Designer hat gets Russian in trouble

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Hot water ... the offending hat, worn by Kirilenko during her first two matches. Source: Rob Griffith / AAP

Russian hotty Maria Kirilenko flirted with disqualification before booking a fourth-round showdown with all-conquering Serena Williams at the Australian Open.

Kirilenko, who once posed for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition, is the poster girl for Stella McCartney, showcasing the famous designer's latest tennis number at Melbourne Park.

But the 25-year-old found herself in hot water on Saturday when the grand slam supervisor threatened to boot her out of the Open for breaching branding regulations.

The world No.14 and former Open quarter-finalist was ordered to remove the Stella McCartney logo from her visor before taking on Yanina Wickmayer at Hisense Arena.

"They said I couldn't wear that anymore, just on the practice court," Kirilenko said after overcoming the distraction to beat Wickmayer, the 20th seed, 7-6 (7-4) 6-3.

"Actually there were two signs - adidas and Stella McCartney - and they said I'm not allowed to wear two brands on the same visor.

"I don't know (why), but I played two matches with that (already) and nobody tell me until today.

"It's good that I had a bandanna in my bag, so I was fine to play."

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Heat down Perth to claim BBL title

Underdogs ... Brisbane Heat are this season's Big Bash League champions. Source: Daniel Wilkins / News Limited

Brisbane Heat are the new kings of Australian Twenty20 cricket after beating Perth Scorchers by 34 runs in Saturday's KFC T20 Big Bash League final at the WACA Ground.

T20 - WACA Ground

19 January 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

Scorchers 1st Innings

J. Behrendorf...	2	4	0	0	50
M. Beer	2	2	0	0	100
A. McDermott	4	0	21	2	5.25

Chasing 168 for victory, the Scorchers were restricted to 9-133, with dangerman Shaun Marsh dismissed for just 16 off 24 balls courtesy of a sharp overhead catch from Nathan Hauritz in the deep.

The Heat only booked their place in the BBL finals with an upset win over Hobart Hurricanes in the last round of the season and went into their semi-final against Melbourne Renegades as massive underdogs.

Former WA bad boy Luke Pomersbach cracked an unbeaten 112 to power the Heat past the Renegades in Tuesday's semi-final, but it was a team effort to get over the line against the Scorchers in the decider.

Joe Burns (43 off 27 balls) top-scored for the Heat in their total of 5-167, while Dan Christian (37 off 21) provided some crucial big hits at the tail-end of their innings.

And although Brisbane opener Pomersbach couldn't get close to repeating his recent heroics, he still managed 37 off 38 balls to get the Heat off to a solid start.

The Heat's bowlers then backed up the efforts, with West Indies paceman Kemar Roach (3-18 off four overs) and spinner Nathan Hauritz (0-11 off three overs) grinding down the Scorchers early, before Ben Cutting snared the crucial scalp of Marsh.

Brisbane achieved the win without skipper James Hopes, who failed in his bid to overcome a hamstring injury.

The Scorchers lost last summer's BBL final to Sydney Sixers, and were desperate to end the nine-year title drought for Western Australia cricket.

But they never looked likely in their run chase, especially after crawling to 1-17 after five overs.

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With Marsh at the crease, there was always hope.

But when he fell in the eighth over with the score at 2-38, the Scorchers were in big trouble.

Adam Voges (49 off 32 balls) and Marcus North (24) looked promising in patches.

But with Herschelle Gibbs missing through injury and Marsh dismissed cheaply, the Scorchers lacked the firepower to chase down the Heat's competitive total.

Although the Scorchers missed out on the BBL trophy, they can take consolation in the fact they've already booked their spot in this year's lucrative T20 Champions League. 

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Relive the Big Bash League final with our Match Centre, featuring video of every boundary and wicket!

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Journalist Walsh accepts Armstrong apology

DAVID Walsh, the journalist who almost single-handedly queried disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong's remarkable comeback from cancer, has accepted the American's apology.

But he said he felt it hard to sympathise with him despite his confession.

Armstrong, who is being sued by Walsh's newspaper paper the Sunday Times for more than STG1 million ($A1.53 million) over a libel payment made to him in 2006, issued the apology during the second part of his interview with Oprah Winfrey on Friday (Saturday AEDT).

However, while Walsh accepted the apology, he tweeted that he didn't know how sincere it was.

"Watching part two of Armstrong interview, he admits to feeling shamed and humbled. But why is it so difficult to empathise with his situation?

"Oprah pressured him, the apology was, I thought, hesitantly promised. I didn't ask for it, or expect it, but, yes, if it's offered, I accept."

The Sunday Times had earlier in the week taken out an advertisment in the Chicago Tribune with 10 questions they wanted Winfrey to ask Armstrong.

The English newspaper picked the Chicago Tribune as it is in the city where Winfrey hosts her show on her OWN cable TV network.

Aside from the Sunday Times lawsuit, there is also a potential threat to Armstrong's liberty, stemming from the fallen icon's role in the US Postal Service team, where he spent his most successful years in the saddle.

Having been paid by the government, the former team leader could face criminal charges for making fraudulent statements to his bosses.

He could also be accused of perjury over disclosures made under oath to a US federal jury in 2005.

If convicted, each false statement could lead to five years in jail.

Armstrong always maintained that he did not use banned substances during his stellar career, but the Sunday Times was one of the few publications to openly query his innocence.

The paper had to pay Armstrong $US300,000 ($A286,000) to settle a libel case after previously suggesting that he may have cheated.

The Sunday Times is reportedly demanding the return of the original settlement payment, along with interest and legal costs.

The newspaper had long questioned Armstrong's achievements and in 2004 it published an article stating that it was appropriate for questions about his success to be "posed and answered".

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Victory hold off 10-man Glory

The difference ... Thompson's pressure forced the own goal from Jamieson. Source: AAP

Melbourne Victory have held on for a scratchy 1-0 victory over a 10-man Perth Glory at nib Stadium.

It was far from the ideal performance from Ange Postecoglou's side, but an own goal in the 25th minute turned out to be enough as they picked up their third win in five games.

Both teams looked to move the ball in the opening stages and it would be the Victory to have the first real chance of the night through Archie Thompson.

The Socceroos striker looked threatening in the early stages and he went within a whisker of scoring with a header that drew a fine save from Danny Vukovic.

That seemed to fire the Glory into action and they too would come close to the opener as Dean Heffernan found the crossbar with a quality header.

The game settled down after that and the Glory looked to be gaining the ascendancy until Jamieson was found wanting at the back.

After winning a turnover from Bas van den Brink, Marcos Flores played a wonderful ball through for Marco Rojas and the New Zealander's cross forced Jamieson into a costly error under the pressure of Thompson.

The hosts looked the more likely for the rest of the half but were unable to make a series of corners count.

Perth were again on top early in the second half as they enjoyed extended periods of possession.

But they were unable to find the breakthrough and things got tougher for the home side in the 68th minute when Joshua Risdon was shown a second yellow card for a tackle on Leigh Broxham.

The game should have been out of reach for the hosts just minutes later when Rojas was played through by Spase Dilevski but the Kiwi powered his shot straight at Vukovic, who stayed big and made a strong save.

The Glory continued to press forward and they very nearly nabbed a draw when Ryo Nagai found the crossbar with a deflected shot in injury time.

It wasn't to be the home side's night however, as it finished 1-0 to the Victory.

Check out the goal and all the stats at Match Centre!

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V8 Abu Dhabi race cancelled

Cancelled ... Jamie Whincup in action at last year's race in Abu Dhabi. Source: EDGE Photographics / AAP

V8 Supercars organisers have been forced to cancel their glamour race in Abu Dhabi for the 2013 season.

It was announced on Friday that the event at Yas Marina Circuit has been sidelined this year in what appears to have been a call made by Formula One authorities, namely Formula One Managemtn (FOM).

The Abu Dhabi race was run last year as the only support category for the F1 Grand Prix at the same venue and was scheduled to do the same this year before Friday's announcement.

"V8 Supercars have been absolutely amazing in the three years we've worked with them building a fan base for the sport locally and in the region," Yas Marina Circuit CEO Richard Cregan said.

"As one of the most exciting motorsport categories in the world we hope to see them back at Yas Marina Circuit soon."

V8 Supercars organisers said they understood the decision and are comfortable with it, but are hopeful of returning to the circuit in 2014.

"It has always been clear that FOM ultimately decides, or approves, 'support' categories that run in conjunction with Formula One," V8 Supercars CEO David Malone said.

"We were acutely aware of this when we announced the 2013 calendar, with FOM then making this decision in late December. We thoroughly enjoy competing alongside Formula One and are absolutely comfortable with this news.

"There are contingencies in place and we will discuss the options, which may include racing on an alternate date to Formula One in 2014, with Yas Marina Circuit as soon as possible.

"What is very clear is the outstanding relationship we have with Richard Cregan and his team at Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management; and a committed combined will to find an alternative solution that fits for all.

"V8 Supercars and ADMM will announce any new arrangements as soon as they are decided."

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Sharapova continues Open dominance

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Fired up ... Sharapova was in control from start to finish against Williams. Source: Dita Alangkara / AAP

Seven-time grand slam champion Venus Williams became another Maria Sharapova victim as the Russian took her astonishing Australian Open start up a notch in the third round.

Sharapova, 25, whose preparation for the tournament was limited by a collarbone injury, had gone through the first two rounds without losing a game, blitzing fellow Russian Olga Puchkova and Japan's Misaki Doi.

Australian Open: Ladies Singles

Round 3, 18/01/13

Unlike those victims, Williams at least made it onto the scoreboard as Sharapova won 6-1 6-3.

Williams had been expected to give the No.2 seed her first real fight of the tournament.

But Sharapova, who won the Open in 2008 and lost last year's final to Victoria Azarenka, dominated from the start.

She won the first four games, making it 28 in succession to start her tournament, before Williams held serve to ensure she would avoid a whitewash.

It was a blip as the Russian played clinical tennis to race through the next five games.

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Click here for a full list of the day's Australian Open results.

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It was only when Sharapova first served for the match at 5-1 that Williams provided substantial resistance, breaking serve for the first time.

That prolonged the match for two more games.

Sharapova will meet unseeded Belgian Kirsten Flipkens in the fourth round, after Flipkens beat Russia's Valeria Savinykh on Friday.

Australian Open: Ladies Singles

Round 3, 18/01/13

Iva (13)	7	6
Jan (22)	5	3

Sharapova said it the meeting with Williams was something she had been eyeing since the draw was announced.

"No matter what she's ranked or seeded she's always a very tough opponent,'' Sharapova said.

"I was very determined out there and really wanted this victory.''

Meanwhile, Ana Ivanovic, seeded 13, defeated compatriot Jelena Jankovic, the 22nd seed, 7-5 6-3 in the third round on Friday.

Radwanska had an easier pathway, continuing her stunning form with a 6-3 6-1 win over young Briton Heather Watson.

Australian Open: Ladies Singles

Round 3, 18/01/13

The fourth seed has already won titles in Auckland and Sydney and is yet to drop a set at Melbourne Park on her progression through to the last 16.

Crowd favourite and former finalist Li Na of China, meets German Julia Goerges after defeating Romanian Sorana Cirstea 6-4 6-1.

Australian Open: Ladies Singles

Round 3, 18/01/13

A second German, the fifth-ranked Angelique Kerber, also made it to the last 16 with a 6-2 7-5 victory over rising American star Madison Keys.

Radwanska and Watson, a 20-year-old from Guernsey, had met once before - at Wimbledon, last year where the Pole was the eventual runner-up.

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Find all your Australian Open results here!

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"It's great that I am already playing my best tennis at the beginning of the year,'' Radwanska said after her win on Wednesday.

"I just hope I can keep playing on the same level through the rest of the tournament.''

Watson managed her first service break points in the final game but watched them evaporate as Radwanska clawed her way to deuce.

An ace brought up match point, which she seized on as the British woman netted a return.

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Melbourne break Adelaide hearts

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Head hunter ... Josip Tadic celebartes with teammates after scoring. Source: Hamish Blair / AAP

Melbourne Heart leapt into the A-League top six and left Adelaide United with a greasy grip on a top two spot with a 2-0 victory at AAMI Park.

The Heart rebounded from their late capitulation to Sydney FC last weekend with a far more controlled performance against a Reds side which struggled for rhythm.

Goals in both halves to Josip Tadic and Richard Garcia secured the victory, pushing the Heart into fifth place.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	16	10	4	2	15	34
2	Adelaide	17	10	2	5	6	32
3	Victory	16	8	3	5	0	27
4	Western Sydney	16	8	2	6	6	26
5	Heart	17	6	3	8	-1	21
6	Newcastle	16	6	2	8	-8	20
7	Perth	16	5	4	7	1	19
8	Brisbane	16	5	2	9	-1	17
9	Sydney	16	5	2	9	-13	17
10	Wellington	16	4	4	8	-5	16

Adelaide are in danger of both falling further behind league leaders Central Coast if the Mariners can pick up points against Newcastle Jets on Saturday and having third-placed Melbourne Victory close in if they succeed against Perth Glory on Saturday night.

As is their usual modus operandi, the Heart grabbed an early lead when striker Tadic headed home a Fred cross in the fifth minute with Adelaide's marking non-existent.

Both teams had dangerous patches of play and Adelaide could have equalised had Dario Vidosic done better on 42 minutes.

He shot well over the bar after Evan Kostopoulos had played him in on goal.

A minute later, Adelaide keeper Eugene Galekovic made a fine save to deny David Williams and Tadic was unable to make any meaningful contact with a difficult rebound.

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Relive every goal, tackle and foul in our Match Centre.

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But it took just four minutes after halftime for the Heart to go further ahead, when midfielder Matt Thompson dispossessed Kostopoulos in midfield, ran to the edge of the box, then played in Garcia who slotted home coolly.

While Heart are the best first half team in the A-League this season, they are also the worst second-half performers.

But they were rarely troubled by a flat Reds side in the second half - long-range shots from Kostopoulos and Cameron Watson late in the period their best attempts.

Both teams also have significant injury concerns out of the match.

Heart lost skipper Fred to what appeared a hamstring or quadriceps injury just 10 minutes into the second half.

And soon after Adelaide's Vidosic limped from the field to be substituted.

Melbourne Heart coach John Aloisi confirmed post match that Fred had damaged his quadriceps and would have scans to determine the severity of an injury which left the Brazilian visibly distressed.

"I only spoke to him very briefly and he's very upset, so we'll have to have scans to see if it's something serious - if it's a tear or not,'' Aloisi said.

"Disappointing, because last week you saw the old Fred coming back and now this happened ... we'll just have to see the extent of it.''

Adelaide coach John Kosmina said Vidosic had a hip injury, picking up two knocks in the same area during the match.

And he lamented what he called "two cheap goals'' his side conceded at poor times.

"We played well in patches but we gave two cheap goals away, and that's what probably killed us,'' Kosmina said.

"When we did keep the ball we looked half-decent. We just didn't do it for long enough.''

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'Lance doesn't realise his crime'

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Disappointed ... Phil Liggett was once a staunch defender of Lance Armstrong. Source: Sarah Reed / News Limited

Veteran cycling commentator Phil Liggett is one of several prominent people within the sport to have criticised the lack of detail and real contrition in Lance Armstrong's confession during his interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Liggett, nicknamed 'the voice of cycling', used to strongly support Armstrong.

"It was not a deep and sincere apology if that's what we were looking for," Liggett said.

"He has to name names.

"He doesn't seem to realise the incredulous crime he's committed."

Retired Australian Tour de France star Robbie McEwen, who organised charity rides with Armstrong in this country only a couple of years ago, said he felt deceived.

"It's changed everyone's opinion of him," McEwen said of the confession.

"Everyone wanted to believe in the hero, the fairy tale story.

"I don't think there's a person on the planet who even remotely follows cycling who hasn't changed their opinion of what we thought Lance was."

Fellow Australian cycling great Stuart O'Grady was among those who stressed the sport had changed since Armstrong's Tour reign.

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"The damage has been done, there's no getting around that,'' O'Grady said.

"But what we can do now is look to the future."

The man who oversaw the doping investigation into Armstrong has called the disgraced cyclist's confession a step in the right direction.

US Anti-Doping Agency chief executive Travis Tygart said Armstrong now must give more formal evidence about his doping past.

Reaction to Armstrong's much-anticipated interview with talk show host Oprah Winfrey was as wide and varied as the opinions of him have always been.

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Watch part two of Lance Armstrong's interview with Oprah Winfrey on the Discovery Channel on Foxtel, from 1pm (EDT) Saturday.

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There was fascination, great sadness, indifference and revulsion.

Tygart was matter-of-fact.

Armstrong once called the USADA investigation that Tygart oversaw into his cycling career a "witch hunt", but chose not to contest its exhaustive report when it was published last August.

The Texan was stripped of his record seven Tour de France titles, his Olympic bronze medal from 2000 and banned from all sanctioned sport for life.

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"If he is sincere in his desire to correct his past mistakes, he will testify under oath about the full extent of his doping activities," Tygart said in a statement.

Cycling's world body, UCI, is in the midst of an argument about whether there should be a truth and reconciliation process for the sport.

UCI president Pat McQuaid said in a statement that Armstrong's interview was disturbing.

"Armstrong also rightly said that cycling is a completely different sport today than it was 10 years ago," McQuaid added.

"In particular the UCI's introduction of the biological passport in 2008 - the first sports federation to do so - has made a real difference in the fight against doping.

"Finally, we note that Lance Armstrong expressed a wish to participate in a truth and reconciliation process, which we would welcome."

Australia's Tour de France pioneer Phil Anderson, a team-mate of Armstrong's in the early 1990s, said the interview had not told him much new.

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"I don't think anything was really revealed, beyond what had been leaked," Anderson said.

"Finally we hear it from him.

"You look at his body language, he doesn't look any different to his usual interview."

Betsy Andreu, the wife of Armstrong's former teammate Frankie Andreu and one of the first to publicly accuse the Texan of doping, agreed.

"I'm really disappointed,'' Andreu, who was repeatedly attacked by Armstrong over the years, told CNN.

"After what you've done to me, what you've done to my family and you couldn't own up to it. And now we're supposed to believe you?" she said.

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Venus sets up date with Sharapova

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All class ... Sharapova hasn't dropped a game so far at this year's Open. Source: Julian Smith / AAP

Venus Williams set up a glamour Australian Open third round showdown with in-form fellow former world No.1 Maria Sharapova by outclassing Frenchwoman Alize Cornet at Melbourne Park on Wednesday night.

The statuesque American beat Cornet 6-3 6-3 to book a date on Friday with the Russian second seed.

Australian Open: Ladies Singles

Round 2, 16/01/13

The pair have 11 grand slam singles trophies between them, Williams seven and Sharapova four, including the 2008 Australian Open title.

Sharapova's form over the first two rounds has been faultless, not dropping a game in either of her matches.

Williams, the 25th seed, wasn't quite as convincing against Cornet.

She lost the first two games of the match and went down a break of serve early in the second set, but both times Williams responded well and showed she still packs an enormous punch at her best, winning six of the last seven games of the first set and the last four of the match.

Australian Open: Ladies Singles

Round 2, 16/01/13

Asked about her prospects against Sharapova, Williams said: "I better bring my best game against her."

Sharapova holds a 4-3 head-to-head career advantage but the American has won their only two grand slam meetings in straight sets, at Wimbledon in 2005 and 2007, going on to win the championship both times.

Sharapova said the illustrious records of herself and Williams wouldn't mean much when they took to the court.

"I hope for it to be a great match. You certainly know what she's capable of," Sharapova said.

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For a full list of Australian Open scores and results, click here.

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"But when you're out on the court, you're not thinking about how many titles she's won or how experienced she is. You're thinking about what you need to do to step it up in a certain situation and win as many points as you can."

Earlier, Polish world No.4 Agnieszka Radwanska moved into the third round of the Australian Open and already has the finals in her sights.

Australian Open: Ladies Singles

Round 2, 16/01/13

Radwanska reached her first grand slam final at Wimbledon last year when she went down to Serena Williams, and is chasing more time in the major spotlight.

However she may not get the opportunity to play Williams at Melbourne Park after doubt increased over the American's fitness.

Williams rolled an ankle during her first round win over Romanian Edina Gallovits-Hall and on Wednesday switched her practice session to train indoors in private.

Radwanska, meanwhile, was forced to fight back in both sets on Wednesday before moving through her second round clash with Romanian Irina-Camelia Begu.

She was happy after her 6-3 6-3 win, even though she had to rebound in both sets.

Radwanska believes if she can last long enough to meet the top players in big tournaments consistently, she will soon be joining them.

"Playing against one or two in a grand slam is always the biggest challenge so hopefully I will have the opportunity this time and be in the sem-finals here," she said.

Australian Open: Ladies Singles

Round 2, 16/01/13

Her sizzling start to the year has given her a massive lift in confidence and left the pacesetters looking over their shoulders.

"I'm definitely happy that I can play my best tennis at the beginning of the year because it's always tough after a few weeks off.

"I didn't really expect that I could win that many matches in a row - and hopefully I can keep going," she said.

Popular Chinese star Li Na scored a straight sets win en route to the third round, the sixth seed - a finalist at Melbourne Park in 2011 - beat Belarusian Olga Govortsova 6-2 7-5.

Australian Open: Ladies Singles

Round 2, 16/01/13

But 15th seed Dominika Cibulkova was not so fortunate, exiting after a shock loss to a qualifier.

The Czech went down in straight sets in the second round - losing 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 to little known Russian Valeria Savinykh.

Fifth seed Angelique Kerber also moved easily into the third round, disposing of Czech Lucie Hradecka in straight sets, the German winning 6-3 6-1.

She will play the winner of the clash between American Madison Keys and 30th-seeded Austrian Tamira Paszek for a fourth-round berth.

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Honest Stosur admits she 'choked'

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Honest ... Samantha Stosur admits to "choking" in her second-round loss. Source: Paul Crock / AAP

A brutally honest Samantha Stosur confessed to a mental meltdown after suffering yet more Australian Open heartache at Melbourne Park.

In a dramatic and devastating collapse, Stosur capitulated from 5-2 up in the deciding set to crash out of the Open with a 6-4 1-6 7-5 loss to China's former semi-finalist Zheng Jie on Wednesday.

The shattering defeat continued Stosur's nightmare run at her home grand slam, the 2011 US Open champion having never ventured beyond the fourth round in 11 visits to Melbourne.

After battling back from a set down to seize control of the second-round contest, Stosur committed tennis suicide, ultimately falling on her sword with her ninth double fault after two hours and 42 tension-filled minutes.

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See all the latest results from the Australian Open here.

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"At 5-2 up in the third, (with a) double break, probably is a bit of a choke, yeah," Stosur said.

32-Julien Benneteau (FRA) bt Edouard Roger-Vasselin (FRA) 4-6 7-5 7-6 7-6

31-Radek Stepanek (CZE) bt Feliciano Lopez (ESP) 6-2 6-2 6-4.
 

Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) bt Tatsuma Ito (JPN) 3-6 6-3 6-2 6-2.

Evgeny Donskoy (RUS) bt 23-Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) 3-6 7-6(4) 6-2 3-6 6-3.

4-David Ferrer (ESP) bt LL-Tim Smyczek (USA) 6-0 7-5 4-6 6-3.

26-Jurgen Melzer (AUT) bt Roberto Bautista (ESP) 6-7(4) 6-3 6-7(3) 6-3 6-2.

15-Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) bt Tobias Kamke (GER) 6-3 7-6(4) ret.

24-Jerzy Janowicz (POL) bt Somdev Devvarman (IND) 6-7(10) 3-6 6-1 6-0 7-5.

5-Tomas Berdych (CZE) bt Guillaume Rufin (FRA) 6-2 6-2 6-4.

16-Kei Nishikori (JPN) bt Carlos Berlocq (ARG) 7-6(4) 6-4 6-1.

20-Sam Querrey (USA) bt Brian Baker (USA) 6-7(2) 1-1 ret.

10-Nicolas Almagro (ESP) bt Daniel Gimeno (ESP) 6-4 6-1 6-2

Stosur readily admitted to freezing under the weight of home pressure in her first-round loss last year to Sorana Cirstea, but felt she was managing her nerves better this summer.

Alas, the 28-year-old conceded her latest collapse was "100 per cent" mental.

"I got tight and then you start missing some balls," she said.

"You probably think a little bit too much. You do it over and over and over again and then you start not wanting to miss rather than wanting to make the winner."

Stosur said "crazy things" first started popping into her head when she failed to serve out the match on her first chance at 5-2.

From there, the 28-year-old was unable to recover as Zheng for the second time in a week fought back to defeat the Australian in three sets.

"It's a pretty hard one to take when you get yourself well and truly into a winning position," Stosur said.

"I was playing really quite well. Then all of a sudden you get to 5-2 and you lose five games straight.

"Now, unfortunately, the summer is over as quickly as what it started again.

"I'll do what I always do and keep playing and keep trying hard. I mean, I know I'm going to get over it. It's just you want it now, not tomorrow."

Zheng, also a former Wimbledon semi-finalist, said Stosur was playing much better than in their Sydney clash last Monday.

But the world No.40 knew she could beat Stosur if she stayed with her.

"Her kick serve and the big forehand, also backhand slice gave me the big trouble," Zheng said.

"But today I try to play more aggressive. I try to go to the net, give her some pressure.

"This is what my coaches tell me - give her some pressure - and this way is the key to win this match."

Despite reigning supreme in New York 16 months ago and reaching a French Open final and three semis in Paris, Stosur has faltered in the early rounds nine times in Melbourne.

Her exit completes Australia's worst-ever showing in the women's singles, with the world No.9 the only local to make the second round.

Bernard Tomic, who plays German qualifier Daniel Brands on Thursday for a likely shot at Roger Federer, and fellow 20-year-old James Duckworth, up against world No.93 Blaz Kavcic, are the only Australians left after 16 started on Monday.

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Djokovic storms into third round

Favourite ... Djokovic breezed into the third round for the loss of just six games. Source: AFP

The world's top-ranked player Novak Djokovic showed American rising star Ryan Harrison just how far he still needs to climb in a commanding Australian Open performance on Wednesday night.

Harrison, the 20-year-old world No.62, looked like a boy against a man as the top seed's march towards a potential third straight title at Melbourne Park gathered speed.

Djokovic could not have been more impressive, stamping his authority on the match from the start to win 6-1 6-2 6-3 and set up a third round meeting with the No.31 seed Radek Stepanek.

Never stretched, the world No.1 allowed the young American just one point in the first three games and took just 20 minutes to claim the first set.

Harrison kept fighting, hoping Djokovic's superb form would tail off but it never dipped.

Even the American's powerful first serve couldn't dent the Serb's total control, Djokovic's return game exquisite while he gave up a remarkably-low eight points on his own serve for the match.

Harrison's frustration was made clear in the third set when, after pausing before serving to wait for some fans to be quiet, he called out: "It's already tough enough right now."

Djokovic said Harrison had a bright future but his own ability to seize the early ascendancy made it tough for the youngster to find his best.

"When I was a set up after 25 minutes I had an important mental advantage, I felt comfortable," the Serb said.

Djokovic said his performance against Harrison boded well for the coming rounds.

"This was definitely a better performance than the first round. You know, I managed to play at a very high level already in the second round of a grand slam, which is very encouraging for the next challenge," he said.

While disappointed to be outclassed in a match he had keenly awaited, Harrison said at least he was shown the level he needed to reach.

"Even if I somehow was able to win this match, with the way he played tonight I still have so far to go before I can play that level consistently," the American said.

Djokovic, who won the Australian Open in 2008 as well as each of the past two years, will take a 16-match winning streak at Melbourne Park into his clash with Stepanek, who took a set off the Serb at Wimbledon last year but has lost their past six meetings.

Meanwhile, Janko Tipsarevic, the No.8 seed, who beat Australia's Lleyton Hewitt in the first round, had a much tougher time of his second round match on Wednesday night, downing Slovakian Lukas Lacko 6-3 6-4 3-6 4-6 7-5.

Check out all the Australian Open results right here!

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Hussey gets Perth home in thriller

Ecstasy ... the Scorchers will host the final on Saturday night. Source: Daniel Wilkins / News Limited

Paceman James Faulkner was left a shattered figure after his no-ball cost Melbourne Stars victory in their rain-affected KFC T20 Big Bash League semi-final clash with Perth Scorchers at the WACA Ground.

T20 - WACA Ground

16 January 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

Scorchers 1st Innings

A. Voges	36	21	1	3	171.43
M. Hussey	21	12	1	1	175
J. Faulkner	3	0	25	1	8.33

In a remarkable contest, the Stars were in the box seat to host Saturday's grand final against Brisbane Heat after cracking 2-183 off 18 overs, with big-hitting duo Cameron White (88 off 53 balls) and Brad Hodge (70no off 43 balls) combining for 10 sixes and 12 fours.

Under the Duckworth-Lewis method, the Scorchers required 139 for victory off 13 overs, and finished at 2-142 after Mike Hussey struck a boundary on the final ball.

But it wasn't as simple as that.

Scorchers opener Herschelle Gibbs was forced to retire on seven due to a hamstring injury.

But Shaun Marsh turned the match on its head, cracking 68 off 40 balls to lift the Scorchers to within sight of victory in front of 17,903.

The Scorchers needed 10 runs off the final over, and the equation became a tough three runs off the final ball, with Adam Voges on strike to Faulkner.

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Relive all the drama in our Match Centre, featuring videos of every wicket and boundary!

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The Stars thought they had it won after the Scorchers managed just a single following a swing-and-miss from Voges.

But a front-foot no-ball shattered the Stars' dreams, with Hussey striking a boundary off the next ball to secure victory.

The result was a double bonus for the Scorchers, who along with earning the right to host the grand final, have now also qualified for the lucrative T20 Champions League later this year.

While Hussey hit the winning runs, Marsh was the true hero of the night.

The Big Bash competition has been a saving grace for the talented left-hander, who was banished to grade ranks by Western Australia in October following a horrible run of form.

But after striking 396 runs in this summer's Big Bash, Marsh is back in top form, and ready for a national recall.

Scorchers vice-captain Voges (36no off 21 balls) and Hussey (21no off 12) also played a key role in the win after Marsh fell with 38 more runs still required.

Earlier, White and Hodge took a while to get going, but once they did, it was absolutely ruthless.

At the height of their onslaught, the Stars went from 100 to 150 in just 12 balls.

Veteran Scorchers spinner Brad Hogg copped much of the pain, conceding 44 runs from his three overs.

White should have been run out on 47, but Jason Behrendorff failed to hit the stumps from close range. 

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Tomic trounces Mayer in straight sets

Cruise control ... Tomic completely outclassed Mayer in the straight-sets romp. Source: News Limited

Bernard Tomic has cruised into the second round of the Australian Open with a straight-sets victory over Argentine Leonardo Mayer on Rod Laver Arena.

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Already nursing a burnt hand from a fireworks accident, Mayer copped a few more welts as the Australian moved him around court with deft shot placement and all aspects of his game firing.

Tomic was irresistible in his 6-3 6-2 6-3 victory as he continued his extraordinary Australian summer and further built his imposing record on home soil.

A service break midway through the first set allowed Tomic to blow through it in 26 minutes, before again taking less than half an hour to seal the second set.

Mayer, the world No.72, offered slightly more resistance in the third before the 20-year-old Gold Coast player broke in the seventh game.

Then he closed it out with a minimum of fuss in one hour and 32 minutes.

Tomic will play German qualifier Daniel Brands in the second round on Thursday, with a likely third round match-up against four-time Australian Open winner Roger Federer should he win there.

"Everyone keeps asking me about playing against Roger," Tomic said.

"I've got to win and he's got to win again and if we do, it will be an interesting match. But it's very difficult. Every player here can play."

Tomic is in rare form, already improving his world ranking to 43 with his maiden tour title victory in the Sydney International last week.

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Heat stun Renegades in semi-final

Stunned ... Tom Cooper inspects his bat after being dismissed. Source: Stuart Walmsley / News Limited

Comeback kid Luke Pomersbach's unbeaten 112 helped steer Brisbane Heat to a 15-run upset victory over Melbourne Renegades in Tuesday's KFC T20 Big Bash League semi-final at Etihad Stadium.

T20 - Etihad Stadium

15 January 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

Renegades 1st Innings

A. O'Brien	14	7	1	1	200
M. Muralidara...	0	0	0	0	0
A. McDermott	4	0	31	2	7.75

The Heat compiled a formidable total of 3-183 before paceman Ben Cutting claimed 3-24 as the Renegades scored 9-168 in reply.

The Renegades drew a crowd of over 16,000 but, despite finishing on top of the table with a 7-1 win-loss record, they were unable to overcome the fourth-placed Heat.

Captain Aaron Finch admitted Pomersbach's performance had left his bowlers feeling rattled.

Punishing left-hander Pomersbach, who was handed a lifeline at Brisbane by coach Darren Lehmann after a series of alcohol-related incidents in Western Australia, crunched 15 fours and two sixes in his 70-ball knock.

The Heat will not only advance to Saturday's BBL final against Perth Scorchers or Melbourne Stars but they've also qualified for the lucrative T20 Champions League in India in October.

The Renegades began their run-chase well as Finch and Alex Hales smashed 34 from the first three overs. But Cutting claimed 1-1 from the fourth over to apply the brakes, bowling Hales for 20.

Spinner Nathan Hauritz took his first wicket of the tournament when Alex Doolan fell for 13 at 2-63 and the key breakthrough came two deliveries later when Renegades' leading runscorer Finch (23) holed out to deep cover to part-time spinner Chris Lynn (2-15).

Cutting also bowled Tom Cooper (14) while the home side's other main batting hope Ben Rohrer fell to Lynn's bowling at 5-131 after smashing 42 off 22 balls.

Pomersbach's century was only the second by any player this season in the BBL and he's the leading runscorer with 360 runs.

Sri Lanka's spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan conceded 1-35, his most expensive effort this summer for the Renegades, while medium-pacer Sheridan's 0-41 included a 20-run final over of the innings.

After the loss of Peter Forrest (three) in the third over, Pomersbach added 80 for the second wicket with Joe Burns (33) while Dan Christian (11) and Chris Lynn (20 not out) also played handy supporting roles.

Lynn and Pomersbach shared a 45-run stand for the fourth wicket.

"'Pomers' played out of his skin tonight," Finch told Fox Sports. "We had no real answers for him. One guy can beat you.

"It really rattled the team I suppose when someone's going like that."

Pomersbach praised Lehmann for his mentoring role.

"They've shown a lot of faith in me to get me over. Darren Lehmann's been excellent," Pomersbach said.

"They've taken a bit of a risk but I know where I'm at in my career now and my life and everything's going well."

Cutting, who made his ODI debut last week for Australia, said the Brisbane side had relied on a backs-to-the-wall approach.

"That's the Queensland way. That's when we play our best in any sport," he said.

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Relive all the action with our Match Centre!

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Gajdosova joins Open exodus

Campaign over ... Gajdosova failed to take her opportunities against Wickmayer. Source: AP

Just three Australians remain in the Australian Open after Jarmila Gajdosova joined the ranks of the fallen with a first-round loss to No.20 seed Yanina Wickmayer at Melbourne Park.

Gajdosova was defeated comfortably 6-1 7-5 in one hour and 20 minutes on Rod Laver Arena, failing to take several opportunities in the second set to climb back into the match.

The 26-year-old Australian had a set point in the second set to take the match to a decider, but couldn't convert it.

Wickmayer then broke serve immediately afterwards and closed out the set with little fuss.

Gajdosova had twice broken Wickmayer's serve in the second set, but was unable to take advantage as the Belgian bounced back each time.

Wickmayer, 23, will play Slovakia's Jana Cepelova in the second round.

Gajdosova's exit means that of the 16 Australians in the main draw of men's and women's singles, only three remain.

Samantha Stosur is the sole survivor in the women's draw, while Bernard Tomic and James Duckworth remain in the men's singles.

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Pomersbach on track for Australia?

Sensational ... Pomersbach was unstoppable at Etihad Stadium. Source: Stuart Walmsley / News Limited

Luke Pomersbach played the innings of a lifetime at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night to put Brisbane Heat into the KFC T20 Big Bash League final and himself into contention for a national call-up.

T20 - Etihad Stadium

15 January 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

Renegades 1st Innings

A. O'Brien	14	7	1	1	200
M. Muralidara...	0	0	0	0	0
A. McDermott	4	0	31	2	7.75

Up against the heavily-favoured Melbourne Renegades, Pomersbach smashed an incredible 112 off just 70 balls, including 15 fours and two sixes, to help the Heat post 3-183. The Renegades fell 15 runs short in their run chase.

Pomersbach was handed a lifeline by Brisbane coach Darren Lehmann after a series of off-field indiscretions with Western Australia, and a much-publicised arrest in India while playing in the IPL.

The talented 28-year-old has taken the opportunity with both hands, and is now the leading run-scorer in the competition with 360 runs at an average of 45 and strike-rate of 146.34.

With three Twenty20 games coming up for Australia this summer - two against Sri Lanka and one against West Indies - Pomersbach's name is likely to come up in national selection discussions.

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Should Luke Pomersbach be rewarded with a call-up to Australia's T20 side? Have your say by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.

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Australia's selectors have already shown a desire to reward BBL form, having called-up in-form players Aaron Finch, Ben Cutting and Kane Richardson for the start of the one-day series against Sri Lanka.

Pomersbach has put forward a strong case for his selection, especially with his last two innings' - last weekend he hit 82 off 42 balls in the do-or-die clash with Hobart Hurricanes.

The left-hander famously made his one - and so far, only - international appearance in a T20 game in Perth, when he was plucked from the crowd and thrust into the team at the last minute after Brad Hodge pulled out with injury.

If Pomersbach makes a second appearance for Australia, it's likely to be a much more conventiontional call-up.

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Arnold banned for one match

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Outburst ... Arnold has paid the price for some out-of-character comments. Source:News Limited

Central Coast coach Graham Arnold has been handed a one-match touchline ban for comments directed at match officials in the A-League draw with Melbourne Victory.

The penalty means Arnold will have to watch on from the stands when his side hosts local rivals Newcastle Jets on Saturday night.

Arnold was ordered away from the field midway through Saturday's 1-1 draw in Launceston after saying something which caused offence to the fourth official, linesman and referee Jarred Gillett.

Arnold later apologised for the outburst, admitting he was frustrated at watching his side being totally outplayed by the Victory in the first half.

The ban means Arnold cannot have any contact with his team from two hours before the game until an hour after it finishes.

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Rough day for Aussies at Open

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Long day ... Ebden was one of a number of Aussies to crumble on day one. Source:News Limited

The local support cast found any number of ways to fluff their lines as leading lady Samantha Stosur made a welcome winning start to the Australian Open on Monday.

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The local support cast found any number of ways to fluff their lines as leading lady Samantha Stosur made a welcome winning start to the Australian Open on Monday.

The ninth-seeded Stosur survived an opening-set scare before downing Taiwan's Kai-Chen Chang 7-6 (7-3) 6-3.

It was Stosur's maiden victory of 2013 after first-up losses in Brisbane and Sydney.

But for the lesser lights of the Australian tennis scene, day one was pretty much all doom and gloom - although Matthew Ebden was determined to look on the bright side despite letting slip a two-set lead for the second straight year at Melbourne Park.

The South African-born Ebden looked on course for an upset victory over No.23 seed Mikhail Youzhny when he raced through the second-set tiebreak.

But the Russian veteran refused to yield, fighting off a match point in the 10th game of the fourth set before going on to win 4-6 6-7 (0-7) 6-2 7-6 (7-4) 6-3.

"I've had a lot of improvements out there," said Ebden.

"My return of service, my backhand, all that has improved a lot.

"It obviously got me to match point. Big deal.

"That's how tennis goes some days - he won the point and I didn't.

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"... he hit some great shots and he's a quality player who's been to the semis of slams.

"I gave the best I could and it was a tiny bit short."

Ebden - who has never won a five-set match - also crashed out in the second round of last year's Open to Japan's Kei Nishikori after winning the first two sets.

Teen star Ashleigh Barty said she was "destroyed" and countrywoman Olivia Rogowska felt "heartbroken" after they lost contrasting three-setters.

Barty started brightly against women's No.15 seed Dominika Cibulkova.

But after dropping the first set, the Slovakian lifted to reel off 12 of the next 13 games and win 3-6 6-0 6-1.

"That was nerves," said Barty.

"She was able to pounce on me pretty quickly. That's why she's ranked 15 in the world.

"Once she got the momentum I wasn't able to stop her."

Rogowska got into a winning position before bowing out 5-7 7-5 8-6 to Serbian qualifier Vesna Dolonc.

Rogowska led 3-0 and 4-1 in the deciding set but couldn't close the deal.

Red-hot Agnieszka Radwanska started slowly before over-running West Australian Bojana Bobusic.

The No.4 seed from Poland won the last nine games on the trot in her 7-5 6-0 victory.

Radwanska has been the form player in women's tennis in the opening month of 2013, winning back-to-back tournaments in Auckland and Sydney.

Casey Dellacqua failed to convert two set points in the 12th game and then fell apart in the tiebreaker of a 6-4 7-6 (7-0) loss to American slugger Madison Keys.

Kiwi-turned-Australian Sacha Jones lost 6-3 6-2 to Kristyna Pliskova from the Czech Republic.

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Opening is my preferred spot: Watto

I'm only a lightweight ... Shane Watson says he can't compete in the Weet-Bix stakes. Source: Eranga Jayawardena / AP

Shane Watson has revealed everything from his preferred batting position to how many Weet-Bix he does of a morning in an exclusive live chat with foxsports.com.au users.

Australia vice-captain Shane Watson will appear on Inside Cricket this Monday night.

The dynamic all-rounder joins Brendon Julian, Allan Border, Greg Blewett and Stuart MacGill on the panel, as he opens up about his injury-marred summer.

In an exclusive interview with Fox Sports, Watson will set the record straight about his plans for the future and his role in the national side moving forward.

Watch Inside Cricket – 8:30pm (EDT), January 14 on Fox Sports 2HD.

Watson, the most talked-about cricketer of the season, appeared on Inside Cricket on Monday before joining foxsports.com.au users to answer all your questions.

Re-live the intriguing chat below.

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Tipsarevic ends Hewitt's hot summer

Brave ... Hewitt pushed Tipsarevic but didn't have the firepower to worry the Serb. Source: News Limited

Lleyton Hewitt's heart proved no match for Janko Tipsarevic's heat as the Aussie warrior bowed out of the Australian Open at the first hurdle on Monday night.

Hewitt fell to the white-hot No.8 seed 7-6 (7-4) 7-5 6-3 - Tipsarevic producing some amazing tennis from the middle of the second set to sink the 31-year-old Australian on Rod Laver Arena.

After losing a tight first set in a tiebreak, Hewitt raced to a 3-0 second set lead with two service breaks.
But the Serb cranked up several gears from then on.

With some punishing winners and after solidifying his service game, Tipsarevic won seven of the next nine games - breaking Hewitt's serve to secure the second set.

Tipsarevic then raced to an early 3-0 lead in the third.

Hewitt's trademark fight then came to the fore, breaking back with the slightest of opportunities to put the set on serve.

But Tipsarevic broke back again mid-set and served out the match in just over three hours.

In his record 17th successive Australian Open, Hewitt's defeat means he has only ever once got beyond the fourth round at Melbourne Park - when he made and lost the final in 2005.
 

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Sri Lanka thump injury-hit Aussies

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Night to remember ... Lahiru Thirimanne scores his maiden ODI to guide the tourists to victory. Source:News Limited

Australia suffered more injury worries and a debutant's dream turned into a nightmare in a sobering eight-wicket loss to Sri Lanka in Sunday's one-dayer in Adelaide.

The tourists squared the five-match series at one-all by cruising to 2-172 in reply to Australia's 170 all out.

Young gun Lahiru Thirimanne scored a classy unbeaten 102 as Sri Lanka won with a whopping 59 balls to spare.

A despondent wicketkeeper Brad Haddin limped from Adelaide Oval during Sri Lanka's innings with an apparent hamstring strain.

And paceman Mitchell Johnson joins fellow quick Mitchell Starc (calf) in being uncertain starters for the rest of the series after becoming the latest injured paceman.

Johnson didn't play because a side strain, forcing Australia to blood two fast bowling first-gamers in Ben Cutting and Kane Richardson, who endured a horror debut.

Richardson made a golden duck and then, after six wicketless overs, was banned from bowling again after receiving a third warning for running on the pitch.

Australia will name its squad for the third and fourth games of the series on Monday, with first-choice gloveman Matthew Wade certain to be recalled.

Haddin, who played the opening two games while Wade was rested, top-scored with 50 during Australia's meagre innings but left the field after the 19th over of Sri Lanka's run chase.

Australia coach Mickey Arthur said regular captain Michael  Clarke, Wade and David Warner would now all return from their enforced rests.

Arthur said Johnson and Starc would also be available for selection for Friday's third game in Brisbane, while the extent of Haddin's hamstring strain would be determined on Monday.

The Lankan batsmen were never troubled with Thirimanne, making his maiden one-day international ton, and experienced opener Tillakaratne Dilshan (57) timing the chase like precision clockwork.

The pair were united after just three balls when Clint McKay dismissed Upul Tharanga for a duck, and responded in style with a match-defining 137-run partnership for the second wicket.

First-gamer Cutting (1-42) ended the union by dismissing Dilshan, after the Queenslander earlier made a handy contribution with the bat.

Cutting partnered Haddin in a 57-run stand after the Australians crashed to 6-83, with four of the top six batsmen failing to reach double figures.

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Re-live all the action with our ODI Match Centre.

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Only David Hussey (29) and stand-in skipper George Bailey (26) contributed amid a middle order collapse of 4-32 which cruelled any Australian hopes of posting a competitive total.

Aaron Finch (four) failed again, Phil Hughes made three, Glenn Maxwell eight and Steve Smith, who surprisingly replaced Usman Khawaja, also managed just eight.

Sri Lankan quick Lasith Malinga claimed 3-32 as the Australians were bowled out in the 47th over.

Sri Lanka's man of the match Thirimanne said the tourists were proud of the way they responded from their Melbourne loss, and were ignoring debate about whether they were playing Australia's 'B team'.

"We won't think about it that way, if it's Australia A or Australia B, it doesn't matter, we just want to win the series," he said.

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Bozza's Save of the Week R16

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Winner ... Mat Ryan has won Mark Bosnich's Save of the Week award for round 16. Source: Gary Graham / News Limited

Central Coast Mariners goalkeeper Mat Ryan has won Mark Bosnich's Save of the Week for his tip over the bar while running backwards in the round 16 encounter with Melbourne Victory.

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It was a tight decision, but Ryan edged the award from Nathan Coe after impressing former Manchester United goalkeeper Bosnich with his judgment and timing to deny Victory twice in the space of a few seconds.

"It was a toss up between this one and Nathan Coe," said Bosnich. "I've only gone for this one because it is technically more difficult than what Nathan did. It was a split hair between them."

Ryan initially springs into action with a low block that ricochets out wide, then pedals quickly back to his line to tip over a chip destined to land just under his crossbar. It was a crucial moment as the Mariners managed to salvage a point against Victory despite a shaky start.

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Click on the video at the top of the page to see Ryan's outstanding save and for more of Bosnich's critique of the round's A-League goalkeeping.

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"Of the double save, it's the second save I'm more interested in," Bosnich said. "One of the hardest things a goalkeeper can do is to go backwards and tip it over and he judged that with absolute aplomb."

Bosnich was also impressed with the way Ryan handled the speculation surrounding a potential move to Europe.

"For somebody with that type of spotlight, is he going to go is he going to stay, and to come out with a performance like really does auger well for the future," said Bosnich.

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Irate Arthur blasts rotation critics

Mickey Arthur ... gets on the front foot to deny claims of a pace rotation policy. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Critics who believe Cricket Australia has a fast bowler rotation policy are naive and so far off the mark it's frightening, coach Mickey Arthur says.

Arthur says he's "sick and tired" of misinformation that Australia has a pace bowling rotation policy and angry at suggestions that sports scientists are picking the team.

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"It's either very naive or just a little bit stubborn that people don't understand what we're doing," Arthur said on Sunday night.

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"The example I have used is Black Caviar, when he goes and runs a horse race, if they don't feel he's 100 per cent right, they don't release it.

"We have done that with our bowlers."

Arthur said only three times had fast bowlers been rested from playing - Ryan Harris in the West Indies last year, Peter Siddle against South Africa in Perth, and Mitchell Starc against Sri Lanka in the Boxing Day Test.

"We want to play our guys all the time, with the amount of cricket we play these days it's impossible to keep the guys on the park every single game," he said.

"The constant thought that sports scientists are picking the team is so far way off the mark it's frightening.

"They give us information, the information is then left up to us to make that decision.

"When we get that information we will see if that information holds up and if we think that it's not worth the risk - we have thought in three instances where it hasn't been worth the risk.

"Whenever we make those decisions, we make those decisions with a lot of thought into how we are going to use that quick bowler and when we are going to use that quick bowler.

"I really wanted to put that on record because I'm sick and tired of talking about it.

"And I'm certainly sick and tired of seeing some of the articles that are going around in the media at the moment."

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Witness lied in Cronje case

Inquiry ... witness admits to lying in the Hansie Cronje match-fixing case. Source: Anna Zieminski / AFP

Former South Africa cricketer Henry Williams has admitted to lying at an inquiry which banned disgraced national captain Hansie Cronje from the game in 2000, a newspaper reported on Sunday.

Williams testified that Cronje offered him $15,000 to play badly in a one-day international against India.

But his lawyers forced him to lie with team-mate Herschelle Gibbs to strengthen the case against Cronje, Williams told the Sunday Times.

"It's just the truth. It's long gone and I've made peace with the whole story,'' Williams told the paper.

"I can never forget about it, but I forgive what's been done to me.''

Cronje received a life ban from the United Cricket Board of South Africa in 2000 after admitting he had accepted $100,000 from Indian bookmakers and offered other players money to under-perform.

He died in a plane crash two years later.

Williams and Gibbs were fined and banned for six months.

The duo's then-lawyers Mike Fitzgerald and Peter Whelan called the claim "outrageous'', though they knew about foul play in the testimony.

"Mike Fitzgerald and I knew all along that Herschelle (Gibbs) was lying,'' said Whelan, adding that he'd tried to pressure Gibbs into coming clean.

Gibbs declined to comment.

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