12 SPANISH PLAYERS CANDIDATES FOR "ONZE" TOP 11 TEAM 2009 (FULL LIST)

Lakers Crush the Wiz

I watched the game on TNT last night and it was a rout. The Lakers picked up their 34th win of the season in a relatively easy fashion. The Lakers led 72-47 at the half and cruised to a 117-97 victory. The hapless Wizards were undermanned and outmatched. The win was a total team effort. Seven players scored in double figures. The starters were able to sit out the 4th quarter and nobody on the team played more than 28 minutes. Andrew Bynum had a double double with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Bynum seems to be rounding into shape. His physical conditioning is improving and he looks lik! e he is getting quicker. This is good news for L.A. The Lakers need Bynum to be a major force in the interior as he is the team's only true post up player. Pau Gasol added 18, Lamar Odom 16 and Kobe Bryant chipped in 11.

The Lakers next game is Sunday@ the Staples center against the San Antonio Spurs.

USA U17 3, Denmark U19 0

The match does not count as an official international.

North Carolina 3, TAMU 2

In one of the most dramatic games in Fetzer Field history, the No. 1-seeded University of North Carolina women's soccer team had to rally twice from one-goal deficits to defeat No. 13 Texas A&M 3-2 in the NCAA quarterfinals before 4,487 fans on a sun-drenched day in the Tar Heel State. With the win, the Tar Heels (25-1) earn a trip to the NCAA Women's College Cup next Friday where the Tar Heels will meet UCLA in a semifinal match at SAS Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. The game time will be announced Monday by the NCAA. Notre Dame and Florida State will play in the other semifinal.

Louisville 0, Canada WNT 9

The Louisville women's soccer team fell 9-0 to the Canadian National team on Saturday afternoon in Cardinal Park. Christine Sinclair led the Canadians with two goals and an assist while Rhian Wilkinson added three assists and a goal.

Alex Scott traded by Chicago

Chicago sends Alex Scott, its 6th Round Pick (41st overall) and its 10th Round Pick (69th overall) in the 2009 WPS Draft to the Boston Breakers for the 2nd Round Pick (14th overall) and the 4th Round Pick (28th overall).

What does this mean?
Its simple, Scott is Kelly Smith's girlfriend and this trade can only mean that Smith will sign with Boston really soon. DiCicco is building a powerhouse in Boston.

F1 : 2008 - Super Aguri buyout collapses

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Super Aguri have released a statement confirming that their potential purchasers the Magma Group, have pulled out of the planned acquisition. The team have also confirmed that current team principal Aguri Suzuki is continuing his negotiations with other potential purchasers.

R.I.P Aguri? I only hope they will a new purchaser to rescue this minnow :)

I truly like this team, their fighting spirit and never give up really impress me, I just remembered when Davidson said i! n Australian GP 2008," I am happy to have good race and to bring back home the car"... My goodness, they are really lack of spare parts... what things can even go worse than that? Compare to McLaren or at least Honda, Jenson never feels worries of the car's spare parts.

Update:
Friday, April 18, 2008
According to the German Magazine, Super Aguri is given 3 days only to save their future in F1. If they can't find the buyer or the investor then they will not go to Barcelona and may the rest of the 08 season. I just hope they will find the right investor, the grid won't be complete without this great small team.

Liverpool and Chelsea through to semi's

Liverpool are through to the semi-finals of the Champions League after an emphatic win over English rivals Arsenal. The Gunners domintated the first ten minutes and were rewarded for their efforts when Abou Diabyi scored in the 13th minute. However Sami Hyypia headed the ball into the back of the net fifteen mintutes from half time to equalise.

The Reds then took the lead in the 69th minute when Fernando Torres or better known as 'El Nino' in Merseyside made it 2-1. Liverpool kept Arsenal from scoring until they were caught of guard with a fantastic run from Theo Walcott who's clinical pass to Emmanuel Adebayor leveled the score it seemed unlikely that Arsenal were not going to progress. However that was not meant to be, Ryan Babel was brought down in the area and the referee pointed to the spot.! Steven Gerrard stepped in to take the penalty and Liverpool were now in the lead. The win was sealed when Babel out-paced Cesc Fabregas to put the ball in the back of the net.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez shares his thoughts...



In the other match of the night Chelsea hosted Fenerbache, the Blues took an early lead as Michael Ballack scored from a freekick after 4 minutes, with Frank Lampard getting the second goal for his team.

D-Day for Chiliboy

Bulls hooker, Chiliboy Ralephele, will know today whether he'll be fit to take part in the Springboks' opening three tests of the year if he's selected.

Ralephele underwent knee surgery and will get an update from a specialist on his progress this afternoon. He didn't play any Super 14 rugby this season but was identified by former Bok coach Jake White as the team's future leader. He's been a succesful captain for South Africa's age-group sides.

Breakfast Headlines

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers will announce his Tri-Nations squad today and he's once again highlighted the wealth of talent at his disposal.
Ryan Kankowski probably won't be considered after his head injury, but Pierre Spies should return after a check-up on his blood problem came back all clear.
De Villiers says he's got a selection puzzle at fly-half after Saturday's 26-0 win over Italy at Newlands...
***
The Springboks are building on the belief they can beat the All Blacks in New Zealand this year.
Bok coach Peter de Villiers will scale down his squad to 28 players today ahead of the opening Tri-Nations match against the Kiwi's next Saturday.
Former Bok coach and now Italy coach, Nick Mallet says the Boks can do it...
***
Good news for Vodacom Western Province is that Blue Bulls skipper, Wikus van Heerden looks set to miss Saturday's Currie Cup clash at Newlands.
Coach Alistair Coetzee could also incl! ude any Springboks not selected for the Tri-Nations away leg.
Fly-half Isma-eel Dollie and centre Morgan Newman are back in training for the Vodacom Western Province after their triumph with the Emerging Boks at the Nations Cup.
***
Cricket South Africa has suspended its bi-lateral agreements with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union until further notice, due to the worsening political situation in Zimbabwe.
Sadly for the Zim players, it means stops includes the participation of Zimbabwe in any local domestic competition.
***
The Proteas leave for England tonight ahead of a four test series.
They'll also play 5 one-day matches and a Twenty 20 clash.
The first test starts on the 10th of July.
***
Australian cricketers will pay tribute to Glenn McGrath's late wife, Jane, who died after a long battle with cancer, when they face the West Indies in the first one day match today.
***
Good weather on the opening day at Wimbledon.David Nalbandian's defeat to Canadian Frank Dancevic was t! he big u pset.
Third seed Novak Djokovic will clash with Grandslam winner, Marat Safin, in the second round.
Number one seed Roger Federer is also through.
Ana Ivanovic and Serena Williams are among the women through to the next round.
Ivanovic says there are a lot of expectations being the number one seed...
***
Reports have revealed Santos midfielder, Thando Mnogomeni, is on his way to Sundowns in a straight swap for Tyren Arendse.

Proteas Make Early Breakthrough

South Africa have made the best possible start on day two of the fourth and final test against England at the Oval.

England resumed the day on 49 for 1 with Ian Bell and Allistair Cook still at the crease. Bell didn't last too long. He was caught in the slips by Graeme Smith off the bowling of Makhaya Ntini for 24, adding just two to his overnight score.

Bell's wicket brings Kevin Pietersen to the crease in his first innings as England captain.

ENG 54/2

Federer back on top

Roger Federer has wrapped up his 13th Grand Slam title with a fifth consecutive US Open win, beating British sixth seed Andy Murray 6-2, 7-5, 6-2.

It was the Federer of old, his footwork was precise, the touch was sublime, and the impeccable Swiss timing was back. "One thing for sure, I'm not going to stop at 13. That would be terrible," said a beaming Federer. He now trails Pete Sampras's overall record by just one, and going by his form at the Big Apple, history is on the horizon.

Nadal ends the year at the top

Rafael Nadal will end his wonderful 2008 tennis season at the top sport. The Spaniard is on 7100 points and has sealed the title for the first time in his career. Former World number one Roger Federer is now is second place. The Swiss star has just won the Swiss Indoors his home tournament and is now on 5805. Serbian Novak Djokovic comes in at third with 4575 points.

Here are the top 10 rankings as of today:
(1) Rafael Nadal, Spain, 7,100
(2) Roger Federer, Switzerland, 5,805
(3) Novak Djokovic, Serbia, 4,575
(4) Andy Murray, Great Britain, 3,420
(5) David Ferrer, Spain, 2,315
(6) Nikolay Davydenko, Russia, 2,265
(7) Andy Roddick, United States, 2,045
(8) David Nalbandian, Argentina, 1,875
(9) Juan Martin Del Potro, Argentina, 1,820
(10) Gilles Simon, France, 1,740

Eng to help victims of attacks

England has arrived in India ahead of their test series with the home team. The English side says they will give half of their match fees of the first game to those affect by the recent terror attacks in Mumbai.

In a statement released earlier the players said they would donate around 35 000 pounds to victims of the attacks.

Top order batsman Alaistar Cook says, the open and public statement for the support for the Indian people following the tragic attacks was one of the key reasons the players agreed to return.

England will also be eager to get an early win in the test format. India were leading the ODI Series 5-0 before it was cancelled when the violence began.

Breakfast Headlines

Cricket:

Cricket South Africa says it will consider hosting the ICC Champions Trophy in September. ICC executives have recommended South Africa as a venue due to unpredictable weather in Sri Lanka.

Jacques Kallis will captain the Proteas in the third test against Australia and not Ashwell Prince. Cricket bosses say they want the returning Prince to concentrate on his new role of opening batsman. Meanwhile, Kallis has withdrawn from the Chevrolet Warriors team to play the Titans today due to a hand injury.

JP Duminy's been included in the Nashua Cape Cobras side to take on the Nashua Dolphins in Pietermaritzburg. Hashim Amla will be in action for the home side. Cobras coach Shukri Conrad has resisted the urge to make many changes...


The Proteas w! omen suffered a crushing 199 run defeat to New Zealand at the Cricket World Cup in Australia. New Zealand scored 250 for 5 in 50 overs and South Africa were 51 all out in 22 overs.

Rugby:

New Zealand Rugby have revealed the match schedule for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The Springboks' first match is in Wellington against Wales on the 11th of September. The All Blacks will kick-off the tournament against Tonga on the 9th of September in Auckland. Wellington will also host a quarterfinal between the Boks and either Australia, Ireland or Italy. The final will be played at Eden Park in Auckland on the 23rd of October.

The Vodacom Stormers have made four changes ahead of the Super 14 match against the A and G Lions at Newlands on Saturday. Nick Koster replaces Tonderai Chavhanga on the right wing and Sireli Naqelevuki returns to the left wing. Schalk Burger and Adriaan Fondse are also back in the starting lin! e-up. Willem de Waal continues at flyhalf. Stormers captain, J! ean de V illiers, says he's confident their luck will change this weekend...


Football:

Santos are through to the next round of the Nedbank Cup after a 2-1 over Milano United at Athlone Stadium. Swallows beat Wits 3-1 in an all premiership clash. Peace Lovers beat Real Madrid 1-0.

In the UEFA Champions League, Porto are through on away goals after a goalless draw against Atletico Madrid. Barcelona thrashed Lyon 5-2 to go through. Arsenal went through on penalties after a 1-0 defeat to Roma. Man United went through to the quarterfinals after a 2-0 win over Inter.

In the English Premier League, Blackburn beat Fulham 2-1.

Massa and Alonso lead Friday practice sessions

Quoted and edited from Autosport.com:

Felipe Massa maintained his recent strong form by dominating Friday morning practice for the Belgian Grand Prix. Massa was fastest for the majority of the morning at an overcast but dry Spa-Francorchamps, setting the first flying lap of the weekend and then repeatedly improving his time as his first run progressed. Massa also switch to soft tyres for his final run and found even more time, improving to first a 1:47.369 then 1:47.284 to cement his position as the opening practice pace-setter.

Fernando Alonso grabbed the top spot at the end of a rain and red flag-interrupted Friday afternoon practice session at Spa with a 1:48.454 sec. lap. Several drivers went off track during the session, Alonso, Raikkonen Webber, Fisichella all had moments of difficulty with track conditions.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/70287
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/70294

Lampard - Gerrard The Best

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has admitted playing against Steven Gerrard is the toughest test in football.

The duo lined up against each other on Sunday as Liverpool travel to Stamford Bridge to take on the Blues in the Premier League, and Lampard said games against the Reds always provide a difficult challenge.

Chelsea and Liverpool have had a number of memorable matches in recent seasons and Lampard is looking forward to testing himself against his England team-mate in the latest clash between the two clubs.

"I would say he is the hardest player to play against in midfield because he's got every! thing," said Lampard.

"He is a very complete midfield player. He's the stand-out one in England. Maybe when we play Arsenal and they are sometimes on top form, you could pick one of their players but Gerrard is the main one for me.

"It's a good rivalry because we get on well and I enjoy playing on the same side for England.

"A lot gets made of us playing together because we are quite similar, but in the past year or two I've felt a lot better about it.

"Stevie is one of the best players in the England team and probably in the world to be honest, so it's always nice to play with great players and against them as well."

Liverpool ended Chelsea's 86-match unbeaten run at home the last time they travelled to the Bridge in the league, and Lampard is wary of the threat posed by Rafa Benitez's team.

"If you asked me who our toughest opponents in Europe have been I'd have to go for Barcelona because they are such a t! alented team and we have played them so many times over the la! st few y ears," he added.

"But in England I would say Liverpool are our toughest rivals for sure. They aren't necessarily the best team, because Manchester United have proved they are the best.

"But Liverpool have a very difficult way of playing against you. They make it hard for you to play, their defence is very strong and they have a lot of players who press you, even up front."

Carragher: I'm Not Over The Hill

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has vowed to silence the critics who have suggested he is over the hill.

Carragher, 31, has been singled out for criticism by some pundits in a struggling side which has already lost three Premier League games this season.

However, the former England international is determined to answer his critics on the pitch.

"What will happen now is every time I have a bad game people will mention my age, whereas before it was just me having a bad game," he said.

"I look after myself. It's! just that when things aren't going well for you, nothing goes well.

"It's happened to me before, after the 2006 World Cup - any mistake I made seemed to end up in the back of the net.

"At the moment I'm not playing well, I know that. But I've the strength of character to put it right.

"We all love it when we get praised.

"You can't have it one way and not the other - you've got to take the stick as well."

Lucas Leiva Set The Platform For Liverpool's Victory Over Manchester United

What will that victory do for confidence at Anfield?

Liverpool desperately needed that win yesterday. They had gone into the game on the back of four successive defeats, which is almost unheard of at Anfield. You had to go back to 1987 for the last time that had happened and go back to 1953 for the last time they had lost five games on the spin.

Liverpool needed a big show of character and the players delivered. It wasn't the most free-flowing football they have produced this season, they have passed the ball better, but it was important that they came through the way the! y did in such a high-pressure game.

Had they lost you could almost certainly have written off their title challenge for another season, but by winning they are right back in the mix. The most important thing in the short-term was to release the pressure around Anfield. It was becoming almost impossible to deal with and at least the players can go back to trying to get results away from the intense glare that has surrounded the club over the past week or so.

What did the result mean for Rafael Benitez and his future at the club?

No manager is unsackable and Benitez knows that. If Liverpool go another season without winning a trophy, or finish outside the top four, Benitez's position will be called into question again. That is the nature of the job.

But at this stage of the season there was far too much talk about Benitez's position. He had a bad run of results but that is all it was. Nothing had been decided, no tr! ophies had been handed out, no places in next season's Champio! ns Leagu e had been decided, so there was no need for that kind of talk at this stage.

Liverpool have never been the kind of club that have had a knee-jerk reaction to problems with their managers - they always take a considered view and as Christian Purslow, the managing director, said yesterday they see him as central to the long-term vision at the club. What they are trying to do now is put the investment in place that will allow him to build on what he has already achieved. No one likes losing games and they don't like to be under pressure - this victory will have been a big release of pressure for Benitez.

Without Steven Gerrard and with Fernando Torres not fully fit it was important the rest of the Liverpool side stood up to be counted. Who caught your eye?

To beat Manchester United everyone has to play well, so the first thing to say is that this was a really good team performance which hasn't been the case in previous weeks.

Having ! said that, there were a few outstanding individuals for Liverpool yesterday. Jamie Carragher was magnificent. There have been people writing him off in recent weeks which has been ridiculous. He is a top professional and one of the outstanding defenders of his generation. Like every player he will go through bad patches but he is a crucial part of Benitez's Liverpool side.

Yossi Benayoun created the first goal with a wonderful pass. He is growing in stature all the time and is now one of Liverpool's foremost players. He is someone Benitez is looking to, alongside Gerrard and Torres, to make things happen. Elsewhere, Javier Mascherano put in the kind of performance that is expected of him but that he had failed to produce so far this season.

Lucas Leiva was the one player who really stood out but it didn't surprise me. He has received an awful lot of criticism during his time at Anfield but he always works hard for the team, in the nuts and bolts rather! than in the flashy stuff, and I thought his display in midfie! ld set t he platform for the victory.

What did you make of Sir Alex Ferguson's comments after the game?

When Liverpool won 4-1 at Old Trafford last season, Ferguson said Liverpool hadn't deserved the win but this time he held his hands up and was pretty magnanimous, although he still couldn't help but have a snipe at the referee, Andre Marriner.

Obviously, we know he is in trouble for his comments over Alan Wiley's fitness and yesterday he questioned Marriner's experience. What kind of referee does he want?

There is no such thing as a perfect footballer and that is also the case with referees. Marriner is a promising young referee and the only way to give him the kind of experience he needs is by taking charge of these high profile games. He got most of the big decisions right, the only contentious one was the decision he made not to send off Carragher.

Carragher could have been sent off but Marriner also showed ! Nemanja Vidic the yellow card when he brought Dirk Kuyt down as last man. He showed consistency in both decisions.

Ferguson's comments about Carragher's challenge on Michael Carrick were a little strange. It was a very forceful challenge but he took the ball. Ferguson only need have looked at his players' reaction for his answer - none of them even looked at the referee.

Apart from the comments about the referee, Ferguson did say Liverpool had deserved to win the game and he deserves credit for that.

Torres gave Rio Ferdinand and Vidic another torrid afternoon. Do United look fragile defensively this season?

That must be a concern for Ferguson. Anyone would want Ferdinand and Vidic in their side but neither looked entirely convincing yesterday. Ferdinand is struggling for form because of his fitness and as soon as he gets match-sharp again I would expect him to start delivering the kind of performances that we exp! ect from him.

Vidic's problems are more psychologic! al. When he sees Torres he almost looks scared of being shown up and when centre backs have that kind of problem with centre forwards it becomes a real problem. Ferdinand and Vidic won't face Torres every week; sometimes you can criticise the defenders too much and not give enough credit to the strikers.

Yesterday's result appears to have opened up the title race again. It promises to be as exciting a season as we have seen in some time.

It's fantastic. Every football fan should really enjoy this because it doesn't happen every season. There will be times when every manager that is challenging for the title will come under pressure because one result can really change things. Teams are winning and losing like never before because all of the teams involved have weaknesses - some of them glaring.

Chelsea have the points on the table at the moment but you can still see their weaknesses when they travel away from home and concede from set plays. They wil! l also lose some key players to the African Nations Cup after Christmas.

United have shown weaknesses of their own and Liverpool's are well documented. It all makes for a fascinating season and there will be plenty more twists and turns to come.

2009 season review: Marco Melandri

Monday, 07 December 2009

The Italian rider, who finished tenth in this season’s MotoGP World Championship, is first in the motogp.com riders’ season review series.

The lead-up to the 2009 season did not run as smoothly as Marco Melandri would have wished, with the Italian expecting to ride an official Kawasaki bike. The factory’s decision to withdraw from the MotoGP World Championship this year meant Melandri was entered as a single rider entrant with Hayate Racing, but without any guarantees of competitiveness on the Ninja ZX-RR.

Entering an important season as he aimed to recover from a tough previous year with Ducati Marlboro, the initial signs were that the 27 year-old had been largely unaffected by the pre-season change in his deal with Kawasaki. Despite a poor start in Qatar, Melandri put together a run of three strong results. Sixth and fifth in Japan and Jerez respectively were followed up by a first – and only – podium of the season in France in a race which started in wet conditions.

After his remarkable second place in the flag-to-flag contest at Le Mans in May, a stretch of four races in which Melandri made the top ten only once – at Laguna Seca – followed. At Mugello he even led the race, but a final placing of 11th was part of a series of results that was something of a dip compared to his earlier form.

Back-to-back seventh places at Donington and Sachsenring saw Melandri break his run, and at the British Grand Prix he qualified in a season’s best place of seventh on the grid.

Disappointment was next up however with consecutive crashes at Brno – a final-lap collision with Mika Kallio – and Indianapolis, where Melandri was battling with James Toseland for sixth place until he crashed out with three laps remaining.

Despite these mishaps Melandri managed three more top-ten finishes in the final five races of the campaign, even with throttle problems on his ZX-RR, but ended on a frustrating note as his acceleration issues led to 17th place in Valencia. He finished the season in 10th place when there had been real hope of winning the battle for seventh in the overall standings.

It was nevertheless an impressive effort in 2009 from the Italian in some testing circumstances. In 2010 Melandri returns to the San Carlo Honda Gresini team for whom he secured five victories with in three seasons, and finished runner-up with in the 2005 World Championship.

Day of Champions heads to Silverstone for 2010

Monday, 07 December 2009

MotoGP’s official charity, Riders for Health, are pleased to announce that the Day of Champions 2010 will be held before the race at Silverstone next season.

Day of Champions is the perfect way for race fans to start their MotoGP weekend, and Riders for Health are thrilled to be welcomed to Silverstone on MotoGP’s return to this historic circuit.

With the 2010 race scheduled for Sunday 20th June, the Day of Champions will take place on Thursday 17th June.

Each year thousands of fans join Riders for Health and the teams and riders from the MotoGP paddock to help raise thousands of pounds to help get health workers on the road in Africa. Day of Champions 2009 raised a total of £177,000.

In 2010 fans will have the chance to see inside the paddock and pit-lane at Silverstone for the first time. This is a unique chance to see behind the scenes of one of the world’s most exciting sporting events.

As always the highlight of the day will be the famous Day of Champions auction. The stars of MotoGP will be onstage to help auction signed memorabilia, helmets, leathers and paintings. In 2009 the Day of Champions MotoGP auction raised £77,000.

Fans will also get to see the future heroes of MotoGP when the riders from the 125cc World Championship take to the stage, along with the stars of the brand new Moto2 class.

More information about Day of Champions 2010 will be announced soon, along with details of when tickets will be going on sale. To make sure you are the first to know, keep checking the Riders for Health website at www.riders.org.

You can also sign up to Riders’ monthly email newsletter, Riders News, online. Riders are also on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ridersforhealth.

Gadea to test Pons Kalex prototype in Valencia

Monday, 07 December 2009

Moto2 team to continue preparations for the 2010 season with the second outing of its prototype, at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit on Wednesday.

Pons Kalex’s research ahead of the inaugural Moto2 season will take its next step on Wednesday, with the team conducting the second test of its 600cc 4-stroke prototype in Valencia.

The scheduled Moto2 test at Valencia from December 9-10 will see a host of machines taken out on the track, as teams and riders maintain their pre-season programmes.

For the Pons Kalex team, who have been further developing their bike over the past few weeks in Germany, Axel Pons and Sergio Gadea will be collecting data to add to what was established in Valencia in the post-season test last month.

Pons, who had an operation in Barcelona two weeks ago to remove pins from his legs, will be joined by Gadea, who will ride the bike for the first time and is being viewed by the team as a potential acquisition for the category next season.

Team manager Sito Pons said, “Although the winter seems to be a long one, the start of the season will be here very soon. When you’re working on a bike for a new category, it’s very important to have a prototype that can be developed quickly and in the best way possible.”

“In this sense, Kalex is doing a great job, and with an extraordinary level of technology. The test in Valencia will be another step in our process, and we are convinced we can get some very good results.”

After the test in Valencia this week, Pons Kalex plan to return to the track from December 14-15 at the Almeria circuit.

Rossi to experience Bologna Motor Show action

Monday, 07 December 2009

MotoGP World Champion in action at the 2009 Findomestic Memorial Bettega, held at the Bologna Motor Show this week.

A wealth of talent will be on show at the 2009 Findomestic Memorial Bettega, set to be held at the Motor Show in Bologna on 7-8 December. Alongside FIA WRC World Rally Champions Petter Solberg and Marcus Gronholm, FIA Junior WRC World Champion Sébastien Ogier and 2009 FIA WRC World Rally runner-up Mikko Hirvonen, the Motorsport Arena will also see nine-time MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi in action.

The Italian rider has decided to return to the Motor Show after previously experiencing the Memorial Bettega. Rossi will get behind the wheel of the Ford Focus WRC prepared by Malcolm Wilson’s M-Sport in the team’s UK factory.

According to official Ford driver Hirvonen, who has already raced on the mixed tarmac/dirt track of the Findomestic Memorial Bettega, Rossi will provide stiff competition alongside the other participants.

“As far as I'm concerned, all of the adversaries are dangerous, especially given that the starting line up includes drivers of the calibre of Gronholm, Solberg, Ogier, Navarra and Östberg, to say nothing of the great Valentino,” said Hirvonen.

Other motorcycling names will go head-to-head in the Yokohama Superbikers Drifting contest, where they will be at the wheel of Ford Mustangs prepared by Gandin Motors and fitted with Yokohama tyres. Amongst those who will unleash the horsepower of the US coupés will be Andrea Dovizioso, Mattia Pasini, Andrea Iannone and Loris Reggiani.

2009 season review: Loris Capirossi

Tuesday, 08 December 2009

The veteran Italian’s 20th season of Grand Prix racing – his 12th in the premier class – was one of highs and lows.

Pre-season testing in 2009 had highlighted what seemed to be great potential in the 2009 GSV-R prototype, but the season that unfolded for Loris Capirossi aboard the bike was an inconsistent one.

A crash in the early part of the first race in Qatar was not the start rider or team wanted, and the closest Capirossi came to achieving a 100th career podium – which escaped him all season – was at Mugello.

Capirossi finished fifth in Italy having qualified in third place on the grid, and was just 3.2s behind race winner Casey Stoner as his bike showed signs of the competitiveness all at Rizla Suzuki had hoped for.

The result was repeated in the next race at Catalunya, where Capirossi held off Dani Pedrosa, but there was another crash at Laguna Seca at the halfway point of the season.

As the season progressed two more fifth places were achieved, as Brno saw Capirossi battle with Toni Elías and Andrea Dovizioso for a podium finish while San Marino involved a fight at the front.

However, a further DNF after a spill at Estoril made for a frustrating last section of the season for Capirossi, which was added to with relegation to the back of the grid at Phillip Island after Suzuki exceeded the maximum engine allocation since Brno. Ninth place was his final classification in the standings, and both Suzuki and Capirossi will be aiming for greater things next year.

2009 season review: Alex de Angelis

Wednesday, 09 December 2009

Continuing a rundown of the top ten in this year’s MotoGP World Championship, the San Marinese rider’s season with San Carlo Honda Gresini is reviewed.

Gresini kept faith with Alex de Angelis after a tough 2008 ended in a 14th-placed finish, and in 2009 the rider finished 8th with almost double the amount of points (111) he had scored the year before.

Whilst his 2010 future remains undecided De Angelis experienced a season of two distinct halves this year, with a first premier class podium coming at Indianapolis in the latter part.

The season got off to a promising start with sixth place from ninth on the grid in Qatar, but De Angelis came in for some criticism for the manner in which he overtook Dani Pedrosa in the race, touching with the Repsol Honda man.

From there, a series of seven results followed which saw De Angelis make a top-ten finish just once, at Assen, as he struggled for competitiveness.

The change came with a fifth-placed finish in Germany and fourth at Donington. Second behind Jorge Lorenzo at Indianapolis helped De Angelis accumulate a set of solid displays and also delivered his only podium of the year.

A mistake on the first lap of his home GP at San Marino led to a crash which took out both Colin Edwards and Nicky Hayden and was followed by another DNF at Estoril, but De Angelis bounced back with fourth place at Phillip Island as he once again showcased his undoubted talent ahead of the 2010 season.

Valencia hosts Moto2 teams

Wednesday, 09 December 2009

The Ricardo Tormo Circuit hosts a two-day test starting on Wednesday, with a selection of Moto2 teams using the opportunity to take out their developing prototypes.

Preparations for the debut season of the Moto2 category in 2010 continue in Valencia on Wednesday, with a number of the teams competing in the intermediate class sending their machines out for further testing.

Amongst those who will be present are Axel Pons and Sergio Gadea, who will be building on what the Pons Kalex team established in November’s test. The Spanish outfit have been developing their bike in Germany over the past few weeks, and are aiming to be back on track in Almeria next week as they seek a quick follow-up to their findings in Valencia this time out.

The chassis that Hervé Poncharal’s Tech 3 Moto2 squad debuted in France last week in a private test will also be on track, with one half of the team’s rider line-up for 2010, Raffaele de Rosa, experiencing his first ride on the machine.

Italtrans STR’s Roberto Rolfo will be riding the Suter Racing prototype to be used next season. The 29 year-old Italian, who has experience in both the 250cc and MotoGP classes, and Robertino Pietri will race for the squad in 2010.

Mapfre Aspar’s Mike di Meglio and Julián Simón will again use a BQR machine on Wednesday. The pair shared a loaned bike from BQR in Valencia in early November to get their first tastes of action aboard the 600cc machine, and there is a possibility the Aspar team may use the Pons Kalex prototype on Thursday.

Rossi finishes four-wheel experience

Wednesday, 09 December 2009

MotoGP World Champion completes his participation at the Bologna Motor Show, where he drove a Ford Focus WRC.

Rally specialists prevented MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi from accomplishing his target of achieving a good result in the 2009 Findomestic Memorial Bettega, at the Bologna Motor Show this week.

The Italian rider’s involvement in the Memorial Bettega was ended at the qualification stage, as he was beaten to the fourth spot by Marcus Gronholm.

“The track was extremely difficult,” said Rossi. “I tried to get a feel for the car, but I had too many problems and could not get the right reaction.”

Rossi, who had a minor run-off, was satisfied with his experience nevertheless, and added, “It was good anyway, I could compare myself against the best Rally drivers and it’s right that they’re the winners.”

The 30 year-old will now take a break before commencing his preparations for the 2010 MotoGP season.

“I had bad luck with the Ferrari at Vallelunga, where the car caught fire, and Monza where I had another minor mishap. But now I’ve done enough driving, and will concentrate on next season. Next year I’ll return and try again with the Rally.”

Sexy Young Girl with Baby Doll

Girl the always looks into the mirror eye. She is Nicole Richie. Sexy model is liking traveling.

Jill Stuart Seductive Eyes Spring Collection 2008

Jill Stuart Seductive Eyes Spring Collection 2008

Rain scuttles sessions

By John Hopkins

Heavy rain played havoc with the schedule at Daytona International Speedway today, as only the four opening practice sessions were completed on the revamped road course.

Factory Honda rider Miguel Duhamel was top Canadian in practice for both the Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series and AMA Superbike Championship. In Formula Xtreme the Montrealer rode his Honda CBR600RR to the eighth best time of one minute, 45.660 seconds. Jason Disalvo led a Yamaha R6 sweep of the top three positions at 1:44.242.

Second best Canuck was Calgary's Chris Peris aboard his Yamaha YZF-R6 in 10th place with a 1:47.350. Alan Schmidt of Clearwater, BC placed 15th at 1:48.768 on another R6 and Granby's Pascal Picotte was 19th with a 1:49.085 on his Yamaha. Vancouver Island racer Oliver Jervis was 50th in the field of 75 with a 1:53.502 riding a Kawasaki ZX-6RR and Kevin Lacombe came in at 68th with a t! ime of 1:59.837 abaord his Suzuki GSX-R600.

In Superbike practice Duhamel wound up 12th with a 1:42.553 on his Honda CBR1000RR. Ben Spies led a trio of Suzukis at the top of the timesheets with a 1:40.505. Mat Mladin was second on a 1:40.954 and Aaron Yates third with a 1:41.167.

Diablo Suzuki teammates Steve Crevier and Francis Martin placed 28th and 32nd respectively on their GSX-R1000s. Crevier managed a 1:47.939 and Martin clocked a 1:49.151.

Rain washed out qualifying for the Repsol Lubricants Superstock and Pro Honda Oils Supersport classes today. They will be gridded for their races tomorrow based on last year's points.

Peris was top Canadian in Supersport practice with a time of 1:48.571 on his R6, good for 14th. Picotte placed 17th at 1:49.273 and Schmidt clocked the 21st best time of 1:50.000. Aaron Gobert was quickest with a 1:44.401.

No Canadians recorded times in Superstock practice. Disalvo led the way wit! h a 1:40.621 on his R1.

Superbike and Formula Xtrem! e qualif ying will go as scheduled tomorrow.

Inside Motorcycles // www.insidemotorcycles.com

Simons and Allard join field

From WPSA

SHAKOPEE, MN — Ryan Simons and Dave Allard earned spots in the Winter X Games 10 field by finishing first and second, respectively, in the non-points, invitational event during Saturday's WPSA PowerSports Snowmobile Tour Minnesota State Regional event at Canterbury Park. This was the final Winter X Games 10 invitational event of the 2005-2006 season.

Simons (Arctic Cat) and Allard (Ski-Doo) are now eligible to compete in Winter X Games 10, being staged in Aspen/Snowmass, CO Jan. 28-31. The event's Snocross competition will be telecast live each day of Winter X Games 10, and will feature riders from the Tour.

The next national event for the PowerSports Snowmobile Tour is scheduled for next weekend, Jan. 14-15, at Canterbury Park.

Inside Motorcycles // www.insidemotorcycles.com

Snap Judgements on the Reds

Well we have had one series in the books of this 2009 season and it is WAY to early to make too many judgements on this team but lets at least point out a few tid bits.

* Lets not forget that the Mets are predicted to be one of the top teams in the NL. There were a lot of Reds fans who were quick to pass judgement on our offense after opening day but let us not forget we had the pleasure of facing Johan Santana that day, not an easy task. Since that outing the Reds have hit the ball well, so no need to panic yet.

* Jay Bruce looks like he is pressing a little right now. I think once he gets in stride he will be fine. Not All Star type numbers but he should be very productive.

* Joey Votto will more than likely be our All Star this year. His stroke is effortless and he absolutely smashes the ball. He can hit with as much power as Dunn and has way more intangibles than Dunn could ever dream of. Not ready to put Votto in the Hall of Fame yet lik! e some Reds fans, but could easily see him pushing 40 Home Runs and 100 RBI's this season all while offering solid defense at first.

* Out of Harang, Volquez, and Arroyo Aaron Harang has given us the best outing thus far. Harang was the pitcher who a lot of Reds fans worry about. Volquez will need to work on lowering that pitch count, once again he threw a lot of pitches early in the game. Arroyo was just Arroyo, he is not a true #3 pitcher more like #5. He got the only W so far so hard to complain too much.

* Outside of a rough outing from Herrara and Lincoln the bullpen has been absolutely lights out. Cordero came out today and got three K's to get the save. Arthur Rhodes has pitched phenomenal thus far. The bullpen is stacked and will help us win some ball games this year.

* Left side of the infield has been less than impressive so far. Edwin is starting the season 1-7, we will need a lot more offense out of him to justify having him on ! the field cause he ain't winning any Gold Gloves anytime soon.! Gonzale z is 0-6 starting the season, he is not expected to hit the ball but is also expected to do it with the glove and had a critical error on Wednesday night. Hopefully they can both get something going.

Bengals Picked Dead Last in AFC Central

The Vegas odds for wins in 2009 are out. If you are a Bengals fan, they are down right sickening. The Cincinnati Bengals have been set with an over-under of 6 wins for next season. This puts them last in the AFC Central. The Pittsburgh Steelers lead the way in the division and the NE Patriots were picked with the highest overall predicted win total.

I personally think this is a joke. A healthy Carson Palmer. A much much improved defense. A solid top few draft picks. A weak schedule. I think this team has a lot to look forward to as far as the 2009 season. I would definitely take the over on this one. How many wins do you think the Bengals have in store for 2009??

Vegas Odds: Over-Under Win Total
Patriots 11.5
Steelers 10.5
Ravens 8.5
Browns 7
Bengals 6

*Week 4 Observations

* With 1:04 left on the clock and the Bengals facing a 4th and 11, Marvin Lewis was going to punt the football and play for the tie. But Carson Palmer talked him out of it and ended up making the play scrambling for a first down and setting up a 31-yard field goal for the win. That was Shayne Graham's first successful overtime field goal in his career, and the first Bengals overtime win since 2001.

* I am not sure why Marvin would play for the tie, I understand the field position issue, you don't want to give Cleveland the ball with a chance to pick up 30 yards and hit a Field Goal to beat you. But why play for the tie? I am glad he made the decision to go for it. A tie does nothing for us.

* The game was surprisingly chippy. The Brown's players looked like they really believed they could win this game and were really fighting to win it.

* I really thought the defense played well, Josh Cribbs was shredding our special teams and gave the Br! own decent field position a number of time throughout the game. Twice the special teams gave the Browns the ball in the red zone. Once on a Caldwell fumble, and once on a Cribbs return, and both times the defense held them to a field goal.

* Leon Hall covered Braylon Edwards (0 yards) Jonathan Joseph covered Mohamad Massaquoi (143 yards)

* I was hoping that Bratkowski had overhauled the playbook like he said in the off season, but in a 3rd and 5 on the goal line situation he brought out the shovel pass to Brian Leonard. Some things never change.

* I have been watching football for a long time and I cannot remember ever seeing the same player block two field goals. Very rarely do you ever see a blocked field goal let alone two in one game by the same player. Now, its not like this is a fluke after Sunday Rogers has 14 blocked field goals in his career. But both can be attributed to this combo of St. Louis, Huber and Graham. I am not sure t! hat the issues are? St. Louis has looked just out of control w! ith his snaps. This cannot continue, if the Bengals really want to be a contender they cannot afford to keep making these mistakes. That game should have never gone to OT.

* Chad Ochocino continues to come up huge for the offense when called on. There have been a few miscommunications on offense. Everyone wants to always blame Chad for those but the way that Palmer has looked I am not always sure that is deserving. The receivers really have played well when they get a ball to them that is catchable. Henry needed to fight for that ball that was floated up to him, but Henry was wide open and Palmer should have led him up the field with the pass.

* I think we can only be cautiously optimistic about this team, we are 3-1 and a fluke away from 4-0 (By the way, the Bronco's are undefeated and maybe not as bad as we thought they may be this year.) However, we have not looked dominating and must eliminate some mistakes on Special teams, and ramp up the offense if we ! want to contend for the p-word.

UFC Rankings as of 3.6.08

-Bess


Heavyweight

1. Randy Couture
2. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
3. Tim Sylvia
4. Brandon Vera
5. Fabricio Verdum
6. Andrei Arlovski
7. Frank Mir
8. Heath Herring
9. Chieck Kongo
10. Brock Lesnar


Notes: This division got better overnight for me, largely due to UFC 81. Brock Lesnar showed that while he's got a serious hole in his game (jiu-jitsu, or lack thereof) he is a force on his feet and with his ground and pound game. But Mir's conditioning and expertise on the mat reigned surpreme, and I'm looking for a Mir-Sylvia rematch. Couture stays up there for now; I'd love to see him fight Nog. If he wins there, he can go fight Fedor in a phone booth for all I care. He'll have earned it.



Light Heavyweight

1. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson
2. Dan Henderson
3. Lyoto Machida
4. Keith ! Jardine
5. Chuck Liddell
6. Forrest Griffin
7. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua
8. Thiago Silva
9. Rashad Evans
10. Tito Ortiz


Notes: The Light Heavyweight landscape doesn't change much as there were no significant fights in this weight class over the next month. That all changes at UFC 84 and 85. Rua is out in his match with Liddell, and "Sugah" Rashad has offered to sacrifice himself to the gods. The only question now is, who fights Thiago Silva? This guy has looked dangerous so far and I thought his fight with Evans would be a good test for both fighters. The Wanderlei-Jardine matchup is interesting because a win for the Dean justifies a title shot, yet a win for Silva will maintain relevancy in the sport.



Middleweight

1. Anderson Silva
2. Dan Henderson
3. Rich Franklin
4. Yushin Okami
5. Nate Marquardt
6. Patrick Cote
7. Travis Lutter
8. Dean Lister
9. Thales Leites
10. Chris Leben

Notes: Not a whole lot changes here for me, either. Silva is downright scary. I'm scared of him right now while I type this, and you should be shivering in fear as you read this. Poor Henderson is the second best fighter in two different weight classes after losing to both champions. How frustrating is that? Cote and Marquadt each looked impressive in wins over McFredries and Horn, respectively. But the men in front of them are too good to move out of the way. While Okami is still ranked 4th after his win over a still punch drunk Evan Tanner (no pun intended), I think he deserves a title shot here. Okami, aside from Cote, is the only guy in the top 7 that Silva hasn't fought (or demolished). Leben, meanwhile, is the gatekeeper to the middleweight division. I love this guy. I wish he could fight every day, whether it's in the Octagon, the middle of the street or by the back booth of a bar somewhere.



Welterweight
1. Georges "Rush" St. Pierre
2. Matt Serra
3. Jon Fitch
4. Karo Parysian
5. Matt Hughes
6. Josh Koscheck
7. Marcus Davis
8. Diego Sanchez
9. Josh Burkman
10. Mike Swick


Notes: GSP is the "interim" champ, and unless he gets caught again, he'll dominate Serra in their rematch. Meanwhile, the UFC can exhale after Fitch, Koscheck and Sanchez all passed their tests at UFC 82. I thought Hazelett deserved more of a chance after dominating the first round over "Kos," but oh well. Sanchez had his fire back, and I would love a rematch with Koscheck to settle that one. Parysian fights Thiago Alves at UFN 13 and needs a win to maintain any hopes of a title shot. Meanwhile, Fitch looks like he's next in line. Why not a title eliminator?


Lightweight

1. B.J. Penn
2. Sean Sherk
3. Joe Stevenson
4. Roger Huerta
5. Kenny Florian
6. Cl! ay Guida
7. Frankie Edgar
8. Tyson Griffin
9. D! in Thoma s
10. Joe Lauzon


Notes: Penn challenges Silva and St. Pierre for moniker of Best P4P in the World. This guy is so flexible he could suck a fart out of his butt. Can I say that here? Anyway, UFC 84 is a big night for this division, because if Penn wins, I seriously question whether he'll stick around to clean out this division, which he should have no problem doing. Florian and Lauzon will be a good test for both men. While this division is stacked with depth and talent, I think there's a significant gap between the top 2 spots and the rest of the division. It'll be interesting to see if anyone else in the top 10 steps up as a legitimate threat for the title in 2008.

2009 NBA All-Stars

The starters for next month's NBA All-Star game were announced last night and look like this.

East:

Dwyane Wade, Heat
Allen Iverson, Pistons
LeBron James, Cavs
Kevin Garnett, Celtics
Dwight Howard, Magic

West:

Chris Paul, Hornets
Kobe Bryant, Lakers
Tim Duncan, Spurs
Amare Stoudemire, Suns
Yao Ming, Rockets

Fun fact: Only 4 of the 10 All-Star starters played college basketball with two of them going to Wake Forest (Paul and Duncan).

The reserves will be named on Thursday, so before that happens, I'll will give you my picks on who should fill out these rosters.

In the East?

Paul Pierce, Celtics
Devin Harris, Nets
Danny Granger, Pacers
Chris Bosh, Raptors
Joe Johnson, Hawks
Jameer Nelson, Magic
Vince Carter, Nets

In the West?

Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks
Brandon Roy! , Blazers
Pau Gasol, Lakers,
Tony Parker, Spurs
Chauncey Billups, Nuggets
Shaquille O'Neal, Suns
Carmelo Anthony, Nuggets

On the fense in both conferences:

Deron Williams, Jazz
Mehmet Okur, Jazz
Kevin Durant, Thunder
Al Jefferson, Timberwolves
Caron Butler, Wizards
Antawn Jamison, Wizards
Marcus Camby, Clippers
Rajon Rondo, Celtics
Ray Allen, Celtics
Steve Nash, Suns

Remember where you heard it first. Also there is a great MMA ppv on Saturday, Affliction's 2nd show featuring Fedor vs. Arlovski. I'll try to get the results up as soon as possible.

-Keefe

UFC 102 Results

Sorry for the delay, here's what happened Saturday night in Oregon.

Under Card:

Evan Dunham beat Marcus Aurelio by split decision
Mark Munoz beat Nick Catone by split decision

Todd Duffee beat Tim Hague by first-round knockout
Mike Russow beat Justin McCully by unanimous decision
Gab! riel Gonzaga beat Chris Tuchscherer by first-round TKO
Aaron Simpson beat Ed Herman by second-round TKO

Main Card:

Brandon Vera beat Krzysztof Soszynski by unanimous decision
Nate Marquardt beat Demian Maia by first-round KO (punch)
Jake Rosholt beat Chris Leben by t! hird-rou nd submission (head-and-arm choke)
Thiago Silva beat Keith Jardine by first-round KO
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira beat Randy Couture by unanimous decision

Atletico Madrid 2-2 Almeria

Almeria striker Pablo Piatti struck in the last minute to deny Atletico Madrid their first win of the Primera Division season.

Diego Forlan, who missed a first-half penalty, had seemingly given the hosts all three points with his 56th-minute strike before Piatti intervened with his second of the evening, heaping further pressure on Atletico coach Abel Resino.

The Argentinian's first goal in the 27th minute had been equalised almost immediately by Cleber Santana at ! the Vicente Calderon .

Almeria were all over their illustrious hosts in the opening stages and could have been ahead within a minute when Albert Crusat fired wide from inside the box.

Piatti came even closer when his left-footed effort in the fifth minute from a similar distance was turned round the post by Roberto.

Almeria had a third good chance moments later when the ball fell to Kalu Uche, whose strike was caught by Roberto.

Finally Atletico, who had star forward Sergio Aguero on the bench after he sustained a knock to his thigh in Saturday's 5-2 defeat by Barcelona, responded, with Maxi Rodriguez trying his luck from a difficult angle 20 yards out.

Diego Alves saved comfortably, but the Brazilian was tested more sternly after nine minutes when he dived to tip Forlan's 25-yard effort behind.

Madrid came close moments later when Santana headed Jurado's corner goalwards, but visiting defender Chico was on hand to clear.

For! lan should have done better when he sent a weak shot wide from! 20 yard s after 15 minutes.

And, three minutes later, after he was fouled by Hernan Bernardello in the box, he missed a chance to atone.

He took the spot-kick himself but sent the ball wide of the right-hand post.

Forlan and his side paid the price for that miss in the 27th minute when Crusat from the left wing set up Piatti to put Almeria ahead.

But the lead lasted barely a minute, Santana's close-range strike brought Atletico level.

Atletico had a number of chances to take the lead before the break, but Forlan struck a free-kick into the wall before Diego Alves saved from Jurado and Florent Sinama-Pongolle.

Jurado fired wide before the break and the onslaught continued after the restart, Santana providing Diego Alves with what proved to be a simple take.

Rodriguez missed from close range and Santana lifted an effort over the crossbar from inside the box, but it was clear a goal was coming.

And Forlan it was who claimed it, st! riking low into the left corner from six yards to give his side a deserved lead.

Crusat shot wide as Almeria searched for a way back into the game, while, at the other end, Sinama-Pongolle could not keep his effort down.

The match fragmented somewhat in the closing stages and, with a flurry of bookings and substitutions, including Aguero replacing Sinama-Pongolle, neither side could keep their rhythm.

But with the seconds ticking down, Almeria snatched a precious equaliser.

Corona on the right picked out Piatti in the box to finish low past Roberto.

Shahar Peer victorious again

Shahar Peer won her second consecutive title when she defeated Akgul Amanmuradova 6-3 6-4 in the Tashkent Open.

It was the 10th match in succession in which the in-form Peer, 22, had not dropped a set, having won in Guangzhou last week, and she said: "That's a nice feeling. I'm happy I'm playing well.

"I had played Akgul four times before and knew her game fairly well, but I knew it would be difficult. I tried to play my best and not give her any chances. I'm happy my father was with me these! last two weeks, because I won both tournaments."

Peer's back-to-back titles are more impressive considering only once in those 20 sets was she even pushed beyond 6-4, when she beat Belarusian Olga Govortsova 7-6 6-2 in the Tashkent semi-final.

Perpignan 29 Northampton Saints 13

The Heineken Cup game between Perpignan and Northamption Saints at Stade Aimé Giral, Perpignan on Friday Oct 16, 2009.

From giddy euphoria to sobering reality, Northampton have travelled a long way within six days. It is the sort of journey only on offer at the highest level of European competition. And so the Saints' invigorating march came to an abrupt halt in this raucous corner of Catalonia.

Under the cosh for long periods, particularly up front, Northampton had to live on their wits, relying on the occasional sparkle of Shane Geraghty and ! Chris Ashton for moments to lift their valiant band of travelling support.

Perpignan really ought to have won with more to spare, butchering at least two tries. The Saints, though, hung in there, although missing out on a bonus point may be costly. Their ill-discipline was a factor although they were not happy with the officiating.

"We didn't get any help from the referee [Nigel Owens]," said Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder. "But it's a good lesson for us, especially for our up-and-coming players."

Northampton were well aware that one heroic effort does not make for a campaign and much as they strove to repeat their all-consuming display against Munster, they were on the back foot, forced to scavenge and salvage. It was a chastening experience even if they did share the try count at two apiece.

Last week's poster boy, lock Courtney Lawes, was reduced to comparative anon! ymity, no surprise given the pressure exerted by the abrasive ! Perpigna n pack. Geraghty was not without flaw, but he again showed invention as well as guts. But it was a sporadic effort all round. Northampton did not run up the white flag but they took a pounding.

This was where Northampton found out much about themselves. Not many have come through the Aime Giral ordeal. Perpignan have not lost at home in Europe in 15 matches and are unbeaten on their own patch this season.

They were in feisty mood, goaded into salty action by the ineptitude of their 9-8 loss in Treviso. As centre, Maxime Mermoz, so neatly put it: "We know we gave the rest of the rugby world a good laugh."

The bite and snap was back. Perpignan got stuck into the Northampton set-piece, disrupting the lineout and squeezing in the scrum. They ought to have had more return than they did. But for a crass fumble by flanker, Jean-Pierre Perez with the line at his mercy, Perpignan would have been out of the blocks with a r! eal rattle.

They did not have to wait long, however. Jerome Porical had already knocked over a penalty goal before his forward pack laid siege to the Northampton line. Time and again the Saints scrum buckled, but referee Nigel Owens only issued warnings. Finally even his patience snapped, penalty try.

Northampton's stirring victory over Munster spoke of a side with honest traits: selflessness, togetherness and humility. They grafted for that win, backing each other to perform. They are not the flashiest, although Geraghty has been in a rich vein of form.

It was Geraghty who helped Saints recover from a torrid opening. He punched up from a lineout in the 26th minute but was back in position to send Ben Foden round on an arc. The full-back did well in delaying his pass allowing wing Chris Ashton some room. He did not waste it, chipping cleverly and timing his run on to the ball to beat Perpignan scrum-half Nicolas Du! rand to the touchdown with inches to spare from the dead-ba! ll line.

But that was a lone sortie. Northampton were being stretched. Nothing had been seen of the man l'Equipe dubbed "Le Demolisseur," the Demolition Man, Lawes.

The inevitable fissures opened, Perpignan exploiting the fault lines. Just before half-time, fly-half Nicolas Laharrague dinked a ball in behind the Northampton defence.

Mermoz raced on to it, slipped a deft pass out of the tackle for his midfield partner, David Marty to gallop to the line having skipped out of the flailing tackle of James Downey. Perpignan's 20-8 lead was well-deserved.

Perpignan ought to have put the game to bed within minutes of the restart. Again, Perez was the culprit, firing out a forward pass when he could have strolled over the try line himself.

Ben Foden reacted to another Perez fumble shortly after, weaving upfield, finding Bruce Reihana on an angle who, in turn, fed Ashton. When the ball was recycled prop Saone Tongau! iha teed up his front-row mate, Brian Mujati for an unlikely try.

Perpignan took what was on offer thereafter, Porical's boot landing nine points. Northampton were gutsy but soundly beaten.

Galatasaray 4-1 Dinamo Bucharest

Frank Rijkaard's Galatasaray kept domestic issues at bay with a crushing 4-1 win over Dinamo Bucharest in Istanbul to extend their lead at the top of Europa League Group F.

Rijkaard's men face a potentially decisive Super Lig clash with city rivals Fenerbahce this weekend and warmed up for it in style by comfortably seeing off their Romanian opponents.

Former Blackburn loan striker Shabani Nonda scored twice with two fellow former Premier League stars, Harry Kewell! and Elano, also getting on the scoresheet before Ousmane N'Doye grabbed a late consolation.

Servet Cetin and Ayhan Akman both had early chances as the home side sought to extend their unbeaten run in Europe this season to nine games, while Gabriel Torje fired the visitors' first chance over the bar.

Kewell fired Galatasaray's deserved opener in the 32nd minute and Nonda almost increased the lead shortly afterwards when his right-foot volley was saved by Dinamo keeper Emilian Dolha.

Dinamo came close to equalising on 40 minutes when Adrian Cristea's shot was parried by Leo Franco in the home goal, but two minutes later the visitors were made to pay when Nonda made it two.

Nonda finished off a right-wing cross by Abdulkader Keita to make it 2-0. He had a chance to snatch another before the break when he headed a Sabri Sarioglu cross over the bar from 12 yards.

The Congo striker did not have to wait long after the break for his second. He fi! red home from the left side of the six-yard box in the 47th mi! nute fro m another cross by Keita.

Galatasaray extended their lead from the penalty spot in the 58th minute after Zie Diabate fouled Aydin Yilmaz in the box. Elano stepped up to fire the spot-kick home and make it 4-0.

N'Doye converted a Cristea corner in the 62nd minute but it will have come as little consolation for Dinamo interim boss Ion Marin, who took charge for the third time following the dismissal of Dario Bonetti.

Gabriel Tamas shot over the bar for the visitors while Nonda missed the chance to claim a hat-trick when his right-foot shot from 12 yards sailed wide with less than two minutes left on the clock.

Troicki makes early exit in Russia

Third seed Viktor Troicki was the victim of a surprise defeat when he was knocked out of the St Petersburg Open in the first round by Karol Beck.

The Serbian served 10 aces - two more than his Slovakian opponent - but Beck was far more consistent on his serve and the world number 81 prevailed 7-6 (4) 4-6 6-4 in just over two and a half hours.

The defeat means Troicki, world ranked 31, has been knocked out in the first round for two years in a row ! having fallen to eventual champion Andy Murray in 2008.

Bjorn Phau moved into the second round with a 6-3 6-2 victory over Stanislav Vovk.

Pohang confirm Champs League spot

Pohang Steelers, who play Al Ittihad in Saturday's AFC Champions League final in Tokyo, confirmed their place in next year's continental competition by finishing second in the K-League table ahead of the play-offs.

Midfielder Hwang Jin-sung scored in the 11th minute as Pohang beat reigning champions Suwon Samsung Bluewings 1-0 on Sunday to finish ahead of FC Seoul on goal difference after both teams finished on 53 points.

FC Seoul, managed by Senol Gunes, reached the quarter-finals of this ye! ar's AFC Champions League, but will now rely on the K-League play-offs to secure a spot in next year's competition.

Jeonbuk Motors, led by K-League top scorer Lee Dong-gook, topped the table on 57 points. Jeonbuk will contest the championship play-off final against Pohang or the winners of the preliminary play-offs between the teams ranked third to sixth.

The top three teams in the K-League play-offs and the winners of Sunday's FA Cup final between Suwon and Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma will compete in next year's AFC Champions League.

Pohang will be competing in the AFC Champions League for the third successive time after qualifying for the last two events by winning the K-League in 2007 and the FA Cup last year.

The Steelers reached this year's AFC Champions League final by winning their semi-final 4-1 on aggregate against Qatar's Umm Salal, who had beaten FC Seoul in the quarter-finals.

Al Ittihad are also assured of a place in next year's AFC! Champions League after they won the 2008-09 Saudi Pro League.!

AFF Suzuki Cup 2008 Thailand and Indonesia

Group A

07/12/08 Jakata Indonesia

17:00

Singapore 3 : 1 Myanmar

Sin: Alam Shah 10', Casmir 16',74'.

Mya: Min Tun 28'.

19:30

Cambodia 0 : 4 Indonesia

Sudarsono 16', 55', 76', Bambang 77'.

Perinetti pronto a fare la spesa per il Bari

di Tiziana Garofalo

Il campionato va, o meglio continuerà ad andare da domenica, dopo la sosta per via degli impegni della nazionale. Il campionato va, il Bari anche. A guidare la squadra sul campo mister Ventura ma c'è anche chi come il direttore sportivo Perinetti (nella foto, fonte asbari.it) lavora e tanto dietro le quinte.

Il mercato è chiuso ma le trattative no. Per questo è sempre un tema caldo, uno di quelli che genera chiacchiere da bar e che fa sognare i tifosi. Non è certo notiz! ia di oggi che Stefano Guberti lanciatissimo nel Bari di Antonio Conte in serie B un anno fa, ed ora ai margini della Roma di Ranieri che sembra non considerarlo proprio, potrebbe far ritorno nel capoluogo pugliese.

E se i problemi fin qui sono stati i pochi gol segnati dalle punte da gennaio il problema potrebbe essere risolto con l'arrivo di un ariete da aria di rigore: un nome che però almeno per il momento sembra assomigliare più ad un candido sogno è quello di Simone Tiribocchi. Se dovesse arrivare una cosa è certa: arriverebbe un altro ex Lecce a cercar fortune… e chissà questa volta come andrebbe...

Milan-Rafinha, si tratta

di Giorgio Mosconi
Fonte: MilanNews.it

Inizia a muoversi qualcosa, in termini concreti, sulla pista che porta all'esterno brasiliano dello Shalke 04, Rafinha. Il club di Gelsenchirken ha valutato il suo laterale, al quale ha promesso il nulla osta a Gennaio, 10 milioni euro, due in meno, 8 milioni, rispetto a quelli che ha intenzione di offrire Adriano Galliani. Intanto lo stesso AD rossonero è stato avvistato l'altro ieri a pranzo con il petroliere albanese Taçi ma probabilmente i due avranno parlato dell'! accordo per la trasferta albanese di Febbario per il trofeo Taçi Oil.

Post.8° giornata: Milan-Roma

di Rocco Fortunato

fonte:sportmediaset.it

Milan-Roma domenica ore 20.45
Milan (4-4-2): Storari; Oddo, Nesta, T. Silva, Zambrotta; Abate, Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf; Ronaldinho, Pato. A disposizione: Dida, Kaladze, Jankulovski, Flamini, Ambrosini, Huntelaar, Inzaghi. All.:Leonardo
Indisponibili: Bonera, Di Gennaro, Abbiati, Borriello, Onyewu

Roma (4-4-2): Arthur; Cassetti, Burdisso, Juan, Riise; Taddei, De Rossi, Pizarro, Perrotta; Vucinic, Totti.A disposizione: Lobont, Tonetto, Mexes, Faty, Cerci, Menez, Baptista. All.: Ranieri
Indisponibili: Motta, Julio Sergio

LE ULTIME: Ranieri aspetta di sapere se potrà o meno fare affidamento su Totti. Il capitano giallorosso tiene moltissimo alla partita con i rossoneri e farà di tutto per esserci, ma il recupero non è scontato anche se nelle ultime ore a Trigoria si respira ottimismo. Vucinic si è invece allenato regolarmente con il gruppo e sarà della partita. Al centro della difesa torna Juan. Nel Milan la grande novità sarà il modulo. I senatori hanno chiesto a Leo di giocare con il 4-4-2 e il tecnico brasiliano li accontenterà. Abate quindi a centrocampo con Oddo alle sue spalle e attacco tutto da decifrare: Pato giocherà, per l'altro posto è corsa a tre tra Huntelaar, Ronaldinho e Inzaghi. SuperPi! ppo potrebbe però essere risparmiato per la Champions

Le Probabili Formazioni: Triestina-Gallipoli

Di Pasquale Campanella
Fonte: forum triestina

Somma, al Rocco un primo test che scottaTriestina con il modulo a una punta. L'allenatore prova Volpe a sostegno di GodeasQuesto pomeriggio alle 15.30 il Gallipoli del "principe" GianniniServono i tre punti per la classifica e per ridare entusiasmo all'ambienteDella Rocca out e le fasce esterne affidate a Tabbiani e Sedivec. Ritorna Cossu con "Princi"

TRIESTE Non è la partita della vita, ma un'occasione per dare un segno di vita. Perché la Trie! stina ha dimostrato nell'ultimo mese abbondante di essere una squadra esanime o quasi (eccetto il pareggino di Vicenza). La società ha affidato i giocatori d'urgenza a un nuovo medico. E quello di questo pomeriggio contro il Gallipoli sarà il primo test per Mario Somma. In dieci giorni di cure non si può pretendere che la malattia sia debellata ma un cenno di guarigione sì. Anche ieri il nuovo tecnico ha sottoposto il gruppo a una seduta intensa, infarcita di consigli tattici e di battute per tenere alto il morale. I giocatori sono apparsi più pimpanti ma in partita spesso l'atteggiamento muta, specie quando arrivano i momenti di difficoltà. Il Gallipoli non è formazione di rango ma sa difendersi con ordine e non arriva a Trieste per fare la vittima sacrificale. Somma, aveva annunciato che intende cominciare l'esperienza triestina con il 4-2-3-1, modulo in partenza gradito anche Gotti che tuttavia aveva abbandonato o proposto troppo timidamente. E così sarà. La punta sacrif! icata sarà ancora Della Rocca che partirà dalla panca, mentre ! a sosteg no di Godeas Somma dovrebbe dare fiducia a Volpe con Tabbiani a sinistra e Sedivec a destra. Per la prima volta non giocherà in questa stagione Testini punito dal giudice disciplinare. Fermi per infortunio Gissi e Pani, i due a fare da diga non possono che essere Princivalli e Cossu con uno scalpitante Gorgone (ancora in ritardo di condizione) pronto all'intervento in seconda battuta. Davanti ad Agazzi ci sono tutti i difensori di maggiore esperienza con Scurto e Cottafava al centro, Sabato e Nef sulle fasce. Tutti soprattutto senza acciacchi. La squadra dunque è massiccia e ben coperta ma dovrà segnare. Solo così i tifosi potranno scacciare qell'incubo in cui sono sprofondati dopo la sconfitta casalinga con l'AlbinoLeffe e ritrovare pian piano l'entusiasmo di inizio stagione.

le Parole dei protagonisti!!!

di Gianluca Tancini
Fonte:Ac Milan

dopo la vittoria sulla Roma parlano i protagonisti tra i primi a parlare Ronaldinho autore del pareggio e dell'assist vincente che e valso 3 punti:
in questo momento mi sento bene,dopo tanto lavoro mi sento bene fisicamente,techinicamente e anche di spirito.
Vog! lio continuare a fare bene per questa squadra e fare felici tutti i tifosi del Milan.
Questa sera ce stata la prova che io e Pato possiamo giocare insieme,le cose ci vengono facilmente: a me piace fare gli assist a lui piace segnare.
Nel momento che sono andato a calciare il rigore ho dato una risposta a tutte le critiche che ho ricevuto,in quel momento ho fatto lo sforza di rimanere concentrato.
Sia che giochi sulla sinistra sia che giochi come prima punta non fà nessuna differenza: a sinistra ho giocato tanti anni e le cose mi vengono più facilmente,ma provando insieme a Pato possiamo fare grandi cose.
Noi compagni insieme al mister ce là mettiamo tutta per fare bene per questa squadra.
Alla fine del campionato mancano ancora tante partite e adesso e importante recuperare quei punti che ci distaccano davanti a noi,dobbiamo andare avanti facendo come questa sera.
Alle voci che ho sentito sul mio cont! o la mia risposta e quella di scendere in campo e fare del mio! meglio.
Anche quando sento il presidente Berlusconi che parla bene di me sento una motivazione,uno stimolo in più per fare sempre meglio, mi carica.Lui ma ha acquistato per dare il contributo per questa squadra dopo tanti anni che sono nel mondo del calcio per aiutare i più giovani.
Mercoledì ci attende l'impegno con il Real Madrid, bisognerà guardare bene la partita per non ripetere gli errori commessi e per cercare di tenere le cose positive.
Thiago Silva e uno dei migliore difensori del mondo e sono certo che la prossima volta starà più attento per non commettere l'errore commesso oggi.
Per quanto riguarda il discorso sulla nazionale io prima devo giocare bene nel Milan,poi tutto verrà normalmente sia per me che per tutti i brasiliani.Mi spiace per quello che e successo oggi a Storari,ha avuto un problema alla schiena,ma allo stesso tempo sono contento per la prestazione di Dida.
Pato:sono davvero contento per i! l mio gol,ma anche per l'assist di Ronaldinho.Questa settimana abbiamo svolto un buon lavoro in allenamento,anche fisico,sopratutto per noi brasiliani. E' stata una settimana di lavoro importante,ci siamo allenati con tanta voglia di fare bene ed ero certo che questa sera sarebbe stata una grande partita per noi.
Questa sera tutta la squadra ha fatto bene,anche Dida e sono felice del fatto che stiamo tornando ad essere un grande Milan.
Thiago Silva e un grande giocatore e sono sicuro che farà tante cose positive per il Milan,quello che e successo sul gol di Menez e stato solo un episodio.
Nella mia vita non ho mai giocato al Bernabeu,per il Milan sarà una partita difficile,il Real e una squadra molto forte e noi siamo già concentrati perchè vogliamo fare bene.
Tutti noi speriamo che i tifosi riempino sempre lo stadio perchè abbiamo bisogno del loro supporto.
Seedorf:e facile cap! ire quale poteva essere il momento della squadra. Abbiamo fatt! o molto sotto il profilo psicologico e siamo contenti di quanto abbiamo ottenuto questa sera. Nel primo tempo abbiamo ridotto i danni mentre nella ripresa con le mosse di Leonardo e la grande carica che ci siamo dati negli spogliatoi siamo entrati in campo con più convinzione. il Real?non mi fà paura non cè tempo per avere paura

PAGELLE CAGLIARI-GENOA

DI DAVIDE PAMPANIN

WWW.GOAL.COM

Marchetti 6 Sostanzialmente mai impegnato, viene beffato da due suoi compagni. Sulla punizione di Mesto, la beffarda deviazione di Dessena lo spiazza, costringendolo a raccogliere il pallone in fondo alla rete. Esente da colpe il portiere della Nazionale anche in occasione del raddoppio genoano: la frittata la fa Lopez, l'estremo difensore - coperto - nulla può sul piattone di Floccari.

Canini 7 Schierato nell'inedito ruolo di terzino destro per l'improvvisa assenza di Marzorati, l'ex atalantino non demerita. Nel primo tempo fa fatica a contenere Palladino, ma presidia con autorità la propria fascia di competenza. Nella ripresa, con il Cagliari all'assalto del fortino ligure, si! proietta con convinzione in avanti, fornendo un utile support! o al cen trocampo nelle fasi cruciali del match. Stoico fino all'ultimo, conclude la propria partita finendo a sportellate con Sculli. Da applausi.

Lopez 4,5 Troppo grave l'errore che rischia di vanificare la rincorsa del Cagliari. Uno svarione non degno di un giocatore che ha alle spalle oltre 400 presenze tra i professionisti: il peso dell'età inizia a farsi sentire, urge trovare il coraggio di fare un passo indietro. Allo stato attuale, Canini e Astori forniscono garanzie decisamente maggiori.

Astori 6 Qualche imprecisione di troppo in una partita comunque sufficiente. Soffre la mancanza di un riferimento offensivo stabile negli avversari, con Floccari che spesso finiva con l'arretrare per favorire l'inserimento dei centrocampisti.

Agostini 6,5 Gara dai due volti. Poco preciso e confusionario in fase offensiva, diventa prezioso nelle concitate battute finali, quando i rossoblù si lanciano generosam! ente in avanti. Da una sua progressione nasce il rigore poi trasformato da Nenè.

Dessena 5,5 Sfortunato nell'occasione del primo gol genoano, non riesce a fornire un contributo convincente, finendo quasi fagocitato nelle maglie del centrocampo ligure. Meglio in avvio di ripresa, quando pressa con maggior convinzione e si propone con concretezza in area di rigore: coglie un clamoroso palo, col pallone che poi finisce tra i piedi di Biondini per l'1-1.
(dal 65' Lazzari 6,5 La zampata del potenziale campione. Segue Matri, s'inserisce e si dota di una freddezza finlandese per battere Amelia e regalare i tre punti al Cagliari)

Conti 5,5 Ancora lontano dagli standard di rendimento ai quali ha abituato i tifosi rossoblù, coglie una clamorosa traversa alla mezz'ora del primo tempo. Nella ripresa, tanto lavoro oscuro ma un apporto poco consistente alla manovra offensiva.

Biondin! i 6,5 Riappropriatosi con orgoglio della maglia da ti! tolare, offre una prestazione tutta sostanza, non negandosi qualche ragionata sortita dalle parti di Amelia. Con la voracità del rapace regala l'1-1 alla sua squadra, zittendo con rabbia i fischi piovuti dal settore distinti.

Cossu 7,5 Simply the best. Per il cuore, la voglia, l'impronta che dà a questo Cagliari. Lo trovi ovunque, pure marcato in maniera asfissiante dai centrocampisti della formazione di Gasperini, che gli riserva un trattamento tutto speciale. Nella ripresa, emergono schiumanti la rabbia e l'orgoglio: giocate sempre illuminanti, con tocchi deliziosi e dribbling di gran classe. E il marchio tattico della casa, quello svariare costantemente lungo tutto il fronte offensivo. Manca giusto il gol, cercato in due occasioni senza fortuna; esce stremato, al 90'. Chapeu.
(dal 90' Barone s.v.)

Jeda 6 Tanto fumo, poco arrosto e molte botte. I difensori liguri non risparmiano qualche generosa! randellata all'attaccante brasiliano, che è più a contatto con il terreno del Sant'Elia con le terga che con i piedi. La classe, quella, c'è sempre: le sue ripartenze in velocità sono da manuale del calcio, per citare un altro ex goleador carioca. Esce, provato, per lasciare spazio a Matri.
(dal 69' Matri 6,5 Semplicemente perfetto nel calarsi nel match. Si allarga a sinistra, mette in difficoltà Papastathopoulos e Biava e serve il pallone decisivo a Lazzari. Un pieno di morale in vista della gara dell'Olimpico).

Nenè 6,5 Fatica nel primo tempo, sovrastato dai centrali del Genoa. Cresce nella ripresa, contendendo con caparbietà ogni pallone alto ai dirimpettai rossoblù: si presenta con encomiabile coraggio sul dischetto, trasformando chirurgicamente il rigore concesso da Gava.

Allegri 6,5 Diamogliene atto: a Catania lo criticammo per i cambi, che oggi ha azzeccato in pieno. Le manovre co! rrettive apportate nella ripresa sono state decisive ai fini d! el risul tato: coraggiosissimo nell'inserire Matri al posto di Jeda, lasciando in campo per tutti i 90 minuti Nenè.

Arbitro 5,5 Gava sbaglia soprattutto nella distribuzione dei cartellini: Rossi, Moretti e Papastathopoulos - già ammoniti - sono stati più volti risparmiati dal secondo provvedimento disciplinare. Il rigore appare netto, complessivamente le decisioni più importanti sono assunte in maniera corretta.

GENOA Amelia 5,5; Papastathopoulos 5, Moretti 5, Biava 6, Bocchetti 6,5; Rossi 5, Milanetto 5, Juric s.v. (30' p.t. Zapater 6); Palladino 6,5 (36' s.t. Esposito s.v.), Floccari 6,5 (18' s.t. Sculli 5), Mesto 5,5. In panchina: Russo, Modesto, Palacio, Crespo. All: Gasperini 5,5.