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Friday, December 12, 2008

Cricket : Surrey announce new cricket manager

Thursday 11th December 2008, The Brit Oval, London – Surrey County Cricket Club today announced the appointment of Chris Adams as its Professional Cricket Manager on a three year deal.

After what proved to be a lengthy negotiation process, Adams joins the Club after retiring from a twenty year first-class career with Sussex and Derbyshire. His playing days culminated in him leading Sussex to an unlikely victory over Nottinghamshire in the final match of the NatWest Pro40 Division One season, a win which secured the seventh piece of silverware in his ten year reign at the helm. This makes him one of the most successful county captains of recent times.

During his first class career, Adams scored 19,535 runs at an average of 38.68, playing five Test Matches and five One Day Internationals for England. His inspirational captaincy was credited by many as the reason for Sussex’s regular silverware over recent years.

Whilst in Hove, Adams skippered Sussex to the LV County Championship Division Two title in 2001, was victorious in the top division two years later and then won back to back titles in 2006 and 2007.

He also brought success to the county in the One Day arena, taking home the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy in 2006, the NatWest Pro40 Division Two title in 2005 and the Division One title in 2008.

The signing of Adams comes shortly after Surrey announced that Club legend Graham Thorpe would be returning to the Brit Oval as a specialist batting coach. Thorpe will be supporting Adams and working with batsmen at all levels of the Club.

Speaking after signing his contract, Adams said: “I am delighted to join Surrey at this stage. Although there is sadness that I won’t walk out again as a player, that is overridden by my desire to take on this new challenge.

“It is a huge privilege for me to leave one role and walk straight into this amazing opportunity. Surrey are a big club with some high performing players and I look forward to working alongside the guys as we look to bring long-term success back to the Brit Oval.

“There is nothing more rewarding than leading a group of men to great success. I’ve done that as a captain and now intend to do it again as a manager.”

His passion was echoed by Gus Mackay, the Managing Director of Surrey Cricket who added “Securing Chris’ services after what was a very thorough recruitment process is fantastic for the Club. His experience, expertise and work ethic is exactly what we need to help instill a culture that will help us become a successful Club once more.

He added: “From his time at Sussex he knows a thing or two about winning trophies and I’m confident that he is the man to bring these winning ways back to Surrey in the coming years. We firmly believe that we need strong leadership off the field during this period of rebuilding and Chris is a natural leader of people. I wish him every success.”

Motorsport : Statement From FOTA Chairman

Maranello, 11th December - After yesterday's meeting at Monte Carlo with FIA President Max Mosley and the team principals of all Formula One teams, lead by FOTA Chairman Luca di Montezemolo, the latter made the following statement:

"I am very glad about the climate of enormous collaboration at the meeting. There is a common sense of the difficult moment of our sport. Yesterday we could see the great responsibility of all the participants. The world-wide economical crisis and the enormous increase of costs in Formula One over the last years lead the FIA and its President to give a strong and right impulse to cut costs as of 2010 to get our sport back into acceptable economical dimensions, so all teams will be able to participate. The answer we could find was beyond our all expectations. The extreme compactness, never seen before, and all the participant’s passion for this sport brought the FOTA members to go beyond the requests made by President Mosley, taking into account courageous proposals, while voting unanimously for a substantial reduction of costs already as of 2009, which will be the most difficult year for the world economy and for the automotive industry in particular."

"The proposals presented to President Mosley, with Formula One’s DNA in mind - made of technology and sportiness - will enable us to drastically cut costs as of the upcoming season to have a complete new Formula One in the year 2012, projected into the future, distinguishing itself by an innovative spirit and great attention as far as the environment is concerned, but on economic levels as in the 90s, while maintaining the fascinating challenges, which is one of the factors why this sport is one of the most popular sports in the world."

"President Mosley appreciated our proposals, which will be examined tomorrow by the FIA World Motor Sport Council. We, as FOTA, will continue our work also in other areas, such as the race weekend format, and we want to determine the details for the upcoming years, bearing in mind the observations expressed by Mosley yesterday. I am extremely proud of the work FOTA has done so far; an association, which didn’t exist until last September and which united the teams, going beyond their rivalry, the salt of racing, but which could have been an obstacle on the way redesigning the future of Formula One. There is still much left to do, also because when we have a look at the economic side of the companies and not only the ones of the F1 teams, we have to consider the costs but also the earnings. In this sense yesterday we managed to agree with the FIA on the necessity to organize a meeting with FOM to discuss the earnings of the Formula One teams."

tennis : WEST END NZMT 4 MAIN DRAW KICKS OFF TODAY

The main draw of the West End Cup NZMT 4 in association with Configure Express kicked off this morning at 9am with the first two rounds completed. Auckland's Troy Turnbull had two straight set wins to reach the third round and now faces seventh seed Steven Downs.

Anton Bettink continues his good run of wins beating Jordan Kelly-Houston who is currently NZ's highest ITF Junior ranking in three sets, then went on beat Nigel Espie to reach the third round. Bettink faces eighth seed Jackson Bodle.

In the other side of the draw Canterbury's James Meredith and Remi Feneon had straight set wins in the first two rounds and will face Teo Susnjak and Robert Cheyne respectively.

The men's third round is at 11.30am and quarterfinals at 3.30pm which seeds the top four seeds Adam Thompson, Mark Nielsen, Matthew Prentice and Adam Thompson take the court.

In the women's draw Leora Hemmerich (Germany) had too wins against Carli Davis and Lucy Bird to reach the third round and faces fifth seed Pavlina Nola in the third round. NZ's Taylor Douglas who has been based in Australia also won through and plays seventh seed Sarah McDermott. Brittany Teei has come back from Australia from a few weeks of training and won her two rounds of matches. Teei plays Tanya Samodelok in the third round. Kataraina Hunia had a lucky draw today getting a bye in the first round and then a walkover in the second round.

The women's third round is at 10.15am and the women's quarterfinals are scheduled for 2.15pm with seeds Kairangi Vano, Leanne Baker, Shona Lee and Dianne Hollands all set to play.

Click here for the results http://tennisnz.infonetwork.com/tournaments/results.asp?tid=5185881
Click here for the draws http://tennisnz.infonetwork.com/tournaments/draws.asp?tid=5185881

Rugby : NZRU provides assistance to Provincial Unions

The New Zealand Rugby Union will provide immediate assistance to New Zealand’s 26 Provincial Unions in response to the worsening economic conditions and the strong financial position it has built up, including an estimated surplus in 2008 in excess of $7.5 million.

In providing the assistance, the NZRU has also signalled that the cost base and rugby structures in New Zealand need further work.

The announcement of a three-pronged financial assistance package follows the final NZRU Board meeting of the year on Thursday 11 December at which the Board was presented with an update on the financial health of Provincial Unions and the NZRU’s projected 2008 results.

NZRU CEO Steve Tew said the NZRU was in the fortunate position of recording a surplus for the 2008 year which, while not finalised, is likely to be in excess of $7.5 million, helped largely by favourable foreign exchange movements during the year.

“We have been successful in managing our costs in 2008 to ensure we have achieved a small operating surplus. On top of that, we have had significant gains as a result of the falling New Zealand dollar which will add to our strong reserves position and also makes good on the losses recorded in 2006 and 2007.”

Mr Tew said the NZRU had received requests for financial help from a number of Provincial Unions, particularly at the Air New Zealand Cup level, and as a result of the NZRU performance in 2008 was in a position where it could provide assistance.

However, he noted that the Provincial Unions and their communities would need to work hard to raise the necessary funding to sustain them in this competition.

“At a meeting of all Provincial Unions and Rebel Sport Super 14 Franchises last week in Auckland, options were discussed as to how and in what circumstances the NZRU could or should provide assistance to Unions.

“Based on those discussions and the Board’s consideration we have put in place a package of assistance which is substantive, targeted and relative to the current environment, while recognising that there is more work that needs to be done to address the cost base of the Air New Zealand Cup competition and its participants.”

Assistance Package
The assistance package for Provincial Unions comprises:

1. An immediate one off payment to all 26 Provincial Unions equal to the amount of one quarter of the annual core grant distribution with a minimum payment to Air New Zealand Cup Unions of $150,000;
2. The creation of a provision of $1.2 million representing 75 percent of All Blacks player payments contained in Provincial Union contracts (subject to a pro rata reduction based on games played in the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup by those players); and
3. The creation of a Support Fund of $1 million to assist Provincial Unions in addressing the cost base/structure of their organisations to achieve a more appropriate and sustainable level.

Under the current NZRU funding model, Provincial Unions receive their annual grants through four quarterly payments. In effect, the immediate special distribution payment (point 1 above) is equivalent to one additional quarterly payment for the 2008 year.

The All Blacks player payments, which will be paid in 2009, will help recognise the limited role that All Blacks play in the Air New Zealand Cup and that the cost of paying those players is better met at the national level. This initiative is consistent with some of the discussions which have taken place during the Air New Zealand Cup, Franchise Structure and SANZAR Competitions reviews.

The third initiative is the first step by the NZRU to work with Provincial Unions on structuring Provincial Union and competition structures to achieve a more sustainable platform for Provincial rugby.

“It is now clearly obvious to everyone that we as a sport are struggling to sustain the cost base of this competition in its current form so we have signalled that we want to work with our Provincial Unions to address this,” Mr Tew said.

Tasman and Northland

Mr Tew said the specific conditions with respect to Tasman and Northland’s inclusion in the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup had also been reviewed by the Board. Northland has made progress in meeting the conditions which formed part of its submission to the NZRU Board in September and their participation has been confirmed.

The Tasman Rugby Union had made progress on some of the objectives, including a re-commitment to the Union from its two sub-union partners. However, the NZRU has received a request for additional time and additional financial assistance from Tasman so it can meet the financial conditions it submitted in its case for remaining in the Air New Zealand Cup.

“Under the financial assistance package announced today, Tasman will be eligible for the immediate additional payment and will also accrue some additional relief through the All Blacks payment provision in 2009.

“However, the NZRU Board does not believe it is appropriate to provide any further funding assistance. The Tasman union and its partners and communities need to demonstrate that they can operate at the Air New Zealand Cup level under their own steam, and on the same basis as the other Provincial Unions in that competition.”

Tasman have been given until Wednesday 17 December to respond to the NZRU on its submission for entry to the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup.

Future risks

Mr Tew said while it was envisaged that the special package announced today would help address some of the immediate financial risks being faced by Provincial Unions, the NZRU was aware that the economic environment may yet worsen before it improves.

“We have tried to take a prudent and pragmatic approach in providing help and in terms of the budget we have set for the NZRU in 2009, while recognising that there may be further challenges in the year ahead.”

Mr Tew said it was also hoped that Provincial Unions would use the special distribution to improve their financial situation and not make decisions which might add to their cost base.

league : 2009 NRL SEASON DRAW

Week 1
March 13 - 16
Broncos vs. Cowboys Suncorp Stadium
Bulldogs vs. Sea Eagles ANZ Stadium
Roosters vs. Rabbitohs Sydney Football Stadium
Sharks vs. Panthers Toyota Stadium
Storm vs. Dragons Olympic Park
Titans vs. Knights Skilled Park
Warriors vs. Eels Mt Smart Stadium
Wests Tigers vs. Raiders
Campbelltown Sports Stadium
Week 2
March 20 - 23
Broncos vs. Storm Suncorp Stadium
Cowboys vs. Wests Tigers Dairy Farmers Stadium
Dragons vs. Titans WIN Stadium
Panthers vs. Bulldogs CUA Stadium
Rabbitohs vs. Eels ANZ Stadium
Raiders vs. Roosters Canberra Stadium
Sea Eagles vs. Warriors Brookvale Oval
Sharks vs. Knights
Toyota Stadium
Week 3
March 27 - 30
Cowboys vs. Storm Dairy Farmers Stadium
Dragons vs. Sharks Jubilee Oval
Eels vs. Raiders Parramatta Stadium
Rabbitohs vs. Knights Bluetongue Stadium
Sea Eagles vs. Panthers Brookvale Oval
Titans vs. Bulldogs Skilled Park
Warriors vs. Broncos Mt Smart Stadium
Wests Tigers vs. Roosters Sydney Football Stadium
Week 4
April 3 - 6
Broncos vs. Dragons Suncorp Stadium
Bulldogs vs. Sharks ANZ Stadium
Knights vs. Sea Eagles Energy Australia Stadium
Panthers vs. Wests Tigers CUA Stadium
Raiders vs. Cowboys Canberra Stadium
Roosters vs. Eels Sydney Football Stadium
Storm vs. Titans Olympic Park
Warriors vs. Rabbitohs
Mt Smart Stadium
Week 5
April 10 - 13
Bulldogs vs. Rabbitohs ANZ Stadium
Cowboys vs. Titans Dairy Farmers Stadium
Eels vs. Dragons Parramatta Stadium
Knights vs. Warriors Energy Australia Stadium
Roosters vs. Broncos Sydney Football Stadium
Sea Eagles vs. Wests Tigers Brookvale Oval
Sharks vs. Raiders Toyota Stadium
Storm vs. Panthers
Olympic Park
Week 6
April 17 - 20
Dragons vs. Knights Jubilee Oval
Eels vs. Bulldogs ANZ Stadium
Panthers vs. Broncos CUA Stadium
Rabbitohs vs. Sea Eagles ANZ Stadium
Sharks vs. Cowboys Hindmarsh Stadium Adelaide
Titans vs. Raiders Skilled Park
Warriors vs. Roosters Mt Smart Stadium
Wests Tigers vs. Storm Leichhardt Oval

Week 7
April 24 - 27
Broncos vs. Eels Suncorp Stadium
Cowboys vs. Sea Eagles Dairy Farmers Stadium
Panthers vs. Titans CUA Stadium
Rabbitohs vs. Sharks ANZ Stadium
Raiders vs. Bulldogs Canberra Stadium
Roosters vs. Dragons Sydney Football Stadium
Storm vs. Warriors Olympic Park
Wests Tigers vs. Knights

Campbelltown Sports Stadium
Week 8
May 1 - 3
Bulldogs vs. Wests Tigers ANZ Stadium
Dragons vs. Warriors WIN Stadium
Eels vs. Cowboys Parramatta Stadium
Knights vs. Broncos Energy Australia Stadium
Raiders vs. Panthers Canberra Stadium
Sea Eagles vs. Storm Brookvale Oval
Sharks vs. Roosters Toyota Stadium
Titans vs. Rabbitohs Skilled Park


Friday May 8 Australia vs New Zealand Suncorp Stadium Brisbane


Friday May 8 City vs Country (Orange)






Week 9
May 9 – 11
Broncos vs. Sea Eagles Suncorp Stadium
Cowboys vs. Dragons Dairy Farmers Stadium
Knights vs. Titans Energy Australia Stadium
Roosters vs. Storm Bluetongue Stadium
Bulldogs BYE
Eels BYE
Panthers BYE
Rabbitohs BYE
Raiders BYE
Sharks BYE
Wests Tigers BYE
Warriors BYE



Week 10
May 15 - 18
Broncos vs. Titans Suncorp Stadium
Dragons vs. Bulldogs Jubilee Oval
Panthers vs. Sharks CUA Stadium
Roosters vs. Knights Sydney Football Stadium
Sea Eagles vs. Eels Brookvale Oval
Storm vs. Raiders Olympic Park
Warriors vs. Cowboys Mt Smart Stadium
Wests Tigers vs. Rabbitohs







Sydney Cricket Ground
Week 11
May 22 - 25
Bulldogs vs. Storm Bluetongue Stadium
Cowboys vs. Knights Dairy Farmers Stadium
Eels vs. Rabbitohs ANZ Stadium
Panthers vs. Roosters CUA Stadium
Raiders vs. Warriors Canberra Stadium
Sharks vs. Dragons Toyota Stadium
Titans vs. Sea Eagles Skilled Park
Wests Tigers vs. Broncos
Campbelltown Sports Stadium
Week 12
May 29 – June 1
Dragons vs. Panthers WIN Stadium
Eels vs. Sharks Parramatta Stadium
Knights vs. Bulldogs Energy Australia Stadium
Rabbitohs vs. Raiders ANZ Stadium
Warriors vs. Wests Tigers Mt Smart Stadium
Broncos BYE
Cowboys BYE
Eagles BYE
Roosters BYE
Storm BYE
Titans BYE



Wednesday June 3 State of Origin 1 Telstra Dome Melbourne







Week 13
June 5 - 8
Cowboys vs. Rabbitohs Dairy Farmers Stadium
Knights vs. Eels Energy Australia Stadium
Sea Eagles vs. Roosters Brookvale Oval
Sharks vs. Warriors Toyota Stadium
Storm vs. Broncos Olympic Park
Titans vs. Dragons Skilled Park
Wests Tigers vs. Panthers Leichhardt Oval
Bulldogs BYE
Raiders BYE



Week 14
June 12 - 15
Broncos vs. Bulldogs Suncorp Stadium
Dragons vs. Cowboys WIN Stadium
Eels vs. Wests Tigers Parramatta Stadium
Panthers vs. Sea Eagles CUA Stadium
Rabbitohs vs. Storm Members Equity Stadium Perth
Raiders vs. Sharks Canberra Stadium
Roosters vs. Titans Bluetongue Stadium
Warriors vs. Knights









Mt Smart Stadium


Week 15
June 19 - 22
Bulldogs vs. Panthers ANZ Stadium
Cowboys vs. Roosters Dairy Farmers Stadium
Sea Eagles vs. Raiders Brookvale Oval
Sharks vs. Broncos Toyota Stadium
Storm vs. Wests Tigers Olympic Park
Dragons BYE
Eels BYE
Knights BYE
Rabbitohs BYE
Titans BYE
Warriors BYE




Wednesday June 24 State of Origin 2 ANZ Stadium Sydney





Week 16
June 26 - 29
Bulldogs vs. Cowboys ANZ Stadium
Eels vs. Broncos Parramatta Stadium
Knights vs. Rabbitohs Energy Australia Stadium
Raiders vs. Storm Canberra Stadium
Roosters vs. Sharks Sydney Football Stadium
Titans vs. Warriors Skilled Park
Wests Tigers vs. Dragons Sydney Football Stadium
Sea Eagles BYE
Panthers BYE

Week 17
July 3 – 6
Broncos vs. Warriors Suncorp Stadium
Cowboys vs. Sharks Dairy Farmers Stadium
Dragons vs. Roosters Jubilee Oval
Panthers vs. Eels CUA Stadium
Rabbitohs vs. Wests Tigers ANZ Stadium
Raiders vs. Titans Canberra Stadium
Sea Eagles vs. Bulldogs Brookvale Oval
Storm vs. Knights



Olympic Park
Week 18
July 10 - 13
Dragons vs. Sea Eagles WIN Stadium
Knights vs. Raiders Energy Australia Stadium
Rabbitohs vs. Panthers ANZ Stadium
Titans vs. Eels Skilled Park
Warriors vs. Bulldogs Mt Smart Stadium
Broncos BYE
Cowboys BYE
Roosters BYE
Sharks BYE
Storm BYE
Wests Tigers BYE



Wednesday July 15 State of Origin 3 – Suncorp Stadium Brisbane



Week 19
July 17 - 20
Broncos vs. Rabbitohs Suncorp Stadium
Bulldogs vs. Titans Suncorp Stadium
Eels vs. Storm Parramatta Stadium
Panthers vs. Raiders CUA Stadium
Roosters vs. Warriors Sydney Football Stadium
Sharks vs. Sea Eagles Toyota Stadium
Wests Tigers vs. Cowboys Leichhardt Oval
Dragons BYE
Knights BYE

Week 20
July 24 - 27
Bulldogs vs. Eels ANZ Stadium
Cowboys vs. Panthers Dairy Farmers Stadium
Rabbitohs vs. Roosters ANZ Stadium
Raiders vs. Wests Tigers Canberra Stadium
Sea Eagles vs. Knights Brookvale Oval
Storm vs. Sharks Olympic Park
Titans vs. Broncos Skilled Park
Warriors vs. Dragons
Mt Smart Stadium
Week 21
July 31 – August 3
Dragons vs. Storm Jubilee Oval
Knights vs. Roosters Energy Australia Stadium
Panthers vs. Warriors CUA Stadium
Rabbitohs vs. Bulldogs ANZ Stadium
Raiders vs. Broncos Canberra Stadium
Sharks vs. Eels Toyota Stadium
Titans vs. Cowboys Skilled Park
Wests Tigers vs. Sea Eagles Sydney Football Stadium
Week 22
August 7 - 10
Broncos vs. Sharks Suncorp Stadium
Bulldogs vs. Raiders ANZ Stadium
Eels vs. Knights Parramatta Stadium
Panthers vs. Dragons CUA Stadium
Roosters vs. Wests Tigers Sydney Football Stadium
Sea Eagles vs. Rabbitohs Brookvale Oval
Storm vs. Cowboys Olympic Park
Warriors vs. Titans
Mt Smart Stadium
Week 23
August 14 - 17
Broncos vs. Panthers Suncorp Stadium
Cowboys vs. Bulldogs Dairy Farmers Stadium
Eels vs. Warriors Parramatta Stadium
Knights vs. Storm Energy Australia Stadium
Rabbitohs vs. Titans ANZ Stadium
Raiders vs. Dragons Canberra Stadium
Roosters vs. Sea Eagles Sydney Football Stadium
Sharks vs. Wests Tigers
Toyota Stadium
Week 24
August 21 - 24
Bulldogs vs. Roosters ANZ Stadium
Dragons vs. Broncos WIN Stadium
Knights vs. Cowboys Energy Australia Stadium
Panthers vs. Rabbitohs CUA Stadium
Storm vs. Sea Eagles Olympic Park
Titans vs. Sharks Skilled Park
Warriors vs. Raiders Mt Smart Stadium
Wests Tigers vs. Eels
Sydney Football Stadium
Week 25
August 28 - 31
Bulldogs vs. Warriors ANZ Stadium
Cowboys vs. Broncos Dairy Farmers Stadium
Eels vs. Panthers Parramatta Stadium
Rabbitohs vs. Dragons ANZ Stadium
Raiders vs. Knights Canberra Stadium
Sea Eagles vs. Sharks Brookvale Oval
Storm vs. Roosters Olympic Park
Titans vs. Wests Tigers
Skilled Park
Week 26
September 4 - 6
Broncos vs. Raiders Suncorp Stadium
Dragons vs. Eels Jubilee Oval
Knights vs. Panthers Energy Australia Stadium
Roosters vs. Cowboys Sydney Football Stadium
Sea Eagles vs. Titans Brookvale Oval
Sharks vs. Rabbitohs Toyota Stadium
Warriors vs. Storm Mt Smart Stadium
Wests Tigers vs. Bulldogs Sydney Football Stadium


Finals Series
September 11 – 13 Qualifying Finals (Home Venues)
September 18 – 19 Semi Finals (Home Cities)
September 25 – 26 Preliminary Finals (Home Regions)
Sunday October 4 Grand Final (ANZ Stadium Sydney)

Rugby : “1000 days to go” to RWC 2011 progress update

As of this Saturday (December 13) New Zealand rugby fans have only another 1000 days to wait until Rugby World Cup 2011 kicks off and Rugby New Zealand 2011 (RNZ 2011) Ltd CEO Martin Snedden has taken the opportunity to issue a progress report on the tournament planning and preparations (see attached “1000 Days to Go Snapshot”)

“Much of the work that has gone into our planning so far has been under most people’s radar so we’re really pleased that there already appears to be widespread awareness and support of our key strategic ambitions of creating ‘a stadium of four million’ and ‘a Rugby World Cup festival’,” said Mr Snedden.

“With the Tournament Pool Draw now in place, we are now putting in place the key elements of the Tournament including the match schedule, venues and the ticketing programme, which will further capture the public’s interest. New Zealanders can expect to hear more about these activities during 2009,” he said.

The report details some of the milestones achieved to date including:
· The establishment of RNZ 2011 and some of the processes which will underpin the staging of the Tournament including the Match and Team Allocation (MTA) process, and the engagement with the Tournament partners and key stakeholders necessary to host a successful event.
· The establishment of 22 regional coordination groups typically consisting of local government, regional tourism, provincial rugby unions, potential match venue owners and other community representatives. RNZ 2011 channels its communications through these groups and they are likely to evolve into RNZ 2011’s regional core tournament and festival delivery agents.
· The establishment of an Official Accommodation Bank (OAB), managed by Williment Travel Group, designed to collectively manage New Zealand’s accommodation resources to ensure that the needs of the tournament (i.e. teams, officials, organisers), together with the sponsors, media and fans travelling on official tour packages are satisfied.
· The redevelopment/upgrade of three major playing grounds – Auckland’s Eden Park, Napier’s McLean Park and Christchurch’s Stadium Christchurch – is underway and on-schedule with further venue development possible subject to the allocation of pool matches.
· Shared learning opportunities and evaluation by RNZ 2011 of organisations and events with relevant experience such as RWC 2007, the Sydney 2000 Olympics and Paralympics, FIFA Football World Cup 2006, the Melbourne Commonwealth Games 2006, ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, Euro 2008 and World Youth Day 2008.

The report also identifies some of the remaining challenges including:
· Managing the risk surrounding the ability of New Zealand’s accommodation and transport infrastructure to cope with the visitor influx, particularly during the final two weeks of the tournament.
· Finding the right balance nationwide when determining allocation of matches and determining match ticket prices and accessibility.
· Managing the actual and potential effects of the global economic crisis on the event.

“We’re doing an awful lot of work to create an outstanding festival that creates long-lasting benefits for rugby and for New Zealand as well as great memories for everyone involved.

“There’s plenty more to do but I’m confident we are on track to deliver an inspiring tournament with a uniquely New Zealand feel.”

1000 Days To Go Snapshot

RNZ 2011 has produced a report of progress to date as well as upcoming challenges. This is attached separately. It also includes a summary of RNZ’s strategic plan as well as well as the New Zealand Government’s strategic framework.

Awards : Auckland Sporting Excellence Awards - Equal Winners

Two notable athletes could not be separated for the main prize at the 2008 Auckland Sporting Excellence awards held at Alexandra Park last night.

Rower Mahe Drysdale and tennis player Marina Erakovic were deemed to be of equal merit for the top award and shared top prize of dual Auckland Sporting Excellence award winners.

Drysdale the Olympic single sculls bronze medalist won the Sportsman of the Year category after what can only be described as a dramatic finals race in Beijing. Drysdale was voted the winner ahead of Ironman Cameron Brown and All Black loose forward Jerome Kaino.

While Erakovic, 20 improved her WTA world tennis ranking by over 100 places and had top results in the sport around the world including reaching the semifinals of the ASB Classic won the Sportswoman of the Year category ahead of Ironwoman Jo Lawn, Angela McMillan from aerobics and Louise Crome from Squash.

Other category winners were Olympic swimmer Orinoco Faamausili-Banse in the Junior Sportsman of the Year. He was in the 4x100m freestyle relay which smashed the New Zealand record by two seconds in Beijing. Soccer’s Betsy Hassett won the Junior woman award after being selected for the New Zealand senior side while still 17-years-old and also proving to be an essential member of the under20 world cup team as well. Both Hassett and Faamausili-Banse put in outstanding performances and showed maturity beyond their years.

New Zealand badminton player and Beijing Olympian Renee Flavell took away the Maori Achievement award while Donny Hale from Auckland softball and the Ramblers club was the Coach of the Year.

The referee/official was awarded to Gymsports Stephen Kendall who is a highly regarded judge around the world while team win went to the Auckland women’s Football team which dominated its competition with the youngest team in over three decades.

Category winners were given $1000 and the overall Sportsperson another $1000. The awarding of prizemoney at a sports award is believed to be a first for any Regional Sports Trust.

Sailing L Day 32 onboard Roxy in the Vendée Globe

Sam Davies’ daily log - A Need For Speed!
Hello Everyone!
Well, today is a day of experiments and learning on board Roxy.
I have been frustrated by the fact that Bernard and Brian are going faster than me and I am trying to do something about it! I have the NEED FOR SPEED!
It is too windy for the big gennaker, but last night I decided to try out the Code 0, which is a smaller gennaker that flies from the masthead. So, this morning, I got to work and set everything up, which is not easy in 25 knots of wind and big surfs, as sometimes the bow is completely submerged in very cold water!
Now we are sailing with the Code 0 instead of the Solent, but the trouble is, I'm not sure we're going any faster; if anything Roxy is feeling a little less happy. The infuriating thing is that every sail change costs miles and quite a bit of energy! So, after writing this, I will be back on deck, reverting back to our original configuration.
However, it wasn’t all for nothing, as I have learnt something more about my little pink boat and how I should sail her, and in a bit of a masochistic way, it’s quite fun manoeuvring out on deck in the cold, wilderness down here. Apart from anything else the manoeuvre keeps me warm and I get to appreciate my surroundings a little bit more.
Once finished playing with the boat to find the right configuration, I will be treating myself to a nice lunch and a big hot chocolate to warm myself back up!
And a last little thought from me about Loick - "The Jedi Maister" as Dee calls him - I was gutted to hear about his dismasting. It is incredibly sad to loose one of the race's heroes from the rankings and yet another reminder of just how vulnerable we all are out here.
S x

At 1100 UK time, Sam Davies aboard Roxy was in 15th position, 649 miles from race leader Jean-Pierre Dick aboard Paprec Virbac 2

Motorsport : A1GP Lippo Village Tickets Now On Sale

Jakarta, Indonesia – Racing enthusiasts can now purchase tickets for the only street race on the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport 2008/2009 season calendar. A1GP Lippo Village, Indonesia will be held from 6th - 8th February 2009, using the streets of the township that is just 45 minutes away from the centre of Jakarta.

The 3.2km track is centered on the hub of Lippo Village that includes University Pelita Harapan and the massive Supermal and was designed by Herman Tilke, who has been responsible for some of the most exciting race circuits round the world. The track will host a number of family entertainment activities during the race weekend, offering an abundance of food and beverage outlets as well as street performances and games. Twenty two teams from around the world, including A1 Team Indonesia, will be there racing for ‘the pride of their nations’.

“We are on schedule to complete the track as planned, as well as the infrastructure and facilities necessary to host the event,” said Gordon G. Benton, Organizing Chairman of A1GP Lippo Village. “The grandstands and hospitality suites will be ready to accommodate racing enthusiasts and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors to our little township.”

The circuit is divided into three zones (A, B, C) with grandstand seating for adults at Rp 1 million, Rp 800 thousand and Rp 1.2 million for each zone respectively. For children under the age of 12, ticket prices per zone will be Rp 700 thousand for Zone A, Rp 575 thousand for Zone B and Rp 850 thousand for Zone C. Students with valid ID can purchase special student tickets at Rp 850 thousand for Zone A, Rp 675 thousand for Zone B and Rp 1.050 million for Zone C.

General admission for entry to the venue is Rp 250 thousand for adults, Rp 175 thousand for children and Rp 225 thousand for students with special early bird pricing of only Rp 180 thousand per person till 20 December 2008 or while supplies last.

For more information about tickets, please contact one of 52 Authorized Ticket Boxes in Jakarta, Bandung and Surabaya or the official ticketing hotline at (021) 828-2137, email at ticketing@A1GP-Indonesia.com or go to www.A1GPIndonesia.com for online ticket sales. Each ticket holder will receive a special complimentary race kit at the event.

league : two referees

The Telstra Premiership will break new ground in 2009 with two referees to be used on the field.

The NRL Board today gave its approval to the biggest on-field change to the way the game is controlled in a century.

The two referee model will be applied for the Telstra Premiership only and will have one referee oversee the play-the-ball and another based on the ten-metre line. The ‘main’ referee will always be the person stationed at the ten-metre line and will be the one who will use the whistle to order stoppages or penalties.

The second referee will communicate directly to the referee controlling the whistle. The referees will alternate roles during the match.

“This is a major step and another demonstration of the priority that is placed in officiating our game,” National Rugby League Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop said today.

“Referees face an incredibly tough role in our game and we have been committed to ensuring they receive the support they need in preparing for that role - from full-time employment to providing all necessary resources.

“Today’s decision is a fundamental change to the refereeing model and one that reflects the pace and demands of today’s game.

“Not for a second do I think this will stop people arguing about on-field decisions but they can’t argue about the professionalism or the dedication of those involved in making the decisions.”

The Board today signed off on all recommendations from the Annual Chief Executives Conference and Football Conference.

Mr Gallop said that the process of involving a broad cross section of individuals had allowed the management and the Board to affect a number of important changes for 2009:

“Week in and week out Rugby League produces a standard of football that is unrivalled.

“We need to ensure that we are also evolving in the way the game is administered on the field without affecting the fabric of how it is played. The work that has gone into the last few months will achieve that outcome.”

In addition to the dual referees, the Board today approved:

· The removal of the video referee from adjudicating on the stripping rule.

· Reducing the power of the video referee to adjudicate on matters of foul play only when those matters are sufficiently serious to warrant a player being placed on report.

· A directive to referees and the judiciary to take even stronger action against grapple tackles. These measures will include a review of judiciary points, the removal of existing precedents and the use of the sin-bin for repeated or serious offences in a game.

· The end of an NRL experiment positioning tap re-starts 20m in from touch. All will now revert to the International Rule of 10m.

· Interchange to remain at ten interchanges from a bench of four players for 2009 and 2010. This will be discussed again at the conclusion of the 2009 for season 2011 and beyond.

· New measures to reduce time wasting at scrums. Players who rush to pack a scrum to ensure the referee signals ‘time-off’ but then break the formation will lose that advantage with the referee immediately signalling a ‘re-start’ to play and ‘time-on’.

· The NRL will develop guidelines before the start of the 2009 season that will regulate public comment from any player or official about matters likely to be reviewed by the judiciary.

· Current provisions in relation to ‘prior loadings’ affecting any judiciary charge will be retained.

· A player who receives ‘carry-over’ points as the result of a judiciary charge will receive a five point reduction from his overall tally for every match he plays without a further offence.

· Defenders who seek to prevent tries by leading with their feet or legs may be charged with misconduct.

Fishing : New Online TV Channel For Anglers Launched

The new Internet based TV channel for anglers everywhere, OnlineFishing.tv is live and is offering the chance for you join up or buy a membership as a gift for a friend or loved one... just in time for Xmas.

OnlineFishing.tv is dedicated to bringing viewers an unrivalled mix of FRESH, NEW FISHING SHOWS made exclusively for OnlineFishing that have never been seen before, coupled with the cream of classic angling programmes from the UK and overseas.

To browse through our many programmes : http://www.onlinefishing.tv/channel/list/

There are already around 40 shows and we promise to add at least 12 NEW PROGRAMMES A MONTH.

All the shows are accompanied by free-to-view trailers, and so you can get a flavour for the viewing experience that you will get on your computer, there’s one complete programme that’s free to view.
Watch the FREE PROGRAMME: http://www.onlinefishing.tv/channel/feature/br/low/

Membership of OnlineFishing.tv costs only £4.95 a month (six-month membership) and once you’ve joined up you can watch what you like, when you like, as many times as you like. And as long as you have a decent broadband connection speed it’s a great viewing experience, and GREAT FUN!

Head of Channel Gareth Purnell said: "Although there are over two million regular anglers in the UK, it's a sport that's been poorly served by TV over the years. The delivery of long play programmes at this kind of quality is not just cutting edge in angling, it's cutting edge in any Internet business. Finally anglers have their own TV channel."

Membership of OnlineFishing.tv also makes the PERFECT GIFT for a friend or loved one.

The OnlineFishing.tv special gift card pack costs £29.70, and will grant the recipient SIX MONTHS of free viewing of the best range of top quality new angling shows from the UK and overseas.

To buy as a gift, this link: http://www.onlinefishing.tv/channel/gift/
You will be sent the gift pack including a special card and unique gift code to activate the free six month’s membership.

When you receive the pack, which comes in a blank envelope, simply fill in your message, hand or post it to the lucky recipient, and they can begin six months of great viewing.

Volleyball : GB Prepare For World Championships With Nigeria Wins

Great Britain’s women volleyball team stepped-up their preparation for the World Championships by beating Nigeria, just days after a cloud of uncertainty hit the sport’s future.

The African side, ranked 55 in the world, visited the English Institute of Sport – Sheffield (EISS) for two international challenge games with the GB side winning both matches 3-1 (25-15, 23-25, 25-10, 25-4) and 3-0 (25-12, 25-16, 25-21)

The games were used as part of the women’s build-up to the first qualifying round of World Championships which are taking place at EISS, January 2 – 4.

Great Britain’s victories followed UK Sport’s decision to defer Volleyball’s funding budget announcement until next month (January).
Kenny Barton, Performance Programme Manager at British Volleyball Federation, said: “The team certainly used the anger of last week’s negative funding announcement to good effect against Nigeria.
“This was a very good work-out for the women’s team and continued their excellent progress before the World Championships in Sheffield. Winning both matches was our goal so this was achieved.

“This is a newly formed Great Britain women’s team and therefore the more matches they can play against international opposition the better. The games against Nigeria followed the women’s recent visit to Japan where they took part in a two-week training camp.

“The experience all forms part of our development performance programme to build the country’s standing in world volleyball.”

GB women face Israel, Portugal and Montenegro in the World Championships in Sheffield. They will be hoping to finish top to reach the next round against the Ukraine, Belarus and Azerbaijan, with the World Finals taking place in Japan 2010.

Kenny added: “All of these teams are stronger than Nigeria so we have to raise our level of play. The positive in all of this is that we are starting to show that we do have the ability to play with teams like those coming up and this confidence should give ourselves chances to be competitive and win matches during the competition.”

Tickets for the first round event, which is supported by Yorkshire Forward, are priced at £8 for adults and £4 for concessions.

They are available in advance by visiting www.volleyballengland.org, calling 0114 223 5742 or from the EIS - Sheffield reception, Coleridge Road, Sheffield, S9 5DA.

For further information visit www.eis-sheffield.co.uk.

Cricket : Surrey CCC Professional Cricket Manager

Further to recent media reports regarding the appointment of a new Surrey Cricket manager, the Club at this stage are only in a position to confirm that the process is still ongoing.

To find the right person for the job, a thorough recruitment process was undertaken and discussions have taken place with a number of potential candidates.

When Surrey County Cricket Club are in a position to confirm the appointment, a further statement will be issued.

Superbikes : New Look For 2009 British Championship Calendar

ntriguing mix of top British and International riders ready for action at the UK’s leading circuits

There is a new, exciting look about the 2009 British Superbike calendar announced today by the series promoters and organisers MotorSport Vision, which takes place across twelve events at ten leading UK circuits.
The action, which sees the GSE team defending their crown with riders Leon Camier and James Ellison onboard factory-backed Yamahas, begins on the Brands Hatch Indy circuit over the Easter weekend. This opening meeting has been extended to four days, allowing for additional testing and extensive support race action ahead of the Holiday Monday feature races.

The big break with tradition is that the Kent circuit will not host the final round of the series. Instead, that will be held at Oulton Park over the weekend of 9/10/11 October. The Cheshire circuit is hugely popular with fans and riders and will provide a spectacular setting for the 2009 finale.

Brands Hatch will host its second round on the full Grand Prix circuit over the weekend of 7-8-9 August, with the circuit aiming to continue the festival type atmosphere that has been enjoyed there in mid-summer with the World championship. This round will feature major on and off-track content and entertainment of which further details will be announced by the circuit operators very soon.

Around these meetings, there is early season Holiday Monday action at Oulton Park on 4 May, and then Donington Park on 25 May, with little respite before the teams take on the challenges of the high-speed Thruxton circuit in Hampshire on 31 May.

Knockhill again hosts the Scottish round of the championship on 5 July, with Mallory Park holding the seventh round two weeks later. Cadwell Park will again stage its ‘party in the park’ on August Bank Holiday weekend, ahead of the late season action at Croft on 13 September, and the penultimate round at Silverstone on 27 September.

The championship continues to feature factory-supported teams from leading manufacturers, with Australians Glen Richards and Josh Brookes spearheading the HM Plant Honda bid to recapture the crown, while former MotoGP star Frenchman Sylvain Guintoli continues the international flavour as he rides for Crescent Suzuki.

Simon Andrews, together with Julien Da Costa, races for MSS Colchester Kawasaki while Chris Walker returns from WSB to ride for Rob Mac Yamaha. Japanese rider Atsushi Watanabe returns for a second term in the championship with Relentless Suzuki joining young gun Ian Lowry.

“We believe that we have the most competitive domestic Superbike championship in the world with the calibre of riders and machines already entered and the new look calendar adds spice, with variation and a range of circuits that fully test the capabilities of all competitors,” explained Series Director Stuart Higgs.

Hockey : Hero Helps Site Launch

09 December 2008– Hockey hero Richard Mantell, the stalwart England and Great Britain international defender, has thrown his weight behind a new web initiative (www.englandhockey.co.uk/youth) designed to attract and inspire hockey players, by agreeing to become the first guest for a series of live web chats. Young players and would-be players across Britain will be entitled, and encouraged, to ask questions and receive immediate, straight forward answers from the hockey champ in person. The new site, developed by Nemisys (www.nemisys.uk.com), was officially opened to the public today.

Mantell has been an international player for England since 2003 and was a member of the successful Great Britain's men's team that finished fifth at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. The live chat that he will be participating in forms part of a wider strategy to encourage more interest, and thence more talent, into the sport. Anyone can sign on to ask questions of Richard, whose chat will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 28th January 2009.

Executive Chairman, Philip Kimberley, England Hockey, said “England Hockey’s vision is to create a dynamic, vibrant successful sport for all. With 57 England caps and 34 for Britain, Richard will strike a chord with many youngsters with aspirations for 2012 as well as inspiring new players to give the sport a try. Our web activity is part of a wider strategy to attract more into the sport at all levels. The chat with Richard is, we hope, the first of many.”

The new site has been designed to provide numerous access points to the sport, from school and league through to county and professional, with an emphasis on the needs of younger players.

“Brochure sites have their place,” said Giles Bryan, Director of digital consultancy Nemisys’ sports arm, “but we know from experience that anything designed to target younger age groups has to be compelling, informative and interactive. We helped England Hockey to design something that would satisfy the needs of both youngsters and the parents and guardians who are often the ones seeking information on their behalf.”

league : Vagana as Education and Welfare officer

Former international Nigel Vagana will join the National Rugby League as an Education and Welfare officer in January 2009.

After finishing the final year of his playing career representing Samoa in the World Cup and South Sydney in the Telstra Premiership, Nigel will concentrate his efforts on helping players to focus on off-field education and a career after football.

He replaces Jason Stevens who worked in the role earlier in 2008 before resigning.

The Welfare and Education programme is run in conjunction with the Rugby League Professionals Association and offers career and study opportunities across all clubs as well as support to retiring players. Former international Mark Coyne is Chairman of the game’s Education and Welfare Committee.

Nigel said today that he was excited by the challenges presented by his new role and looked forward to contributing to the growth of services to players in this area:

“I was fortunate to be mentored by a number of senior players early in my career at the Warriors and this helped set me on the right path.

“When I came to the Bulldogs I decided to take up an architectural technology course which both gave me a sense of security for the future and ensured I had a balanced perspective about football.”

Nigel believes providing players with increased opportunities to develop personally and professionally will lead to an increased level of satisfaction within the game.

NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said that the appointment was in itself a reflection of the opportunities that exist for players who take time during their playing careers to prepare for life off the field:

“It’s pleasing to see another NRL player in the game’s administration.

“Nigel genuinely cares about seeing players make the most of the opportunities Rugby League has to offer and they include education and employment options.

“A career in the Telstra Premiership is a real chance for a player to open new horizons beyond Rugby League and the Welfare and Education Programme is about helping players make the most of that chance.”

Rugby : PUB CHARITY SEVENS TO KICK OFF RUGBY YEAR

The best of New Zealand’s provincial Sevens players will once again be in action when the Pub Charity Rugby Sevens tournament returns to Queenstown in January.

Sixteen teams, including Otago Country, will compete for national honours on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 January at the Queenstown Recreation Ground, home of the Wakatipu Rugby Club.

The other participating teams are 2008 Cup champions and current four-time defending champion Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, 2008 Cup finalist Counties Manukau, Hawke’s Bay, Horowhenua Kapiti, 2008 Plate champions Manawatu, North Harbour, Northland, Otago, Southland, Taranaki, Waikato, 2008 Bowl winners Wellington and West Coast.

Next year’s event will be the sixth year in a row that New Zealand’s adventure capital will host the event.

Otago RFU Chief Executive Richard Reid said Sevens rugby remained popular.

“We continue to have fantastic crowds at this event and we will be expecting the same next year. It has proven to be a hit with locals and holidaymakers alike.”

“This event brings together the best provincial sevens players in the county and provides the players an opportunity to be noticed by national coach Gordon Tietjens for New Zealand Sevens selection.”

Sevens with Altitude Chairman Clark Frew is excited by the prospect of another great tournament.

“Each year the tournament has grown in excitement and entertainment both on and off the field. This year will be no different with many new tournament initiatives planned to boost what is already a fantastic event.”

For the first time SKY Sport will show live coverage of every game at the two-day event while fans at the ground will have a unique opportunity to view and have their photo taken with some of New Zealand’s most recognisable sports trophies – the Bledisloe Cup, Tri-Nations trophy, Ranfurly Shield, Rebel Sport Super 14 trophy, and the Air New Zealand Cup.

Entry on each day will be $5.

Sailing : Day 31 onboard Roxy in the Vendée Globe


Sam Davies’ daily log - Fashion Police beware!
“Hello everyone,
Day 31 - I can't believe we are one third of the way round already, it is going so quickly.
After the ‘Moon Boots’ episode yesterday, today is ‘Fashion is Southern Ocean headgear’. I have a favourite oilskin top from last year, which I love and wear all the time. The trouble is, I broke the neck seal in it a couple of weeks ago, so it is no longer waterproof. I have another one, brand new, but it's much bigger and heavier and doesn't have a ‘drysuit’ neck.
So, now my best option for on deck manoeuvres is a simple drysuit top, great because it’s light and quick to put on. The trouble is that it has no hood, meaning my hat, which has become compulsory on deck due to the cold, and consequently my hair gets wet.
I have been fed up with putting my hat in the engine to dry each time I come in from on deck, so I had a BRILLIANT idea: I’ll make a waterproof balaclava!
This is where I can already see Nigel Musto chuckling away to himself behind his desk, as Musto offered us a Gore-Tex balaclava as part of their range. I didn't take one, as I ‘always’ wear my hood.
So, out of the highest quality Ziploc, re-inforced with duck-tape, I have made myself a fantastic waterproof balaclava! Being conscious that I am sponsored by one of the coolest clothing brands, I have to admit that I am not particularly proud of the ‘look’, but the thing is, it is totally practical! I reckon that any chances of Roxy offering me a job as a designer on return from this race have now gone out of the window.
Anyway, staying dry is so important out here that I am willing to risk a heavy fine from the Fashion Police. I already noticed that the Abatrosses were giving me very strange looks yesterday as I pottered around on deck with a plastic bag on my head!
S x”

At 1100 UK time, Sam Davies aboard Roxy was in 15th position, 558 miles from race leader Sebastien Josse aboard BT

Motorsport : Oris Extends Partnership With The AT&T Williams Team

08 December 2008, Oxford, UK. The AT&T Williams team today confirmed that Oris SA of Switzerland, the premium Swiss watch maker, has extended its sponsorship engagement with the team.

This renewal will bring the partnership between Williams and Oris to eight years and reflects an established relationship based on mutual commercial benefit and a resonant sponsorship logic.

During the 2008 season, Oris launched its second successful range of Williams F1 Team Collection watches inspired by the world of Formula One. 2008 also saw the launch of the TT3 Formula Gold Limited Edition, which was commissioned to celebrate 30 Years of Williams F1.

Ulrich Herzog, Executive Chairman of Oris SA, commented, “We are pleased to confirm our continued partnership with the AT&T Williams team. The agreement is important to our business in the Oris world of motor sports watches and we are convinced of the value of the partnership we have developed over the past six years.”

Frank Williams, the AT&T Williams Team Principal, responded, “I am delighted that Oris, together with Philips and Allianz have all recently extended their partnership agreements with the team. Oris can be assured of our best endeavours to return their confidence in the team with measurable commercial dividends next year, and I hope today’s agreement will be the first two year step to Oris joining team partners such as Allianz and Accenture who have sponsored us for over a decade.”

For more information, please visit www.oris.ch and www.attwilliams.com

Tennis : King-Turner, Daniell, Vano and Hollands in NZMT 3 Final

Daniel King-Turner has reached the final of the Fuji Xerox Auckland Championships in Auckland with a straight-sets win against Adam Thompson.
The score was 6-1 6-3.

The tournament is the third in the NZ Money Tournament Circuit, sponsored by Configure Express, New Zealand's leading women's gym. Wairarapa's Marcus Daniell will be King-Turner’s opponent in the final. Daniell, recently returned from a successful tour of Northern Hemisphere ITF tournaments, defeated Wellington's Finn Tearney 3-6 6-4 6-3. The final will take place today at 5pm at the Scarbro Tennis Centre in Glenn Innes, Auckland.

The women's semi-final was between Pump Scholarship recipients, Aucklanders Kairangi Vano and Shona Lee. The score was 7-6 3-6 6-4 in favour of Vano. Vano, will now face Dianne Hollands in the final. Hollands defeated Julia Moriarty of Australia 7-5 6-3 in her semi-final.

Cricket : One-day finals

Congratulations to Hutt District and Johnsonville for winning the Dominion Post Premier and Senior one-day finals played at Karori Park on Sunday.

Cricket : State Championship cricket at the Basin this weekend

The State Wellington Firebirds return to the Allied Nationwide Finance Basin Reserve this coming Friday to Monday for round four of the State Championship against the State Central Stags.

The Firebirds have won both their first two matches at home by more than an innings and this encounter against the Stags is a top of the table clash.

Cycling : Fat tyre fever hits NZ’s adrenalin junkies


News of New Zealand’s first ever multi-stage mountain bike race has prompted a flood of entries from domestic and international level athletes.

New Zealand’s top cross-country mountain biker and Olympian, Kashi Leuchs, has teamed up with fellow national representative Marcus Roy to compete in the inaugural Skins Alpine Epic which runs from 25 to 28 February 2009 in the central South Island.

Race co-organiser Nick Ross says they are thrilled so many teams have already registered, particularly athletes of Kashi’s calibre.

“Kashi is based in France but will be spending his first summer in New Zealand for a number of years. He doesn’t often race back home so it’s a real coup for us,” he says. “He’s represented New Zealand at the last three Olympics and is our highest ranked international cross-country mountain biker.”

Kashi says “For me, mountain bike stage races are what it’s all about, and the Alpine Epic looks like it’s going to be awesome! There’s no doubt it will be a huge challenge, but looking at the course route I'm sure it’s going to be one of the best ever.”

Also swapping their boats for bikes are trans-Atlantic rowers Rob Hamill and Jamie Fitzgerald.

Forty teams have now registered for the race. While competition is expected to be fierce, the aim is to create a complete experience for riders so they’re not only blown away by the race but also by the scenery and people they meet.

“We know the high country between Mt Somers and Tekapo well - it’s a unique and starkly beautiful landscape, and great place to bike,” says Nick. “A lot of the race is through privately owned land so people will get to see parts of the high country that are not usually accessible.”

“By replicating the format of overseas events which provide full logistical support, we’ve eliminated the need for support crews and hope to create a real sense of team achievement and camaraderie among riders as they get to know each other over the four days.”

Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie General Manager Phil Brownie has welcomed the new event, saying that the new adventure adds to the Mackenzie region’s fast growing reputation as one of New Zealand’s ’must do’ adventure playgrounds.

“The Skins Alpine Epic will provide valuable promotion for the region overall and benefits to the local community who are excited about getting involved.”

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 crosses braided rivers and expanses of tussock set against the rugged mountains of the main divide. There is plenty of technical riding with a mixture of tough climbs, fast downhills, four wheel drive tracks, rolling tussock fields and open flats.

To find out more about the Skins Alpine Epic, including entry forms, supporter packages, transport, and the prize giving banquet, visit www.alpineepic.co.nz. Entries are limited and close 20 January 2009.

Motorsport : Porsche Cup 2008: Alexander Davison most successful private race driver

Stuttgart. As the first Australian, Alexander Davison (29) won the Porsche Cup, which has been awarded annually to the most successful driver of privately-entered racing cars by Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, since 1970. At the season-closing “Motorsports Night” celebration in Weissach, Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Supervisory Board Chairman of Porsche AG and Porsche SE, presented Davison with the coveted challenge cup and the key to a Porsche 911 Carrera S worth around 120,000 Euro. Great racing drivers like Jochen Mass, Klaus Ludwig, Bernd Schneider, Bob Wollek, Henri Pescarolo, and Marc Lieb are amongst the former winners of the Porsche Cup.

Davison earned his Porsche Cup points at the wheel of a ca. 465 hp 911 GT3 RSR in numerous GT championships and long distance races. In the European Le Mans Series the Australian Carrera Cup Champion of 2004 secured the vice championship. Also at the American Le Mans Series' Sebring 12 hour race the tall racing pro from Melbourne came second. His guest appearance in the FIA GT Championship concluded with the GT2 win at Nogaro. Davison finished the Le Mans 24 hour race fifth.

“It will be almost possible to repeat such a season,” said Davison at the awards ceremony. “Christmas came three weeks early for me this year. I won the Porsche Cup, and Dr. Wolfgang Porsche himself handed me the keys of my dream car.“

Germany's Dirk Werner ranked second in the 2008 Porsche Cup. Werner shone at the wheel of a 911 GT3 RSR in the ALMS, winning the Road America round and securing eighth place overall in the Grand-Am GT class driving a 911 GT3 Cup. Johannes van Overbeek (USA) claimed third in the Porsche Cup after having won it last year. Van Overbeek finished third in the GT2 class of the ALMS at the wheel of a GT3 RSR. At the Daytona 24 hour race he brought his TRG 911 GT3 Cup home fourth.

The 2008 Porsche Cup carries a record total value of 253,000 Euro, with positions two to ten receiving prize money. Porsche awards points in the competition for the title of the year's best private racing driver for successes in prototype and grand touring race series as well as at endurance races.

Sailing : Day 30 onboard Roxy in the Vendée Globe


Sam Davies’ daily log - Roxy Moon Boots on deck
“Hello from a chilly Roxy!
Yes, it's getting cold down here now. So much so that I couldn’t work out if the drizzly rain last night was frozen or not. I had a slightly annoying night - just not managing to find the right sails or angle to the waves.
The night started under gennaker, with a building breeze. I was soon past my wind limit for the big guy, and the waves were such that Roxy would take off, accelerate and risk face planting the next wave. This was too much of a risk to take in 30 knots with the big gennaker up, as it puts a lot of load on the top of my mast.
So, I went to roll the sail away, which, as I explained before, means a LOT of winching! When nearly rolled, I paused to check the roll had worked properly with a torch. Unfortunately, I must have paused when the thin bit of furler line was on the drum, and all of a sudden there was a gust, and the WHOLE thing unfurled itself! I'm starting to wonder if my gennaker has a warped sense of humour. Anyway, it seemed to smile at me in a cheeky kind of way, almost saying "that's not entirely my fault", so I couldn't be cross. So I got my head down and began winching again, as Roxy, newly fuelled up with a big gennaker, took off again at high speed down the waves. I eventually got the sail down, and thankfully this time the gennaker gave in gracefully and folded itself willingly through the fore hatch into a neat coil.
I never cease to be overawed by these midnight manoeuvres, in a lot of wind, pitch black, up on the bow as Roxy hoons along. You get the feeling of immense solitude, coupled with the power of the boat and the wild waves. Everything is monochrome and the black silhouette of the mast and sails tower over me. Sometimes, when I am on the bow, and Roxy takes off on a surf, the bow is way out of the water and I almost feel like I'm flying. The down-side is that, quite frequently the surf ends with a nice wave over the deck, and that is cold! But before you say it, don't worry, when I am on deck I am always clipped on with my super Spinlock deck harness, so I don't take any risks.
The rest of the night seemed to have gone very quickly, as I took reefs, shook out reefs, changed headsails... all in search of the right sail combination. Pretty frustrating really, as I never was totally happy with my choice. The wind is quite unstable and the waves are quite tricky too. At least with all those manoeuvres I wasn't cold!
On the non-technical side, as life is getting colder, I have been adapting. Yesterday I broke out two of my secret weapons: my Roxy Moon Boots (strictly to be kept dry) and my super thick sleeping bag. The sleeping bag is huge, and the very little time I got in it last night was luxury. I slept so well and even managed to dream a bit! The boots are a success too - warm feet all the time - and I am almost sure that soon I will even be sleeping in them (yes, inside my sleeping bag!)
S x”

At 1100 UK time, Sam Davies aboard Roxy was in 15th position, 623 miles from race leader Jean-Pierre Dick aboard Paprec Virbac 2

Sailing : THE VELUX 5 OCEANS ANNOUNCES RACE ROUTE FOR 2010-11

Five Ocean Sprints within a Marathon Solo Circumnavigation of the Planet

Clipper Ventures PLC, organisers of the VELUX 5 OCEANS yacht race, are pleased to confirm the route for the 2010-11 race, the eighth edition of the classic solo yacht race since it was first established in 1982.

Following the announcement in October that the city of La Rochelle (France) will host the start and finish, the Race Management is pleased to confirm that there will be five Ocean Sprints:



Cape Town Ocean Sprint: 7,500 nautical miles from La Rochelle (France) to Cape Town (South Africa), starting October 17, 2010
Wellington Ocean Sprint: 7,000 nautical miles from Cape Town (South Africa) to Wellington (New Zealand)
Salvador Ocean Sprint: 7,400 nautical miles from Wellington (New Zealand) to Salvador (Brazil)
Charleston Ocean Sprint: 4,000 nautical miles from Salvador (Brazil) to Charleston (USA)
La Rochelle Ocean Sprint: 3,600 nautical miles from Charleston (USA) to La Rochelle (France)
David Adams, Race Director concluded, “We are excited to announce the race route for the VELUX 5 OCEANS 2010-11 with just under two years to go until the race start from La Rochelle. We have spent 12 months in discussions with potential skippers to listen to their needs and build on the lessons from the last event. In 2006-07, our three legs were designed to reduce costs for skippers, but the long distances resulted in the fleet becoming too spread and led to higher than anticipated costs due to the long stops in Australia and USA. So we have returned to a traditional format of five Ocean Sprints, and are delighted to have found such strong support with partners in La Rochelle, Cape Town, Wellington, Salvador and Charleston. We will announce the dates and timings of the Ocean Sprints and City Pit Stops in 2009.”
The race has been billed as The Ultimate Solo Challenge since 1982 because of the stop-start nature of the high speed racing over the Ocean Sprints, covering the greatest distance and time alone at sea of any race around the world. Each Ocean Sprint offers unique challenges faced by the skippers, including the tactical difficulties of approaching the coast lines and the varying weather and ocean patterns. It is also a truly international ocean race, visiting five continents and offering a worldwide media profile over an eight month period.

David Adams continued, “The racing itself is closer with the fleet tightly bunched from each restart. And if a yacht breaks down, there’s a chance to demonstrate the seamanship necessary to get to the next port, repair and restart. For sailors, there’s also the strong camaraderie that develops among the skippers and their teams ashore, as well as interacting with locals in each port. For sponsors, there are opportunities for international media, hospitality and promotions in some of the world’s most spectacular harbour cities. For spectators, there are more opportunities to meet the inspirational skippers at the various ports, and to watch the spectacular Sprint starts and finishes, whether ‘live’ or via the media or internet.”

“Over the next two years we will work with our new city partners to deliver high quality stopovers for skippers, providing world class services, global media coverage and reducing costs as much as possible across the board. However, we are well aware that the unique nature of the event, comparable only to the Volvo Ocean Race in terms of the time and resources required to participate, makes it a high cost commitment. Clipper Ventures is therefore working with VELUX to ensure that The Ultimate Solo Challenge is a cost-effective platform for skippers and sponsors seeking a truly global event.”

VELUX and Clipper Ventures made an additional joint announcement today in Paris, revealing a significant investment and value in kind package for participating skippers. VELUX is providing a €500,000 Skipper Prize Fund and a further €700,000 to be invested in accommodation, logistics and communication for skippers, designed to reduce budgets and incentivise skippers to enter the race. Clipper ventures will match this investment with an additional €600.000 of value in kind in order to assist with budgets and further reduce cost burdens.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Chairman of Clipper Ventures PLC, concluded, “The stopovers make it a much richer experience for sailors, sponsors and spectators alike. It’s a true journey around the world, experiencing other cultures and people, as well as the challenges of the oceans.”

“However, there is no denying that our classic race format, with 4 pit stops around the world, makes the event more expensive for competitors and their sponsors than a non-stop race. VELUX and Clipper Ventures are to therefore jointly deliver €1.8 million of value to skippers, designed to attract inspirational sailors from a broad range of nations.”

The Race Route 2010-11

Ocean Sprint 1 to Cape Town sees the South African city welcome back the race for the seventh time. The city’s ideal position as the meeting point of two great oceans means that the fleet can push hard through the Atlantic after battling through the Bay of Biscay departure from La Rochelle (set for October 17, 2010).

Ocean Sprint 2 to Wellington sees the race returning to New Zealand for the third time, having previously visited Tauranga and Auckland, in 2002 and 1998 respectively. New Zealand’s Capital City will host the race for the first time and will be the ideal venue for the competitors to recover from the long leg from Cape Town before preparing for the treacherous Southern Ocean Sprint around Cape Horn to Brazil.

Ocean Sprint 3 to Salvador sees the VELUX 5 OCEANS return to Brazil for the first time since the inaugural race in 1982. Although this will be the first time hosting this race for Salvador, the Bahian city is no stranger to offshore racing, hosting both the Transat Jacques Vabre and Transat 6.50 events. The fleet will arrive just in time for the Salvador Carnival, the biggest in Brazil, the perfect remedy after the hardships of the Southern Ocean, Cape Horn and the South Atlantic.

Ocean Sprint 4 to Charleston sees the East Coast USA port welcome the race for third time. The fleet will battle the Doldrums for the second time and face the storms off the American coast before arriving in the historic city in South Carolina.

Ocean Sprint 5 to La Rochelle will be a high adrenaline race across the North Atlantic and back into the Bay of Biscay, where La Rochelle will celebrate the unique achievements of completing The Ultimate Solo Challenge.

The VELUX 5 OCEANS Race Management Team is working hard to ensure the 2010-11 event is a rewarding experience for skippers, sponsors, host ports and spectators alike.

Sailing : Unprecedented support for the skippers of the VELUX 5 OCEANS 2010/11

€1.8 million of value for skippers of the next VELUX 5 OCEANS to be delivered by VELUX and Clipper Ventures PLC, including a Skipper Prize Money Pot of €500,000

The VELUX Group, title sponsor of The Ultimate Solo Challenge, and Clipper Ventures PLC, the organisers of the original solo ocean race around the world, announce an unprecedented skipper support package for the VELUX 5 OCEANS, committing to jointly deliver over €1.8 million of value for competitors in prize money and key services such as skippers’ accommodation, logistics and communication.

“The race management and VELUX are committed to ensuring that the VELUX 5 OCEANS is an attractive proposition for sponsors, especially during a challenging economic environment. VELUX and Clipper Ventures PLC will therefore make a direct and major investment in the skippers and their teams to assist with budgets and reduce cost burdens. It’s our hope that this investment will encourage some of the most inspirational skippers in the world to participate in the race.” Kent Holm, VELUX Market Communications Manager

VELUX has committed to deliver €1.2 million of value for competitors in prize money and key services to the skippers. The 2010 race will see a €500,000 skipper prize fund – one of the biggest on the Open 60 circuit. The division of the prize money will be decided in 2010 in partnership with Clipper Ventures following consultation with skippers entered in the race.

“We are delighted to make €500,000 available as the Prize Fund for skippers in the VELUX 5 OCEANS 2010-11. This is one of the largest pots of prize money on the Open 60 Circuit and will surely help break down barriers to participate in our race. At the same time the prize money will encourage a healthy and ongoing competition amongst the skippers in the next race”, says Kent Holm

As partners, VELUX and Clipper Ventures are well aware of the costs for skippers and their teams to participate in this classic ocean race. VELUX has therefore committed to invest a further €700,000 across important services such as skippers’ accommodation, logistics and communication. Clipper Ventures has equally committed to match this investment with an additional €600,000 of value in kind in order to assist with budgets and reduce cost burdens.

“Skippers who enter the race will directly benefit from this investment, which will reduce significant cost from their campaign budgets and make the race an attractive prospect for sailors and sponsors alike.” says Kent Holm

“There is no denying that our format is more expensive for competitors and their sponsors than a non-stop race. Our partner VELUX has demonstrated a great commitment to the skippers and Clipper Ventures will support their investment in order that The Ultimate Solo Challenge is a cost-effective platform for skippers and sponsors. We will therefore together return €1.3 million of value to skippers within the most important areas of their campaign budget.” David Adams, Race Director of the VELUX 5 OCEANS, Clipper Ventures PLC

League : Cancellation advice

The organisers of the URM Rugby League's Fastest Man Sprint which was scheduled to be run at North Sydney Oval this evening have had to cancel the event because of Sydney’s weather conditions.

It is unlikely that it can be re-scheduled this year. The remaining athletics events scheduled for the night will go ahead.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Golf: Birdie Burst Earns Goddard Argentine Title

uke Goddard helped himself to an early Christmas present when he won the Argentine Amateur Open Championship in Buenos Aires.

The young England International came from 2-down after lunch to beat Leandro Marelli of Argentina 4 and 3 in the 36-hole final at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Golf Club Nordelta. The pair were all-square at halfway but Goddard lost the 21st and 22nd holes. However, the Hendon golfer is a fighter and he hit back with four birdies in five holes from the 25th to go 2-up while further wins at the 30th and 32nd sealed his victory.

Goddard (pictured – photo courtesy of Tom Ward), who made his full England debut in September’s Home Internationals at Muirfield, is believed to be the first English player to win the title which was contested by a strong international field. Having qualified in joint 12th place, Goddard proved to be the scourge of the Argentineans. In the first round he beat Julian Clarke 2&1 then France Grillo 3&1.

Another home player, Tomas Cocha fell to the Englishman in round three although Goddard needed 20 holes to shake him off which earned him a quarter final spot against Scotland’s Philip McLean. That battle went to the 21st before Goddard prevailed then the 20 year old saw off Australia’s Jason Scrivener 2&1 to reach the final. Again Goddard found himself 2-down after nine holes but again showed his battling qualities to unsettle Scrivener.

Goddard’s international colleague Matt Haines also reached the match play stage by qualifying equal 16th. He then beat Julio Merlini of Argentina 5&3 before completing a 3&2 success over Finland’s Kalle Samooja.
However, Scott Borrowman, the leading qualifier, proved too strong in the round of the last 16, beating the Kent man 2&1.

Football : Roy Keane Accepts Apology From Major Shareholder Of Sunderland AFC Following Inaccurate Comments

Roy Keane, who last week left his managerial role at Sunderland Association Football Club, has received an unconditional apology from Ellis Short, the largest single shareholder at the club.

It follows inaccurate and inappropriate comments made by his associate, Per-Magnus Andersson, president of Kitano Capital, the American asset management company. Those comments, made to a Swedish website, were reported in The Guardian [6 December] and subsequently repeated elsewhere.

In addition to the apology, a statement has been posted on the official Sunderland AFC website in which Ellis Short disassociates himself and the club with comments made by one of his advisers. He said: “I have nothing but admiration for Roy Keane and am grateful for all he has done for the club and I wish him well for the future.”

Richard Bevan, LMA chief executive, said: “This attack on Roy by Per-Magnus Andersson was completely inaccurate and inappropriate. I’m delighted that Ellis Short chose to apologise so promptly.

“As a player, Roy Keane excelled in many pressurised situations and had enormous success, especially during an eight year period as captain of Manchester United Football Club and a 14 year period playing for the Republic of Ireland.

“During his 27 months at Sunderland AFC, and in his first managerial role, Roy made a huge impact. He joined the club after their very disappointing start to the 2006 season, where they had been four matches without a win and were knocked out of the Carling Cup by Bury FC. Roy quickly lifted them from the bottom of the Championship and into the Barclays Premier League, where they consolidated their position last season.

“During his playing career he started work on and completed his B and A licenses and he then achieved his UEFA pro-license. Following this spell at Sunderland, he is very much on the road to learning his trade as a top level manager. I know that Roy now looks forward to securing his next managerial challenge.”

Roy Keane said: “I am grateful to the club, players and fans at Sunderland, and most especially the staff, for their support during my first management appointment. I have experienced and learnt a tremendous amount in the last 27 months and enjoyed the rigours of being a manager. I look forward to building on those experiences and sometime in the future returning to football management.”

Equestrian : World Class Development Riders Selected For 2009-2011 Programme

The Equestrian World Class Programme has announced the riders selected for the 2009 - 2011 World Class Development Programme.

“The selection trials were once again a great success and the standard of riding continues to improve year on year,” commented World Class Performance Director, Will Connell. “This is essential if Great Britain is to win more medals on the international stage at European, World, Olympic and Paralympic level.

“A number of riders who were part of the 2007/08 Programme have been re-selected, highlighting that the structure and training offered by World Class is successful and effective, but excitingly, some new faces have appeared indicating that the selection process continues to be consistent and fair”.

The World Class Development Programme is Lottery funded via UK Sport and seeks to identify and develop riders who have shown the potential to reach the world stage. The programme underpins World Class Performance and, together with the Equine Pathway, they comprise the Equestrian World Class Programme. It incorporates the three Olympic sports of Dressage, Eventing, Show Jumping and the Paralympic sport of Para-Equestrian Dressage.

The selection process, which takes place bi-annually, invites riders who meet set minimum criteria to viewing trials. Following this initial ridden assessment by British and international trainers, successful riders are invited back to selection trials. At this final stage, the riders are assessed on their ridden skills and interviewed.

The Development Programme is divided into start and potential within each sport and then further into gold, silver and bronze funding levels. All riders on the scheme will have access to the same World Class benefits including, equine and human health, fitness and nutritional support plus training and regular squad sessions.

Six riders across different disciplines have also been selected to join the programme as pre-start riders. These riders do not receive any direct funding but will be invited forwards to attend selected squad sessions to introduce them to the World Class system and the services it can offer.
The riders selected, by programme, are:

Dressage

Potential
• Kate Atlee (Worcestershire)
• Nikki Crisp (London)
• Michael Eilberg (Worcestershire)
• Gemma Green (Berkshire)
• Mary Sharman (Gloucestershire)
• Amy Stovold (West Sussex)

Start
• Keri Bates (Warwickshire)
• Henry Boswell (Warwickshire)
• Lara Griffith (Oxon)
• Charlie Hutton (Glos)
• Anne-Marie Perry (Hartlepool)

Chief Selectors: Christoph Hess and Imke Schellekens-Bartels
Dressage discipline coordinator: Caroline Griffith


Eventing

Potential
• Ruth Edge (Cumbria)
• Lucy Wiegersma (Devon)
• Nicola Wilson (North Yorkshire)
• Emily Baldwin (Kent)
• Hannah Bate (Cheshire)
• Piggy French (Leicestershire)
• Harry Meade (Wiltshire)
• Chris King (Wiltshire)
• Gemma Tattersall (East Sussex)

Start
• Charlotte Agnew (Roxburghshire)
• Laura Collet (Gloucestershire)
• Ben Hobday (Lancashire)
• Emily Llewellyn (East Sussex)
• Sienna Myson-Davies (Surrey)
• Angus Smales (Leicestershire)
• Georgie Spence (Wiltshire)

Pre-start
• Tim Rogers

Chief Selectors: Flatwork: Tracie Robinson and Carl Hester; Jumping: Di Lampard and Leslie Law
Eventing discipline coordinator: Sarah Verney


Show Jumping

Potential
• William Whitaker (Huddersfield)
• Charlotte Platt (West Sussex)
• Chris Frazer (from Herefordshire, currently based in Germany)
• Gemma Paternoster (Berks)
• Hannah Paul (Herts)
• Richard Robinson (based in Germany)
• Louise Saywell (Nottinghamshire)

Start
• Danielle Farnsworth (Nottinghamshire)
• Samuel Hutton (Hampshire)
• Henry Lacey (Warwickshire)
• Daniel Neilson (from Cleveland, currently based Essex)
• Matthew Sampson (from Sheffield, currently based in West Sussex)
• Louise Saywell (Nottinghamshire)
• Jason Smith (from Kilmarnock, currently based in Germany)

Pre-start
• Jessie Drea
• Daniel Moseley
• Joseph Clayton

Chief Selectors: Franke Sloothaak and Peter Wylde
Show Jumping discipline coordinator: Tina Goosen


Para-Equestrian Dressage

Potential
• Sophie Wells (Nottinghamshire)
• Natasha Baker (Middlesex)
• Edward Chanin (Devon)
• Erin Orford (Bucks)
• Emma Kent (Kent)
• Alex McNamara (Lincs)
• Denise Shawns (West Lothian)
• Emma Sheardown (Lincs)

Start
• Rosie Andrews (Surrey)
• Natalie Povey (Wrexham)
• Anna Gill (Buckinghamshire)
• Stephen Wagland (Surrey)

Pre-Start
• Mari Durward-Ackhurst
• Kathryn Gallagher

Chief Selectors: Kathy Amos-Jacob and Alison Mastin-Moore
Papa-dressage discipline coordinator: David Hamer

Motoring : Hamilton And Moss Celebrated At The Autosport Awards

Britain's new Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton was honoured at motorsport’s most prestigious end-of-season gala event, the 2008 Autosport Awards, which were held at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on Sunday night.

Autosport readers voted the 23-year-old as International Racing Driver of the Year, after a dramatic season that saw him become F1’s youngest ever world champion. He was presented with the accolade by another driver who has won the world championship for McLaren, Mika Hakkinen, in front of a packed audience, filled with the most important and influential figures from around the world of motorsport.

“It’s very overwhelming to receive this award,” he said. “It’s always a privilege just being here and thinking about all the other times I’ve been here. Just to see the whole journey from the beginning and see the number of people that have made it possible, is very emotional for me. It makes me very proud.”

Alexander Sims became the 20th winner of the coveted McLaren Autosport BRDC Award, earning the accolade after finishing runner-up in the Formula Renault UK Championship and impressing the award’s judging panel in the F3, DTM and Aston Martin cars used for the evaluation at Snetterton.
"I knew I’d done pretty good job on the track, I just didn't know what to expect on the night,” he said. “It's a fantastic achievement and I've got to say a massive thank you to my father first and foremost, because he's been there pushing me throughout my entire career."

Hamilton was not the only British racing legend to be recognised by Autosport. Sir Stirling Moss, who won 16 Formula One grands prix between 1951 and 1961 - 24 years before Hamilton was even born, was given an Autosport Gregor Grant Award for a lifetime of achievements in the sport.

Moss, or Mr Motorsport as he is often referred to, is considered the greatest driver never to win the F1 World Championship, was presented with the award by the BBC’s new commentator Martin Brundle.

Among the other legends of motorsport to be saluted during the illustrious evening were 1981 World Rally Champion Ari Vatanen - who also received a Autosport Gregor Grant Award – and Sebastien Loeb, who won the International Rally Driver of the Year Award for the fourth time.

Legendary American team boss Carl Haas received the Autosport John Bolster Award on behalf of his partnership with the late Paul Newman for their services to motorsport, while Le Mans 24 Hours winner Allan McNish was presented with the British Competition Driver of the Year Award and Formula One's youngest ever winner Sebastian Vettel was voted the autosport.com Rookie of the Year.

Finally, following his retirement from Formula One after a 15-year career, the first ever McLaren Autosport BRDC Award winner, David Coulthard, was lauded with a special presentation in recognition of his achievements.

Motoring : Alexander Sims Becomes The 20th Winner Of The McLaren Autosport BRDC Award

Alexander Sims’ officially became one to look out for after he joined junior most prestigious roll of honour by winning this year’s coveted McLaren Autosport BRDC Award.

Not only will the 19-year-old live every aspiring racing driver’s dream and get to sample a McLaren-Mercedes F1 car, but his prize also includes a cheque for £50,000, a test of an Aston Martin GT1 car, membership of the British Racing Drivers’ Club and a TW Steel watch.

"To be honest, coming into this night I didn't know what to expect," he said after being presented with the award by 1996 Formula One world champion Damon Hill.

"I knew I’d done a pretty good job on the track (in the evaluation test), I just didn't know what to expect, though. It's a fantastic achievement and I've got to say a massive thank you to my father first and foremost, because he's been there pushing me throughout my entire career."

Sims earned his place as a finalist in the award by finishing runner-up in this season’s Formula Renault UK Championship – one of the most hotly contested junior single-seater series in the world.

He beat his rival candidates – Adam Christodoulou, Wayne Boyd, Jason Moore, Dean Stoneman and Aaron Steele – after two grueling days of evaluation at Snetterton in Formula 3, Mercedes DTM and Aston Martin GT4 cars and was chosen as the 20th recipient of the prize by the expert judging panel.

Sims joins F1 winners David Coulthard and Jenson Button, Indy 500 winner and IRL champion Dario Franchitti, F1 racer Anthony Davidson and DTM runner-up and aspiring F1 driver Paul di Resta, among others, on the list of winners of the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award.

Motoring : Wayne Boyd Celebrates Milestone Year At Prestigious Autosport Awards

London, 07 December 2008: This year’s British Formula Ford Champion and BRDC Superstar Wayne Boyd celebrated a milestone year in his racing career with a night amongst the stars of motor sport at the prestigious Autosport Awards ceremony in London on Sunday night (7 December).

Boyd, who is only 18 years old, was one of six finalists for the McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year award, which was set up in 1989 to recognise and reward the talents of up-andcoming racing drivers.

Boyd is now working with his management team on finding a competitive seat in next year’s British Formula 3 Championship.

"I have really enjoyed testing with all the leading Formula 3 teams, but it is now crunch time. We need to decide what will be the best move, as we want to be fully prepared for the season ahead. Next year will be a high profile year in the British F3 Championship, so we need to secure the most competitive drive possible. I’ll be aiming to take the fight to the field from the start of the season."

Ulsterman Boyd, from Templepatrick, won this year's British Formula Ford Championship and the annual Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch in October, just days before his 18th birthday. Full details of the entire Awards Ceremony and winners are contained in this week's Autosport magazine and preliminary details can also be found at www.autosport.com

Tennis : SEEDS SUPREME IN QUARTERS OF AUCKLAND CHAMPS NZMT 3

The top four seeds in the men's and women's singles reached the semi-finals of the Fuji Xerox Auckland Championships NZMT 3 today, although not without some very hard fought matches.

Men's third seed Adam Thompson started slowly against leading Canterbury junior James Meredith losing the first set 6-2 before getting into stride to reverse the score in the second. In the deciding set Thompson got an early break and then held his own serve throughout the set to win 6-4 and take the match. Fourth seed Finn Tearney struggled early with the variety of very experienced Wesley Whitehouse's game. He recovered to level at two sets all and then secured an excellent win as Whitehouse faded in the third set. The top two men's seeds Dan King-Turner and Marcus Daniell had comfortable straight set victories.

In the semi-finals at 12.30pm on Wednesday King-Turner takes on Thompson and Daniell plays Tearney.

Women's top seed Kairangi Vano, fresh from playing on the ITF women's circuit in Australia, started well against talented youngster Tanya Samodelok taking the first set 6-2. In the second Samodelok began to strike some excellent winners while Vano became wayward and erratic losing the set 6-3. In the third Vano regained her composure and powered through to take the match. Third seed Shona Lee and fourth seed Dianne Hollands won their matches comfortably and second seed Julia Moriarty did not need to take the court after her opponent Briar Preston was unable to play after injuring her calf muscle in winning her earlier match. Vano will play Lee and Hollands faces Moriarty in the women's semi-finals at 10.30am.

The finals of the singles will be held at Scarbro Tennis Centre in Glen Innes at 5pm Wednesday.

Schedule for Wednesday 10th December
12.30pm - Women's & Men's Semi-finals
5pm - Singles Final's

Quarterfinals Results
(1) Daniel King-Turner d. (8) Remi Feneon 6-3;6-3
(2) Marcus Daniell d. Barrett Franks 6-2;6-3
(3) Adam Thompson d. James Meredith 2-6;6-2;6-4
(4) Finn Tearney d. (5) Wesley Whitehouse 3-6;6-4;6-3

(1) Kairangi Vano d. (7) Tanya Samodelok 6-2;3-6;6-2
(2) Julia Moriarty d. (8) Briar Preston Wo (inj)
(3) Shona Lee d. (6) Abbey Guthrie 6-2;6-3
(4) Dianne Hollands d. Imogen Golder 6-1;6-0

Motorsport : Greg Murphy Ready to Joust with Clarkson and Hammond at Top Gear Live


New Zealand motor racing legend Greg Murphy admits to being a little intimidated at the thought of being onstage with Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond in the world’s biggest motoring stage show, but after seeing the show in Dublin and meeting the two presenters, he says he is excited and in awe of the spectacular event.

“The show is absolutely fantastic,” says Murphy. “Audience participation is huge with continuous cheers and jeers - they absolutely loved it.... they go mad! I’m still quite blown away,” he said.

Top Gear Live is ready to become a worldwide phenomenon, with Dublin being the third stop on a world tour of sell-out shows that see the show arrive here in February. Fuelled by the success of the television series Top Gear, the live stage moves up a gear in scale and theatricality, with precision driving, stunts, comedy and pyrotechnics. “Like Top Gear on steroids,” said one review.

“There is unbelievable driving,” says Murphy, “but the crowd also loves the interaction with Clarkson and Hammond in items such as the ‘Cool Wall’ where they get to argue their car preferences with the stars. Murphy’s role as the third presenter is pivotal to bring a local flavour to the show, and someone has to put up with the inevitable sheep jokes that he expects Clarkson to throw at him. “I’ll be the Kiwi there to be the butt of their humour,” he said, “but I’ll also certainly be able to throw a bit back at them as well.”

Murphy spent some time with Clarkson and Hammond while in Dublin and was astonished at their cult-like status over in the UK. “The reaction from the public is amazing,” says Murphy, “Clarkson and Hammond need constant security when you go out. These guys are rock stars in that part of the word.”

He also got to meet the infamous ‘Stig’ while he was over in Dublin – a high performance driver that is a feature of the Top Gear Live finale. The Stig never took his helmet off during the entire event as his identity is a strictly protected secret. “He has his little cage in the corner he sits in by himself when not on stage,” says Murphy. “He has a bit of a reputation for being temperamental, but we got on well.”

Murphy won’t be driving any race cars on stage but will take to the wheel in the ever-popular ‘Car Soccer’ which he expects will probably become an England vs New Zealand test match. When asked what state the cars end up at the end, he said, “there’s a bit of bump‘n‘grind but there is certainly some contact and really, anything can happen.”

Greg’s excitement about the show is obvious: “For someone who enjoys cars, to be working with people who’ve made a massive career out of being involved with cars is just great. They’re doing what every Kiwi man would love to do – spending their days being lunatics in cars, coming up with ludicrous stunts - how blokey is that? And they’re getting paid to do it!

“To be a part of that is very special – and something great to have on the CV.”

Tickets are on sale from www.ticketek.co.nz

For more information please visit www.topgearnz.co.nz

Show Dates:

Thurs 12th - 6.30pm

Friday 13th - 5pm & 8pm

Saturday 14th - 11am, 2pm, 5pm & 8pm

Sunday 15th - 11am, 2pm & 5pm