Diberdayakan oleh Blogger.

Popular Posts Today

Nadal focused on grand slam glory

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 05 Januari 2014 | 23.01

Spain's Rafael Nadal serves the ball. Source: MARWAN NAAMANI / AFP

RAFAEL Nadal has dismissed the spectre of rankings pressure as the world No.1 chases grand slam history at next week's Australian Open.

The reigning French Open and US Open champion will attempt to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win each of the four majors at least twice

The Spaniard owns a record eight French crowns, two Wimbledon trophies, two US Open titles and the 2010 Melbourne Park prize and will arrive in Australia tonight to bid for a second.

Buoyed by his 61st career title at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open with a 6-1 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 margin over France's Gael Monfils, Nadal quickly set his sights on Melbourne.

Nadal made his briskest start ever to a new season by prevailing in Doha, notching his 11th title from his past 15 tournaments after resuming in February from knee surgery. It was his first win

since pocketing the US Open at Flushing Meadows in September.

Ominously for Australian Open rivals, Nadal overcame several difficult moments in Doha to prevail despite being buried in a heavy training block.

Spain's Rafael Nadal returns the ball. Source: AFP

Winner of 13 grand slam titles, Nadal insists there is no rankings points pressure.

"People are so focused on defending points and these kind of things, and for me really the pressure of defending points is zero, because the only pressure for me is try to keep playing well," he said.

"I try to keep having chances to win.

"Doesn't matter if you defend or you're not defending, because if you're defending points it is because last year you played well and you are in a higher position of the ranking..

"If you don't have to defend, it is because you are in a lower position on the ranking and because you played bad.

"So doesn't matter at the end. When I start the season I see a season like everybody start from zero, and for me the ranking is just the race.

"We will see how many points I can make it in Australia. But the pressure is to play well there and to try to have chances."

The Mallorcan's success catapulted the southpaw to eighth overall on the all-time ATP Tour title winners list behind Jimmy Connors (109), Ivan Lendl (94), Roger Federer and John McEnroe (77), Bjorn Borg and Pete Sampras (64) and Guillermo Vilas (62).


23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More

Del Potro eyes dangerous Tomic

Bernard Tomic of Australia plays a forehand at a practice session. Source: Brendon Thorne / Getty Images

BERNARD Tomic has been rated one of the most dangerous players of 2014 by top seed Juan Martin del Potro as the Australian chases a first ever defence on an ATP crown at the Apia International Sydney from today.

A bullish Tomic starts his defence of both the Sydney International and his mantle as Australia's top male singles player against Spanish No.8 Marcel Granollers at the Sydney Tennis Centre.

Yesterday, as Tomic prepared for this opening match with two hours of practice on a back court at Sydney Olympic Park, the world No.5 Argentinean identified the 21-year-old as one of the players to watch at the tournament and in the future,

"I think he is still young and he has a big future,'' del Potro said.

"He has already made good tournaments, beaten good players but he is young.

"If he has the time and if he doesn't feel the pressure of the crowd or the tennis people he will be relaxed and fighting for his goal. I think he has everything to go very far.

"He is very smart to play. We respect him a lot on court. It is going to be a really dangerous players for us this season and in the future too.''

Tomic's ranking of 51st was not high enough for him to be an automatic qualifier in Sydney with event organisers awarding him a prized wildcard. Fortunately the Australian, often better known for his off court antics than his on-court results, has been drawn in the opposite half to top men's seed del Potro.

Both the Argentinean and Tomic believe the Australian will be advantaged by playing on home turf.

Bernard Tomic of Australia plays a forehand at a practice session. Source: Getty Images

"He is a really nice player and the fans here like him a lot. Of course it is an advantage when you play at home,'' del Potro said.

"He likes the surface, he will be playing maybe every night which is better for the weather conditions and the people help him a lot to play good tennis here.

"You also have other good players in the tournament fighting for the win so I think it will be an interesting week.''

Tomic believes the home crown support and being acclimatised to the Australian summer are keys to his success at this week's tournament.

Tomic, fresh off two wins from his three matches at the Hopman Cup, is in danger of being overtaken as the top Australian man on the world rankings following recent strong performances from both Lleyton Hewitt (60th) and Marinko Matosevic (61st), who made the quarter-finals in Brisbane.

"It's going to be a tough match early but I have been in Australia for the last few months now and I am sure he has only been here not so many days,'' Tomic said of his first-up opponent Granollers.

"That is an advantage I have.''

Former world No.1 doubles star Rennae Stubbs expects Tomic to revel in the spotlight at the Sydney International this week as he chases back-to-back titles.

Stubbs was one of a panel of experts whose opinion was sought on Tomic's chances at the event with the commentator tipping Tomic to show strong form at the events which finishes Saturday..

"I think Bernard loves the attention down here iin Australia and I think that he loves the pressure and spotlight, and I expect him to play as well as he did last year to defend his title,'' said Stubbs, part of a panel of experts interviews for the apiainternational.com.au website.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how he does in this tournament."


23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More

Why Bailey doesn't deserve the axe

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

GEORGE Bailey flung himself backwards and took a brilliant, one-handed catch over his shoulder to dismiss Kevin Pietersen.

It was a wonderful piece of fielding and came soon after his knock of 46 in Australia's second innings. On the surface it may not be enough for him to keep his place in the Test team, but Bailey's contribution shouldn't be overlooked.

IN PICTURES: SCG TURNS PINK FOR JANE MCGRATH DAY

A settled team is a winning team, and a winning team is a settled one.

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

Not since the 1989 Ashes tour of England has Australia been able to field the same XI in five consecutive Test matches in the same series.

It wasn't quite a whitewash, but Allan Border's inexperienced men won that six-Test series 4-0.

England's batsmen have been as poor as Australia's bowlers have been brilliant this series, and it has allowed Michael Clarke to lead an unchanged team throughout the five-match series.

It's an achievement Clarke described as being "extremely special".

"The same XI is obviously a fantastic achievement and a lot of credit has to go to the support stuff and the medical staff," he said.

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

"A lot of people think it's just the bowlers that need the medical attention to get back on the park, but I can guarantee you every single one of the batters needs a lot of work to be able to play as much cricket as we have and get onto the field.

"It's very special, a lot of hard work has gone in to it."

Every player has contributed on the field, but Bailey's future as a Test player has been called into question simply because he has only managed second-innings runs without much pressure.

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

The writing was on the wall for him when Alex Doolan was asked to remain in Sydney for the Test, but Bailey should still be on the plane to South Africa, and not just to captain the Twenty20 side.

Australia have just won the Ashes 5-0. Not just won, but thumped, dominated and annihilated England. Bailey has been very much a part of the team effort and it would be unwise to mess with a winning team.

Bailey leads with a smile, he even sledges with a smile, and because he's a captain he clearly has a strong presence in the Australian dressing room.

Australia has never fielded the same XI for six consecutive Tests. On the back of such a triumphant Ashes series, they could do worse than leave Bailey right where he is for next month's huge series in South Africa.

Should George Bailey retain his place in the Test team?


23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More

Race run for Gai and Denise

Denise Martin and trainer Gai Waterhouse celebrate at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse in Sydney. Source: News Limited

IT was over a cup of coffee yesterday morning when the one of the most successful trainer-owner partnerships in Australian racing history came to an end.

Denise Martin, owner of Star Thoroughbreds, met with Hall of Fame trainer Gai Waterhouse and told her that all yearlings she buys this year will be sent to the stables of Sydney's premier trainer Chris Waller.

This is an owner's prerogative and hardly a rare occurrence in racing - except when it involves two such famous and successful women.

Then within a couple of hours of the shock Star Thoroughbreds announcement, there was a further twist to the tale when Bruce Slade's Round Table Racing business revealed it is now the main syndicator for the Waterhouse stable.

Social media lit up last night with all sorts of conjecture about the Star Thoroughbreds-Waterhouse split but Martin maintains it is "purely a business decision.''

All this on the eve of the Magic Millions Yearling Sales which start on the Gold Coast this week, and the lucrative Magic Millions raceday on Saturday.

Ironically, Martin and Waterhouse could dominate Saturday's feature meeting as they team up with Echo Gal in the $2 million Magic Millions Classic, Tamariz (Stayers), King Cobia (Cup) and Whittington (Sprint).

Martin and Waterhouse established their business partnership in 1994 and have seemingly been joined at the hip ever since.

Martin set up her Star Thoroughbreds office block next door to famous Tulloch Lodge near Randwick racecourse and the two women became an irresistible winning combination.

Their enduring partnership has enjoyed extraordinary success with Group 1 winners like Golden Slipper hero Sebring, former champion Theseo, Danglissa and Magic Millions winner Driefontein.

Racehorse stud farm owner Denise Martin (l) holding horse Danglissa with trainer Gai Waterhouse (r) at Randwick in 1999. Source: News Limited

But after confirming Waller will now train for Star Thoroughbreds, Martin also revealed she has already moved her offices to an inner-city location.

Waterhouse only just returned from an overseas holiday on Saturday night to prepare for this week's Magic Millions when Martin arranged to meet with the trainer yesterday morning.

"I met with Gai and Rob for coffee and they were charming,'' Martin said.

"This is purely a business decision and Chris Waller will train the yearlings we purchase this year. Gai and I still have an excellent personal relationship - she is a special person.''

Martin said all the Star Thoroughbreds-owned gallopers currently at Tulloch Lodge remain with Waterhouse.

"Gai is one of the world's greatest ever racehorse trainers and her record breaking achievements are legendary,'' Martin said.

"She is greatly admired for her impact on Australian racing and her success at the highest level of racing is remarkable.

"I have an excellent personal relationship with Gai and her team and I look forward to continued success with the large number of horses Gai currently trains for our Star owners.

"My decision is purely business based and I'm looking forward to the next challenge in the life of Star Thoroughbreds.''

2008, Golden Slipper, Rosehill Gardens - Gai Waterhouse with Sebring Source: News Limited

It was Waterhouse that lured Martin from a successful career in the hospitality industry 20 years ago to establish the Star Thoroughbreds syndication business.

Waterhouse had been Martin exclusive trainer for two decades and prepared many outstanding gallopers carrying Star Thoroughbreds famous racing colours of purple and white stars including most notably Sebring, the champion juvenile and winner of the 2008 Golden Slipper who was later syndicated to stud for $28 million, and "warhorse" Theseo, winner of five Group 1 races and more than $3.2 million prizemoney.

Waterhouse did not return calls to The Daily Telegraph yesterday but a statement released by Slade confirmed he will be syndicating horses for the trainer.

"I so admire Gai,'' Slade said. "Gai is the best horse trainer. She has carried racing forward through her skill and enthusiasm.

"Syndication is a great way for people to become involved with precocious two-year-olds who are ready to race quickly and there is nobody better than Gai when it comes to producing horses to run fast and early.

"Racing is about fun and excitement, involvement and success. Nobody does that better than Gai Waterhouse, especially success.''


23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mundine's next 'no name' opponent

Anthony Mundine talks to media at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Pic Peter Wallis Source: Peter Wallis / News Limited

SO HAVE you heard the latest on Anthony Mundine's next opponent?

You know, the guy Choc promised us all would be top 15. Maybe top 10. A fighter with the type of reputation who, The Man has shouted in one proclamation after another, would inch him closer to that megafight with Floyd 'Money' Mayweather.

A genuine contender by the name of ... err, Carson Jones.

Unranked by the four major divisions - which, even with our Maths in Society background, would seem to be outside the best 15 on the planet - Jones is the American boxer handpicked by Team Mundine to fight in Brisbane on a date later this month we refuse to mention here.

And it's because, put bluntly, this fight is less appealing than Aussie Joe Bugner in bike pants.

Call it a truth confirmed by no less than Mundine who, while no shrinking violet, is yet to hold a press conference announcing his rival.

Kell Brook in action with Carson Jones. Source: Getty Images

Same deal Main Event, the Pay-Per-View broadcaster already seeking your $50 in TV commercials that mention where and when the fight is on - but not against who.

"I never put too much thought into it," Mundine told World Boxing News. "I just line em' up and knock them down."

As the punter whose cash they crave, you have the right to ask 'why?'

Could you imagine, for example, Choc not holding a media extravaganza all lights, camera action had he secured one those superstars he covets - and indeed Australian boxing needs - like Saul Alvarez or Miguel Cotto?

And, yes, Team Mundine disciples, we understand the concept of 'stay busy' bouts. Aware too that Jones is a fair fighter who, despite having won just once in his past four outings, was twice defeated by rising British prospect Kell Brook.

But after beating an uninspired Shane Mosley, who has since retired aged 42 and with one win from his final six outings, Mundine promised to go all out. Would have Mayweather within the year, he said.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. in action. Source: Getty Images

But Jones? Two years ago he was held to a draw by Dean Byrne, the former Australian light-welterweight champ and, in his past four outings, has only tasted victory against a rival boasting 12 wins in 30 fights.

Hardly the type of rival who pushes you toward the highest-paid athlete on planet earth.

Indeed, in his last fight, Mayweather made in excess of $80 million. Mundine, meanwhile, lost upwards of $500,000.

So you tell me if Carson Jones closes that gap.


23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More

Serena has edge on scream queens

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

THREE of the top four women's seeds at the Australian Open have a very clear idea what to expect in the first Grand Slam of 2014.

Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova made the most of their chance to test themselves against each other at the Brisbane International over the past week.

Williams won a contest between the world's top two players when she overcame Azarenka in two sets to win the final.

That was after she had beaten world No.4 Sharapova in a semi-final played with all the intensity of a major.

"I feel like I'm being pushed into the deep end straight away. I also think it's a good thing," Williams said.

"In Melbourne if I have to face Maria again I'll know a little bit more what to expect. I really didn't know what to expect. Same thing with Victoria."

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

Williams proved she was the woman to beat at Melbourne Park, where Azarenka will attempt to win her third straight Australian Open crown.

The world No.2 from Belarus struggled in her quarter and semi-finals in Brisbane but raised her level against Williams in the decider and said it was never too early in the year to test herself against the best.

"Playing (the) first week at this level, it's not bad," she said.

"This is the first week where you really test yourself where your game is at, and from here you can take the positives and the things that you have to work on and really go after that.

"I think every match was (an) improvement. Definitely I had very different opponents, and the matter of adaptation to those opponents was the key this week."

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

For Sharapova, the key was testing herself, full stop.

Having not played since August because of a shoulder injury, the Russian was keen to see how she would perform and the quality of the test was a welcome bonus.

"That's why we're all here. I think we want that type of competition in the first week," Sharapova said.

"For me, it was not just that type of competition, but matches, whatever I can get ... it's great to be able to play these players the first week of the year.''

World No.3 and dual Australian Open finalist Li Na defeated 42nd-ranked compatriot Peng Shuai to defend her Shenzhen Open title in an all-Chinese final on Saturday.


23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More

Federer identifies areas to improve

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

ROGER Federer says he emerged from his unnerving Brisbane International final loss with a clear idea of what he needs to improve to challenge for Grand Slam honours this year.

Federer said he considers his Brisbane campaign to be a "great start to the season'' even though Lleyton Hewitt, who he famously beat 15 times in a row between 2004-10, had been steadier and also more assertive in holding onto the 3-1 advantage he grabbed in the third set.

The Australian Open might be a few months too early as a realistic title chance for Federer, who crumpled to a 45-17 record for 2013 when a back injury prevented him from training properly from mid-year.

His coaching consultant Stefan Edberg starts working with the former world No.1 at the Australian Open and Federer's use of a new, bigger racquet frane in Australia is, judging by his rate of groundstroke errors against Hewitt, is a work in progress.

"It was a match which got away from me and I hope I do a better job next time,'' Federer said after a 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 loss.

"He (Edberg) watched the match against (Jeremy) Chardy in the semi-final, so I'll give him a call before he gets to Melbourne.

"I'm pretty pleased my body is holding up from the first week and I have a clear idea what I need to work on and I have a clear idea where my mind and body is that.

"I'm very hungry and eager to attack the Australian Open.''

Federer stayed in the match through the second set with his serve, even though after 32 straight "holds'' at Pat Rafter Arena a red-hot Hewitt broke his service games three times in the first set.

Federer's 20 aces in his semi-final win was more than any match he played in 2013 and he found 13 more in the final, so any effect of the new racquet on his serve is evidently good.

"I would have loved to win the title, but I missed too many first serves in the third set,'' the world No.6 said.

Lleyton Hewitt of Australia holds the winners trophy while Roger Federer of Swizerland holds the runner up after winning the mens final match. Source: Getty Images

"Lleyton was better than me today.''

Federer said he hoped to be able to play Brisbane a second time (see report, P3) next summer.

Brisbane tournament director Cameron Pearson will seek feedback from Federer's manager Tony Godsick, who negotiates an appearance fee and other terms with tournaments, but knows the Federer family have been well charmed by Australia's native animals.

Federer's wife Mirka has been shopping in Brisbane and she and their four-year-old twin daughters have been to theme parks at the Gold Coast, as well as Australia Zoo and Lone Pine Sanctuary.

"I speak to Tony a lot. If Roger comes back, it's up to him and his team,'' Pearson said.

"I was focussed on making sure he and his family enjoyed Brisbane and the tournament while Roger was plying his trade,''

The week at the Queensland Tennis Centre drew tournament record attendance of 105,730, 13,000 more than the 2012 record.

"I will move on with great memories of a wonderful place. I couldn't have been happier here this week,'' Federer said.

Brisbane joins esteemed company in tournaments other than the Grand Slams to draw 100,000 or more. These are topped by major cities Rome, Madrid, Toronto and Beijing, as well as established US events at Indian Wells, Miami and Cincinnati.

"This crowd shows what the tournament is capable of really,'' Pearson said.


23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More

This time it feels right to gloat

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

I KNOW the rules. No cheering in the press box. As if that would have been heard above the rapturous ovation in which the Australians bathed when the historic 100th wicket fell.

But a few quiet words in appreciation of this wonderfully surprising Australian team before they reach for the Panadol and catch theirs flight back to families and states and franchises.

For beating England? Well, between us, there is that.

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

Having left The Oval with the strains of "Stand Up If You're Three Nil Up" ringing in the ears, it is impossible for anyone who has spread Vegemite not to revel in this unimagined feat.

Once the English might have cocked a monocled eye at Australia's jubilation and sneered: "You Australians take sport too seriously because you don't have anything else."

Now, after Great Britain's indulgent celebration of magnificent achievements on pitches, courts, in Olympic stadiums and across French Alps, the Old Enemy can no longer pretend they take sport less seriously. Which in turn makes this victory sweeter.

IN PICTURES: SCG TURNS PINK FOR JANE MCGRATH DAY

That said, our appreciation of this Australian team is not motivated by spite. Well, not completely.

As much as we traded on England's image as a team replete with dark-hearted villains, their only offence was to successfully replicate the methods and mannerisms of the Australians who once tormented them.

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

Stuart Broad a cheat? Laughable given most Australian batsmen would sooner walk bare foot across the Simpson Desert than away from the crease before an umpire's finger was raised.

Oh, alright. It has been just a bit satisfying to see the sneers and snarls wiped from the faces of Australia's recent conquerors.

How humbling for Broad that he left the field to pitying applause after a few late innings swipes, not the reflexive boos that acknowledged the threat he posed in Brisbane.

But mostly we applaud this Australian team because, amid the bombardment of marketing concepts and carnival cricket designed to make the game "popular", it has done so the old-fashioned way.

Australia has shone in both the bold and entertaining way it is has played and, as often, through the characters who have played it. Accomplished performers at the peak of their powers; rehabilitated stars seizing a second chance or relishing newfound fitness; veterans who can scarcely believe their luck. And, in Steve Smith, an endearingly fidgety young man finding his feet.

Veteran Chris Rogers celebrating a century at one of his many home grounds was just the latest heartwarming moment from a team that has provided more feel-good stories than Disney, complete with routine happy ending.

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

Strolling from the nets to the sheds before play, Rogers would have been mistaken for a suburban accountant if not for his team uniform. There is a touch of normality, even humanity, about this Australian team.

Mitchell Johnson's snarling menace is despite a fragile nature, not because of a malevolent heart. Who would have thought he would be man of the series, and get to describe the taunts of the Barmeys as "water off a duck's back".

Ryan Harris thrives despite his boilermaker's body. Peter Siddle has, quite literally, gone bananas and contradicts the carnivorous fast-bowling stereotype.

Nathan Lyon seems every bit the diffident shy country lad. But by first enduring the considerable doubts of an impatient nation and steadily imposing himself throughout the series, Lyon has shown tremendous heart.

David Warner? Bad Boy or just a loved-up scallywag? Keep an eye on your Twitter feed.

What was more surprising about Brad Haddin? His immense batting average or that endearing photograph with daughter Mia that, against all previous scientific evidence, proved wicketkeepers have hearts.

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

Statistically George Bailey might prove the theory great teams are measured by their weakest link. But as we have ventured before, the Tasmanian's contribution to the team's chemistry seems greater than his modest average.

Which leaves the odd couple Michael Clarke and Shane Watson. Is there a mutual respect? Mere tolerance? Whatever it is, as Clarke and Watson have lived together, Australians have appreciated them both more.

The sledging and intimidatory bowling that made some squeamish? If there was an English player reluctant to share a beer with the Australians he had forgotten the ribald sound track that accompanied his own team's success.

Is this a great Australian team? The South African tour will provide a tough, perhaps sobering test. For now, it is a team that has performed great deeds with tremendous spirit and that is more than enough.


23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More
techieblogger.com Techie Blogger Techie Blogger