, which had already seen two rounds of job cuts.
“We must become more efficient as a business in the current economic climate,” president Fred Whitfield said of an organization that has lost millions since former BET founder Bob Johnson brought the NBA back to Charlotte in 2004.
Just like NASCAR, sports leagues all over the world are feeling the pinch from the current financial crisis.
Before this latest round of layoffs that cost about 80 league jobs, the NBA had already closed its Los Angeles office and scaled down its preseason trip to Europe down to four games in four cities, with no local teams invited.
ഇഫ് “We made the decision some months ago that the economy was going to be a bit wobbly so we began a belt-tightening,” commissioner David Stern said this week in London.
Stern emphasized the NBA is still hitting its business targets.
“My guess is that by the time we tip off in a week or so, we will be down modestly in season tickets. … We think we’ll be up in revenue, but I just can’t say for sure whether we’ll be up or down in attendance because it’s just so touch-and-go, because sports tickets are very much disposable income,” he said. “So, we’re not going to see a huge impact, but I dare say we will see some impact.”
A look at some other sports leagues:
— LPGA: The LPGA doesn’t have a network TV contract, and about a third of its tournaments are up for renewal this year. Two tournaments already are gone: the Fields Open in Hawaii and the Ginn Tribute in South Carolina. Safeway, which sponsored events in Portland and Phoenix, now will sponsor only the Portland event.
The LPGA is looking for title sponsors for Phoenix and Tulsa, Okla., where sponsor SemGroup filed for bankruptcy.
Although it appears trouble is looming for the tour, LPGA officials remain hopeful nothing will be interrupted.
“We are reasonably confident in next year’s schedule being similar to this year’s schedule in number of events and level of prize money,” said Chris Higgs, senior vice president of tournament business affairs.
— Major League Baseball: Attendance fell this season after four straight record years, proving commissioner Bud Selig was wrong when he estimated the sport could break 80 million in attendance for the first time. But the economic slowdown is felt beyond the turnstiles: Team coverage in many newspapers has been cut back, leading to a decreased presence in print for teams. And MLB expects a decrease in car ads—long a major sponsor—forcing clubs and networks to search for other advertisers.
Sales of licensed goods—such as jerseys and caps—is flat when compared with last year. It would be down factoring out the All-Star game at Yankee Stadium, which produced extra revenue.
— NFL: Commissioner Roger Goodell said the NFL is not immune from the crisis, even though sponsorships are currently solid, attendance is still booming and TV ratings have been steady. But Goodell knows that could all change, and the market is having a direct effect on stadium construction in Dallas and New York, as rising bond rates have escalated costs.
“It affects our consumers, our fans, and so we are very sensitive to it,” Goodell said. “We are trying to plan appropriately for it. I don’t know of any business or any financial institution that’s not going through the same types of analysis, the same type of evaluation of what we can do to better prepare ourselves in the current economic climate.”
— NHL: Commissioner Gary Bettman said the league is still growing, noting that season ticket sales are up 4 percent from last year and single-game ticket sales are up 13 percent. But he worries that the weakened market could slow the success.
“I have no doubt that, over time, if it’s long enough and bad enough, it will have some impact,” Bettman said.
Deputy commissioner Bill Daly admits the sponsorship market is tougher, but said the league and clubs were still able to close deals this summer.
— PGA: Tour commissioner Tim Finchem knows he will have a tough sell next year to renew title sponsor contracts that expire in 2010.
“If the instability were to continue for a sustained period of time, we will have real challenges,” he said.
The bulk of its event title sponsors are signed at least through 2010, and Wachovia is signed through 2014 to sponsor its hometown tournament. But tickets for 2009 were five days away from being printed when the Charlotte-based bank buckled under the Wall Street meltdown and fell into a bidding war between Citigroup and Wells Fargo.
“Luckily, we signed a contract through 2014,” tournament director Kym Hougham said. “Somebody is going to honor it. We know the tournament will happen. We just don’t know what the name is going to be.”
— ATP: There’s been no sign yet of companies not being able to fulfill their contracts with the ATP. Spokesman Kris Dent believes the tour “remains in pretty good commercial shape,” based on multimillion-dollar renewal deals with three sponsors, and a new $35 million, five-year deal with British bank Barclays to be the title sponsor of its season-ending tournament.
Formula One Racing: Drastic cost reductions will be discussed next week in Geneva at a meeting hosted by FIA president Max Mosley with the 10 team chiefs.
The Canadian Grand Prix already has been dropped from the 2009 schedule, leaving no races in North America.
Mosley has warned that current costs are “unsustainable,” adding that if there are no reductions in place within two years, the series could be in peril.
Sports Writers Ronald Blum, Mike Cranston, Doug Ferguson, Howard Fendrich, Dave Goldberg, Chris Lehourites, Paul Logothetis and Ira Podell contributed to this report.