London, England 26 November 2008 – LG Electronics (LG), a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, today announced that it has signed an agreement to become a Global Partner of Formula 1™ and a Technology Partner of Formula 1™. As part of this top level association LG acquires exclusive designations and marketing rights as the official Consumer Electronics, Mobile Phone and Data Processor of Formula 1™. The multi-year agreement runs from January 2009.
“Formula One represents the absolute peak of technological innovation and style, which is also our vision for the LG Electronics brand,” said Dermot Boden, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of LG Electronics. “We feel the excitement and electricity of F1 is unmatched by any sport, and we feel the same passion and energy here at LG.”
“LG is a leader in its field, it pioneers cutting edge technology, delivering innovation and excellence in a stylish package, which is what Formula 1 is about too”, said Bernie Ecclestone, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Formula One Group. “We have so much in common, I am very excited to begin our association and look forward to the technology solutions they can bring to us also.”
Friday, November 28, 2008
Rugby : Luke McAlister Launches Oki Tools For Schools
Thirty Six Year 6 pupils at Elmridge Primary School in Hale Barns were treated to a world-class rugby session on Tuesday by Sale Sharks and All Blacks star Luke McAlister courtesy of Printerland.co.uk.
As a long standing official sponsor of Sale Sharks, Altrincham-based Printerland.co.uk currently promote rugby in and around Cheshire by giving away thirty tickets to local schools for every Sale Sharks home game. On Tuesday, they stepped up their Community support through the launch of 'Oki Tools for Schools' a competition giving local school children the chance to win printing equipment for their schools through photography. The top prize being a trip to South Africa where the British Lions tour will take place next summer.
league : Titans juniors to join Harold Matthews competition
CAPTION: Titans Harold Matthews squad members James Dunley (left) and Tom Sunderland (right) with coach Aaron Zimmerle.
The pathway for junior rugby league players on the Gold Coast is set to be enhanced next season with the Jetstar Gold Coast Titans electing to enter a team into the Harold Matthews competition in 2009.
Following on from the success of the Jetstar Titans’ inaugural year in the SG Ball (under-18s) competition, the Gold Coast will become the only Queensland club to field a team in the under-16s Harold Matthews competition as of next season.
The decision means the next generation of homegrown Jetstar Titans will receive the chance to test themselves against the strongest junior sides in the country over a 13-week competition, which culminates in a finals series.
Titans managing director Michael Searle said the presence of a Jetstar Gold Coast Titans team in the NSW-based Harold Matthews competition would provide the best possible pathway for the club’s juniors from the age of 16 right through to the NYC under-20s competition.
“The fact our local under-16 players can wear the Titans jersey and play against the likes of the Parramatta Eels, Bulldogs, Manly and all of the other elite NRL clubs is a massive bonus to our boys from the Gold Coast, Ipswich & Northern NSW,’’ said Searle. “They will fly to Sydney every second week and you can’t measure just how much that will help their development as future NRL players. It also offers us a great way of ensuring our players can stay on the Gold Coast and still compete in an elite competition week-in and week-out. Our club’s philosophy has always been about elite pathways, to ensure that an individual can elevate his skill and fitness level at a young age. We only contract 30 players and we invest heavily in their personal and physical development. This new initiative is testament to the fact that we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring Gold Coast, Ipswich and Northern NSW kids no longer have to move to Sydney to play in an elite competition like the Harold Matthews Under-16 competition. “The club will also be supporting the Gold Coast Juniors and Gold Coast Rugby League (under-16s and under-18s) in the QRL-run competition via a sponsorship and resource sharing perspective in 2009.’’
With much of the Jetstar Titans’ emphasis being placed on homegrown talent, almost 90 per cent of the 27-member squad selected to play in next year’s Harold Matthews competition is from either Gold Coast or the Northern Rivers areas.
Jetstar Titans head coach John Cartwright said it was a further step towards the club’s long-term plan of having players from the Gold Coast, Northern Rivers and Ipswich regions making up 50 per cent of the NRL squad within the next five years.
“Having our own team in the Harold Matthews competition will provide a platform for local juniors to be able to familiarise themselves with the rigours of tough competition on a week-to-week basis as well as helping them to get used to the travel involved,’’ said Cartwright. “Given the success we had with our SG Ball team, who made the finals in their inaugural season last year, I’m sure the new-look Harold Matthews team will be a key investment in our future.’’
The under-16s squad will be coached by Aaron Zimmerle, who is the head of sport at Palm Beach Currumbin High School and last year was the captain/coach for South Tweed’s A Grade team in the Northern Rivers competition.
Zimmerle said the Harold Matthews competition was the best avenue for youngsters who were aspiring to become professional footballers.
“We’re really excited about them playing in an elite competition in NSW because we feel it’s the best way to help their development,’’ he said. “We have picked squads of up to 30 kids which means that even though a team of 17 is being picked each week to play games, we’ve got another 13 or so kids exposed to a more professional and elite level of training and competition. Those kids will then go back to local clubs and help lift the overall standard so it’s not just about helping to develop NRL players."
Both the Harold Matthews and SG Ball competitions kick-off on February 21 and conclude with grand finals on May 16. The Titans’ SG Ball squad will again be coached by Jamie O’Connor next season.
Titans Inaugural Harold Matthews Squad 2009:
Matt Beddow (Gold Coast), Zac Campbell (GC), Nick Crompton (Northern Rivers), Jim Dick (NR), James Dunley (GC), Jack Durheim (NR), Zac Friend (Sunshine Coast), James Greber (NR), Mitchell Hall (NR), Jacob Holland (NR), Sam Harrold (NR), Dan Kelly (GC), Ben Marui-James (GC), Corey Mc Grady (GC), Chris Moke (GC), Jacob Orr (NR), Justin Proud (GC), Nathanial Regueira (NR), Tom Rowles (NR), Jake Sands (NR), Praneil Sewak (GC), Kael Smith (GC), Tom Sunderland (NR), Brendon Tago (South East QLD), Connor Toia (GC), Kyle Vanleeowen (NR), Andrew Vella (Ipswich).
Mountain Biking : NZ’s first multi-stage mountain bike race cranks up for 2009
With four days, five stages, 5250m of vertical climbing, 259km of stunning scenery, and full logistical support, New Zealand’s first ever multi-stage mountain bike race is set to be an event of ‘epic’ proportions.
The Skins Alpine Epic, to be held from 25 to 28 February 2009, will be the first New Zealand mountain bike race to provide a stage race format and all logistical support, eliminating the need for a support crew.
The four day cross-country mountain bike race will see teams of two battle it out over 259km of picture postcard scenery from the Canterbury foothills of Mt Somers through the Southern Alps to Lake Tekapo in Mount Cook/Mackenzie country. The course, which is predominantly across privately owned land, crosses braided rivers and expanses of tussock, set against the rugged mountains of the main divide.
The team that has put the event together consists of Nick Ross, husband and wife Angus and Katherine Jennings, and Peter Savage, all from Canterbury. They have a variety of racing and business experience and are passionate about the New Zealand outdoors and the area where the race will be held.
Nick says the idea for the Skins Alpine Epic was conceived while they were racing in the TransRockies, a seven day stage race in Canada last year.
“We were having such a great time that we looked at each other and said ‘why don’t we have something like this?”
“New Zealand has always been at the cutting edge of endurance sports events but strangely there’s no stage mountain bike racing like overseas, and nothing fully supported.”
“Creating a multi-day mountain bike race for Kiwis who want a bit of an adventure, exploring some stunning, seldom visited high country, and making it easy for international visitors to come over and race was just too good an idea to pass up. We got on with it straightaway, and now, a year later, we’re go for launch.”
The organisers believe the event will attract the full spectrum of sports people, from elite level athletes to those looking for an achievable challenge, great scenery and the security of race support.
“We lay everything on - meals, transport, tents, car storage, entry, race gear bag, course notes, prize giving banquet, sports drinks on course, aid stations, medical support, camping and gear transport each day. The entry fee is $895 per person, but there are no hidden costs and it’s worth it when you don’t have to worry about a thing or convince people to run around after you” says Nick.
The organisers have secured sponsorship from Skins, Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie, R&R Sport, Swordfox Design, Suunto, Isofuel, Paraflights Queenstown, Sunrise Balloons and Sock Guy, who will provide a mix of prize money and products for competitors. Naming rights sponsor Skins, a specialist in body-moulded compression performance equipment, has pledged $5000 cash which will go to the winners of stages and categories, including men's and women's teams, corporate teams, and mixed teams.
The four-day event will round off with a fabulous banquet and prize giving at an original high-country homestead in Tekapo.
To find out more about the Skins Alpine Epic, including entry forms, supporter packages and transport, visit www.alpineepic.co.nz. Entries close on 20 January 2009.
Cricket : Champions League matches moved from Mumbai
The fate of the Champions Twenty20 League, due to begin in Mumbai next week, is uncertain in the wake of Wednesday's terrorist strikes. The ODI series between India and England has already been aborted and Cricket Australia has advised its two teams, Victoria and Western Australia, and other players taking part in the tournament against travel to India in the immediate future.
A series of terrorist strikes in Mumbai on Wednesday night left at least 100 dead and 250 injured; the situation had not settled on Thursday morning, 12 hours after the attacks began, with Army troops joining the security operations.
Cricket Australia has suspended plans for players with Champions League teams to travel to India, a move backed by Ricky Ponting. Shane Warne, captain and coach of Rajasthan Royals, was in Singapore en route Mumbai. He said he was "shocked" and didn't think he would be completing the journey.
Two Pakistani cricketers, Kamran Akmal and Sohail Tanvir, who are part of the Rajasthan Royals squad, landed in Mumbai yesterday. They were out for dinner when the attacks began and were told to return to their hotel immediately. Both are safe and currently unsure about what their plans are. "We are both safe in a hotel," Tanvir said. "In Pakistan we are in a similar boat and both countries have to support each other. We are here for now and hope that things get better and can go on."
Naeem Gulzar, president of the Sialkot Region, Pakistan's representative in the Champions League, said his team had no problems if the venue was changed from Mumbai to either Bangalore or Chennai. "We have not yet been advised by the Pakistan Cricket Board, but personally I would definitely like to accompany my team if the matches are shifted to Chennai and Bangalore," Gulzar said.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) are waiting for further advice before two of their franchises, the Dolphins and the Titans, leave for India this weekend for the Champions League. Graeme Smith and Makhaya Ntini are also part of the Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings respectively. "The safety of our players is of paramount concern to us at all times," CSA chief executive Gerald Majola said. "We will have to wait for guidance from the Department of Foreign Affairs as well as the people on the ground in India before we take any decisions."
The strikes, including blasts and shooting incidents, were spread out across the city but the majority of them were in south Mumbai, the main tourist hub. In the early hours of Thursday morning, a major blaze was sweeping through the Taj Mahal hotel, a city landmark and the scene of one such attack, which was to host the two Test teams and was where the England side stayed during their warm-up period in Mumbai. It is also where Middlesex were set to check-in.
The Brabourne Stadium, venue of the second Test and scheduled to host three Champions League games, is in the middle of the area where most attacks have taken place. It is also the vicinity where most foreign tourists are likely to stay.
Middlesex were due to leave London for Mumbai at 10am on Thursday to prepare for the Champions League but postponed their departure by 24 hours after being told that matches scheduled for Mumbai would be switched to Bangalore. However, Brijesh Patel, secretary of the Karnataka State Cricket Associaton (KSCA) said he is yet to receive any information regarding such a shift.
Asked if he was concerned by travelling to India, Shaun Udal, Middlesex's captain, said: "You'd be a big liar if you said no … there are concerns, lots of us have families and children. It's not just a cricket tournament any more. If I am told everything is fine in Bangalore then we'll go.
"What has made it particularly disturbing is the fact that we were going to stay at the Taj Palace Hotel 24 hours later. That's really brought it to heart. If we had gone out 24 hours earlier then that would have been the Middlesex team. It could have been us. That's what could have happened."
"We have to consider whether players and their families are happy with us travelling," Middlesex coach Toby Radford said. "Can you go somewhere and feel safe when there are people injured just 24 hours before? Our participation and the tournament itself must be in some doubt. Personally I would rather not be anywhere near there."
A Cricket Victoria spokesman said the team was due to stay in the Taj Palace after it landed on Saturday. They were scheduled to play the opening game in the city against Middlesex on Wednesday.
"We're reeling from the news of what's taken place," he said. "We're liaising closely with Cricket Australia and the government to work out the implications for the tour. We will have to change some of our travel plans. It's outside the scope of our normal areas of expertise."
Western Australia, however, said that their players were keen to participate in the Champions League if they were given the go-ahead by Cricket Australia. "We've spoken to the players and they are still keen to participate in the Champions League," the chief executive Graeme Wood, said. "We will be guided by Cricket Australia and the WACA certainly won't be jeopardising our staff or players."
© Cricinfo
A series of terrorist strikes in Mumbai on Wednesday night left at least 100 dead and 250 injured; the situation had not settled on Thursday morning, 12 hours after the attacks began, with Army troops joining the security operations.
Cricket Australia has suspended plans for players with Champions League teams to travel to India, a move backed by Ricky Ponting. Shane Warne, captain and coach of Rajasthan Royals, was in Singapore en route Mumbai. He said he was "shocked" and didn't think he would be completing the journey.
Two Pakistani cricketers, Kamran Akmal and Sohail Tanvir, who are part of the Rajasthan Royals squad, landed in Mumbai yesterday. They were out for dinner when the attacks began and were told to return to their hotel immediately. Both are safe and currently unsure about what their plans are. "We are both safe in a hotel," Tanvir said. "In Pakistan we are in a similar boat and both countries have to support each other. We are here for now and hope that things get better and can go on."
Naeem Gulzar, president of the Sialkot Region, Pakistan's representative in the Champions League, said his team had no problems if the venue was changed from Mumbai to either Bangalore or Chennai. "We have not yet been advised by the Pakistan Cricket Board, but personally I would definitely like to accompany my team if the matches are shifted to Chennai and Bangalore," Gulzar said.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) are waiting for further advice before two of their franchises, the Dolphins and the Titans, leave for India this weekend for the Champions League. Graeme Smith and Makhaya Ntini are also part of the Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings respectively. "The safety of our players is of paramount concern to us at all times," CSA chief executive Gerald Majola said. "We will have to wait for guidance from the Department of Foreign Affairs as well as the people on the ground in India before we take any decisions."
The strikes, including blasts and shooting incidents, were spread out across the city but the majority of them were in south Mumbai, the main tourist hub. In the early hours of Thursday morning, a major blaze was sweeping through the Taj Mahal hotel, a city landmark and the scene of one such attack, which was to host the two Test teams and was where the England side stayed during their warm-up period in Mumbai. It is also where Middlesex were set to check-in.
The Brabourne Stadium, venue of the second Test and scheduled to host three Champions League games, is in the middle of the area where most attacks have taken place. It is also the vicinity where most foreign tourists are likely to stay.
Middlesex were due to leave London for Mumbai at 10am on Thursday to prepare for the Champions League but postponed their departure by 24 hours after being told that matches scheduled for Mumbai would be switched to Bangalore. However, Brijesh Patel, secretary of the Karnataka State Cricket Associaton (KSCA) said he is yet to receive any information regarding such a shift.
Asked if he was concerned by travelling to India, Shaun Udal, Middlesex's captain, said: "You'd be a big liar if you said no … there are concerns, lots of us have families and children. It's not just a cricket tournament any more. If I am told everything is fine in Bangalore then we'll go.
"What has made it particularly disturbing is the fact that we were going to stay at the Taj Palace Hotel 24 hours later. That's really brought it to heart. If we had gone out 24 hours earlier then that would have been the Middlesex team. It could have been us. That's what could have happened."
"We have to consider whether players and their families are happy with us travelling," Middlesex coach Toby Radford said. "Can you go somewhere and feel safe when there are people injured just 24 hours before? Our participation and the tournament itself must be in some doubt. Personally I would rather not be anywhere near there."
A Cricket Victoria spokesman said the team was due to stay in the Taj Palace after it landed on Saturday. They were scheduled to play the opening game in the city against Middlesex on Wednesday.
"We're reeling from the news of what's taken place," he said. "We're liaising closely with Cricket Australia and the government to work out the implications for the tour. We will have to change some of our travel plans. It's outside the scope of our normal areas of expertise."
Western Australia, however, said that their players were keen to participate in the Champions League if they were given the go-ahead by Cricket Australia. "We've spoken to the players and they are still keen to participate in the Champions League," the chief executive Graeme Wood, said. "We will be guided by Cricket Australia and the WACA certainly won't be jeopardising our staff or players."
© Cricinfo
Cricket : Marcus Trescothick Wins World's Richest Sportsbook Prize
FORMER England batsman, Marcus Trescothick's autobiography, 'Coming Back To Me', has won the world's most valuable sportswriting prize, the William Hill Sports Book of the Year.
Trescothick, and his co-writer, Peter Hayter collected £20,000; a £2000 William Hill bet and a hand-bound copy of the book by master binder David Sellars, for winning the 20th annual William Hill Sports Book of the Year, announced by judge, John Inverdale, at Waterstones, Piccadilly, London. The prize was presented by Olympic Gold medal winning athlete, Michael Johnson, who is currently working on a book of his own.
The winning title details the personal problems which resulted in Trescothick's withdrawal from the England side. 'This is only the second autobiography to win the Award' said Hill's spokesman and founder of the prize, Graham Sharpe, 'The judges felt it fearlessly tackled one of the great taboos of elite sport.'
"Sporting triumph and an ongoing battle with his inner demons - this is a book in stark contrast to the 'iron man' attitude of many professional sportsmen, and a brilliant choice for winner. It's already doing well sales wise, but this win could propel Trescothick to the top of the sports books chart this Christmas. This is the book sales equivalent of being hit for six" - Joe Browes, Waterstone's Sport Buyer
Cricket : Ed Smith Announces Retirement
Middlesex announced today that Ed Smith, their Captain for the past two seasons, is to retire from first class cricket.
Chairman Ian Lovett said that in his four years at the Club Ed had made a huge contribution both as a batsman and a Captain. “Ed has always shown exceptionally high levels of energy, commitment and dedication to everything he does, and having taken over the captaincy when we were at a particularly low ebb on the field, he played a major role helping us achieve markedly improved results which culminated in us winning our first trophy for fifteen years in this year’s Twenty20 competition. He is a man with a wide range of talents and I am sure he will make a great success of his future career.”
Ed Smith said “It has been a real honour to captain Middlesex. I have been very lucky to play first class cricket for eight years at Kent and four years at Middlesex. I’d like to thank all the players, coaches and supporters who have helped me enjoy the game I love. I wish Shaun Udal and the team every success in the future.”
www.middlesexccc.com
Chairman Ian Lovett said that in his four years at the Club Ed had made a huge contribution both as a batsman and a Captain. “Ed has always shown exceptionally high levels of energy, commitment and dedication to everything he does, and having taken over the captaincy when we were at a particularly low ebb on the field, he played a major role helping us achieve markedly improved results which culminated in us winning our first trophy for fifteen years in this year’s Twenty20 competition. He is a man with a wide range of talents and I am sure he will make a great success of his future career.”
Ed Smith said “It has been a real honour to captain Middlesex. I have been very lucky to play first class cricket for eight years at Kent and four years at Middlesex. I’d like to thank all the players, coaches and supporters who have helped me enjoy the game I love. I wish Shaun Udal and the team every success in the future.”
www.middlesexccc.com
Horse Racing : Murtagh Eyes Dubai Return
Johnny Murtagh is set to return to the UAE for the 2009 Dubai International Racing Carnival.
The top-class Irish jockey has been one of Dubai’s biggest supporters, having ridden for Jebel Ali-based Dhruba Selvaratnam since 1994.
The rider also enjoyed considerable success for Mike De Kock last season, notably on Asiatic Boy and Honour Devil, the Dubai World Cup runner-up and UAE Derby winner respectively.
Murtagh has just completed an incredible first year as Ballydoyle’s stable jockey - but his commitments to the Irish operation will not preclude him from returning to Nad Al Sheba.
"Hopefully I'll be in Dubai in February and March, that's when the big races are over there and it will get me fit and back into the swing of things,” said Murtagh.
"It's been great all year. I'll be going to Japan for the Japan Cup and I'm there for two weekends, and then I'll have a nice break.”
Murtagh signed off his European season with a double at Dundalk, and he could be reunited on his 80th and final winner of the campaign, Finicius, in Dubai.
Finicius has won his last two races on the all-weather surface of Dundalk over six furlongs (1200m) and a mile (1600m).
"Dubai might suit him, seven furlongs or a mile, he could fit in nicely over there," Murtagh told At The Races.
The four-year-old’s trainer Eoin Griffin added: "Johnny gave him a great ride, he switched him off early. He did a great job and got a nice run on the outside, and there was a never a doubt after that.
“We’ll probably go to Dubai for the Carnival in the New Year, something we maybe should have done last year.”
The top-class Irish jockey has been one of Dubai’s biggest supporters, having ridden for Jebel Ali-based Dhruba Selvaratnam since 1994.
The rider also enjoyed considerable success for Mike De Kock last season, notably on Asiatic Boy and Honour Devil, the Dubai World Cup runner-up and UAE Derby winner respectively.
Murtagh has just completed an incredible first year as Ballydoyle’s stable jockey - but his commitments to the Irish operation will not preclude him from returning to Nad Al Sheba.
"Hopefully I'll be in Dubai in February and March, that's when the big races are over there and it will get me fit and back into the swing of things,” said Murtagh.
"It's been great all year. I'll be going to Japan for the Japan Cup and I'm there for two weekends, and then I'll have a nice break.”
Murtagh signed off his European season with a double at Dundalk, and he could be reunited on his 80th and final winner of the campaign, Finicius, in Dubai.
Finicius has won his last two races on the all-weather surface of Dundalk over six furlongs (1200m) and a mile (1600m).
"Dubai might suit him, seven furlongs or a mile, he could fit in nicely over there," Murtagh told At The Races.
The four-year-old’s trainer Eoin Griffin added: "Johnny gave him a great ride, he switched him off early. He did a great job and got a nice run on the outside, and there was a never a doubt after that.
“We’ll probably go to Dubai for the Carnival in the New Year, something we maybe should have done last year.”
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Snooker : Sir Rodney Re-Elected To Chair WPBSA Board
Sir Rodney Walker has been re-elected as the Chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association following the sport’s Annual General Meeting in Sheffield today.
He was required to retire by rotation but successfully received the backing of snooker’s voting players.
All four other members of the Board of Directors who were required to retire, Sir David Richards, Dr Hamish McInnes, Peter Ebdon and Lee Doyle, were also re-elected.
Sir Rodney has been Chairman of WPBSA and its commercial arm World Snooker since 2003. Within that period, snooker has made significant leaps forward, both in stablising a strong position as a major televised sport in its UK base, and developing its popularity and commercial success internationally. Sir Rodney has been instrumental in negotiating key contracts, including those with the BBC and Sheffield City Council.
He said: “As a sport we have moved onto a strong and secure footing within the past five years. There are now new challenges which lie ahead, but I am glad that the players have shown today that they would like me to continue to lead snooker as we face these challenges.
“I am also delighted that the players have continued to show faith in the Board as a whole by re-electing all of the current Directors. As a Board, we will continue to work hard on behalf of the players.”
The full voting results were:
Sir Rodney Walker: 91.3%
Sir David Richards: 91.3%
Dr Hamish McInnes: 91.3%
Peter Ebdon: 73.9%
Lee Doyle: 91.3%
www.worldsnooker.com
He was required to retire by rotation but successfully received the backing of snooker’s voting players.
All four other members of the Board of Directors who were required to retire, Sir David Richards, Dr Hamish McInnes, Peter Ebdon and Lee Doyle, were also re-elected.
Sir Rodney has been Chairman of WPBSA and its commercial arm World Snooker since 2003. Within that period, snooker has made significant leaps forward, both in stablising a strong position as a major televised sport in its UK base, and developing its popularity and commercial success internationally. Sir Rodney has been instrumental in negotiating key contracts, including those with the BBC and Sheffield City Council.
He said: “As a sport we have moved onto a strong and secure footing within the past five years. There are now new challenges which lie ahead, but I am glad that the players have shown today that they would like me to continue to lead snooker as we face these challenges.
“I am also delighted that the players have continued to show faith in the Board as a whole by re-electing all of the current Directors. As a Board, we will continue to work hard on behalf of the players.”
The full voting results were:
Sir Rodney Walker: 91.3%
Sir David Richards: 91.3%
Dr Hamish McInnes: 91.3%
Peter Ebdon: 73.9%
Lee Doyle: 91.3%
www.worldsnooker.com
League : man of the match warfare
Australian Rugby League Chief Executive Geoff Carr today clarified several points which have been inferred in media reports over the past few days.
In reference to the Man of the Match voting on the night of the Rugby League World Cup final:
“The Man of the Match selectors were given an opportunity to re-cast their votes in the closing stages of the match but did not wish to do so,” Carr said today.
“It has also been inferred that the Australian team had avoided both a post-match function and the presentation of runner-up medals after the loss on Saturday night.
“The Australian team had been told by tournament organisers they would not be required at the post-match function well before the game and this had nothing to do with the result.
“The decision not to present runners-up medals was taken by organisers without the knowledge of the Australian team or its immediate management. The decision was taken after more senior Australian Rugby League officials suggested during the match that it was not in keeping with traditional post-Test presentations to present runner-up medals on stage regardless of who had won.”
In reference to the Man of the Match voting on the night of the Rugby League World Cup final:
“The Man of the Match selectors were given an opportunity to re-cast their votes in the closing stages of the match but did not wish to do so,” Carr said today.
“It has also been inferred that the Australian team had avoided both a post-match function and the presentation of runner-up medals after the loss on Saturday night.
“The Australian team had been told by tournament organisers they would not be required at the post-match function well before the game and this had nothing to do with the result.
“The decision not to present runners-up medals was taken by organisers without the knowledge of the Australian team or its immediate management. The decision was taken after more senior Australian Rugby League officials suggested during the match that it was not in keeping with traditional post-Test presentations to present runner-up medals on stage regardless of who had won.”
News : Key & AB's meet the Queen at the Ball
The Queen and Prince Phillip met the All Blacks at a moving ceremony in London yesterday outside Tourism New Zealand's inflatable Rugby Ball Venue. The Ball was opened earlier yesterday by Prime Minister John Key and London Mayor Boris Johnson.
The Queen and Prince Phillip were greeted by Prime Minister John Key and welcomed by a Maori Kaikaranga before entering the rugby ball venue situated outside London’s Tower Bridge.
Inside the venue they were treated to a state of the art audio visual show of New Zealand. Using eight cameras it gives the viewer a feeling of being inside a rugby ball which is kicked through the air from London to New Zealand where it bounces around the country showing the many features of New Zealand.
The Ball will be open to the public for the next five days and will host the IRB's Rugby World Cup 2011 Pool Draw annoucement on 1 December.
Tennis : FANTASTIC FIELD FOR 2009 ASB CLASSIC
The full player list for the 2009 ASB Classic featuring the Kia Motors Singles and Doubles has produced a few surprises, plenty of new names, plenty of career-high rankings and a number of talented teenagers.
Russian Elena Dementieva who is also the Olympic champion is at a career-high of four in the world followed by No11 Nadia Petrova, also of Russia while Dane, Caroline Wozniack is at her best ranking of 12 and is still only 18-years-old.
At a career-high of No20 is the 2005 champion Katarina Srebotnik from Slovenia who will also team up with Petrova to make a formidable team in the Kia Motors doubles.
The fifth seed will be Spaniard, Anabel Medina Garrigues who is also at her best ranking, coming to Auckland at 22 in the world after a year where she won her eighth career singles title by beating Srebotnik in the final of Strasbourg and being a finalist at both Fes and Portoroz.
She is also a very accomplished doubles player with a current ranking of No3 after winning the title at Roland Garros with Virginia Ruano Pascal and the doubles silver medal at the Olympics with Ruano Pascal.
Canadian Aleksandra Wozniak ranked at 34 will be the sixth seed after she had a great result in 2008 where she played through qualifying to win the U$600,000 Tier II tournament at Stanford beating Marion Bartoli in the final. She also made the semis at Quebec and the Japan Open in what was her best 12 months of her career.
The seventh seed at 38 in the world is Israel’s Shahar Peer. She was ranked as high as 15 early last year and had appearances in the quarterfinals of both the Australian Open and US Open in 2007. In 2008 she made the fourth round of Wimbledon beating Dinara Safina along the way as well as reaching the semis at two events.
A feature of the tournament is the first time appearance of eighth seeded 19-year-old Nicole Vaidisova who has a current ranking of 41, but has been as high as No7 in the world in May of last year.
She has an incredible record in Grand Slams for someone still in her teens. In 2006 she reached the semifinals of Roland Garros while still only 17-years-old making her the youngest player in the Open era to do so.
Last year she made the semis of the Australian Open, quarters at Roland Garros and quarters at Wimbledon. In 2008 she again reached the quarters at Wimbledon beating Anna Chakvetdaze in the fourth round. At the strong Sydney event she had a win over Daniella Hantuchova and also Jelena Jankovic to make the semifinals while there were also quarterfinals results at Gold Coast and Birmingham.
Just outside the seedings is Russian 17-year-old Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova who is at a career-high ranking of 46 and regarded as one of the newcomers to watch on the WTA Tour.
She dominated junior Grand Slams and was ranked at junior No1 in 2006. She has since gone on to have some top results on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour with quarterfinals finishes at Palermo and the Japan Open as well as making the third round of Wimbledon.
New Zealand’s Marina Erakovic makes the main draw for the first time with a ranking of 60. She had a stirring run to the semifinals of the 2008 event, including beating then world No22 Vera Zvonareva in three sets in the quarterfinals.
The 20-year-old Kiwi had a number of significant results in 2008 making the semis at Memphis and Birmingham as well as the third round at Miami and Wimbledon.
In doubles she won three WTA titles – ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Tokyo and Luxembourg.
Also returning is the popular Tamira Paszek who will be 18 next month. She was a semifinalist at the 2008 event and throughout the year reached the final at Bali beating two top-20 players along the way.
With a ranking of 72 Paszek from Austria is the last of the 23 direct acceptances into the main draw singles.
“The 2009 ASB Classic field has plenty of variety with a lot of strength at the top, a lot of players who are at their career-high rankings and a number of exciting young players. Two of the talented teens announced today are a great attraction for the tournament in addition to Wozniacki who is the youngest player in the top-20.
Vaidisova is an established star who has already achieved so much including being in the top-10 while Pavlyuchenkova has so much talent and is most certainly someone to watch this year,” says Brenda Perry, ASB Classic tournament director.
There are a number of players such as 77th ranked Aravane Rezai of France the finalist in 2008 who just misses the cut-off for the main draw and may play the qualifying. Also just outside the main draw is former top-20 player Anna-Lena Groenfeld at 76.
The ASB Classic will also feature on-court coaching for the first time as part of an initiative on Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.
The tournament will once again feature audio and video podcasting as well as live scoring.
The ASB Classic featuring the Kia Motors Singles and Doubles will be played at the ASB Tennis Centre January 5-10, with qualifying January 3-4.
www.asbclassic.co.nz
Russian Elena Dementieva who is also the Olympic champion is at a career-high of four in the world followed by No11 Nadia Petrova, also of Russia while Dane, Caroline Wozniack is at her best ranking of 12 and is still only 18-years-old.
At a career-high of No20 is the 2005 champion Katarina Srebotnik from Slovenia who will also team up with Petrova to make a formidable team in the Kia Motors doubles.
The fifth seed will be Spaniard, Anabel Medina Garrigues who is also at her best ranking, coming to Auckland at 22 in the world after a year where she won her eighth career singles title by beating Srebotnik in the final of Strasbourg and being a finalist at both Fes and Portoroz.
She is also a very accomplished doubles player with a current ranking of No3 after winning the title at Roland Garros with Virginia Ruano Pascal and the doubles silver medal at the Olympics with Ruano Pascal.
Canadian Aleksandra Wozniak ranked at 34 will be the sixth seed after she had a great result in 2008 where she played through qualifying to win the U$600,000 Tier II tournament at Stanford beating Marion Bartoli in the final. She also made the semis at Quebec and the Japan Open in what was her best 12 months of her career.
The seventh seed at 38 in the world is Israel’s Shahar Peer. She was ranked as high as 15 early last year and had appearances in the quarterfinals of both the Australian Open and US Open in 2007. In 2008 she made the fourth round of Wimbledon beating Dinara Safina along the way as well as reaching the semis at two events.
A feature of the tournament is the first time appearance of eighth seeded 19-year-old Nicole Vaidisova who has a current ranking of 41, but has been as high as No7 in the world in May of last year.
She has an incredible record in Grand Slams for someone still in her teens. In 2006 she reached the semifinals of Roland Garros while still only 17-years-old making her the youngest player in the Open era to do so.
Last year she made the semis of the Australian Open, quarters at Roland Garros and quarters at Wimbledon. In 2008 she again reached the quarters at Wimbledon beating Anna Chakvetdaze in the fourth round. At the strong Sydney event she had a win over Daniella Hantuchova and also Jelena Jankovic to make the semifinals while there were also quarterfinals results at Gold Coast and Birmingham.
Just outside the seedings is Russian 17-year-old Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova who is at a career-high ranking of 46 and regarded as one of the newcomers to watch on the WTA Tour.
She dominated junior Grand Slams and was ranked at junior No1 in 2006. She has since gone on to have some top results on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour with quarterfinals finishes at Palermo and the Japan Open as well as making the third round of Wimbledon.
New Zealand’s Marina Erakovic makes the main draw for the first time with a ranking of 60. She had a stirring run to the semifinals of the 2008 event, including beating then world No22 Vera Zvonareva in three sets in the quarterfinals.
The 20-year-old Kiwi had a number of significant results in 2008 making the semis at Memphis and Birmingham as well as the third round at Miami and Wimbledon.
In doubles she won three WTA titles – ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Tokyo and Luxembourg.
Also returning is the popular Tamira Paszek who will be 18 next month. She was a semifinalist at the 2008 event and throughout the year reached the final at Bali beating two top-20 players along the way.
With a ranking of 72 Paszek from Austria is the last of the 23 direct acceptances into the main draw singles.
“The 2009 ASB Classic field has plenty of variety with a lot of strength at the top, a lot of players who are at their career-high rankings and a number of exciting young players. Two of the talented teens announced today are a great attraction for the tournament in addition to Wozniacki who is the youngest player in the top-20.
Vaidisova is an established star who has already achieved so much including being in the top-10 while Pavlyuchenkova has so much talent and is most certainly someone to watch this year,” says Brenda Perry, ASB Classic tournament director.
There are a number of players such as 77th ranked Aravane Rezai of France the finalist in 2008 who just misses the cut-off for the main draw and may play the qualifying. Also just outside the main draw is former top-20 player Anna-Lena Groenfeld at 76.
The ASB Classic will also feature on-court coaching for the first time as part of an initiative on Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.
The tournament will once again feature audio and video podcasting as well as live scoring.
The ASB Classic featuring the Kia Motors Singles and Doubles will be played at the ASB Tennis Centre January 5-10, with qualifying January 3-4.
www.asbclassic.co.nz
League : DARREN LOCKYER WINS HARRY SUNDERLAND MEDAL
Kangaroos Captain and five-eighth Darren Lockyer has been named the Australian Rugby League’s 2008 Harry Sunderland Medal winner for Australia’s international player of the year.
Lockyer secured the honour following the conclusion of the Rugby League World Cup, in which he led the Kangaroos to three impressive wins and was awarded man-of-the-match in the final.
The 31-year-old now joins the Kangaroos’ elite as a Harry Sunderland Medal winner, with previous winners including Team of the Century members John Raper, Ron Coote and Wally Lewis.
A former Australian team manager, league administrator and journalist, who was instrumental in coordinating the British Lions’ tours to Australia in 1928, 1932 and 1936, Sunderland is best known for his achievement of staging a 1933 exhibition match between Australia and England in Paris. The match led to the French becoming regular Kangaroo Tour opponents for years to come.
The 2008 Harry Sunderland Medal was awarded by the Kangaroos team coaching staff and management.
“Darren has made an incredible contribution to international Rugby League throughout his career,” ARL Chief Executive Geoff Carr said today.
“Even so, the Harry Sunderland Medal is awarded to the best player of each year’s international campaign.
“Darren’s World Cup performances showed us why he is still considered one of the very best players in the game today and he is a deserved winner of this year’s Medal.”
HARRY SUNDERLAND MEDAL WINNERS
1964 Johnny Raper, Australia v France
1966 Billy Smith, Australia v Great Britain
1967 Billy Smith, Australia v New Zealand
1970 Ron Coote, Australia v Great Britain
1974 Ron Coote, Australia v Great Britain
1979 Ray Price, Australia v Great Britain
1984 Wayne Pearce, Australia v Great Britain
1988 Wally Lewis, Australia v Great Britain
1992 Bradley Clyde, Australia v Great Britain
2004 Anthony Minchiello, Tri Nations
2005 Anthony Minchiello, Tri Nations
2006 Petero Civoniceva, Tri Nations
2008 Darren Lockyer, Rugby League World Cup
Lockyer secured the honour following the conclusion of the Rugby League World Cup, in which he led the Kangaroos to three impressive wins and was awarded man-of-the-match in the final.
The 31-year-old now joins the Kangaroos’ elite as a Harry Sunderland Medal winner, with previous winners including Team of the Century members John Raper, Ron Coote and Wally Lewis.
A former Australian team manager, league administrator and journalist, who was instrumental in coordinating the British Lions’ tours to Australia in 1928, 1932 and 1936, Sunderland is best known for his achievement of staging a 1933 exhibition match between Australia and England in Paris. The match led to the French becoming regular Kangaroo Tour opponents for years to come.
The 2008 Harry Sunderland Medal was awarded by the Kangaroos team coaching staff and management.
“Darren has made an incredible contribution to international Rugby League throughout his career,” ARL Chief Executive Geoff Carr said today.
“Even so, the Harry Sunderland Medal is awarded to the best player of each year’s international campaign.
“Darren’s World Cup performances showed us why he is still considered one of the very best players in the game today and he is a deserved winner of this year’s Medal.”
HARRY SUNDERLAND MEDAL WINNERS
1964 Johnny Raper, Australia v France
1966 Billy Smith, Australia v Great Britain
1967 Billy Smith, Australia v New Zealand
1970 Ron Coote, Australia v Great Britain
1974 Ron Coote, Australia v Great Britain
1979 Ray Price, Australia v Great Britain
1984 Wayne Pearce, Australia v Great Britain
1988 Wally Lewis, Australia v Great Britain
1992 Bradley Clyde, Australia v Great Britain
2004 Anthony Minchiello, Tri Nations
2005 Anthony Minchiello, Tri Nations
2006 Petero Civoniceva, Tri Nations
2008 Darren Lockyer, Rugby League World Cup
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
News - Dec/Jan 09 issue is out!
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Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Golf : Hong Kong Open
Organisers reflect on best Open yet
Record crowds, a grandstand finish and probably the greatest shot in the history of the tournament – the 50th edition of the UBS Hong Kong Open was the best yet. Total attendance at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling topped 35,000 – about 4,000 more than in 2007. And those lucky enough to be there on Sunday (November 23) saw an enthralling day’s play capped by a sensational three-way playoff that ended with Lin Wen Tang of Chinese Taipei being crowned champion.
“It was an unforgettable week,” said Iain Valentine, chief executive of the Hong Kong Golf Association. “We had our biggest ever crowds but, at the same time, the behaviour of spectators was exemplary. As the Hong Kong public become more familiar with golf, so they are respectful of the course etiquette that goes with watching it. We were delighted with crowd conduct throughout the week.”
Fans at the European and Asian Tour co-sanctioned event were rewarded with some stunning golf as the players on a packed leaderboard jostled for position on the final day. While Lin, Thailand’s Chawalit Plaphol and Malaysia’s Iain Steel were flying the flag for Asia, Northern Irish teenager Rory McIlroy and Oliver Wilson of England were each seeking a first European Tour victory. Rising Spanish star Pablo Larrazábal and Italian Francesco Molinari were also in the mix while there was heartfelt support for 1991 Hong Kong champion Bernhard Langer, 51, as he rolled back the years with a vintage display. And there was the added bonus of two-time Major winner John Daly and defending champion Miguel ángel Jiménez going out early on the final morning and each coming within one shot of the course record with blistering eight-under-par 62s.
Even before Sunday, the UBS Hong Kong Open had earned in a place in the history books when Hong Kong-born Jason Hak, aged just 14, became the youngest player ever to make the cut in a European Tour event. Hak broke the record held by Spain’s Sergio Garcia and capped a memorable week by playing alongside two-time Masters champion José María Olazábal in the final round.
At the business end of the tournament, Lin missed a five-foot birdie putt on the par-four 18th that would have sealed the title and was pitched into a playoff with McIlroy and Molinari. No one among the thousands of fans packed around the 18th green and fairway will ever forget Lin’s approach shot on the first playoff hole. Trapped in the trees after hooking his drive, he appeared to have no choice but to chip back on to the fairway. Instead, he took out his sand wedge and hit the ball as hard as he could, up through the branches and high over the lake guarding the green, landing six feet from the flag.
Lin and McIlroy both birdied the hole while Molinari dropped out with a par. When the remaining duo played the 18th again, it was McIlroy’s turn to produce a wonder shot, bending his approach around some trees to the edge of the green. But Lin answered with a dream approach to within inches of the pin and, after McIlroy’s birdie effort went wide, the Taiwanese tapped in for a hugely popular victory.
Lin, 34, became the first Asian player to win the tournament since Korea’s Kang Wook Soon 10 years ago. “It’s amazing how much drama we’ve had at the 72nd hole down the years,” reflected Valentine. “The 18th at Fanling is difficult enough in the first three rounds, but in the final round, it really comes into its own. It has to be one of the best finishing holes in world golf. Everyone talks about José María Olazábal’s stunning approach shot when he birdied the hole to win in 2001. If anything, Lin’s shot in the playoff was even more amazing and it’s appropriate that Olazábal was there to see it. This was also the sixth year in a row the tournament has been decided on the final putt. When it comes to edge-of-the-seat drama, the Hong Kong Open seems to specialise in it.”
Lin’s victory in the 50th UBS Hong Kong Open book-ended the historic tournament perfectly – the inaugural winner in 1959 was another Taiwanese player, Lu Liang Huan.
With Lin crowned champion, thoughts are already turning to the 2009 edition. “Planning has already started,” confirmed Martin Capstick of tournament promoters Parallel Media Group. The challenge will be to raise the bar even higher but, given the commitment of everyone involved in staging the 2008 tournament, we are confident we can do it.”
League : More on Ricky Stewart
Rugby League International Federation Chairman and World Cup Tournament Director Mr Colin Love AM has today appointed Mr Rob Webber SC to conduct an independent investigation into claims raised against Australian coach Ricky Stuart by English referees official Stuart Cummings. Mr Webber will begin collecting statements from all parties in coming days. The matter will be examined under the World Cup Organising Committee’s code of conduct.
League : Annual Conference Day 2
The Chief Executives Annual Conference has today lent its support to a proposal for two referees being introduced to Telstra Premiership matches along with recommendations limiting the powers of the video referee.
Already endorsed by coaches, players, and media and game representatives at a conference in Sydney earlier this year, the concept will now be taken to the NRL Board on December 11.
The two referee model will be applied for the Telstra Premiership only and will see one referee oversee the play-the-ball and another based on the ten-metre line. The referee on the ten-metre line would be the one who will use the whistle to order stoppages or penalties. The second referee would communicate directly to the referee controlling the whistle. The referees will have the option of alternating roles during the match.
“The proposal is still to be adopted by the Board but it’s significant that a number of Board Members were here today and certainly we are looking at this as part of a significant investment in further raising the standards of on-field decisions,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said today. “It is something that has been debated many times and there is a strong view that we need to try it and to see if it does in fact lead to the outcomes we all want which is greater consistency and a better flowing game. If it doesn’t add value or if it is not proving effective then we would review it and make further changes if and when necessary.”
The Football Operations conference had also voted that the Video Referee should no longer be involved in determining penalties for stripping of the ball during tackles. The football conference was largely split on whether video referees should retain a role in identifying foul play and subsequent submissions from the Players Association suggested it was important for the welfare of players that some safeguard in this area existed.
The CEO’s today endorsed an NRL recommendation that the video referee can assist in alerting the referee to a matter of foul play only on the proviso that the incident is of a serious enough nature to warrant the offending player being placed on report. “Under the previous rule the video referee had no discretion and any minor matter would result in a penalty,” NRL Chief Operating Officer Mr Graham Annesley said. Because he had no discretion it could be argued there was an incentive for players to ‘stay down’ in the hope that they may receive penalty. Under this system he would only intervene when the matter was of a more serious nature and he would have the discretion to determine that.”
The NRL is also planning to introduce a specific judiciary category to cover “grapple tackles” and “wrestling”. Previously charges in this area have been laid under the heading of contrary conduct. Under the separate judiciary heading of Grappling/Wrestling grade one charges will incur less than one hundred points with significantly higher penalties for grade two and above. “It’s similar to the philosophy which worked in terms of dangerous throws some years ago,” Mr Annesley said. As referees monitor this area even more closely next year, including greater use of the sin-bin, there is the option of judiciary charges even at the lesser end of the scale and the deterrent of greater penalties for serious offences. There is a strong push from a number of areas to ensure that there is an increased crack down on grapple tackles next year.”
The NRL has also recommended a minor amendment to prevent time wasting around scrums. Under existing guidelines the referee will blow time off when one side forms a scrum but he will signal time on the moment those players “disengage” to change roles with other players. Among other issues discussed today was a proposal for the game to restrict coaches and players from making comment in relation to any impending judiciary hearings.
The Cowboys have also put forward a proposal to change the loading calculations for “prior similar offences” under the judiciary code and it has been agreed that there will be further examination of the loading system next year. The CEO’s have today endorsed an NRL proposal that a player’s carry over points reduce by five points for every match that he competes without further charge.
The judiciary chairman will also be asked to provide a clear set of directions to discourage players leading with their feet in trying to prevent a ball carrier grounding the ball over the try-line.
Club CEO’s have also undertaken to commit to an age group for the 2010 Toyota Cup competition by March 2009.
The Under 20’s age was locked in for an initial two year period and its success to date has led to both sponsorship renewals and the signing of a new multi-million dollar rights agreement with Fox Sports.
Clubs today said that the setting of the age going forward was critically dependent on NSW Rugby League plans to grow the NSW Cup open age competition and to re-define its current age competitions which operate beneath the Toyota Cup. There was also support for the judiciary taking a more stringent line in terms of any on-field fighting that may occur in Toyota Cup matches. There will be a particular focus on increasing judiciary charges to provide a strong deterrent in the second half of the season when some players may be aware that they are not progressing to the next season.
Already endorsed by coaches, players, and media and game representatives at a conference in Sydney earlier this year, the concept will now be taken to the NRL Board on December 11.
The two referee model will be applied for the Telstra Premiership only and will see one referee oversee the play-the-ball and another based on the ten-metre line. The referee on the ten-metre line would be the one who will use the whistle to order stoppages or penalties. The second referee would communicate directly to the referee controlling the whistle. The referees will have the option of alternating roles during the match.
“The proposal is still to be adopted by the Board but it’s significant that a number of Board Members were here today and certainly we are looking at this as part of a significant investment in further raising the standards of on-field decisions,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said today. “It is something that has been debated many times and there is a strong view that we need to try it and to see if it does in fact lead to the outcomes we all want which is greater consistency and a better flowing game. If it doesn’t add value or if it is not proving effective then we would review it and make further changes if and when necessary.”
The Football Operations conference had also voted that the Video Referee should no longer be involved in determining penalties for stripping of the ball during tackles. The football conference was largely split on whether video referees should retain a role in identifying foul play and subsequent submissions from the Players Association suggested it was important for the welfare of players that some safeguard in this area existed.
The CEO’s today endorsed an NRL recommendation that the video referee can assist in alerting the referee to a matter of foul play only on the proviso that the incident is of a serious enough nature to warrant the offending player being placed on report. “Under the previous rule the video referee had no discretion and any minor matter would result in a penalty,” NRL Chief Operating Officer Mr Graham Annesley said. Because he had no discretion it could be argued there was an incentive for players to ‘stay down’ in the hope that they may receive penalty. Under this system he would only intervene when the matter was of a more serious nature and he would have the discretion to determine that.”
The NRL is also planning to introduce a specific judiciary category to cover “grapple tackles” and “wrestling”. Previously charges in this area have been laid under the heading of contrary conduct. Under the separate judiciary heading of Grappling/Wrestling grade one charges will incur less than one hundred points with significantly higher penalties for grade two and above. “It’s similar to the philosophy which worked in terms of dangerous throws some years ago,” Mr Annesley said. As referees monitor this area even more closely next year, including greater use of the sin-bin, there is the option of judiciary charges even at the lesser end of the scale and the deterrent of greater penalties for serious offences. There is a strong push from a number of areas to ensure that there is an increased crack down on grapple tackles next year.”
The NRL has also recommended a minor amendment to prevent time wasting around scrums. Under existing guidelines the referee will blow time off when one side forms a scrum but he will signal time on the moment those players “disengage” to change roles with other players. Among other issues discussed today was a proposal for the game to restrict coaches and players from making comment in relation to any impending judiciary hearings.
The Cowboys have also put forward a proposal to change the loading calculations for “prior similar offences” under the judiciary code and it has been agreed that there will be further examination of the loading system next year. The CEO’s have today endorsed an NRL proposal that a player’s carry over points reduce by five points for every match that he competes without further charge.
The judiciary chairman will also be asked to provide a clear set of directions to discourage players leading with their feet in trying to prevent a ball carrier grounding the ball over the try-line.
Club CEO’s have also undertaken to commit to an age group for the 2010 Toyota Cup competition by March 2009.
The Under 20’s age was locked in for an initial two year period and its success to date has led to both sponsorship renewals and the signing of a new multi-million dollar rights agreement with Fox Sports.
Clubs today said that the setting of the age going forward was critically dependent on NSW Rugby League plans to grow the NSW Cup open age competition and to re-define its current age competitions which operate beneath the Toyota Cup. There was also support for the judiciary taking a more stringent line in terms of any on-field fighting that may occur in Toyota Cup matches. There will be a particular focus on increasing judiciary charges to provide a strong deterrent in the second half of the season when some players may be aware that they are not progressing to the next season.
Cricket : Andy Moles named New Zealand coach
New Zealand Cricket has appointed Northern Knights coach Andy Moles as the new BLACKCAPS coach.
English-born Moles will take up the role next week, in time for the West Indies series, which begins with the test in Dunedin starting on 11 December.
Announcing the appointment today NZC CEO Justin Vaughan said he was delighted to be able to appoint a coach of Moles’ calibre, after an extensive international search.
“Andy has an outstanding coaching background,” Vaughan said. “He has made a real impact at Northern Districts over the past two seasons and also brings more than 15 years experience coaching at international level.
“He also brings leadership, passion, commitment and a drive to get the best out of his teams – attributes we believe are essential for this role.
“Andy will be well placed to develop this BLACKCAPS side which has tremendous potential and is still growing in experience.”
Vaughan said that NZC was committed to putting world-class structures and the very best people in and around the BLACKCAPS. “With this in mind, John Wright, who was on the selection panel, will become a national selector and will closely with Andy.”
Vaughan said current BLACKCAPS coach John Bracewell would step down at the end of the current Australian tour.
“John and I have been in regular contact over transition arrangements. With the new coach available to start immediately, we have mutually agreed that John would step down after the Australian series, allowing Andy to take up the role during a home season rather than on the road.”
Vaughan paid tribute to Bracewell’s record as BLACKCAPS coach over the past five years. “John has achieved tremendous success with the New Zealand side, including test series wins against South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies, and one-day series victories over England, Australia, the West Indies, India, South Africa and Pakistan, among others.
“He also coached the BLACKCAPS to semi-final spots in the 2006 Champions Trophy, 2007 World Cup and the 2007 Twenty20 World Cup. He can be proud of record.”
Vaughan said Bracewell was looking forward to some time off before taking up his coaching post at Gloucestershire in the Northern summer.
Although NZC had earlier indicated that it would wait until after the Australian tour, Vaughan said events had moved quickly in the past few days and it was decided to make a full announcement of the appointment and timing.
Poll Result : How do you feel about Stacey Jones' return to the Warriors?
When voting closed:
75% - said good call, welcome him back!
25% - said not fussed
0% - said bad call
0% - said not a league or Warriors fan
75% - said good call, welcome him back!
25% - said not fussed
0% - said bad call
0% - said not a league or Warriors fan
League: Australia receive written complaint
World Cup organisers today formally furnished Australia with a written complaint from ENGLAND MATCH OFFICIALS DIRECTOR Stuart Cummings, following a chance meeting between Australian coach Ricky Stuart, English based referee Ashley Klein, and Mr Cummings at 11am the morning after the World Cup final.
Rugby League International Federation Chairman and World Cup Tournament Director, Mr Colin Love AM, has said that the matter will be investigated and that a response has been sought from Mr Stuart in relation to the matter.
Given that the English officials have returned home and that Mr Stuart and senior Australian officials are in the process of departing for annual leave, the tournament organisers may take a number of weeks to complete the necessary formal process of the inquiry.
Rugby League International Federation Chairman and World Cup Tournament Director, Mr Colin Love AM, has said that the matter will be investigated and that a response has been sought from Mr Stuart in relation to the matter.
Given that the English officials have returned home and that Mr Stuart and senior Australian officials are in the process of departing for annual leave, the tournament organisers may take a number of weeks to complete the necessary formal process of the inquiry.
Rugby : New Zealand achievements recognised at 2008 IRB Awards
A highly successful year for New Zealand rugby has been recognised with the winning of four Awards at the International Rugby Award (IRB) Awards ceremony held in London.
All Blacks Coach Graham Henry was named Coach of the Year, New Zealand Under-20 and Bay of Plenty flanker Luke Braid the Junior Player of the Year and Sevens Captain DJ Forbes the Sevens Player of the Year.
The All Blacks were named Team of the Year for their outstanding 2008 campaign which, with only this weekend’s Hilary Shield Clash against England to come, has seen them win 13 out of the 15 matches played this year.
NZRU CEO Steve Tew said it was a great achievement for all of the New Zealand teams and individuals recognised, reflecting the commitment and excellence of New Zealand rugby teams at all levels from the Under 20 team through to the All Blacks, as well as the people behind them.
“It was also fitting that while our modern teams were awarded for their efforts, we were reminded of the huge legacy left by people like Joe Warbrick from the Bay of Plenty, who was instrumental in establishing the tradition of rugby tours with the Natives, a fore-runner to our New Zealand Maori side.”
The 1888 Natives Team of New Zealand and their chief organiser, selector and captain Joe Warbrick, were inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame for their pioneering tour of Britain.
At 15, Warbrick is New Zealand’s youngest ever provincial player and appeared alongside four of his brothers on the tour but was hampered by injury and only played in seven out of the incredible 107 tour fixtures.
For a full list of Award winners please go to http://www.irb.com/
All Blacks Coach Graham Henry was named Coach of the Year, New Zealand Under-20 and Bay of Plenty flanker Luke Braid the Junior Player of the Year and Sevens Captain DJ Forbes the Sevens Player of the Year.
The All Blacks were named Team of the Year for their outstanding 2008 campaign which, with only this weekend’s Hilary Shield Clash against England to come, has seen them win 13 out of the 15 matches played this year.
NZRU CEO Steve Tew said it was a great achievement for all of the New Zealand teams and individuals recognised, reflecting the commitment and excellence of New Zealand rugby teams at all levels from the Under 20 team through to the All Blacks, as well as the people behind them.
“It was also fitting that while our modern teams were awarded for their efforts, we were reminded of the huge legacy left by people like Joe Warbrick from the Bay of Plenty, who was instrumental in establishing the tradition of rugby tours with the Natives, a fore-runner to our New Zealand Maori side.”
The 1888 Natives Team of New Zealand and their chief organiser, selector and captain Joe Warbrick, were inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame for their pioneering tour of Britain.
At 15, Warbrick is New Zealand’s youngest ever provincial player and appeared alongside four of his brothers on the tour but was hampered by injury and only played in seven out of the incredible 107 tour fixtures.
For a full list of Award winners please go to http://www.irb.com/
Snow sports: HUGE SNOW FALLS DRIVE RECORD NUMBERS FOR SNOW SPORTS INDUSTRY
New Zealand skifields had their best year ever in 2008.
Ski Areas Association members sold 1,402,000 passes, up 116,000 from last year‘s 1,286,000. The 2008 result surpasses by 1,000 the previous record of 1,401,000 ski area passes sold in 2006.
Skiers and snowboarders experienced fantastic snow conditions at all areas during the season. Ski areas were well underway with most lifts and terrain open for the July school holidays thanks to both natural and machine-made snow.
More snow than usual fell during the rest of the season. Skiers and riders had top quality conditions until October in the South Island and mid November in the North Island when the season ended.
“Providing quality conditions for skiers and riders is paramount especially at peak times such as holidays and weekends,” says Ski Areas Association spokesperson Miles Davidson. “Everyone is more enthusiastic and wants to participate more often when conditions are right,”
Snowmaking is making a huge difference to the industry. Areas can open slopes in June in time for the school holidays in early July. Snow bases can be built up when conditions allow, resulting in a longer season. It also provides the ability to improve snow quality throughout the season particularly in high traffic areas.
Snow sports retailers played their part supporting the season with innovations such as the NZ Snow Industry Federation’s free ski and snowboard equipment checks.
“Malfunctioning gear can lead to serious injury, and it’s important for the industry as a whole that its customers feel safe on the mountain,” Davidson says. “The free checks are a good way of focusing on the safety issue and the NZSIF plans to continue the programme for the long haul.”
More than 40,000 season passes were sold throughout the country prior to and during 2008. “With such good conditions, season pass holders had a great season, maximizing their passes to the full,” Davidson says.
Ski Areas Association members sold 1,402,000 passes, up 116,000 from last year‘s 1,286,000. The 2008 result surpasses by 1,000 the previous record of 1,401,000 ski area passes sold in 2006.
Skiers and snowboarders experienced fantastic snow conditions at all areas during the season. Ski areas were well underway with most lifts and terrain open for the July school holidays thanks to both natural and machine-made snow.
More snow than usual fell during the rest of the season. Skiers and riders had top quality conditions until October in the South Island and mid November in the North Island when the season ended.
“Providing quality conditions for skiers and riders is paramount especially at peak times such as holidays and weekends,” says Ski Areas Association spokesperson Miles Davidson. “Everyone is more enthusiastic and wants to participate more often when conditions are right,”
Snowmaking is making a huge difference to the industry. Areas can open slopes in June in time for the school holidays in early July. Snow bases can be built up when conditions allow, resulting in a longer season. It also provides the ability to improve snow quality throughout the season particularly in high traffic areas.
Snow sports retailers played their part supporting the season with innovations such as the NZ Snow Industry Federation’s free ski and snowboard equipment checks.
“Malfunctioning gear can lead to serious injury, and it’s important for the industry as a whole that its customers feel safe on the mountain,” Davidson says. “The free checks are a good way of focusing on the safety issue and the NZSIF plans to continue the programme for the long haul.”
More than 40,000 season passes were sold throughout the country prior to and during 2008. “With such good conditions, season pass holders had a great season, maximizing their passes to the full,” Davidson says.
Monday, November 24, 2008
A1GP: Ireland Command Sepang Feature Race
A1 Team Ireland became the first nation to score two victories this season, as Adam Carroll dominated the Sepang Feature race in Malaysia. Fillipe A took an excellent second place for Portugal while Marco Andretti finished a great third for the USA from eighth on the grid. Ireland now leads the championship heading into the Christmas break.
Neel Jani
Loïc Duval
Earl Bamber
Marco Andretti
Felipe Guimarães
Narain Karthikeyan
Jeroen Bleekemolen,
Fastest lap: A1 Team SUI set the fastest lap (1m48.550s) of the Sprint race with a speed of 183.8 kph on lap 8.
2008/09 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport points standings
Pos A1 Team Points
1 France 31
2 Malaysia 28
3 Switzerland 28
4 Ireland 27
5 New Zealand 26
6 Portugal 23
7 Netherlands 23
8 Great Britain 16
9 Australia 14
10 South Africa 9
11 Monaco 9
12 USA 6
13 Italy 4
14 Korea 4
15 Lebanon 3
16 China 2
17 India 1
18 Indonesia 0
19 Brazil 0
20 Mexico 0
Next race: A1GP Taupo, New Zealand, 23 – 25 January 2009.
Neel Jani
Loïc Duval
Earl Bamber
Marco Andretti
Felipe Guimarães
Narain Karthikeyan
Jeroen Bleekemolen,
Fastest lap: A1 Team SUI set the fastest lap (1m48.550s) of the Sprint race with a speed of 183.8 kph on lap 8.
2008/09 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport points standings
Pos A1 Team Points
1 France 31
2 Malaysia 28
3 Switzerland 28
4 Ireland 27
5 New Zealand 26
6 Portugal 23
7 Netherlands 23
8 Great Britain 16
9 Australia 14
10 South Africa 9
11 Monaco 9
12 USA 6
13 Italy 4
14 Korea 4
15 Lebanon 3
16 China 2
17 India 1
18 Indonesia 0
19 Brazil 0
20 Mexico 0
Next race: A1GP Taupo, New Zealand, 23 – 25 January 2009.
A1GP: Switzerland Wins Dramatic Sepang Sprint Race
Neel Jani became the fifth different race winner this season as A1 Team Switzerland took victory in a dramatic Sprint race at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. As the cars came in formation towards the rolling start, an incident involving USA, Brazil and India brought out the red flag. Switzerland controlled the re-start and made a slick pit-stop to take a comfortable win in the hot and humid conditions. France’s Loïc Duval finished second ahead of a charging Earl Bamber for A1 Team New Zealand.
Fastest lap: A1 Team SUI set the fastest lap (1m48.550s) of the Sprint race with a speed of 183.8 kph on lap 8.
Fastest lap: A1 Team SUI set the fastest lap (1m48.550s) of the Sprint race with a speed of 183.8 kph on lap 8.
tennis : CAREER BEST FOR GD JONES
Aucklander, GD Jones, with partner Kevin Anderson (RSA) have captured the title at the US$50k Challenger event in Knoxville USA.
Despite giving away a massive ranking advantage to top seeded US combination of Rajeev Ram and Bobby Reynolds, The Kiwi/US combination scored a 3/6 6/0 10-7 victory.
During 2008 Jones had already captured five doubles titles at the US$15k Futures level. Three of these with fellow kiwi Daniel King-Turner. The big jump to the $50k level, and taking the title over such a highly ranked pair, is a great step for the improving Jones, who has now been full-time on the circuit for just over a year, after completing a college degree in the US last July.
Jones will now concentrate on completing an end of season fitness block in the US, in preparation for 2009, before returning to New Zealand for the tournament season in late December.
The good news for the Jones family continued on the other side of the world in the Philippines. Sacha Jones has advanced to the singles final of the US$10k ITF event in Manila. She outlclassed Seo-Kyung Kang 3/6 7/6 61. In Sunday’s final Jones will encounter Indonesia’s Ayu-Fani Damayanti seeded 7.
Despite giving away a massive ranking advantage to top seeded US combination of Rajeev Ram and Bobby Reynolds, The Kiwi/US combination scored a 3/6 6/0 10-7 victory.
During 2008 Jones had already captured five doubles titles at the US$15k Futures level. Three of these with fellow kiwi Daniel King-Turner. The big jump to the $50k level, and taking the title over such a highly ranked pair, is a great step for the improving Jones, who has now been full-time on the circuit for just over a year, after completing a college degree in the US last July.
Jones will now concentrate on completing an end of season fitness block in the US, in preparation for 2009, before returning to New Zealand for the tournament season in late December.
The good news for the Jones family continued on the other side of the world in the Philippines. Sacha Jones has advanced to the singles final of the US$10k ITF event in Manila. She outlclassed Seo-Kyung Kang 3/6 7/6 61. In Sunday’s final Jones will encounter Indonesia’s Ayu-Fani Damayanti seeded 7.
Tennis : GD and SACHA Advance
GD Jones, with partner Kevin Anderson (RSA) are through to the doubles final at the US$50k Challenger event in Knoxville USA.
The Kiwi/US combination was too strong for the Ratiwatana brothers from Thailand, Sanchai and Sonchat, scoring a 6/4 2/6 10-3 victory. In the final the pair will meet the top seeded US combination of Rajeev Ram and Bobby Reynolds who boast a combined ATP doubles ranking of only 137.
Meanwhile in the Philippines, Sacha Jones has continued her good form and is through to the semi-finals of the singles event of the ITF US$10k event. Jones scored a solid 6/2 7/6 win over Indonesia’s Lavinia Tanata to advance to the semis. Awaiting at that round will be Korean fourth seed Seo-Kyung Kang. Jones also made the doubles semi-finals of the same tournament.
The Kiwi/US combination was too strong for the Ratiwatana brothers from Thailand, Sanchai and Sonchat, scoring a 6/4 2/6 10-3 victory. In the final the pair will meet the top seeded US combination of Rajeev Ram and Bobby Reynolds who boast a combined ATP doubles ranking of only 137.
Meanwhile in the Philippines, Sacha Jones has continued her good form and is through to the semi-finals of the singles event of the ITF US$10k event. Jones scored a solid 6/2 7/6 win over Indonesia’s Lavinia Tanata to advance to the semis. Awaiting at that round will be Korean fourth seed Seo-Kyung Kang. Jones also made the doubles semi-finals of the same tournament.
Sailing : Sailing : Olympic Sailors Reunite to Receive an Early Christmas Present
The triumphant gold medal-winning sailors from the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games reunited today, 21 November, to receive an early Christmas present from Panasonic, worldwide Olympic Games partner and Team GB sponsor. This was one of the first opportunities, since touching down on British soil at the end of August, to get all seven sailing gold medallists together and reward them for the hard work that kept the UK glued to their televisions for two weeks and the successes that lifted the nation's spirits.
The Team GB sailors were the first of the 27 British Olympic gold medal-winning athletes to receive their gift from Panasonic. Ben Ainslie (Finn), Paul Goodison (Laser), Iain Percy and Andrew Simpson (Star) and the three "blondes in a boat" Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson (Yngling) took time out of the RYA World Class Programme day at East Horton Golf Club, Hampshire, to each receive a 32" Panasonic Viera television with HD Freesat built in and a Blu-ray player enabling them to replay their magic moments from Beijing.
Ainslie, recently crowned ISAF Sailor of the Year for the third time, said:
"This is a fantastic gift from everyone at Panasonic and a great reminder of the experiences we all had out in Beijing this summer. We've all been pretty busy since we got back in August; training, travelling and working on other projects so to get together today and receive our first Christmas presents is great. I'm just pleased that someone from Panasonic is going to teach us how to set it up!"
Keith Evans, Managing Director of Panasonic UK said: "Panasonic is proud to present each of the gold medal winners with a latest edition high definition TV and Blu-ray player in recognition of the hard work and their fantastic achievements in Beijing. This summer, Team GB put the "great" back into Great Britain and I hope that the athletes will enjoy reliving their Olympic moments on the high definition Panasonic TV for many years to come."
The Team GB sailors were the first of the 27 British Olympic gold medal-winning athletes to receive their gift from Panasonic. Ben Ainslie (Finn), Paul Goodison (Laser), Iain Percy and Andrew Simpson (Star) and the three "blondes in a boat" Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson (Yngling) took time out of the RYA World Class Programme day at East Horton Golf Club, Hampshire, to each receive a 32" Panasonic Viera television with HD Freesat built in and a Blu-ray player enabling them to replay their magic moments from Beijing.
Ainslie, recently crowned ISAF Sailor of the Year for the third time, said:
"This is a fantastic gift from everyone at Panasonic and a great reminder of the experiences we all had out in Beijing this summer. We've all been pretty busy since we got back in August; training, travelling and working on other projects so to get together today and receive our first Christmas presents is great. I'm just pleased that someone from Panasonic is going to teach us how to set it up!"
Keith Evans, Managing Director of Panasonic UK said: "Panasonic is proud to present each of the gold medal winners with a latest edition high definition TV and Blu-ray player in recognition of the hard work and their fantastic achievements in Beijing. This summer, Team GB put the "great" back into Great Britain and I hope that the athletes will enjoy reliving their Olympic moments on the high definition Panasonic TV for many years to come."
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