Van Pelt takes lead in Perth

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

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."

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

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.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"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.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"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.''

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Chalmers looms large in Perth

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

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.''

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

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.''

Watch the Barclays Premier League Exclusively Live, and in High Definition, on Fox Sports

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

I love Mancini: Balotelli

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

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

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Clubs to get their TV cash

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

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.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"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.''

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Brits want sanctions for Serbia

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

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.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

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."

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lance steps down from charity

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

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.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

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.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"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.''

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Demons finally secure Dawes

Deal done ... Collingwood's Chris Dawes has been traded to Melbourne. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

Key AFL forward Chris Dawes will link with Melbourne Demons in 2013.

Collingwood on Tuesday night announced that Dawes would be traded to the Demons in exchange for a first round draft pick and a swap of later round selections.

Magpies and Demons officials met on Tuesday to lock in a deal, Collingwood confirming in a statement that the Demons would hand over picks 20 and 45 for Dawes and selection 58.
 

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The agreement is expected to be ratified by the AFL tomorrow.

Dawes played 71 matches for the Magpies in a career as a tall forward, having a key role in the Magpies' 2010 premiership win.

The 24 year-old played 23 matches in 2012 and kicked 16 goals but finished the campaign in difficult circumstances, playing the preliminary final against Sydney with a knee injury in a match that would turn out to be his last game for the club.

"Chris can be proud of his contribution to Collingwood. He played some good football for the club, where he has been a popular figure, and shared in the 2010 premiership,'' Collingwood director of football, Geoff Walsh, said in a statement.

"In his time with us, Chris always gave what he had and for that we thank him. We wish him well.''

The Demons' general manager of list management Tim Harrington said the club was delighted to gain the services of Dawes.

"We see Chris as a long-term player for the Melbourne Football Club," he said.

"He is a premiership player with plenty of finals experience and brings a much needed physical presence to our forward line.

"Chris fills a specific long term need for our club. At 24 years of age, he will grow with the rest of our group and will help build a potent forward line set-up for the Melbourne Football Club."

The deal was Collingwood's third of the trade period.

Former West Coast forward Quinten Lynch joined the Magpies as an unrestricted free agent two weeks ago and midfielder Sharrod Wellingham joined the Eagles in exchange for a first round national draft selection.

Melbourne has already secured Geelong premiership player Shannon Byrnes through free agency and lost Brent Moloney.

If the in-principle agreement is approved by the AFL, the Magpies will then hold picks 17, 18 and 20 in the first round of next month's national draft.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Clarkie's Bledisloe III preview

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Flying fullback ... Israel Dagg has been one of the All Blacks' standout performers in 2012. Source:AAP

I think you all know by now that I don't like tipping against the Wallabies and that I spend a lot of time checking stats to see if I can spot any chinks in the opposition's armour.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Well, I have to admit that there's not a lot wrong with this current All Blacks side.

Many thought they might have a Rugby World Cup hangover but apart from the fright the Irish gave them in Hamilton, it's been business as usual.

They had a clean sweep against Ireland. They've retained the Bledisloe Cup, won the inaugural Rugby Championship and they're still unbeaten this season.

If any Wallabies fans were hoping they might rest some stars and maybe take their mind off the job in Brisbane this weekend, they'd better think again. Motivation is not a problem.

They need just one more victory to equal the record shared with the Springboks for the most number of consecutive wins (17) by a tier one nation. They're closing in on the all time record of 18 wins on the trot by Lithuania (yes Lithuania!!!).

They'll also be determined to help Keven Mealamu celebrate his 100th Test cap with a victory. The hooker has been a great servant of New Zealand rugby and is a very popular member of the squad.

They'll be wearing black armbands in memory of coach Steve Hansen's dad, who passed away recently. Hansen has been with the All Blacks for the past nine seasons and has enjoyed a great working relationship with the players over that time.

Then there's the Suncorp Stadium factor. The All Blacks will be seeking revenge after losing to the Wallabies at the venue last year.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

That was the last time any team has beaten New Zealand and they'll be doing everything in their power to make sure it doesn't happen again.

The All Blacks have won the past three and 14 of the last 16 Tests against Australia. Three of their last four wins have been by 14 points or more. The Wallabies haven't been able to score a try in two of their last three games against them.

Scoring tries has not been a problem for Richie McCaw and his men in 2012. They've outscored their opponents by 33 tries to eight.

Seven of their nine wins have been by 10 points or more. And it goes on, but I think you've got the picture.

So what about the injury-plagued Aussies?

Well, firstly I just hope that they can compete and minimise the damage. They are, at least, playing at their favourite ground in Australia. They've won their last five Tests at Suncorp Stadium and 15 of the past 17.

They have a few experienced players returning from injury. Adam Ashley-Cooper replaces the injured Digby Ioane, Wycliff Palu replaces the rested Radike Samo and Drew Mitchell is on the bench for the injured Dom Shipperley.

15-1: Mike Harris (Queensland Reds), Nick Cummins (Western Force), Ben Tapuai (Reds), Pat McCabe (Brumbies), Adam Ashley-Cooper (NSW Waratahs), Kurtley Beale, Nick Phipps (Melbourne Rebels), Wycliff Palu (Waratahs), Michael Hooper (Brumbies), Scott Higginbotham (Reds), Nathan Sharpe (Force, captain), Sitaleki Timani (Waratahs), Ben Alexander (Brumbies), Tatafu Polota Nau, Benn Robinson (Waratahs).

Reserves: James Hanson, James Slipper (Reds), Kane Douglas, Dave Dennis (Waratahs), Liam Gill (Reds), Brett Sheehan (Force), Drew Mitchell (Waratahs).

So while it's great to have those players back in the squad, there's still so much talent on the injured list including James Horwill, David Pocock, Sekope Kepu, James O'Connor, Quade Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Stephen Moore, Will Genia, and Rob Horne.

Take three captains, your most experienced hooker and some of your best playmakers out of the All Blacks and they'd also struggle.

Nathan Sharpe has done a terrific job since taking over the captaincy and it's great that he's going on the spring tour next month.

He asked for more commitment from his team in Argentina and he got it. It might have been an ugly win but you couldn't fault the courage shown by the Wallabies in Rosario.

No one likes coming second but in the Wallabies case it wasn't a bad place to be at the end of The Rugby Championship.

At one stage it looked like they might finish last. So with so many players used in 2012, let's hope that the experience gained will be a blessing in what is shaping up as a huge season in 2013.

They just have to get through the remaining five Tests this year with their heads held high.

I think they will put up a spirited performance on Saturday. It'll be a full house in Brisbane and the players know they didn't play well against New Zealand in Sydney and Auckland, so they need to make amends.

It's going to take a huge effort to beat the classy All Blacks, but I just hope the Wallabies give it their best shot and show they learned some valuable lessons from earlier performances.

It's the final game in what has been a long and frustrating year at home. Let's hope it a good one.

---

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

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pietersen talks will end rift: Broad

Exiled ... Pietersen (R) could return to the England set-up after the Champions League T20. Source: AP

England bowler Stuart Broad believes his international teammates are ready to end their rift with Kevin Pietersen after agreeing to peace talks with the controversial batsman.

Pietersen was sent into exile during the Test series against South Africa after sending provocative text messages to the opposition that contained criticism of then England captain Andrew Strauss.

The 32-year-old was dropped for the final Test and has since been left out of the one-day series against South Africa and then World Twenty20 tournament in Sri Lanka, while Strauss retired from all forms of cricket during the controversy.

But Pietersen has now apologised for his behaviour and recently signed a new central contract with England after agreeing to enter a "re-integration" process.

The next step in bringing Pietersen in from the cold will be a meeting with his England teammates and coach Andy Flower.

Flower and several of England's senior stars were believed to be furious with Pietersen's actions in recent months, but there has been a softening of that attitude and Broad is hopeful the talks will aid the Surrey batsman's return in time for the forthcoming tours to India and New Zealand.

"It's in the management's hands. Of course (we'd welcome him back). We've had some amazing success with KP as a team," Broad told the BBC.

"I've been in the side six years, we've won two Ashes series and a Twenty20 World Cup, and we know that KP is a really dangerous player for us.

"There's not a better man in charge than Andy Flower to put the situation right and there's a lot of trust in him at the moment.

"Whether it's for (the tour of) India or New Zealand, the team will welcome him back.

"We pride ourselves on being an honest changing room and the only way to move forward is to talk about things.

"There will be a meeting with some of the hierarchy and we just need to lay some things out.

"I think that will be a really good meeting with most of the England players, and hopefully we can move forward and draw a line under the whole experience."

Watch every match of the Twenty20 Champions League live and exclusive in stunning HD on Fox Sports!

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rooney's brother joins Barnsley

Family ... Wayne Rooney's brother, John, is set to join Barnsley. Source: Glyn Kirk / AFP

Wayne Rooney's younger brother has been offered a contract to play at nPower Championship club Barnsley.

John Rooney, a 21-year-old striker, has been playing for Orlando City, a third-tier club in the United States.

Rooney previously made seven appearances for the New York Red Bulls, but struggled to break into the team.

Barnsley manager Keith Hill says "he's worth taking a punt on and we can develop him.''

Because of paperwork, Rooney is unlikely to face Charlton on Saturday in the Championship but may be able to play against Crystal Palace on Tuesday.

Rooney will join Kelvin Etuhu at Barnsley. Etuhu's older brother Dickson has played more than 100 games in the Barclays Premier League for Sunderland and Fulham, and has made 17 appearances for Nigeria.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More