Sports News And Updates: July 2011

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Simon Dyson Wins Irish Open in Style As Yani Tseng Dominates at Carnoustie

Filed under: Golf

Simon Dyson overcame Richard Green on the 72nd hole to win the Irish Open at Killarney and secure his fifth European Tour victory.

The Englishman, 33, who shot two rounds of 67 over the weekend and finished 15 under par for the week, came into the tournament on the back of a ninth place at the Open, his fifth top 10 finish of the season.

As the final round developed, and David Howell fell away, it became clear that it would be a straight battle between Dyson and Green.

Green led the way but his birdie on 16, after failing to make an eagle putt, was the only shot he picked up on the back nine, while Dyson surged with birdies on 16 and 17.

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Level on the 72nd hole, Dyson almost birdied the last but a par was enough to pile the pressure on Green, whose birdie putt flew past the hole and he could not make the return putt to force a play-off.

Dyson admits that his performance at The Open gave him plenty of belief and is now set to fly to the Bridgestone Invitational after his win in Ireland earned him a place.

He told Sky Sports: "It just feels amazing. Ireland has always been one of my favourite places to come to but I've never really done any good in the tournaments so I've finally put that right.

"The golf I've played this week has probably been the best I've ever played. I've been working on some good things and I just brought it into here.

"I'd played three and three quarter near-perfect rounds and I knew I would give myself birdie chances.

"It's probably the best I've ever swung it. It's a shame you can't bottle how you feel sometimes because that is definitely one to keep.

"Finishing ninth in the British Open was the main aim because I played some really good golf and I knew that I could cut it with the guys in the majors as well as the big events.

"My main aim is to break back into the top 50 and carry it on from there."

Dyson and Green shared the lead with Howell, whose two over par pulled him out of contention, going into the final round, going into the final day.

Scot Stephen Gallacher holed a magnificent birdie putt on the last to take third place on his own and Austrian Bernd Wiesberger came fourth after fine closing round of 66.

Italian Lorenzo Gagli finished with a share of eighth place after a fine finishing round of 65.

Reigning champion Ross Fisher finished with a share of 17th after a final round of two over par, Graeme McDowell finished four under for the week with a share of 25th place, with Rory McIlroy a shot further back.

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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/07/31/simon-dyson-wins-irish-open-in-style-as-yani-tseng-dominates-at/

Sergio Ramos

Why Dimitar Berbatov May Consider the Exit After Contract Snub

Filed under: Manchester United, Football

Could it be goodbye from Dimitar Berbatov?

Dimitar Berbatov may review his future plans at Manchester United after being informed that he is effectively on trial at Old Trafford this season.

While Javier Hernandez and Antonio Valencia are in line for new contracts, Berbatov has been told that talks will not place over a contract until next year.

This leaves Berbatov as the only United player in the final year of his contract and although chief executive David Gill insists there is nothing sinister in the delay the writing is clearly on the wall.

Due to his gargantuan wages it will be incredibly difficult to shift the Bulgaria international this summer but United could not have made it more clear how far his star has fallen over the last 12 months and, ironically, due to the stunning emergence of Hernandez.

Despite his agent claiming that everything in the garden is rosey for his client, this latest shattering snub might force Berbatov into reconsidering his options.

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Gill said: "There is an option to extend Dimitar's contract by another year, on the club's side - but there's no point yet.

"We have until the end of the season, so we can assess how it goes, talk to him, see how he performs and see what happens.

"We can do it whenever we want to do it and there are no conditions around it. Everyone has been talking about Berbatov from the outside, saying he wants to leave or that we want want him to leave, but we don't want him to go.

"I've not had one conversation with Dimitar [about his future]. There has been no correspondence in that respect. The decision Alex took [leaving Berbatov out of the Champions League final] was a decision he took for that particular game.

"It wasn't a decision taken with a view that we want Dimitar to go, because we don't."

Even though he finished the campaign as their leading scorer, Berbatov was still a constant source of frustration for Sir Alex Ferguson.

And now United are basically telling Berbatov to pull his finger out and produce a massive improvement from his disinterested performances of last term.

It must be rather humiliating for the 30-year-old, who has seen new contracts showering around Old Trafford like confetti since last season ended.

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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/07/30/why-dimitar-berbatov-may-consider-the-exit-after-contract-snub/

Jamie Carragher Jason Day Javier Mascherano Javier Zanetti Jeff Overton

Letting Adam Johnson Join Everton Would Make No Sense for Manchester City

Filed under: Everton, Manchester City, Football, Transfer News

The prospect of Everton making a loan move for Adam Johnson makes a lot of sense for the Merseyside club but allowing the England winger to leave would be one of Roberto Mancini's more bizarre decisions.

The Goodison Park club have yet to make any moves in the transfer market this summer but David Moyes is reportedly preparing a loan move for Johnson.

Undoubtedly, Moyes would be able to offer Johnson the regular starts that he is far from guaranteed at the Etihad Stadium.

And, in turn, that would certainly not hinder the former Middlesbrough man's international ambitions but it is often tempting to wrongly portray Johnson as some kind of Shaun Wright-Phillips figure at City.

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In reality, Johnson started 15 Premier League games last season, coming off the bench in 16, which is only one appearance short of James Milner and 14 more than Mario Balotelli.

Johnson, 24, has certainly had his problems with Mancini, with his manager warning the player about his attitude at the start of last season.

The timing of his rebuke, after Johnson returned from a successful stint with England, appeared to stop the youngster in his tracks, with Mancini saying: "Adam is a young player, he can still improve a lot and I would like him to understand that sometimes it's important for a player to play for the team.

"He's a very important player for us but at the same time he can improve. Adam can have a top career but he has to understand he must work and he must think about football every day, and not other things.

"It's not just Adam; all young players, sometimes when they reach the top, they do not stay there.

"For a player like Adam, who has a good attitude and good quality, to arrive at the top but once he arrives at the top he must stay there because it is easy to drop behind again."

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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/07/30/letting-adam-johnson-join-everton-would-make-no-sense-for-manche/

Gael Monfils Gary Neville Gennaro Gattuso Geoff Ogilvy Gianluca Zambrotta

Liverpool's Problems Mount With Steven Gerrard Ruled Out Until September

Filed under: Liverpool, Premier League, Football

Steven Gerrard's year of frustration has continued with Liverpool confirming that he will be ruled out until the end of September with a groin infection.

The Reds captain, 31, has been blighted with problems since the turn of the year and had an operation on the injury in March that ruled him out for the rest of the campaign.

The idea had been that he would be fit enough to return after the summer break.

But he had not taken any part in Kenny Dalglish's pre-season plans and now Gerrard has been told he is facing around another two months on the sidelines.

"Steven Gerrard today began a course of antibiotic treatment for an infection related to an ongoing groin problem," a Liverpool statement said.

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"He is expected to remain in hospital for several days while the precautionary procedure is completed.

"The player will then return to Melwood to continue his rehabilitation programme and is expected to be available for selection in September."

Gerrard has struggled with groin problems throughout his career but last season was the first time in some years that he was forced out for a long period.

He was restricted to just 21 Premier League appearances last season, the first time he has played so infrequently since his breakthrough season in 1998-99.

As long as he is back firing in September, few Liverpool fans will be too concerned about his long-term prospects.

But the worry is that he will be playing catch-up with his fitness for the whole season, a situation that could lead to more niggly injury problems throughout the campaign.

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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/07/30/liverpools-problems-mount-with-steven-gerrard-ruled-out-until-s/

Matt Kuchar Maxi Rodríguez Michael Ballack Michael Essien Michael Owen

Second Test Day Two: Stuart Broad Hat-trick Halts India's Progress

Filed under: Cricket, England Cricket, Tests, India Cricket

Stuart Broad, Praveen Kumar, hat-trick, second test, trent brige, nottingham, england, india, july 30, 2011

Second Test Day Two (close): First Innings: England 221 all out (Stuart Broad 64, Praveen Kumar 3-45, Ishant Kumar 3-66, Sreesanth 3-77) India 288 all out. (Rahul Dravid 117, Yuvraj Singh 62, VVS Laxman 54, Broad 6-46) Second Innings: England 24-1. India lead by 43 runs.

Stuart Broad's brilliant hat-trick helped England wrest the advantage back from India on an absorbing second day at Trent Bridge.

Rahul Dravid's fine century looked set to steal the headlines until Broad struck three times in three balls in the last session to leave the second Test hanging in the balance.

The tourists started the day at 24-1 after they had managed to bowl England out on day one for 221 and deny Andrew Strauss's men the chance to build on their first test success.

England were outstanding for five consecutive days at Lord's last week and deservedly went 1-0 up in this four-Test series but MS Dhoni's side are number one in the world for a reason and they seemed to be proving that as England toiled.

Dravid and VVS Laxman helped the score along to 93 early on before Laxman nibbled at a Tim Bresnan ball and was caught behind.

England v India Scorecard

Laxman was furious with himself because he had looked in fine form and a century looked to be there for the taking after hitting 10 boundaries in his score of 54.

At the other end, batting genius Sachin Tendulkar again failed to shine as he only made 16 before being caught by Strauss at slip while Suresh Raina also looked poor against the short ball and he gave Eoin Morgan a simple catch to leave India reeling at 139-4.

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New batsman Yuvraj Singh then immediately gave Kevin Pietersen a simple chance off Broad's bowling when he had scored just four but Pietersen dropped him and Singh and Dravid cashed in.

During a baking hot afternoon session, they got stuck into spinner Graeme Swann and Singh soon had a half-century to his name as he put a ton partnership on with Dravid.

England were not helped either by an injury to Jonathan Trott who went down badly after trying to field the ball.

He looked in agony as he staggered off with England concerned that he has either dislocated his shoulder or damaged his collarbone.

Dravid continued to cruise to his century which he brought up with a four of Swann before England called for the new ball to try and make the breakthrough.

And what a breakthrough Broad managed.

He first had Singh caught behind for 62 but his partnership with Dravid had been worth 128 in just 35 overs and that had stung England badly.

But that was soon all forgotten when Broad struck three times in three balls to send Trent Bridge crazy.

Dhoni, Harbhajan Singh and Praveen Kumar were Broad's victims as India finally limped to 288 all out.

Alastair Cook fell before the end as India had something to cheer late but the day emphatically belonged to Broad.

REACTION:
Broad was thrilled with his hat-trick and England's bowling performance:
"Its nice to get a hat-trick anywhere but to get one at Trent Bridge was even better. We have managed to drag ourselves back into it. We didn't play particularly well up to tea but we have now gotten a game for ourselves. The atmosphere was amazing and I love bowling at Trent Bridge. I just tried to relax and it worked nicely."

On his thoughts as he ran in for the hat-trick ball:
"The ball was swinging a bit so I just wanted to relax and come wide off the crease so I could bowl the ball at middle stump. Fortunately it nipped back and caught the top of off stump."

On the morning session:
"I think getting Laxman in that session was important. I thought India played pretty well and were staring down a pretty long way but we knew there would be a time in the game where we could get some wickets pretty quickly. We are happy with the end result and tomorrow is a huge day for us."

On his career best figures:
"You've go to savour ther good times because you always take stick when you don't do well. The last two games have gone well for me so far. There is a lot of work to do though in the next three days. We are here to win Test matches and that is what we have to try and do tomorrow."

On Dravid's century:
"He played really well. He has got the nickname "The Wall" for a reason. He left the ball well and had his share of luck but he showed us how to bat and score Test hundreds on this wicket."

On England's plans:
"I expect the heavy roller to take something out of the pitch. If we can get through that first session that will be a big bonus."

Dravid was pleased to get his 34th Test hundred but knows India have a long way to go to get a result from this game:
"It was hard work but it got easier as the day went on. They bowled in good areas and tested us and I was a bit lucky as well. I wore a few balls but there is nothing that an ice bath will not sort out. I didn't really plan too much."

MEMORABLE MOMENT: When Broad sent Kumar's middle stump cartwheeling backwards to grab his hat-trick it sent Trent Bridge into raptures and he was deservedly mobbed by his teammates.

PLAY OF THE DAY: What else but Broad's brilliant over containing his hat-trick?

WHAT IT MEANS: This Test match is still either side's for the taking. It is unlikely to go the full five days because the pitch is already breaking up so whoever prospers the most on day three is likely to come out on top.

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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/07/30/second-test-day-two-stuart-broad-hat-trick-halts-indias-progre/

Andres Iniesta

Sergio Aguero Signing Has Reversed Premier League Talent Drain ... For Now

Filed under: Manchester City, Premier League, Football

Sergio Aguero joins Manchester City from Atletico Madrid for a club record £40 million. It looks once more as if the English can at least outbid Spanish clubs, even if they can't outpass them.

What a timely lift just when it was beginning to look as if there might be a talent drain away from the Premier League, begun by Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid two summers ago.

We shouldn't get too carried away, however. You sense that Aguero's destination is England simply because Real and Barcelona didn't want him or couldn't fit the striker in their squads. Besides, Cesc Fabregas looks destined for Barca any day now.

Beyond those two, cash-strapped Spanish clubs will take what they can get for their players these days, even if Atletico wanted more but had to settle for £40 million due to Aguero having the sum written into his new contract last season (supposed to be taking him to 2014 with them, by the way) - down from the £53 million that would previously have triggered a move. Ah, the delights of transfer dealing.

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Meanwhile, as a result of the signing, it looked increasingly likely that Carlos Tevez - also not to Real or Barca's taste - would leave City for Internazionale of Milan. And while Manchester United might soon recruit a world star in Inter's Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder, that could have a lot to do with the Italian club raising the money to pay for Tevez.

While the Premier League, as it enters its 20th season, has clearly become the competition that most overseas television viewers want to see for its pace and passion, most players would still largely prefer the lifestyle in Spain or Italy if they can get it.

London will always attract some wanting a year or two's culturally interesting experience, but otherwise the majority are over here for the bigger money on offer. In Aguero's case, that is around £200,000 a week.

Worth it? The pedigree says yes. He has scored more than 20 goals a season for the last four years, blossoming after Fernando Torres left Atletico for Liverpool. At 23, he is a good age, and now a fixture in the Argentine national team.

It could take some time to bed in at City, however, with Robert Mancini's transfer policy and tactical plan still unclear. Even when - rather than if - Tevez goes, City still have Edin Dzeko, Mario Balotelli, Craig Bellamy, Emmanuel Adebayor and Jo on the books as strikers. For a while, anyway, until they are forced to knock them out cheaply to get them off the wage bill.

This for a team that was often playing with a lone striker last season, Yaya Toure running late from deep as support, a tactic that won City the FA Cup against Stoke at Wembley.

Does it mean that Mancini has accepted the need for a more offensive line-up more regularly if City are to overhaul their more attacking rivals Manchester United and replace them as champions?

After all, in modern English football, the dynamic has changed; defences can lose you titles, as Arsenal have demonstrated, but attacks win them.

We shall see, and although Mancini had the last word over his critics last season as City finished third, he remains Italian in both nationality and outlook; a belt-and-braces defensive kind of manager, who likes to play two holding midfield players not one, even if he was a talented opener-up of defences himself. Scorpions don't stop stinging just because you ask them to.

It is, then, for Aguero a cautious welcome. Nice to see you, to see you nice - and we hope you show more class on the field than you did over your Atletico contract. Let's hope, too, the boss sets up a team to allow you to produce your best and us to enjoy a really top overseas talent again.

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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/07/30/sergio-aguero-manchester-city/

Juninho Pernambucano Jurgen Melzer Justin Rose Kaka Kim Kallström

Strikeforce Live Blog: Fedor Emelianenko vs. Dan Henderson Updates

Filed under: Strikeforce

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- This is the Strikeforce live blog for Fedor Emelianenko vs. Dan Henderson, the main event of tonight's Strikeforce on Showtime card from the Sears Centre just outside of Chicago.

Once the most dominant heavyweight in the world, Fedor is currently on a two-fight losing streak with a submission loss to Fabricio Werdum and a TKO loss to Antonio Silva in Strikeforce events. Henderson, who holds the Strikeforce light heavyweight title, agreed to give up size advantage to make this legendary matchup happen.

The live blog is below.

More Coverage: Fedor vs. Henderson Results | Latest Strikeforce News

Henderson is first to walk out and the fans in the packed house are all up on their feet to welcome him. Henderson has his own custom entrance song. Fedor walks out in his usual low key fashion to a big time reaction.

Round 1: The two legends immediately get into a wild exchange that ends with Henderson pressing Fedor against the fence. Fedor already has marks over the right side of his face. Fedor instinctually reaches for the fence and referee Herb Dean warns him. Henderson is crowding Fedor, wearing him down with short knees to the leg and short punches. Fedor backs Henderson with a right hand. Fedor misses on an overhand right but lands two lefts. Fedor storms in with more punches, dropping Henderson. Without hesitation, Fedor follows him down with ground and pound. Somehow Henderson manages to grab Fedor's right leg to slip around and climb on Fedor's back. Henderson pounds away with right hands to collapse Fedor. Fedor turns to his back and Dean jumps in for the stoppage! What a change of events.

Henderson wins via TKO - Round 1, 4:12

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Source: http://mmafighting.com/2011/07/31/strikeforce-live-blog-fedor-emelianenko-vs-dan-henderson-updat/

Fabio Cannavaro Fabio Quagliarella Feliciano Lopez Fernando Torres Fernando Verdasco

Letting Adam Johnson Join Everton Would Make No Sense for Manchester City

Filed under: Everton, Manchester City, Football, Transfer News

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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/07/30/letting-adam-johnson-join-everton-would-make-no-sense-for-manche/

Bill Haas Bo Van Pelt Bubba Watson Camilo Villegas Carlos Puyol

Fedor Emelianenko Says Fight Was Stopped Early, Non-Committal on Future

Filed under: Strikeforce, MMA Fighting Exclusive, Videos

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- MMA Fighting caught up with Fedor Emelianenko following his first-round TKO loss to Dan Henderson on Saturday night. Emelianenko described the emotions he was feeling after his third-straight loss, why he thought the fight was stopped early, whether he wants to fight again and much more.

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Source: http://mmafighting.com/2011/07/31/fedor-emelianenko-says-fight-was-stopped-early-non-committal-on/

Michael Owen Mikhail Youzhny Miroslav Klose Nemanja Vidic Nery Castillo

Second Test Day One: Stuart Broad Excels With the Bat to Give England Hope

Filed under: Cricket, England Cricket, Tests, India Cricket

Second Test Day One (close): England 221 all out (Stuart Broad 64, Praveen Kumar 3-45, Ishant Kumar 3-66, Sreesanth 3-77) India 24-1 . England lead by 197 runs.

England's man of the moment Stuart Broad smashed a top scoring 64 as England were dismissed for just 221 at Trent Bridge.

Coming in unusually low at number nine, the man who had taken seven wickets and smashed an unbeaten 74 in the First Test enjoyed a swashbuckling 73-run stand with Graeme Swann that pepped up a sagging total.

And with Jimmy Anderson taking a wicket with the very first ball of the India innings, England were able to show they were also prepared to make full use of conditions that have so far favoured the bowlers.

England were put into bat and started poorly. Alastair Cook made just two, the victim of a duff leg before call by umpire Marais Erasmus as Hawkeye showed that Ishant Sharma's delivery would have bounced over the stumps.

India, you may recall, had vetoed the review system for lbws this series but Cook couldn't have had many complaints as he had been given not out by Asad Rauf the previous over when an on-target Praveen Kumar delivery thumped into his pads.

Either way England were 7-1, Cook had recorded another low score and the hosts were in further trouble at 23-2 when Jonathan Trott edged a swinging delivery in Sreesanth's first over to VVS Laxman at second slip.

It took Kevin Pietersen to liven up the innings with successive boundaries off short-pitched Sreesanth deliveries.

Kumar then lost his cool when Pietersen survived a strong leg before appeal, which was subsequently supported by the redundant technology, and had to be pulled away from umpire Erasmus by Harbhajan Singh. Kumar soon had his revenge, of sorts, however with a short one that hit Pietersen and left him wincing.

England v India scorecard

Pietersen lasted just five balls after lunch before ticking a Sreesanth delivery to third slip to leave England on 73-3 and that soon became 85-4 when Andrew Strauss also chased a wide delivery and was caught in the slips off Kumar for 32.

Worse was to follow when Eoin Morgan lasted just three balls, trapped leg before for a duck by Kumar and 88-5 became 88-6 when Matt Prior, the century-maker of the previous innings, departed for a single, the victim of another away swinger from Sreesanth.

The onus was on Ian Bell to hold the innings together and he was dropped on 22 by Rahul Dravid which, had it been pouched, would have left England on 98-7.

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But Dravid made amends by catching Tim Bresnan - recalled for the injured Chris Tremlett - for 11 off Sharma to leave England on 117-7 and when Bell threw his wicket away at 124-8 England were looking at a very poor total indeed, having shed six post-lunch wickets for the addition of just 55 runs.

Not for the first time, Broad came to his country's aid and launched into a counter attack that resulted in three boundaries in as many balls.

Swann weighed in with some enterprising shots as well as their fifty partnership was clocked up in just 42 balls but it ended on 197-9 when a Kumar snorter surprised him. He could only glove it to the slips and needed an X-ray afterwards too.

Broad was left to take the total over the 200 mark and England's Twenty20 captain reached his half century with a hefty clump back over Kumar's head.

In the end he perished on the boundary for 64 as England had to settle for 221 all out.

Now it was Anderson's turn to shine and the Burnley Express despatched Abhinav Mukund with the first ball of the India innings, with Pietersen taking the catch at gulley.

Dravid and Laxman survived until stumps but were never comfortable, especially when the former gloved Broad and saw it fall just short of the diving Prior.

REACTION:

Broad admitted to Sky Sports it had been the bowlers' day.
"Yeah, you always get that at Trent Bridge but I think that's why the players love coming here. It's so much better than seeing a 300 for one on that sort of wicket.

"India certainly won three quarters of the day but I think we managed to get a bit of momentum back towards the end and probably ended up disappointed not to have picked up more wickets."

On his batting display.
"It was good fun. Swanny and myself thought we were going to try to grab the momentum back a little bit and if it was in our area we would look to score. India had bowled fantastically well up til then - you can't blame anyone for throwing their wickets away."

On whether 221 is a competitive score.
"It was a good toss to win. We lost six pretty quick wickets but we are still in with a shout in this Test match. We know the morning sessions are key and we have to turn up next morning and make sure we make early inroads. The way we bowled this evening was encouraging because we didn't chase wickets. If we keep out patience we will be in the game."

On Swann's injury.
"He's fine. It was a heavy blow and he has told me to say he will be out there even with a broken leg. We are all questioning that but he'll be fine."

MEMORABLE MOMENT: Broad reaching his fifty in Bothamesque style. And to think he came in at number nine, after Bresnan.

PLAY OF THE DAY: Sreesanth justified his selection with a wicket in his first over but wasn't that effective before lunch. After it, he was swinging the ball all over the place, with the ball that dismissed Prior worthy of Richard Hadlee in his Trent Bridge pomp.

WHAT IT MEANS: On this showing, that there will be no queues snaking round Nottingham to get tickets on day five. Tomorrow looks likely to be the key day in this one.

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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/07/29/second-test-day-one-stuart-broad-excels-with-the-bat-to-give-en/

Thomaz Bellucci Tim Clark Tomas Berdych Torsten Frings Vicente

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Strikeforce Live Blog: Paul Daley vs. Tyron Woodley Updates

Filed under: Strikeforce

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- This is the Strikeforce live blog for Paul Daley vs. Tyron Woodley, a welterweight bout on tonight's Strikeforce on Showtime card from the Sears Centre just outside of Chicago.

Daley (27-10-2) challenged Nick Diaz for the welterweight belt, but lost via TKO with three seconds left in the first. Woodley (8-0) defeated Tarec Saffiedine earlier this year to extend his Strikeforce win streak to six. While Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker wouldn't make it official, the winner here will likely earn a shot at the vacant belt.

The live blog is below.

More Coverage: Fedor vs. Henderson Results | Latest Strikeforce News

Round 1: They feel each other out in the early moments. Woodley is first to throw with a reaching right hand. Woodley catches a kick and presses Daley against the cage. An accidental low blow by Daley brings a pause to the fight as Woodley is allowed time by "Big" John McCarthy to recover. They resume with 3:52 on the clock. Daley, well aware of his opponent's strength, has a lower striking stance. Woodley charges with a high kick that floats over Daley and they clinch. Woodley grinds Daley against the fence until McCarthy separates them. Daley looks to pick up the pace but he gets shoved against the fence. Woodley misses on a right hand and they're back in clinch. Daley momentarily turns Woodley to the fence before Woodley reverses. They trade knees in clinch to end the first round. 10-9 Woodley.

Round 2: Woodley changes levels to avoid Daley's punches and attempt a takedown that Daley stops. Woodley ties-up again to avoid the exchange and Daley has Woodley against the cage. Woodley makes a strong effort to put Daley on his back, but Daley holds his balance. Woodley digs for the single-leg and dumps Daley on his back for the first successful takedown of the fight. Woodley drops a right elbow inside the guard of Daley. Daley tries to hip escape but ends up resorting to holding down Woodley's head in hopes of a standup. Daley manages to sit up against the cage with 80 seconds left, but Woodley controls him back down. McCarthy stands them up with 22 seconds remaining. Woodley lands a kick to the body. Woodley shoots and Daley sprawls beautifully. Now Woodley is on his back and Daley sensing the limited opportunities to strike, quickly enters Woodley's guard to throw several punches before the sound of the bell. Woodley wasn't able to land much on top but he will win easily with his control. 10-9 Woodley.

Round 3: Woodley threatens with a punch combo and times the takedown when Daley moves forward. Woodley tries to work left hands inside the halfguard of Daley. Daley scoots to the cage to try to use to fence to get up, but Woodley pushes him back down. Daley gets back to his feet midway through the round and Woodley drops his knees for a single-leg. Woodley tries a takedown and Daley defends. Woodley misses on two more takedowns and Daley punishes Woodley from on top. Daley lets Woodley stand back up only for Woodley to attempt another takedown. Nice takedown defense by Daley who is now swinging for the fences. Woodley shoots and it appears Daley connects with a knee. Daley busts out an omoplata! I certainly don't think anyone expected that. Woodley turns into Daley's guard to close the round and fight. 10-9 Daley.

Daley put in a solid effort with decent takedown defense and showed his experience in finding his spots to attack, but ultimately Woodley's control was too much.

Woodley wins via unanimous decision (29-28 3x)

Crowd doesn't like the decision, but it was the right one.

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Source: http://mmafighting.com/2011/07/30/strikeforce-live-blog-paul-daley-vs-tyron-woodley-updates/

Robert Allenby Roberto Ayala Robin Soderling Robin Van Persie Robinho

Snooker: Twittering Players Warned to Mind Their Ps and Cues

Filed under: Other Sports, Snooker

Snooker chiefs have joined the growing number of sporting bodies to warn their members of the dangers of over-stepping the mark and making something of a Twit of themselves on social networking sites.

Rather than having to act retrospectively as many other sports have been forced to by imposing stiff fines in the wake of an unwanted outburst from one of their number, the guardians of the green baize have wisely tried to take the initiative.

They've seen fit to issue some timely advice to ensure the trickle of correspondence from 'disgusted of Tunbridge Wells' doesn't become a torrent in the wake of complaints from members of the public over the language used by some players in their small contributions to the worldwide web.

Like the majority of sports, snooker has taken to social networking, especially Twitter, in a big way. All the game's major movers and shakers at least have accounts - normally with the numbers 147 incorporated into their username, how orignial, - even if they don't always utilise them on an overly regular basis.

So far, just about everyone involved has managed to steer clear of controversy, with perhaps world number 29 Mark King's at times graphic description of his vasectomy the closest any of the recognised names has come to courting anything like controversy.

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"We understand that use of these technologies to communicate to the public and sporting fans are becoming common practice and play an important role in the promotion of individual players and our sport in general," WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson said, in a letter to players, as reported by snookerscene.blogspot.com.

Snooker lovers are on the whole easy-going souls, and are in general happy to ignore the occasional use of industrial language in return for a glimpse into the lives of the players they so enjoy watching.

There have been one or two isolated moments of slight discord. Judd Trump (pictured) was rather put out to come in for some stick from several of his 53,000 followers, clearly vexed as to the insensitive subject-matter in these austere economic times, after the Bristolian's musing as to what kind of blinged-up new car he could invest in with his earnings from reaching this year's World Championship final.

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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/07/30/snooker-twittering-players-warned-to-mind-their-ps-and-cues/

Ronaldo Rory McIlroy Ruud van Nistelrooy Ryan Giggs Ryan Palmer

Strikeforce/M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Henderson Weigh-In Highlight Video

Filed under: MMA Videos, Strikeforce, Videos

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- MMA Fighting was on the scene for the Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson weigh-ins on Friday, held at the Sears Center in Hoffman Estates. Check out the full results here.

Check out the highlights below.

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Source: http://mmafighting.com/2011/07/29/strikeforce-fedor-vs-henderson-weigh-in-highlight-video/

Adrian Mutu Albert Montanes Alessandro Nesta Alex Alexandre Pato

Arsene Wenger Gets Tough on 'Lack of Focus' from Cesc Fabregas on Arsenal

Filed under: Arsenal, Premier League, Football, Transfer News

cesc fabregas, arsenal, arsene wenger, barcelona, premier league

The gloves are off. Arsene Wenger is done fudging answers about Cesc Fabregas and whether he is going to Barcelona. He is finished with telling assembled media that his captain will be yet again absent because of a slight muscle strain. This time the Arsenal manager did not hold back.

On Friday afternoon, the day he welcomed back old-boy Thierry Henry - who left for Barcelona on the best of terms four years ago - Wenger spelled out in no uncertain terms that Fabregas will not play for the club as long as he remains unfocused and unsettled.

It was not an admission of defeat - far from it. Nor was it a "hands-off" warning to the Catalan club. It was, however, a sign that the Arsenal manager is nearing the end of his tether over the saga which has gone on for over a year. He has gone past the pandering to his captain in a bid to keep him.

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His message was plain: if Barcelona pay the £40 million that Arsenal are offering, then Fabregas will go, simple as that. If they don't, then Wenger has told his player he has two choices: either focus on the job at hand or stay away from the first team.

Wenger, speaking at the pre-tournament media conference ahead of the Emirates Cup involving New York Red Bulls, Paris St Germain and Boca Juniors of Buenos Aires, said: "Fabregas will not be involved this weekend [in the Emirates Cup] because at the moment he is not settled.

"He is coming back from an injury and is not settled with us. You know all the speculation which is around his position, that has to be sorted out soon.

"I'm just worried that the player has to be completely focused and committed to our club. And at the moment he's coming back from an injury and we have to sort out that situation. He is the captain of our club and we have to make sure he is really focused on being with us."

Barcelona had revealed earlier this week that they would wait as long as it takes to see if Arsenal blink and trigger a move. But Wenger is refusing to rise to their bait - and claims that unless they pay full-price, the stand-off will stretch on until January at least.

He said: "There is only one deadline, it is on August 31. The other deadline is for us to get everybody focused, the players who are really committed to the club, my energy and my focus goes on them.

"That is what I focus on, I cannot help the other situation, because it does not only depend on me, it depends on the players and on the other clubs."

When asked how the saga may end, Wenger admitted: "I honestly do not know." He is of course hoping to keep his star player at the club, along with Samir Nasri, who is stalling on a new contract.

But he has shown that he too can play hardball with the best of him. And on the evidence of his comments - as well as his demeanour - on Friday afternoon, few would tip him to back down.

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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/07/30/arsenal-arsene-wenger-barcelona-saga/

Mardy Fish Marin Cilic Matt Kuchar Maxi Rodríguez Michael Ballack

Strikeforce M-1 Main Event Breakdown: Fedor Emelianenko vs. Dan Henderson

Filed under: Strikeforce, MMA Fighting Exclusive

Fedor Emelianenko is the younger of the two fighters headlining Strikeforce's big event on Saturday night, but you might not know it from the buzz surrounding the athletes' respective careers. With two consecutive losses following a win streak for the ages, the whispers that Emelianenko is done as a top-level fighter have grown to audible declarations. So too has the speculation that he could be released with a third straight loss.

At 34 years old though, Emelianenko is a full six years younger than Henderson, who following the recent retirement of Randy Couture, is quickly becoming MMA's new ageless wonder. As the Strikeforce light-heavyweight champion, Henderson fights one weight class below Emelianenko, perhaps raising the stakes for Emelianenko in the process.

The thinking goes that if Emelianenko (31-3, 1 no contest) cannot beat a fighter whose natural weight is around 206 pounds, he has no business getting back in the cage with any monster heavyweights.

I tend to think that's unsound logic. After all, Forrest Griffin didn't retire after losing to middleweight champ Anderson Silva, and Matt Hughes didn't retire after BJ Penn moved up to welterweight and submitted him. When you're dealing with all-time greats, the game changes.

If Fedor does lose, he'll have lost to one of the greatest all-time fighters, which is no shame. And even though UFC president Dana White has repeatedly mentioned that it would be "losing to a middleweight," that's not exactly a fair statement. Henderson (27-8) has split his last eight fights between the 185-pound and 205-pound divisions. In one of those fights at light-heavyweight, he went five close rounds with Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, the same fighter White is promoting as the No. 1 contender in his 205-pound division right now.

As a two-division PRIDE champ and current Strikeforce light-heavyweight champ, Henderson's credentials are beyond reproach.

On to the fight, Emelianenko is considered around a 2 1/2-to-1 favorite. Their stand-up styles have become similar over time, with each man featuring a boxing-heavy approach that is light on kicks and heavy on power punching.

Compustrike research, for example, shows that Emelianenko averages just five thrown leg kicks over his last 10 fights, an average of just 11.6 percent of his standup offense. Henderson does a little better, averaging 13 kicks per fight, or 25 percent of his standup offense.

One criticism of Emelianenko has been that the status quo nature of his camp and training have not led to any evolution as a fighter. There is a case to be made that his February loss to Antonio Silva exhibited that. In that fight, against a taller, bigger man, Emelianenko threw only six kicks, missing out on a chance to better control the distance.

While the losses to Silva and to Fabricio Werdum show vulnerability, they do not highlight any particular weaknesses that Henderson can exploit. Silva's size (he weighs around 280 pounds at fight time) helped him keep Emelianenko down for the entirety of the second round of their fight, and Henderson (likely to weigh around 206-210) doesn't have the bulk to pull that off. Werdum is a jiu-jitsu wizard, while Hendo hasn't subbed anyone in the entire 21st century.

That leaves Hendo to play his power striking style and mix in takedowns. He is clearly capable of doing both, and doing both well, but Emelianenko's defense in both categories has historically been strong.

According to FightMetric, Emelianenko absorbs just .95 strikes per minute, a number that would rank him second all-time among UFC fighters had he fought in the promotion. Comparatively speaking, Henderson is hit 2.37 times per minute.

FightMetric stats also show that Emelianenko is taken down on just 22 percent of takedown tries, a number even better than Hendo's takedown defense (opponents successful 41 percent of the time). Emelianenko also gets the nod in strikes landed per minute (3.12 to 2.42) and striking accuracy (54 percent to 49 percent).

While Emelianenko gets the better of most of the statistical categories, they can all be negated by one well-placed punch. Henderson's shown the ability to knock out almost anyone, and while Emelianenko has never been truly finished by someone's striking prowess, it wouldn't be a total shock if Henderson was the man to change that.

All things considered though, Emelianenko is rightfully the favorite. He's the bigger fighter, has faster hands, and is appreciably better on the ground. He is expected to come in about 10 pounds lighter than usual, making him as hard to hit as ever. When Henderson is on his game, he's sprinkling takedowns in with his offense, the way he did against Rafael Cavalcante when he won the title. At other times, he gets knockout happy with his big right hand.

He'll need a performance like the one against "Feijao" to beat Emelianenko. An uneven performance won't get it done. Chasing around speed is rarely a winning proposition.

In 2007, UFC hosted Wanderlei Silva against Chuck Liddell. It was a fight that many wanted for years, and though it came a bit later than some would have hoped, both fighters turned back the clock to produce a great fight and tremendous moment. This is the type of fight I envision between Emelianenko and Henderson; three rounds, two legends and one memorable night. Years from now, hopefully the winner and loser won't matter so much. This is a fight mostly about and for history. But if we have to pick, Emelianenko's speed and defense win out over Hendo's offensive onslaught. Emelianenko via decision.

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Source: http://mmafighting.com/2011/07/29/strikeforce-main-event-breakdown-fedor-emelianenko-vs-dan-hend/

Ivan Ljubicic Jamie Carragher Jason Day Javier Mascherano Javier Zanetti

Football Digest: Diaby Sidelined Again; Bolton Sign Duo; QPR Agree Striker Fee

Filed under: Arsenal, Blackpool, Bolton, Burnley, QPR, Swansea, Middlesbrough, Championship, Premier League, Football

Arsenal's preparations for the new season have been dealt a setback after midfielder Abou Diaby was ruled out for up to 10 weeks.

The France international has undergone an ankle operation after suffering problems at the back end of last season and he is unlikely to play until September, ruling him out of the Premier League games against Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester United, as well as the Champions League play-off.

"Abou had ankle surgery during the break," said Gunners manager Arsene Wenger. "Normally he should be back eight to 10 weeks after his surgery, which means the end of August."

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Diaby's injury leaves the Gunners short in the midfield department with Denilson having already joined Sao Paulo on loan, while Barcelona remain keen to sign captain Cesc Fabregas.

Trotters Land Clarets Duo:
Bolton manager Owen Coyle has completed a double raid of old club Burnley after Chris Eagles and Tyrone Mears completed moves to the Reebok Stadium.

Midfielder Eagles, who had previously been linked with Everton, and defender Mears have both penned three-year deals.

"Both Chris and Tyrone are top players and have shown that they have the ability to compete successfully at the highest level," said Coyle.

"I have worked with them both before and know what they will bring to the club in terms of character and commitment and along with Nigel Reo-Coker, we have added real quality to the squad."

Eagles said: "I know that it is a good squad so the challenge for me will be to work hard and then look to contribute. I am an attacking midfielder and I will certainly be looking to chip in with some goals."

Mears added: "I'm really looking forward to working with a manager I've worked with before and playing in the Premier League. From the outside looking in, this has seemed like it is a club going in the right direction."

Blackpool Agree Campbell Fee with QPR:
DJ Campbell could be set for a swift return to the Premier League after Blackpool accepted a bid from QPR for the striker.

Rangers, who won the Championship title last season, have reportedly offered £1.25million for the former Leicester forward.

A Blackpool statement read: "The club have had a bid for Blackpool striker DJ Campbell accepted by the Seasiders.

"The Tangerines frontman, who scored 13 goals in 31 appearances in the Barclays Premier League last season, will now discuss personal terms with the Rs over the coming days, ahead of a potential move to Loftus Road."

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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/07/29/football-digest/

Frank Ribery Frederic Kanoute Gabriel Milito Gael Monfils Gary Neville