Sports

FBI probes Boston 'terror' blasts

2013-04-16T00:02:00.001-07:00

An investigation is under way after two explosions near the finishing line of the Boston Marathon left three people dead and at least 140 injured. The FBI has taken over co-ordination of what it described as a "potential terrorist inquiry". Boston police say officers are working around the clock and all leave has been cancelled. At least 17 people are critically wounded, officials say, and the injuries include several amputations. One of the dead was an eight-year-old boy, US media said. In a televised address, President Barack Obama vowed to bring those behind the attack to justice. "We will find out who did this. We'll find out why they did this," he said. "Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups, will feel the full weight of justice." Although he did not use the word "terrorism", a White House official later said: "Any event with multiple explosive devices - as this appears to be - is clearly an act of terror, and will be approached as an act of terror." The first explosion came at about 14:50 local time (18:50 GMT) on the north side of Boylston Street, about two hours after the winners crossed the line. There was initial confusion and panic. Some runners fell to the floor while police and bystanders ran to help those caught in the blast. Then seconds later, another explosion ripped into the crowd further away from the finishing line, between 50 and 100 metres (yards) from the first blast. TV footage showed bloodied runners and spectators being treated at the scene and the road strewn with debris. Rescuers tore down temporary fencing to reach the casualties. Medical officials speak of at least 140 injured, with injuries including severed limbs, shrapnel wounds, cuts and bruises, At an initial news conference, Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis said authorities had received "no specific intelligence that anything was going to happen". He urged people to stay indoors and not congregate in large groups. At a second news conference he said the death toll now stood at three. He said that no suspects were in custody. A search thought to be related to the inquiry was under way at a flat in a Boston suburb, Boston media reported. Police said a search warrant was issued on Monday in the Revere district but provided no further details. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick said Boston would be "open" on Tuesday but that there would be "a heightened law enforcement presence". "There will be random checks of backpacks and other parcels. We are also asking that everyone be on a state of heightened vigilance," he said. FBI Special Agent Richard DesLauriers also appeared, saying that the inquiry involved city, state and federal officials, but refusing to give any details of the investigation. Details of the victims have also not been revealed, however an eight-year-old boy is said to be among the dead. Quoting a family friend, Associated Press said the boy's mother and sister were also injured as they waited for his father to finish the race. Officers have already begun poring over video and photographs from the marathon. Unconfirmed reports said two other unexploded devices were found near the end of the race but were safely defused. State police officer Roupen Bastajian had just finished the race when he heard the blasts. "I started running toward the blast and there were people all over the floor," he said. "We started grabbing tourniquets and started tying legs. At least 25 to 30 people have at least one leg missing, or an ankle missing, or two legs missing." A doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital said "several amputations" had been performed there. As a massive security operation swung into operation, the Federal Aviation Administration barred low-flying aircraft from within 3.5 miles (5.6km) of the site. Key sites in Washington DC and New York have also seen security tightened. Officials in Washington said no group or individual had so far said they carried out the attack. Shortly after the blasts, a fire broke out at Boston's John F Kennedy Library a few miles away from the explosions. Police said the blaze might have been caused by an incendiary device but it is unclear whether it is related to the explosions. The annual Boston Marathon this year had a field of about 23,000 runners and was watched by hundreds of thousands of spectators. It is held on Patriots Day, a Massachusetts state holiday which commemorates the first battles of the American Revolution in 1775. British police are reviewing security plans for Sunday's London Marathon, the next major international marathon, following events in Boston. (BBC)

The Hottest Heartbreakers in Sports

2013-02-24T22:13:00.000-08:00

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Victoria's Secret's sexiest angel, Adriana Lima is currently married to creepy basketball player Marko Jaric. The pairing has everyone in the world asking, "is she really goin' out with him?" Before Jaric scored the deal of a lifetime, Lima graced the lives of a number of high profile men. In 2001, Lima was linked with rocker Lenny Kravitz. When the pair split in 2003, Lima rebounded with Price Wenzeslaus of Liechtenstein. When they split in 2006, she rebounded with New York Yankees slugger Derek Jeter. Lima briefly dated Brazilian rocker Denny before meeting Jaric in 2006. (MSN)

Lingerie Football League Changes Name to Legends Football League, Removes Lingerie Aspects of Uniform Read more at: http://nesn.com/2013/01/lingerie-football-league-changes-name-to-legends-football-league-removes-lingerie-aspects-of-uniform/

2013-01-11T01:39:00.002-08:00

The Lingerie Football League is having some work done. The LFL is undergoing a re-branding process, according to a press release, and it all starts with a name change. The league will now be known as Legends Football League, despite “the tremendous success” of the Lingerie Football League. Since premiering in 2009, the LFL has been named the “nation’s fastest growing sports league” and has even secured the first ever video game deal in the history of women’s sports. Broadcast to “nearly 85 territories around the world,” the LFL has launched international play in Canada and plans to extend its global reach to Australia in 2013 and Europe in 2015. “This is the next step in the maturation of our now global sport,” said the league’s founder, Mitchell S. Mortaza. “While the Lingerie Football League name has drawn great media attention allowing us to showcase the sport to millions, we have now reached a crossroad of gaining credibility as a sport or continuing to be viewed as a gimmick. In the coming years we will further establish this sport in the U.S., Australia, Europe and Asia as the most known form of American football globally. In order to reach the next milestone, we feel the focus has to be the sport and our amazing athletes.” As part of the re-branding, fans of the LFL can expect to see performance wear replace all lingerie aspects of uniforms and “sexy female figures” on logos and designs to be replaced with brand new logos. Read more at: http://nesn.com/2013/01/lingerie-football-league-changes-name-to-legends-football-league-removes-lingerie-aspects-of-uniform/

Hahnemkamm downhill, Kitzbuhel, Austria

2013-01-11T01:05:00.002-08:00

Willi Schneider/Rex Features and AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati-In January, skiing's most glamorous meeting - hence Arnie's attendance in 2012 - and the most dramatic and testing event on the World Cup tour. A must-see for Alpinists (MSN News).

Flemenstar takes dominant Fortria Chase victory at Navan

2012-11-11T22:11:00.001-08:00

Pre-race 10-11 favourite Flemenstar powered to victory at the Fortria Chase at Navan to deny Big Zeb a fourth consecutive success in the event. The Peter Casey-trained seven-year-old took the lead from the start and finished seven lengths clear. Colm Murphy's veteran 9-2 shot Big Zeb exhibited his enduring class to claim second from Foildubh (7-1) at the end. Cheltenham Gold Cup hopeful Flemenstar's win came on his seasonal debut. The Andrew Lynch-ridden colt won five of his six starts over fences last season, and he showcased that form from the off as he left his 11-year-old opponent struggling at the back of the pack. When Foildubh and Big Zeb attempted to close as the horses reached the finish line, he had plenty in the tank to burst clear in the Grade Two meet. The win saw Flemenstar's odds for the Cheltenham Gold Cup cut with some bookmakers, although others feel he still has to prove himself over a distance of more than two-and-a-half miles.

Women's rankings in Tennis

2012-11-11T21:58:00.000-08:00

WTA singles rankings as of Monday 5 November 2012: 1. Victoria Azarenka (Blr) 2. Maria Sharapova (Rus) 3. Serena Williams (US) 4. Agnieszka Radwanska (Pol) 5. Angelique Kerber (Ger) 6. Sara Errani (Ita) 7. Li Na (Chn) 8. Petra Kvitova (Cze) 9. Samantha Stosur (Aus) 10. Caroline Wozniacki (Den) 11. Marion Bartoli (Fra) 12. Nadia Petrova (Rus) 13. Ana Ivanovic (Ser) 14. Maria Kirilenko (Rus) 15. Dominika Cibulkova (Svk) 16. Roberta Vinci (Ita) 17. Lucie Safarova (Cze) 18. Julia Goerges (Ger) 19. Kaia Kanepi (Est) 20. Ekaterina Makarova (Rus) Britons in top 250: 49. Heather Watson 53. Laura Robson 137. Anne Keothavong 153. Johanna Konta 172. Elena Baltacha 249. Tara Moore

Laura Robson wins first-round match at Japan Open

2012-10-11T01:02:00.001-07:00

Britain's Laura Robson is through to the second round of the Japan Open after she beat Greek opponent Eleni Daniilidou 6-4 6-2 in Osaka. The 18-year-old, ranked 56th in the world and seeded in a WTA tournament for the first time, saw Daniilidou recover from 3-0 in the second set. But Robson held a tough service game, re-established her double break at 5-2 and served out at the first attempt. She will face China's Yi-miao Zhou in the next round. Robson is bidding to break into the top 50 after recent successes including winning Olympic silver in the mixed doubles with Andy Murray and reaching the final of China's Guangzhou Open. Number two seed Zheng Jie appeared on the verge of becoming the tournament's first major casualty when she trailed Spaniard Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez by a set and 5-2. But the Chinese player reeled off 20 of the next 26 points to take the set before completing a 4-6 7-5 6-4 victory. British number two Heather Watson, already through to the second round of the singles, teamed up with veteran Japanese player Kimiko Date-Krumm to progress to the second round of the women's doubles. The 20-year-old and her 42-year-old partner, who are the fourth seeds, beat Canada's Eugenie Bouchard and American Alexa Glatch 6-3 6-2.(BBC)

2012-09-03T23:25:00.004-07:00

NEW YORK: Maria Sharapova, back in the US Open s last eight for the first time since she won the title six years ago, sent fellow Russian Nadia Petrova packing with vigor and passion on Sunday.Not only did she rally after twice losing four games in a row against 19th seed Petrova but third seed Sharapova won six of the last eight games in the match after a 73-minute rain delay to take a 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 victory.The Russian third seed, clearly the fan favorite in the Arthur Ashe Stadium night match, was pumping her fist with evry point in the seventh game of the last set when she broke Petrova to seize the lead for the first time since the opening set.Sharapova, who completed a career Grand Slam by capturing the French Open title last June, rolled through the first set in 31 minutes but Petrova broke her in the second and fourth games of the second set on the way to a 4-0 lead.Sharapova broke back twice to level the set at 4-4, only to have Petrova break her again in the 10th game to capture the set and in the second game of the third set for a 2-0 lead before rain began falling to halt the match.Petrova, who fell to 1-9 all-time against Sharapova, surrendered a break in the first game after the delay and Sharapova broke again four games later then held twice for the victory.Sharapova will next face French 11th seed Marion Bartoli, who beat Czech fifth seeded left-hander Petra Kvitova, the 2011 Wimbledon winner, 1-6, 6-2, 6-0, to book her first trip to the US Open quarter-finals in her 11th attempt. (AFP)

Stosur ousts Robson to reach Open s last eight

2012-09-03T23:22:00.002-07:00

NEW YORK: Defending champion Samantha Stosur squandered eight match points but finally subdued stubborn British teen prodigy Laura Robson 6-4, 6-4 in 98 minutes on Sunday to reach the US Open quarter-finals.The Australian seventh seed advanced to a last-eight meeting with either World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka of Belarus or Georgia s Anna Tatishvili, who were set to meet in a later night match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.Robson broke Stosur in the third game of the match but the Aussie broke back in the next game and seized command, breaking again to take the first set and jumping ahead 5-2 in the second before struggling to close out the triumph.Robson held and broke and threatened to hold again to level the match before Stosur struck, firing a forehand winner that Robson sent wide to end the fight.Stosur has lost all six career meetings with top seed Azarenka, never taking a set off the reigning Australian Open champion. Azarenka s most recent victory over Stosur came in last February s Doha final.Russian third seed Maria Sharapova, the 2006 winner, faced 19th-seeded compatriot Nadia Petrova for a quarter-final berth. The winner would meet either Czech fifth seed Petra Kvitova or French 11th seed Marion Bartoli. (AFP)

Why doesn’t sand stick to beach volleyball players?

2012-08-09T00:23:00.002-07:00

Look closely at the picture above. What do you notice? Better yet, what don't you notice?

Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings are sprawled out in the sand, a position they find themselves in more than a dozen times per match. They're surrounded by their sport's playing surface and it's kicked up all around them. But look at Kerri's legs. Check out Misty's arms and take special notice of her feet. There's no sand anywhere.(Yahoo News)

Gymnastics: Jordyn Wieber Qulification in Olympic 2012

2012-07-29T23:10:00.002-07:00

Jordyn Wieber of the U.S. competes in the balance beam during the women's gymnastics qualification in the North Greenwich Arena during the London 2012 Olympic Games

Maria Sharapova win the England Lawn Tennis Club

2012-07-29T23:07:00.002-07:00

Russia's Maria Sharapova celebrates after winning her women's singles tennis match against Israel's Shahar Peer at the All England Lawn Tennis Club during the London 2012 Olympics Games July 29, 2012. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth

Celebrate Women's Volleyball Preliminary Match

2012-07-29T23:05:00.002-07:00

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 29: Zara Dampney and Shauna Mullin of Great Britain celebrate during the Women's Beach Volleyball Preliminary match between Great Britain and Canada on Day 2 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Horse Guards

Olympic opening ceremony

2012-07-27T22:06:00.006-07:00

London Olympic spectacle kicks off

The eagerly awaited opening ceremony to the Olympic games kicked off on Friday with a mass countdown and the chime of a giant bell, ushering in an eccentric and exuberant celebration of British history, art and culture.

Heather Watson earns first-round win at Stanford

2012-07-10T00:54:00.003-07:00

Heather Watson backed up her run to the Wimbledon third round by reaching round two at the Bank of the West Classic in Stanford, United States.

The 20-year-old, up to a career-high ranking of 79, beat world number 49 Sloane Stephens of the United States 7-6 (7-5) 4-6 6-1.

Watson was broken three times in the first set and twice in the second, but recovered to take the third with ease.

She will now face Belgian fifth seed Yanina Wickmayer.

Watson was beaten at Wimbledon 6-0 6-2 by eventual women's singles finalist Agnieszka Radwanska but became the first British woman to reach the third round for 10 years. (BBC)

Netherlands and Russia qualify for beach volleyball

2012-07-04T23:20:00.001-07:00

The Netherlands and Russia have taken the final two Olympic women's beach volleyball places after wining through a qualification tournament in Moscow.

Russia beat China in both matches at the Vodny Stadium to secure their place in the 24-team event, while Netherlands also defeated Italy two games to nil.

The men's and women's finals will be played in a temporary stadium at the Horse Guards Parade in central London.

Austria and Russia earned the final two men's places.

Team GB qualified as hosts for the event, which starts on 28 July.

Netherlands's Madelein Meppelink and Sophie van Gestel won their match against Italy's Daniela Gioria and Giulia Momoli 13-21, 21-14, 15-10.

The Dutch pair of Rimke Braakman and Michelle Stiekema made it a double win over the Italians with a 21-19, 21-19 victory against Laura Giombini and Viktoria Orsi Toth.

In the other play-off, Russia's first win over China was secured when Anastasia Vasina and Anna Vozakova beat Yuanyuan Ma and Changning Zhang 17-21, 21-16 and 15-10.

The second came with Maria Bratkova and Svetlana Popova's 21-18, 17-21, 15-11 victory against Fan Wang and Yuan Yue.

In the men's event, the Austrians defeated Mexico to complete an unblemished 6-0 record in the Moscow tournament, while the hosts beat Poland 2-0 for their fifth victory from six matches.(BBC)

Sharapova & Clijsters says goodbye to wimbledon

2012-07-02T22:54:00.004-07:00

Top seed Maria Sharapova and Kim Clijsters were knocked out of Wimbledon in straight sets in the fourth round.

Sharapova had been bidding to become the first player since Serena Williams in 2002 to win the French Open-Wimbledon double in the same year.

But the Russian world number one was beaten 6-4 6-3 by German 15th seed Sabine Lisicki on a chilly Court One.

Clijsters, due to retire after the US Open later this year, lost 6-1 6-1 to German eighth seed Angelique Kerber.

Lisicki, 22, secured victory with her third match point, an ace on her second serve, and will face her compatriot Kerber in the quarter-finals.

Lisicki broke Sharapova's serve three times in the first set and, following a rain delay, once early in the second to clinch victory by the same score she lost to the Russian in last year's semi-finals.

"It's unbelievable. I've beaten Maria Sharapova for the first time," Lisicki told BBC Sport. "I just went for my shots from the first point on.

"She is a fighter but I am a fighter too. I fought to the last point. The last game was tough but I fought it out.

"I'm getting better with each match. This is my favourite tournament. I love it here."

The Russian completed a career Grand Slam by winning at Roland Garros last month, but will lose her number one ranking to either Victoria Azarenka or Agnieszka Radwanska when the new list comes out on Monday.

Sharapova said: "She [Lisicki] did many things better than I did and you have to hand it to her. She played very well. I could have done things differently but not on this particular day."

Clijsters , who has won four Grand Slams but never reached a Wimbledon final, struggled to get her serve into gear and committed a string of unforced errors.

The Belgian survived two match points at 5-0 down in the second set but Eastbourne finalist Kerber soon served out for a comprehensive victory.

Clijsters, who made her Wimbledon debut as a 16-year-old and was a semi-finalist in 2003 and 2006, said the fact it was her last match at the Championships had not entered her thoughts.

"I just had the feeling that there was absolutely nothing I could have done to have won that match," said the former world number one.

"My opponent was better on every level. That was all I was thinking about."

The 29-year-old will play in the Olympics at Wimbledon and then the US Open before retiring for the second and final time, having previously taken two years out to start a family.

"I know that every time I've played here I've given my best, and that's the only thing that I can do," she added.

"I'll never say that I didn't work hard enough or I didn't practise hard enough. I don't think I'll feel sorry about anything when I leave."

In the two other matches in this half of the draw, Polish third seed Radwanska beat Italian qualifier Camila Giorgi 6-2 6-3 and will face 17th seed Maria Kirilenko in the quarter-finals.

Russia's Kirilenko broke twice in the final set to win 6-1 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 in two hours and 20 minutes against China's Shuai Peng. (BBC)

Great Victory of Spain in Euro Football 2012

2012-07-02T00:38:00.006-07:00

Coach Vicente del Bosque has hailed Spain's "great generation of footballers" after their historic win over Italy in the final of Euro 2012.

La Roja's 4-0 victory in Kiev made them the first team to win three successive major international tournaments.

"We're talking about a great generation of footballers," said Del Bosque.

"They know how to play together because they come from a country where they learn to play properly. This is a great era for Spanish football."

The 61-year-old added: "We have some great lads who play abroad, which was impossible before. We didn't really have players abroad and now foreign clubs want our players.

"To win three titles is almost impossible. Congratulations to the players.

"It's true we were lucky enough to play a great match. Everything worked for us. It was an extraordinary performance against a difficult opponent.

"We played our own game. There were no real external influences - we were faithful to what we've done in recent years.

"I didn't really want to be the coach who wins but the coach who educates. I want to keep preparing them for the future."

Spain were at their scintillating best as goals from David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres - who became the first player to score in two Euros finals - and Juan Mata helped them overpower the Italians by the biggest winning margin in a Euros final. They also retained the crown they first won in Vienna four years ago.

Between these two, La Roja have also claimed their first World title in South Africa and have now constructed a compelling case to be classed as the best team in history.

Sunday's victory was also the perfect riposte to the critics who have suggested that Spain have abandoned attacking principles and are not entertaining to watch.

Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas told BBC Sport: "It feels really, really amazing. It's one of the best days of my life.

"I don't think we realise what we've done. In time we'll see. Are we boring? People who think we are boring, I don't think they understand the game."

Spain captain Iker Casillas, for whom Sunday's win was his 100th from 137 caps said: "There will always be some criticism as we have set the bar so high. That's what happens when you come down a step. It's been four marvellous years.

"You might think that a 4-0 margin against Italy means it was easy - but we have been gradually stepping up as the tournament went along.

"We did a really good job in defence, but not only defence. We know we have a lot of quality up front. If you can have a clean sheet then it's easier to score.

"It was really important for Fernando [Torres]. I know he hasn't had his best season. He had some problems and then didn't play for Chelsea. He scored against Ireland and then he scored again in the final.

"Are we the best ever? I don't know. I think we have to keep winning and win more trophies. When we're retired in 10 or 15 years then may be we can look back and say we were really good."

Andres Iniesta was named man of the match and is one of four players - along with Casillas, Sergio Ramos and Xavi - to have started all three final triumphs.

"It's very nice to have this man-of-the-match trophy but it's especially great to be champions again," the Barcelona midfielder said.

"The team played a great match and all the players were at their top level."

Centre-back Gerard Pique added: "It's a really special feeling. I think we have to enjoy this moment. This team is making history but we have to keep going and keep working hard.

"There is a World Cup in two years. We're going to enjoy this moment and then keep going." (BBC)

Italy win the semi final of Euro 2012

2012-06-29T00:00:00.003-07:00

Mario Balotelli has described his match-winning performance in Italy's Euro 2012 semi-final victory over Germany as "the best night of my life".

The 21-year-old Manchester City striker scored two first-half goals to set the platform for the 2-1 win, dedicating the victory to his adopted mum Silvia.

The Azzurri will now play favourites Spain in Sunday's final.

"This was the greatest night of my life and I hope Sunday will be better," Balotelli said.

At the final whistle, Balotelli sought out his family and embraced them in the stands. "At the end of the game I went to my mother - that was the best moment," he added.

"I told her these goals were for her. I waited a long time for this moment, especially as my mother is not young anymore and can't travel far, so I had to make her happy when she came all the way here. My father will be in Kiev for the final too."

Balotelli's two goals took him joint top of the Euro 2012 scoring charts with three. "I will try to win the top scorer award," he said.

"In football sometimes you can try so many times and it doesn't go in, or try few and it does all the time. It was a fantastic assist, the kind only Antonio Cassano can provide, while Riccardo Montolivo's pass was great too."

He celebrated his second goal by taking off his shirt and striking a typically defiant pose. "They didn't get angry because I was booked for taking my shirt off, but they saw my physique and got jealous," he joked.

Balotelli, who was substituted midway through the second half, dismissed any injury worries and declared himself fit for Sunday's final. "I had cramp and was a little tired, but I told the coach to wait five minutes and by that point the substitution was already in progress. It's fine."

Italy now meet Spain for the second time in the tournament, having played out a 1-1 draw in the group stages. And Balotelli believes that, despite Germany's lacklustre performance, the Azzurri are in the final on merit.

"When Italy win it is because the other team played bad," he said. "I think we won because we were better and we deserved it.

"We are with Spain, we are the two best teams in the tournament," he added.

"I hope to win, I don't care if I play badly as long as we give our all. We have to relax, mustn't get frustrated with Spain's possession and keep playing our football.

"We are the only side to have scored against Spain so far. We proved that we are equal to them, if not more, and we want to win."

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said Balotelli's performance had proved he had developed into a team player and not just an individual.

"Mario is rather unique, he's atypical. He's very strong and fights for the team. He's always been there when called upon and he fights in the penalty area," he said.

"The career of Mario Balotelli has only just begun."

Not all the Italians were as content, however. Captain and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon stormed off the field at the final whistle, furious at Italy's failure to convert a host of second-half chances that would have put the result beyond doubt.

"I was annoyed because I don't celebrate second place and I was angry with us because we could have avoided the difficult final five minutes," Buffon said.

"When you can score seven goals against Germany, you have to score seven because if they come back to 2-2 they'll beat you 10-2 in extra-time. We need to be more mature and to know that even if football is a game, when you reach the European Championship final, it's no longer a game."

Andrea Pirlo, who was named man-of-the-match, also sounded a note of caution for Sunday's final. "We haven't done anything yet," he said. "There's no use going to Rome and not seeing the Pope. We want to go home with this cup." (BBC)

Another Great Victory of Spain in Euro 2012

2012-06-27T22:42:00.004-07:00

The Barcelona midfielder put Spain into Sunday's Euro 2012 final, drilling his penalty in off the left-hand post to spark scenes of jubilation.

Joao Moutinho and Bruno Alves missed for Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo a frustrated, unused fifth penalty-taker.

The match finished 0-0 after extra-time with neither side doing enough to win.

It took until half past midnight local time to get there, but Fabregas, who had scored the winning penalty in the Euro 2008 quarter-final win over Italy, ensured Spain proceeded to a final against Germany or Italy on Sunday and remain on course for an unprecedented third successive tournament victory.

The world champions have now won their past nine knockout games at major tournaments without conceding a goal, and their past 19 competitive matches.

Neither side had produced their fluent best during only the second 0-0 draw of the tournament. At times it was a bad-tempered affair and the apparently inevitable shootout made a nervy start as goalkeepers Rui Patricio and Iker Casillas denied Xabi Alonso and Moutinho respectively in the first round.

Andres Iniesta calmly put Spain in front, only for Pepe to keep Portugal on terms with a clinical low finish. Spain defender Gerard Pique found the bottom left-hand corner of the net, but Nani responded by firing his spot-kick high into the roof of the net to make it 2-2.

But when Spain's Sergio Ramos nonchalantly chipped his penalty beyond Patricio and Alves hit the bar for Portugal, it was left to Fabregas to send Spain into the final and spark memories of 2008 when their footballing history changed forever as a nation remembered how to win.

It had been billed as a clash of Ronaldo, the ultimate individualist, and Vicente Del Bosque's finely tuned orchestra - Ronaldo against Spain, Real Madrid against Barcelona, individual brilliance against the collective mastery of the defending world and European champions.

What nobody had accounted for, however, was Spain playing out of tune for long periods - Portugal were the conductors as inspiration gave way to perspiration in Donetsk.

Ronaldo was a constant danger. But at no stage did Spain man-mark him, subject him to rough-house treatment or even cut off the supply from the excellent Moutinho.

Spain's plan simply was to use the ball to mark Ronaldo, controlling the match through possession in an attempt to render him impotent.

Portugal had other ideas. Their physicality and unswerving desire in midfield prevented Spain settling into their familiar rhythm. At every turn, Xavi and Iniesta found a willing opponent, pressing Spain high up the field and forcing mistake after frustrating mistake.

There were warning signs that Spain might find their rhythm when Iniesta linked up with Jordi Alba down the left flank after eight minutes. The Barcelona midfielder collected Alba's pass, drifted beyond two defenders and cut the ball back only for Alvaro Arbeloa to thump a first-time shot over the bar from the edge of the area.

Opportunities such as that soon became the exception rather than the rule, however. Tempers flared at times, passes were misplaced and Portugal grew in confidence.

Ronaldo's confidence was never in question. After 12 minutes, he reduced Gerard Pique to vain pursuit, surging beyond the Barcelona defender with that remarkable power steering only for his delicate cross to be picked off Nani's head by goalkeeper Casillas.

A left-foot snap-shot found the side netting and, with half-time approaching, he spun away from Sergio Ramos, winning a free-kick and responding with that chest-out, hands-on-hips pose he has trademarked. Ronaldo was in the mood.

Spain were out of their comfort zone but their individual brilliance made them a danger on the rare occasions they did attack. Iniesta and Xavi combined well midway through the first half only for the former to curl his shot agonisingly over the crossbar.

After an hour Del Bosque had seen enough, abandoning his original plan to use a traditional centre forward in Alvaro Negredo by introducing Fabregas. The ineffective David Silva also made way for Jesus Navas as Spain sought width.

Briefly, Xavi began receiving the ball in advanced positions more regularly, showing the poise and the grace to dribble into dangerous areas.

At the other end, Ronaldo thumped a dipping free-kick over the bar after 73 minutes but Portugal's raids were growing more infrequent as they were forced to rely on set-pieces. Ten minutes later, Ronaldo repeated the trick and, as the game ticked into injury time, the Real Madrid man had a chance to win it.

Portugal broke like a sprint-relay team as a Spain free-kick was cleared. The tireless Miguel Veloso found Raul Meireles, but the Chelsea man's pass forced Ronaldo to check his run down the left flank, and his shot was dragged wide.

Fatigue was beginning to show in Portugal's play and it was Spain who revived in extra-time to come as close as at any point to breaking the deadlock.

Navas might have done better with a shot, from which Alba collected and picked out Iniesta's surging run only for the midfielder to see his close-range shot pushed round the post.

Ramos thundered a free-kick inches over the bar from 30 yards moments later, before Patricio was forced into action again, turning Navas's fierce low shot away.

It was all Spain now, and Fabregas put Pedro through on goal with a delightful touch on the half-way line but Portugal flooded back before the Barcelona forward could pull the trigger.

It was a moment that encapsulated the contest - Spain pushed for a winner, desperate to avoid penalties but Fabregas ensured they need not have worried.(BBC)

Is Serena Williams’ purple headband against Wimbledon rules?

2012-06-26T22:49:00.003-07:00

Serena Williams' first-round match at Wimbledon was far less eventful than the one she played at the French Open. The four-time tournament champion didn't show any ill effects from her upset loss at Roland Garros and defeated Barbara Zahlavova Strycova 6-2, 6-4.

The most interesting part of her opener, as usual, was the clothing. When you hear "warmup jacket" you think of zipped-up nylon or hoodies. Serena's white, double-breasted Nike number is a bit of a genre bender. I can't tell whether the jacket looks like it belongs to a waiter at a party thrown by a James Bond villain or someone portraying a nurse in a Cinemax movie.

In recent years, Serena has opted for cardigans and shawls but wore the same style coat in 2008 and 2009.

The headband is even more interesting. Wimbledon has let players subtly flout the "almost entirely white" rule for years. Colored stripes, details on sleeves and bandanas are prevalent despite the seven rules forbidding such pigmentation. We detailed the trend during last year's tournament. But that purple headband is pretty blatant. Even the official Wimbledon site wondered whether it was crossing a line.

Maybe it's a nod to royalty. Either way, I wonder if that white swoosh on it has anything to do with officials at the All England Club looking the other way.(Yahoo News)

Eastbourne: Robson & Watson win as Wozniacki, Kvitova, Radwanska exit

2012-06-19T23:19:00.001-07:00

Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova's preparations for her title defence were hit by a surprise defeat as the top three women's seeds lost at Eastbourne.

Kvitova lost 7-5 6-4 to Russia's Ekaterina Makarova in the first round.

Top seed Agnieszka Radwanska was beaten 6-2 6-4 by Tsvetana Pironkova.

Caroline Wozniacki, the third seed, was also knocked out by Christina McHale 6-1 6-7 (7-9) 6-4 but there were victories for British pair Laura Robson and Heather Watson.

Teenager Robson saw off Spain's Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez 3-6 6-2 6-2, while Watson went through with a 6-3 6-4 win over Greta Arn of Hungary.

Kvitova's conqueror Makarova is the next opponent for 18-year-old Robson, who produced one of the best wins of her career in beating world no 49 Sanchez.

Robson said: "I was really happy with how I played in the second and third set.

"You know, I didn't necessarily play badly in the first set. It's just that I wasn't patient enough in the rally, and I let her [Sanchez] dictate points."

Victory for Watson set up a second-round match with the Czech number seven seed Lucie Safarova, who beat Hungary's Timea Babos 3-6 6-3 7-6 (8-6).

Asked if it was a good day for the British contenders, Watson said: "Yeah, brilliant day. I didn't see any of Laura's match, but she did really well to come through. That's a tough first-round win.

"I'm also very pleased with myself to get through there."

After her defeat, Kvitova admitted she needed to improve ahead of the start of Wimbledon on 25 June.

"It's not good preparation but I have more days for getting ready for Wimbledon," she said. "I have to work hard now to improve my game."

World number seven Wozniacki was watched by her boyfriend Rory McIlroy as she lost to American McHale despite saving three match points.

Wozniacki said: "I would have liked to have won that match, but at least I got some points in. I'm just trying to work on a few things before Wimbledon."

Meanwhile, 2011 champion Marion Bartoli enjoyed a smooth passage into the second round, the French player easing past Sorana Cirstea 6-2 6-2.

The top seed also fell in the men's event, with Frenchman Richard Gasquet losing 1-6 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (7-3) to Australia's world number 82 Marinko Matosevic in the second round.

In the first round, Andy Roddick claimed his first win in seven matches as fellow American Sam Querrey retired with an injury when trailing 5-2.

Britain's Jamie Murray teamed up again with American Eric Butorac, his early-career partner, in the men's doubles, but they were beaten 7-6 (12-10) 6-2 by the Italian pair Daniele Bracciali and Andreas Seppi.

But Dominic Inglot and Jonathan Marray did better for Britain, beating Spanish second seeds Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez 6-3 6-3.

Fellow Britons Colin Fleming and Ross Hutchins, the number three seeds, beat Australia's Paul Hanley and Austria's Julian Knowle 6-3 6-4. (BBC News)

Diver Tonia Couch given leave to appeal her non-selection

2012-06-19T23:10:00.004-07:00

Tonia Couch has been granted leave to appeal against her non-selection for Team GB in the individual 10-metre platform event at this summer's Games.

Couch, 23, was picked alongside Sarah Barrow in the platform synchro but left out of the individual event in favour of Monique Gladding.

That prompted Couch's coach Andy Banks to launch an appeal.

British Swimming has now confirmed her case will be heard by an independent panel.

The governing body said in a statement: "British Swimming can confirm an appeal by Tonia Couch for non-selection in the 10m individual platform event at the London 2012 Olympic Games has been granted leave to appeal.

"A hearing by an independent panel will be held in due course," it added.

Banks thinks the original decision to omit Plymouth-based Couch in favour of Gladding was unfair.

Gladding, 30, would go to her first Olympics if selected.

Team GB says it wants Couch, who won gold at the European Championships, to concentrate solely on the synchro.

Stacie Powell, who won the recent British trials, and Gladding, whose appearance in the semi-finals at the test event for the London Games in February earned an extra place for Britain at the Olympics, are set to dive in the individual event.

Banks last week told BBC Radio Devon: "If I'm honest I don't expect it to make a difference because the appeal procedure will look at the selection policy and the selection policy does ultimately say that the performance director can do whatever he wants within that selection process.

"I feel, quite strongly, that she [Couch] has demonstrated over the course of this year that she is still the UK's premier platform diver - she has been since 2008 when she made the Olympic final.

"She's been a world finalist ever since and I think it's a little unfair for her not to be able to demonstrate her ability as the UK's premier diver at the London Olympic Games."

The individual and synchro diving events are a week apart in the diving schedule for the Games.

Banks also thinks Couch's omission was handled poorly by those responsible for selecting the team.

"I know she's absolutely gutted, but upset also that she has not been spoken to, so the communication around this has been very poor from the management down," he said.

"There is an opinion in management that concentrating on the synchronised event would possibly be better for the outcome of a medal.

"I've watched Tonia dive both synchro and individual competitions internationally and domestically.

"At the trials she got a personal best score and a British record in the synchro event and went on to get a personal best score in the individual event, so I disagree with the reasoning behind her non-selection."

Euro Footbal 2012: Hottiest Female Fans

2012-06-18T00:45:00.006-07:00

PETKOVICE TO MISS WIMBLEDON

2012-06-15T00:09:00.003-07:00

Andrea Petkovic was forced out of Wimbledon on wednesday after failing to recover from a serious right ankle injury.

"Unfortunately, I will not be able to return in time for Wimbledon this year. While this is another setback in my return, I will continue to work hard on getting back on court as soon as possible," said Petkovic.

Petkovic finished 2011 at No. 10 in the world, her biggest achievement being reaching her first three Grand Slam quarter-finals at the Australian, French and US opens.