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Faulkner thrives on Stokes rivalry

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 25 Januari 2014 | 22.07

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JAMES Faulkner won't back down from an Australia Day joust with England rival Ben Stokes as the spicy battle of the all-rounders continues in Adelaide.

Faulkner and Stokes are two peas in a pod - ultra competitive characters on the rise who will give opponents a spray in the heat of battle.

Man-of-the-match Stokes' pointed send off after claiming Faulkner in Perth was the latest in ongoing banter between the pair.

"We play pretty similar sort of cricket and style. That is what it is, it's professional cricket," said Faulkner, who demoralised England in game two at the Gabba with an unconquered, match-winning 69.

"At times you step over the line and say things you probably shouldn't. I suppose that is the game and it is good to see some passion."

"He has been impressive all summer, is a very good player and has a bright future."

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Faulkner, 23, promised Australia would hit back hard against the Old Enemy on the national day of celebration - wanting a 4-1, one-day series win.

"I have never been privileged to play on Australia Day and you have to perform," said Faulkner, averaging 47 with the bat after 23 one-day starts for Australia.

"It is a special day, I am expecting a big crowd. Hopefully we can put on a good show for the country."


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Boof to Maxwell: Pull your head in

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FRUSTRATED Australian coach Darren Lehmann has ordered Glenn "Big Show" Maxwell to pull his head in but defended Phil Hughes' South Africa tour snub.

Australia's nine-game hold over England was broken with a 57-run loss in the one-dayer in Perth on Friday night. Maxwell's shot selection and Mitchell Johnson's (0-72) first bad match of the summer were areas of concern.

Lehmann put a rocket up Maxwell, wanting the all-rounder to follow the improved temperament of opener Aaron Finch (108) ahead of the fifth and final ODI in Adelaide today, when skipper Michael Clarke and Shane Watson return.

"It was disappointing to lose 5-50. Maxwell has to finish those games off for us," Lehmann said.

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Maxwell's crude swipe at a Ben Stokes delivery, with Australia needing 95 runs for a 10th straight international win over England, most irked Lehmann.

It followed Maxwell's mid-wicket slog in Brisbane with only James Faulkner's undefeated 69 saving the team.

"He is a batting all-rounder but has to show the responsibility to bat at No.6. We know he has the flair and excitement, and love that about him, but we want him to understand the game better," the coach said.

Johnson will be rested, with Lehmann wanting the pace ace fresh and firing ahead of the three-Test tour of South Africa.

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"He had a disappointing night and he admits that, so you get back to the drawing board and get him right for South Africa," Lehmann said of Johnson, whose form dip coincided with shaving his famous moustache.

"He's very important, got 37 wickets at 14 against England (in the Tests). We have to make sure he is right on the money and on the plane."

Left-hander Hughes controversially missed out on the 15-man squad to visit the Rainbow Nation, with Shaun Marsh and Alex Doolan preferred.

Lehmann said it was important to inform Hughes why he wasn't selected, despite having cracked 549 Sheffield Shield runs at 61, compared with Western Australian Marsh's 248 at 31 and Tasmanian Doolan's 391 at 39.

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"I had a good chat the other night in Sydney with Phil and that is a conversation that will stay between him and me," said Lehmann, adding Shield form "very much" still counted.

"He is making runs and that is all he can do."

However, Lehmann conceded pressure was now "very much" on uncapped Doolan and seven-Test batsman Marsh, 30, to excel in South Africa.

"Shaun gets a chance. He or Alex will bat at No.3 or No.6, so it is a good chance to stake their claims," Lehmann said.


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Open losses drove Li Na to redemption

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LI Na wanted this, really wanted it.

After she was Australian Open runner-up in 2011 and 2013, winning last night's final against Dominika Cibulkova had been a long time in the making, in contrast to her breakthrough grand slam title at Roland Garros three years ago.

"I prepare this one for already two weeks, every round, every day I was think about what I should do," Li said.

"I prepare if I play semis what I should do, if I play final what I should do, because I already have twice in the final up here.

"In the French I was feeling I just go for it. I didn't think about win or lose. But this one, I really wish I can doing well. And also maybe you guys didn't know how hard I was working for the mentally to make this one."

China's Li Na shares a light moment with Slovakia's Dominika Cibulkova. Picture: Saeed Khan. Source: AFP

The 31-year-old was pleased the Melbourne monkey was finally off her back.

"At least, you know, I make it, not like last two times, you know, always feeling one more step," she said.

"This time I really, so proud myself."

Coach Carlos Rodriguez said it would take a while for the victory to sink in.

"I don't realise yet, I think, I"m too much into it, maybe tomorrow," Rodriguez said.

"I really congratulate her."

Li's fellow players were in raptures on Twitter over her 7-6 (7-3), 6-0 win and her acceptance speech in which she thanked her coach for "always believing in me", agent Max Eisenbud for making "me rich", and husband Jiang Shan, "you a nice guy".

Even her opponent agreed she was a popular winner.

"I have to say she's one of the nicest players on tour," Cibulkova said.

"I really like her. I think everybody likes her sense of humor. She's a great player and a great champion."

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Cibulkova revealed she had only spoken to her parents in Slovakia via text over the past fortnight because she didn't call them after winning her first-round match and they were superstitious.

Neither parent could even bring themselves to watch the final on TV.

"My dad, he's too nervous to watch it but he was awake, for sure. My mum, she always watch the match after when they show it again," she said.

Cibulkova said it remained to be seen how her life might be different when she returned home, but she had changed markedly after her first appearance in a major final.

The 24-year-old now believes she can win a grand slam, starting with the French Open in May.

"I feel like my game is there to challenge the biggest names, you know, to beat them, so why not?" she said.

"Now I know I'm 100 per cent sure I can do it. I get so much confidence from this tournament."


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mata flies in for Man U medical

Midas touch ... Chelsea have accepted an offer worth around 37 million pounds for midfielder Juan Mata to transfer to Manchester United. Picture: Olly Greenwood Source: OLLY GREENWOOD / AFP

SPANISH midfielder Juan Mata flew in to Manchester by helicopter on Saturday to complete his transfer to Manchester United, the Premier League champions announced.

United confirmed on Friday that they have agreed a deal to sign the 25-year-old from Chelsea for a "club-record fee", with media reports claiming he will cost 37 million pounds ($70 million).

The deal is subject to the completion of a medical examination and agreement over personal terms.

Photographs published on United's Twitter account on Saturday showed Mata, wearing a white shirt and grey blazer, greeting United manager David Moyes at the club's Carrington training complex.

"Juan Mata has arrived at the Aon Training Complex to begin his medical," the club said on Twitter.

The deal is set to eclipse the 30.75 million pound ($59 million) that United paid Tottenham Hotspur in 2008 to sign Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov.

Mata joined Chelsea from Valencia in 2011 and was voted the club's player of the year in his first two seasons, but he has fallen out of favour since Jose Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge as manager last year.

Pending the completion of the transfer, Mata is expected to go straight into the squad for United's home game against Cardiff City in the league on Tuesday.

His signing reflects Moyes's eagerness to arrest a startling decline in United's fortunes since the Scot succeeded Alex Ferguson as manager at the end of last season.

Meanwhile, reports in the British media on Saturday claimed that United have opened talks with striker Wayne Rooney over a new contract.

The 28-year-old England striker has 18 months remaining on his current deal and was the subject of two unsuccessful bids from Chelsea during the close season.


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blue hoo Keary cries Maroon tears

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 23 Januari 2014 | 22.07

Luke Keary during warm up for South Sydney Rabbitohs training. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

RISING South Sydney star Luke Keary is so desperate to wear Maroon and not be forced to play for NSW that he has requested a meeting with NRL head of football Todd Greenberg.

Greenberg told The Courier-Mail that he was willing to listen to Keary's plea to reverse the ARL Commission's eligibility ruling because the young halfback's case was so unique.

Keary was born and raised in Ipswich until he was 10, even started his junior football career in the region, but then moved to Sydney where he continued to rise through the school and junior ranks to become the budding superstar he is today.

Under the ARLC eligibility criteria Keary answers four questions NSW and only one for Queensland which is why he was deemed to be a Blue by the game's powerbrokers.

Maroons coach Mal Meninga is fully supportive of Keary's desire to represent Queensland, particularly after the likes of Rabbitohs Greg Inglis and Michael Crocker pushed his credentials as a star of the future last season.

But Greenberg understands Keary's case is complex and that is why he has accepted a request to meet the player to discuss the situation.

Luke Keary during warm up for South Sydney Rabbitohs training at Redfern Oval. Source: News Limited

The meeting won't result in an immediate overruling, but Greenberg said it would at least allow him to understand the reasoning behind the 21-year-old's desire and perhaps lead to an appeal hearing.

"I'm not sure if it's an appeal as such. He asked us to have a look at his situation which we confirmed back to him that we saw it as he is a NSW player," Greenberg said.

"He has asked to catch up with me personally to talk through it which I'm happy to do.

"Whether that goes to a more formal request I'm not sure but I'm certainly going to catch up with him in the next couple of weeks.

"It's never a perfect system because people have rights of birth and where they play their football, but that decision was undertaken and conveyed back to him.

"But if he has asked for that meeting I'm certainly happy to talk him through the issues."

Discussion of Keary's Origin potential might be scoffed by some, especially as the kid has only just broken into first grade, but settling the argument now is the best result considering it may not be too long before he becomes a genuine selection chance.

Luke Keary and Adam Reynolds. Source: News Limited

Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire said Keary was already forcing his way into South Sydney's starting side for next season, forcing John Sutton into a likely move to the forward pack so he can partner Adam Reynolds in the halves.

Maguire said he's been impressed by Keary's preseason efforts and was excited about seeing him perform in the NRL trials.

"He has been excellent. He has had a really good preseason and I'm looking forward to seeing where he it takes him, he is a good player Luke," Maguire said.

Told Keary was already at the heart of an Origin fight Maguire was keen to see the youngster remain a Blue.

"I haven't spoken to him, but being a New South Welshman he would be handy in a NSW jersey," he said.


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Nofoaluma's inspiration to succeed

David Nofoaluma scores for the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium. Source: News Limited

DAVID Nofoaluma knows how lucky he is.

Raised without the presence of his mother or father, it was his grandparents Sisifo and Lyn Nofoaluma who raised the Wests Tigers flyer.

A product of his environment, Nofoaluma credits his grandfather as his inspiration to achieve his dreams of becoming an NRL star.

"I grew up with my grandparents so my grandad got me into (rugby league)," Nofoaluma says.

"My mum couldn't really support me so she thought the best thing to do was to give me to my grandparents to look after me.

"My grandad took me to my games and drove me. He was the one that really got me into it. I could see that he must have seen that I was going well and I noticed that as I was playing through (the grades) and kept my focus on the game of footy, loved it and enjoyed it every time I played.

"I'm actually grateful for that because if I wasn't staying with (my grandparents) and they didn't raise me I guess I wouldn't be where I am today."

Raised in Campbelltown, David is a Magpies junior and spent his junior career climbing his way up the ranks at the Tigers.

Rarely missing a game at Campbelltown Stadium, it was Sisifo who would drive David to training in his Ford Falcon until the speedster turned 18 and got his first car.

It is a sentiment not lost on the 20-year-old who grew up supporting the club he is now a star of.

Screen grab of Wests Tigers winger David Nofoaluma's miracle try against Manly at Campbelltown Stadium. Credit: Fox Sports Source: Supplied

Since making his debut last season, Nofoaluma wasted no time in making a name for himself.

He caught the attention of sporting fans worldwide for an acrobatic try he scored against Manly.

Leaping for a Benji Marshall cross-field bomb, Nofoaluma caught the ball in the air before being hit by Jorge Taufua and despite his body dangling over the touch line, the winger was able to place the ball in the field of play. It was awarded the Dally M Try of the Year.

With teams well aware of what the youngster can produce, Nofoaluma says his goal this season is to play with consistency.

Natalie Keys and David Nofoaluma at the 2013 Dally M Awards held at the Star in Pyrmont. Source: News Limited

"Being my first year getting try of the year and my second game I got the match-winning try - I have to back it up next season," he said.

"I'm not saying I have to do anything spectacular but I have to be a better player."

Having already increased his speed and strength during the off-season, the Junior Kangaroo knows with the return of Pat Richards, rivalry for spots is going to be fierce.

But rather than look at the veteran winger as competition, Nofoaluma sees him more as a role model - taking any opportunity to learn from him.

"There's a lot you can learn from his experience just by the way he trains and the little things he does," he said.

"The coaches told me to watch him at training … his preparation and always on the spot, switched on at every session and doing the little things right. Because he shows that I have to step up because he is the more experienced player."

Teenage David Nofoaluma in NSW state of origin 18's and NSW Combined Catholic Colleges. Source: News Limited

And while Nofoaluma credits the likes of Robbie Farah and Mick Potter as being his mentors at the Tigers, his grandfather will always be his greatest advisor.

Sisifo may have traded the drive to training for regular phone calls to provide some calming advice - all the miles and petrol have proved to be well worth it.

"I'm proud to know that I have made him proud," he said of his grandfather.

"All the times he has taken me to training has paid off."


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Putin, you're out of touch

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SOCHI-bound Australian Winter Olympian Belle Brockhoff says she plans to send a strong, unambiguous message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that she disapproves of Russia's anti-gays laws.

The 21-year-old Victorian snowboard cross rider is the only openly gay athlete on the 56-strong Australian Winter Olympic team.

She has vowed to make her views known before, after and possibly even during her snowboard cross event on Sunday, February 16.

"It's the perfect opportunity to send a message," Brockhoff said.

"The Australian Olympic Committee has been really supportive and they want me to be safe. They don't recommend me waving a [rainbow] flag around which I won't do.

"The most I'll do is hold up six fingers to represent Principle Six. Possibly I'll do it on camera here or there, and maybe after the heats of my event."

Russian President Vladimir Putin talks of his personal feelings towards gay people and welcomes any chance to chat with Elton John. Courtesy: BBC

Principle Six is one of seven Fundamental Principles of Olympism on the Olympic Charter. It states:

"Any form of discrimination with regard to a country or a person on grounds of race, religion, politics, gender or otherwise is incompatible with belonging to the Olympic Movement."

Two anti-discrimination nonprofit groups have together created the website principle6.org, and Belle Brockhoff appears on the homepage.

The site's organisers are hoping that straight athletes join the six-fingered salute as a show of solidarity.

Brockhoff says she'll do limited interviews before her event, but afterwards will talk to as many people as possible in order to convey her anger towards President Putin.

"After I compete, I'm willing to rip on his ass," she said.

"I'm not happy and there's a bunch of other Olympians who are not happy either."

Brockhoff is one of Australia's best medal hopes in Sochi, and carries a rich snowsports bloodline.

Belle Brockhoff flies through the air, displaying the form that earned her a place on the plane to Sochi. Source: News Limited

Her uncle, Peter Brockhoff competed in Alpine Skiing at the 1960 and 1964 Winter Olympics, while her grandfather Harold Brockhoff was one of the original pioneers of Mt Buller.

Her great aunt, Joyce Brockhoff has a ski hut and a run named in her honour at Mt Hotham in recognition of her work promoting the place of women in snow sport

The run is extremely steep and gnarly, which is exactly how Belle Brockhoff likes her racecourses.

Brockhoff has suffered at least five serious falls in just two seasons on the snowboard cross World Cup circuit. In the latest, in Andorra, she slammed her head on the snow and suffered concussion.

But she's stood on a World Cup podium, which means her best is definitely good enough for an Olympic medal.

"I like going fast," she says. "I love hitting jumps, love pinning it. My advantage above most of the girls is not having fear of the course. I am hardly ever scared before hitting the course."

She's clearly not scared of airing her views either, and whatever happens on snow, Belle Brockhoff is certain to be one of the most in-demand athletes from any country in Sochi.


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

UCI chief: Comeback possible

Lance Armstrong has been encouraged to tell all if he wants any leniency on his lifetime ban. Source: News Limited

DRUG cheat Lance Armstrong may have his lifetime cycling ban overturned if he co-operates with an independent investigation into the sport's sordid past.

Brian Cookson, president of the UCI, yesterday confirmed he would shortly announce "terms and conditions" that could see riders like Armstrong have their life ban from the sport lifted in return for helpoing investigators.

"I think there will be the possibility of a reduction but the commission will have to make an assessment of that on a case-by-case basis," Cookson said.

"It all depends on what information Lance has and what he's able to reveal. That's not going to be in my hands, he's been sanctioned by USADA and they would have to agree to any reduction in his sanction based on the validity and strength of the information he provided.

"If they're happy, if WADA are happy, then I'll be happy."

Cookson declined to comment on individual cases, but when asked about high-profile Australian Stuart O'Grady who retired last year and confessed to using EPO before the 1998 Tour de France but is adamant he never did so again, urged everyone to tell the truth.

"I would encourage everyone to tell all of the truth, if you tell the partial truth - and I'm not saying that anyone is doing - the thing about the truth is that it comes out in the end," Cookson said.

"It might be six months, 10 years, a generation, but it comes out in the end, so it's better and less painful for everyone I believe if people tell the truth and all of the truth and I would encourage everybody to do that."

He the commission's investigation into the sport's dark past could see more bloodletting by way of revealing more riders who doped in the past.

"It's a little bit too early to say, I want the commissioners to feel that they own the process and they don't have an interference from me or anyone at the UCI," he said.

"I don't rule out anything really, there may well be more revelations, but it will hold its hearings in private, it will gather evidence in private, but it will publish a report at the end of that.

"Ultimately I'm sure we'll learn some interesting things from the past."

Cookson said the commission would investigate the "problems and reputational damage" that doping had done to the sport.

"If we can't have a sport in which a family can bring their children, and those kids can go all the way to the top of their sport without having to cheat, without having to lie about their cheating, without having to take substances that might damage their long-term health, and without having to spend the rest of their lives looking over their shoulder ...

"If we can't do that, then we failed as administrators of our sport.

"Don't tell me that other sports have got problems, that's not my job, I care about our sport and if sport doesn't have integrity it's a circus and we have to give our sport back its integrity."


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Schu's family told hopes are fading

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 22 Januari 2014 | 22.07

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DOCTORS have warned Michael Schumacher's family that he may be in a permanent vegetative state but his loved ones say they won't give up hope.

The F1 champion, 45, may be suffering from Apallic Syndrome, a diagnosis that can't be verified until months after an injury. He has been in a coma for four weeks now.

People with the condition show responses like anger, hunger or pleasure but not the same way or in response to the same things that they would if they were awake.

Michael Schumacher was injured in a skiing accident on December 29, 2013 in the French ski resort of Meribel. Picture: AFP

Holding on with hope ... Corinna Schumacher, the wife of German Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher, arriving at the Grenoble University Hospital Centre with French surgeon professor Gerard Saillant to visit her husband. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

Dr Colin Shieff, neurosurgeon at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in central London, told the Mirror that the Schumacher family should be prepared for that potential diagnosis.

"In my own professional personal experience it would be too early to put any such label on Michael Schumacher, but it is correct for doctors to warn his family at this stage - and it is absolutely horrible for doctors to watch," he said. "There are situations worse than dying from an injury."

Michael Schumacher's father Rolf, left, and brother Ralf arrive at Grenoble Hospital. Picture: AP Source: AP

Schumacher's wife Corinna, 44, said they family continued to hope for the best.

"We all know: he is a fighter and will not give up!" she said.

The family released a statement saying the level of support they had received had helped them in their darkest hours,

"We are deeply moved that there is no let up in the good wishes for Michael from around the world. That gives us strength. Thank you all of you!"

View of the French Alps ski resort of Meribel, and the rocks between the slopes where former seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher injured his head during a ski accident. Picture: AP Source: AP

Doctors, and undoubtedly Schumacher's family by now, know that the longer he remains unresponsive the less likely it is that he will pull through unscathed.

Jean-Marc Orgogozo, professor of neurology at the University of Bordeaux, said: "Every day, every week in a coma the chances decline that the situation is improving."

Grenoble's University Hospital Centre in the French Alps, where retired seven-time German Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher remains in a coma. Picture: AFP Source: AFP


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Perth should be Poms' best chance

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ENGLAND arrived as the Urinaters and will leave as the Capitulaters.

Now Australia is taking the piss.

If the bewildered Poms can't beat this second string Australian side being rolled out in Perth on Friday then the mercy rule should apply for the Australia Day clash in Adelaide on Sunday.

Australia should play Australia A for some decent competition because this is basically an Australia A side anyway.

Shane Watson was already resting from the team which beat England in Sydney last Sunday to claim the one-day series 3-0 after a 5-0 Ashes whitewash.

Joining Watson with their feet up are captain Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin and David Warner.

While Clarke and Watson will play the final match in Adelaide, where Australia is a chance to be searching for a 10-0 super-sweep, Warner and Haddin have been given the rest of the one-day series off.

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Such is the lack of experience in Australia's cobbled together team that Mitchell Johnson is vice-captain and will lead the side if George Bailey's hip problem does not heal itself in time.

How remarkable, Johnson could go from missing the Ashes tour to leading his country out in his adopted home town of Perth in little more than six months.

The butt of Barmy Army ditties on the 2009 Ashes tour has hammered England in body and mind and has no intention of easing up.

Winner of the Allan Border Medal on Monday night, Johnson says his side will be trying to secure a 5-0 clean sweep of the series.

"England have destroyed us in the past," Johnson said. "We've been asked if we feel sorry for them, and we've all said no because of that reason.

"Hopefully we can win this one-day series 5-0 as well, and send them home without a victory against us."

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There is even a chance of a 13-0 score line, with three Twenty20 matches to follow the one-dayers, which would be England's ultimate humiliation.

Almost all of Australia's leading players will be heading for South Africa for next month's three-Test series.

Most of the squad leaves next Wednesday, the same day as the first T20 match against England in Hobart.

Playing his first one-dayer in more than a year, Steve Smith is also talking 5-0 and claims Australia deserves the mantle of No.1 one-day team in the world.

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Australia will displace India from the No.1 spot a year out from the World Cup if the Indians do not win their current series against New Zealand, despite the Aussies losing the recent series in India 3-2.

"That's our aim as a team, to be No.1 in the world in all three forms and that would be ticking off one of those boxes," Smith said in Perth on Wednesday.

"If that happens hopefully we can carry on in the other two formats to keep improving.''

Smith was part of the unchanged Test XI that won the Ashes 5-0 and is now focused on extending that domination over England

"I think it would be nice. To win 5-0 would be amazing,'' Smith said.

"It would be great to end the series that way."


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

T20-style future for 9s predicted

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BIG Willie Mason reckons the inaugural NRL Auckland Nines can take off with a similar success to Twenty20 cricket.

If the former NSW and Origin and Test forward is right, then the latest trick shot brand of rugby league being showcased in February is guaranteed to be smash hit in terms of a television ratings and crowds.

"It's a great concept and good on the NRL for agreeing to it," Mason said.

"In cricket, we've seen the success of Test matches allow the game to grow into having one-dayers and now Twenty20 games.

"For the fans, there's something in there for everyone and in T20, the big hitters are the drawcards who people come to watch.

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"In the Nines, I think you'll see a surprising showcase of skills people aren't prepared to risk trying to use when there's two points on offer in your standard NRL game.

"You're going to see players trying all sorts of trick shots that we often use and practice at training but then pack away on game day because the coaches don't want us rolling the dice too much."

NRL head of football Todd Greenberg confirmed the tournament is expected to be a sell-out with more than 90,000 fans expected to attend the nine-a-side tournament at Eden Park on February 15 and 16.

The NRL also rubber-stamped the inclusion of Sydney Roosters legend Brad Fittler, who will don the Tricolour strip at the Nines, aged 42.


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Federer unsure shot was legal

Replay....Switzerland's Roger Federer admits he's not sure a shot during his men's singles match against Britain's Andy Murray was legal. Picture: AP Source: PAUL CROCK / AFP

Roger Federer admitted he was unsure if he'd won a key point after a double-bounce in his stirring Australian Open quarter-final victory over Andy Murray.

An agitated Murray questioned whether Federer had reached the ball before it bounced twice before breaking the Scot to claim a 5-4 advantage and an opportunity to serve out the match in straight sets on Wednesday night.

Television replays proved inconclusive, with former world No.1s Jim Courier and Lleyton Hewitt initially both unsure.

But after taking several more looks, Courier said it was "60-40 that it hit the ground first" - and 70 per cent of TV viewers on a Channel Seven poll agreed when the fans were initially asked to vote.

"But it's impossible for (umpire) Pascal Maria to know and for Roger to know," Courier said.

Federer, who was unable to serve the match out the very next game after the incident before going on to win 6-3 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 6-3, said he "honestly" didn't know if it was a double-hop or not.

"I thought I probably got it, especially the way it bounced on the other side," he said after booking a semi-final showdown on Friday night with world No.1 Rafael Nadal.

"It felt like I got under it. At that point, I might even have my eyes closed. It's like it's so extreme that I really don't know.

"We'll have to check the replay time and time again."

But the Swiss superstar, a nine-times winner of the ATP's Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award, said he was disappointed the shot was immediately replayed twice on the big screen at Rod Laver Arena.

"I just told the umpire: `How can they show this and create this controversial moment potentially?' It's not really what you want to do," Federer said.

"I hope it was played the right way. If it wasn't, I'm sorry.

"But it's an umpire's call. I've been burnt by these calls before.

"I can't remember the score, but clearly it was a big one. I think I ended up breaking him in the game."


22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ericsson's Swede success in F1

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 21 Januari 2014 | 22.07

What Marcus Ericsson is set to join, but the 2014 version of the driver line-up to start the F1 season. Source: AP

MARCUS Ericsson has joined Formula One team Caterham for the 2014 season, the first Swedish driver to race in the elite division for two decades.

"It is terrific that we managed to set it up," Ericsson said in a statement Tuesday to broadcaster Viasat Motor.

"It is about time. It's a long time since a Swede raced in Formula One and now it's done, it's incredible that I'll be next," the 23-year-old added.

Ericsson last season raced in GP2. He started racing go-karts at age 9.

Caterham's other driver this season will be Kamui Kobayashi of Japan.

Dutchman Robin Frijns and Alexander Rossi of the United States are reserves.

Stefan Johansson, who raced between 1980 and 1991 for various Formula One teams, was Sweden's latest entry in the F1. Johansson also competed in the IndyCar series and Le Mans style sports car racing.


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Djok downed in five-set epic

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IT followed the script to the letter except for the shock ending that saw reigning champion Novak Djokovic dumped from the Australian Open.

Taking his place in the semi-finals will be No.8 seed Stanislas Wawrinka, who gained sweet revenge for a heartbreaking loss 12 months earlier by taking down his nemisis in another five-set, four-hour epic 2-6 6-4 6-2 3-6 9-7.

It was the third consecutive time at a Grand Slam the pair have played five sets, with last year's the fourth longest match in Australian Open history - it went five hours and two minutes - which Djokovic won 12-10 in the decider.

GALLERY: GLAMOUR GIRLS FACE OFF

Wawrinka ended that match in tears but last night you couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he contemplated a semi-final match-up against Czech Tomas Berdych.

The Swiss said a different mindset this year carried him past the world No.2.

"Last year I didn't finish it and it was really tough. But this year I came back, it's a new year and I was feeling really good," Wawrinka said.

"I tried everything, he's an amazing champion. I'm really, really, really, really happy."

The final set lasted 79 minutes with Djokovic blowing an easy volley to end his extraordinary winning run at the tournament.

The man who his Swiss teammate Roger Federer calls "The Stanimal" lived up to his nickname by fighting back from a break down early in the fifth set to pull out the win of his career.

Novak Djokovic stretches for a shot early in his quarter-final against Stan Wawrinka. Source: AFP

Wawrinka, 28, hadn't beaten Djokovic since2006 and had lost their previous 14 meetings, four of those last year, which included another five-set marathon in the semi-finals of the US Open.

The loss ended Djokovic's stunning run at Melbourne Park - his previous loss dated back to the 2010 quarter finals.

"He served extremely well from the beginning to the end," Djokovic said. "Every time he was in trouble, he was coming up with big serves.

"You know, he took his opportunities and he deserved this win today. I congratulate him absolutely.

"There is nothing I can say. I gave it my best. I gave it all. I tried to, you know, come out as the winner. I tried to fight till the last point as I did in a very similar match we did last year fourth round, same court, but it wasn't to be this time."

On his missed volley on match point, Djokovic said: "Look, I can say I was lucky with some shots last year in our match. This time it was him that had luck a little bit on 30-all, this mishit return. Then an easy volley for me on a match point.

"But this is sport. You know, I mean, he showed his mental strength and he deserved to win."

He said Wawrinka now understood what it took to win a Grand Slam.

"He's in great form and in the last 15 months he's had the best results. He's established now in top 10 and he's been winning against top players in big tournaments.

"He won against (Andy) Murray in US Open last year so he knows how to play now on the big stage. You could feel that with his game. He's really taking to the opponent and stepping in.

"When you're playing like this, only thing I can say is congratulations."

Last night's result also opens up the tournament, given the three-time champion was a short-priced favourite to win again given the easy draw he'd been handed compared to his three main rivals.

Djokovic was seen as a lock for the final given Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray all had to face each other just to get there.

Wawrinka's star has been on the rise over the past 12 months and he finished inside the top 10 for the first time at season's end.

Stanislas Wawrinka gestures to his supporters during his win over Novak Djokovic. Source: AP

There was a sense he was closing the gap with the top end but early doors last night the script wasn't followed, with Djokovic clearly on top in the opening set, which he won comfortably in a tick over half an hour.

He seemed to be cruising in the second set until the third game when there was the first sign that Wawrinka was starting to lift his rating.

Djokovic was forced to save three break points as the pressure valve lifted and the whole feel of the match changed.

Wawrinka's serve and beautiful one-handed backhand were finding their mark and his aggressive approach rattled the reigning champion, who was broken in the seventh game and then conceded his first set for the tournament.

It clearly rattled him and rather than fight his way out, Djokovic surprisingly went into his shell, which played into the hands of his opponent, who smelt blood.

Two breaks of serve in the opening five games saw Wawrinka race to a 4-1 lead and shortly after he'd secured a two sets to one advantage.

Novak Djokovic has his chances against Stanislas Wawrinka. Source: AFP

The most damning stat for the No.2 seed was his lack of winners with just 17 compared to Wawrinka's 27.

Normal programming returned in the fourth set with the tension increasing with every point and eventually it was Wawrinka who blinked first when serving at 3-4.

After winning the opening three points, he stumbled and Djokovic seized the opening with a couple of incredible returns to get the break.

But in keeping with theme of the night the champion's attempt to serve out the set was full of drama. He was forced to save two break points before a booming ace clinched it after 49 incredible minutes.

There were more twists and turns in the fifth set, with Djokovic gaining the first break of serve at 2-1 only to then hand back the advantage in the next game.

The match had everything, including a rain delay an the most extraordinary time with Wawrinka serving at 40-15 at 5-5.

After five minutes on the sidelines the players returned with Wawrinka serving an ace to gain the crucial advantage, which he held to ruin the script after an unbelievable 79-minute fifth set.

Replay all yesterday's action in our live blog below

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Stars surge into Big Bash semis

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THE Melbourne Stars sealed top spot on the Big Bash ladder on Tuesday night with a seventh consecutive win, but not without a couple of key body blows.

After losing Lasith Malinga to a whim of Sri Lanka Cricket, the Stars will sweat on another star's possible absence with Rob Quiney suffering a shoulder injury while fielding.

But nothing, it seems, can stop the Stars, who ran down Hobart's mediocre 9-131 with five balls to spare.

And while Luke Wright (52 off 36) was the hero of the chase, the continuing bowling excellence of John Hastings set the tone for the win.

Hastings, who's been a pillar of consistency with the ball, now has nine wickets for just 158 runs for the tournament.

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More importantly, almost half of all his deliveries have been dot balls - a phenomenal 16 of his 24 went without a score conceded on Tuesday night.

On the other side of the coin, the Hurricanes - already playing without one import having dropped Owais Shah - got an absolute shocker out of Shoaib Malik.

The Pakistan all-rounder was desperately unlucky to be run-out for a diamond duck - without facing a ball - off a deflection while backing up at the bowler's end.

But his third over of off-spin summed up his night, conceding three wides, a six and an horrendous dropped catch off a skied attempted slog by Brad Hodge.

Malik later dropped David Hussey at deep fine-leg to cap his horrid evening before the veteran Victorian batsman piloted the hosts home with an unbeaten 19.

Earlier, Hussey opened the bowling for the Stars and picked up Hobart skipper Tim Paine first ball.

And just when the Hurricanes had rebuilt and looked like posting a testing target, Marcus Stoinis picked up dangermen Travis Birt (31 off 23) and Ben Dunk (30 off 30) in consecutive deliveries.

Dunk had looked particularly promising, but fell to a spectacular Wright catch at point from a full-blooded cut shot.

The Englishman managed to parry the ball up as he was knocked to his feet by the ball's velocity, then it landed on his stomach and rolled up his chest before he clutched it.

But Quiney's scare will have potentially longer-lasting ramifications, depending on how he pulls up this morning.

The former Test batsman made great ground from deep square leg to attempt a diving catch off a skied pull shot from Jon Wells in the game's fourth over.

But Quiney, who had shoulder surgery after a fielding accident for Essex in May, landed heavily and immediately favoured his right shoulder.

He was taken from the ground for treatment but returned to the bench later in Hobart's innings and batted briefly at first drop but was clearly in pain when he attempted any lusty swings.

Relive the action from our Live Blog below.


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Stenson: I can top Scott, Woods

Climbing up the board ... Henrik Stenson of Sweden has his sights set on Adam Scott's No. 2 ranking. Source: Andrew Redington / Getty Images

HENRIK Stenson swelled his bank balance by more than $20 million (15 million euros) last season, won a string of awards and leapt to number three in the world rankings.

Now, he has the small matter of becoming the world number one for the first time in his sights.

At his press conference on Tuesday the cool Swede made no secret about his ambition to become the top-ranked player, saying it would be a "nice thing" if that happens.

"I think I'm in a position in the world rankings that if I really keep on playing well, I will have a chance to possibly, first, overtake Adam (Scott) and then maybe challenge Tiger (Woods) for the number one spot," Stenson said ahead of the Qatar Masters beginning today.

"I'm trying to focus on my stuff and then we'll see how far it takes us.

"But the chance is obviously there and it would be a nice thing to have on the C.V. when we put the clubs in the closet one day - that we've held the number one spot at some time, and if that doesn't happen, I would be happy to go for number two as of now."

Stenson, however, understands the perils of obsessing about the world number one spot, saying things always don't go according to plan.

"One part is down to what I do. If I can keep my form going and playing good golf, and it's those elements that we can't control what the other guys are doing, and might even be somebody from behind going on a really hot streak and overtaking everybody."

Stenson, who won the Qatar Masters in 2006 and has finished in second position thrice, considers the Doha Golf Club course a "good hunting ground" and is determined to make the most of his experience, this being his 14th appearance in the event.

After missing the cut in Abu Dhabi last week, Stenson feels he is getting his confidence back.

"The game's heading in the right direction for sure. It was a bit rusty last week, and I'd say today was as good as I've hit it this side of Christmas, anyway.

"So yeah, I'm looking forward to the week. I'm sure it's going to be fairly similar to what we had here in previous years with a bit of wind, and I think the course is in good condition where the trick is always to keep the ball below the hole on the greens, because downhill, downwind and downgrain, they are lightning and uphill you can be aggressive."

Two PGA Tour victories in September last year earned Stenson the FedEx Cup, before he secured the Race to Dubai by winning The European Tour's season-ending DP World Tour Championship in November.


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Clarke on target for fifth AB Medal

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 19 Januari 2014 | 22.07

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ONLY an unexpected quirk of the voting system or an over-emphasis on one-day cricket can prevent Michael Clarke from winning an unprecedented fifth Allan Border Medal on Monday night.

The Australian captain has been the standout Test batsman in the world during the past year but missed half of Australia's one-day matches because of injury.

A combined voting system that takes in all forms of the game heavily favours all-rounders, which puts Shane Watson in the frame despite his continue struggles for form and consistency.

Watson has already won two AB Medals while Clarke is in line to go past Ricky Ponting, who has four.

Clarke scored 1030 Test runs at 45 with four centuries from the beginning of the voting period on February 1, more runs and more hundreds than any other player in the game.

Australian captain Michael Clarke is a popular public figure these days. Picture: Phil Hillyard. Source: News Limited

Significantly he was at his best when Australia struggled through difficult Test series in India and England, losing seven Tests and drawing two.

Nine Tests in a row without a victory was Australia's worst run in almost 30 years.

Clarke averaged almost 48 in India and England with a century in each series and helped set up Australia's remarkable 5-0 Ashes whitewash this summer with hundreds in the first two Tests before fading.

Watson was Australia's second highest run-scorer over the past year despite averaging just 34 in 13 Tests, highlighting the struggle for runs throughout the team.

He was solid with the bat in one-day cricket, averaging 41 with three hundreds, but his bowling made little impact in Test or limited overs matches.

Clarke's greatest challenger for Test player of the year is Ryan Harris, who claimed 46 wickets in nine Tests at just 19 apiece.

George Bailey is the stand-out favourite for one-day player of the year given his remarkable performances in a building side.

He averaged 80 with two centuries and seven half-centuries.

Who will win the Allan Border Medal?


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Hughes in line for shock Test recall

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PHIL Hughes is in line for another Test resurrection as the bolter for the South African tour if the selectors favour substance over style.

Alex Doolan was the early favourite to change the "Unchangeables" for next month's three-Test series as Australia looks to bolster its top order batting against the most highly ranked pace attack in the world.

However growing concerns about Doolan's modest performances this season has left Hughes squarely in the frame to be part of the touring squad when it is announced on Monday.

The Sheffield Shield season started well for Doolan but he faded while Hughes exploded, scoring three centuries including a double hundred, giving the unorthodox left-hander 549 runs for South Australia at 61.

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Doolan has 391 at 39 for Tasmania but made eight first class scores in a row below 50, including five below 20.

Whoever receives the nod today after a lengthy debate when the selectors hooked up last night, they will replace George Bailey in the line-up following a string of first innings failures during Australia's triumphant 5-0 Ashes whitewash.

The plan is introduce another top order player at number three and move incumbent Shane Watson down to number six as the all-rounder in place of Bailey.

The Tasmania captain only kept his place because of Australia's desire to take an unchanged side through the 5-0 clean sweep.

Many players have been chopped on the back of far better performances than Bailey, most notably Brad Hodge, who was overlooked for the 2006 tour of South Africa despite an average of 58. He played just one more Test.

A 14 or 15-man squad will head to South African on January 29, with only the Twenty players in the Test squad remaining to complete three matches against England.

Phil Hughes hasn't played a Test for Australia since being dropped midway through the Ashes series in England. Source: Getty Images

All of the Test 12 will be chosen along with another batsman and one or two extra fast bowlers.

Nathan Coulter-Nile is favoured to take one of those positions along with either James Pattinson or Jackson Bird if 15 are ultimately chosen.

While Pattinson shapes as Australia's stand-out fast bowler of the future, there are concerns that neither he nor Bird have played red ball cricket since breaking down with back injuries during the Ashes tour mid-year.

Both have returned through the Big Bash and Pattinson played Sunday night's one-day game against England in Sydney.

Coulter-Nile was on standby for the second half of the Test this Ashes series as Ryan Harris struggled to overcome his chronic knee problem ahead of each Test.

Hughes has already been through three incarnations as a Test player and can be considered a little unlucky when he was dropped on the Ashes tour a Test after scoring an unbeaten 81 in a record last wicket stand with Ashton Agar.

It was in South Africa five years ago that the roller coast took off for Hughes, when he became the youngest player in history to score two centuries in a Test at the age of 20.

LIKELY SQUAD: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Phil Hughes, Michael Clarke (c), Steve Smith, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon, James Faulkner, George Bailey, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Pattinson.

Should Phil Hughes be in the squad for the South African tour?


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Schu's lucky charm found at crash site

Lucky charm ... This photo taken on October 1, 2006 shows Ferrari's German driver Michael Schumacher celebrating on the podium after winning the Chinese Grand Prix, while wearing his lucky bracelet on his right wrist. Source: MARK RALSTON / AFP

FORMULA One champion Michael Schumacher's lucky charm has been found at the scene of his tragic skiing accident.

Rescuers reportedly found the African bracelet buried in the snow, German newspaper Bild reports. Superstitious Schumacher wore it at all times, even during Formula One races.

After the lucky charm was discovered missing at the hospital, his rescuers offered to scour the site of his accident to recover it.

The champion driver's condition continues to be described as "stable", although his manager Sabine Kehm added that the 45-year-old remains in a medically induced coma in hospital since an off-piste fall in the French Alps nearly three weeks ago.

"Unfortunately I have to repeat that any information regarding Michael's health not coming from the doctors treating him or from his management must be treated as pure speculation,'' Ms Kehm said.

"I also repeat that Michael's family is very happy and confident with the work of the team of doctors treating Michael, and they trust them completely.''

Investigators probing the crash have ruled out faulty skis, inadequate signage and excessive speed as reasons for the accident, in which he slammed his head against a rock.

Schumacher appears to have skied on a partially covered rock, lost his balance and fallen on another rock further down, according to the prosecutor in charge of the investigation.

The impact was so strong it split his helmet in two.

Schumacher dominated Formula One before retiring in 2012, winning more titles than any other driver and enjoying 91 Grand Prix victories between 1994 and 2004.


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Pistorius 'negotiating settlement'

Oscar Pistorius in the dock during his bail hearing in Pretoria, South Africa, in August. Picture: Themba Hadebe Source: AP

PARALYMPIAN Oscar Pistorius's lawyers are reportedly negotiating an out-of-court settlement with the parents of slain girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

The settlement could net them around 2 million rand ($209,000), News 24 reports.

Pistorius was charged with the murder of Reeva Steenkamp, after gunning her down in their Johannesburg home on Valentine's Day last year. Pistorius maintains his innocence, claiming he mistook his girlfriend for an intruder.

The sprinter will go on trial on March 3.

Steenkamp's parents are said to have been financially straitened since the death of their daughter and are running a pub outside Port Elizabeth. It is understood they purchased the pub with money paid for interviews by foreign media.

Grieving.. June Steenkamp, mother of the late South African model Reeva Steenkamp arrives at the crematorium building to attend her funeral ceremony on February 19, 2013.

The couple are unwilling to say how much compensation they are asking from Pretorius.

The 27-year-old Olympic runner faces a life sentence with a minimum of 25 years in prison if he is convicted on the main charge of premeditated murder in the shooting death of Steenkamp in the pre-dawn hours of Valentine's Day.

Pistorius denies murder and says he shot Steenkamp in self-defence through a toilet door with his licensed 9mm handgun, thinking mistakenly that she was a dangerous intruder in his upscale Pretoria villa.

Prosecutors believe he intended to kill her, possibly after a loud argument in the middle of the night.

Victim... Reeva Steenkamp was shot dead by Oscar Pistorius on Valentine's Day.


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