Van Pelt takes lead in Perth

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Clubhouse leader ... Bo van Pelt takes a one-shot lead into the final round in Perth. Source: Tony Ashby / AFP

Argentinean Emiliano Grillo showed his first real signs of nerves as powerhouse American duo Jason Dufner and Bo van Pelt made their charge at the $2 million Perth International.

Grillo started the day with a four-stroke lead over West Australian Jason Scrivener and world No.24 van Pelt, and at one point increased his buffer to five shots before four bogeys on the back nine saw him surrender the lead.

Van Pelt ended the day on top of the pack at 12-under after a five-under 67, while world No.10 Dufner carded the same score to be just one shot adrift of his countryman.

Grillo, at just 20 years of age and ranked a lowly 516th in the world, is third at 10-under and will need to regain his magic touch on Sunday if he is to snare his first professional win.

England's David Howell and Spain's Alejandro Canizares sit in equal fourth at seven under, while defending Australian Open winner Greg Chalmers, Kiwi Michael Hendry and big-hitting Aussie Steve Jones are one stroke further back.

Chalmers, who shot a three-under 69 to move within striking distance of the leaders, hoped for windy conditions on Sunday to boost his chances of snaring an unlikely victory.

"I think it's doable," Chalmers said of chasing down the leading pack.

"No one's torn up this golf course yet, and I think there's a seven-under out there or an eight-under if you drive the ball in play and things go your way.

"You have to tear the par fives up and most of them are reachable at the moment.

"If you can do that and pick up two or three more somewhere else, you're going to have a big day."

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Tony Greig diagnosed with cancer

Ready for the fight ... Tony Greig says he'll tackle lung cancer head-on. Source: Supplied

Cricketing icon Tony Greig has been diagnosed with a form of lung cancer.

The former England captain and Nine Network commentator underwent tests earlier this month after failing to recover from a suspected case of bronchitis, the Sunday Telegraph reports.

Doctors discovered a small lesion on the base of his right lung and later revealed he had cancer.

"I have had a few scrapes in my life and this is another one," the South African-born identity told the paper.

"(My wife) Vivian and I are going to put the boxing gloves on and fight this like we've never fought anything before."

Greig will have surgery this week to take a sample from his lung, which will help doctors determine the extent of the cancer and appropriate course of action.

He is unsure whether he will commentate for Nine this summer. The first Test against South Africa begins in Brisbane on November 9.

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Wallabies, All Blacks can't be split

Even split ... All Blacks winger Hosea Gear (C) is chased down by several Wallabies. Source: Adam Head / News Limited

Kiwi-turned-Australian radar boot Mike Harris kicked the Wallabies to arguably the most honourable draw in their Test history on Saturday night by denying the All Blacks a Bledisloe whitewash at Suncorp Stadium.

Harris slotted five penalty goals from as many attempts and coolly kicked the final three-pointer in the thrilling dying minutes as the Wallabies drew 18-l8 with the world champions.

6 Penalties 6
Michael Harris 3'	Daniel Carter 7'
Michael Harris 28'	Daniel Carter 11'
Michael Harris 32'	Daniel Carter 53'
Michael Harris 40'	Daniel Carter 55'
Kurtley Beale 51'	Daniel Carter 67'
Michael Harris 75'	Daniel Carter 71'

In a nail-biting finish where the result could have gone either way, All Blacks maestro Dan Carter narrowly missed a match-winning field goal four minutes after the hooter sounded.

It denied New Zealand a record-equalling 17th straight Test win.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans was proud his team held the All Blacks tryless, was rapt by the immense effort but wasn't  celebrating the result.

"I suspect (the players) will be frustrated because it's a game there they know they could have won," he said.

"We're not happy with the outcome but I imagine the All Blacks aren't either."

While Deans denied he was sweating when Carter lined up his last-gasp drop goal, which missed by a foot at most, Sharpe admitted he was gravely worried.

"I thought 'oh shit'," the 112-Test veteran said.

Beale was unsure whether he pulled the right rein by foregoing a drop-goal attempt at the death after multiple phases but Sharpe backed his decision to allow the forwards to rumble ahead in the hope of a penalty close to the sticks.

All Blacks mentor Steve Hansen lamented a poor performance by his side but paid tribute to the character they showed to almost pull a win out of the bag.

"We're really, really disappointed - too many avoidable penalties and too many avoidable mistakes," Hansen said.

"It was probably one of the ugliest games of rugby that I've been involved in."

Despite being a tryless affair, the sell-out 51,888 crowd was captivated by the ebbs and flows of an encounter both sides looked set to clinch at different times.

The injury-ravaged Wallabies, 13-point underdogs, had threatened to produce one of the biggest upsets in Australian Test history when they led 15-6 after 50 minutes.

But the momentum turned viciously as flanker Michael Hooper was sin-binned and Carter kicked four straight penalties to grab a three-point lead with 10 minutes left.

While Auckland product and former New Zealand Under-20 playmaker Harris, playing his first trans-Tasman Test for Australia, levelled the scores with five minutes left, Australia desperately tried to seal the result.

They set up for a field goal of their own through countless pick-and-drives in the All Blacks quarter but Kurtley Beale never got the chance for a heroic attempt as prop Sekope Kepu was penalised for leaving his feet.

Expected to be easy meat for a full-strength Kiwi outfit eying a record-equalling streak, Australia aimed up in a stirring first-half effort.

It was a night where almost everything rolled the right way for the Wallabies, who were far more proactive than the first two Bledisloe Tests, in the first 50 minutes.

Carter missed two penalty attempts he'd normally bury, the All Blacks wasted gilt-edged attacking opportunities through poor handling and the Wallabies won the breakdown battle.

But their inability to punish the All Blacks early in the second half when prop Tony Woodcock was sin-binned was a telling sign.

Kiwi No.8 Kieran Read was a justified man-of-the-match while Beale was Australia's most dangerous player and skipper Nathan Sharpe starred in his final match on home soil.

In a sometimes heated clash, Richie McCaw was singled out for special treatment from Wallabies flanker Scott Higginbotham, who could be in trouble post-match after kneeing and head-butting the All Blacks skipper.

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Terry to remain Chelsea captain

Abused ... John Terry (R) and the player it was claimed he racially abused, Anton Ferdinand. Source: AFP

John Terry was given the biggest-ever fine imposed by Chelsea but will remain the team's captain after being sanctioned by the Premier League club for racially abusing an opponent.

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said on Saturday that taking the armband off the long-serving defender would not be an appropriate punishment following long discussions with the club's hierarchy, including billionaire Russian owner Roman Abramovich.

"John will continue to be captain of the club,'' Buck told talkSPORT radio.

"We have taken disciplinary action and we think it is firm disciplinary action and appropriate for the circumstances.''

Terry apologised on Thursday for using inappropriate language during an on-field confrontation with Anton Ferdinand in a West London derby against Queens Park Rangers last October and decided not to challenge the suspension and record £220,000 ($352,000) fine handed out by the Football Association for issuing a racial slur to his fellow centreback.

But Terry has always insisted he was merely repeating an accusation of racism that Ferdinand claimed Terry had made. He was cleared in a criminal court of racially abusing Ferdinand, although the FA decided to begin its own proceedings.

"We have kept in mind first of all that a court of criminal law found him not guilty,'' said Buck, who was with Terry throughout the trial in July.

"Of course we also note the FA decision and we certainly respect that decision.

"This is not a decision we've taken lightly, it's not a decision we took in a half-hour meeting. We discussed it over a long period of time.''

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay said Terry fell "below the high standards we expect at the club".

"We are not sweeping this under the carpet,'' Gourlay added on talkSPORT. "We have had to deal with this for the last 12 months. John let himself down, he let the club down, the words were inappropriate that he used.''

Buck said Terry wouldn't be given an additional suspension by Chelsea.

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Shipperley out of Wallabies' tour

Blow ... Dom Shipperley is out of the Wallabies' European tour. Source: Darren England / News Limited

The Wallabies' wing crisis has deepened with Queensland Test rookie Dom Shipperley the latest flyer ruled out of next month's European tour.

Scans have confirmed Shipperley requires wrist surgery, leaving the 21-year-old unavailable for the four-Test spring tour.

James O'Connor, Joe Tomane, Lachie Turner, Cooper Vuna, Rod Davies and Luke Morahan - all wingers with Test experience in the past two seasons - are currently already sidelined through injury.

Game-breaker Digby Ioane is also in extreme doubt with a knee injury.

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Schwartzel bombs out in Perth

Disappointing ... Charl Schwartzel bombs out of the second round in Perth. Source: Daniel Wilkins / News Limited

Argentinean Emiliano Grillo became the man to catch at the Perth International as 2011 US Masters winner Charl Schwartzel crashed out in an intriguing second round at Lake Karrinyup on Friday.

Schwartzel shot five bogeys in a disastrous front nine and pushed a crunch five-foot putt on the final hole wide to miss the two-over cut by one stroke.

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Former world No.3 Paul Casey also had a shocker, but his first-day heroics ensured he would be there for the weekend.

Casey started Friday in a tie for fourth at five-under, and took a share of the lead early after a solid start to his round.

But after dropping five strokes in a horror six-hole stretch, Casey finished at three-over for the round to lose touch with the leading pack.

There were no such problems for world No.516 Grillo, who is outright leader at 11-under after recording a five-under 67 in his afternoon grouping.

The 20-year-old's highlight was on the 344m par-four ninth, when he holed a 96m sand wedge to post his second eagle of the day.

"I didn't see it because you cannot see the green from down there," Grillo said of the magical shot.

"But as soon as I heard the crowd, I was very happy with my caddie."

American Bo van Pelt and West Australian Jason Scrivener sit four shots off the pace at seven-under, with world No.10 Jason Dufner lurking dangerously at six-under.

Van Pelt's last visit to Australia was a forgettable one, with the 37-year-old missing the cut when he played in Adelaide nine years ago.

"I was just kind of chuckling inside hoping that I didn't come over here and lay an egg like I did last time," van Pelt said.

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Aussies not ready for Test cricket

Warning ... South Africa's Johan Botha thinks Australia's lack of Test practice could cost them. Source: AFP

Australia's recent lack of Test match cricket could cost them dearly in the three-game series against South Africa, according to Johan Botha, a player with an intimate knowledge of the cricketing cultures of both countries.

As South Australia captain, Botha - who has represented the Proteas 123 times at Test level and in both limited overs formats - has been charged with reviving the fortunes of the struggling Redbacks.

The 30-year-old has been a part of the South Africa set up since 2005 and last represented his country at the ICC World Twenty20 that concluded earlier this month.

He made his Test debut during his nation's 2-1 series victory on their last tour of Australia in 2008/09, and says South Africa are primed to repeat the historic feat on the back of their win over former world No.1 England.

"For me, South Africa have the edge right now,'' Botha said.

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"They have just come out of playing Test cricket against England a few months ago where they played some great cricket. Australia have been off the Test scene for a while now, for a lot longer than South Africa have been, and that could be key.

"I know South Africa are really keen to pick up from where they were and really prove themselves over here, and Australia might struggle to match that. If South Africa start well, they will be very hard to beat.''

Australia have not played Test cricket since their 2-0 away series win over the West Indies in April, while the battle-hardened Proteas enjoyed a tough 2-0 series win in England as recently as August.

Led by No.3 Hashim Amla, South Africa's dominance with the bat was crucial in that series. And Botha said he expected that to happen again come the first Test in Brisbane starting on November 9.

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"I think the two bowling sides are in great form at the moment, so the team that bats the best will probably come out on top,'' Botha said.

"Both teams have got young fiery bowlers - it is going to be great to see. The wickets are obviously good out here in Australia (for bowling) - it is going to be a battle for the batters.

"You want to get (Ricky) Ponting and (Michael) Clarke in against a newish ball and, if South Africa can get early wickets and get the world-class players in against the new ball when your bowlers are still fresh, that is going to be big for them.''

However, Botha did concede that Australian coach Mickey Arthur, who was heading up the Proteas the last time the two sides met in Australia, could be an important figure for the home side.

"I think Mickey will add some great insights,'' he said.

"He does bring a bit extra. He and (captain) Graeme Smith worked really well together on the last tour here. He was a key for us and it was a very successful tour.''

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Absurdities in Afghan football

Entertaining ... The Afghan Premier League has provided some unusual spectacles - on and off the field. Source: AFP

An Afghan radio reporter tried to interview a football player on the side of the pitch - but the game was still ongoing and the player still playing.

He thought it would add to the "effects and colour'' of the reporting, he apparently said later.

The league's media manager had to explain why that was a bad idea.

In reply, the reporter explained he had done interviews in a similar fashion in the past.

That incident was just one example of some of the absurdities at the Afghan Premier League football championship that has been going on for the past month.

Thousands of spectators have poured in to the newly built stadium in the Afghan capital as eight teams vie for the top prize of $US15,000 ($A14,500).

Eight teams participated in the highly-anticipated league with players chosen from across the eight regions of the country on Maidan-e-Sabz (Green Ground), a reality TV show.

The selected players were brought to Kabul from their respective regions for some training in preparation of the league. The final game was played on Friday.

The league provided a welcome relief for a country where violence and suicide attacks are a daily occurrence, and forms of entertainment are limited to a few parks and television viewing.

The well-executed tournament gave very little room to complain.

Except for a brief scuffle on the first day of the league that involved water-hoses and rifle butts, partly due to an over-enthusiastic crowd, there were no security incidents.

For each game, eager fans arrived well prepared with their banners, mega-phones and Afghan flags.

"The charm of the organisers, the fan fever of the audience, and the vibrant display of athleticism by the players, all added to the awesome experience of the Afghan premier league,'' said Zubair Sediqi, a 24-year old university student who had attended six games.

While the games were highly entertaining, so were some of the other happenings.

On a daily basis, cash was distributed after each game at the ground.

Respective strongmen from the region - businessmen, powerbrokers, politicians, and tribal elders tried to outdo each other with the "baksis'' (gift) as they less than subtly divvied cash to players by hand. From the sidelines it appeared most were 100 dollar bills.

In some cases, the teary-eyed players of the losing team, like Maiwand Atalan from the south received the cash while the winning team from the northwest, Simorg Alborz went home grinning but empty-handed.

Similarly, in one of the early matches, after the referee blew his whistle to signal halftime, a large number of people, possibly coming together from the same area, left the stadium, thinking the game was over.

"They did not know the professional football match is played in two halves,'' one photographer said.

Upon realising there was still a whole second half left to cheer; they returned only to be stopped by the guards who asked to see new tickets.

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Emotional tribute to Simoncelli

Tribute ... A plague was unveiled at turn 11 in Sepang in memory of fallen rider Marco Simoncelli. Source: Toshifumi Kitamura / AFP

The MotoGP community on Thursday remembered Marco Simoncelli and witnessed an emotional plaque installation at Malaysia's Sepang circuit for the Italian rider who died in a crash on the course last year.

Some 500 people including nine-time world MotoGP champ Valentino Rossi and title-hopeful Dani Pedrosa gathered at turn 11 to honour Simoncelli, also known as ``Super Sic'' because of his riding skills.

Pos	Rider	Bike	Points
1.	Jorge Lorenzo	Yamaha	270
2.	Dani Pedrosa	Honda	232
3.	Casey Stoner	Honda	186
4.	Andrea Dovizioso	Yamaha	163
5.	Cal Crutchlow	Yamaha	148
6.	Valentino Rossi	Ducati	120
7.	Alvaro Bautista	Honda	118
8.	Stefan Bradl	Honda	115
9.	Nicky Hayden	Ducati	93
10.	Ben Spies	Yamaha	77

As a tribute to Simoncelli, riders and officials walked on the track to turn 11 where they offered flowers after a plaque was installed under a dark overcast sky.

It was at this corner where the flamboyant Simoncelli lost his life in an accident on the second lap of last year's race held on October 23.

As tears rolled among some officials, Fausto Gresini, team manager of San Carlo Honda Gresini, mounted the white and red memorial plaque.

The MotoGP fraternity touched the plaque as a mark of respect.

Australian Casey Stoner, who won here in 2007 and 2009, said the incident was ``a lot more fresh on everyone's mind being the anniversary'' and was making the racing community nervous.

"I think it is a good day to pay respect to him. Everyone is thinking about it again. Maybe even a little on edge,'' he told reporters.

Simoncelli had taken his best grand prix finish of second just one week before the deadly incident.

The 24-year-old was fighting for fourth when he lost control of his Honda bike on turn 11 and slid across the circuit, into the path of Colin Edwards and Rossi, who appeared to have hit him.

Holding back his tears, Giampiero Sacchi, owner of Ioda racing team, who had known Simoncelli as a young rider, said he was pleased a large crowd turned up to pay their tribute.

"We know it is dangerous but the race must go on,'' he said.

Simoncelli, considered an up-and-coming MotoGP star, had his helmet knocked off in the collision. It was his second year at the premier class.

Sepang is to host the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday, in round 16 of the 18-part MotoGP Championship.

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Terry won't fight racism ban

Ban ... Chelsea's John Terry has apologised for his racist comments to Anton Ferdinand. Source: Ian Kington / AFP

Chelsea defender John Terry said on Thursday that he had decided not to appeal against a four-match ban and fine of 270,000 euro ($A344,000) for racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand.

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The former England captain was handed a ban by the Football Association (FA) in September despite being cleared of racism charges in a court of law earlier in the year.

Terry said in a statement: "After careful consideration, I have decided not to appeal against the FA judgment."

"I want to take this opportunity to apologise to everyone for the language I used in the game against Queens Park Rangers last October.

"Although I'm disappointed with the FA judgment, I accept that the language I used, regardless of the context, is not acceptable on the football field or indeed in any walk of life.''

He added: "As I stated in the criminal case, with the benefit of hindsight my language was clearly not an appropriate reaction to the situation for someone in my position."

"My response was below the level expected by Chelsea Football Club, and by me, and it will not happen again.''

He added that he would "continue to do my part in assisting the club to remove all types of discriminatory behaviour from football.''

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Chalmers looms large in Perth

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Contender ... Greg Chalmers is well placed after the first round of the Perth International. Source: Daniel Wilkins / News Limited

Kiwi Michael Hendry and Spain's Alejandro Canizares took the opening day honours at the Perth International, but Australian Greg Chalmers and England's Paul Casey loom as the danger men at the $2 million event.

Hendry and Canizares shot seven-under 65s to set the early standard, with 20-year-old Argentinean Emiliano Grillo one shot further behind.

Big guns Jason Dufner and Charl Schwartzel failed to live up to their reputations with one-under rounds, but former world No.3 Casey is well placed at five-under after a bogey-free round.

World No.24 Bo Van Pelt finished at two-under.

Chalmers, the defending Australian Open and PGA Championship winner, shot a solid round of four-under 68 to be just three shots off the pace.

In an ominous warning to his rivals, the world No.58 is confident he will improve over the coming days as he acclimatises to the conditions.

"Look, two days ago I was in Dallas, Texas,'' Chalmers said.

"I made a couple soft bogeys just purely out of my brain feeling a little like a mashed potato.

"But I did really well after bogeying the 10th hole and birdied four of the next five and really had some nice momentum going.

"I'm happy to get in at four-under; really pleased. I'm getting better every day.''

Hendry, the world No.574, missed five straight cuts after winning the NZ PGA Pro-Am Championship earlier this year.

But after taking some time off during winter, Hendry feels his form is slowly returning, especially after last week's seventh-placed finish at the China Masters.

"My form had been a bit rough but I saw a few glimpses last week in China and it's just nice to carry on,'' Hendry said.

"When you're playing bad and you're spending lots of money to get to events and not getting a lot of return on that investment, it does put a lot of pressure on you to play well.

"But you just keep working hard and hoping it turns the corner at some stage, and it has the last couple of weeks.''

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Hayden blasts Anderson as 'B-grade'

B-grade ... Matt Hayden doesn't hold back in his stinging criticism of James Anderson. Source: Tertius Pickard / AP

Former Australian Test opener Matthew Hayden has launched a broadside against English quick James Anderson, describing the quick as "a B-grade bowler that got his arse-whipped by Australia".

In his recently released autobiography, Anderson described a scene in the Australian dressing room during the 2006/07 Ashes series where he took on an "arrogant" Michael Clarke, striking him with a batsman's pad.

Anderson said he was encouraged to do so by former Australian batsman Damien Martyn.

Hayden, who was in the dressing room at the time, told Triple M's Rush Hour show that there was less to the incident than Anderson made out.

"This has been a big incident hasn't it; in reality James Anderson was a B-Grade bowler that got his arse-whipped by Australia that many time's it's not even funny," Hayden said.

"Frankly I actually don't really care what Jimmy Anderson's got to say, but, he has actually frankly improved his bowling, thank goodness."

Hayden also alluded to his own clash with Martyn later that night. The middle order batsman announced his international retirement two days later.

"... We'd been hammered over in England so I wasn't pulling my punches, nor was anyone else in that particular series - you were either on board with Australia wanting to hand them the absolute whipping that they got, or you weren't," Hayden said.

Hayden, a member of the Order of Australia, also expressed his dismay that Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar had just received an Order of Australia Medal.

"... The reality of it is he's living in India. I can kind of get their point, but for me I think it should be exclusive to Australians," Hayden said.

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Lance steps down from charity

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Fraud ... Armstrong has stepped down as chairman of his Livestrong Foundation. Source:AP

UPDATE: Nike is severing ties with Lance Armstrong, citing insurmountable evidence the cyclist participated in doping and misled the company for more than a decade.

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The clothing and footwear company said on Wednesday it was ending Armstrong's contract "with great sadness''.

"Due to the seemingly insurmountable evidence that Lance Armstrong participated in doping and misled Nike for more than a decade, it is with great sadness that we have terminated our contract with him,'' the company said in a brief statement.

Nike said it would continue to support the initiatives of Livestrong, Armstrong's cancer charity.

Lance Armstrong says he is stepping down as chairman of his Livestrong cancer-fighting charity so the group can focus on its mission instead of the doping allegations surrounding the former cycling champion.

Armstrong decision to step down came a week after the US Anti-Doping Agency released a massive report detailing accusations of widespread doping by Armstrong and his teams when he won the Tour de France seven consecutive times from 1999 to 2005.

The document's purpose was to show why USADA has banned him from cycling for life and ordered 14 years of his career results erased - including those Tour titles.

It contains sworn statements from 26 witnesses, including 11 former teammates.

Armstrong, who was not paid a salary as chairman of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, will remain on its 15-member board.

His duties leading the board will be turned over to vice-chairman Jeff Garvey, who was founding chairman in 1997.

"This organisation, its mission and its supporters are incredibly dear to my heart,'' Armstrong said in a statement.

"Today therefore, to spare the foundation any negative effects as a result of controversy surrounding my cycling career, I will conclude my chairmanship.''

Foundation spokeswoman Katherine McLane said the decision turns over the foundation's big-picture strategic planning to Garvey.

Armstrong strongly denies doping, but did not fight USADA accusations through arbitration, saying he thinks the process is unfair.

Armstrong's inspiring story of not only recovering from testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs and brain but then winning the world's best-known bike race helped his foundation grow from a small operation in Texas into one of the most popular charities in the country.

Armstrong drew legions of fans - and donations - and insisted he was drug free at a time when doping was rampant in professional cycling.

In 2004, the foundation introduced the yellow "Livestrong'' bracelets, selling more than 80 million and creating a global symbol for cancer awareness and survivorship.

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"As my cancer treatment was drawing to an end, I created a foundation to serve people affected by cancer. It has been a great privilege to help grow it from a dream into an organisation that today has served 2.5 million people and helped spur a cultural shift in how the world views cancer survivors,'' Armstrong said.

As chairman, Armstrong did not run the foundation's day-to-day operations, which are handled by Livestrong president and chief executive Doug Ulman.

Armstrong's statement said he will remain a visible advocate for cancer issues, and he is expected to speak at Friday night's 15th anniversary gala for Livestrong in Austin.

"My family and I have devoted our lives to the work of the foundation and that will not change. We plan to continue our service to the foundation and the cancer community.

We will remain active advocates for cancer survivors and engaged supporters of the fight against cancer,'' Armstrong said.

The foundation reported a spike in contributions in late August in the days immediately after Armstrong announced he would no longer fight doping charges and officials moved to erase his Tour victories.

Daniel Borochoff of CharityWatch said last week it may take some time for donors to digest the allegations against Armstrong.

"Individuals that admire and support an individual who is later found out to be severely tarnished, don't want to admit it, don't want to admit that they've been duped,'' Borochoff said.

"People, though, do need to trust a charity to be able to support it.''

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Clubs to get their TV cash

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Cash ... NRL clubs will soon receive the promised $500,000 TV rights bonus. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

NRL clubs will receive their sustainability grants from the ARL Commission on Thursday after a $30 million funding payment was negotiated with the Nine Network.

Clubs were each promised $500,000 before October 31, but were told this week to expect delays by the ARLC who were still waiting to be paid by Nine.

But after the network avoided administration on Wednesday when Nine Entertainment chief David Gyngell thrashed out a deal with lenders, the funds were transferred to the ARLC and will be in clubs' bank accounts by Thursday.

"From the moment we signed the heads of agreement with our broadcast partners we've been working towards providing this payment to the clubs,'' ARLC interim chief executive Shane Mattiske said.

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"This afternoon we reached a point where Nine was sufficiently comfortable to make the payment.

"This is just the start of the benefits the new broadcast rights deal will provide to the game's stakeholders over the term of the agreement but it's a significant step for the clubs.''

Given Nine's parlous financial state, the commission demanded an up-front $80m payment before signing off on the joint billion dollar broadcast deal with Fox Sports in August.

The news comes at a perfect time for Mattiske, who will host the monthly meeting with club CEOs on Thursday morning in Sydney.

However, he's certain to be grilled by club chiefs about the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement talks with the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA).

Clubs are desperate to discover how much they'll have to work with under the new salary cap, which cannot be locked in until the two parties reach a compromise.

The new billion dollar broadcast deal will facilitate an increase to the current $4.4m cap, but the two parties are believed to be some way away from signing off on a deal.

The RLPA want a dramatic increase for representative payments to players and to raise the minimum wage from $55,000 as part of the agreement.

"I was hoping to know more after the meeting, as it will make things a lot easier to budget for,'' Canberra CEO Don Furner said.

"The RLPA are working on a new EBA, but I know Steve Noyce was involved - he's now left the Roosters - and Richo (South Sydney CEO Shane Richardson) is overseas. So I am not too sure what the situation is.''

North Queensland CEO Peter Jourdain is also keen to find out so he can begin his task of keeping his big-name stars who are off-contract at the end of 2013.

Johnathan Thurston, Matt Bowen, Matt Scott, James Tamou, Dallas Johnson and Brent Tate are among the 20 Cowboys players who are chasing new deals.

"We've been given a fair indication of what the cap will be,'' Jourdain said.

"We have another year to go with most of this group and we're hopeful we can keep them.''

RLPA chairman David Garnsey said he's hopeful of rubber-stamping an agreement by October 31, but said the association would not be rushed.

"It's not like a football game, there's no halftime and fulltime,'' Garnsey said.

"We're working nominally to a October 31 deadline, makes sense as that's when the current agreement ends.

"We'll be resuming our talks in the near future.''

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

I love Mancini: Balotelli

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Striker ... Mario Balotelli expresses his love for Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini. Source: Antonio Calanni / AP

Mario Balotelli has declared his love for his Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini but appears less impressed with others at the Barclays Premier League club.

The Italy forward, who was on target for the Azzurri against Denmark, revealed his relationship with his club manager remains strong despite reports he may leave England.

Balotelli told Rai Sport: "With Mancini all goes well, we have a good relationship even though someone always tries to put discord among us. We love each other."

"I am fine at Manchester City even though there are people who like to talk in the newspapers, instead of saying certain things to my face. I do not give a damn."
Mario Balotelli Quotes of the week

But the 22-year-old suggested he did not welcome the remarks of football administrator Brian Marwood who accused him of being a poor role-model.

Balotelli added: "I'm fine at Manchester City even though there are people who like to talk in the newspapers, instead of saying certain things to my face. I don't give a damn."

The former Inter man was in fine form for Cesare Prandelli's Italy side against the Danes on his return to San Siro, scoring one and setting up Riccardo Montolivo for another in a 3-1 win.

"I felt shivers returning to San Siro," he said. "This is the most beautiful stadium. If it was full it would have been even better.

"With the national team and with City I'm getting better in terms of work-rate and commitment. I always try to be humble."

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11679/8172292/Manchester-City-forward-Mario-Balotelli-hails-relationship-with-Roberto-Mancini

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Brits want sanctions for Serbia

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Not on ... Danny Rose (R) was left incensed after he was racially taunted by the Serbian crowd. Source:AP

The British government wrote to UEFA President Michel Platini on Wednesday demanding "tough sanctions" against Serbia following the racial abuse of England players by fans during an ill-tempered under-21 match.

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Abuse was hurled at the England players throughout Tuesday's game in the Serbian city of Krusevac, with monkey chants heard in the stadium.

After England's 1-0 victory, which secured qualification for the 2013 European Under-21 Championship, scuffles broke out between fans, players and coaching staff.

Serbia had previously been warned by Platini that ongoing crowd trouble at matches is risking its teams being banned from European competitions.

The English FA reported a "number of incidents of racism" to UEFA immediately after the match, and that was followed by sports minister Hugh Robertson writing to Platini on Wednesday "urging them to investigate immediately."

Downing Street said that British Prime Minister David Cameron was "appalled by the scenes" and wants UEFA to impose "tough sanctions" against Serbia's football body.

"We are determined to stamp out racism overseas and at home and we are giving full backing to the FA's complaint," said Cameron's spokesman, Steve Field.

"If we are going to stamp out racism from football then it is no good handing out derisory fines as has happened in the past."

In a reference to a much-criticised suggestion by FIFA President Sepp Blatter last year, Field said: "It is no good telling players to shake hands and forget about it."

England defender Danny Rose complained on Wednesday that trouble had been brewing throughout the evening.

He was sent off after the final whistle following apparent provocation, gesturing to the crowd that he was racially abused.

"The monkey chanting started long before I got sent off," Rose told British broadcaster Sky Sports.

"After 60 minutes my head wasn't really on the game. They have to be banned. I don't understand how else they can learn from it. They have to be banned."

Rose said he complained to assistant coach Steve Wigley about problems when the team went out to warm-up before the game.

"They started the monkey chanting straight away. I asked the lads if they could hear it and they said they could hear it," Rose said.

"Halfway through the warm-up I went to 'Wigs,' the assistant manager, and told him what was happening. He said I had to try my best to get through it and they would deal with it straight away after the game.

"In the first half I went down to get the ball for a throw-in and the fans started again with the monkey chants, but the first half was nowhere near as bad as the second half.

"In the second half I had two stones hit me on the head when I went to get the ball for a throw-in. Every time I touched the ball there was monkey chanting again."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Stosur hopes for Istanbul ticket

End of season ... Sam Stosur is still chasing a place at the WTA Championships. Source: Mike Stobe / AFP

Samantha Stosur and Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli said Monday they will be looking to sneak into a potential backdoor slot for the $US4.9 million ($A4.80 million) WTA Championships in Istanbul later this month.

The 2011 US Open champion Stosur, currently ninth in the world but with Bartoli breathing down her neck as they look to be first choice replacement, had been desperate to sneak into the season-ending WTA championship but missed out on the elite top-eight line-up after losing early to Julia Goerges in Beijing.

That defeat allowed China's Li Na to claim the final spot in the money-spinning tournament, leaving 28-year-old Stosur dependent on an injury withdrawal if she is to extend her season.

Stosur, top seed in Moscow this week, told reporters that this year, in contrast to some earlier sub-par showings in Moscow, she would be out to hit top form and take the title.

"This year I've definitely come into this tournament hoping to do well,'' the 28-year-old Stosur, who announced a last-moment withdrawal from playing in Moscow last year.

"Last year I decided to withdraw from playing here just after the final in Osaka having already qualified for the WTA Championships. It was impossible to play all the Asian swing and than continue playing here.

"But this year I have a goal to finish ninth if possible. Of course me and Marion (Bartoli) will watch closely each other's performance here, both hoping to finish as the first substitute in Istanbul.

"And as far as we both failed to qualify for the main draw we'll go to Istanbul prepared to play at any moment looking what will happen to the other players there.''

Stosur, 28, also said that she was satisfied in general with her performance this season.

"Compared to the previous (2011) this year looks probably more disappointing as my results were much lower,'' Stosur said.

"I didn't have such a big win like the US Open, but I had lot of semis and lot of quarters this year and overall it wasn't really bad.''

Meanwhile, second-seeded Bartoli is keen to move up from her current ranking of 10th.

Bartoli said that her experience of coming as a substitute in last year's WTA Championships - where she played the final group match, coming in for the injured Maria Sharapova - helped her to stay focused as the season nears its end.

"I'll try to finish ninth (in the rankings) after Kremlin Cup,'' the 28-year-old said.

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Socceroos, Iraq share age debate

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Veterans ... Iraq's Younis Mahmoud (L) and Australia's Lucas Neill faced off in 2011. Source:AFP

Those bemoaning Australia's failure to regenerate the national side should take comfort ahead of Wednesday morning's (AEDT) crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier, as opponents Iraq have been having exactly the same discussion.

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While Holger Osieck stands accused of being overly reliant on the 2006 World Cup generation, his Iraqi equivalent - Brazilian legend Zico - has leaned heavily on the nucleus of the team that lifted the Asian Cup in 2007.

But there are signs of change.

For Iraq's last qualifier (against Japan), Zico left mainstays Nashat Akram, Karrar Jassim, Qusay Munir and even captain, Younis Mahmoud, on the bench.

Hawar Mulla Mohamed, the veteran winger who did Australia so much damage at the 2007 Asian Cup, was dropped.

To prove the demotions were no idle threat, Zico has omitted Jassim completely from this squad - thought to be as a punishment for arguing with the referee at the end of the 1-0 loss in Saitama - while midfielder Munir has left the camp and been allowed to return to his club.  He may not play for his country again.

Emad Mohamed - scorer of vital goals against Australia at the 2004 Olympics and in the 2008 World Cup qualifiers - has reportedly retired after disagreements with Mahmoud.

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Baseem Abbas, the flamboyant full-back, has picked up an injury in training, and won't feature against the Australians in Doha either.

All of which leaves Nashat, Younis, defender Ali Rehema and goalkeeper Noor Sabri from the victorious 2007 squad as starting choices in Qatar.

Sabri was Iraq's standout player in their latest friendly against Brazil - strange, as he featured in a 6-0 loss to the South American heavyweights. But without Sabri's heroics the drubbing could have been even heavier.

It will be interesting to see whether such a loss - combined with the travel (the friendly was staged in Sweden, specifically to take advantage of the largest ex-pat Iraqi community in the world) - will have a negative impact on Iraq's preparations for such a vital qualifier.

Zico himself has been under the spotlight. Until recently, he was claiming he hadn't been paid by the Iraqi federation in months. 

The IFA went out of their way to prove otherwise by releasing bank statements to the media, showing deposits on his reported $2.5m a year salary. 

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The Iraqi coach - whose brother, Edu, acts as his number two - is on a big bonus to get the Lions of Mesopotamia to just their second World Cup finals.

And perhaps that's why they needed to play in Malmo - to get their slice of the financial reward that comes with playing a high-profile outfit such as Brazil.

There are unlikely to be as many Iraqis in attendance at the Grand Hamad Stadium. In fact, Zico has asked his federation to move future home qualifiers to the UAE, where more of the diaspora live.

But one Iraqi who has made it is utility Khaldoun Ibrahim. Despite a lengthy delay in Sweden, caused by entry and exit visas issued to two different passports, Ibrahim has made it to the Qatari capital with a day to spare.

Also arriving late is former Australia coach, Pim Verbeek, who along with ex Socceroos assistant, Henk Duut, will watch the match from the stands. 

The pair, who are working with the Moroccan youth teams, are on a trip to visit Duut's daughter, who is married to a footballer playing in Qatar.

Meanwhile, as Zico continues his attempts to regenerate the Iraqis, he will note that five of the Australia team that defeated his then Japan side in Kaiserslautern in 2006 (Mark Schwarzer, Luke Wilkshire, Lucas Neill, Tim Cahill and Mark Bresciano) remain virtually automatic selections. 

By contrast, Japan, who top the section by six points with just four games to play, have just two players left from that campaign - Yuichi Komano and Yasuhito Endo.

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Catch the Socceroos' clash against Iraq Live on Fox Sports 1HD from 12.45am (EDT) on Wednesday!

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ioane ruled out of Bledisloe Cup

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Injury ... Digby Ioane is ruled out of the third and final Bledisloe Cup Test. Source: Mark Evans / AP

Wallabies strike weapon Digby Ioane will miss Saturday night's Bledisloe Cup clash in a major blow to Australia's hopes of reversing their trans-Tasman fortunes.

Ioane was on Monday night ruled out of the Suncorp Stadium encounter with the high-flying All Blacks due to a painful knee injury.

The destructive 31-Test winger copped a bad cork on the joint against South Africa more than a fortnight ago but managed to back up the week after when he scored the match-winning try in the Wallabies' 25-19 win over Argentina in Rosario.

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The problem flared up again during the long flight back from South America but Ioane is expected to recover in time to be available for next month's end-of-season tour of Europe.

His absence robs the Wallabies of their most-potent ball-runner as they attempt to end New Zealand's 16-match winning streak.

Coach Robbie Deans has the option of replacing Ioane with returning utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper or specialist wingers Dom Shipperley or Drew Mitchell.

Ashley-Cooper would prefer to stay at outside centre, which would come at the expense of Ben Tapuai, but he did play on the wing in the first Bledisloe Test in August when Australia lost 27-19.

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Watch the Wallabies take on the All Blacks LIVE from 8pm (EDT) on Saturday on Fox Sports 3HD.

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Mitchell hasn't played since he re-injured his ankle in the 22-0 second Test loss but has made a remarkable comeback after initially being told he required surgery.

Deans has said he would be considered for an immediate return but rookie Shipperley would be the more match-hardened choice.

In positive news for the home side, No.8 Radike Samo has been cleared for selection on Tuesday after overcoming a biceps problem.

The injury-depleted Wallabies know the enormity of their task as the All Blacks haven't lost since the 25-20 defeat in their last Brisbane visit 14 months ago.

Both Ashley-Cooper and five-eighth Kurtley Beale rated the world champions a more fearsome, in-form unit than when they swept through last year's World Cup.

One more victory will equal New Zealand's own record 17-match winning streak.

Meantime, cautious Wallabies skipper James Horwill has undergone precautionary scans to ensure his rehabilitation from hamstring surgery is continuing on the right track.

Lock Horwill still holds genuine hope of returning to action in the four-Test tour of Europe.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Liverpool likely to stay at Anfield

Hallowed land ... Liverpool fans are keen to see the side remain at Anfield. Source: AP

Liverpool look set to stay at Anfield instead of moving to a new ground, after city authorities announced plans to regenerate the area around their historic home.

Liverpool City Council said they had secured a $39.45 million grant to transform the Anfield area in the city in northwest England, with further investment likely from a public housing association.

The club's managing director Ian Ayre described the move as a "major step forward" for both Liverpool and local residents, after years of wrangling about whether they should move from the stadium that has been their home since 1892.

"This is step one as there is land to acquire, plans to be approved, etc. but this is a significant moment. Questions about capacity and cost are not for today, not until we have certainty," he told a news conference in the city.

Redevelopment of Anfield is likely to see improvements and extensions made to the main stand and the Anfield Road end, as the regeneration plans include proposals to clear a number of streets near the ground in agreement with local residents.

Planning permission, though, is still required, which means that a move to a new home in nearby Stanley Park still can not be entirely ruled out.

Barclays Premier League side Liverpool are owned by US firm the Fenway Sports Group, which has previously re-developed existing old stadiums, including the home of Boston Red Sox baseball team, Fenway Park.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Aussie cycling considering amnesty

Disgraced ... Matt White may not be the only Aussie cyclist to be involved in doping. Source: AFP

With one dirty little secret out, Cycling Australia is considering an amnesty to reveal just how clean Australian riders were during the Lance Armstrong doping era.

Matt White, one of the most influential figures in Australian cycling, admitted on Saturday to being involved in doping during his riding career.

He was outed in the American documents that revealed Armstrong as a drug cheat.

White has stood down from his position as Cycling Australia's (CA) men's road co-ordinator and sports director at Australian professional road team Orica-GreenEDGE.

But the question now is whether other Australians were doping during an era in which one leading rider and drug cheat, American Tyler Hamilton, says 80 per cent of the peloton were doping to some degree.

CA president Klaus Mueller admits an amnesty must be considered to reveal whether White's confession is just the tip of the iceberg.

Mueller says it is possible Australian cyclists involved in riding during that period "may have misled us".

"The material is coming out to suggest that certainly up until 2005, that there was certainly in some teams systemic cheating," Mueller said on Sunday.

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"That's one of the factors we need to take into account in determining whether there ought to be an amnesty (for Australian cyclists).

"It would be conditional on any athlete to whom we give an amnesty coming clean and disclosing all relevant issues in relation to his conduct ... and the conduct of others."

Mueller admits his organisation could have made more thorough checks before appointing White, whose future in his two key roles will be discussed at a board meeting this week.

Before taking on his current roles, White had been dismissed from another pro team, Garmin-Cervelo, for referring Australian rider Trent Rowe to now-disgraced ex-Armstrong doctor Luis Garcia del Moral.

Mueller said that matter would also be re-examined in the wake of White's admission.

When asked if CA should have been more thorough before appointing White Mueller said: "We, I suppose, were as naive as most people involved in the sport ... we didn't understand the extent of - certainly in the US Postal team - the systemic cheating taking place."

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But Mueller insists White has not compromised the integrity of Australia's national road program.

Testimony from disgraced Tour de France winner Floyd Landis outed White - the American saying he had shared testosterone and EPO with him while riding for the US Postal team in 2003.

Mueller said he spoke to White late on Saturday night and he agreed to stand aside until CA and Australia's anti-doping body ASADA had fully investigated.

White said in his statement on Saturday night: "I am sad to say that I was part of a team where doping formed part of the team's strategy, and I too was involved in that strategy.

"My involvement is something I am not proud of and I sincerely apologise to my fans, media, family and friends who trusted me and also to other athletes in my era that consciously chose not to dope.''

He stopped racing in 2007, his last team being Discovery Channel which was a continuation of the US Postal Service outfit.

He moved into management with Slipstream-Chipotle (now Garmin-Sharp) and said one of the main reasons he stopped racing was the desire to help change the sport with the team's founder Jonathan Vaughters and British rider David Millar.

"The ideas about a clean team that Dave Millar and Jonathan Vaughters spoke to me about back then, were ones that the sport desperately needed.

"A lot has changed for the better, cycling is totally different now, and I have seen these changes as an athlete and also in management with my own eyes in the last decade."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Ange needs to re-think tactics'

Style ... Mark Bosnich says Ange Postecoglou may have to re-think the Victory's tactics. Source: Jono Searle / News Limited

Fox Sports' Mark Bosnich says new coach Ange Postecoglou might have to reconsider Melbourne Victory's playing style following their 5-0 hammering at the hands of Brisbane Roar. Read Bozza and Jason Culina's full review of round two of the A-League.

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Adelaide United 1 defeated Western Sydney Wanderers 0 at Hindmarsh Stadium

There was one of the best goals of the A-League round in this match, with the reverse pass to play to Jerónimo Neumann in for Adelaide United a thing of beauty. The Argentine made some smart runs and caused Wanderers a lot of problems all night. The performance of former Sydney FC player Iain Ramsey was another highlight for the Reds. He showed great composure in setting up the winner for the Argentine. To come inside and make that pass, when many other players would rush the play, was great to see. He used his pace well out wide and was very hard to contain. It was also another clean sheet for the Reds, Kossie will be stoked with that. Not the worst result for Wanderers. They'll be a better side with the experience under their belt.

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Sydney FC 2 defeated by Newcastle Jets 3 at Allianz Stadium

Jason Culina says: Based on the first half I would say Newcastle deserved to win in a really entertaining game in front of a huge crowd. Sydney gave away a couple of scrappy goals which they won't be happy about. In the end they left their comeback just a bit too late. Alessandro Del Piero's brilliant free kick gave the Sky Blues some momentum, but that was taken away when Emile Heskey put the Jets ahead again. There were certainly positives for the home side though. The last 30 minutes was great, the team was pushing forward well. It wasn't the best result but there is plenty to be happy about heading into the derby next weekend.

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Brisbane Roar 5 defeated Melbourne Victory 0 at Suncorp Stadium

New coach Ange Postecoglou has made his name playing a certain philosophy at the Roar, which he is now trying to ingrain in the Victory players. It will take time to bed in, it didn't happen overnight at Brisbane Roar. The coach will need to sit down and decide if he wants to persist playing out from the back at all costs or maybe mix up his tactics with the players he has at his disposal. When it got to about 3-0 I noticed a few Victory players shy away. That was disappointing. Not just a few, probably most of the team really. This loss will sting the Victory, and so it should. When you're talking about 5-0, that's pride at stake.

Jason Culina says: The Victory were missing a few players, but they have plenty of other good quality players and people expect better than a 5-0 loss. Brisbane are a very good side though. The Roar's motivation is to keep winning. They're enjoying themselves and banging goals in. They're a brilliant team to watch.

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Melbourne Heart 1 drew with Wellington Phoenix 1 at AAMI Park

This was a case of one incident totally changing the game. Melbourne Heart were outstanding in the first half, but they were made to pay for not taking their chances. One of the things that makes football so attractive is that it can turn in one second. That's what happened with Simon Colosimo's handball, which was the right decision. Heart will be disappointed, there were three points there for the taking. I'm a big fan of Aziz Behich. He's got pace and skill. It was brilliant work to set up Matt Thompson's goal. It's about time the left back gets his chance for the Socceroos.

Jason Culina says: Simon Colosimo certainly handled the ball and he gave the referee no choice. It left the Heart a bit short, but all-in-all it was probably a fair result with the points shared.

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Central Coast Mariners 1 defeated Perth Glory 0 at Bluetongue Stadium

The first half was poor with both sides cancelling each other out. The second half really picked up and Graham Arnold made the change that turned him into a super-coach, brining on Daniel McBreen, who went on to net the winner. The Mariners have two clean sheets in two games now - they are a very difficult side to break down.

Jason Culina says: It's a difficult time to play at Bluetongue as the sun is coming down. The sun and heat can be an issue for players. I tipped the Glory to be up there at the end of the season. They're a tough team to face - they are very experienced. Any team with the likes of Jacob Burns and Liam Miller is going to be hard to beat. They'll bounce back.

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22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tigers down Redbacks in Ryobi Cup

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Day to remember ... Krejza starred with both bat and ball to lead the Tigers to victory. Source:News Limited

Tasmanian Jason Krejza followed a batting cameo with a star showing with the ball as the Tigers downed South Australia by three runs in Sunday's Ryobi Cup match in Adelaide.

ODD - Adelaide Oval

14 October 2012 - Day 1, Session 2

South Australia 1st Innings

D. Christian	81	98	6	1	82.65
J. Haberfield	0	0	0	0	0
B. Laughlin	9.5	0	46	2	4.68

Chasing 222 to win, the Redbacks were bowled out for 218 with one ball remaining.

Krejza claimed four wickets after earlier smacking three sixes in a vital 33 in the Tigers' 9-221 from 50 overs.

Krejza's return with the bat was the second-highest contribution in Tasmania's innings behind Ricky Ponting's top score of 47.

But Krejza's feats with the ball, taking 4-35 from 10 overs, proved match defining despite a sterling knock from SA all-rounder Dan Christian.

Christian made an unbeaten 81 but couldn't conjure victory when needing 11 runs from Ben Laughlin's final over.

SA were in relative comfort at 1-71 in the 16th over only to lose five wickets in the next 20 overs.

But from 6-143 in the 37th over, Christian paced the chase despite frequently losing partners, only to ultimately fall short.

Earlier, Ponting was in fine touch before falling to a freakish catch when just short of a half-century.

The ex-Australia captain drove a Jake Haberfield delivery straight, hard and head high, and the paceman instinctively stuck out his right hand on his follow through.

The ball whacked into Haberfield's hand, popping out of his initial grasp before lobbing up and falling softly into his hands.

Ponting stood bewildered for about 30 seconds - either in disbelief at the catch, or at bunch of bees surrounding Haberfield as he delivered the wicket ball.

Ponting, who struck three boundaries and two sixes in his 63-ball knock, was the sole batsman in Tasmania's top six to pass 20.

The Tigers instead relied on handy late order contributions from Krejza and James Faulkner (32).

Redbacks skipper Johan Botha claimed 3-43 and paceman Daniel Worrall took two wickets on debut for SA.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Djoker downs Murray in Shanghai

Fiery ... Novak Djokovic gets the job done over Andy Murray at the Shanghai Masters. Source: Peter Parks / AFP

Novak Djokovic came back from the brink to deny Andy Murray a hat-trick of Shanghai Masters titles in a bad-tempered final.

World No.2 Djokovic saved five match points during the second set before pulling through 5-7 7-6 (13/11) 6-3 to claim his second tournament win in as many weeks and a measure of revenge for his US Open final defeat in the pair's previous meeting.

The Serb demolished his tennis racket after surrendering his serve for the fourth time in the opening set, a break that handed Murray a 6-5 lead.

The Scot, who had been broken three times himself to that point, duly served out the opener without alarm and took the initiative with another break for a 4-3 lead in the second set.

Murray served for the title at 5-4 but Djokovic escaped a championship point before breaking back and then saved four more in the subsequent tie-break.

Djokovic eventually prevailed 13-11 in a 20-minute plus breaker and this time it was Murray's turn to take out his frustration on his equipment.

And Djokovic broke through in for a 4-3 lead in the decider and again to seal the title against his deflated opponent.

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/8164639/Shanghai-Masters-final-Novak-Djokovic-comes-from-set-down-to-beat-Andy-Murray

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