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2010-08-30T10:53:00.002+12:00

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Something spicy for the blokes!

2010-07-02T12:14:00.002+12:00

Spice system

Add a little spice to your life with a two-in-one regime to revitalise the scalp with a warming sensation.

Saving time without compromising condition, the new Redken for Men Clean Spice 2-in-1 conditioning shampoo is highly convenient for sophisticated men with a fast-paced lifestyle. The fast acting, multi-sensorial formula enriched with fortifying protein and essential wood oils moisturises and disciplines all hair types – even the hardest to manage – and leaves hair clean, soft, with frizz under control.

“Ease and no fuss formulas are the ticket with men and this two-in-one formula ticks all the boxes,” says Redken’s national education manager Katrina Foster. “The difference between this offering and standard two-in-ones is that this is a shampoo that has integrated conditioning components within, rather than trying to amalgamate a shampoo and conditioner into one product which is not technically viable. The formula is perfect for all hair types, including coarse and medium as well as sensitive scalps, containing an optimal concentration of invigorating and soothing ingredients to help maintain the scalps natural balance.”

The first creamy conditioning shampoo from Redken for Men instantly bursts into a warm, rich, foam that releases an aromatic blend of cedar wood, warm spice and sparkling ginger for a resolutely masculine style. Apply to wet hair, massage into lather in a circular motion for one minute, then rinse.

Redken for Men Clean Spice 2-in-1 conditioning shampoo (300ml) has an RRP of $31.00 and is available from August 1.

REDKEN

I love this Doctor!

2010-06-17T11:01:00.000+12:00

Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart only good for so many beats, and that it...don't waste on exercise. Everything wear out eventually. Speeding up heart not make you live longer; it like saying you extend life of car by driving faster. Want to live longer? Take nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiency. What does cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So steak is nothing more than efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef also good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And pork chop can give you 100% of recommended daily allowance of vegetable product.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that mean they take water out of fruity bit so you get even more of goodness that way. Beer also made of grain. Bottom up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have body and you have fat, your ratio one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No pain...good!

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU NOT LISTENING! Food are fried these day in vegetable oil. In fact, they permeated by it. How could getting more vegetable be bad for you?!?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise muscle, it get bigger. You should only be doing sit-up if you want bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy?!? HEL-LO-O!! Cocoa bean! Another vegetable! It best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming good for your figure, explain whale to me..

Q: Is getting in shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' a shape!

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

AND.....

For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat
and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.

2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat
and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.

3. The Chinese drink very little red wine
and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.

4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine
and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.

5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats
and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.

CONCLUSION:

Eat and drink what you like.
Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

The “Transcalédonienne”, New Caledonia’s mythical adventure race

2010-06-16T00:46:00.003+12:00

Held for the 19th time from 3rd to 4th July 2010

A bit of history

After the “Raid Gauloises” event in New Caledonia in 1991, two friends, Joan HOSKEN and Jean-Paul GRANGEON decided to organise a sporting event in the Territory to promote health through sport, without being sponsored by companies marketing toxic products. They created the “Transcalédonienne” which has become one of the annual meetings of Caledonian adventure racers and other racers. This popular event as Christian Perez, President of the Association Défi Santé (Health Challenge), organiser of the race today, likes to call it, is THE “sport-health-discovery” adventure race reference in the Pacific.

A hike to explore the unexplored “customary paths”

For 19 years, the Transcalédonienne has traced its route with the help of the tribes and brought the old customary paths back to life. In 2008, 233 teams, nearly 700 runners including 38 non-Caledonian ones took part in this Caledonian adventure race.
Forest and rocky trails, mountain ridges and crossing creeks, the Transcalédonienne 2010 will be held in the Southern Province on 3rd and 4th July 2010. For this 19th run, it will go through the Caledonian towns of Moindou, Sarramea, Farino and the Parc des Grandes Fougères (Big Ferns National Park) before arriving at La Foa.

The Transcalédonienne is also an opportunity to meet the mountain tribes and share some truly happy moments with these men and women.

This two day hike, through the Caledonian mountain chain is a sports event that offers participants the opportunity to discover not only the lifestyle of the more remote Melanesian tribes but also the unique flora and fauna of New-Caledonia, its beautiful lagoon listed on the World Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

From trails to creeks with often major changes in altitude, the Transcalédonienne proves to be a selective and intense race but always coped with in good humour.

The Transcalédonienne, well rehearsed logistics

To handle the logistics, the Défi-Santé (Health Challenge) race includes:

130 volunteers for organisation and security (first-aid station every 5kms)
2 Helicopters
9 Doctors
1 cardiologist
1 Podiatrist
2 Physiotherapists
16 “RED-CROSS” safety Specialists
20 Students from the

Institute of Training for Health and Social Professions (Masseurs)
1 radio network
An ambulance
Support from the local police stations and medical staff (health centre).
Who is this race for?

Those who love hiking, accomplished sports people and courageous ordinary walkers wishing to explore the real New-Caledonia in a team, this hike is for you!

Transcal
Mixed team of 3 people
Two day event on 3rd and 4th July 2010
Minimum age: 16

Trans-unisex
Team composed of three people of the same sex
Two day event on 3rd and 4th July 2010
Different ranking than the above category
Minimum age: 16

Trans-Discovery Mixed team
One day event on 4th July
Approximately 25 km
Minimum age: 16

Trans-Discovery- Unisex
Team composed of three people of the same sex
One day event on 4th July 2010
Approximately 25 km
Minimum age: 16

All participants are asked to provide: A medical certificate Proof of personal insurance Equipment consisting of a tent for camping and an individual emergency kit. A registration form is available on the Transcalédonienne website - registration fees for each participant will be mentioned.

Because sport and health is everybody's concern and after an initial successful experience in 2009, the Transcalédonienne made a point of honour of being open to people with disabilities throughout the country, belonging to an association or being under the auspices of supervision. For this category, teams will consist of three contestants and two accompanying personnel.

The route

On July 3, 2010, the real sports people of the Transcalédonienne registered in a mixed or unisex team will take the start from the Katrikoin tribe for a race of more than 35 km. After a well deserved night in a “one star” camp site but “under the stars”, the athletes joined by the teams from the Trans-discovery, will leave the Grand Coulis tribe for a final finish in La Foa on July 4, 2010 at the end of day.

The Red Cross will be in charge of safety with a first-aid station every 5 km.

In recent years the Transcalédonnienne has welcomed enthusiasts and nature lovers from the Pacific with Tahitians, New Zealanders and Australians, from the Indian Ocean with our friends from La Reunion, who also love hiking and adventure races, from Asia with our Japanese friends who are more and more numerous and of course racers from France.

They are all very welcome to share the adventure and beauty of New Caledonia.
Advice and information is also available to prospective future participants on the website.

Recycling Scheme Turns Mobile Phones Into Money

2010-06-03T10:41:00.002+12:00

Mobile phone users will be paid for their old and unwanted handsets as part of an innovative New Zealand-first mobile phone recycling and recovery scheme.

Money4Mobiles.co.nz aims to fully recycle as many mobile phones as possible within New Zealand, and give corporations and individuals the chance to put extra money in their pockets and help the environment too.

The phones recycled within New Zealand will be on-sold to emerging and developing nations including India, Russia, South America and China.

“There are around 1.8 million unused mobile phones gathering dust in cupboards and drawers within New Zealand alone,” says Money4Mobiles.co.nz director John Wilson.

“Money4Mobiles.co.nz encourages both individuals and businesses to send in their old mobiles for recycling and eventual sale to emerging and developing countries experiencing high demand for mobile phones.

“Kiwis will be able to help stop inappropriate and dangerous waste ending up in landfills and provide developing countries with affordable access to mobile phones, and at the same time make cash,” says Wilson.

The website Money4Mobiles.co.nz offers a step-by-step guide to recycling mobiles for cash.

Mobile phone users will be asked to input their mobile make and model before grading their phone from ‘A’ (as new condition) down to a ‘D’ (poor condition, i.e. major scratching and missing battery or back cover).

Users will be given a price based on their input. Prices start from $1 for old phones and go up to $512 and payment will be made within five working days.

“When Money4Mobiles.co.nz receives an order and it meets our terms and conditions, customers receive a payment direct to their bank account,” says Wilson.

Phones beyond repair will be used for parts and the company aims to recycle 75 per cent of all phones received.

Any surplus product not returned to a working category is stripped for parts to assist the correction of future faulty products.

“Handsets contain a number of hazardous components such as plastics, cadmium, lead and mercury in the batteries which are potential environmental threats if they are just thrown away rather than recycled,” says Wilson.

Users will be asked to remove old SIM or memory cards, as well as any existing data stored on the handset, before sending their phones to Money4Mobiles.co.nz.

ARM WARMERS - FIFA2010

2010-05-28T11:15:00.000+12:00

SA arm warmers come in an extra large size and large; the other countries are only large.

Countries: England, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Greece, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Italy, Brazil, Netherlands, USA, Ghana, Australia, Argentina ,South Africa

Cost: US$10 per unit, Postage and packaging depending upon destination and means of shipping.

To enquire email gayle@sport-unleashed.com, supplying details:
Quantity
Country ARM WARMER you wish to purchase
Preferred shipping method
Country of destination

Wiremu and the RWC

2010-05-24T16:03:00.000+12:00

Wiremu, a New Zealander, was in Australia just before the Rugby World Cup and was not feeling well, so he decided to see a doctor.

"Hey doc, I dun't feel so good, ey," said Wiremu.

The doctor gave him a thorough examination and informed Wiremu that he had long existing and advanced prostate problems and the only cure was testicular removal.

"No way, doc!" replied Wiremu. "I'm gitting a sicond opinion ey!"

The second Aussie doctor gave Wiremu the same diagnosis and also advised him that testicular removal was the only cure. Not surprisingly, Wiremu refused the treatment.

Wiremu was devastated, but with the Rugby World Cup just around the corner, he found an expat Kiwi doctor and decided to get one last opinion from someone he could trust.

The Kiwi doctor examined him and said, "Wiremu Cuzzy Bro, you huv prostate suckness ey."

"What's the cure thin, doc?" asked Wiremu, hoping for a different answer.

"Wull, Wiremu," said the Kiwi doctor, "Wi're gonna huv to cut off your balls."

"Phew, thunk god for thut!" said Wiremu. "Those Aussie b * s wanted to take my test tickets off me!"

Boys Day Out Christchurch

2010-04-30T11:39:00.000+12:00

Boys Day Out Christchurch is going to be so much bigger this year they’ve had to move to the Powerbuilt Tools Raceway at Ruapuna.

More Space -More Parking -More Motorsports - More of Everything.

Boys Day Out will be filled with Big Boys Toys, Monster Trucks, Hot Cars, Hot Bikes, Paintball, Live Bands, Gamer Lounge, Helicopters, Tui Beer Garden the BDO Bikini Comp and virtually every testosterone charged activity a man can shake his fists at.

Boys Days Out will also be hosting Drifting, Drags, Burnouts, FMX Motocross, Skateboarding, BMX Freestyle, Strongman, Cage fighting and Kickboxing and martial art displays.

If you went to Boys Day Out last year just wait till you see what they’re putting on for you you’ll be blown away and this year we’re doing it over 2 days.

boysdayout.co.nz

Mizuno Half Marathons

2010-04-26T17:22:00.002+12:00

August 1st

Runners and walkers will take part in New Zealand’s largest and most scenic stand-alone half marathon on the shores of Lake Taupo. The Mizuno Half Marathon will take place on August 1st – the popularity of the event is also due to its non-competitive nature and its suitability for first-time walkers and runners.

The scenic out-and-back 21.1 kilometre course on the shores of Lake Taupo caters for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities and all finishers go in to win a range of fantastic prizes.

The MIzuno Half Marathon is a non-commercial event with all proceeds going to support local charities.

Entry costs $50 for seniors (aged 20 and over); and $35 for juniors (aged 19 and under) - there is an additional $5 charge for non online entries.

September 5th

The Mizuno Off-Road Half Marathon (September 5) provide stunning views of Lake Taupo throughout the 21.1 kilometre course which is suitable for first-time off-road runners or more experienced ‘mountain goats’

It will be run on stages of the ‘W2K’ track, starting in Kinloch heading towards Whakaipo Bay before taking in the ‘Headland Track’ loop.

Online entries cost $50 for seniors (aged 20 and over); and $35 for juniors (aged 19 and under

If you’re not quite up to a half marathon, give the Quarter Marathon a go – just over 10kms of flat bushland, The Kinloch Quarter Marathon costs $40 online for senior & $25 for juniors.

All finishers go in to win a range of fantastic prizes.

Ultimate Ride Team to Jet-ski from London to Auckland

2010-03-11T12:05:00.000+13:00

Adventurer, pilot and author, Jeremy Burfoot, is set to lead a group of New Zealanders in an attempt to break the world personal watercraft record by riding from London to Sydney to Auckland. The 32,000 km epic journey, The Ultimate Ride, sets off from London in August to boost awareness of healthy living, cancer prevention and to raise funds for cancer research.

The Ultimate Ride is the fresh challenge Burfoot needed after being the first to circumnavigate New Zealand in a personal watercraft, commonly known as a jet ski, to raise funds for cancer research. Burfoot and his team are well advanced in the planning needed to break the current personal water craft distance record of 18,400 km.

“We’re tackling one of the world’s most iconic routes; the London-to-Sydney journey has been made famous by all kinds of intrepid travellers – though none have tried it on a personal watercraft,” says Burfoot. “The eyes of the world will be on this attempt. The ultimate joy for me would be to get the message about early prevention of cancer, and the need for regular health checks, out to as many people around the world as possible.”

Burfoot is motivated by his own battle with cancer and his desire to ensure funds are put into researching the one disease that both the developed and developing world are struggling to combat. The team will be working with cancer organisations in each country they pass through to help raise the profile of the event and its goals.

The Ultimate Ride will set off from London on August 1 for one of the world’s most difficult water routes. The team will travel more than half-way around the globe, enduring challenging weather and treacherous oceans with piracy, shark infested waters, language barriers and bureaucratic nightmares just some of the hazards along the way. The journey will culminate in Auckland at the end of November.

In 2006 Burfoot and Brad Burton took their personal watercraft on a 5,000 km, 19-day “warm up and shake down” ride around New Zealand. A number of organisations, including the Cancer Society of New Zealand, got on board with the ride as a means of drawing publicity to their cause. Burfoot wrote a book, The Ride around New Zealand, about the experience.

Planning is now well advanced for this year’s journey. The organisers have set up a trust and are seeking further sponsors to assist them with the journey, as well as gaining attention in the international media on the goal of raising funds for cancer research. A major naming rights sponsor for the Ultimate Ride challenge is still available. A website www.london-sydney.org has also been launched and will be used to track the progress of the journey before, after and during the event.

The Ultimate Ride is also offering opportunities for individuals to join the team on parts of the journey. See ‘Join Us’ on the website for more details.

Golf Balls ... !

2009-10-08T02:23:00.001+13:00

A man entered the bus with both of his front pockets full of golf balls and sat down next to a beautiful blonde. The puzzled blonde kept staring at him and his bulging pockets.

Finally, after many such glances from her, he said, "It's golf balls."
Nevertheless, the blonde continued to stare at him for a very long time, deeply thinking about what he had said.
After several minutes, not being able to contain her curiosity any longer, she asked,
"Does it hurt as much as tennis elbow?"

Top Doctor Says Kiwi Men Complacent About Their Health

2009-10-08T02:21:00.000+13:00

Kiwi men are risking their lives by not taking better care of their health says one of New Zealand’s most respected doctors.

Former All Blacks doctor and now Vodafone Warriors medical director, Dr John Mayhew, says research released today shows that one in five Kiwi men aged over 50 have never been checked for prostate cancer – despite widespread publicity campaigns.

The independent research* commissioned by men’s health charity Movember also found that one fifth (20%) of Kiwi men said they did not know where their prostate gland was located.

Dr Mayhew says he’s astounded at the number of men he sees in his general practice who don’t have a good understanding of their own body and who fail to get regular medical checks.

Prostate cancer is of particular concern, he says. Every year 3000 Kiwi men are diagnosed with the disease and around 600 die. This makes prostate cancer the second largest cause of male cancer deaths, after lung cancer. Dr Mayhew says knowing how to recognise the symptoms can result in early diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

“The new research shows that more than a third (34%) of Kiwis have themselves, a family member or someone they know been affected by prostate cancer,” he says.

The survey showed that one in five men over 50 said they had never been checked for prostate cancer.

Dr Mayhew who has been at the coalface of men’s health issues for over 30 years says it’s disappointing that Kiwi men are not taking action and are so ill prepared when it comes to looking after their health.

“Men don’t seem to realise that a little bit of knowledge could potentially save their lives. They really need to recognise what is normal for their body and discuss any changes with their GP. This is a good habit to get into and can help address health concerns much earlier.”

Movember, the moustache growing event held during November each year, aims to tackle this problem and raise awareness and knowledge of men's health issues - last year 13,000 men in New Zealand took part raising almost a million dollars for charity.

This year's charity partners are the Cancer Society of New Zealand in support of prostate cancer and the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand in support of its “Out of the Blue” depression awareness campaign.

Dr Mayhew says recognising the symptoms of prostate cancer could save many lives down the track. “When detected early, the successful treatment rate for prostate cancer is very high so the important thing is to not be afraid to visit your GP and they can advise whether you should be checked.”

Symptoms to look out for include straining to begin urinating, a dribbling or thin stream of urine, a sudden urge to pass urine, not being able to pass urine or having to go to the toilet to pass urine frequently, especially at night.

Dr Mayhew says in most cases, these symptoms are not caused by cancer but due to pressure on the urethra from an enlarged prostate which is just part of normal aging.

“However if you do experience one or more of these symptoms, you should definitely be checked by your doctor,” he says.

The causes of prostate cancer are not yet fully understood but Dr Mayhew says there is increasing evidence to suggest there are some risk factors such as increasing age - 82% of prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 60 - and family history.

“Knowing if your father, brother or uncle has had prostate cancer is very important and should be shared with your doctor, if you display any of these symptoms as it means your risk might be increased,” says Dr Mayhew.

Taking part in regular exercise to help maintain a healthy body weight and reducing the amount of red meat that is eaten are also ways to reduce your risk he says.

To pre-register or find out more information, visit www.movember.co.nz.

Golf for beginners

2009-06-04T16:48:00.001+12:00

HAVE YOU REGISTERED AT www.sport-unleashed.com??

2009-04-23T22:49:00.000+12:00

Just a quick reminder .. the FREE registrations limit has just about been reached.

If you don't want to miss out on the behind-the-scenes action and lots of members' only events, competitions and more ..... make sure you get in fast.

Head on over to SPORT UNLEASHED and register now .... whilst memberships aren't limited, the FREE ones are!

REMINDER

2009-04-16T23:51:00.002+12:00

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Head on over soon - the FREE registrations are almost up to limit!!!!

Alain Baxter, Britain’s Greatest Skier, Announces Retirement

2009-04-04T14:44:00.000+13:00

Alain Baxter, Britain’s most successful alpine skier has today (2 April) announced his retirement from international ski racing.

The 35 year-old Scot, known simply as ‘The Highlander’ to legions of devoted fans, has raced with Snowsport GB’s British Alpine Ski Team since 1992 and made the announcement at the British Land National Ski Championships in Meribel, France.

Baxter is due to make his final fling down the slalom today at 3.00pm (UK time). Dressed in a kilt, he will stop mid-way down the course to share a dram of malt whisky with Mark Tilston, British Alpine Ski Team head coach.

On return to the UK, Alain will focus his attention on his new business venture Alain Baxter Sports Limited (ABS) – media work, undertaking personal appearances and general sports consultancy.

Commenting on his decision to hang up his competitive ski boots, Alain said: “It has been a privilege to represent Scotland and Great Britain at the top level of international ski racing for more than 20 years.
“I had always planned to make it to Vancouver for the 2010 Olympics but this is the first year I have felt that my injuries could have prevented me from performing to the best of my ability.

“Competing at the top level is physically tough but it has been hugely rewarding - it is definitely a period of my life I will always cherish.
“I am most proud of securing four top ten World Cup finishes for Great Britain and becoming the first British skier in almost fifty years to qualify for a World Cup slalom. Naturally, winning then losing an Olympic bronze medal in 2002 was one of the happiest and lowest points of my career.

“Hopefully, my achievements in skiing have shown the many younger, talented British skiers coming through the system that they too can dream of achieving major results at the highest level of this fantastic sport.
“I am very grateful to Snowsport GB and all of my previous and most recent sponsors including Head skis and Dare2Be for their support over the years. In addition to my new venture, I look forward to spending more time with my beautiful wife Sheila and young children – Kerr and Brooke – both of which will be skiing in the future!”

Supported by Dare2Be, Baxter has been a full-time member of the Snowsport GB alpine team since the age of 18. Since joining the team he has achieved 11 top 15 World Cup finishes and four top 10 results. The super-fit athlete also memorably won the BBC Superstars series in 2004 and the team event in 2008, making him the only athlete to win both.

In the 2000-2001 season the Edinburgh-born racer achieved the highest ranking ever yet achieved by a British alpine skier when he finished 11th overall in the FIS World Cup rankings. In the same season, he missed getting Britain’s first World Cup win by less than five tenths of a second, finishing 4th in Are, Sweden.

Referring to Baxter’s decision to retire, Mark Simmers, Chief Executive of Snowsport GB, commented: “All athletes have to face retirement at some stage. For almost two decades, Alain Baxter, Britain’s greatest ski racer has been pushing his mind and body to the limit.

“Though in recent seasons Alain’s performances have been affected by injury, he remains a hugely respected figure in international ski racing. His fourth place in a World Cup in Sweden, an overall world ranking of 11th and claiming Britain’s first Olympic alpine ski medal, speak volumes of Alain’s mercurial skiing talent. ‘The Highlander’ will be missed.”

Mark Tilston, British Alpine Ski Team head coach added: “Alain Baxter will always be one of the greats of British ski racing. He has shown that skiers from these shores can compete and beat traditional alpine nations.

“The professionalism, commitment and dedication that Alain has shown over the last 20 years brought him a great career and he will now leave ski racing with not only incredible memories, skills and experiences, he will be able to attack his future with the same qualities of character. The trail that Alain has beaten has inspired a new generation of young ski racers who now follow in his tracks.”

However, it was at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City when the Scottish racer, named after the French 1970’s ski star Alain Penz, was thrust into the media spotlight. Baxter won an Olympic bronze medal in the men’s slalom - Great Britain’s first Olympic alpine medal in history.

Subsequently, a sample test for the drug methamphetamine, an ingredient in US manufactured Vicks inhalers, led to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) requesting the Scot hand back his medal. Significantly, he was later cleared of the alleged offence and received support for the return of his medal from the British Olympic Association and Sebastian Coe.

Crusaders injury update

2009-04-04T14:41:00.001+13:00

A Crusaders injury update following last night's 16-13 win over the Bulls at AMI Stadium.

Casey Laulala has fractured the radius in his left arm, the same arm that he broke last year, and will miss the rest of the season.

Leon MacDonald hurt his shoulder and left the field but is likely to recover quickly.

Colin Slade suffered a cut under his left eye which required stitches.

CARRICK: FANS PLAY A HUGE PART

2009-04-04T14:40:00.000+13:00

Michael Carrick says United are determined to put things right against Aston Villa after opening the title-race door for rivals Liverpool with two straight defeats.

But while it’s down to the players to get the job done on the pitch, the 27-year-old midfielder has called on the Old Trafford faithful to play their part.

“The fans can play a huge part in every game and can pull you through when things aren’t going quite so well. It would be easy for supporters to get a bit frustrated when that's the case, but our fans are always behind us. It gives us a big lift.”

Sir Alex Ferguson's men are still in control at the Barclays Premier League summit, one point clear with a game in hand. But with no points gained in the last two matches, Carrick insists it's vital United get back to winning ways on Sunday.

"We’d gone so long without a league defeat that when it happened it was a bit of a shock to the system, especially when you consider the run we’d been on and how we’d been playing," Michael told United Review.

"But you’re going to lose games through the season, it’s very rare that you don’t. We’ve just got to bounce back; we’ve done it before and we’ll do it again. It’s not a case of changing everything because we’ve lost a couple of matches – we’ve got to focus on doing what we do best and hopefully go on another winning run."

A1GP Hits New Venue in Portugal

2009-04-04T14:38:00.000+13:00

A1GP World Cup of Motorsport heads to Portugal for the second time in its history this weekend, but with a brand new circuit in the Algarve providing the backdrop for what is set to be one of the most memorable events of the season on 10 – 12 April.

The last A1GP meeting held in Portugal took place at the Circuito do Estoril, near Lisbon in 2005 but with a new purpose-built facility completed earlier this year, the 4.69-kilometre Autódromo Internacional do Algarve is a truly unique undulating circuit.

Home nation A1 Team Portugal will have the familiar face ofFilipe Albuquerque in the cockpit hoping to close in on two other series regulars, Switzerland’s Neel Jani and Ireland’s Adam Carroll, who sit ahead of him in the championship standings. With only nine points separating the top three the battle is heating up as the series nears its conclusion. The 23-year-old is keen to reach the top step of the podium in front of his home crowd after getting a taste for victory back in Chengdu, China at the end of 2008 and finishing on the podium in the last four events.

“I have been very busy with interviews and demonstration runs including taking the A1GP car on the Super Special Stage at Rally Portugal which was really nice, said Albuquerque. “It will be very special racing here in front of my home crowd and I have lots of friends and family coming along too.”

Commenting on the new Autódromo Internacional do Algarve he continued: “It looks nice. I have been to have a look around the track and driven some demonstrations in a road car, but it will be very different in an A1GP car.

The last corner you can go so much faster with the downforce on the A1GP car. It will be tricky because you have so many up and downhill sections and many blind corners so you really need to know where you are going. It is very wide so will be good for overtaking so I think we will give a good spectacle for the crowds.”

On his chances for the weekend he said: “I think I can win. It’s always my goal. We have been very strong since New Zealand and consistently been at the top at every event so there is no reason why we shouldn’t be up there again here. With the pace we have a win is our aim.

“I am definitely still in the title fight and the championship is now even more open with the confirmation of A1GP Mexico City. We still cannot predict it just being the current top three. We need to be careful .as there are still lots of points to win and if something goes wrong the Netherlands could also be fighting for the championship in Mexico. At the moment Ireland, Switzerland and Portugal are very consistent so it’s going to be tight but I will aim for the victory and we will see.”

Ireland’s Adam Carroll is looking to reclaim his championship lead after a first lap incident with Malaysia last race left him in the gravel, losing the top spot to Switzerland.

Another driver who has had a taste of success is 17-year-old Felipe Guimarães who finished second in South Africa last time out. He will be looking for a repeat performance to help move A1 Team Brazil further up the standings.

“I think the last race was very good and I have confidence right now,” said Guimarães. “In the last race, I saw that I could drive with guys at the front like Neel Jani and Adam Carroll, so I could get a lot of inner belief from that. I have finished in second position in a race, I now want to finish in first position in races and then the championship.

“For the next race in Portugal, I hope I can race with the front runners again. In a sense, racing in the Algarve next week will be the same as Kyalami. It’ll be a new track for everyone and I’ll look forward to it.

“We’re going to work very hard to win, and I cannot predict what will happen. But I’ll do my best.”

Nicolas Prost is also expected to remain as lead driver for A1 Team France while Marco Andretti continues for A1 Team USA.

A1 Team Netherlands will continue its policy of rotating its lead man for the next two meetings, having alternated between Jeroen Bleekemolen and Robert Doornbos all season. Doornbos will be back behind the wheel for A1GP Algarve, Portugal while the team also confirmed that Bleekemolen will return to race at A1GP Brands Hatch on 3 May.

A1GP’s Official Watch & Timing Partner, TW Steel, also continued to showcase its involvement with the series in the build up to the next event with the presence of an A1GP race car on the TW Steel display stand at BASELWORLD 2009 this week – the world’s biggest and most important event for the watch and jewellery industry.

Having started last Thursday, BASELWORLD continued through to Thursday 2 April with the TW Steel-branded A1GP race car attracting considerable interest at the Swiss event, the first time TW Steel has exhibited there.

In addition to the resplendent, A1GP Powered by Ferrari car, the ‘World Cup of Motorsport’ theme carries over into TW Steel’s display windows with several race-related items loaned, fittingly enough from current World Champion A1 Team Switzerland, including a set of Neel Jani’s race overalls, his first place Feature race trophy from Round 4 in New Zealand this season and last year’s World Championship A1GP gold medal. All these items were situated beside TW Steel’s popular A1GP watch collection, launched at the start of the 2008-09 season to celebrate the company’s partnership with A1GP.

“I’m extremely proud that we have such a strong looking stand for our first exhibit at BASELWORLD,” reflected TW Steel CEO, Jordy Cobelens. “Our partnership with A1GP has proved to be extremely important in terms of positioning the TW Steel brand worldwide so it seemed only fitting that we utilise that relationship when promoting ourselves before the industry here in Switzerland.

“The A1GP car has been much admired by all our visitors and it has given us a tremendous opportunity to engage potential distributors and retailers, along with exposing our product to the many people who have stopped at the stand having first noticed the race car. We have enjoyed tremendous traffic at BASELWORLD and having had the opportunity to showcase our partnership with A1GP here in Switzerland we’re looking forward to the next race weekend in Portugal next month.”

The VodafoneA1GP Algarve, Portugal event runs from 10 – 12 April, with the series’ first track action being the rookie driver and developing nations’ sessions on Friday. Final practice and qualifying for the Sprint and Feature races will take place on Saturday with the two races scheduled to run on Sunday at 11.00 and 15.00 respectively.

Thursday PR activity:
A1GP drivers will be given a unique opportunity to get up close and personal swimming with the dolphins at the Zoomarine theme park at Gui, in Albufeira. Based on the theme ‘The life of the oceans’, Zoomarine’s philosophy is to support active conservation projects, through rehabilitating and reintroducing a wide range of marine species into their natural habitat.

The drivers will get to know and interact with trained bottlenose dolphins, under the supervision of specialised professionals. The activity will commence with a short educational talk to give the drivers some awareness of the protection of the species and some facts about the dolphins and their ecology. Drivers from the following nations will be taking part in the morning event: Portugal, Brazil, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Malaysia, Monaco, and Switzerland.

About the Autodrómo Internacional do Algarve:
Autódromo Internacional do Algarve is located near the city of Portimão; in Sítio do Escapadinho, in the parish of Mexilhoeira Grande, about 4.5 kilometres north of the Algarve Motorway [A22], with a direct link exit at Mexilhoeira Grande.

The philosophy behind the conception of the Algarve Motor Park project was to create a group of facilities, which by being located close to each other, would be mutually

beneficial. The 4.69-kilometre Autódromo Internacional do Algarve is part of a purpose built facility, including a karting track, technology park, five-star hotel, sports complex and apartments, that will be completed during this year.

The natural relief of its terrain has allowed the creation of a truly unique undulating circuit. It has been built with the aim of providing a challenging but fun track to drive on, and all the comments received so far from the drivers confirm this has been more than achieved. The positions of the various grandstands were carefully chosen to guarantee close proximity to the circuit and all the action. This allows the fans to choose between ones offering views of the faster, challenging sections or slower, more technical areas.

Track length: 4.69km (2.91 miles)

2008/09 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport points standings

Pos A1 Team Points
1 Switzerland 73
2 Ireland 70
3 Portugal 64
4 Netherlands 56
5 France 41
6 New Zealand 36
7 Malaysia 32
8 Australia 30
9 Monaco 23
10 Great Britain 20
11 USA 19
12 South Africa 19
13 Brazil 16
14 Italy 10
15 India 8
16 Lebanon 8
17 Korea 4
18 China 4
19 Indonesia 2
20 Germany 0
21 Mexico 0

State Championship Final: umpires and match details

2009-04-04T14:37:00.000+13:00

Bowden confirmed as umpire for State Championship Final

New Zealand Cricket confirmed today that Emirates Elite Panel umpire Billy Bowden will umpire in the State Championship Final next week, alongside Chris Gaffaney.

The conclusion of the 2008-09 State Championship competition will see the State Auckland Aces face the State Central Stags in a five-day match from Monday 6 April to Friday 10 April, at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln (near Christchurch).

Auckland finished top of the State Championship table after the eight competition rounds, and only require a draw to lift the 2008-09 Trophy.

Play is scheduled to start daily at 10.30am. Live scoring, ball-by-ball radio commentary and video highlights will be available on the New Zealand Cricket website.

For details and links, visit:
http://www.blackcaps.co.nz/content/domestic/state-championship-f/default.aspx

BULLDOGS POINTS

2009-04-04T14:35:00.002+13:00

The National Rugby League, after reviewing submissions from the Bulldogs club, has confirmed that the Bulldogs will be stripped of two competition points from today as a result of the club’s breach of the Replacements (Interchange) rules against Penrith in Round 2.

The NRL received the Bulldogs’ submission to the initial breach notice yesterday.

Those submissions could not negate the fact that the player who had entered the field in breach of the replacement rules had taken a place in the attacking line at the time the match result was decided.

The club was informed late this afternoon that the penalty of two competition points would stand and they will receive written notification on Monday.

All competition tables should now reflect that the club enters Round 4 of the Telstra Premiership on two competition points.

The club has the option of seeking leave to appeal before the NRL Appeals Committee.

Any such application would be reviewed by the Chairman of the Appeals Committee, Sir Laurence Street to see if leave should be granted.

If it were to be granted, an Appeals Committee hearing would comprise Sir Laurence, a nominee of the Rugby League Players Association and a Nominee of the Chairman of the NRL Club Council.

Campbell comfortable in Prince's shoes: Cartwright

2009-04-04T14:35:00.001+13:00

Jetstar Gold Coast Titans coach John Cartwright has backed pint-sized dynamo Preston Campbell to step-up another level in his second stint at halfback in tomorrow night’s clash against Melbourne at Olympic Park.

With co-captain Scott Prince given another week off to overcome a hamstring injury, Campbell will again act as the Jetstar Titans’ chief playmaker in a veteran scrumbase combination with dual-international Mat Rogers.

The pair were pivotal for the Titans in last Friday night’s 20-12 win over the Bulldogs, with Campbell scoring one of his side’s four tries and also laying on another.

And Cartwright said he expected Campbell to feel even more comfortable in the role tomorrow given there was no long-term pressure on him with Prince likely to be back for the club’s round five clash against North Queensland in Townsville next weekend.

“He was good for us last week and I’m pretty sure he’ll be even more comfortable in that role (tomorrow),’’ said Cartwright of Campbell.

“It’s good for him because he knows Princey is not far away so he can concentrate on that No.7 jumper and always know that he’s going to go back to fullback sooner rather than later.’’

The Storm have also been tampering with their halves combination in the early rounds, with talk that hooker Cameron Smith will switch to five-eighth for tomorrow night’s clash after he played at pivot in stages for Melbourne in their last-start victory over North Queensland.

Cartwright though said he was not phased by who would play at five-eighth for the Storm and was more focused on his side’s own preparation.

“I’m not real concerned because I’m sure at some stage Smith will be playing hooker and at No.6 so we’re not real fussed,’’ he said.

“It’s more been a week about getting us ready, we know at some stage we’re going to face Inglis at five-eighth and Smith.

The Titans have lost both clashes against the Storm in Melbourne, losing 50-6 in 2007 and 44-4 last year.

However, both of those losses came at the back end of the season when the Titans were missing troops and out of finals contention.

Cartwright said it was a clean slate for his side this time around against a team he rates as the toughest side to beat at home in the NRL.

“They’ve only lost three games over the last three years,’’ he said.

“So consistently they are the best side at their home track. It’s a huge challenge but I’m happy with the way we’ve been going to go and confront them.

“It (the past record against the Storm) hasn’t even been spoken about.

“It’s a new year, they’ve changed a lot of players, we’ve changed a lot of players, we’re only three games in and we’re equal on the competition ladder.’’

Cartwright said it was difficult to pinpoint any weaknesses in the Storm line-up and said his side’s best chance of knocking them off in front of their home crowd would be to focus on what they can control.

“I don’t think they have a weakness. It’s tough to pinpoint any weakness in their side - the main thing is that you’re at you’re best.

“You’ve got to reach levels of attitude and completing everything that you set out to do so there’s no one weakness, you’ve just got to make sure you’re 100 per cent prepared and you go down there and you play to pretty well 95 per cent of your ability.’’

The Titans arrived in Melbourne today with an 18-man squad. Cartwright will make a final decision on the make-up of his interchange bench tomorrow.

New Zealand Under 20 squad named

2009-04-04T14:32:00.002+13:00

New Zealand’s Under 20 squad for the IRB Junior World Championship in Japan in June has been named today.

The New Zealand Under 20 squad is: Trent Boswell-Wakefield (Hawke’s Bay), Hamish Cochrane (Tasman), Aaron Cruden (Manawatu), Elliot Dixon (Canterbury), Shahn Eru (Wellington), Daniel Faleafa (Auckland), Ma’afu Fia (Manawatu), Zac Guildford (Hawke’s Bay), Bernie Hall (Canterbury), Willie Ioane (Manawatu), Brayden Mitchell (Southland), Brendon O’Connor (Canterbury), Ken Pisi (North Harbour), Buxton Popoali’i (Wellington), Leighton Price (Hawke’s Bay), Robbie Robinson (Southland), Alex Ryan (Southland), Teddy Stanaway (Auckland), Winston Stanley (Auckland), Latu Talakai (Waikato), Shae Tamati (Hawke’s Bay), Tom Taylor (Canterbury), Shaun Treeby (Wellington), Gauefa Tuigamala (North Harbour), Nafi Tuitavake (North Harbour), Frae Wilson (Wellington).

The 26-man squad includes current players from the Rebel Sport Super 14 and the Air New Zealand Cup, including Hurricanes player Zac Guildford and Blues player Winston Stanley. Air New Zealand Cup players include Southland’s Robbie Robinson Manawatu team-mates Aaron Cruden and Ma’afu Fia, North Harbour’s Nafi Tuitavake and Ken Pisi and Wellington’s Buxton Popoali’i.

Several of the players have rugby pedigree: Stanley is the nephew of former All Black Joe Stanley, Tuitavake is a current member of the New Zealand Sevens squad and younger brother of current All Blacks and Blues player Anthony Tuitavake, while Ken Pisi’s brother George and Tusi have played in the Rebel Sport Super 14.

New Zealand Under 20 Coach Dave Rennie said the squad had a huge amount of talent and he was excited to begin the road to the World Championship.

“I would like to congratulate all the players who have been selected in the squad for the Junior World Championships. It’s a thrilling time for these young men and their families and for many of them it will be the first time they pull on the black jersey so will be incredibly special.”

Rennie said he and assistant coach Mark Anscombe were “extremely happy” with the team.

“This is an exciting group of players who are keen to make an impression on the world stage.”

New Zealand’s age group teams have long been a springboard for many players into higher honours. All Blacks who have played age grade rugby in recent years include Jamie Mackintosh, Hikawera Elliot, Kieran Read and Alby Mathewson.

John Beckett, Marketing Manager of adidas New Zealand, says that a key component of adidas’ sponsorship is their support of the NZRU’s national teams.

“It is always exciting to see young new talent coming through. At adidas we are delighted to provide them with the same range of product technology as the All Blacks have developed and worn ahead of them,” said Beckett.

New Zealand were crowned inaugural champions at the first Junior World Championships held in Wales last year. The Junior World Championships replaced the previous IRB Under 19 and Under 21 World Championship tournaments.

The naming of the squad follows a trial game in Palmerston North yesterday. The squad will stay in camp till Monday and re-assemble twice before their departure to Japan.

New Zealand pool games at IRB Junior World Championship:

v Uruguay June 5

v Ireland June 9

v Argentina June 13

Key dates:

· Squad camp: Friday 3 April – Monday 6 April, Palmerston North

· Squad camp: Saturday 25 April – Wednesday 29 April, Palmerston North

· Pre-tournament camp: Tuesday 26 May – Friday 29 May, Auckland

· Squad departs: Auckland for Tokyo on Saturday 30 May

· IRB World Junior Championship: Friday 5 June – Sunday 21 June, Japan

Note to media: Under 20s Coach Dave Rennie will be available for interview at 5.00pm today. Please contact Kate Hutchison to arrange a time.

CHESLEY “SULLY” SULLENBERGER TO THROW OUT CEREMONIAL FIRST PITCH

2009-04-04T13:05:00.003+13:00

The New York Yankees today announced that Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the pilot of Flight 1549 who successfully landed the impaired plane safely on New York’s Hudson River in January, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the start of the Yankees’ 1:05 p.m. exhibition game vs. the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, April 4.

The Yankees will honor “Sully” (a Yankees fan since boyhood) as well as Flight 1549 co-pilot Jeff Skiles and flight-crew member Doreen Welsh in a pregame ceremony.

In addition, the Yankees will welcome Challenger, the renowned American Bald Eagle, who will fly across Yankee Stadium from the top of the Bleachers Café to the pitcher’s mound at the conclusion of the national anthem.

A1GP and Filipe Albuquerque Get Among the Action at Rally Portugal

2009-04-04T13:05:00.001+13:00

A1GP World Cup of Motorsport and A1 Team Portugal’s Filipe Albuquerque made a guest appearance at the opening special stage of the Vodafone Rally of Portugal today, the fourth round of the 2009 World Rally Championship. This is the first of several spectacular events involving Albuquerque and the A1GP Powered by Ferrari car he will race in next week’s Vodafone A1GP Algarve, Portugal on the 10 – 12 April.

Fans had their first taste of the A1GP car in action at the Estadio Algarve this afternoon when the 23-year-old drove around the Super Special Stage at Rally Portugal in front of his home fans.

As well as giving fans the chance to get up close to the A1GP car in the exhibition area, A1 Team Portugal’s star driver took time out to meet and greet the fans for autographs and photos ahead of his home event next weekend.

“The crowd seemed to enjoy it, said Albuquerque. “They loved the A1GP car – especially as it’s the Portuguese car.I have been to watch the rally here before with friends but this time it was different as I was out on the circuit myself.

“All crowds like to see some burnouts with smoke coming off the tyres and hear the engine noise so it was nice to give them that. I always like to do donuts in the car but it’s not as easy as it seems as you need to control the throttle to keep the car in the tight space, but when you do it’s a good show. I felt much closer to the people in the stadium so I could interact with them more; the people next to me where signalling for more spins. I couldn’t hear them, but I could see on their faces that they were going crazy. I really enjoyed being so close to the fans.”

The Vodafone Rally of Portugal, round four of the World Rally Championship, is taking place from 2-5 April 2009.

A new-look Rally Portugal returned to the calendar in 2007, moving from Portugal’s west coast to a new host town, Vilamoura, in the Algarve. After taking a year off in 2008, the event has returned to the calendar and will be the first pure gravel rally of the WRC 2009 season

The bulk of the stages are based in the Serra do Caldeirao hills, north of Faro, with drivers tackling a total of 18 stages and a competitive distance of 361.36km over the four-day event. The rally is again based at Estadio Algarve, which houses a Super Special Stage that opened the event this evening and will close it on Sunday afternoon.

Albuquerque will drive the A1GP Powered by Ferrari car on the Super Special Stage for a final time on Sunday 5 April at 12:45.

Vodafone A1GP Algarve, Portugal takes place from 10-12 April at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve. Tickets for the event can be acquired at Autódromo Internacional do Algarve and nationwide at FNAC, Media Markt, El Corte Inglês, Pavilhão Atlântico, Arena de Portimão and at www.autodromodoalgarve.com. Further information about the event can be found at www.A1GP.com

ICC President and Chief Executive meet New Zealand Cricket's board

2009-04-03T01:30:00.000+13:00

Third catch-up with a Member board for David Morgan and Haroon Lorgat following meetings with Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa in February

ICC President David Morgan: “The meeting provided the opportunity for both sides, the ICC and NZC, to get a better understanding of the workings of the other and the challenges we face in ensuring cricket is a great sport with a great spirit”

NZC Chairman Alan Isaac: “Their openness and frankness about the issues that the cricket world is facing was very good and informative for our board”

Broadcast-quality audio of David Morgan and Alan Isaac available for free download and use at http://icc-cricket.yahoo.net/audio/audio.html

ICC President David Morgan and Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat on Thursday met the board of New Zealand Cricket as part of their ongoing process of information sharing with Members.

The two-hour meeting in Wellington was the third of its kind for the pair, in the country as part of the ICC’s centenary celebrations, having caught up with the boards of Cricket Australia in Melbourne and Cricket South Africa in Johannesburg in February.

Reflecting on the gathering, Mr Morgan said: “I believe the meeting went very well. The board of New Zealand Cricket (NZC) includes directors independent of the state associations and thinking from outside the game as well as from within is always a valuable tool in assessing the progress we are making.

“The purpose of these presentations is to outline the ICC’s objectives and the challenges facing the global body and, by extension, our Members. Equally importantly, it gives us a chance to hear from those Members, in this case NZC, about their goals and challenges and also how they see their relationship with the ICC.

“It is important that our stakeholders understand the challenges cricket and the ICC is facing at a global level so that we can work together to find the right way forward and collectively take the sport to the next level.

“Unless we interact in this way, we will never be able to achieve our common objectives, to make sure we have a great sport with a great spirit that continues to grow stronger.

“It was a thoroughly enjoyable meeting and I believe both groups parted with a better understanding of the workings of the other, the challenges each and the sport as a whole is facing and with an enhanced knowledge about each other’s issues.

“I believe these presentations and the feedback we receive from them is good for the ICC and more importantly it is good for the game of cricket. I’m extremely grateful to NZC Chairman Alan Isaac for allowing us the time to come together.”

NZC Chairman Alan Isaac said: “It was a real pleasure having David and Haroon here. Their openness and frankness about the issues that the cricket world is facing was very good and informative for our board.

“It was an excellent exercise from our perspective to ask questions, get their understanding of those issues and know how they are being addressed.

“It is essential that the cricket world stays united in facing some of the challenges that we have, from security to the opportunities around the development of the game, different formats of the game, and the excitement and the opportunities cricket provides to bring the world together in many ways.

“The ICC has a challenge because it is effectively a collection of Members. Those Members have different issues and they are trying to achieve different things. But that is not much different from any other representative body at the end of the day.”

Broadcast-quality audio of David Morgan and Alan Isaac is available for free download and use at http://icc-cricket.yahoo.net/audio/audio.html

Details of future visits to Member boards by ICC officials will be confirmed, announced and detailed in due course.

ANZ Championship - Round One Preview

2009-04-03T01:29:00.002+13:00

In this preview is;

The draw for Round 1
Dot points for this round
A look forward to the 2009 season with NSW Swifts coach Julie Fitzgerald
What statistics you can expect from each game and where you find them online
Head to head statistics from the same team match-ups last season

Round One Draw;

Saturday 4th April

Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel v Central Pulse

Stadium Southland, Invercargill at 2.00pm*

Saturday 4th April

Melbourne Vixens v West Coast Fever

State Netball Hockey Stadium, Melbourne at 2.00pm

Sunday 5th April

Queensland Firebirds v Adelaide Thunderbirds

Brisbane Convention Centre, Brisbane at 2.30pm

Monday 6th April

LG Mystics v Colourplus Waikato / Bay of Plenty Magic

The Trusts Stadium, Auckland at 7.00pm

Monday 6th April

NSW Swifts v Mercury Energy Tactix

Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre, Sydney at 7.00pm

* Please note all times are local area times.

Dot points for Round 1;

Colourplus Waikato / BOP Magic vs LG Mystics

Trusts Stadium

The two teams met twice in 2008. The Magic were victorious on both occasions, winning in the Round Two 56 – 52 and in Round Six 59 - 45
The Magic were the winners of the Minor Championship, edging out the NSW Swifts on goal percentage 114.69% to 111.35%. The Magic and the NSW Swifts both won 10 games and lost three in the home and away season, with the NSW Swifts victorious in the Grand Final, winning 65 to 56
The Magic’s winning away percentage last year sat at 43% while the LG Mystics winning at home percentage was 38%
The LG Mystics consistently accrued high scores throughout the competition despite winning or losing. Their lowest score was 42, which put them in second place in that department behind the NSW Swifts at 44.
Magic defender Casey Williams was named Holden Captiva Most Valuable Player of the 2008 ANZ Championship, she headed three statistical categories of the competition: deflections (84), defensive rebounds (66) and intercepts (51).
Magic shooter Irene van Dyk recorded her three 100 per cent shooting performances in 2008 and led in the accuracy stakes with 92.8% over 16 games. Mystics shooter Cathrine Latu was in the top ten in both accuracy and volume in 2008 and shot on average at 82%.
The Magic have accrued one Mystics player and the Mystics have accrued one Magic Player
Mystics gains: Keshia Grant (Magic), Pamela Cookey (England), Debbie White (Steel) and Finau Pulu
Mystics losses: Leana de Bruin (Magic), Paula Griffin (Pulse), Sheryl Scanlan (Steel), Angelina Yates
Magic gains: Leana de Bruin (Mystics), Frances Solia (Pulse), Jess Tuki (Steel) and Elias Shadrock
Magic losses: Amigene Metcalf, Brigette Tapene, Keshia Grant (Mystics), Rachel Beale

NSW Swifts v Mercury Energy Tactix

Sydney Olympic Park

The two teams met once in 2008 in Round two with the Tactix beating the eventual Champions 50 – 44. This made the Tactix the only New Zealand team to beat the NSW Swifts in 2008
After losing three of their first six matches, to Tactix, Vixens and Firebirds, Swifts proceeded to compile the best winning streak of the competition, nine straight wins including the Major Semi-Final and Grand Final.
The Tactix won four of their first six games but then could manage only one win from their final six games.
The Swifts have the second highest winning at Home record with 88%.
The Tactix and Swifts have shooters in the top ten shooting accuracy stakes. Jodi Brown (who played only 5 games) sat at fourth with 88% and Susan Pratley at seventh with 87%
The Swifts had a staggering 1017 attempts at goal during the competition. The only team to exceed 1000 and 35 attempts ahead of the Magic
Swifts Coach Julie Fitzgerald topped the inaugural coaching record with an 80% success rate.
Tactix gains: Angela Mitchell, Sonia Mkoloma (Pulse), Kahurangi Waititi (Pulse), Larissa Wilcox (Fever)
Tactix losses: Demelza McCloud (Firebirds), Elizabeth Manu (Pulse), Joanna McCaw, Hayley Stockman
Swifts gains: Samantha May, Amy Wild, Ashlee Mann, Jessica Mansell
Swifts losses: Selina Gilsenan (retired), Adelaide Johnson, Tiffany Lincoln, Leah Shoard (Steel)

Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel v Central Pulse
Stadium Southland, Invercargill

The two teams met twice in 2008. The Steel were victorious on both occasions, winning in the Round two 52 – 50 and in the Round nine 41 - 29
The Steel finished 6th in the 2008 season, the Pulse finished 10th.
The Steel’s winning percentage at home was 62.5%. The Pulse did not win a game last season.
The Pulse’s highest score in 2008 was 50, their lowest was 28
Steel’s gains: Donna Wilkins, Adine Wilson, Leah Shoard (Swifts), Sheryl Scanlan (Mystics)
Pulse’s gains: Paula Griffin (Mystics), Althea Byfield (Jamaica), Larissa Harrison, Te Amo Amaru-Tibble, Camilla Lees, Ngarama Milner-Olsen, Hannah Broederlow, Katie King
Steel’s losses: Megan Dehn (Firebirds), Jenny May-Coffin (retired), Debbie White (Mystics), Jess Tuki (Magic)
Pulse’s losses: Sonia Mkoloma (Tactix), Kahurangi Waitit (Tactix), Frances Solia (Magic), Amber Bellringer, Lauren Burgess, Hayley Crofts, Candyce Edwards, Susan Tagicakibau
The Pulse had matches that went to extra time – three times, more than any other team last season.

Melbourne Vixens v West Coast Fever

State Netball Hockey Centre, Melbourne

· Vixens won both their 2008 matches against West Coast Fever in Round 9 and Round 12

· At the Sydney Pre-season Tournament, Vixens defeated Fever 28-21 (half game)

· With player movement over the off season, Fever will have two former Vixens players – Madison Browne and Johannah Curran – in its team, while English import Ama Agbeze will debut for the Vixens after a season at Fever.

· Vixens had a shooting percentage of 79.2% in 2008, ranking them 8th in the competition, while Fever had a shooting accuracy of 83.3% and a ranking of 4.

· Vixens winning at home percentage last year was 67% while Fever winning percentage away from home was 14%

· Sharelle McMahon had the highest shooting percentage in the Vixens team at 81.7%, while Caitlin Thwaites had the highest volume for Vixens with 422 goals for the year

· Caitlin Bassett was the stand out shooter for Fever in 2008, shooting 452 goals at an accurate 87.1%

· Vixens gains: Ama Agbeze (Fever) Kathleen Knott, Chelsey Nash, Brooke Thompson

· Vixens losses: Madison Browne (Fever), Johannah Curran (Fever), Sharni Layton (AIS), Abby Sargent (retired)

· Fever gains: Emma Beckett, Shae Bolton (AIS), Madison Browne (Vixens)

· Fever losses: Karen Atkinson, Ama Agbeze (Vixens), Ingrid Dick (retired), Tracey Pemberton, Larissa Wilcox (Tactix)

Queensland Firebirds v Adelaide Thunderbirds

Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane

Adelaide Thunderbirds won both of its 2008 matches against Queensland Firebirds in Round 9 and Round 13
Thunderbirds greatest winning margin against Firebirds in the ANZ Championship is 19 goals (Rd 13)
At the Sydney Pre-season Tournament, Thunderbirds defeated Firebirds 29-19 (half game)
Firebirds winning at home percentage last year was 86% while Thunderbirds winning percentage away was 63%
Firebirds Jamaican import Romelda Aiken was the dominant shooter for Firebirds’ in 2009 shooting 492 goals at 89.9%
Thunderbirds shooter Natalie Medhurst was her team’s leading scorer in 2008 shooting 326 goals at 90.3% accuracy (second highest in competition)
Firebirds gains: Demelza McCloud (nee Fellows) (Tactix), Alissa Castrisos, Carla Dziwoki
Firebirds losses: Katie Walker, Jo Morgan, Megan Rooney
Thunderbirds gains: Jane Altschwager, Joanne Sutton, Laura von Bertouch, Sheree Wingard
Thunderbirds losses: Alex Clarke, Mandy Edwards, Melissa Rowland, Kristen Hughes

Bumper season ahead, says Swifts coach;

Heading into the second year of the ANZ Championship, inaugural title-winning NSW Swifts netball coach Julie Fitzgerald has no doubts about what’s in store for 2009.

Last year’s introduction of a semi-professional trans-Tasman competition heralded a new era for the sport which Fitzgerald expects to reach new heights this year.

The intense 16-week season proved a testing one as the 10 teams struggled for consistency in battling the demands of performing week-in week-out over a prolonged period.

After a slow start, the Swifts took most by surprise to win the title on the back of a super consistent second half to the season.

However, Fitzgerald thinks back-to-back titles will be a much harder proposition.

``Everyone will go into this year more aware of what they’re going into and what’s required of them,’’ she said.

``I think a lot of the teams have built across the year and it will be a much stronger competition.’’

Consistency across the 13 weeks of the regular season and the ability to cope with loss of players through injury, the travel and being able to back up quickly from a Monday game to a Saturday game are vital components for Fitzgerald.

The Swifts lost three of their first five games last year and Fitzgerald said a repeat would be much tougher to come back from this year.

Knowing the demands of the competition, there has been a strong drive during the off-season by all teams to recruit wisely. There has been a lot of player movement but Fitzgerald singled out last year’s runners-up the Colourplus Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic for special mention heading into the first round of competition this weekend.

``You can pretend all you like but Magic are certainly the favourites of the competition and they do stand out head and shoulders above the others,’’ she said.

With their quintet of Silver Ferns – Irene van Dyk, Maria Tutaia, Laura Langman, Joline Henry and Casey Williams – and the off-season signings of accomplished defender Leana de Bruin, livewire midcourter Frances Solia and promising shooter Jess Tuki, the Magic present a formidable line-up.

``Teams like Adelaide Thunderbirds have built very well in the off-season, the pre-season form of Mystics can’t be ignored and Southern Steel is a team well-used to winning and I always have a lot of respect for them,’’ Fitzgerald said.

Major coups for the impressive Adelaide Thunderbirds 2009 team are dynamic midcourter Laura von Bertouch, who will reunite with her equally talented sister Natalie, and shooter Jane Altschwager. Both former Australian players have been lured out of retirement to strengthen an already top-notch Thunderbirds team.

The LG Mystics have a strong core in former Silver Ferns Temepara George and Vilimaina Davu while the towering Cathrine Latu gives the Auckland team a strong presence in goal.

The Steel have made prominent changes with well-performed defender Sheryl Scanlan moving south, former Swift Leah Shoard venturing across the Tasman and they welcome back former Silver Ferns Adine Wilson and Donna Wilkins.

``You also have to be wary of any team that’s got Romelda Aiken in it. And who’s going to rule out Melbourne Vixens while West Coast Fever has built very well in the off-season,’’ Fitzgerald said.

With a season under her belt, willowy Jamaican shooter Aiken could be in for a bumper 2009 as she spearheads a relatively stable Queensland Firebirds team. Their other major acquisition is Demelza McCloud (nee Fellowes) who turned out for the Mercury Energy Tactix last year.

The Melbourne Vixens have the inspiring Sharelle McMahon back to full fitness after a knee injury and last year’s fourth-placed finishers front up with a well-credentialed team.

As for the Swifts in 2009, they have a big hole to plug following the retirement of influential midcourter Selina Gilsenan. The former international was a strong ball carrier through court for the Swifts and a damaging defender.

A key aspect for the New Zealand teams will be the ability to win games in Australia, a feat which none achieved last year

Matt Rodwell out

2009-04-03T01:29:00.001+13:00

Today, Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) Managing Director, Matt Rodwell, announced his resignation to pursue a career in corporate business.

Rodwell has managed the Players Association since January 2006.

“The time is right for me to leave the RLPA and pursue another career path that is in the best interests of my career and family” Rodwell said today.

“I leave the RLPA in good condition with stability at Board level and continued strong membership from the Players within the NRL.” Rodwell added.

“I wish the Association all the success in maintaining and continuing to evolve as the effective representative Player voice in the game”.

Mr. Paul Moreton, RLPA Chairman added, “ I and our Board recognize the fact that Matt has a duty to fulfill his career aspirations, I would add that he has played a pivotal role in developing the strategic footprint and relevance proposition for the Association during his time as Managing Director in turbulent times and we all wish Matt and his family well”.

The RLPA is now searching for an appropriately qualified replacement, with Rodwell expected to finish duties by the end of April 2009.

Injury change to New Zealand Sevens squad

2009-04-03T01:28:00.003+13:00

The New Zealand Sevens team has been forced to make another change to their squad for the Adelaide leg of the IRB World Sevens Series.

Debutant Tutu Tairea from Auckland will replace Otago’s Jeremy Cave who has been ruled out with a knee injury.

Tairea will arrive in Adelaide tomorrow morning and Cave will stay on with his family for the duration of the tournament.

“With the season of injuries we have had the team is well prepared for dealing with late changes to the squad and the challenges it brings. However, the boys are focussed for the weekend and ready for the tournament, “said Coach Gordon Tietjens.

New Zealand kicks off the Adelaide tournament with a game against Wales on Friday night (6.36pm local time).

Statement on Taniela Moa

2009-04-03T01:28:00.001+13:00

The New Zealand Rugby Union, with the assistance of the Blues, is investigating an incident involving Blues player Taniela Moa, NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said today.

“Taniela Moa was involved in an incident, where a bottle was thrown, at a rugby club in Auckland last Saturday afternoon. We have started our own misconduct process, together with Blues team management, which will ascertain the facts and determine any penalty deemed appropriate,” Mr Sorensen concluded.

The Collective Employment Agreement (CEA) between the NZRU and its professional players includes a formal process for investigating any incidents of misconduct.

The NZRU and Blues will make further comment at the completion of the misconduct hearing, which is scheduled to take place in due course.

Gillette Cup Elite Schoolboy Squad to play New Zealand Cricket Legends

2009-04-03T01:27:00.000+13:00

New Zealand’s top schoolboy cricketers will take on some of New Zealand’s former greats when the Gillette Cup Elite squad assembles in Wellington tomorrow for a 40 over match against a Wanderers XI in Upper Hutt.

Former Black Caps paceman Simon Doull will spearhead the Wanderers attack while legendary opener and current New Zealand selector John Wright will lead the batting line up.

Wright will be hopeful of not being too outshone by his son Harry, who will line up in the Gillette Cup Elite squad.

The Gillette Cup Elite Squad was chosen after last year’s Gillette Cup secondary school’s cricket tournament in Palmerston North and features some of the best young cricketers in the country.

The members of the Elite Squad are also in contention for a new coaching initiative from New Zealand Cricket which will see around 50 up and comers identified and given one on one coaching and guidance over the year as they strive for higher honours in the future.

The squad will assemble at Westpac Stadium tomorrow morning for a high performance clinic before heading to Upper Hutt for the match against the Wanderers.

The Wanderers side will have a lot to prove against their young counterparts after suffering a huge loss last year in the annual fixture, however with Wright and Doull’s inclusion the Wanderers will have no excuses this year.

Gillette Cup Elite Squad:

Josh Tasman-Jones (Westlake Boys High School), Craig Cachopa (Westlake Boys High School), Zac Scott (Tauranga Boys’ College), Nick Evemy (Tauranga Boys’ College), Ben Smith (Wanganui Collegiate), Abhi Ganugapati (Palmerston North Boys High School), Adam Milne (Palmerston North Boys High School), Harry Wright (Wellington College), Matt Henry (St Bede’s College), Andrew Ireland (St Bede’s College) Chamika Gajanayaka (Wellington College) Charlie McLean (Wellington College).

Wanderers XI:

John Wright, Simon Doull, Erv McSweeney, Evan Gray, Robert Kennedy, Brett Williams, Simon Baker, Tim Boyer, Stephen Mather, Rhys Morgan, Michael Best, Andrew Wilson, Shane Deitz.

Match starts at 12pm at Barton Oval, Upper Hutt

PRICE SIDLEINED FOR NRL CLASH AGAINST SOUTH SYDNEY

2009-04-03T01:26:00.001+13:00

A throat injury has today ruled Vodafone Warriors captain Steve Price out of Sunday’s third-round NRL clash against South Sydney at Mount Smart Stadium.
The 35-year-old prop received an accidental blow to his throat making a tackle on Sea Eagles forward Jason King early in the second half of the Vodafone Warriors’ 26-24 win over the defending premiers at Brookvale Oval on March 22.
Price was advised to miss the South Sydney match after visiting a specialist today.
“A scan revealed Steve has a haematoma to his throat and the area is still swollen,” said team doctor John Mayhew.
“He needs to rest this week to allow the swelling to ease before he is reviewed next week with a view to being able to return in round five (against Newcastle).”
With Price ruled out, a total of nine players from the Vodafone Warriors’ NRL squad are now unavailable for Sunday’s encounter.
On the injured list are centre Brent Tate (knee), wing Manu Vatuvei (knee), utility Lance Hohaia (knee) and second rower Ben Matulino (ankle) plus props Leeson Ah Mau (shoulder), Mataupu Poching (ankle), Evarn Tuimavave (neck) and now Price (throat) as well as second rower Epalahame Lauaki. Lauaki has been prevented from playing for the Vodafone Warriors after signing with Hull FC.
Tate is out for the season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee playing against his old Brisbane club last Saturday night. Tuimavave is out indefinitely at this stage but Vatuvei, Hohaia, Matulino and Poching are all expected to be available for selection soon, possibly for round five.
“It’s a big dent in our resources but there’s nothing we can do about that except back other players to step in and do the job, which is exactly what we’re doing,” said coach Ivan Cleary.
“While we’ve lost two of our most experienced players this week in Brent and Steve, we have boys in our squad who are busting themselves for an opportunity and now they have it.”
Yesterday 39-game NRL utility Patrick Ah Van was confirmed as Tate’s replacement in the centres.
With Price out, Cleary said Sam Rapira and Russell Packer would be the starting props against South Sydney while he has brought in new signing Lewis Brown (22) and 2008 Vodafone Junior Warriors captain Daniel O’Regan (21) to create a five-man bench. Christchurch-born Brown, a hooker-back rower, and O’Regan, a loose forward-stand off, have both been playing for the Auckland Vulcans in the New South Wales Cup and are yet to play at NRL level.
Cleary said he wouldn’t confirm the final make-up of the interchange bench until closer to game time. In any event there would be at least one more debutant on Sunday, that player becoming the 150th to appear at NRL level for the club since its introduction to the competition in 1995.

VODAFONE WARRIORS v SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland
2.00pm, Sunday, April 5
Referees: Tony De Las Heras and Gavin Badger

VODAFONE WARRIORS

WADE McKINNON
DENAN KEMP
PATRICK AH VAN
JEROME ROPATI
AIDAN KIRK
JOEL MOON
STACEY JONES
SAM RAPIRA
IAN HENDERSON
RUSSELL PACKER
SIMON MANNERING
JACOB LILLYMAN
MICHEAL LUCK
Interchange:
LEWIS BROWN
NATHAN FIEN
DANIEL O’REGAN
JESSE ROYAL
UKUMA TA’AI

COACH: IVAN CLEARY

Black Ferns to tour England

2009-04-03T01:25:00.002+13:00

Build up to 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cup begins

The world champion Black Ferns are to take on the newly-crowned Six Nations champions England in a three-match tour to England later this year.

The Black Ferns will play Test matches against England on Saturday 14 November and Saturday 21 November, with a midweek match against England A on Tuesday 17 November. The matches will be held in London with the venues yet to be confirmed.

NZRU Professional Rugby General Manager Neil Sorensen said the tour would provide a huge challenge for the Black Ferns, with the England women’s team confirming their position as European champions 10 days ago.

England beat Scotland 72 – 3 to win the women’s Six Nations championship for a record-breaking fourth year in a row.

“The Black Ferns tour to England will be an exciting challenge for the players and follows on from the great showing by the New Zealand Women’s Sevens team at the recent Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai,” Mr Sorensen said.

Mr Sorensen said the tour would also give the players and management a valuable opportunity to road-test their planning ahead of next year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup which will be held in England

The Managing Director of the Rugby Football Union for Women, Rosie Williams, said: “The RFUW is delighted that the Black Ferns are coming to London to play international rugby against England. This is not only a great chance for us to test ourselves on the field against one of the best teams in the world, but also tremendous preparation ahead of the 2010 IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup in August and September next year.”

The Women’s Rugby World Cup tournament will be staged across London and will showcase the top 16 international teams in world rugby. The Black Ferns are the current world champions beating England 25 – 17 in the last World Cup in Edmonton, Canada, in 2006.

The Black Ferns have played England ten times since 1997 and lost just the one match. Their record also includes a win over England in the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final in 2002 in Spain.

Black Ferns tour to England match schedule

Saturday 14 November vs England

Tuesday 17 November vs England A

Saturday 21 November vs England

A1GP Mexico City Confirmed as Season Finale

2009-04-03T01:25:00.001+13:00

A1GP World Cup of Motorsport has been given FIA approval to hold A1GP Mexico City, Mexico on the weekend of the 22-24 May 2009, thus making this the eighth and final round of Season Four.

This popular event, which has been included on the A1GP calendar since Season Two, has never before been the series decider. After receiving the news A1GP CEO, Pete da Silva, said: “It is very important for the series to go back to Mexico City, especially as it won the award for being the best run event of Season Three. The fans have always given us a warm welcome, and it will be great to let them witness the finale of what has been a very exciting first season for the A1GP Powered by Ferrari cars.”

The approval is subject to the completion of FIA stipulated track changes that will allow the granting of the necessary licence. This work is due to start soon.

A1GP has visited Mexico every season with Fundidora Park in Monterrey being the track used in Season One and Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City in Seasons Two and Three.

AH VAN REPLACES TATE, JONES STARTS AT HALFBACK AGAINST RABBITOHS

2009-04-03T01:24:00.000+13:00

– Patrick Ah Van replaces the injured Brent Tate at right centre and veteran Stacey Jones will start at halfback when the Vodafone Warriors face South Sydney at Mount Smart Stadium on Sunday.
Ah Van, only just turned 21, has 39 NRL appearances to his name since his debut for the club in 2006 when he was just 18.
While he has been used predominantly on the wing and sometimes at fullback in the past, Ah Van’s favoured position is in the centres.
He has impressed for the Auckland Vulcans in the opening three rounds of the New South Wales Cup competition after being used as a starting centre in the Vodafone Warriors’ first two trials against Melbourne and North Queensland in February.
While he returns for his 40th match, the 32-year-old Jones, used from the bench in the Vodafone Warriors’ last two matches, will be back in the No 7 jersey he last wore for the club in 2005. Nathan Fien goes to the interchange bench to provide cover at hooker and also halfback.
The highly-experienced Tate has been sidelined for the season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee early in last Saturday night’s encounter with his old club Brisbane. He is due to have surgery in two weeks.
Tate’s injury has added to an injury list which already included Manu Vatuvei (knee), Lance Hohaia (knee), Ben Matulino (ankle), Mataupu Poching (ankle), Leeson Ah Mau (shoulder) and Evarn Tuimavave (neck).
Vatuvei will hopefully be available again next week while it’s possible Hohaia and Matulino will also be cleared to play again.
“We had two fortunate years in 2006 and 2007 but early last season and again this year we’ve had a fair share of injuries,” said coach Ivan Cleary.
“It’s the nature of the game and the nature of the competition we play in that you will have casualties but you can’t get hung up about it.
“We have to face up to the challenges they present, bring in other players to give them an opportunity and get on with it. That’s the exciting side of it. Other players are being given a chance.
“We’re certainly finding out about our depth at this early stage of the year but we have the greatest faith in our whole squad. That’s what this year was always about.”
Cleary expects nothing but the sternest examination from the Rabbitohs.
“They got us twice last year which was a huge disappointment, especially the way we played against them,” said Cleary.
“They started the season brilliantly against the Sydney Roosters (52-12) and had another very good win over Newcastle (22-12) last weekend. They have every right to feel comfortable about playing against us.
“We’re coming off an effort against Brisbane that didn’t please us. We need to step up.”
Sunday’s match will have special significance as the Vodafone Warriors turn it into a celebration of Sonny Fai’s life. There’ll be a strong Polynesian flavour to the day with performances by Tiki Taane, Lapi Mariner and Rosita Vai as well cultural groups from Sonny’s old school De La Salle College and his family church, the Samoan Methodist Church in Otahuhu.
The Fai family will be guests of honours while the first 5000 people to arrive will receive a lei to wear in memory of Sonny.

VODAFONE WARRIORS v SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland
2.00pm, Sunday, April 5
Referees: Tony De Las Heras and Gavin Badger

VODAFONE WARRIORS

1 WADE McKINNON
2 DENAN KEMP
3 PATRICK AH VAN
4 JEROME ROPATI
5 AIDAN KIRK
6 JOEL MOON
7 STACEY JONES
8 SAM RAPIRA
9 IAN HENDERSON
10 STEVE PRICE (c)
11 SIMON MANNERING
12 JACOB LILLYMAN
13 MICHEAL LUCK
Interchange:
14 NATHAN FIEN
15 RUSSELL PACKER
16 JESSE ROYAL
17 UKUMA TA’AI
LEWIS BROWN
DANIEL O’REGAN

COACH: IVAN CLEARY

England Reign In Spain At The Double

2009-04-03T01:23:00.000+13:00

England’s young golfers completed a clean sweep in Spain, winning the European Nations Cup while Sam Hutsby took the individual title.

The four-man team of Hutsby, Charlie Ford, Luke Goddard and Dale Whitnell led from start to finish at Sotogrande and their four round aggregate of 840, 24 under par, was four better than France and nine ahead of Spain.

With the best three scores to count each day, England made their intentions apparent from the start, their opening 206, Goddard shooting 68 and Hutsby and Ford 69, saw them leading by one from the French with Spain on 209.

But it was on day two that the foundations for victory were laid. Goddard and Whitnell went round in 68 while Hutsby supported with 69 to leave England on 411, 21 under par, seven strokes clear of France.

It was a similar story on the third day, England increasing their lead to eight strokes over Spain on 617 thanks to a 65 from Hutsby, 69 from Ford and 72 by Goddard.

The final day was played in difficult conditions, a strong wind coming from the opposite direction from the previous days. That was reflected in the scoring with only a handful of the field breaking par.

One of those was Hutsby whose 71 was backed by 76s from Ford and Whitnell, while France overtook the Spanish to take the silver medals.
In the individual prize, Hutsby finished tied with Spain’s Carlos Pigem, who led by four going into the final day.

But the Spanish international suffered in the wind, shooting 75 to Hutsby’s 71 and it was the Hampshire man who prevailed with a par at the first extra hole in a sudden death playoff to bring the title to England for the fifth time in ten years, following Gary Wolstenholme’s wins in 2000, ‘01, ‘03 and ‘05.

Leading final scores:

European Nations Cup
840 England; 844 France; 849 Spain; 855 Ireland; 866 Denmark, Wales; 870 Italy

Individual
274 S Hutsby (Eng) 69 69 65 71; C Pigem (Sp) 67 65 67 75
(Hutsby won playoff at first extra hole)
279 A Kaleka (Fra) 68 69 71 71
280 J Lopez-Lazaro (Fra) 69 69 69 73
Other scores:
285 C Ford (Eng) 69 71 69 76, L Goddard (Eng) 68 68 72 77
287 D Whitnell (Eng) 70 68 73 76

Ryder Cup Captains Head For Mallorca

2009-04-03T01:22:00.002+13:00

Ryder Cup captains Mark James, Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam will headline one of the strongest fields of the 2009 European Senior Tour season when they tee up in the €300,000 inaugural Son Gual Mallorca Senior Open from May 8-10.

Scotsman Torrance, the current Senior Tour Order of Merit leader, will renew his battle for supremacy with Welshman Woosnam, who claimed the John Jacobs Trophy in his rookie season in 2008.

In-form Torrance captured his 11th Senior Tour title – and his second in three appearances – in the last Senior Tour tournament when he won the DGM Barbados Open by four strokes.

The 2002 Ryder Cup-winning captain, winner of 21 titles on the European Tour, also won the 2008 season ending OKI Castellón Open España – Senior Tour Championship and has targeted succeeding Woosnam as the Senior Tour number one, having topped the Order of Merit himself in 2005 and 2006.
Woosnam heads to Golf Son Gual in Palma hoping to add to the two Senior Tour titles he won in 2008 at the Parkridge Polish Seniors Championship and Russian Seniors Open.

Those victories helped the 2006 Ryder Cup-winning captain and former world number one become the first former Harry Vardon Trophy winner on the European Tour to win the John Jacobs Trophy on the Senior Tour and he has now set his sights on back-to-back Order of Merit crowns.
James, meanwhile, returns to Europe to make his first Senior Tour appearance of the 2009 season in Majorca looking to claim the €45,000 first prize.

The 55-year-old Englishman, European team captain at the 1999 Ryder Cup in Brookline, is searching for his second Senior Tour victory following his win in the European Senior Masters in 2005. James also has three US Champions Tour victories to his name including the Ford Senior Players Championship in 2004.

The trio of Ryder Cup captains will be joined in the field by many other of the leading Senior Tour players including former Ryder Cup players Gordon J Brand of England, who finished second behind Woosnam in the 2008 Order of Merit, Italian Costantino Rocca and Ireland’s Des Smyth.
All-time leading Senior Tour career money winner Carl Mason, a three-time John Jacobs Trophy winner, makes his first appearance of the new season as he attempts to continue his run of winning in each of his seasons on the Senior Tour.

Zimbabwean Tony Johnstone, winner of the 2008 Jersey Seniors Classic, also returns to action having spent the winter commentating in South Africa for Sky Sports.

The impressive field is one of the strongest to assemble on the Spanish island and will tackle the Thomas Himmel-designed course, which is owned by the Pamer family from Germany, with Langer Sport Marketing managing and promoting the event.

Andy Stubbs, managing director of the Senior Tour, said: “With entries soon to close for the inaugural Son Gual Mallorca Senior Open we are already delighted with the present quality of the field, which is certain to create a great deal of interest in Mallorca and help raise the island’s profile as a first-class golfing destination.”

For more information on Golf Son Gual visit www.son-gual.com

2009 Malaysian Grand Prix Preview

2009-04-03T01:22:00.001+13:00

Lewis Hamilton

“Firstly, we shouldn’t get carried away by our podium in Australia. Yes, we had a fantastic race but we’re all aware that our car isn’t capable of repeating that sort of performance on sheer pace alone. And Sepang is one of the tougher tracks on the calendar, one where we will probably be further from the frontrunners than we were in Albert Park. The track is both fast and technical so requires good mechanical and aero grip. It’s much more aero-dependent and rear-limited than Melbourne so it may highlight some of the shortcomings in MP4-24. Nevertheless, we’re all really encouraged by the progress we’ve made and I know we’ll be pushing as hard as ever to put more points on the board in Sepang.”

Heikki Kovalainen

“The Sepang track is a challenge because it requires several compromises to get the best set-up. There are plenty of long straights, where you ideally need lower downforce, but that gives the car a tendency to slide too much through the high-speed corners. The best corners are Turns Six and Seven – the fast left-right esses behind the pits. In the car, you’ve not only got to find the optimum balance, but also make sure the brakes and cooling are efficient, otherwise you’ll be in trouble before you get to the end of the race. The only difficulty for me is the heat; coming from Finland, we often see the same temperature-readings – but with a minus in front!”

Martin Whitmarsh

Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
“Despite a good result in the race, our performance in the Australian Grand Prix was not what we would like it to be, and the reality is that this weekend’s race in Malaysia is unlikely to offer a significant improvement in fortunes. Nevertheless, we are still pushing to introduce performance to the car – the close proximity to the opening race means there won’t be many large changes to the car but there will be several upgrades to existing components. For us, the mission is clear: we must introduce laptime to our car faster than our rivals to enable us to, firstly, catch the leading runners and then to be able to compete against them. It’s a task we take incredibly seriously and are confident that progress will be made sooner rather than later.”

Norbert Haug

Vice-president, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport
“With Lewis in third place, the season opener in Melbourne ended much better for us than we had expected after his 18th grid position. Compared to our test results in Barcelona two and a half weeks ago, we made a good step. This result was mainly due to Lewis’s perfect drive and a good strategy by our team. Moreover, some of the incidents in the race went in our favour. However, we cannot expect the same again this coming weekend in Malaysia. We all will work flat out to improve our technical package further – that’s a promise.”

Jimmy Hill Receives Contribution To League Football At 2009 Football League Awards

2009-04-03T01:21:00.000+13:00

Football and Broadcasting legend Jimmy Hill has been presented with the prestigious Contribution to League Football Award at the 2009 Football League Awards incorporating FourFourTwo’s Top 50 Football League Players.
In receiving the award, Jimmy Hill said: “I am greatly honoured to accept this award from an organisation that has played such an important part in my life and throughout my career as a player, manager, chairman and broadcaster. It fills me with immense pride.”

Football League Chairman Lord Mawhinney said: “During a career spanning nearly 60 years, Jimmy Hill has made a significant contribution to League football. His influence is still being felt today, in many areas of the game; after all it was Jimmy that was responsible for the introduction of three points for a win and the use of panels of pundits to comment on televised matches.

"He is much admired throughout The Football League and we are delighted to recognise his unparalleled contribution.”

Jimmy received his award at a gala dinner at Grosvenor House on Park Lane on Sunday evening in front of more than 800 attendees from clubs, sponsors and the football industry.

The FourFourTwo Top 50 Football League Players were also announced at the ceremony. The number one spot went to Wolverhampton Wanderers’ striker, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Matty Fryatt of Leicester City was the highest ranked League 1 representative and Grant Holt of Shrewsbury Town the highest in League 2. The full list of The Top 50 Football League Players can be found either in the May issue of FourFourTwo which is on sale now, or on the FourFourTwo website www.fourfourtwo.com.

To find out more about The Football League Awards please visit www.footballleagueawards.com

Changes to New Zealand Sevens squad for Adelaide tournament

2009-04-03T01:20:00.004+13:00

The New Zealand Sevens team has made three changes to their squad for the Adelaide leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.

Sevens debutants Luke Hamilton (North Harbour) and Jeremy Cave (Otago) replace Tomasi Cama and Jordan Puletua who have been ruled out with finger ligament and hamstring injuries respectively.

Bay of Plenty’s Lance MacDonald will also join the team for the first time since 2006, replacing Victor Vito who is rejoining the Hurricanes squad in South Africa.

New Zealand Sevens Coach Gordon Tietjens said losing Cama and Puletua was a blow to the team and only added to the “miserable run of injuries” which his squad has had this season.

“Losing a senior player like Tomasi is always tough, but this is an ideal opportunity for a player like Luke Hamilton to show his stuff. He was picked as the outstanding player of the tournament at the Pub Charity National Sevens in Queenstown earlier this year and it was only due to injury that he wasn’t named in our 2009 squad, “said Tietjens.

Zar Lawrence will be rejoining the team on Thursday following his brother’s tangi in the Far North.

New Zealand kicks off the Adelaide tournament with a game against Wales on Friday night (6.36pm local time).

New Zealand’s schedule of matches (all times are local):

Friday 3 April

v Wales, 6.36pm

Saturday 4 April

v Tonga, 12.15pm

v USA, 5.48pm

Sunday 5 April

Finals Day

Squad for Adelaide tournament: Jeremy Cave (Otago), DJ Forbes (Captain, Counties Manukau), Paul Grant (Otago), Luke Hamilton (North Harbour), Nigel Hunt (Bay of Plenty), Zar Lawrence (Bay of Plenty), Lance MacDonald (Bay of Plenty), Tim Mikkelson (Waikato), Lote Raikabula (Manawatu), Julian Savea (Wellington), Ben Souness (Taranaki), Chad Tuoro (Counties Manukau).

Cartwright sticks with winning formula

2009-04-03T01:20:00.003+13:00

Jetstar Gold Coast Titans coach John Cartwright will stick with a winning formula for Saturday night’s clash against Melbourne at Olympic Park after today naming an unchanged starting side for the match.

Veteran Preston Campbell will again line-up at halfback in the absence of Scott Prince, who has been ruled out of the match against the Storm in order to get his injured hamstring right for the round 5 clash against North Queensland.

Centre Josh Graham has been included on an extended five-man interchange bench with one to be omitted. Graham was a late withdrawal from last Friday night’s 20-12 win over the Bulldogs due to a head knock.

Hardworking backrower Mark Minichiello said the side had taken confidence out of the win against the Bulldogs in the absence of co-captain Prince.

“Every time you play Melbourne you know you’re in for a real big fight and especially without Princey, it’s probably going to be a little tougher for us,’’ said Minichiello.

“But we proved to everyone last week that we can win without him and the team took a lot of confidence out of that win against the Dogs so we’re going down there with a lot of confidence and I think we can really give them a shake.’’

Minichiello said ‘enthusiasm’ and ‘intensity’ would the key to beating the Storm on their home turf.

“When you play Melbourne, if you’re down one per cent on your intensity or your attention to detail they’re going to get you – they’re just that good of a side.

“So we have to be 100 per cent on song and come to the game with enthusiasm and that intensity again.

“We took that out of game against the Bulldogs and we know how to do that now so hopefully we can take that down to Melbourne.’’

The team will travel to Melbourne on Friday.

ICC announces change to umpire appointments in New Zealand

2009-04-03T01:20:00.001+13:00

The ICC has announced a change to the umpire appointments schedule for the third Test in the current series between New Zealand and India in New Zealand.

Billy Doctrove of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, who was taken ill during the second Test in Napier, will not be standing in the final match of the series in Wellington. He will be replaced by Daryl Harper, also of the Emirates Elite Panel.

All other appointments remain unchanged. Appointments for other upcoming series will be announced in due course.

New Zealand

Series match referee: Alan Hurst

3-7 Apr – New Zealand v India (Test), Wellington – Simon Taufel and Daryl Harper

White Ferns captain Haidee Tiffen announces retirement

2009-04-03T01:19:00.001+13:00

White Ferns captain Haidee Tiffen, a veteran of three Women’s World Cup campaigns – and a member of the victorious 2000 team – has today announced her retirement from all levels of cricket.

Tiffen made her White Ferns debut in 1999 and has played 117 one-day internationals, two tests and nine Twenty20 games in the New Zealand colours.

Tiffen said today that the decision to retire was a difficult one.

“I have not taken this decision lightly – it’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while now,” she said.

“To wear the White Fern and to represent Canterbury for the past 10 years has been a huge privilege, especially having the opportunity to captain both my province and the national team.

“I have so many amazing memories of the game – both successful highs and some gut wrenching lows but I know the experience of them all has shaped the person I am today.”

Tiffen said the 2000 World Cup final victory over Australia in home town Christchurch, where she is a high school teacher, was a high point. “But it was also a thrill to lead the team to the final in the 2009 tournament earlier this month.

“The team has developed so well, and we gave it everything – it was a good time to bow out.”

The 2009 tournament also saw Tiffen achieve her highest score, with an innings of 100 against Pakistan.

New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive Justin Vaughan said Tiffen could be proud of her outstanding record as a player and as a leader of the White Ferns.

“Haidee has been a wonderful ambassador for the game both in New Zealand and internationally,” he said.

“She has a tremendous enthusiasm for the game, and for her fellow players. She has also been an outstanding performer, recognised as one of the best middle-order batters in the game. She’s deservedly earned the respect of teams around the world.”

Haidee finishes her international career ranked number nine in the world for her one-day international batting record, with an average of 30.72.

Laxman returns to top 20 batsmen while Ryder and Taylor are on a charge

2009-04-03T01:18:00.005+13:00

VVS Laxman has returned to the top 20 of the Reliance Mobile ICC Player Rankings for Test batsmen after his fighting unconquered century helped India salvage a draw in the second Test against New Zealand in Napier yesterday.

Laxman followed up his 76 in India’s 305 all out in the first innings with an unbeaten 124 as the tourists finished 476-4 after being forced to follow on. Earlier, the Black Caps had declared their first innings at 619-9.

For his excellent performances with the bat, Laxman has been rewarded with a jump of six places and puts him in 15th position, just behind master batsman Sachin Tendulkar who contributed 49 and 64 with the bat.

Opener Gautam Gambhir is the highest-ranked India batsman in fifth place and his knock of 137 in the second innings has not only strengthened his current position but has put him within striking distance of fourth-placed Mahela Jayawardena of Sri Lanka.

While Laxman is the only player in the top 20 to make an upward movement, India’s stand-in captain Virender Sehwag is the only batsman in the top 20 who has slipped down the ladder. The opener has dropped two places to 17th position after scores of 34 and 22.

There is good news for New Zealand as all its three centurions have made movements in the right direction.

Man of the match Jesse Ryder, who scored a career-best 201, has vaulted 12 places to 30th position to become his country’s highest-ranked batsman, Ross Taylor has climbed eight places to 32nd spot after a fine 151 while Brendon McCullum has jumped three places to 34th position after his third Test century.

The table is still headed by Shivnarine Chanderpaul of the West Indies who leads Pakistan captain Younus Khan by a very small margin while Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara is in third position.

In the Reliance Mobile ICC Player Rankings for Test bowlers, India fast bowler Ishant Sharma’s 3-95 has helped him leapfrog Jacques Kallis of South Africa, Pakistan’s Danish Kaneria and England’s Monty Panesar to a career-best 17th spot.

Sri Lanka’s iconic spinner Muttiah Muralidaran is the still the number-one ranked bowler with South Africa’s Dale Steyn in second spot and Mitchell Johnson of Australia in third place.

In the Reliance Mobile ICC Player Rankings for Test all-rounders there has been no change at the top, with South Africa’s Kallis still leading the way.

In the Reliance Mobile ICC Test Championship table, India will retain its third position behind Australia and South Africa irrespective of how the Wellington Test pans out. If India wins the match and the series 2-0, it will stay on 118 Ratings Points while New Zealand will also stay on 81 Ratings Points. However, if New Zealand turns the tables on India and wins the Test to square the series, India will slip to 115 Ratings Points while New Zealand will rise to 85 Ratings Points.

Reliance Mobile ICC Test Rankings (31 March 2009)

Batsmen

Rank (+/-) Player Team Points Ave HS Rating

1 ( - ) S.Chanderpaul WI 886 50.01 901 v NZ at Napier 2008

2 ( - ) Younus Khan Pak 880! 51.80 880 v SL at Lahore 2009

3 ( - ) K.Sangakkara SL 854 54.99 938 v Eng at Kandy 2007

4 ( - ) M.Jayawardena SL 821 53.23 854 v Ban at Dhaka 2008

5 ( - ) Gautam Gambhir Ind 812! 52.02 812 v NZ at Napier 2009

6 ( - ) Kevin Pietersen Eng 797 51.09 909 v WI at Headingley 2007

7 ( - ) Ricky Ponting Aus 785 56.20 942 v Eng at Adelaide 2006

8 ( - ) Graeme Smith SA 782 50.33 810 v Aus at Melbourne 2008

9 ( - ) Michael Clarke Aus 776 47.82 825 v SA at Sydney 2009

10 ( - ) Jacques Kallis SA 755 54.66 935 v NZ at Centurion 2007

11 ( - ) Ashwell Prince SA 742 47.29 756 v Pak at Centurion 2007

12 ( - ) AB de Villiers SA 740! 43.92 740 v Aus at Cape Town 2009

13 ( - ) R.Sarwan WI 738 42.57 767 v Eng at Bridgetown 2009

14 ( - ) S.Tendulkar Ind 733 54.75 898 v Zim at Nagpur 2002

15 (+6) VVS Laxman Ind 716 45.41 753 v Aus at Sydney 2004

16 ( - ) Andrew Strauss Eng 707 44.26 769 v SA at Johannesburg 2005

17 (-2) Virender Sehwag Ind 700 50.41 854 v SA at Kolkata 2004

18 (-1) Mike Hussey Aus 696 55.29 921 v WI at Kingston 2008

19 (-1) Simon Katich Aus 692! 43.42 692 v SA at Cape Town 2009

20 (-1) T.Samaraweera SL 687! 51.07 687 v Pak at Lahore 2009

Bowlers

Rank (+/-) Player Team Points Ave Econ HS Rating

1 ( - ) M. Muralidaran SL 855 22.18 920 v Ban at Kandy 2007

2 ( - ) Dale Steyn SA 844 23.70 897 v Ind at Ahmedabad 2008

3 ( - ) Mitchell Johnson Aus 807* 28.01 811 v SA at Durban 2009

4 ( - ) Stuart Clark Aus 760* 22.96 863 v WI at Bridgetown 2008

5 ( - ) Makhaya Ntini SA 741 28.37 863 v Ind at Durban 2006

6 ( - ) Harbhajan Singh Ind 699 30.76 765 v NZ at Wellington 2002

7 ( - ) Jerome Taylor WI 670* 34.29 717 v Eng at Kingston 2009

8 ( - ) Paul Harris SA 669*! 32.60 669 v Aus at Cape Town 2009

9 ( - ) Chaminda Vaas SL 664 29.40 800 v Ind at Chennai 2005

10 ( - ) R.Sidebottom Eng 654* 27.70 769 v SA at Lord's 2008

11 ( - ) Brett Lee Aus 653 30.81 811 v WI at Antigua 2008

12 ( - ) Daniel Vettori NZ 638 33.25 681 v Aus at Auckland 2000

13 ( - ) Umar Gul Pak 621* 31.34 627 v WI at Karachi 2006

14 ( - ) Zaheer Khan Ind 619 34.40 689 v Pak at Delhi 2007

15= ( - ) James Anderson Eng 609 35.42 622 v Ind at Chennai 2008

( - ) Andrew Flintoff Eng 609 32.07 810 v Pak at Multan 2005

17 (+3) Ishant Sharma Ind 608*! 31.76 608 v NZ at Napier 2009

18 (-1) Jacques Kallis SA 603 31.08 742 v Eng at Headingley 2003

19 (-1) Danish Kaneria Pak 594 34.87 723 v Eng at Multan 2005

20 (-1) Monty Panesar Eng 585 33.72 721 v WI at Chester-le-St 2007

All-rounders

Rank (+/-) Player Team Points HS Rating

1 ( - ) Jacques Kallis SA 455 616 v Pak at Durban 2002

2 ( - ) Mitchell Johnson Aus 375*/*! 375 v SA at Cape Town 2009

3 ( - ) Daniel Vettori NZ 363 369 v Ban at Dhaka 2008

4 ( - ) Andrew Flintoff Eng 281 501 v Pak at Multan 2005

5 ( - ) Chris Gayle WI 274 /* 282 v Eng at St John's 2009

*indicates provisional rating; a batsman qualifies for a full rating after playing 40 Test innings; a bowler qualifies for a full rating when he reaches 100 Test wickets.

!indicates career-highest rating

Reliance Mobile ICC Test Championship (before the start of New Zealand – India Test series)

Rank Team Rating

1 Australia 128

2 South Africa 119

3 India 118

4 Sri Lanka 108

5 Pakistan 100

6 England 98

7 West Indies 89

8 New Zealand 81

9 Bangladesh 0

(Developed by David Kendix)

For more information on the ICC Player Rankings go to: www.reliancemobileiccrankings.com

For more information on the ICC Test Championship rankings go to:

www.icc-cricket.com

Ryder, Taylor and McCullum make ground in world rankings

2009-04-03T01:18:00.004+13:00

Jesse Ryder has jumped 12 places in the world test batting rankings after his double hundred in the second Test against India to reach 30th position - currently the highest-ranked New Zealand batsman. Ross Taylor has climbed eight places to 32nd spot after a fine 151 while Brendon McCullum has jumped three places to 34th position after his third Test century.

Ellis to sit out Bulls match

2009-04-03T01:18:00.001+13:00

Crusaders halfback Andy Ellis had an X-ray yesterday after hurting his ribs in the match against the Stormers at AMI Stadium on Saturday night.

The X-ray showed no new fractures and revealed that previous injuries (picked up in July while playing for Canterbury, and November while playing for the All Blacks in UK) were well-healed.

However, Ellis will not play against the Bulls at AMI Stadium this Friday night. His place is likely to be taken by Kahn Fotuali’i, who replaced Ellis at halftime on Saturday night

New Zealand Junior Davis and Fed Cup Teams announced

2009-04-03T01:17:00.001+13:00

The 2009 New Zealand Junior Davis Cup and Fed Cup teams have been announced by Tennis New Zealand.

The players will compete at a qualifying competition in Shepparton in Australia, 15-20 April.

At this regional event around 20 countries from Asia/Oceania will bid to qualify for the world group finals, with the top four teams from our region going through.

The world finals are to be held in San Luis Potosie, Mexico 29 September - 4 October.

The New Zealand teams are:
Junior Davis Cup:
Jaden Grinter (Waikato-Bays)
Jamie Yates (Waikato-Bays)
Chester Espie (Northern)
With Captain Alaistair Hunt, and non-travelling reserves Chris Simich (Auckland) and Wharenui Hawera (Waikato-Bays)

Junior Fed Cup:
Katherine Westbury (ex-Canterbury)
Briar Preston ((Northern/Auckland)
Leela Beattie (Canterbury)
With Captain Peter Blow, and non-travelling reserves Emily Fanning (Southern) and Heidi Stewart (Waikato-Bays)

2009 Volvo World Match Play Championship

2009-04-03T01:13:00.000+13:00

Casares, Andalucía, Spain

30th March 2009

Volvo and IMG today announced a revised date for the 2009 Volvo World Match Play Championship, which will, subject to final confirmation by The European Tour, now be held from the 29th October to 1st November, 2009 at the magnificent Finca Cortesín Hotel, Golf and Spa in Andalucía, Spain.

The new date further enhances the importance of the 16-man tournament on The European Tour International Schedule as it is the first of three final crucial qualifying events in the run-up to the Dubai World Championship, which will be staged just three weeks later.

The original date, 24th – 27th September was found, when the PGA FedEx schedule was announced to clash with the Tour Championship, which would have impacted upon the availability of the world’s leading players for the Volvo World match Play Championship. Volvo has requested this date of the European Tour and it is expected to be finalised after the 2009 Masters.

With a total prize fund of €3.25 million, and a first prize of €750,000, a place in the Volvo World Match Play Championship could significantly enhance a player’s position on the ‘Race to Dubai’, with all 16 players chasing a place in the end-of-season showpiece.

Per Ericsson, President & CEO of Volvo Event Management Golf, said, “The new Volvo World Match Play Championship represents the next chapter of the ‘Volvo in Golf’ story and will be Volvo’s 120th title sponsorship, a record of which we are justifiably proud.”

He added, “Together with our partners The European Tour, Finca Cortesín and IMG, I am delighted that we have reached a satisfactory conclusion on the question of dates.

“I am delighted how well all the partners have worked together on developing the Volvo World Match Play format, especially on achieving a clear and transparent qualification criteria, developing an exciting new match play format and creating a world-class sporting and social ambience that I believe will be comparable to a ‘Ryder Cup,’ for individual golfers.”

Concluded Ericsson, “At present, only one golfer, Ernie Els qualified for the inaugural Volvo World Match Play Championship, but three-weeks today, we will know the name of the second, the winner of the 15th Volvo China Open, which takes place in Beijing from 16th – 19th April.

Leading players expressed their delight when learning of the date change to avoid a clash with the Tour Championship.

Spain’s leading golf star, Sergio Garcia explained, “I am delighted that the European Tour has worked with Volvo and IMG to change the date to ensure the best field possible is available. Match play is very exciting at the best of times but I think the position of the Volvo World Match Play Championship on the Schedule near the end of The Race to Dubai will make it even more thrilling. Of course it is also special for me that Spain is hosting such a prestigious global tournament so I will be hoping to qualify and do very well in front of my home fans."

Colin Montgomerie, recently announced as European Ryder Cup Captain and winner of the 1999 World Match Play Championship added, “This is one of the oldest and most prestigious events on The European Tour and it really is heartening in these tough economic times to be announcing such positive news. The new qualifying criteria will certainly make it tough for me to qualify but you can be sure I will be doing all I can to secure my place in the field, starting at the Volvo China Open in a couple of weeks time.

[The Volvo World Match Play Championship] is now sitting in a crucial end of the season date and I think it will be a very important week for the 16 in-form players who make it into the field. As it is match play format, I don’t mind admitting I will have my Ryder Cup hat on as I watch with interest to see who rises to the challenge of the cut and thrust of match play.”

Paul Casey, World Match Play Championship winner in 2006 following on from his Volvo China Open victory, added, “This is a very exciting new phase for the event and with long-time Tour sponsor, Volvo, on board, it is sure to go from strength to strength. It is in a great place on the schedule – it is the last event in Europe before The Dubai World Championship and is one that we must qualify for to give ourselves the best chance to top The Race to Dubai.”

Speaking on behalf of Finca Cortesín, Javier Reviriego, General Manager of Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa, “We are delighted to have so many media here today and are really looking forward to hosting the Volvo World Match Play Championship for the first time here in Andalucia. It is a significant global event and we believe are progressing well with our preparations, working with Volvo and IMG, to ensure everything about our venue is ready for the inaugural Volvo World Match Play Championship at Finca Cortesín. Since the very conception of the Finca Cortesin project, we have always planned to host a major golf event like this one. We are certain our facilities and the service we provide to our clients can match the top golf resorts in the world.”

Guy Kinnings, Director, IMG Golf (EAME), added, “We were very excited to announce Volvo’s title sponsorship last year and are thrilled with the way we are collaborating to take this great event forward. It is nice to be commenting on such a good news story where one of the Tour’s most committed sponsors has worked to ensure the brightest of futures for one of the longest running events on Tour. Finca Cortesín are proving to be the best of hosts for this event and they have done everything to ensure the course is in perfect condition and will provide the ideal stage for the thrilling head-to-head contests the World Match Play always enjoys.”

The 45th edition of the World Match Play Championship will be Volvo’s first year as title sponsor having hosted the 21st and final Volvo Masters at Club de Golf Valderrama in 2008.

A new title sponsor and revised date are only the beginning of a comprehensive ‘make-over’ aimed at reinvigorating the World Match Play Championship; a prestigious new venue on mainland Europe, a clearly-defined set of new qualifying criteria and a refreshing new championship format all add-up to an exhilarating future for one of world golf’s most evocative tournaments.

The Championship will be held in Spain for the first time in its history moving from Wentworth Club and 16 of the world’s best players will go head-to-head in classic match play golf over the magnificent 7,439-yard course at Finca Cortesin designed by Cabell B Robinson.

The change in qualifying criteria announced last year will ensure the most cosmopolitan and International World Match Play field in its 45-year history.

The Official World Golf Ranking and The Race to Dubai will be used to identify the 16-man field with leading players from the continents of Europe, Africa/Middle East, North America, South America, Asia and Australasia qualifying along with the defending Champion and winner of the 2009 Volvo China Open.

The Tournament will also benefit from an innovative new playing formula as the players will contest a new look ‘Champion’s League,’ style match play format with the players divided into groups of four where they will play each member of their group over full 18 hole matches.

The winner of each group will qualify for the semi finals which, along with the final, will be played over 36 holes in traditional and compelling head-to head-match play golf, considered by many to be the purest form of the royal and ancient game.

MARINA BACK HOME

2009-04-03T01:12:00.001+13:00

Marina Erakovic is back in NZ today after her withdrawal from the Sony Ericsson Open Doubles in Miami, Florida with Chinese partner Sun Tiantian following the diagnosis of a stress reaction in her left hip.

The injury will mean about a 6 week time out from tennis for rehabilitation, which coincides with most of the WTA Tour claycourt events in Europe.

Marina is aiming to be ready to return to competition by French Open the week of May 25.

With the upcoming entry deadlines in April and May respectively for the French Open and Wimbledon, Marina is still expected to be ranked in the world’s top 100 at this time which would ensure her direct entry to the Main Draw of both of the next two Grand Slams.

Marina’s current WTA Tour singles ranking is 70 and Doubles is 51

Her unexpected return home coincides with the nationwide launch of the new Kia “Soul”. While Marina will not be seen on the tennis courts in Europe, it’s the soul side of Marina that the New Zealand public will be seeing in the next few weeks, when she is seen fronting a nationwide campaign to launch the funky new Kia Soul city car whilst strumming her guitar, rather than her racquet strings.

“It is a really fun and funky car” says Marina, describing the urban crossover. “I see Soul as really my kind of car and am excited to be one of the lucky ones to actually drive it. While I am disappointed not to be competing in the next few weeks, my “Soul” is something I can really enjoy and have fun with in this unexpected time at home”.

The Kia brand has gained a high profile in this part of the world with its sponsorship of the Australian Tennis Open and Kia Motors New Zealand decided to build on the momentum by becoming a sponsor at New Zealand’s leading professional sporting event for women, the ASB Classic and also becoming the official car supplier to the Heineken Open for the men. It was through this association that Todd McDonald , Kia Motors General Manager, met Marina and the Erakovic family.

“Marina is not only a very talented tennis player but also a bright and intelligent young lady who has won considerable admiration among New Zealanders of all generations” he says.

“She’s a natural fit with the Kia Soul and we are delighted she has agreed to be the face of our new campaign. It was her fascination for the electric guitar that, for want of a better phrase, struck a chord with us, and we thought it suited the personality of the car, as much as her sports prowess”.

This will be one of the biggest print campaigns that has been seen in NZ nationwide involving an individual sportsman or sportswoman and will include approximately 800,000 posters in newspapers, billboards in various strategic locations, along with banners in major shopping malls as well as internet advertising.

ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP FIRES UP FOR 2009

2009-04-03T01:11:00.001+13:00

The hottest game in town is back for 2009 as Australia and New Zealand’s elite netballers gathered in Melbourne today to launch the ANZ Championship season.

2008 saw the launch of the inaugural season with five teams from both Australia and New Zealand competing to take out the Championship trophy. This year the competition is set to be even fiercer, further cementing Australia and New Zealand’s dominance of the sport.

The launch was hosted by Australian netball icon Liz Ellis, New Zealand netball champion and SKY Sport commentator Anna Stanley and former AFL star Luke Darcy.

Following on from the successful first year of the competition, all ANZ Championship matches will be broadcast live on SKY Sport in New Zealand, commencing on Saturday, April 4. In a new development in Australia, Ellis and Darcy will head the coverage on Network Ten’s new 24-hour sports channel, ONE, with a feature match to be broadcast on Channel 10, every Sunday from 2.30pm – 4.30pm.

ANZ Championship Chair Noeleen Dix said 2009 was shaping up to be a blockbuster season.

“The 2008 season surpassed all expectations with over 200,000 spectators attending matches, thrilling rivalries between Australia and New Zealand and a final result no-one could have predicted with the underdogs NSW Swifts taking out the championship,” Dix said.

“And now with the new broadcast partnership with Network Ten and the continued coverage on SKY Sport, even more sports lovers will be able to experience the ANZ Championship action.”

NSW Swifts premiership captain Catherine Cox said the team was looking forward to defending its title with the team’s first match against the Canterbury Tactix in Sydney on Monday, April 6.

“Last season was a dream result for us and a testament to the strength of the competition. It’s some of the best netball I have played in my career,” Cox said.

“With the strength of both the Australian and New Zealand teams, along with some really exciting players from Jamaica and England, I think netball is in an extremely strong position.”

David Lindberg, Managing Director, Strategy, Marketing and Customer Segmentation (ANZ) said ANZ’s naming-rights sponsorship was the largest female professional sport sponsorship of its kind across Australasia and represented an investment of more than $5 million from both the Australian and New Zealand Divisions over three years.

“Our sponsorship is an opportunity for us to be involved in an up-and-coming world class competition that promotes the very best of what netball has to offer across both Australia and New Zealand,” Mr Lindberg said.

The first centre pass starts on Saturday April 4 at 2.00pm with Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel taking on Central Pulse (Stadium Southland, Invercargill).

The ANZ Championship – the hottest game in town. For further information visit www.anz-championship.com

Titans score a perfect four

2009-04-03T01:09:00.001+13:00

The Jetstar Gold Coast Titans created history at the weekend, with the club winning in all four grades for the first time.

In a landmark weekend for the club after the introduction of a Gold Coast side into the Harold Matthews competition earlier this year, the Jetstar Titans were victorious in all age groups from under-16s through to NRL level.

The perfect round came after:

The Jetstar Titans scored a gritty 20-12 win over the Bulldogs without the services of inspirational halfback Scott Prince;

The Titans’ NYC side kept its three-game unbeaten run in tact with a convincing 36-8 win over the Bulldogs. The win put the club in equal first on the competition ladder alongside Manly;

The Titans’ new Harold Matthews (under-16s) side kept its six-week unbeaten streak going and consolidated fourth position on the ladder with a 44-16 win over Ilawarra at Betty Diamond Oval, Tugun;

The Titans’ SG Ball (under-18s) side came back from 10-6 down at halftime to score a dominant 32-10 win over Illawarra.

In a further boost for the club, the Jetstar Titans are outright leaders on the NRL’s Club Championship – which takes into account the performances of both the NRL and NYC sides.

Fittingly, Titans chairman Paul Broughton was an advocate for the Club Championship to return this year now that all 16 clubs are represented uniformly in the NRL and NYC competitions

===================================
Included below are match reports from the Titans’ junior representative games.

Teen Titans maintain unbeaten run in Harold Matthews

The Titans’ Harold Matthews team consolidated fourth spot position on the competition ladder with a convincing 44-16 win over the Illawarra Steelers at Betty Diamond Oval on Saturday.

The win means the boys remain unbeaten in their last six outings and are well placed as they head into the final two games of the regular season.

Coach Aaron Zimmerle was particularly happy with his side’s completion rate which in effect denied Illawarra the opportunity to mount a challenge.

“Last week against the Roosters we made back-to-back errors which nearly cost us the game. At training this week we focussed on minimising our mistakes and not compounding them and this clinical attitude really shut Illawarra out of the game,’’ said Zimmerle.

He was also happy that some of his younger players stood up and gained some valuable experience for future campaigns.

“Corey McGrady was exceptional as were some of the younger guys. Justin Proud was safe at fullback, Tom Rowles worked hard as did Andrew Vella. Some of these guys are just 15 so there are good signs for the future”

Zimmerle can now look forward to two away games, the first being a trip to the Central Coast to play the Storm at Morrie Breen oval on Saturday before the final game of the regular season against the Western Sydney Academy on Saturday, April 11 at St Mary’s Leagues.

Steelers no match for Titans in SG Ball

After two straight losses it was a happy coach Jamie O’Connor who praised his teams work ethic after Saturday’s solid 32-10 win over the Illawarra Steelers at Tugun.

“The boys really dug deep today. They rolled up their sleeves, got stuck in and showed great discipline. We were down 10-6 at halftime but won the second half 20-0 and that shows a commitment to the team,’’ he said.

A second half try scoring blitz coupled with some solid defence around the ruck, set up the victory and sealed the Steelers fate.

The win sees the Titans move up to seventh position on the ladder.

“It’s a tight competition and we are in a healthy position with a couple of games left in the rounds before we head into the finals and if we can build on this win then we should give a good account of ourselves.” He added.

The Titans face the 17th placed Central Coast Storm at Morrie Breen Oval this coming Saturday, April 4.

Young Guns Fire

2009-04-03T01:08:00.002+13:00

The latest round of the State Championship has seen spectacular performances with the bat by three youngsters.

20 year old Jeet Raval scored 256 for the State Auckland Aces against the State Central Stags, equaling the third highest total ever by an Auckland player. His performance was all the more remarkable given this was only his second first class game for the province.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the country twenty one year old debutant, Ryan McCone, was firing on all cylinders for the State Canterbury Wizards. McCone came in to bat at number nine with his team in disarray at 101 for 7. Showing maturity and composure beyond his years, McCone notched up 102 in a 167 run partnership with captain Kruger van Wyk to rescue the situation for the Wizards.

In Whangarei, State Northern Knights all-rounder Kane Williamson continued the form that saw him crowned Young Player of the Year last year. Having scored 111 and 95 against Auckland in the last round of the State Championship, the 18 year old struck a fine 100 against the State Wellington Firebirds this week.

New Zealand Cricket selector Glenn Turner says, “It’s fantastic to see young cricketers seizing the opportunity they have been given at the top level and making their mark on the game. The more competition there is for places the healthier the game is.”

Raval arrived in New Zealand from India just over four years ago, and played for Auckland A and Under 19s prior to his debut for the first team against the West Indies earlier this season.

Andrew Eade, CEO for Auckland Cricket says “Jeet has a fantastic temperament and technique. We have always had high hopes for him at the top level, and are thrilled to see him doing so well on such a big stage”.

King-Turner Wins Title In Wellington

2009-04-03T01:08:00.001+13:00

Kiwi No2 Dan King-Turner has won the singles title at the US$15,000 tennis Futures in Wellington, his first Futures title in New Zealand and his fourth overall.

King-Turner defeated Korean Davis Cup player, Young-Jun Kim 6-4 6-1 to take the ASB Pro Circuit title in blustery conditions at the Renouf Tennis Centre.

The one hour and four minute clash looked to be a tough challenge for King-Turner with Kim displaying a full array of winners early on in the match.

The Kiwi was able to break his opponents serve in the seventh game and then in the second set was able to apply pressure to Kim’s game as the Korean only held serve once in the second set.

“he’s very talented,” said King-Turner “He was playing pretty well at the start, but I was able to serve well and continue on from the past couple of weeks. I like the courts here and hope it’s things to come. It’s a step in the right direction towards a ranking of 300 again,” said King-Turner.

The win by King-Turner was only the second by a Kiwi male in Futures following on from Simon Rea’s success a couple of years ago in Hamilton.

In the women’s final Korean qualifier So-Jung Kim beat fifth seeded countrywoman Kyung-Yee Chae 4-6 6-3 7-5.

ASB Pro Circuit results:

Men’s US$15,000 singles final:

Dan King-Turner(New Zealand) bt Young-Jun Kim(Korea) 6-4 6-2.

Women’s US$10,000 singles final:

(Q)So Jung Kim(Korea) bt (5)Kyung-Yee Chae(Korea) 4-6 6-3 7-5.

JIMMY HILL RECEIVES CONTRIBUTION TO LEAGUE FOOTBALL AT 2009 FOOTBALL LEAGUE AWARDS

2009-04-03T01:07:00.001+13:00

Football and Broadcasting legend Jimmy Hill has been presented with the prestigious Contribution to League Football Award at the 2009 Football League Awards incorporating FourFourTwo’s Top 50 Football League Players.

In receiving the award, Jimmy Hill said: “I am greatly honoured to accept this award from an organisation that has played such an important part in my life and throughout my career as a player, manager, chairman and broadcaster. It fills me with immense pride.”

Football League Chairman Lord Mawhinney said: “During a career spanning nearly 60 years, Jimmy Hill has made a significant contribution to League football. His influence is still being felt today, in many areas of the game; after all it was Jimmy that was responsible for the introduction of three points for a win and the use of panels of pundits to comment on televised matches.

"He is much admired throughout The Football League and we are delighted to recognise his unparalleled contribution.”

Jimmy received his award at a gala dinner at Grosvenor House on Park Lane on Sunday evening in front of more than 800 attendees from clubs, sponsors and the football industry.

The FourFourTwo Top 50 Football League Players were also announced at the ceremony. The number one spot went to Wolverhampton Wanderers’ striker, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Matty Fryatt of Leicester City was the highest ranked League 1 representative and Grant Holt of Shrewsbury Town the highest in League 2. The full list of The Top 50 Football League Players can be found either in the May issue of FourFourTwo which is on sale now, or on the FourFourTwo website www.fourfourtwo.com.

Crusaders : Injury Update

2009-04-03T01:06:00.001+13:00

The following is an injury update following Crusaders 11-7 win over the Stormers at AMI Stadium on Saturday night.

Halfback Andy Ellis – sore ribs, in doubt for Friday night’s match against the Bulls at AMI Stadium.

Fullback Leon MacDonald – broken nose, should be available for Bulls match.

Openside flanker George Whitelock (who missed Saturday night’s game due to a cut thigh from Waratahs match last weekend) should be available for Bulls match.

ROPATI RE-SIGNS TO BECOME A 10-YEAR VODAFONE WARRIOR

2009-04-03T01:05:00.001+13:00

Kiwi World Cup-winning centre Jerome Ropati has signed a new three-year contract setting him up to become a rare 10-year Vodafone Warriors NRL player.
The 24-year-old, who played his 94th first-grade match for the club against Brisbane last night, follows outstanding second rower Simon Mannering (22) in committing himself to a long career at Mount Smart Stadium.
Mannering re-signed last month until the end of the 2012 NRL season and now Ropati has also extended his stay until at least 2012.
“My wish was always to stay here in Auckland,” said Ropati.
“This club means so much to me. I’ve been part of a team that has enjoyed some success after difficult times and I want to do all I can to help us become one of the most consistent in the competition.
“I’m really grateful for the support from our coaches Ivan (Cleary) and John (Ackland) as well as all the boys in the squad. We’ve made a lot of progress in the last few years and we’re all working to improve even more.”
Ropati, now with 10 tests behind him, was one of a host of outstanding contributors in the Kiwis’ stunning World Cup win against the Kangaroos at Suncorp Stadium last November.
Vodafone Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said Ropati’s development last year had further underlined how critical he is to the club’s future.
“Jerome has always appealed a player of special quality and he made tremendous progress in 2008,” he said.
“He had a really good season for us and has gone to another level after being involved in the Kiwis’ World Cup win. He’s an excellent example of what local players can achieve coming through our system to not only play regularly in the NRL but also become established internationals.”
Ropati, who made his Vodafone Warriors debut against the Sydney Roosters in 2003, is in line to become the 14th player to appear in 100 NRL matches for the club (Nathan Fien should become the 13th after his 99th match last night).
He is also in the top 10 all-time try scorers for the Vodafone Warriors, his touchdown against Manly last Sunday – ultimately the match-winner – was the 37th of his career.
Ropati will join an elite group by playing through with the club until the end of 2012.
Until now only Stacey Jones and Awen Guttenbeil have played 10 or more seasons in the NRL for the Vodafone Warriors; after an 11-season stint from 1995-2005, Jones is now having his 12th season after a three-year break while Guttenbeil appeared in 170 matches from 1996-2006 (11 seasons). Wairangi Koopu was in the NRL squad from 1999-2008 but didn’t play any first-grade games in 2000 giving him a total of nine seasons.

JEROME ROPATI

Born: November 23, 1984
Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Position: Centre
Height: 176cm
Weight: 97kg
Junior Club: Marist Saints
NRL Debut: Vodafone Warriors v Sydney Roosters, Sydney Football Stadium, August 31, 2003
(Round 25)
Club Number: 108
NRL Career: Vodafone Warriors: 94 games, 2003-2009
NRL Points: 148 (37 tries)*
Test Career: 10 Tests for New Zealand, 2005-2009; 2008 Rugby League World Cup winner
Test Points: 40 (10 tries)
Kiwi Number: 716
Educated: St Paul’s College (Auckland)

VODAFONE JUNIOR WARRIORS REBOUND FOR FIRST WIN OF YEAR

2009-04-03T01:04:00.002+13:00

Fullback Kevin Locke delivered three key moments in the last nine minutes to guide the Vodafone Junior Warriors to their first win of the NYC season at Mt Smart Stadium tonight.
With the scores locked at 16-16, Locke scorched through out wide for a 71st minute try and then converted to give his side a 22-16 lead.
And with only a minute to go, a Locke penalty stretched the lead to eight points, the 24-16 margin a huge turnaround after being towelled up 52-4 – a record defeat – by Manly at Brookvale Oval last Sunday.
Tries to winger Bill Tupou and centre Siuatonga Likiliki had give the home said a 10-6 edge at halftime, Likiliki making it three tries in as many games so far this season.
Match details:

At Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
Vodafone Junior Warriors 22 (Bill Tupou, Siuatonga Likiliki, Michael Afioga, Kevin Locke tries; Kevin Locke 3 conversions, penalty).
Brisbane Broncos 16 (David Hala, Max Dudley, James Ackerman tries; Dane Gagai conversion; Corey Norman conversion).
Halftime: 10-6 Vodafone Junior Warriors.
Referee: Gavin Morris.

Rugby League International Federation official World Rankings

2009-04-03T01:04:00.001+13:00

The Rugby League International Federation today released the game’s official World Rankings following a highly successful 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

The rankings are based on a two year cycle of results and take into consideration a number of factors including regular competition within international tournaments.

Australia maintains its top spot courtesy of having defeated recently-crowned World Champions New Zealand three times in their past four encounters.

The RLWC 08 winners are in second spot with England at third despite their poor showing in the tournament, after whitewashing the Kiwis in the 2007 Gillette Test Series.

Fiji has edged out France and Papua New Guinea to take fourth spot on the strength of reaching the semi final of the World Cup while Ireland and Scotland have both secured a top ten spot.

Rugby League International Federation Chairman Colin Love AM said the rankings would add further spice to this year’s Four Nations between Australia, New Zealand, England and France, which is set for the Northern Hemisphere this autumn.

“There are going to be some terrific match-ups in the Four Nations and the battle for the world’s number one ranking is sure to be a highlight,” Love said today.

“There’s no doubt that New Zealand will want to secure the top world ranking to go along with their deserved status of 2008 World Cup Champions.

“The Kangaroos meanwhile would still be hurting from their World Cup final loss and will be hoping to reassert their dominance under new coach Tim Sheens.

“It all points towards an exciting time ahead for international Rugby League.”

Wales go into this autumn's Rugby League European Cup in twelfth position, one place behind Lebanon which will also be involved in that tournament.

Rugby League European Federation Chairman and International Federation Deputy Chairman Richard Lewis said: “Last year’s World Cup was a huge success for the growth of international Rugby League and it is fantastic to see such a diverse number of nations now making up the rankings.

“Great progress is being made at all levels internationally and that good work is set to continue in 2009 with a number of exciting international tournaments planned.”

RLIF Official World Rankings:

2008 WORLD CUP TEAMS:

1. Australia

2. New Zealand

3. England

4. Fiji

5. France

6. PNG

7. Ireland

8. Tonga

9. Scotland

10. Samoa

PARTICIPATION IN 2008 WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION:

11. Lebanon

12. Wales

13. Russia

14. Cook Islands

15. USA

16. Serbia

17. Japan

ALL TEAMS IN REGULAR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS:

18. Italy

19. Germany

20. Czech Republic

21. Latvia

22. Estonia

BASED ON RESULTS AGAINST FRIENDLY REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS

23. South Africa

24. Jamaica

25. Morocco

26. Greece

27. Malta

28. Ukraine

29. Niue

30. Tokelau

UNRANKED WITH ‘OFFICIAL

OBSERVER STATUS’

The following countries are unranked but recognised with ‘official observer status’ due to the presence of development personnel establishing the roots of the game within their borders:

Catalonia

Norway

Sweden

Portugal

United Arab Emirates

Solomon Is.

Panama

Cuba

Hawaii

Hungary

Belgium

Saudi Arabia

Pakistan

Denmark

TOTAL = 14

Hinton And Martin Chase Peruvian Prizes

2009-04-03T01:03:00.001+13:00

Craig Hinton (The Oxfordshire - Berks, Bucks & Oxon) and Ben Martin (Worthing, Sussex), members of the England ‘A’ Squad, have been selected to represent the EGU in the 21st Peruvian Amateur International Tournament at Lima Golf Club on 15th - 18th April.

It will be their first overseas assignment under EGU colours and they will compete for the Manuel Prado Cup (team event) and the Carlos Raffo Cup (individual).

Hinton, 20 (photo courtesy of Tom Ward), is an all-round sportsman having represented Oxfordshire at junior level in hockey, athletics, cricket and football, including a trial for Wycombe Wanderers at 14. Now concentrating solely on golf, he had a brief spell at college in Kentucky and last year had good finishes in the Tillman Trophy and St Andrews Links Trophy.

Sussex-based Martin, 18, is perhaps more well-known in the Caribbean where his family lived and where he met with considerable success. He has recently won the Trinidad & Tobago Amateur Championship for a record fourth time. He also won the Caribbean Junior Championship in 2007 in Antigua.

Back in Britain, last year Martin won the Sussex Open and the Worthing Match Play Championship and finished third in the Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters and the Sussex Colts Championship.

The format for the Peruvian Amateur is 72 holes of stroke play, both players’ scores to count over all four rounds for the team event.
English players have enjoyed successes in the Peruvian event. In 2005, on the first occasion the EGU sent players to Lima, Neil Chaudhuri from Leicestershire shared the individual title with Mario Maya of Venezuela after the pair played three holes of a sudden death playoff and then ran out of daylight.

In 2006, James Morrison from Surrey and Yorkshire’s John Parry finished second in the team event while Morrison was runner-up in the individual prize. Two years ago, on the last occasion English players competed, Jamie Abbott and James Smith finished fourth in the team competition.

Hodgkiss Joins Cobblers On Loan

2009-04-03T01:02:00.000+13:00

ARED Hodgkiss has today joined Northampton Town on loan until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old right-back will be hoping to help the League One Cobblers, who are just two points above the drop zone, stave off relegation.

Hodgkiss, who has not made a first-team appearance for the Baggies this term, spent the first four months of the season on loan at SPL outfit Aberdeen.

He made eight appearances, including one as a substitute, for the Dons.

Auckland Premier Rugby Results Saturday, March 28

2009-04-03T01:01:00.003+13:00

Waka Nathan Cup semi-final
Marist 51 Te Papapa-Mt Wellington 7
Ponsonby 17 Otahuhu 13

Pollard Cup semi-final
University 30 Manukau 11
Suburbs 28 Pakuranga 25

King-Turner Makes Wellington Final

2009-04-03T01:01:00.001+13:00

New Zealand tennis No2 Dan King-Turner has put on one of his better performances to reach the final of the US$15,000 ASB Pro Circuit tennis Futures in Wellington.

King-Turner ranked at 459 in the world beat third seed and 379th ranked Adam Feeney(Australia) 6-4 7-6(3) to make his ninth career final at ITF Futures level, however it was the way he played which was the highlight rather than the scoreline.

“I played fairly well. I had to play well. Adam made the final of the first week and I beat him 7-6 in the third set last week. I knew I had to play at my best today. He (Feeney) likes to come forward and it’s the way I like to play too, so there was plenty of attacking tennis. It was good to come out with the win,” said King-Turner.

The Kiwi started the match badly dropping his serve in the second game before breaking Feeney’s serve a game later. King-Turner remained steady for the rest of set also breaking Feeney in the seventh game before serving out the set.

There were several breaks of serve in the second set before King-Turner held his own serve to force a tiebreak where he quickly gained the upper hand as Feeney made a couple of uncharacteristic errors.

For the final King-Turner says there are still things to improve on and to focus on with coach James Greenhalgh.

“My serve was only about 50 percent today so that can get better. There was nothing major, just little things James and I can work on,” says King-Turner who has had a gradual improvement in results in the series making the second round at North Harbour in singles, but winning the doubles, the semis in singles at Hamilton and the final in Wellington.

King-Turner will play either second seed Tatsuma Ito of Japan or Korean Davis Cup player Young-Jun Kim in the final.

Earlier King-Turner had won the doubles title with GD Jones over fellow Kiwi Marcus Daniell and Australian Joel Lindner. It was the fifth title win together.

Fifth seeded Korean, Kyung-Yee Chae beat South African qualifier Lizaan Du Plessis in three sets in the first of the US$10,000 women’s semifinals.

Results:

Men’s semifinals:

Dan King-Turner(New Zealand) bt (3)Adam Feeney(Australia) 6-4 7-6(3)

Women’s semifinals:

(5)Kyung-Yee Chae(Korea) bt (Q)Lizaan Du Plessis(South Africa) 5-7 6-3 6-0.

A1GP and Filipe Albuquerque to make Special Appearance at WRC Rally of Portugal

2009-04-03T00:59:00.003+13:00

A1GP World Cup of Motorsport and ACP today announced that Filipe Albuquerque will be making a special appearance at the special stages of the WRC Rally of Portugal.

Fans will be able to get their first glimpse of the A1GP car at a demonstration at the Algarve stadium on Wednesday 1 April following the completion of the days WRC stages. Albuquerque will then drive the A1GP Powered by Ferrari car on the special stage on Thursday 2 April at 17:30 and again on Sunday 5 April at 12:45.

Fans will also have an exclusive chance to get up close to the A1GP car in the exhibition area between Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 April. There will also be the opportunity to buy tickets for the A1GP Algarve event, taking place 10 – 12 April at the brand new Autódromo Internacional do Algarve circuit and information on how fans can win a FIAT 500. Filipe Albuquerque will also be visiting the stand to meet fans and sign autographs.

Filipe Albuquerque said, “I am very excited about the chance to drive the A1GP Powered by Ferrari car at the special stages of the Rally of Portugal. It is the first time an A1GP driver has had the opportunity to drive the new A1GP Powered by Ferrari car at a WRC event and it is great chance to give Portuguese racing fans a taster of the action that lies ahead at A1GP Algarve.”

The Vodafone Rally of Portugal, round four of the World Rally Championship, is taking place from 2-5 April 2009. Further information about the event can be found at www.rallydeportugal.pt

A1GP Algarve, Portugal takes place from 10-12 April at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve. Tickets for the event can be acquired at Autódromo Internacional do Algarve and nationwide at FNAC, Media Markt, El Corte Inglês, Pavilhão Atlântico, Arena de Portimão and at www.autodromodoalgarve.com. Further information about the event can be found at www.A1GP.com

Kiwis Capture Doubles

2009-04-03T00:59:00.001+13:00

Dan King-Turner and GD Jones won their second doubles final of the US$15,000 ASB Pro Circuit tennis Futures with a 6-2 6-4 over fellow Kiwi Marcus Daniell and Australian Joel Lindner in horrendous conditions at the Renouf Tennis Centre in Wellington where tree branches were being blown down.

King-Turner and Jones also won the doubles title at the North Harbour Futures two weeks ago.

The women’s final was won by the Japanese and Korea combination of So-Jung Kim and Ayaka Maekawa in straight sets.

Men’s doubles final result:

(2)Dan King-Turner/GD Jones(New Zealand) bt Marcus Daniell(New Zealand)/Joel Lindner(Australia) 6-2 6-4.

Women’s doubles final result:

So-Jung Kim(Korea)/Ayaka Maekawa(Japan) bt Kyung-Yee Chae(Korea)/Hae-Sung Kim(Korea) 6-4 6-4.

Tickets Go On Sale For Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium’s Inaugural Event

2009-04-03T00:57:00.002+13:00

Tickets for the inaugural event at Dubai Sports City’s cricket stadium have gone on sale this morning for the one-day international (ODI) between Pakistan and Australia.

The sides will open the 25,000 capacity stadium with the first of a five match, ODI series on Wednesday, 22 April 2009, with the second game in the series on Friday, 24 April. Following three further ODI’s in Abu Dhabi, the teams then return to Dubai Sports City for a one-off Twenty:20 match on Thursday, 7 May 2009.

“This is a defining moment in the history of Dubai Sports City,” said Macky Dudhia, General Manager, Sports Business, Dubai Sports City. “We are very proud to welcome Pakistan and Australia to Dubai Sports City for the first ever international cricket to be hosted in Dubai.”

“It promises to be a great series between two sides that approach the game with a very positive attitude. We anticipate cricket fans of all nations living in the UAE will want to come and watch two of the most attacking cricket teams competing hard. We will also cater to this wider fan base in what is truly a fantastic stadium,” added Dudhia.

The Dubai Sports City cricket stadium has been designed to provide a world class setting and is ideally suited to act as a neutral venue for world cricket. The stadium has the facilities to host test matches, one-day internationals, and Twenty20 tournaments. The stadium is a circular bowl shaped, providing excellent views from every seat in the ground and simultaneously bringing the spectators closer than ever to the action.

Organisers are urging fans to purchase their tickets early, with a sell-out expected for the much-anticipated opening game at the new venue. Tickets are available at www.boxofficeme.com (+971) 4 367 6699 and www.timeoutdubai.com, 800 4669. Prices range from just AED 50 up to AED 950 for the most exclusive seats. Corporate hospitality packages for all three matches are also available direct from Dubai Sports City by calling (+971) 4 425 1111.

King-Turner Into Semi, But Statham Just Falls Short

2009-04-03T00:57:00.001+13:00

New Zealand tennis No2 Dan King-Turner has won his way into the semifinals of the US$15,000 ASB Pro Circuit tennis Futures in Wellington with an upset victory over top seed and 193rd ranked Carsten Ball of Australia.

In the windy conditions King-Turner ranked at 459 served and volleyed and charged the net at all opportunities for the 6-2 6-4 win and his second semifinal in consecutive weeks.

“I have a game based around my serve and I like to come forward. My first serve percentage was fairly high. All in all I’m pretty happy. You can’t let the weather affect you,” said King-Turner.

King-Turner broke Ball’s serve in the first game of the match and then again in the fifth game of the set. The second set was game for game until King-Turner managed to break Ball’s big serve in the fifth game to go ahead 5-4 and then serve out the game and the match.

It is King-Turner’s fourth win over a top-200 player.

Rubin Statham almost made the semifinals an all-Kiwi affair but was beaten by third seeded Australian Adam Feeney 6-3 3-6 7-5. Statham never had a substantial lead in his clash, always playing catch-up in the horrendously windy conditions. It was the third week in a row Statham had made the quarterfinals but not progressed any further.

The other men’s semifinal will feature second seed and last week’s finalist Tatsuma Ito of Japan who overcame Artem Sitak 7-5 2-6 6-3 against unseeded Korean Davis Cup player Young-Jun Kim.

Kim beat Italian sixth seed Matteo Viola in straight sets in his quarterfinal match.

The women’s US$10,000 semifinals feature two seeded players and two qualifiers. Top seed I-Hsuan Hwang(Taipei) against Korean So-Jung Kim. Hwang defeated Hamilton winner Ayu-Fani Damayanti in straight sets while Kim beat fellow qualifier Jie Hao(China) in three sets.

South African qualifier, Lizaan Du Plessis has had to come through qualifying at all three events and will face fifth seed Kyung-Yee Chae(Korea) in her semifinal.

Semifinals start at midday at the Renouf Tennis Centre with Du Plessis against Chae first followed by King-Turner and Feeney with Kim and Ito next and Hwang and Kim the final match of the day.

Results:

Men’s US$15,000 ASB Pro Circuit singles quarterfinals:

Dan King-Turner(New Zealand) bt (1)Carsten Ball(Australia) 6-2 6-4, (3)Adam Feeney(Australia) bt (7)Rubin Statham(New Zealand) 6-3 3-6 7-5, Young-Jun Kim(Korea) bt (6)Matteo Viola(Italy) 6-2 6-2, (2)Tatsuma Ito(Japan) bt (5)Artem Sitak(Russia) 7-5 2-6 6-3.

Women’s US$10,000 ASB Pro Circuit singles quarterfinals:

(1)I-Hsuan Hwang(Taipei) bt Ayu-Fani Damayanti(Indonesia) 6-4 6-2, (Q)So-Jung Kim(Korea) bt (Q)Jie Hao(China) 1-6 6-4 6-1, (Q)Lizaan Du Plessis(South Afica) bt Hae-Sung Kim(Korea) 6-2 6-4, (5)Kyung-Yee Chae(Korea) bt (2)Montinee Tangphong(Thailand) 6-4 6-2.

New World helps out three Wellington cricketers

2009-04-03T00:56:00.001+13:00

This season's sponsorship of promising cricketers Sophie Devine, Michael Pollard and Fraser Colson by Railway Metro New World has enabled the trio to further concentrate on their blossoming cricket careers this summer.

Railway Metro New World's sponsorship towards the trio's living costs has resulted in success on the field for all three during the course of the season to the benefit of both men's and women's cricket in Wellington. As three of Wellington's brightest stars we're incredibly excited to see them excel.

NEW HOCKEY DIRECTOR APPOINTED

2009-04-03T00:55:00.001+13:00

Hockey New Zealand has restructured its operations to best reflect the future needs of
the sport of hockey and its administration.
Hockey NZ Chairman Graham Child said that a strategic review had been undertaken in
recent months, which focused on the present and future needs of the sport in New
Zealand. This included an independent High Performance Hockey Review, which was
commissioned in conjunction with SPARC prior to the Olympic Games last August.
“The High Performance Hockey Review identified that development of hockey in New
Zealand required greater emphasis on the management of people, programmes and
activities associated with the playing, and coaching and development of the game. This
extends from grass roots level through to success on the international stage.”
“As a result, a new senior position of Hockey Director has been established. Reporting
to the Chief Executive, the role will oversee all aspects of the game in New Zealand, for
players, coaches and umpires.”
The selection process was highly contested with strong local and international interest,
and the selection panel included independent representation appointed by SPARC.
Mr Child said Hockey New Zealand was delighted to announce the appointment of
incumbent Chief Executive Ramesh Patel as the first Hockey Director.
After 20 successful years at the helm of Hockey New Zealand, Ramesh has expressed
his desire to take a new career direction. With his passion for hockey undiminished, we
were thrilled that he put his name forward to lead this critical area of developing and
implementing the new frameworks and pathways for players, coaches and umpires.”
Ramesh Patel was equally excited about the new role: “After the position was advertised
I looked at the role and felt this was the career direction for me. I have always been
passionate about the hockey side and over the last five years my position has not
allowed me to be as close as I had been in the early years. As the Hockey Director it
gives me an opportunity to continue contributing to the sport I love.”
The search for a new Chief Executive is now underway. Mr Child said the creation of
the Hockey Director role had also enabled the board to reshape the role of the Chief
Executive to be primarily commercially focused.
Mr Child said that Mr Patel would leave his role as CEO having made Hockey NZ a
stronger and more effective national sport organisation. “It’s excellent for hockey that
someone with Ramesh’s knowledge and ability will continue to work with the sport in a
key leadership role.”
Mr Patel will commence his new role on 30 March 2009 and the Chairman will oversee
the CEO’s role until a permanent appointment is made.

ALIENS STORM TO CUP GLORY AT TENS

2009-04-03T00:54:00.001+13:00

Crack New Zealand team Aliens bounced back from an indifferent first day to win the GFI HKFC Tens in brilliant fashion on Thursday (March 26).

The second seeds stormed to a 24-7 Cup final victory over the Alternative New Zealand Legends before a boisterous crowd at Hong Kong Football Club.

“I’m shellshocked, really,” said Aliens coach Willie Los’e. “I thought we’d blown it after the first day. I didn’t think we’d shown enough to indicate we could compete on day two.

“But that’s the beauty of sport. We had a good team talk this morning, I put the pressure back on the players and they responded in the best way.”

Aliens had suffered a shock pool defeat to SOC GEN Pyrenees from France on day one of the two-day tournament to leave themselves a tough quarter-final against the top seeded Penguins.

But they rose to the challenge magnificently, winning 12-7 in a thrilling encounter.

With new-found belief, Aliens proved too strong for Playmore Phantoms in the semis, winning 17-5 to set up a final showdown against the third seeded Legends.

Aliens led 10-7 at half-time of the final thanks to tries from captain Jimmy Maher and William Crispin either side of a converted try for Legends by Adam Hill.

Replacement Kurt Baker extended their lead soon after the break with a converted try and the same player sealed victory by finishing off a superb length-of-the-field team move.

Baker had played for the Phantoms against Aliens in the semi-final but was drafted in as a replacement after flyhalf Phillip Tuigamala was ruled out of the final with a shoulder injury – a move allowed under tournament rules.

“I picked him on the strength of what he did against us in the semi,” revealed Los’e. “We knew we couldn’t put him on until we’d used our starters but once he got on he was unbelievable. I’m just wondering why I didn’t select him in the first place!

“I’m absolutely delighted for the players. They believed in themselves and started to show the skills that they’ve got – and now they’re the Cup champions. It’s unbelievable.”

It is the fifth time Aliens have won the Tens since they began taking part 17 years ago.

Legends coach Brendan Laney conceded the better team had won.

“For a start, we’re absolutely delighted to have reached the final for the first time in the nine years we’ve been coming here,” said Laney.

“The first score of the second half was always going to be important and unfortunately it was Aliens who got it, which put us on the back foot. But I’m proud of the way the boys played.”

Legends had cruised past hosts Hong Kong Football Club 38-0 in the quarter-finals before a hard-fought 17-0 semi-final win over Pyrenees, who had former French international scrumhalf Philippe Carbonneau in their line-up.

Penguins gained some consolation for missing out on the Cup with a 33-12 victory over German debutants the Wild Titans in the Plate final.

South African newcomers Scatterlings of Africa, with 2007 Rugby World Cup winner Bobby Skinstad in their team, carried off the Bowl with a 19-0 victory over the Irish Vikings.

Cardiff University won the Shield with a late try and conversion giving them a 12-10 victory over Champion Systems Overseas Old Boys.

Sixteen club and invitational teams from around the world took part in the Tens – the world’s leading ten-a-side rugby tournament.

The Tens was once again title sponsored by global cash and derivatives broker GFI.

GFI HKFC Tens, day two results

Bowl quarter-finals: Hill & Associates TROX AITCS HK Barbarians 43 China Agricultural University 7, Scatterlings of Africa 24 Champion Systems Overseas Old Boys 12, Irish Vikings 40 Cardiff University 5, HKRFU Chairman’s X 39 Devils Advocate Wanchai Wanderers 0.

Cup quarter-finals: Penguins 7 Aliens 12, Borneo Eagles 14 Playmore Phantoms 26, Alternative New Zealand Legends 38 Hong Kong Football Club 0, SOC GEN Pyrenees 12 Wild Titans 0.

Shield semi-finals: China Agricultural University 0 Champion Systems Overseas Old Boys 57, Cardiff University 106 Devils Advocate Wanchai Wanderers 0.

Bowl semi-finals: Hill & Associates TROX AITCS HK Barbarians 7 Scatterlings of Africa 38, Irish Vikings 22 HKRFU Chairman’s X 21.

Plate semi-finals: Penguins 34 Borneo Eagles 0, Hong Kong Football Club 7 Wild Titans 24.

Cup semi-finals: Aliens 17 Playmore Phantoms 5, Alternative New Zealand Legends 17 SOC GEN Pyrenees 0.

Shield final: Champion Systems Overseas Old Boys 10 Cardiff University 12.

Bowl final: Scatterlings of Africa 19 Irish Vikings 0.

Plate final: Penguins 33 Wild Titans 12.

Cup final: Aliens 24 Alternative New Zealand Legends 7.

Surrey Sign Andre Nel On Three Year Deal

2009-04-03T00:48:00.001+13:00

March 25th, The Brit Oval, London – South African quick bowler Andre Nel has today joined Surrey County Cricket Club, signing a three-year deal commencing this summer.

Nel, 31, who will join up with Surrey when the squad returns from the pre-season Emirates Airline ProARCH Tournament in Dubai, will be a full-time member of the squad after recently ending his central contract with Cricket South Africa and announcing his retirement from the international game.

A well known international star for a number of years, Nel has played 36 Tests and 79 One Day Internationals in an eleven year career. With an impressive first-class bowling average of 27.00 and a One Day average of 25.39, the rapid South African will join Surrey’s pace bowling attack alongside Pedro Collins, Chris Jordan, Jade Dernbach, Alex Tudor, Stuart Meaker and Jimmy Ormond.

Due to his nationality, Nel is able to sign for the Brown Caps as a ‘Kolpak’ player, thus allowing the Club’s cricket management staff to employ New Zealander Grant Elliott as an overseas player for the first half of the season.

Speaking after signing his contract, Andre Nel said: “I am delighted to be joining Surrey as I enter a new phase of my career. I have had a number of fantastic experiences here in the UK with South Africa, Northamptonshire and Essex and cannot wait to return to join up with Surrey.

“Surrey are a huge club, entering an exciting new era with Chris Adams at the helm, and I am looking forward to using my experience to work with some of the younger bowlers on the staff and ensure they get back to the top of the English game. I cannot wait to arrive in April and pull on the Surrey shirt for the first game of the season.”

Nel becomes the second new player signed by Surrey Professional Cricket Manager Chris Adams, who added: “The addition of Andre Nel to the Surrey dressing room underlines the ambition I have for the Club. He has proven pace, power and wicket taking ability and will be a fantastic addition to our pace team.

“As a proven international bowler, Andre will bring aggression on the pitch and experience off it. With exciting home developed fast bowlers such as Jade Dernbach and Stuart Meaker also at the Club, Surrey will be a force to be reckoned with in 2009 and beyond.”

Butch Harmon School Of Golf To Accelerate Pace Of Amateur Golf Development

2009-04-03T00:47:00.000+13:00

Coaches at Butch Harmon School of Golf in Dubai, located at Dubai Sports City, believe their high-tech facility and experience teaching European PGA Tour professionals can deliver faster results for amateur students of all skill levels.

The Butch Harmon School of Golf, the region’s premier golf instruction institute, has announced its individual ‘tour experience’ golf lesson and packages, a first in the region for golfing enthusiasts to guarantee improvement and rapid development through the use of advanced technology and in-depth tuition.

The Butch Harmon School of Golf is run by Claude Harmon III, an internationally renowned golfing professional who offers a unique style of coaching based on helping each person understand their own game. His methods have delivered lower scores and better, more consistent swings for seasoned tour players, celebrities, and amateurs alike.

“The most common thing I hear from all my amateur students is that they want to hit the golf ball farther, just like the professionals. It’s an easy solution that most students can learn in one session: if you want to gain more speed and power in your swing try to stabilize your lower body,” said Claude Harmon, Director of Instruction at Butch Harmon School of Golf.

The preferred evaluation programme, named Player Development Series, is already in use by Tour professionals and is a six lesson course that focuses on a player’s total game performance. To improve scores and optimize student’s best performance in the shortest time possible, the package includes a physical assessment, high speed video analysis, club fitting, short game skills test, putting evaluation, and TPI 3D swing analysis.

“We take what people do naturally and make it better,” added Harmon, who has taught some of the world’s top golfers including Trevor Immelman, Graeme McDowell, Daren Clarke, and Gaurav Ghei.

The Performance Development Session is a personalized individual golf lesson for players who want to take their game to the next level. Appraisals will be conducted on each student to prepare the style and structure of the right golf lesson they require.

Students warm up for 30-minutes before being met by their instructor for 50 minutes of in-depth tuition. All lessons, which take place at Butch Harmon School of Golf, can utilize physical screening assessment, video analysis, 3-Dimensional Motion Capture Body-Swing Analysis, Trackman Launch Monitor and Sam Puttlab.

Justin Parsons, Senior Teaching Professional at Butch Harmon School of Golf and qualified PGA Professional is a key figure in the local golfing community and has coached all level of golfers in the UAE for more than five years.

“The ability to utilize the technology which we have here enables us to take an very logical approach to coaching- evaluating performance, making corrections and re-testing to assess improvements,” said Parsons.
Some of Parsons’ past and present students include Mikael Lundberg, Emirati golfer Khalid Yousuf, actor Hugh Grant, and US politician, Bill Clinton.

“Each individual, from a first time golf student to professionals like Adam Scott, have one thing in common – they come to us to reach their full golfing potential and improve their game. We do not believe in one way to learn golf; we simplify the game to help our students better understand their own technique, and we have seen great success and improvement so far with our pupils,” concluded Harmon.

The Butch Harmon School of Golf in Dubai will be based next to The Els Club golf course in Dubai Sports City and is part of the Dubai Sports City Academies Campus.

Included within the Dubai Sports City Academies Campus is the Dubai Sports City Football Academy – the home of Manchester United Soccer Schools, Dubai; the WorldHockey Academy, a first of its kind partnership with the International Hockey Federation; a Swimming Academy with a 50 metre training pool; a Rugby Academy; the International Cricket Council’s own ICC Global Cricket Academy and a David Lloyd Tennis Academy.

NRL clubs need to take responsibility

2009-04-03T00:43:00.002+13:00

NRL club delegates and players have today agreed that clubs need to take responsibility and be answerable for maintaining the strongest standards in terms of the behaviour of both players and officials.

At the same time they have acknowledged that the NRL should step in where clubs have failed to instigate appropriate preventative measures or where penalties handed down by clubs are found to be grossly inadequate.

Today’s meeting of a committee to discuss player behaviour guidelines brought together the NRL, the Rugby League Players Association and Chief Executives Steve Noyce, Shane Richardson and Todd Greenberg (Bruno Cullen provided input prior to the meeting).

“Everyone is committed to working on the issue of player behaviour as a game-wide issue,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said today.

“The disappointing thing remains that most players are worthy ambassadors for the game and it is clear that they are disappointed in the actions of a small handful.

“Everyone accepts that we should keep working to a consistent approach in terms of penalties but it is equally important to recognise that we are dealing with a very inconsistent range of circumstances.

“There was clear agreement that the responsibility and indeed the ability to deal with issues in the first instance rests with the club and that an independent tribunal would be impractical.

“The NRL wishes to be involved only when the penalty of the club is manifestly inadequate and there is a need to protect the reputation of the game.

“We discussed a number of options today that may assist clubs and players in better understanding the sort of penalties and codes that are being enforced.

“It is an area that we will discuss further in the weeks ahead at club Chief Executive and Board level.”

Kiwi Men In Form In Wellington

2009-04-03T00:43:00.001+13:00

The Kiwi men continued their run at the US$15,000 tennis Futures in Wellington with both Dan King-Turner and Rubin Statham going to three sets to eventually make the quarterfinals

For King-Turner and Statham to go another round and make the weekend’s play they will need big efforts in the ASB sponsored event. King-Turner, 24 ranked at 459 plays top seeded Australian and 193rd ranked Carsten Ball.

In his career so far King-Turner has beaten two top-200 players and taking on Ball with his big left-handed serve won’t be easy says the Kiwi No2 who came from a set down against eighth seed Rameez Junaid to win 2-6 7-6(2) 6-4 in his second round match.

“It was a tough match today, I started to play better in the later stages of the match,” said King-Turner “playing Carsten will be difficult. I will try and return his serve and make him play rallies.”

Statham won his contest over Japan’s Yuichi Ito 3-6 6-1 3-0 before Ito had to retire with an injured ankle. Statham has now made the quarters at all three events of the series.

Statham, 21 the tournament seventh seed plays the consistent third seed, Adam Feeney from Australia in the quarters.

In the women’s US$10,000 draw 16-year-old Katherine Westbury came close, but not quite in her second round match against Hamilton tournament winner, Ayu-Fani Damayanti(Indonesia). Damayanti winning 6-2 6-7(1) 6-3.

Top women’s seeds I-Hsuan Hwang(Indonesia) and Montinee Tangphong(Thailand) won their second round matches, while the record time on court for a match went to Chinese qualifier Jie Hao who beat Brazilian seventh seed Ana-Clara Durate 4-6 6-3 7-5 in three hours 25 minutes.

Meanwhile Wairarapa teenager Marcus Daniell is through to his first Futures doubles final combining with Australian Joel Lindner with one of their opponents, Yuichi Ito withdrawing injured. Earlier they had defeated top seeds and top-150 ranked players Junaid and Feeney.

Daniell and Lindner will play the all-Kiwi combination of King-Turner and GD Jones who won the title at the first week of the series and had a three set semifinal win over Americans Rylan Rizza and Kaes Van’t Hof.

ASB Pro Circuit US$15,000 men’s singles quarterfinals round:

(1)Carsten Ball(Australia) bt Kaes Van’t Hof(United States) 6-2 6-3, Dan King-Turner(New Zealand) bt (8)Rameez Junaid(Australia) 2-6 7-6(2) 6-4, (3)Adam Feeney(Australia) bt (Q)Dayne Kelly(Australia) 6-2 6-3, (7)Rubin Statham(New Zealand) bt Yuichi Ito(Japan) 3-6 6-1 3-0 retired, (6)Matteo Viola(Italy) bt (Q)Joel Lindner(Australia) 6-2 6-1, Young-Jun Kim(Korea) bt (Q)Andrew Thomas(Australia) 6-4 6-4, (5)Artem Sitak(Russia) bt (Q)Rylan Rizza(United States) 6-1 6-1, (2)Tatsuma Ito(Japan) bt (Q)Xin-Yuan Yu(China) 7-5 6-4.

Finalists announced in Wellington’s Youth Yachting Awards

2009-04-03T00:30:00.003+13:00

Twelve sailors have been short listed for the Wellington Yachting Talent Development Programme supreme award. Wellington Yachting Association President Brian Budd said, "Choosing the supreme award winner is going to be very hard this year. We have teams and individuals from the programme who have won national, international and world titles and we have sailors who have been selected into national teams and squads. The selection panel has a tight job ahead of them."

The Wellington Yachting Talent Development Programme is a joint initiative between Yachting New Zealand and Wellington City Council aimed at increasing the number of Wellington youth sailors achieving on the international stage.

The awards will be presented at a lunch at the Michael Fowler Centre on Thursday 26 March. The lunch will be hosted by Kerry Prendergast, Mayor of Wellington, with Yachting New Zealand CEO Des Brennan presenting the prizes. Grant Dalton from Emirates Team NZ will be a guest speaker.

Finalists in the Awards are: Alice Pearson, Carl Syman, Chris Jones, Jackson MacFarlane, Josh Junior, Josh Porebski, Matthew Clough, Matthew Steven, Rowan Swanson, Sean Syman, Stacey Swanson and Tim Coltman.

NZ defends World Championship title at World Blind Sailing Champs

2009-04-03T00:30:00.002+13:00

New Zealand has successfully defended its world championship team event title at the IFDS World Blind Sailing Championships sailed on Rotorua last week.

New Zealand wins the 2009 title after securing a gold in the B2 fleet, and two silver medals in the B1 and B3 fleets.

Regatta organisers attempted to hold two races on Lake Rotorua this morning to complete the week’s sailing, however, half the fleet were not able to finish the first race after the wind dropped, and the second race was abandoned due to no wind.

After 15 races, Italy, skippered by Luigi Bertanza, held onto its lead at the top of the table, coming first in the B1 division. New Zealand, skippered by Dick Lancaster came second, and Norway, skippered by Thomas Johannesen came third.

In the B2 fleet, Paulien Eitjes from Tauranga skippering the New Zealand team, completely dominated racing this week, winning 14 out of 15 races. Great Britain, skippered by Lucy Hodges, came second. Japan, skippered by Takao Sugiyama, came third.

In the B3 fleet, Gary Kirby skippering the Great Britain team, dominated much of the racing, finishing well ahead at the top of the table. New Zealand, skippered by Dave Allerton, came second. The USA, skippered by Jason Wallenstein, came third.
Organising committee chairman Don McGowan says he is delighted with the regatta – even though the wind sometimes posed a challenge.

"We are very pleased with how the regatta has gone this week. We were able to get 15 races away, despite some fickle winds, and at times we had some very close and exciting racing.

"It has been a great festival of blind sailing and we have a big group of happy sailors from all around the world.

"It would have been nice to have some more racing today, but it wasn't to be."

The next Blind Sailing International Championships will be held in Yokohama, Japan in 2013.

LATU CONFIRMED TO PLAY FOR MYSTICS

2009-04-03T00:28:00.001+13:00

The Trans-Tasman Netball League (TTNL) has approved the LG Mystics application for a ‘special dispensation’ for Cathrine Latu to play in the 2009 ANZ Championship. This dispensation was granted to the Mystics following the International Federation of Netball’s (IFNA’s) ruling to decline an application to change her current eligibility status.

TTNL General Manager Anthony Everard said in granting this dispensation, TTNL was acting in a consistent manner with the intent of the eligibility rules, which are in place to protect and enhance the pathway of New Zealanders towards Silver Ferns.

"There were a number of factors involved in this decision; Cathrine was born in New Zealand, she is a NZ Citizen and has now indicated formally to Netball New Zealand her playing future rests in New Zealand only. While IFNA denied the change to Cathrine’s current eligibility status, she had provided an assurance to Netball New Zealand that she will stand down from all International competition for the IFNA required period of four years in order that she may be considered for New Zealand selection in the future,” he said.

The Northern Mystics first game of the season will be against last years’ ANZ Championship Runners up Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic – 7.00pm, 6th April at The Trusts Stadium, Auckland.

NEW YORK YANKEES REFLECT ON THE PASSING OF FORMER PLAYER JOHNNY BLANCHARD

2009-04-03T00:27:00.002+13:00

Former Yankee Johnny Blanchard passed away this morning at the age of 76 in Minnesota. Signed by the Yankees in 1951, Blanchard made his Major League debut with the club in 1955 at the age of 22. In total, he appeared in 454 games in pinstripes over eight Major League seasons (1955, ’59-65), batting .245 (260-for-1,063) with 34 doubles, 64 home runs and 187 RBI, seeing time as a catcher, first baseman and outfielder. He is one of four players in franchise history to hit a home run in four consecutive at-bats, accomplishing the feat over three games from July 21-26, 1961.

A member of five American League pennant-winning teams from 1960-64 with the Yankees, Blanchard played on World Series championship teams in 1961 and 1962. In five World Series, he batted .345 (10-for-29) with six runs, four doubles, two home runs and five RBI. During the 1961 Fall Classic vs. Cincinnati, he combined to go 4-for-10, including an eighth-inning game-tying solo homer in Game 3 and a two-run homer in the Game-5 Series clincher.

REFLECTIONS FROM TEAMMATES AND MANAGERS

“This is a sad day. Johnny was a good friend and a great teammate. He was proud of being a Yankee and always fun to be around. We’ll miss him.”

Yogi Berra (teammate 1955, ‘59-63, Manager 1964)

“He was a great guy. He loved people and did a lot for charity. I’ll never forget the year Yogi, Elston and Blanch all hit over 20 homers. He was a key member of that 1961 team and had two clutch homers for us against the Cincinnati Reds in the World Series. I remember we were both signed by the same scout, Joe McDermott. I felt a lot of pride knowing that. He will be missed.”

Moose Skowron (teammate, 1955, ‘59-62)

“He was a great teammate, friend and a true gentleman. He loved the game. Tony Kubek and I were just in New York and spent some time with Johnny. He was a great friend and I’ll miss him tremendously.”

Bobby Richardson (teammate, 1955, ‘59-65)

“Johnny was a funny guy and a great storyteller. He was always happy. Everyone loved him and loved being around him. He was one heck of a hitter, too.”

Bob Turley (teammate 1955, ‘59-62)

“Johnny was a true Yankee, there’s no doubt about that. Everyone liked him. He would do anything it took to help win a ballgame. He would catch, pinch-hit or go play the outfield if it meant the team had a better chance to win.”

Ralph Houk (Manager 1961-63)

NEW YORK YANKEES ANNOUNCE PASSING OF LONGTIME BASEBALL AMBASSADOR ARTHUR RICHMAN

2009-04-03T00:27:00.001+13:00

It is with deep sadness that the New York Yankees announce the passing of longtime baseball writer and executive Arthur Richman. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in New York City early this morning with his wife, Martha Richman, and friends by his side. He was 83 years old.

Mr. Richman’s baseball career spanned seven decades, including stops as an executive with the New York Mets and most recently the New York Yankees. He began his career in 1942 as a copy boy at the New York Daily Mirror and worked there for 21 years, authoring one of New York’s most popular columns, “The Armchair Manager.”

The Mirror folded in 1963, and Mr. Richman quickly took a position in the front office of the New York Mets, where he worked for 25 years. In 1989, Mr. Richman went to work for the Yankees, holding the positions of Senior Vice President and Senior Advisor in the club’s media relations department for nearly two decades.

“Arthur Richman made baseball and the New York Yankees an enormous part of his life, and I am grateful for his contributions both personally and professionally,” Yankees Principal Owner/Chairperson George M. Steinbrenner said. “He was a trusted friend and advisor to me, and someone the world of baseball will find impossible to replace. I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Martha and to the countless others who were fortunate enough to call him a friend.”

Services will be held on Thursday, March 26 at 11:45 a.m. at Riverside Memorial Chapel on 180 W. 76th Street in New York City. He is survived by his wife, Martha. Mr. Richman was predeceased by his brother Milton—an award winning sportswriter and editor for United Press International.

The family asks that any memorial gifts be sent in Arthur’s name to the “Catch 25 Foundation,” established by New York Yankees Manager Joe Girardi. Donations will be dedicated specifically towards the area of the foundation that focuses on Alzheimer’s Disease research and support.

For more information on the foundation, visit www.joegirardi.com. Donations can be sent to Catch 25 Foundation, 220 West Huron, Suite 2001, Chicago, IL, 60654.

SOC GEN PYRENEES UPSET THE FORM BOOK AT TENS

2009-04-03T00:26:00.001+13:00

Outsiders SOC GEN Pyrenees stormed into the Cup round on a day of upsets at the GFI HKFC Tens on Wednesday (March 25).

The French team won all three of their Pool B matches on day one of the tournament at Hong Kong Football Club, including a stunning 7-5 upset of second seeds Aliens.

Pyrenees – with former French international scrumhalf Philippe Carbonneau pulling the strings – also recorded a 17-7 victory over the HKRFU Chairman’s X and beat China Agricultural University 49-0.

“Everyone is very happy,” said Pyrenees co-manager Bruno Leroy.

“The key game was obviously against Aliens. We were leading 7-0 when we got a yellow card and at that time we really showed we were all together.

“Although Aliens scored a try while we were down to nine men, we defended very well and got the victory.”

Pyrenees won the fourth-tier Shield on their Tens debut last year and were not expected to put up such a strong challenge the big teams this time around.

“We didn’t expect to finish first in the pool and now we will try to go as far as possible in the Cup, but of course we will need some luck as well,” added Leroy.

Aliens won their other two games to finish second in the pool and secure a place in the Cup competition on Thursday (March 26).

Hosts Hong Kong Football Club produced another shock result with a 7-5 victory over South African newcomers Scatterlings of Africa, who had 2007 Rugby World Cup winner Bobby Skinstad in their line-up.

That victory helped Club to second place in Pool D – and a place in the Cup – behind winners Borneo Eagles.

Scatterlings, the fourth seeds, finished third in the group and will play in the Bowl competition.

Top seeds Penguins won Pool A with three victories over Devils Advocate Wanchai Wanderers (61-5), Wild Titans (22-7) and Hill & Associates TROX AITCS HK Barbarians (22-5).

“Our aim today was three wins and we achieved that, so we’re happy,” said Penguins manager Craig Brown.

“Things didn’t always go our way and the second two games were quite hard, which we’re pleased about because we don’t want to turn up on day two undercooked.”

The Titans, the first German team to compete in the Tens, finished second in the pool to progress to the Cup.

No.3 seeds the Alternative New Zealand Legends – sponsored by a group of 15 rugby fans from the hedge fund industry – topped Pool C with victories over the Champion Systems Overseas Old Boys (36-0), Playmore Phantoms (17-12) and the Irish Vikings (47-0).

Playmore Phantoms won their other two matches to advance to the Cup.

Sixteen club and invitational teams from around the world are competing in the Tens.

The tournament concludes on Thursday with knockout matches for the Cup, Plate, Bowl and Shield. Play begins at 10:15am and tickets costing HK$200 can be bought at the gate.

The Tens is once again title sponsored by global cash and derivatives broker GFI.

GFI HKFC Tens, day one results

Pool A: Penguins 61 Devils Advocate Wanchai Wanderers 5, Hill & Associates TROX AITCS HK Barbarians 12 Wild Titans 14, Penguins 22 Wild Titans 7, Hill & Associates TROX AITCS HK Barbarians 60 Devils Advocate Wanchai Wanderers 0, Devils Advocate Wanchai Wanderers 0 Wild Titans 59, Penguins 22 Hill & Associates TROX AITCS HK Barbarians 5.

Standings: 1-Penguins, 2- Wild Titans, 3- Hill & Associates TROX AITCS HK Barbarians, 4- Devils Advocate Wanchai Wanderers.

Pool B: Aliens 40 China Agricultural University 0, HKRFU Chairman’s X 7 SOC GEN Pyrenees 17, Aliens 5 SOC GEN Pyrenees 7, HKRFU Chairman’s X 35 China Agricultural University 0, China Agricultural University 0 SOC GEN Pyrenees 49, Aliens 19 HKRFU Chairman’s X 14.

Standings: 1-SOC GEN Pyrenees, 2-Aliens, 3-HKRFU Chairman’s X, 4-China Agricultural University.

Pool C: Alternative New Zealand Legends 36 Champion Systems Overseas Old Boys 0, Irish Vikings 12 Playmore Phantoms 24, Alternative New Zealand Legends 17 Playmore Phantoms 12, Irish Vikings 24 Champion Systems Overseas Old Boys 10, Champion Systems Overseas Old Boys 0 Playmore Phantoms 61, Alternative New Zealand Legends 47 Irish Vikings 0.

Standings: 1-Alternative New Zealand Legends, 2-Playmore Phantoms, 3-Irish Vikings, 4-Champion Systems Overseas Old Boys.

Pool D: Scatterlings of Africa 5 Hong Kong Football Club 7, Borneo Eagles 19 Cardiff University 5, Scatterlings of Africa 20 Cardiff University 0, Borneo Eagles 33 Hong Kong Football Club 7, Hong Kong Football Club 24 Cardiff University 14, Scatterlings of Africa 7 Borneo Eagles 7.

Standings: 1-Borneo Eagles, 2-Hong Kong Football Club, 3-Scatterlings of Africa, 4-Cardiff University.

NRL judiciary

2009-04-03T00:24:00.001+13:00

Melbourne Storm’s Willie Isa was found guilty of a Grade 1 Dangerous Contact (Unnecessary Head-Neck Contact) Charge at the NRL Judiciary. Isa will be suspended for one match.

St George Illawarra Dragons Toyota Cup player Ken Edwards was found guilty of a Dangerous Contact (Biting) charge at the NRL Judiciary. He will be suspended for four matches.

Cronulla Sharks winger Misi Taulapapa was found guilty of a Grade 1 Dangerous Contact (Head Slam) charge at the NRL Judiciary. He will be suspended for 1 match.

Searle proud over Walker’s return

2009-04-03T00:23:00.003+13:00

Jetstar Gold Coast Titans managing director Michael Searle has rated Chris Walker’s comeback to rugby league as one of the proudest moments in his time as club boss.

In a major triumph for both Walker and the Jetstar Titans, the 29-year-old will play his first NRL match in 18 months at Skilled Park on Friday night after overcoming consecutive Achilles tendon injuries as well as off-field problems.

An emotional Searle, who worked tirelessly for eight years to have the Gold Coast granted re-entry into the NRL competition, said the thought of Walker putting on a Titans jersey again to take on the Bulldogs made him smile.

“I’ll have a very similar smile on my face as to the first time I saw Preston Campbell run out for us,’’ said Searle of Walker’s return.

“I think it’s one of those good stories. You hear lots of bad stories but that’s just one of true tenacity and determination to succeed.

“There are plenty of times I’m sure where he could have walked away with those two injuries and there were times before that we possibly could have walked away as well.

“It’s a good win for us and great recognition for Chris.

“He’s our inaugural try scorer – he scored that first try in the right corner at Suncorp Stadium against the Dragons.

“We’ve had lots of personal time together where we’ve had to work through things so it does feel good.

”It’s one of those things that I’m really proud of so it’ll be good to see him run out.’’

Jetstar Titans halfback Scott Prince remains in doubt for the clash with the Bulldogs with a minor hamstring strain but Searle said the club would give him until Friday evening to prove his fitness.

“He did a session this morning with the physiotherapist which went well,’’ said Searle.

“He’s probably still a 50-50 chance but the coaching staff are keen to give him every possible moment.

“I’m sure the club will take a view that we would be reluctant to risk him if he’s not 100 per cent.

“But he’ll be given every opportunity so we’re still hopeful he’ll be out there on Friday night.’’

Top Kiwi Men Keep Local Hopes Alive

2009-04-03T00:23:00.001+13:00

New Zealand’s top two men’s players had straight set wins into the second round of the Futures tennis tournament in Wellington but several other Kiwis struggled to finish off their matches when they had the advantage in a match..

Both Rubin Statham and Dan King-Turner moved past the first round of the US$15,000 ASB Pro Circuit men’s draw, with Statham beating fellow Kiwi Adam Thompson 6-3 6-4 and King-Turner accounting for Solomon Islands player Michael Leong 6-3 6-1.

King-Turner takes on Australian eighth seed Rameez Junaid, a player who won week one of the series at North Harbour but was beaten by King-Turner in week two in Hamilton in the quarterfinals.

Statham plays Japan’s Yuichi Ito for a place in the quarterfinals.

Sixteen-year-old Kiwi Katherine Westbury will have a good test against Indonesian Ayu-Fani Damayanti who won the title in Hamilton in the second round.

National champ Di Hollands led fifth seed Kyung-Yee Chae(Korea) 3-0 in the first set but lost 6-4 7-5 in the US$10,000 women’s draw with Kairangi Vano losing her match in a third set tiebreak. Another player with potential, Christchurch’s 15-year-old Leela Beattie had her chances to finish off WTA ranked American, Sabrina Capannolo after winning the first set 7-5 the Kiwi lacked the experienced to complete the match dropping the next two sets 7-6 6-1.

Also going down was Oliver Statham who won the first set but lost the next two against American Kaes Van’t Hof. Marcus Daniell lost to top-200 player and No1 seed Carsten Ball 6-3 7-6 and Canterbury’s Logan MacKenzie went down in straight sets to Australian Andrew Thomas.

Some success came in doubles where Daniell and Australian partner, Joel Lindner progressed to the semifinals as did King-Turner and GD Jones who beat Thompson and Australian Stephen Bass in straight sets.

In women’s doubles the Kiwi and Australian duo of Hollands and Hubacek also made the semis with a straight set win over third seeded Australians Alison Bai and Renee Binnie.

(Q) Sabrinna Capannolo bt (WC)Leela Beattie

ASB Pro Circuit US$10,000 singles women’s first round:

So-Jung Kim(Korea) bt (3)Noppawan Lertcheewakarn(Thailand) 6-3 6-3, (5)Kyung-Yee Chae(Korea) bt (WC)Di Hollands(New Zealand) 6-4 7-5, Alenka Hubacek(Australia) bt (WC)Kairangi Vano(New Zealand) 7-5 2-6 7-6(5), (Q)Lizaan Du Plessis(South Africa) bt Ai Yamamoto(Japan) 6-1 6-4, Zi-Jung Yang(Hong Kong) bt (Q)Nungnadda Wannasuk(Thailand) 6-2 6-2, (2)Montinee Tangphong(Thailand) bt Etsuko Kitazaki(Japan) 6-3 6-3, Hae-Sung Kim(Korea) bt Jung-Yoon Shin(Korea) 7-6(2) 6-3,

ASB Pro Circuit US$15,000 men’s singles first round:

(7)Rubin Statham(New Zealand) bt (WC)Adam Thompson(New Zealand) 6-3 6-4, (Q)Andrew Thomas(Australia) bt (WC)Logan MacKenzie(New Zealand)

Men’s doubles quarterfinals:

Marcus Daniell(New Zealand)/Joel Lindner(Australia) bt David Bidmeade/Josh Crowe 6-3 7-6(8), (2)Dan King-Turner/GD Jones(New Zealand) bt Adam Thompson(New Zealand)/Stephen Bass(Australia) 6-3 6-3

Women’s doubles quarterfinals:

Di Hollands(New Zealand)/Alenka Hubacek(Australia) bt (3)Alison Bai/Renee Binnie(Australia) 6-2 6-3.

Whitehead Sets New Standard In Amputee Marathon Running

2009-04-03T00:21:00.000+13:00

Double legged amputee marathon runner, Richard Whitehead capped an amazing week by breaking the three hour barrier at the 2009 Rome Marathon (22 March 2009). His time of 2 hours 56 minutes and 45 seconds was the fastest ever recorded by a leg amputee.

Just a week earlier, Whitehead ran the Bath Half Marathon in a time of 1h 19m, two minutes faster than the previous leg amputee record.

On his week of achievements Whitehead commented:

“I am ecstatic to run a sub three hour marathon. To be the first leg amputee to do so is amazing.

“My training has been going extremely well this year. The advice and motivation provided by my coach Liz Yelling has given me the confidence, belief and strength to run faster times. After Bath I knew I had a fast time in me, but to finally break three hours in Rome was an awesome experience.”

Being the first competitive marathon of the season for Whitehead, he believes that he can run faster, he continues:

“I hope that my time of 2 hours 56 and 45 seconds will give me credibility within the running community. My main ambition is to represent Team GB in the marathon at the London 2012 Paralympics. If preparation and training continue to go well and my times continue to fall, I may even be in contention for a medal.”

Richard Whitehead’s next competitive race will be at the Boston Marathon on the 20 April 2009.

Andy Murray Plays 'Traffic Tennis' With Venus Williams

2009-04-03T00:18:00.001+13:00

Sony Ericsson Open in Miami puts Tennis on top of cars

Sony Ericsson takes the game to new heights with ‘Traffic Tennis’

London – March 23, 2009 – To mark the start of the Sony Ericsson Open 2009, top-ranked tennis players Venus Williams and Andy Murray were seen playing ‘Traffic Tennis’, rallying with each other while standing on the roofs of two vehicles, stuck in traffic on Ocean Drive, Miami. Traffic Tennis was set against the signature art deco backdrop of South Beach while onlookers marvelled at the sights of tennis being played where they would not naturally expect it.

When asked about her experience, world number five, female player; Venus Williams commented: “The Sony Ericsson Open is one of the most entertaining and glamorous tournaments on the calendar. This is not only due to its location but also the activities that surround the tournament, taking tennis off the court and increasing the excitement.”

World number four, male player, Andy Murray said: “I always look forward to coming back to Miami and playing in the Sony Ericsson Open. It's one of the most exciting tournaments on the calendar and events like these help generate a tremendous amount of exposure for our sport."

Corporate vice president and head of global communications and PR, Aldo Liguori said: “Sony Ericsson is known as a challenger brand and recognised for its passion and innovation. ‘Traffic Tennis’ perfectly shows we were able to take the game to a new scenario and audiences simultaneously, thus energising the total experience of the Sony Ericsson Open."

The stunt involved modifying two SUVs with platforms and safety harnesses by a stunt rigger to the roof of the cars. The game was played on Ocean Drive to capture the imagination of South Beach and set against the backdrop of a world renowned art deco architecture hub to create an iconic image that captures the essence of 2009 Sony Ericsson Open.
Sony Ericsson is able to activate the ‘lifestyle factor’ through the tournament, which in turn help to widen its appeal in the multimedia age and take tennis beyond the confines of the court to new audiences. At this year’s Sony Ericsson Open, attendees can experience the innovative design and functionality of Sony Ericsson products and accessories in the Experience booth and receive the latest Tennis updates through a text messaging programme by texting ‘Tennis’ to 32391 to get daily tournament updates. Coco Walk and Mary Brickell Village will also see some action as Sony Ericsson extends the tennis theme into the nightlife of Miami. In addition to player appearances, there will be an opportunity to experience the latest Sony Ericsson mobile phones and receive special offers from Best Buy.

After a fantastic 2008 tournament, with Nikolay Davydenko and Serena Williams both triumphing, 2009 is set to be another fantastic event as Serena attempts a record-breaking sixth crown. The 2009 Sony Ericsson Open will be played March 25 - April 5 at Crandon Park, Miami and features the world’s top men and women tennis players battling for a total prize fund of US$9 million.

New Worldhockey Academy At Dubai Sports City Set To Bring Popular Global Sport To Gulf

2009-04-03T00:16:00.001+13:00

Country’s Only International Standard Water-Based Pitches Arrive

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The new WorldHockey Academy, based at Dubai Sports City, is set to bring one of the most popular global sports to the Gulf. The WorldHockey Academy will become the centre of excellence for hockey through a partnership between the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and Dubai Sports City.

The academy is preparing to open its doors with the final stages of the facility nearing completion. The two FIH certified (international standard) water-based pitches, which are unique to the UAE, are being installed complete with broadcast standard floodlighting
The WorldHockey Academy will soon be a hive of activity with coaching programs, local summer and winter leagues and school tournaments. Every coaching program participant will benefit from the expertise of accredited coaching staff and the latest equipment to support their development.

Education courses for coaching and umpiring will also be on offer, with some of the most respected coaches in the world, provided by the FIH, delivering the programs.

“Hockey has arrived in the UAE, and we are extremely excited about improving the standard of the game in the region” said Adam Barnes, WorldHockey Academy manager, Dubai Sports City. “There is a massive amount of enthusiasm throughout Asia and the GCC for hockey and having the WorldHockey Academy here will encourage more people take up the sport.”

The WorldHockey Academy, which will also be the home of the UAE Hockey Committee, will introduce hockey to the local community through entry level programs. The focus will be on fostering enjoyment of the game in a common endeavor to increase the number of players and also lift the game standards across the country.

The WorldHockey Academy will also offer international teams a ‘best in class’ facility for training camps and competitions with a number of international teams looking to use the facility in preparation for the 2009-2010 season.

“The WorldHockey Academy has the potential to change the game in the Middle East,” said Dubai Sports City Academies Manager, Jeff O’Brien. “The WorldHockey Academy is ideally placed to improve the game at all levels creating a focal point for hockey in the region.”
The WorldHockey Academy is part of the integrated facilities at the Dubai Sports City Academies Campus which offers athletes a broad range of industry leading facilities and athlete services which rivals any facility globally, facilitating sharing of knowledge and experience between coaches, players and sports science across a variety of sports disciplines.

The Dubai Sports City Academies Campus also includes the Dubai Sports City Football Academy, the home of Manchester United Soccer Schools, Dubai; a David Lloyd Tennis Academy; and a Butch Harmon School of Golf, the first such facility outside the United States.

In addition, the Dubai Sports City Academies Campus is home to the International Cricket Council’s own ICC Global Cricket Academy; a Swimming Academy based around a 50 metre swimming pool with a retractable boom allowing simultaneous use by multiple users; a Rugby Academy, a High Performance Centre; and a world-renowned sports medicine and rehabilitation clinic.

NEW POLL : Should Matt Goddard ever ref another Super14 game?

2009-03-24T23:34:00.001+13:00

Cast your vote now!

What a horrid display of ref'ing ... in my humble opinion. Perhaps the answer to this sort of ref'ng problem is to give the refs two yellow cards per game and the player sent off has to take it with them!!!

What do you think????

POLL RESULT: RWC2011 ground allocations

2009-03-24T23:28:00.001+13:00

Q: Do you think the RWC 2011 ground allocations are fair?

results: 50% yes; 50% no

Kia X Games Asia 2009 Gets Off To Winning Start

2009-03-24T21:39:00.001+13:00

11th Edition of Asia’s Biggest Action Sport Competition Attracts More Sponsors and Partners

23 March 2009, Shanghai – This year’s edition of the KIA X Games Asia is set to be bigger and better, even before the event gets underway on April 30 – May 5, 2009.

Organized by Asia’s No. 1 sports broadcaster ESPN STAR Sports in collaboration with title sponsor Kia Motors, the eleventh edition of Asia’s biggest action sports competition, and the third to be held in Shanghai, will be bolstered by the addition of a new Silver Sponsor in Mountain Dew and the elevation of Apparel Sponsor Pony to Silver Sponsor.
New brands like Doritos as the Official Snack Partner and Cold Stone ice-cream have also picked up sponsorship packages. With the addition of more media partners like International Channel Shanghai and Shanghai Daily joining this year’s event, the total number of sponsors and partners has grown to 32 this year – nearly three times more than last year. Like Pony, all the brands stand to benefit from various promotional and marketing opportunities as part of their association with Kia and the KIA X Games Asia.

This year, competitors can look forward to the increase in prize money for the event, which has been raised from US$120,000 last year to US$130,000. Aggressive In-Line, Skateboard and BMX Freestyle participants for the street discipline can also expect a new and revamped course that will resemble real street conditions.

Visitors to this year’s KIA X Games Asia can also expect a bigger carnival atmosphere in the “X Fest”, which will have many exciting entertainment acts such as break-dance performances, DJs spinning the hottest tracks, as well as an interactive arena with many fun activities such as professional skateboarding coaching, games and prize giveaways.
The KIA X Games Asia has earned a strong global reputation with a significant increase in awareness about action sports in the region. Last year’s event was enthusiastically received by the Shanghai community and broke attendance records with more than 52,800 people passing through the gates of Yangpu District’s KIC Jiangwan Sports Center – an increase of more than 55% from 2007.

“We are very happy to be back in China, and look forward to delivering another exhilarating event to KIA X Games Asia fans in Shanghai,” said Harvey Davis, ESPN STAR Sports Vice President, Event Management. “We’re excited to work closely with Kia Motors to bring this world-class action sports competition to new heights, and are heartened by the enthusiasm of our new sponsors in developing so many new spectator and interactive elements this year.”

Themed as “X’press Without Limits”, this year’s event will showcase nearly 200 of the best action sports athletes from more than 30 countries from five continents in the categories Aggressive Inline (Vert and Street), Skateboard (Vert and Street), BMX Freestyle (Vert and Street) and Sport Climbing (Men Speed and Women Speed), accompanied by Moto X Freestyle demonstration (Big Air).

In addition to the high-level competition, many young and trendy artists, musicians and dancers will give spectacular performances to local audiences. The event ambassador, Go Go Club returns to the event as well, and will sing the Chinese theme song “Rise Up”. The highly entertaining concerts will also feature performances by Javis Jian-Fei Wu, Ren-Jie Shen, Juliet Li-Ye Zhu, and Andrew Zhi-Lin Cheung. Kindly refer to the factsheet for more information.

ICC Women’s World Cup Final England Quotes

2009-03-24T21:38:00.003+13:00

England women yesterday lifted the coveted Women’s World Cup for the third time in its 36 year history after beating New Zealand by four wickets.

The last time England won was in 1993 when they beat the same opposition at Lord’s.

Following the tournament which saw England lose just one game – a dead group match against Australia - captain Charlotte Edwards, herself a veteran of four World Cups said:” It's great having the trophy but I think it will take a couple of days to sink in. I'm not too sure what I am feeling at the moment, but I am just so happy we got over the line in the end. We are World Champions - it's just believing it now.

“We made really hard work of it but it doesn't matter how you win, as long as you win. The girls have worked really hard. I was biting my fingernails at the end because I didn't want us to mess it up. We had done so well in the field, we bowled and fielded well, so to let it slip stupidly would have been disastrous. Holly and Shawsy had it all under control.

“I have mixed emotions about that. It was hard telling her she was not in the team. You have to give a lot of credit to Jenny Gunn though for pulling out at the last minute. Everyone wants to play in a World Cup Final but she was honest to the team and that is what this team is all about. There are a lot of great people in this dressing room.

“I am a bit emotional at the moment. My family are here, my dad passed away recently - I am feeling a lot at the moment. I am just pleased I have done it. My brother said to me three months ago that we would win it, and I have done it. If I really put my mind to something it normally happens, but it would not happen if I didn't have such a great bunch of people around me. They have done fantastically well and it's great to see their faces. It's amazing.”

Mark Lane, Head Coach, commented: “We played some really good cricket. I thought we bowled well and then took our catches. It was a bit nerve-jangling when we batted.

“Luckily Nicky Shaw showed all her experience at the end and came good - Jack said it was a masterful piece of coaching. It was one of the hardest decisions in my life to leave her out in the first place.

“Jen was really struggling and showed some real guts to say that. Shawsy came in and filled her boots so I am really pleased.

“I was a little bit nervous but I have full confidence in people like Holly [Colvin]. Cricket is all about winning and getting over that line and that's what we did yesterday.

It means absolutely everything to me. In my coaching career I have had lots of hard nights down at Guildford Cricket Centre until 10pm and there early on Sunday mornings, so it's days like yesterday that make it all worth it.

“I'd like to thank anyone who coaches female cricketers anywhere in England because winning this is a tribute to all of them.”

Player of the tournament, England’s Claire Taylor added: It's absolutely brilliant. It's starting to sink in now and it just feels amazing. What has been a long time in planning, training, preparing and sacrifice has all some to fruition in the end.

“I like to have my goals, the girls take the mick sometimes, but after 2005 where I didn't even make a contribution, to come out of that, make some significant life changes and for it all to work is just brilliant.

“It's a team game and everyone has put their hand up in some way to get us over the line. It shows the strength of the girls and the people we have around us that we have come through.

“It was a little bit surreal when I went up to pick up the trophy. It was like the Champions League when all those things go off. To be involved in it is just brilliant.

“What will mean more though is standing here with all the players and all the support staff - we will sing our victory song and enjoy the moment together. This is a long journey which we have made together and it's been such a hard one.”

Player of the match Nicky Shaw added: “It's absolutely brilliant to have won the World Cup but it hasn't sunk in yet.

"I didn't know if I would play or not. I thought they would pick the same team as the one that played New Zealand last time.

"I kept it in when they announced the team - I got my thoughts together and carried on with the warm-up. Then I got the nod from Laney and the tears rolled down my face. I was going through a mix of emotions.

"It was right before the toss - we had people running across the field trying to change the team sheet. At that point I was pretty much crying. I had gone through a lot of emotion thinking I wasn't going to play. The one thing I hadn't dealt with was how I'd feel if I did play.

"It was really big of Jen to do that. It must have been the hardest thing she has had to do."

"Suzie Bates and Haidee Tiffin were good wickets to get. I could not ask for anything better, but everyone contributed."

"I was hoping I wouldn't have to bat as we were only chasing 167 to win. I didn't mind being out there though. It was great having Holly [Colvin] out there with me. She bowled so well yesterday and throughout the tournament, so she deserved to hit the winning runs.

"I was just waiting for the ball. I didn't want to hit a four and then get out. I just wanted to wait for the right ball and that's what I did."

Bristol Rugby Forced Into Back Line Changes

2009-03-24T21:38:00.001+13:00

Bristol Rugby have been forced to reshuffle their back line for the Guinness Premiership fixture at London Wasps on Sunday.

New Zealander Neil Brew has failed a late fitness test on a knee injury capping a bad week for the Brews with namesake Nathan also ruled out.
Luke Arscott moves into the centre to take over from Brew with Tom Arscott taking over from his brother at full back.

Luke Eves rejoins the squad having represented England U20s against Scotland at Worcester on Friday night and is named amongst the replacements as is England Sevens international Greg Barden.

Bristol Rugby:

Tom Arscott; Lee Robinson, Luke Arscott, Junior Fatialofa, David Lemi; Ed Barnes, Shaun Perry; Mark Irish, Scott Linklater, Darren Crompton, Roy Winters, Robert Sidoli; Redford Pennycook, Joe El Abd (capt), Alfie To'oala

Replacements:

Ollie Hayes, Wayne Thompson, Mariano Sambucetti, Dan Ward-Smith, Haydn Thomas, Luke Eves, Greg Barden

Foursomes The Key To England's Success In Spain

2009-03-24T21:37:00.001+13:00

England completed their 12th victory in 13 internationals with Spain going back to 1985 when they came out on top in the biennial match at La Reserva in Sotogrande.

After going into the second and final day 7-5 ahead, England completed a 13½ - 10½ victory to give new captain Colin Edwards a winning start in charge.

“I am extremely proud to get a win in Spain and captaining my country for the first time was an awesome experience,” he said.

The two morning sessions of foursomes provided the foundation for England’s success. On each occasion they came out on top 3-1, while the first day singles were drawn and Spain edged the final series 4½ - 3½.

England’s top scorer was Matt Haines (photo courtesy of Tom Ward) with a 100% record from his four matches, while Charlie Ford maintained his good form with 3½ point from four while Tommy Fleetwood scored three from four.

The only occasion Spain has won this fixture was four years ago at Puerta de Hierro when they won 15-8. In 2007, England got back to winning ways with a 16-8 win at Royal Ashdown Forest.

Results
Day One
Foursomes (England names first): S Hutsby & D Whitnell lost to J F Sarasti & C Pigem 1 hole; T Fleetwood & M Haines bt P Erice & M Cobo 6&5; C Ford & T Adcock bt S Garcia & F Pintor 2&1; L Goddard & E Pepperell bt A Hortal & P Oriol 1 hole

Singles: Hutsby bt Sarasti 5&4; Whitnell bt Pigem 4&2; Fleetwood lost to B Virto 3&1; Ford bt Cobo 5&3; J Abbott lost to Erice 3&2; Haines bt Garcia 2&1; Adcock lost to Oriol 1 hole; Goddard lost to Hortal 1 hole

England 7 Spain 5

Day Two
Foursomes: Hutsby & Whitnell lost to Sarasti & Pigem 2 holes; Ford & Adcock bt Erice & Virto 4&3; Fleetwood & Haines bt Oriol & Hortal 5&3; Goddard & Pepperell bt Cobo & Garcia 5&4

Singles: Hutsby lost to Pigem 2&1; Whitnell lost to Sarasti 2&1; Pepperell lost to Hortal 2&1; Ford halved with Pintor; Haines bt Virto 1 hole; Abbott bt Garcia 4&3; Fleetwood bt Erice 3&2; Goddard lost to Oriol 1 hole

England 6½ Spain 5½

Overall: England 13½ Spain 10½

Wait is over for Walker

2009-03-24T21:36:00.001+13:00

Chris Walker’s remarkable comeback from injury is set to be complete at Skilled Park on Friday night after the Jetstar Gold Coast Titans flyer was named on the wing for the blockbuster against the Bulldogs.

Walker, who recently turned 29, is set to play his first match in over 18 months having made a full recovery from consecutive Achilles tendon injuries.

Jetstar Titans coach John Cartwright also named halfback Scott Prince in an extended 18-man squad for the Bulldogs clash. He will give the club’s co-captain right up until kick-off on Friday night to prove his fitness after Prince injured his hamstring at training on Monday.

“He’ll be named in the side and we’ll give him up until kick-off to prove his fitness,’’ said Cartwright of Prince.

Walker’s journey to overcome problems both on and off the field will not be the only comeback story of the clash with the Bulldogs, with prop Michael Henderson also set to take his place in the starting front row for the first time in 2009.

Henderson’s start to the year was pushed back several weeks after he underwent surgery during the pre-season to remove a titanium rod in the leg which he badly broke in 2007.

Walker made history as the club’s first ever try scorer in the Jetstar Titans’ NRL debut match against St George Illawarra in 2007 but has since managed only four more games for the club in the two years that have followed.

It has been a remarkable journey for Walker, who has also turned his life around off the field – highlighted by him being a finalist for the NRL’s Ken Stephen Medal last year due to his tireless work in the community.

Jetstar Titans coach John Cartwright said Walker deserved to be back wearing a Titans jersey.

“He deserves his chance, he’s done well through the pre-season and to come back from two major operations like he has, he deserves to go out there and have a really good game for us,’’ said Cartwright.

“He’s obviously had his dark moments through it all and he had a lot of other issues to deal with as well.

“I suppose that makes it all the more sweeter when you get the call-up in the side. But for every high you have in telling Chris he’s in the side you’ve got to tell young Jordan he’s not in the side so it balances out for me but I’m very happy for Chris.’’

KIRK CALLED UP, LUCK BACK TO TAKE ON BRISBANE

2009-03-24T21:35:00.001+13:00

Utility back Aidan Kirk has been called in to replace Manu Vatuvei and loose forward Micheal Luck returns from a week off for the Vodafone Warriors’ third-round NRL clash against Brisbane at Mount Smart Stadium on Saturday night.
The 23-year-old Vatuvei, one of the Vodafone Warriors’ try scorers in their 26-24 win against Manly on Sunday, has a knee injury which is still being fully assessed.
That allows Kirk (23), who played 15 times at NRL level last year, to come onto the left wing outside centre Jerome Ropati.
Also out of the side is interchange prop Leeson Ah Mau, set to be sidelined for a few weeks after he dislocated a shoulder on Sunday.
Returning from the casualty list is vice-captain Luck, named after missing the Manly match after he was knocked out by a heavy Fuifui Moimoi tackle in the season-opening 26-18 win over Parramatta.
He slots back into the No 13 jersey, Sam Rapira is again named as a starting prop – he played in the back row in the opening stanza against Manly – and Russell Packer is again listed on the bench.
Vodafone Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said the opening two weeks of the season had once again underlined how physically demanding the NRL is on the players.
“We ended up losing three players after beating the Eels and, while we beat Manly, it was a brutal battle that certainly left us with some battered players,” he said.
“While we don’t know the full extent of Manu’s injury yet we couldn’t see him being ready for Brisbane so that opens the way for Aidan (Kirk) to have his first NRL run of the year. He did a terrific job for us last year.
“And Lucky has trained well the last few days. It was a good decision to give him the week off.”
Brisbane heads to Auckland with the same two-from-two record as the Vodafone Warriors so far this year.
They started with a 19-18 victory over North Queensland and held out Melbourne 16-14 last Friday night.
“They’ve come off two very tough matches impressively. While we have started with the results we aimed for, this takes it up to another level again because the Broncos just have so much to throw at you from all over the park,” said Cleary.
“We’ll need to be a lot better than we were at times against Manly. While we came back to win the match, there were periods when we weren’t playing as well as we needed.”
Saturday night’s match will be halfback Nathan Fien’s 99th for the club. That will leave him on target to reach his 100th in the home match against South Sydney on April 5, making him just the 13th player to reach the milestone for the Vodafone Warriors.
Stacey Jones, again named on the interchange bench after his match-winning deeds against Manly, will play for the Vodafone Warriors at home for the first time since taking on Newcastle on August 20, 2005.

Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland
7.30pm, Saturday, March 28
Referees: Jason Robinson and Matt Cecchin

VODAFONE WARRIORS

1 WADE McKINNON
2 DENAN KEMP
3 BRENT TATE
4 JEROME ROPATI
5 AIDAN KIRK
6 JOEL MOON
7 NATHAN FIEN
8 SAM RAPIRA
9 IAN HENDERSON
10 STEVE PRICE (c)
11 SIMON MANNERING
12 JACOB LILLYMAN
13 MICHEAL LUCK
Interchange:
14 STACEY JONES
15 RUSSELL PACKER
16 JESSE ROYAL
17 UKUMA TA’AI

18TH MAN: DANIEL O’REGAN

COACH: IVAN CLEARY

Kiwis Look Forward To A Busy Second Day At ASB Pro Circuit Tennis Futures

2009-03-24T21:34:00.003+13:00

New Zealand may have found a new star in tennis with recently turned 16-year-old Katherine Westbury gaining a win over a seeded player in the opening match of the Wellington tennis Futures tournament.

Westbury who was originally born in Hamilton but has spent time living in Christchurch, Sydney and Thailand defeated eighth seed and 450th ranked Nudnida Luangnam of Thailand in the first round of the US$10,000 ASB Pro Circuit at the Renouf Tennis Centre.

The 6-2 6-3 scoreline showed the complete dominance of the Kiwi and also the lack of composure of Luangnam who struggled to handle the often blustery conditions. The Thai player displayed her disapproval at the loss to an as yet ranked opponent by flinging her racquet half of the court at the completion of the match to which Westbury picked it up and then handed back to her.

Westbury will gain a WTA ranking next week after making the second round at Hamilton and previously a quarterfinal of a tournament last year.

She faces the Hamilton tournament winner, Ayu-Fani Damayanti(Indonesia) in the second round on Thursday.

In the men’s US$15,000 draw early wins went to Russian fifth seed Artem Sitak who is investigating applying for New Zealand citizenship. Sitak defeated Barbados player Haydn Lewis in three sets while eighth seed and North Harbour Futures winner, Rameez Junaid from Australia accounted American lucky loser Jordan Cox.

But New Zealand’s solitary male player in singles action on day one, GD Jones continued his wretched results in the series, losing to second seed Tatsuma Ito of Japan.

Jones led 4-1 in the first set but eventually 7-5 6-3. For Ito ranked at 333 it was another Kiwi scalp to add to his recent run. Last week he beat four New Zealanders on his way to the final in Hamilton where he was eventually stopped by Australian Carsten Ball.

Day two of the event will see nine locals take the court in singles the clash between No1 Rubin Statham and fellow Davis Cup team member, Adam Thompson late in the afternoon.

Dan King-Turner, Oliver Statham, Logan MacKenzie will all play along with Wairarapa professional Marcus Daniell who faces193rd ranked top seed and Hamilton winner Carsten Ball.

Daniell did have some success winning in doubles by teaming up with Joel Lindner(Australia) to defeated the highly respected top seeded Australians Adam Feeney 147th in doubles and Junaid ranked at 110 by a score of 2-6 6-4 10-7.

In women’s day two action Kairangi Vano plays Australian Alenka Hubacek, Di Hollands takes on fifth seed Kyung-Yee Chae(Korea) and Canterbury teenager, Leela Beattie comes up against American qualifier Sabrina Capannolo.

Jamie How joins BLACKCAPS squad as cover for Flynn

2009-03-24T21:34:00.001+13:00

Central Districts batsman Jamie How will join the BLACKCAPS squad tonight as cover for Daniel Flynn.

Flynn sustained an injury to his left hand while batting in the first Test against India. Tests today showed no indication of any fracture, but the hand is swollen, affecting Flynn's ability to bat.

He will continue to receive treatment and will be further assessed tomorrow before any decision is made on whether he plays in the match.

New Zealand Cricket has no concerns over Test playing strip

2009-03-24T21:33:00.000+13:00

New Zealand Cricket has confirmed that the wicket at McLean Park, Napier is expected to be in top playing condition for the second Test starting at McLean Park, Napier on Thursday.

The Test playing strip is slightly to one side of the strip originally scheduled to be used for the match, which was affected by minor patchiness after reseeding following the West Indies series. The patchiness is purely cosmetic and not the result of disease.

The new strip appears hard and flat, with affected areas well outside the playing zone. The strip has been extensively prepared over the past 10 days and is in excellent condition.

NZC endorses ICC appointment of Tony Hill to world's elite umpires

2009-03-24T21:31:00.001+13:00

The ICC release below details the appointment of New Zealand umpire Tony Hill to the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC umpires.

New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive Justin Vaughan comments on the appointment:

"New Zealand Cricket is delighted with Tony Hill's appointment to the Emirates Elite Panel. Tony has been an outstanding umpire for many years both in New Zealand and overseas and has earned the respect of teams and officials throughout the cricketing world.

"Tony's promotion reflects well on the standard of umpiring in New Zealand and it is great we now have two umpires on the Elite Panel, with Tony joining Billy Bowden as one of the top tier of cricket's match officials."

------------------------------

Gould and Hill make the step up to join the world’s elite umpires

Andy Pycroft appointed to Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced that umpires Tony Hill and Ian Gould have been added to the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires following the annual review and selection process.

The two umpires, who have been serving on the Emirates International Panel of ICC Umpires, have been elevated to the top level by the ICC Umpires Selection Panel made up of David Richardson, ICC’s General Manager – Cricket, ICC Chief Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle, ex-England player, coach and former first-class umpire David Lloyd and Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan, the former India captain and international umpire.

With the imminent retirement of Steve Bucknor coupled with last year’s retirement of Darrell Hair the number on the elite panel will be back up to 12.

In addition, four other umpires from the Emirates International Panel of ICC Umpires – Marais Erasmus (South Africa), Rodney Tucker (Australia), Amish Saheba (India) and Nigel Llong (England and Wales) – have been identified for overseas appointments in addition to umpiring international fixtures taking place in their own countries.

“We are delighted to confirm the promotion of both Ian and Tony to the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires,” said Mr Richardson.

“Their promotions are a result of perseverance, hard work and commitment and I am sure these two umpires will serve as an inspiration to the other Emirates International Panel umpires who are striving hard to break into the top flight.

“Apart from their sound decision-making, we have been particularly impressed with Ian and Tony’s team-work and ability to handle pressure when they have been given opportunities to umpire Test and high-level ODI cricket.

“They both enjoy a good rapport with players and have earned a lot of respect in their international careers to date. We are confident they will be able to make the step up to the elite level,” he said.

Following the appointment, Mr Gould said: “I am delighted to have been selected on to the elite panel. I believe that having played cricket at a high level for 21 years I understand the game from the players’ point of view and that I bring that empathy out in my umpiring. Although it’s a very different challenge to playing the game, being an umpire is enormously rewarding and a great way to stay involved.”

Mr Hill added: “I am thrilled by this appointment. For me, umpiring is all about teamwork and so to be part of such a great team as the Emirates Elite Panel is huge for me. I am looking forward to continuing to work hard and repaying the faith the ICC has shown in me.”

Appointments to fill the vacancies left by Gould and Hill on the Emirates International Panel of ICC Umpires will be made by the relevant home boards in due course.

Meanwhile in a separate appointment, former Zimbabwe Test batsman Andy Pycroft has been added to the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees bringing the total number of referees on the Elite Panel to seven.

ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: “Andy is a real cricket man with a remarkably diverse background within the game. At the highest level, he has been a player, team manager, selector and broadcaster so that, coupled with his legal background, makes him an excellent addition to the elite referees’ panel.

“He has a deep understanding of and passion for cricket and I am confident he will do an excellent job,” said Mr Lorgat.

Mr Pycroft added: “I am fortunate that I have been involved in cricket for many years and in many different capacities. Whether as a player, coach, administrator or commentator I have always tried to be fair and respect the game. I am looking forward to this new challenge and I will be doing my very best to apply that range of skills effectively.”

Background:

Ian Gould (51) joined the first-class umpires’ panel in England in 2002 and was elevated to the Emirates International Panel in 2006. Since then he has stood in two Tests and 31 ODIs. During his playing days, he was a wicketkeeper-batsman for Middlesex, Sussex and England in a first-class career that ran from 1975 to 1996. In that time he played 298 first-class matches scoring 8,756 runs at an average of 26.05. He played 18 One-Day Internationals for England in 1983.

From Auckland, New Zealand, Tony Hill (57) has been a consistent and reliable umpire at every level at which he has been appointed and has been a member of the Emirates International Panel since 1998. In that time he has stood in nine Tests and 63 ODIs. He is very active in New Zealand and when he travels in the role of training and mentoring up-and-coming umpires. He is a regional training officer in the Northern Districts and runs an online question-and-answer forum for umpires of all levels.

Andy Pycroft (52) played three Tests and 20 ODIs for his native Zimbabwe and appeared as a player in three ICC Cricket World Cup tournaments. Apart from captaining his country he has also completed stints as national coach, national team manager, national selector and television commentator. He has sat on several ICC committees including the ICC Technical and Rules Committee and the ICC Cricket Committee. Having attended Cape Town University he worked as an attorney-at-law for 22 years, including 17 years as a partner of the law firm, Winterton, Holmes and Hill.

The Emirates Elite Panels of ICC Umpires and ICC Match Referees comprise the top match officials in the world. To ensure the highest possible standards and guarantee impartial adjudication, two umpires from the Emirates Elite Panel stand in almost all Test matches around the world, while one member stands with a home umpire from the Emirates International Panel of ICC Umpires for One-Day International matches.

On average, each member of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires annually stands in eight-10 Test matches and 10-15 ODIs, not including any ICC events in that year. This is a potential on-field workload of 75 days plus travel and preparation time, per year. The composition of both panels is reviewed every year and announced around the end of March/beginning of April. These selected officials are contracted to work for the ICC on a full-time basis in a programme shared with their home boards.

The ICC supports the ongoing development of all international officials through the appointment of Regional Umpiring Performance Managers, by bringing them together for training on an annual basis, by employing a full-time digital video specialist to help review decisions, and by conducting regular reviews in Dubai as they pass through on assignment.

The Emirates Elite Panel was first introduced in April 2002. The current panels are:

Umpires

Mark Benson

Billy Bowden

Steve Bucknor*

Aleem Dar

Steve Davis

Asoka De Silva

Billy Doctrove

Ian Gould

Daryl Harper

Tony Hill

Rudi Koertzen

Asad Rauf

Simon Taufel

*Steve Bucknor has announced his retirement from international cricket umpiring with his final appointments set to come during the West Indies v England ODI series currently underway in the Caribbean.

Match Referees

Chris Broad

Jeff Crowe

Alan Hurst

Ranjan Madugalle

Roshan Mahanama

Andy Pycroft

Javagal Srinath

For more information about the ICC match officials go to http://icc-cricket.yahoo.net/about-icc/match-officials.html

Wenger: We are improving in every game

2009-03-24T21:30:00.000+13:00

I think it was a very good football game on Saturday. Newcastle had a very good first half and put us under pressure and could have been in front, of course, with the penalty. They had two or three other good chances as well.

In the second half we kept the tempo high, slowly took over and then won the game in a convincing way. I must say as well Newcastle were unfortunate to lose players, like Sebastien Bassong and Steven Taylor, at the wrong period of the game.

Manuel Almunia's penalty save in the first half was very important. I felt, though, that when the penalty was given, our shoot-out win in Rome would help him; it made him feel strong on penalties. Of course it is a bit of a toss-up, but I think some part of a penalty is psychological. On that front, the fact he helped us to win in Rome gave him the needed confidence.

With Chelsea and Manchester United losing it was a good opportunity for us to close in on those at the top. You never know, even in a one in a billion chance, we want to come back and fight to get as close to the team at the top.

We are unbeaten in 16 games in the Premier League and I feel we are improving in every game. This is a young side and the spirit is great, the quality is there and we feel we can go forward from game to game. People don’t realise how young we are in the Premier League, and what we achieve. I think today you had six or seven players between 20 and 22 years of age.

We are now ahead of Aston Villa in fourth place but the only thing that has changed from two weeks ago is that it is in our hands now. We do not have to focus too much on the results of Villa.

That shows you, if you drop a little bit, you are quickly caught. We could have been eight points behind Aston Villa two weeks ago, so we want to keep our focus, and our performances at a high level.

Arsène Wenger
www.arsenal.co.uk

A1GP News Round Up

2009-03-24T21:29:00.003+13:00

With A1GP World Cup of Motorsport now back in Europe teams are looking forward to the next event, A1GP Algarve, Portugal, 10 – 12 April 2009.A1GP is heading to Portugal for only the second time in its history and for the first time to the brand new Autódromo Internacional do Algarvecircuit. With several teams, including A1 Teams Switzerland, Ireland, Netherlands and the home team A1 Team Portugal, all battling for the championship and to win the prized World Cup of Motorsport trophy, the event promises to be one of the most memorable of the season.

Ahead of A1GP Brands Hatch, Great Britain, 1 – 3 May, fans can now keep up to date with the latest information through a dedicated A1GP Brands Hatch mini-site, www.a1gpbrandshatch.com, which was launched last week. The new website features the latest news, images and videos on the 2008/09 A1GP season, as well as information on the upcoming Brands Hatch event.

Through the site, fans can book tickets and find out more about the entertainment on offer both on and off the track during race weekend as well as directions to Brands Hatch and local accommodation details.

The website also includes details of raceday hospitality packages - including the brand new Trackside Lounge pass, which gives access to one of Brands Hatch’s stylish trackside suites at Brands Hatch, with superb views of the race circuit along the start/finish straight, available for £115 per person.

General admission tickets cost from £29 for adults, with free entry for children aged 12 and under.

A1 Team Malaysia joined one of its partners, The Otomotif College (TOC), last weekend at the Facon Education Fair held at the KL Convention Centre. The Otomotif College is an established training institution specialised in automotive education and skills training for the retail automotive sector. The fair is aimed at encouraging post secondary students to consider the college options available to them and A1 Team Malaysia were keen to be involved to help attract a new generation of talent to the automotive industry. The A1 Team Malaysia simulator was one of the main attractions on the TOC stand, drawing in prospective students to learn more about the offering of the college and having nearly 200 people put their skills to the test in the virtual A1GP race car. A1 Team Malaysia driver, Aaron Lim, also visited the stand, spending time meeting fans and signing autographs.

Higher Education Ministry Director general Datuk Professor Radin Umar Radin Sohadi did not miss a chance to try the simulator and commented about the fair, “Although our country is facing an economic slowdown and there are many unemployed graduates, students should still take tertiary education seriously and acquire the right attributes in order to be marketable later on.”

A1 Team Malaysia driver Aaron Lim was on hand to guide and tutor the budding race drivers on the simulator and he commented after the event, “The Facon Education fair is a great environment for students to be able to look at the options for the next step in their career ladders. The A1 Team Malaysia simulator was a real crowd puller to the TOC stand and it was great to be able to chat with students who are interested in the automotive sector and motorsport.

“As a long term partner to the Malaysian A1GP team, we know first hand how the TOC can assist young students with their career goals. The students who study at the TOC could potentially make the transition into Malaysian motorsports in the future and grow into race series such as A1GP.”

Looking ahead to Season Five, the SuperGP on Australia’s Gold Coast has been strengthened by the announcement of a new three-year naming rights partnership with the Nitro energy drink brand.

Nitro Energy Drink is an Australian-owned product with its national headquarters on the Gold Coast. Nitro Energy Drink Joint MD Matt Nielsen and Nitro SuperGP chairman Terry Mackenroth officially confirmed the partnership last week.

“I think, like the Nitro SuperGP, our products are for everyone - and being a proud Queensland and Australian-based company, we have had our eye on a major event to be associated with for a long time,” Nielsen said, “For this opportunity to present itself at this stage of our company's growth is fantastic for everyone involved and we look forward to accelerating our brand's position and our sales through a positive and rewarding relationship.

“The slogan we have associated with Nitro Energy Drinks is 'Go hard or go home' and, in a lot of respects, that is a perfect fit for one of the world's most exciting and entertainment-packed events which really does test a fan's stamina. That will be made a little easier with a can of Nitro Energy Drink or two!”

''I am very pleased to welcome Nitro Energy Drink onboard as the naming rights partner in what is the start of a new era for the event,” said SuperGP chairman Terry Mackenroth.

“The SuperGP is considered one of the world's best street races and to secure Nitro Energy Drink as the new naming rights partner for a three-year period further reinforces its strength and appeal. I believe the addition of a dynamic and proactive naming rights partner in Nitro Energy Drink and their ability to leverage the event on a national stage, will provide enormous opportunities for both parties.”

The Nitro SuperGP will feature A1GP and V8 Supercars with the two series to co-headline the event in Queensland on the 23-25 October 2009. The event is produced through a partnership between the Queensland Government and IMG. Tickets for the event officially go on sale on 23 March 2009 through Ticketek (www.Ticketek.com ) and the event’s new website www.SuperGP.com.

NRL Breach Notice

2009-03-24T21:29:00.001+13:00

The Canterbury Bulldogs have been informed they will lose two Telstra Premiership competition points after breaching the Replacements (Interchange) rules against Penrith on Saturday night.

A breach notice will be issued alleging the club had fourteen players on the field when the match-levelling try was scored in the final moments of the match.

“It’s a regrettable decision to have to take but the interchange process is clear and no interchange can take place without it being followed,” National Rugby League Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said today.

The Bulldogs will have five business days to enter submissions in relation to the breach notice before the penalty is confirmed. Until then the club remains on four competition points. In any event, the Panthers will not be awarded the competition points.

A detailed viewing of the ‘eagle-cam’ video and other angles this afternoon cleared the club of suggestions of an improper interchange between Ben Roberts and Andrew Ryan in the 78th minute.

However, it showed clearly that when Michael Ennis was on the ground with an injury, Ryan (having previously left the field) re-entered from the ‘far’ touchline and rejoined play without abiding by the interchange process and with Ennis still being treated.

Ryan took a position in the attacking line during the try-scoring play with Ennis still on the field and with the Bulldogs therefore having 14 men.

“When the media first raised this matter the speculation was around the Roberts-Ryan interchange,” NRL Chief Operating Officer, Mr Graham Annesley, said today.

“This always appeared to be conducted properly but we could not confirm that until we received extra vision today.

“In the process, however, it became clear that after Andrew Ryan left the field on the far side and was walking away from the play, he then appeared to be called back on by a trainer.

“There are clearly fourteen men on the field when the try is scored.”

Previous instances where clubs have had first grade competition points deducted over replacement breaches: 1975 Western Suburbs; 1988 South Sydney; 1992 Gold Coast; 1993 Balmain; 1995 Auckland; 2000 North Queensland.
Brisbane was stripped of two competition points on April 14, 2004, and had them reinstated on appeal on Friday, May 21. At the time, the Appeal Committee Chairman, Sir Laurence Street, called for stricter enforcement of the Replacements (Interchange) procedures. This led to a number of changes including the elimination of ‘cross-overs’ as players exited and entered the field and players directly handing their interchange cards to the NRL Interchange Official.
Disputed matters can be taken to The NRL Appeals Committee, which comprises a Chairman who has served or qualified as a judge, a nominee of the Rugby League Players Association and a Nominee of the Chairman of the NRL Club Council.