Few could have seen this coming. The ATP World Tour Finals field has been narrowed to two but there is no Roger Federer, no Rafael Nadal and no Novak Djokovic.
Instead, after a gripping week of tennis, it will be Juan Martin del Potro against Nikolay Davydenko as men's tennis shows yet again how competitive it is at present.
Del Potro overcame surprise package Robin Soderling 6-7, 6-3, 7-6 while Davydenko produced a phenomenal effort to beat Federer for the first time in 13 attempts in the other semi-final, winning 6-2, 4-6, 7-5.
Now one can only hope that the pair give the tournament the fitting finale that it deserves.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
NBA: Melo explodes for 50 against Knicks
The Denver Nuggets continue to ride Carmelo Anthony in their hunt for a high seeding in the Western Conference - and he is not letting them down.
Anthony exploded for a career-high 50 points at the Pepsi Center against the New York Knicks on Friday, helping the Nuggets to a 128-125 victory.
Chauncey Billups added 32 to fight off a plucky performance from the Knicks, who were led by a 41-point night from Al Harrington.
This was the first of a four-game home stand for the Nuggets, who face the Timberwolves next on Sunday.
Anthony exploded for a career-high 50 points at the Pepsi Center against the New York Knicks on Friday, helping the Nuggets to a 128-125 victory.
Chauncey Billups added 32 to fight off a plucky performance from the Knicks, who were led by a 41-point night from Al Harrington.
This was the first of a four-game home stand for the Nuggets, who face the Timberwolves next on Sunday.
Soccer: Rooney keeps United within touching distance of Chelsea
Wayne Rooney netted a hat-trick as Manchester United put pressure on Chelsea, who visit Arsenal on Sunday.
United used a dominant second half to pull away at Fratton Park against Portsmouth and secure a 4-1 victory. Rooney opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 25 minutes before Pompey equalised through Kevin Prince Boateng's spot kick seven minutes later.
But after the interval, it was all United. The lively Rooney put the champions back in front from Ryan Giggs' pass and then stretched the lead, completing his hat-trick with his second penalty after 54 minutes.
With Pompey out on their feet, Giggs - who turns 36 on Sunday - put the icing on the cake late on, adding a fourth with a low free-kick.
If Rooney can take this goal-scoring form into the busy month of football ahead, United are a good bet to close the gap on Chelsea by the end of 2009.
United used a dominant second half to pull away at Fratton Park against Portsmouth and secure a 4-1 victory. Rooney opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 25 minutes before Pompey equalised through Kevin Prince Boateng's spot kick seven minutes later.
But after the interval, it was all United. The lively Rooney put the champions back in front from Ryan Giggs' pass and then stretched the lead, completing his hat-trick with his second penalty after 54 minutes.
With Pompey out on their feet, Giggs - who turns 36 on Sunday - put the icing on the cake late on, adding a fourth with a low free-kick.
If Rooney can take this goal-scoring form into the busy month of football ahead, United are a good bet to close the gap on Chelsea by the end of 2009.
Cricket: England must bounce back quickly
South Africa squared the one-day series at 1-1 on Friday with a crushing 112-run victory and England must shake off the disappointment ahead of the fourth ODI on Sunday.
AB de Villiers' brutal 121 put England's bowlers to the sword, with Jimmy Anderson and Luke Wright taking the brunt of the South African assault. Paul Collingwood's 86 was a brave response but ultimately in vain. Now Andy Flower's players must focus on Sunday's game. The third ODI must be consigned to the past.
Kevin Pietersen is desperately in need of some runs and how England would appreciate him ending his slump this weekend but, most of all, the bowlers need to get their lines right from the start. South Africa put on 107 quick runs for the first wicket on Friday, allowing de Villiers, Petersen and Boucher to swing freely with that platform to build on.
If Anderson and Stuart Broad - who was expensive but took four wickets in the last match - can make early inroads with the new ball, good things will follow.
AB de Villiers' brutal 121 put England's bowlers to the sword, with Jimmy Anderson and Luke Wright taking the brunt of the South African assault. Paul Collingwood's 86 was a brave response but ultimately in vain. Now Andy Flower's players must focus on Sunday's game. The third ODI must be consigned to the past.
Kevin Pietersen is desperately in need of some runs and how England would appreciate him ending his slump this weekend but, most of all, the bowlers need to get their lines right from the start. South Africa put on 107 quick runs for the first wicket on Friday, allowing de Villiers, Petersen and Boucher to swing freely with that platform to build on.
If Anderson and Stuart Broad - who was expensive but took four wickets in the last match - can make early inroads with the new ball, good things will follow.
Friday, November 27, 2009
NBA: The MVP battle
A weekly look at the MVP race in the NBA:
1) Carmelo Anthony: He has managed 20+ points in every game thus far and is keeping the Nuggets on track for a return to the Conference finals. He looks more focused than ever and is impossible to stop off the dribble. After torching the Blazers and Grizzlies in 40-point nights, he has enjoyed an easier stretch of late but remains the league's joint-second top scorer and the most complete scoring threat.
2) LeBron James: With Shaq sidelined, the King has stepped things up and Cleveland are now right up there again in the East. Averaging 35.5 points for the week, LeBron has pushed the Cavs to 11-4 after their 0-2 start and the fact that he is shooting 52% for the season is scary. Scarier is the fact that he may just be warming up.
3) Kobe Bryant: He just keeps bringing it. Bryant averaged 30 points this week and has Pau Gasol back alongside him. He has been particularly impressive in the low post this season, where he is impossible for other shooting guards to defend, and is proving an equally-effective distributer once again.
4) Paul Pierce: Whenever Boston are struggling, you can expect Pierce to step up. He led the team in New York and pushed them past the Sixers at home. The Celtics might be struggling with the three ball at the moment but Pierce has so many ways to score that his numbers are never in danger.
5) Dirk Nowitzki: With his seemingly endless array of shots, the German is pacing the Mavs again this year. The best shooting big man that the NBA has ever seen, Nowitzki has helped the Mavs to an 11-4 record with an average of 27 points in the last seven games. He has a more complete group around him than last year but he is still the star.
6) Steve Nash: The Suns' fast start is largely a result of Nash's fine play. Almost flawless from the line and averaging nearly 12 assists per game, he is bringing out the best in Channing Frye and Amar'e Stoudemire. With his speed and experience, Nash is on a mission to avenge last year's disappointments.
1) Carmelo Anthony: He has managed 20+ points in every game thus far and is keeping the Nuggets on track for a return to the Conference finals. He looks more focused than ever and is impossible to stop off the dribble. After torching the Blazers and Grizzlies in 40-point nights, he has enjoyed an easier stretch of late but remains the league's joint-second top scorer and the most complete scoring threat.
2) LeBron James: With Shaq sidelined, the King has stepped things up and Cleveland are now right up there again in the East. Averaging 35.5 points for the week, LeBron has pushed the Cavs to 11-4 after their 0-2 start and the fact that he is shooting 52% for the season is scary. Scarier is the fact that he may just be warming up.
3) Kobe Bryant: He just keeps bringing it. Bryant averaged 30 points this week and has Pau Gasol back alongside him. He has been particularly impressive in the low post this season, where he is impossible for other shooting guards to defend, and is proving an equally-effective distributer once again.
4) Paul Pierce: Whenever Boston are struggling, you can expect Pierce to step up. He led the team in New York and pushed them past the Sixers at home. The Celtics might be struggling with the three ball at the moment but Pierce has so many ways to score that his numbers are never in danger.
5) Dirk Nowitzki: With his seemingly endless array of shots, the German is pacing the Mavs again this year. The best shooting big man that the NBA has ever seen, Nowitzki has helped the Mavs to an 11-4 record with an average of 27 points in the last seven games. He has a more complete group around him than last year but he is still the star.
6) Steve Nash: The Suns' fast start is largely a result of Nash's fine play. Almost flawless from the line and averaging nearly 12 assists per game, he is bringing out the best in Channing Frye and Amar'e Stoudemire. With his speed and experience, Nash is on a mission to avenge last year's disappointments.
7) Dwyane Wade: Wade is pouring in almost 28 points a game to keep the Heat on track for the playoffs. His jumper is looking good and he is even chipping in with five assists per night. The progression of Michael Beasley and the promising start from Jermaine O'Neal ought to take some of the strain off Wade.
8) Kevin Durant: The Thunder promised to build on last season - and they have. Durant is among the league's leading scorers, with 27 a game, and his quick release on his jumper is giving defenders nightmares. His three ball needs some work but his progress is frightening.
9) Vince Carter: The Magic are rolling along despite a string of issues and Carter has shouldered a lot of the scoring responsibilities. With Dwight Howard's foul trouble and Jameer Nelson's injury, the former Net has been vital. His field goal percentage is not great but he has provided points when it matters and the Magic must be content with their summer's work.
10) Joe Johnson: The Hawks are in a mini slump after their strong start but Johnson has been solid, leading Atlanta again in their loss against the Magic on Thursday. His form tends to mirror the team's form and, generally, that has been a good thing so far for the Hawks.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Tennis: Federer and Del Potro head for semi-finals
Roger Federer and Juan Martin Del Potro have qualified from Group A at the ATP World Tour Finals in London.
Del Potro's victory over Federer in his final group game was enough to eliminate home favourite Andy Murray by the narrowest of margins, with the outcome decided by percentage of games won after the Scot, Swiss and Argentine all finished with two wins.
In Group B, Robin Soderling has booked his place in the last four and Nikolay Davydenko and Novak Djokovic are now fighting for the final spot in the semi-finals.
Del Potro's victory over Federer in his final group game was enough to eliminate home favourite Andy Murray by the narrowest of margins, with the outcome decided by percentage of games won after the Scot, Swiss and Argentine all finished with two wins.
In Group B, Robin Soderling has booked his place in the last four and Nikolay Davydenko and Novak Djokovic are now fighting for the final spot in the semi-finals.
NBA: Magic topple Hawks to head up Eastern Conference
There was plenty of anticipation ahead of Orlando's visit to the high-flying Hawks on Thursday night. Both teams have started the season well and for 24 minutes Atlanta showed why they believe they can break into the Eastern Conference top three.
Then Dwight Howard took over. Trailing by 12 at the half, Orlando cranked things up defensively after the interval and held the Hawks to just 25 points in the second half. Howard had 22 points to go with 17 rebounds and Vince Carter chipped in with 21 points of his own. Orlando made just 10 of their 31 three-pointers on the night but gained a priceless 17 points from back-up point guard Anthony Johnson.
Joe Johnson led Atlanta with 22 points but the struggles for Josh Smith and Jamal Crawford hurt the Hawks, who fell to 11-4 for the season.
Orlando moved top of the Eastern Conference standings with their 12-4 record.
Then Dwight Howard took over. Trailing by 12 at the half, Orlando cranked things up defensively after the interval and held the Hawks to just 25 points in the second half. Howard had 22 points to go with 17 rebounds and Vince Carter chipped in with 21 points of his own. Orlando made just 10 of their 31 three-pointers on the night but gained a priceless 17 points from back-up point guard Anthony Johnson.
Joe Johnson led Atlanta with 22 points but the struggles for Josh Smith and Jamal Crawford hurt the Hawks, who fell to 11-4 for the season.
Orlando moved top of the Eastern Conference standings with their 12-4 record.
NFL: Weekend preview
Thanksgiving weekend promises to be pretty special. Here's a look at some of the crunch clashes.
Pittsburgh @ Baltimore: This is an important game for both teams. The Steelers lead the Ravens by a game in the AFC North but on home turf Baltimore will fancy their chances, especially after pushing the Colts close last weekend. Pittsburgh are without safety Troy Polamalu due to a knee injury and that could be the difference. Expect a close game and a narrow Ravens victory.
Arizona @ Tennessee: The Cardinals are top of the NFC West but will be welcomed by a revived Titans team. After starting the season 0-6, the Tennessee recovery has been gutsy, with four straight wins. But Arizona and receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who has nine touchdowns to his name, should be too hot to handle on Sunday.
Cleveland @ Cincinnati: This one looks like a home banker. The Bengals are top of the AFC North while the Browns are a dismal 1-9. Cincinnati are dreaming of the playoffs and this game should push them one step closer.
New England @ New Orleans: The NFL is serving up a belter for Monday night. The unbeaten Saints have wowed everyone thus far but the visiting Patriots represent one of their sternest tests. Led by QB Tom Brady, New England are one of the few teams who can keep up with the free-scoring Saints, who have wracked up a league-leading 369 points from their 10 games. The Patriots will be keen to stretch their lead in the AFC East but may well find New Orleans too strong on home soil.
Pittsburgh @ Baltimore: This is an important game for both teams. The Steelers lead the Ravens by a game in the AFC North but on home turf Baltimore will fancy their chances, especially after pushing the Colts close last weekend. Pittsburgh are without safety Troy Polamalu due to a knee injury and that could be the difference. Expect a close game and a narrow Ravens victory.
Arizona @ Tennessee: The Cardinals are top of the NFC West but will be welcomed by a revived Titans team. After starting the season 0-6, the Tennessee recovery has been gutsy, with four straight wins. But Arizona and receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who has nine touchdowns to his name, should be too hot to handle on Sunday.
Cleveland @ Cincinnati: This one looks like a home banker. The Bengals are top of the AFC North while the Browns are a dismal 1-9. Cincinnati are dreaming of the playoffs and this game should push them one step closer.
New England @ New Orleans: The NFL is serving up a belter for Monday night. The unbeaten Saints have wowed everyone thus far but the visiting Patriots represent one of their sternest tests. Led by QB Tom Brady, New England are one of the few teams who can keep up with the free-scoring Saints, who have wracked up a league-leading 369 points from their 10 games. The Patriots will be keen to stretch their lead in the AFC East but may well find New Orleans too strong on home soil.
NHL: Big guns coming to the party
Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby have their teams in the top two spots in the NHL Eastern Conference - and you can expect to see them stay there.
Ovechkin scored his 16th goal of the season as the Washington Capitals sunk the Buffalo Sabres 2-0. But they remain second, though on equal points, behind Crosby's Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Penguins stretched their winning run to three games as Sid the Kid netted one and made another in a 3-1 victory at home to the Montreal Canadiens.
Ovechkin scored his 16th goal of the season as the Washington Capitals sunk the Buffalo Sabres 2-0. But they remain second, though on equal points, behind Crosby's Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Penguins stretched their winning run to three games as Sid the Kid netted one and made another in a 3-1 victory at home to the Montreal Canadiens.
Soccer: Champions League fairytales
It is stories like the surprise runs by minnows Unirea Urziceni and Rubin Kazan that make the Champions League so exciting.
Both are in contention to qualify, with the Romanians looking a good bet to squeeze through in Group G. They travel to Stuttgart needing to avoid defeat to reach the last 16.
Rubin Kazan face a tougher challenge, requiring a win in the San Siro against Inter. But after upsetting Barcelona in the Nou Camp, nothing is impossible for the lively Russians.
However it turns out, both clubs have made their mark on Europe this year, bringing a refreshing feel to the competition.
Both are in contention to qualify, with the Romanians looking a good bet to squeeze through in Group G. They travel to Stuttgart needing to avoid defeat to reach the last 16.
Rubin Kazan face a tougher challenge, requiring a win in the San Siro against Inter. But after upsetting Barcelona in the Nou Camp, nothing is impossible for the lively Russians.
However it turns out, both clubs have made their mark on Europe this year, bringing a refreshing feel to the competition.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Soccer: Real well-placed but other powerhouses left to sweat
Real Madrid all but booked their place in the second round of the Champions League but three other European heavyweights face a nervy last group fixture as the competition hots up.
Gonzalo Higuain's goal was enough to secure a 1-0 victory for the Spaniards over FC Zurich but the qualifying spots in Group C are still up for grabs. AC Milan blew the chance to progress ahead of the final game, drawing 1-1 at the San Siro against Marseille and staying just a single point ahead of the French side. The Italians travel to Zurich for their last fixture while Marseille host Real.
And the plot thickened in Group A too this week. Already-qualified Bordeaux beat Juventus 2-0 while Bayern Munich picked up three points against Maccabi Haifa. That sets up a titanic clash in Turin in a fortnight's time between Juventus and Bayern, who trail the Italians by a single point.
Elsewhere, Manchester United suffered their first home group stage defeat since 2001, losing 1-0 to Besiktas. The Red Devils are already into the next round but Wolfsburg and CSKA Moscow are both competing for the second qualifying spot in Group B.
There will be plenty on the line when the final round of group games begins on December 8.
Gonzalo Higuain's goal was enough to secure a 1-0 victory for the Spaniards over FC Zurich but the qualifying spots in Group C are still up for grabs. AC Milan blew the chance to progress ahead of the final game, drawing 1-1 at the San Siro against Marseille and staying just a single point ahead of the French side. The Italians travel to Zurich for their last fixture while Marseille host Real.
And the plot thickened in Group A too this week. Already-qualified Bordeaux beat Juventus 2-0 while Bayern Munich picked up three points against Maccabi Haifa. That sets up a titanic clash in Turin in a fortnight's time between Juventus and Bayern, who trail the Italians by a single point.
Elsewhere, Manchester United suffered their first home group stage defeat since 2001, losing 1-0 to Besiktas. The Red Devils are already into the next round but Wolfsburg and CSKA Moscow are both competing for the second qualifying spot in Group B.
There will be plenty on the line when the final round of group games begins on December 8.
NBA: The team tracker #1
1) LA Lakers: Pau Gasol is back and suddenly they are top of the West. Solid wins over Detroit, Chicago and New York sets the Lakers up for a three- day rest. Andrew Bynum is putting up big numbers and Kobe has already managed one 40-point night. Plus, they are still gelling and will improve over the coming weeks.
2) Atlanta: Adding Jamal Crawford is looking an inspired move. The Hawks are on course to push the East's top three all the way, as shown by victories over Boston, Denver and Portland. Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and company can further enhance their credentials against the Magic this week.
3) Orlando: Despite injuries and Rashard Lewis' suspension, the Magic are off to a hot start. Their trip to Atlanta on Thursday has leadership of the division at stake while a visit to Milwaukee will be another test of character. The injury to Jameer Nelson is a blow but will not derail them so long as Vince Carter keeps up his scoring.
4) Phoenix: They continue to surprise with their fast start. But can they maintain it? Steve Nash is leading by example and the wins keep coming. After pounding the Pistons at the weekend, there are few demons to be found in upcoming games against Memphis and Minnesota.
5) Dallas: The Mavs have taken charge in the Southwest. Dirk Nowitzki is pouring in points and Shawn Marion is looking a good fit. The loss to the Warriors was a shock on their own floor but things are generally on the up - especially with Josh Howard still not fully fit. Games in Houston and Cleveland will tell us more about their potential over the next few days.
6) Denver: Melo is flying and he is dragging the Nuggets with him. Chauncey Billups is having a quiet patch in terms of points but JR Smith is heating up along with bright spark rookie Ty Lawson. A stretch against the T'Wolves, Knicks and Warriors should boost their record. But there are some issues to address on the road where they are 4-4.
7) Cleveland: They are not exactly pulling up trees as yet but it was bound to take time for Shaq and Anthony Parker to bed in. Meanwhile, LeBron's number are not suffering and he has been clinical in the fourth quarter. Wins in Miami and Orlando bode well but they will have to step things up for the visit of Dallas at the weekend.
8) Portland: The Blazers are still figuring out what to do with Andre Miller but the wins keep coming. Despite a blip at Golden State, Brandon Roy and company have put their 2-3 start behind them. A busy end to the week sees routine home games with New Jersey and Memphis before the crunch divisional clash with Utah.
9) Boston: Even Doc Rivers admits that the Celtics have been playing badly. They escaped in OT against the Knicks and took a painful loss at home to Orlando, provoking questions about the age of the group. They are still top of the Atlantic Division though and will fancy their chances at home to the 76ers and Raptors this week.
10) Milwaukee: Brandon Jennings has made the Bucks the surprise of the season thus far, fighting the Cavs for top spot in the Central Division. The expected slump has yet to materialise. Trips to New Orleans and Oklahoma will put the upstarts to the test this week.
2) Atlanta: Adding Jamal Crawford is looking an inspired move. The Hawks are on course to push the East's top three all the way, as shown by victories over Boston, Denver and Portland. Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and company can further enhance their credentials against the Magic this week.
3) Orlando: Despite injuries and Rashard Lewis' suspension, the Magic are off to a hot start. Their trip to Atlanta on Thursday has leadership of the division at stake while a visit to Milwaukee will be another test of character. The injury to Jameer Nelson is a blow but will not derail them so long as Vince Carter keeps up his scoring.
4) Phoenix: They continue to surprise with their fast start. But can they maintain it? Steve Nash is leading by example and the wins keep coming. After pounding the Pistons at the weekend, there are few demons to be found in upcoming games against Memphis and Minnesota.
5) Dallas: The Mavs have taken charge in the Southwest. Dirk Nowitzki is pouring in points and Shawn Marion is looking a good fit. The loss to the Warriors was a shock on their own floor but things are generally on the up - especially with Josh Howard still not fully fit. Games in Houston and Cleveland will tell us more about their potential over the next few days.
6) Denver: Melo is flying and he is dragging the Nuggets with him. Chauncey Billups is having a quiet patch in terms of points but JR Smith is heating up along with bright spark rookie Ty Lawson. A stretch against the T'Wolves, Knicks and Warriors should boost their record. But there are some issues to address on the road where they are 4-4.
7) Cleveland: They are not exactly pulling up trees as yet but it was bound to take time for Shaq and Anthony Parker to bed in. Meanwhile, LeBron's number are not suffering and he has been clinical in the fourth quarter. Wins in Miami and Orlando bode well but they will have to step things up for the visit of Dallas at the weekend.
8) Portland: The Blazers are still figuring out what to do with Andre Miller but the wins keep coming. Despite a blip at Golden State, Brandon Roy and company have put their 2-3 start behind them. A busy end to the week sees routine home games with New Jersey and Memphis before the crunch divisional clash with Utah.
9) Boston: Even Doc Rivers admits that the Celtics have been playing badly. They escaped in OT against the Knicks and took a painful loss at home to Orlando, provoking questions about the age of the group. They are still top of the Atlantic Division though and will fancy their chances at home to the 76ers and Raptors this week.
10) Milwaukee: Brandon Jennings has made the Bucks the surprise of the season thus far, fighting the Cavs for top spot in the Central Division. The expected slump has yet to materialise. Trips to New Orleans and Oklahoma will put the upstarts to the test this week.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Soccer: Liverpool dumped out of Europe while Barca show big game appetite
Liverpool became the first major casualty of this season's Champions League as they were eliminated on Tuesday, despite winning 1-0 against Debrecen.
Fiorentina's victory at home to Lyon was enough to send the Italians through to the second round, along with their opponents, and leave Rafael Benitez with more problems to deal with. He may be running out of time to turn things around at Anfield.
Meanwhile, Barcelona fared rather better. Finding themselves in a tricky spot, the Spaniards beat Jose Mourinho's Inter 2-0 to move into a strong position in Group F. Goals from Gerard Pique and Pedro sunk the Italians, who will need a win over Rubin Kazan at the San Siro to be sure of reaching the knockout stages.
Fiorentina's victory at home to Lyon was enough to send the Italians through to the second round, along with their opponents, and leave Rafael Benitez with more problems to deal with. He may be running out of time to turn things around at Anfield.
Meanwhile, Barcelona fared rather better. Finding themselves in a tricky spot, the Spaniards beat Jose Mourinho's Inter 2-0 to move into a strong position in Group F. Goals from Gerard Pique and Pedro sunk the Italians, who will need a win over Rubin Kazan at the San Siro to be sure of reaching the knockout stages.
Athletics: Bolt, Richards honoured
Usain Bolt and Sanya Richards remain the track stars on the road to the 2012 Olympics in London - and this week the pair collected their second IAAF World Athlete of the Year awards.
Bolt set new world records in the 100m and 200m at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin this summer before completing a hat-trick of golds in the 4x100m relay.
Meanwhile, Richards also took centre stage in Germany, bagging 400m and 4x400m golds to banish the ghosts of her disappointing bronze at the Beijing Olympics.
Bolt set new world records in the 100m and 200m at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin this summer before completing a hat-trick of golds in the 4x100m relay.
Meanwhile, Richards also took centre stage in Germany, bagging 400m and 4x400m golds to banish the ghosts of her disappointing bronze at the Beijing Olympics.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Soccer: Goals aplenty in London and Milan
The Premier League and Serie A kept supporters on the edge of their seats on Sunday.
In Italy, AC Milan edged a rollercoaster contest with Cagliari. The Rossoneri recovered from some scambolic defensive lapses to record an important 4-3 victory. Clarence Seedorf, Marco Borriello, Alexandre Pato and Ronaldinho all found their way onto the scoresheet.
Meanwhile, in London, Tottenham dished out a humbling 9-1 defeat to visiting Wigan. England international Jermain Defoe netted five in the rout, stirring memories of Manchester United's 9-0 trouncing of Ipswich back in the mid 1990s. The Wigan display was so inept that the players are rumoured to be repaying the supporters who made the long trip south for the game.
In Italy, AC Milan edged a rollercoaster contest with Cagliari. The Rossoneri recovered from some scambolic defensive lapses to record an important 4-3 victory. Clarence Seedorf, Marco Borriello, Alexandre Pato and Ronaldinho all found their way onto the scoresheet.
Meanwhile, in London, Tottenham dished out a humbling 9-1 defeat to visiting Wigan. England international Jermain Defoe netted five in the rout, stirring memories of Manchester United's 9-0 trouncing of Ipswich back in the mid 1990s. The Wigan display was so inept that the players are rumoured to be repaying the supporters who made the long trip south for the game.
CFL: Alouettes, Riders to contest Grey Cup
Montreal would have liked nothing more than a rematch with Calgary in the Grey Cup - and the Alouettes kept up their end of the bargain.
Behind Anthony Calvillo's five touchdown passes, Montreal crushed the B.C. Lions 56-18 in the CFL East Division final in front of 53,792 fans at the Olympic Stadium. Having lost to the Stampeders in last year's Grey Cup, the Alouettes were ready for revenge.
But a repeat of the 2008 final was not to be. Calgary fell short in the West Division final, losing to the Saskatchewan Roughriders 27-17. Riders QB Darian Durant stole the show as he threw for 204 yards and earned the chance to end his first year as a starter in style.
It promises to be an exciting clash on Sunday but look for Montreal to come out on top.
Behind Anthony Calvillo's five touchdown passes, Montreal crushed the B.C. Lions 56-18 in the CFL East Division final in front of 53,792 fans at the Olympic Stadium. Having lost to the Stampeders in last year's Grey Cup, the Alouettes were ready for revenge.
But a repeat of the 2008 final was not to be. Calgary fell short in the West Division final, losing to the Saskatchewan Roughriders 27-17. Riders QB Darian Durant stole the show as he threw for 204 yards and earned the chance to end his first year as a starter in style.
It promises to be an exciting clash on Sunday but look for Montreal to come out on top.
Tennis: Murray delivers timely reminder
Andy Murray might not have won a Grand Slam yet but he continues to mix it with the world's best. On Sunday, he put US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro to the sword in London, sending out a statement of intent ahead of next season.
The 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 victory gives the Scot a solid platform in Group A, where world number one Roger Federer also made a winning start against Fernando Verdasco.
On Monday, in Group B, Robin Soderling secured his second 2009 shock victory over Rafael Nadal, bagging their clash 6-4, 6-4. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic outlasted Nikolay Davydenko 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.
The 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 victory gives the Scot a solid platform in Group A, where world number one Roger Federer also made a winning start against Fernando Verdasco.
On Monday, in Group B, Robin Soderling secured his second 2009 shock victory over Rafael Nadal, bagging their clash 6-4, 6-4. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic outlasted Nikolay Davydenko 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
NBA: Magic looking legit contenders
Magic 104-96 Raptors
From Air Canada Centre, Toronto
The more you see of the 2009 Orlando Magic, the likelier they seem to push the Cavs and Celtics close again for a spot in the NBA Finals. Dwight Howard and his team-mates are on a revenge mission after losing out to the Lakers last season and, judging by this latest victory, they are legit contenders.
The Magic's busy off-season is paying dividends. Free agent forward Hedo Turkuglu departed, joining the Raptors, before the important trade that sent Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee and Tony Battie to the Nets for Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson. Now, coach Stan Van Gundy is reaping the benefits.
Carter endured a hostile reception from the fans in Toronto, where he first made his name, and struggled with his shot in the first half but recovered to pull the Magic through with 24 points on 9 of 24 shooting.
The former Raptor is the big-scoring, clutch shooting guard that Orlando have been crying out for and this strong performance followed a 26-point night in Boston earlier in the week.
Things have been stacked against Orlando from the start this season. Rashard Lewis missed 10 games after failing a drugs test, Carter sat out with an ankle injury and now Jameer Nelson is undergoing knee surgery. But the Magic keep churning out the Ws, moving to 12-3 with their second win of the season in Toronto.
They have all the tools needed to be the last team standing. Howard is a beast inside, crashing the glass and protecting the hoop. Offensively, he attracts double teams, which plays to the strengths of Orlando's outside shooters. Carter, Lewis and Nelson are just three of the team's potent 3-point threats.
Van Gundy also has a deep bench at his disposal, helping the Magic sail on despite key players being absent. Few coaches can call upon reserves of the calibre of JJ Redick, who dropped 19 points on the Raptors, Anderson, Marcin Gortat, Matt Barnes and Jason Williams. And it was Redick and Williams who helped the Magic pull away on Sunday in the fourth quarter.
There are plenty of tests ahead in the race for top spot in the East but Orlando have the players to last the course and make a big splash again come playoff time. With Carter on board, the Magic might just go one better in June.
From Air Canada Centre, Toronto
The more you see of the 2009 Orlando Magic, the likelier they seem to push the Cavs and Celtics close again for a spot in the NBA Finals. Dwight Howard and his team-mates are on a revenge mission after losing out to the Lakers last season and, judging by this latest victory, they are legit contenders.
The Magic's busy off-season is paying dividends. Free agent forward Hedo Turkuglu departed, joining the Raptors, before the important trade that sent Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee and Tony Battie to the Nets for Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson. Now, coach Stan Van Gundy is reaping the benefits.
Carter endured a hostile reception from the fans in Toronto, where he first made his name, and struggled with his shot in the first half but recovered to pull the Magic through with 24 points on 9 of 24 shooting.
The former Raptor is the big-scoring, clutch shooting guard that Orlando have been crying out for and this strong performance followed a 26-point night in Boston earlier in the week.
Things have been stacked against Orlando from the start this season. Rashard Lewis missed 10 games after failing a drugs test, Carter sat out with an ankle injury and now Jameer Nelson is undergoing knee surgery. But the Magic keep churning out the Ws, moving to 12-3 with their second win of the season in Toronto.
They have all the tools needed to be the last team standing. Howard is a beast inside, crashing the glass and protecting the hoop. Offensively, he attracts double teams, which plays to the strengths of Orlando's outside shooters. Carter, Lewis and Nelson are just three of the team's potent 3-point threats.
Van Gundy also has a deep bench at his disposal, helping the Magic sail on despite key players being absent. Few coaches can call upon reserves of the calibre of JJ Redick, who dropped 19 points on the Raptors, Anderson, Marcin Gortat, Matt Barnes and Jason Williams. And it was Redick and Williams who helped the Magic pull away on Sunday in the fourth quarter.
There are plenty of tests ahead in the race for top spot in the East but Orlando have the players to last the course and make a big splash again come playoff time. With Carter on board, the Magic might just go one better in June.
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