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Fraud Office await Olympic ticket hearing
• Three in court over collapse of ticket agent• Rebecca Adlington's parents among those out of pocketThe Serious Fraud Office will be at the high court today to hear a civil judgment in the case of Rebecca Adlington's missing Olympic tickets. After paying £1,100 to Xclusive, a secondary ticket agent, the double gold medallist's parents were among hundreds who complained at the company's failure to supply the tickets. A month after the Olympics ended the company went bust with debts of more than £3.1m. Upon realising its assets tthe liquidators were unable to produce more than £7.58 for creditors.That prompted the civil action by Wirecard, a payment systems company, which reimbursed credit cards belonging to Xclusive's customers under its own terms and conditions. But with no funds available in the liquidated company, Wirecard has sought to convince the court that the defendants – the directors Alan Scott and Geert van Meel and Terence Shepherd, who though a disqualified director is alleged to have controlled Xclusive – should be made personally liable for its losses.The SFO is also now involved, charging the three as well as two other men and a woman on various counts of fraud over Xclusive companies' trade in tickets and hospitality packages for the Beijing Games and for UK football matches.The SFO will watch closely today as Mr Justice Tugendhat delivers his judgment as to whether the activities of three of its suspects in the build-up to Beijing constituted fraud. The three defendants' legal team was unavailable for comment yesterday.Pompey's FA Cup upsetAs Portsmouth's FA Cup run looks like being at least part of the solution to its financial problems, paradoxically the club's insolvency could yet have an impact on their on-pitch performance in the tournament. If Tottenham Hotspur come through their replay with Fulham on 25 March and book their place in the Wembley semi-final against Pompey, Jamie O'Hara will be ineligible to play under FA Cup rules. That is because the midfielder is on a short-term loan from White Hart Lane and the competition-integrity clause forbids him from taking part in a match against his parent club. However that rule is not in force for players on season-long loans. And here is the rub: O'Hara has been on loan at Fratton Park since the season started but had to return to Spurs on 15 January. Pompey were applying for an extension but it was blocked due to the Premier League transfer embargo relating to unpaid football debts. The two-week break in his employment has cost Portsmouth the man who the statistics show would otherwise be the first name on their teamsheet.Munto start mudslingingAfter the mire, the mudslinging: Notts County's former owner, Munto Finance, has now turned on the club's former executive chairman, Peter Trembling. In a statement released to BBC Radio Nottingham this week, Munto is attempting to rehabilitate its reputation with claims that Trembling was entirely at fault for the financial turmoil that led to the club running up more than £6m of debt. "Munto never wavered from its original statement and commitment to achieve Championship status within five years," it said, without explaining how to reconcile this with the financial figures since uncovered by the new owner, Ray Trew. Trembling termed the statement "ridiculous", which is one way of describing the involvement of Peter and Nathan Willett and Russell King at Meadow Lane.Chucks awayEngland 2018's top brass are on the move again, flying out to Newark for a meeting with Fifa's American executive-committee member, Chuck Blazer. The bid's chairman and chief executive, Lord Triesman and Andy Anson, its international president, David Dein, and Jane Bateman, the director of campaign operations, all headed out to meet Blazer yesterday. Blazer is himself a bit of a football explorer. His blog, Travels With Chuck Blazer, is a fascinating resource carrying photographs of Chuck and his wife Mary Lynn with such global dignitaries as the Pope, Nelson Mandela and, er, David Gill.Rebecca AdlingtonPortsmouthNotts CountyWorld Cup 2018Matt Scottguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
guardian.co.uk 2010-03-10
Baltacha qualifies for Indian Wells
• Scot to face American Alexa Glatch after straight-sets victory• Boost for British tennis after that Davis Cup humiliationElena Baltacha provided some much-needed good news for British tennis by qualifying for the main draw of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.The Davis Cup humiliation in Lithuania has provided plenty of unwanted headlines for the Lawn Tennis Association this week, but along with Andy Murray, Baltacha has been the main ray of light this year with her climb into the world's top 65 and she continued that good form in qualifying.The Scot beat Russia's Ekaterina Bychkova 6-3, 6-4 to secure her main-draw spot and will face the American Alexa Glatch, a wildcard who is ranked almost 100 places below her, tonight for the right to play the seventh seed Li Na in the second round."It's fantastic," Baltacha said. "This year already it's the third WTA event that I've qualified for so I'm really pleased."I'm looking forward to playing Glatch. I've never played here before but I've had two matches already on these courts and I'm ready to get another win."Anne Keothavong is also in the main draw courtesy of her protected ranking – the Londoner was in the top 50 before she suffered a serious knee injury last year – and will face the former top-10 star Anna Chakvetadze.Murray is seeded fourth in the men's event and has a bye into the second round, where he will meet either the American Robby Ginepri or Italy's Andreas Seppi.Tennisguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
guardian.co.uk 2010-03-10
Woods sparks rumours of return to golf
• Swing coach arrived for work in Orlando on Sunday• Woods likely to play Tavistock Cup on 22-23 MarchThe timing of Tiger Woods's comeback moved from speculative to apparently imminent yesterday when it emerged the world No1 is back working with his longtime swing coach, Hank Haney.Reports in the US suggest that Haney, who has worked with Woods for seven years, arrived in Florida on Sunday and has spent the past few days with Woods at Isleworth, the private country club near Orlando where he has his home and has been a long-standing member.The meeting caught most observers by surprise and added at least a degree of substance to the speculation that Woods would return to the sport at the Tavistock Cup, a made-for-TV match at Isleworth on 22‑23 March, and then compete in the PGA Tour's Bay Hill Invitational event two days later.Nineteen days ago Woods made his first public appearance since the car crash outside his home last November which set off a chain of events that ultimately cost him deals with AT&T, Accenture and Gatorade worth an estimated $30m (£20m) a year.During a scripted presentation at the PGA Tour's headquarters, Woods apologised to family, friends, colleagues and fans for his conduct and confirmed reports he had been receiving treatment at a rehabilitation centre for his "issues". He also appeared to suggest that his comeback was more of a longer-term ambition, saying: "I do plan to return one day, I just don't know when that day will be. I don't rule out this year."Either there has been a change of plan, or Woods and his advisers are keeping his options open by testing public opinion through a series of controlled appearances and leaks. News of his reunion with Haney first appeared in Golf Digest, which has a long-standing sponsorship deal with Woods, and is by far the strongest indication that his return will come sooner rather than later.Within professional golf itself there has long been a belief that, whatever he said from the podium at Jacksonville on 18 February, Woods was aiming to return to competitive golf before the Masters, which starts on 8 April. "I suspect he'll play something before Augusta," Jack Nicklaus said last weekend.Famously, Woods has set sights on surpassing Nicklaus's record of 18 major championships and with three of this year's major championships being staged at courses where he has won majors before – The Masters at Augusta, the Open Championship at the Old Course and the US Open at Pebble Beach – it was hard to imagine he would forego what will be gilt-edged opportunities to add to his total of 14 major victories. Now it seems impossible to think he will not play in both.Tiger WoodsGolfLawrence Doneganguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
guardian.co.uk 2010-03-10
Casteford's v Catalans match in doubt
• Catalans have advised Castleford and fans to delay travel• Volunteers working to clear 40cm of snow from pitchHeavy snowfall in the south of France has put Castleford Tigers' Super League match against Catalans Dragons on Saturday in doubt.The Perpignan club have advised Castleford and their supporters not to travel until attempts to clear around 40cm of snow from the pitch at the Gilbert Brutus stadium have been completed."It's crazy," said the Catalans general manager, Christophe Levy. "It snowed for the whole day and everything is closed."The players and volunteers are trying to clear the pitch but it's going really slowly. The snow is not melting because it's only one degree."We will see at the end of the day how far we get but we probably won't make a decision until tomorrow."The clubs considered reversing the fixture but time is against them and the Dragons are keen to play a second home match of the season, having arranged to play four of their opening five games away from home because of refurbishment to their ground."It's making it a bit difficult," said the Catalans coach, Kevin Walters, who was forced to cancel training yesterday due to the conditions. "We haven't been able to do a field session yet but we're hoping to get a pitch this afternoon."Castleford, who held their pre-season training camp in Perpignan, are due to fly out, and have signed Mike Cooper, a 21-year-old prop who was a Challenge Cup winner with Warrington at Wembley last August, on a month's loan after losing Brett Ferres, Paul Jackson, Richie Owen and Dean Widders to injury. Cooper has yet to play for the Wolves first team this season.The BBC has confirmed that it will show Hull's Challenge Cup tie against Leeds on 17 April (kick-off 2.30pm) and Huddersfield v Hull KR (kick-off 1.45pm) the following day.Salford have claimed that a local government decision to form a joint venture company with Peel Holdings is final confirmation that their £26m, 15,000-capacity stadium will finally be built. "Other clubs may have stadium plans on paper, but we will have building work as proof of our intention," said their chief executive, Dave Tarry. "We're expecting a minimum 12-month build, with everything completed by the end of 2011."Catalans DragonsCastlefordSuper LeagueRugby leagueAndy Wilsonguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
guardian.co.uk 2010-03-10
Massa: Ferrari in best shape for years
• Brazilian confident following successful winter testing• Planning to score points at Bahrain opener on SundayFelipe Massa believes Ferrari is in position to have their best Formula One season for many years. Speaking ahead of the first race of the 2010 campaign, which takes place in Bahrain on Sunday, Massa said the team were in confident mood following successful winter testing when their new F10 car proved to be competitive as well as reliable."I am very happy and very motivated that we can start the championship in a better way not just than last year, which was not a very good year, but also than the other championships," Massa told the Ferrari website. "It looks like we are in good condition to start the championship. What we did in the winter tests was very positive. Our car and our team were very competitive."I think it shows that we have a car ready to start the season. But we have to work every day to improve the situation and improve the car race by race to be at the top. But I'm very motivated."The 2009 season was an extremely poor one for Ferrari. The team won just one race with their sluggish F60 car and saw Massa suffer a life-threatening injury during qualifying for the Hungary grand prix in July.But having invested much time and money into the F10, as well as recruiting Fernando Alonso to drive alongside a now fully-fit Massa, there is a renewed sense of optimism within the Italian team. The aim, it appears, is to score regularly and score quickly."It's good to think about the points straight away," said Massa. "My expectation is definitely to score many points. Even if maybe we don't know if it will be possible to win, it will be important to start the championship in the right direction. That's our expectation and that's what we're looking for."The feeling is good, but for sure our feet are on the ground because we know we are going to have a very difficult championship. There are a lot of good cars, good teams and good drivers."Felipe MassaFormula OneFerrariMotor sportSachin Nakraniguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
guardian.co.uk 2010-03-10
Pakistan ban Younis Khan and Yousuf
• Former captains punished following abject tour of Australia• Shahid Afridi fined over ball-tampering incidentThe former Pakistan captains Younus Khan and Muhammad Yousuf had their international futures cast aside and then restored just as quickly after the Pakistan Cricket Board backtracked on its decision to ban the two players.Earlier today, the PCB said the two players "should not be part of the team in any format" following reports of in-fighting during the unsuccessful tour of Australia ending last month.The decision prompted protesters in Hyderabad to burn cricket bats, but a few hours later the PCB clarified its position saying there was no time-frame on the bans imposed on the two. "The PCB wishes to clarify that the recommendation of the committee is not a life ban on these cricketers," the PCB's second statement of the day said. "There is no specified term in the recommendation for these two players. As and when the PCB deems appropriate, these players will be considered for selection for the national team."The official change of stance came hours after the PCB announced Younus and Yousuf would no longer be considered for selection after an inquiry into Pakistan's defeat in every match of their three-test, five one-day and Twenty20 series in Australia.The PCB handed out 12-month bans to Shoaib Malik and Rana Naved and fined Shahid Afridi and wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal three million rupees and Umar Akmal two million rupeed."Muhammad Yousuf and Younus Khan's... attitude has a trickledown effect which is a bad influence for the whole team [and they] should not be part of [the]national team in any format," the PCB said in its earlier statement on Wednesday.The initial decision by the PCB left new head coach Waqar Younis shocked and left to try and rebuild a side for the defence of their Twenty20 World Cup title in West Indies in April."I will be talking to the board about this and see what happens," Younis told reporters from Australia.The selectors are due to meet this week to announce the 15-member squad for the World Cup and the board will also announce a new captain.While Yousuf and Younis were not named in the preliminary squad of 30 players for the event, Malik and Rana were."I want to know what I did wrong," said Rana."I will be consulting with my people before deciding any future line of action."The PCB said the six-member inquiry committee, headed by its chief operating officer Wasim Bari, had based its recommendations on information gathered during several hearings with the players and reports from the team management.Pakistan cricket teamCricketguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
guardian.co.uk 2010-03-10
Flower acts as Cook's pressure valve
Cook will have support in and around the dressing room as he becomes England's fifth youngest Test captain in ChittagongAlastair Cook is that rare thing, an England captain taking charge for the first time in a Test match in an atmosphere of peace and contentment. There is no divided or downcast dressing room to concern him, and nobody is condemning his appointment from the rooftops, or indeed the Red Tops.It makes it easier for Cook that he is only in temporary charge, as Andrew Strauss sits out the tour, and it helps, too, that Bangladesh are a Test side that England are confident of beating, even an England side that must field a bowling attack of shreds and patches. But as introductions go it is genial and gentle, much like Cook himself. Messages of goodwill abound. He is a lucky lad.Cook will become England's 79th Test captain at the ZA Chowdhury Stadium on Friday. If you want a favourable omen, 79 is the atomic number of gold in the periodic table, so we can all just sit back and watch the trophies pile high. For a side still only fifth in the Test rankings that would be a turn-up, but if you cannot be optimistic at the start of an England captain's career then you never will because it will get harder.He will become the fifth youngest Test captain for England — at 25 years and 77 days – and the youngest since Ian Botham in 1980. As Cook sat good humouredly on the boundary edge on another sunny day, one of those present was Michael Atherton, who was a few months older than Cook when he took charge of England for the first time, also at 25. Those were harsher times. The Ashes had been lost and Graham Gooch, now Cook's batting mentor, had resigned, demoralised.Atherton, who went on to lead England in a record 54 Tests, has often observed that he got the job too early, even if it did sharpen his batting form initially. But these days the job is not so lonely – indeed, it is difficult to move in the dressing room without bumping into psychologists, nutritionists and masseurs all offering support – and for Cook the experience has come at a good time.It was observed in this newspaper a few months ago that Cook seemed to be sleepwalking into the captaincy, and so he was. The selectors had identified something revealed to few. He had shown no great desire for leadership, and there was little evidence that he was an astute tactician. His England batting career, too, was also in the doldrums as technical flaws, most clinically exposed by Australia, left him increasingly uncertain.Duncan Fletcher, his first England coach, also in these pages, suggested his appointment was a mistake. He needed to be concentrating on his own game, Fletcher said. If he had the aptitude for captaincy then this would develop of its own accord. Cook, though, has had a good few weeks. He was in prime form as England won the one-day series 3-0 and he has taken on the captaincy with a striking serenity.He does not seem overexerted and much of the reason for that rests with Andy Flower, England's coach, who has taken on a more dominant role than he has when working alongside Strauss, a much more rounded leader.Most of the recent England captains have been immensely strong-willed – not just Atherton but Nasser Hussain, a streetfighter by nature, and Michael Vaughan, another shrewd cookie as well as quite a politician. At the heart of Kevin Pietersen's reign was a more flamboyant egotism.Cook lacks the same edge, but there are signs that a temporary stint as captain will be good for him,kicking him on, forcing him to assume cricketing adulthood. Rather than plan for authority, he needs authority to be thrust upon him. Popular with his team-mates, he is sensitive enough to be aware of their concerns. Who knows, he might return to the back of the bus after this tour, never to return, because the world is full of heirs apparent who never make it, but he would return to the back of the bus older and more battle-hardened."You find yourself thinking about different things, such as the make-up of the side and who I want to go into the Test with," he said. "I have enjoyed the extra responsibility. The night before the first warm-up game I didn't sleep at all. I kept thinking, 'Who is going to bowl here and field there?' I thought that if it was going to be like this it was going to be a long tour. But apart from that I have slept really well."I'm genuinely excited and proud to know that not many people have done what I am going to do now. I feel ready. I feel as though I have done the job well. You are judged on results and it has gone well. Andy Flower has been exceptional, trying to take as much pressure off me as possible, especially with decisions away from the cricket itself."When he was appointed, Cook admitted that he was a conservative leader. As Stuart Broad went through a second day of fitness Tests today, and another fast bowler, Graham Onions, was ruled out because of a back injury, Cook seemed to be tilting towards playing six batsmen, certainly more so than Flower had been 24 hours earlier. Publication of the latest ICC Test rankings, which showed not a single England batsman in the top 20, would add ammunition to such a case.Some of the reasoning for that lies with Pietersen's troubled form. Jamie Siddons, Bangladesh's Australian coach, is certainly heartened by Pietersen's travails against spin on this tour. "If he struggles against slow left-armers then he's got two bloody good ones against him [here]," he said. "He's a great player, there's no doubt about it, and at some point in the next four innings he'll have a performance, but it's difficult when you are a right-hander out of form in these conditions. Very difficult."England in Bangladesh 2010England Cricket TeamCricketAndy FlowerDavid Hoppsguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
guardian.co.uk 2010-03-10
Arsenal 5-0 Porto (agg 6-2)
Arsenal were so effective that they probably deprived themselves of the accolades that should be their due. Porto were made to look feckless. The visitors turned out to be the butt of all the sharp-witted football reeled off by Arsène Wenger's side, but perhaps there ought to be a pause before ridicule starts.Porto were not quite so absurd when losing their group matches with Chelsea by a single goal earlier this season. Even so, the Portuguese club have an ugly consistency on English soil. Their 15 visits to these parts in Uefa competition now comprise 13 losses and two draws.Whatever the explanation for the nemesis that awaits them in England, it has little current connection with local talent. The Russian Andrey Arshavin devastated Porto here and the France international Samir Nasri notched a goal of remarkable virtuosity. Arsenal, 4-0 victors over Porto at the Emirates in September 2008, took the punishment a stage further.There was therapy for Nicklas Bendtner, who had been so comically inept during the 3-1 victory over Burnley. If goals were owed him, he pressed his claim vigorously. A hat-trick for the Dane, the first of his senior career, was completed from the penalty spot after Fucile had brought down the substitute Emmanuel Eboué.It was the freshness of the football, at this advanced stage in the campaign, that will hearten Wenger most as he considers the quarter-final. By the close hardly anyone in the stadium would have recalled that Arsenal had needed to address a 2‑1 deficit from the first leg.They not only opened the scoring in the 10th minute to ease ahead on the away-goals rule, but did so in a fashion that illustrated the deep vulnerability in the visitors. It is not, after all, Wenger's way to depend on kick-outs from Manuel Almunia as an attacking strategy.The manager would not have anticipated either that the diminutive Arshavin was capable of winning a header and taking a return from Nasri to go clear. A collision between the goalkeeper Helton and Fucile ensued, with the ball rolling loose for Bendtner to finish.The degree of difficulty had barely risen when the striker put Arsenal 2-0 ahead. Arshavin outstripped three opponents on the left before delivering the low ball that his team-mate converted. The ease with which Porto had been opened up still bore an element of surprise at that juncture.It had looked as if injuries would serve as an unofficial handicap system. Arsenal had been under-strength in the first leg and despite outplaying Porto for much of the evening the goals they conceded could be blamed, in differing ways, on the second-string goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.The visitors, beforehand, must have felt they were in luck once again when it was confirmed that a hamstring strain would prevent Cesc Fábregas from taking part. Porto's morale, even so, was already in decline. They are expected to come third in their league and will have to make do with the Europa League next season.With William Gallas injured, Porto should have had some hope of posing a threat. In these circumstances Wenger had put the accent on experience and Theo Walcott, despite his weekend goal against Burnley, was among the substitutes.There was still an abundance of energy and Arshavin was uncontainable. The frequency with which Porto were torn open reduced some of the concern over a defence in which Sol Campbell looked cumbersome as he deputised for Gallas.Nobody could have told at a glance that this tie was only marginally in their favour. Porto were merely a goal away at that point from tying the aggregate score. Despite the necessity of scoring, there was no obvious incisiveness to Jesualdo Ferreira's line-up.Arsenal also had the good sense, whenever possible, to sustain their own attacking. There was little option in view of the misgivings about the effect prolonged Porto pressure might have on the 35-year-old Campbell. There was a glimpse of that when the substitute Cristian Rodríguez ran free of him and directed a low ball to Falcao, whose shot was saved at the second attempt by Almunia.Given the necessity of a goal to Porto's cause it was natural for them to attempt some enterprise.In bringing on Eboué for Tomas Rosicky, Wenger might have had in mind his brawn as well as his dynamism, even if the substitute would go on to score the fourth. It was the preceding goal, though, that ended the tie in a blaze of virtuosity.After 63 minutes Nasri burst into the penalty area from the right, going past Raul Meireles, Rodríguez and Alvaro Pereira before firing across Helton from a tight angle for an outstanding finish. Eboué's goal did not have such imperiousness, but it was exciting. He broke on the counter-attack, took a pass from Arshavin and rounded Helton to finish. That epitomised the sleek menace of Arsenal.Champions LeagueArsenalFC PortoKevin McCarraguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
guardian.co.uk 2010-03-10
Chester City wound up in high court
• Company behind club failed to settle debts with HMRC• Cardiff and Southend given more time to pay their debtsThe debt-ridden company behind Chester City FC has today been wound up, the club have confirmed.Chester City FC 2004 Ltd failed to settle its debts with HM Revenue & Customs resulting in the adjudication at the high court in London this morning.In January, the company was given six weeks to finalise proposals for a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) aimed at enabling the club, which was formed in 1885, to clear their immediate debts – £26,125 of which is owed to the taxman.They, however, failed to do that and so today succumbed to a compulsory winding up order.But supporters have vowed to resurrect Chester, which was expelled from the Blue Square Premier division last month.Speaking outside the high court, supporting creditor David Evans, who is on the board of City Fans Ltd, said: "It's quite emotional but it means a fresh start. It means we can have our club back. We hope we will now be a reformed club."Fellow fan Sue Choularton added: "In a way it is very sad, but we are planning on starting up a 'phoenix club' to start again, possibly in Unibond League One. We have already got 1,000 members."The registrar's ruling means the club's affairs will effectively be handed over to an Official Receiver. His job is then to do his best to ensure that debts are paid off by selling any assets available and then bringing business to a close.A Football Association spokesperson said: "The FA notes today's decision of the High Court in relation to Chester City. The winding up of any club is a loss to the game and in particular to the supporters of that club."In order to maintain a senior football club in the city of Chester, the FA will welcome applications if the club wishes to reform. Any such applications will be considered by the FA's Leagues Committee."Meanwhile, Cardiff City have been given 56 days and Southend 35 days to settle their own winding-up orders.Both clubs were given more time by a High Court registrar to make a "full and final" payment to HM Revenue and Customs of VAT and PAYE debts.Matthew Smith, representing HMRC, told Mrs Registrar Derrett that both clubs were insolvent and Cardiff was "robbing Peter to pay Paul" in order to stay afloat.He said the Championship side owed around £1.9m and League One Southend £411,000.Lawyers for Southend agreed staff at the club had not been paid but this would be settled on Monday.The registrar was told that Southend will receive funds soon, including £800,000 from season ticket sales.Elaine Palser, representing Cardiff, said a "third party" investor would be providing the club with £6m in funds and the tax debts would be paid.She said the company was not insolvent and had substantial assets including £30m worth of players and the problems had been caused by a "temporary cash flow difficulties".ChesterCardiff CitySouthendBusinessSachin Nakraniguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
guardian.co.uk 2010-03-10
In pictures: The best moments from Arsenal v Porto
Our photographer Tom Jenkins brings you the best of the action from the Emirates as Arsenal booked their place in the quarter-finalsTom Jenkins
guardian.co.uk 2010-03-10
Barry Geraghty: Go Native the one to beat
At the country's major Cheltenham Festival preview night Nicky Henderson's stable jockey said he fears the prize may be going the way of an Irish stableWestmanstown Golf Club, Dublin – 3rd March 2010Panel: Colm Murray M.C. (CM); Davy Russell (DR); Colm Murphy (MPH); Donn McLean (DM); Evan Williams (EW); Barry Geraghty (BG); Paddy Power (PP)Supreme Novice HurdleCM: Rock solid Irish favourite in Dunguib. Backbone of everyone's doubles, and trebles . . .BG: If he jumps he wins, no doubt in my mind. But that is a big 'if'. He might well struggle. Nicky Henderson is sweet on Bellvano.DR: I don't think his jumping was so bad last time because he was out the back asleep. With this in mind the quicker they go the better for him. I think he'll be ok. Connections think he will win a big flat race. The biggest problem his young jockey will have will be holding on to him; he'll win on the bridle.MPH: Exceptional horse – he's beaten very good horses easily. Probably two classes above everything else.EW: Really interesting one is Oscar Whiskey. 10-1 is a fair price. How many hot favourites get beat in this race?BG: Oscar Whiskey's a very good, unbeaten horse, but hasn't competed at the top level yet.DM: No doubting Dunguib's ability, but not as cut and dried as the betting suggests. This is a good race and it shouldn't be odds on, and then 10-1 bar. Get Me Out Of Here was very impressive at Newbury last time. Currently rated 150, higher than last 5 winners of Supreme Novices' after the race. Blackstairmountain is also very interesting. Dunguib might win but price isn't right; should be odds against.PP: It'll cost us well over £1 million if Dunguib wins – minimum.Neptune Investment HurdleCM: We think the Irish will win thanks to Rite of Passage.EW: He's jumping well but 3-1 is short enough. 14-1 on Quantitativeeasing is cracking value. They think the world of him.DM: 3-1 is too short, but he is the most likely winner, very classy. Of the others, Quel Esprit and Fionnegas are appealing.DR: I'm a big fan of Rite of Passage. Really classy sort. Peddler's Cross is very interesting though.MPH: Again, hard to see past the favourite. I know they really fancy them, all raving about him.BG: Finians Rainbow, I think, is the business. He's the horse I'm most looking forward to at Cheltenham. My biggest worry is Peddler's Cross. On certain pieces of form Rite of Passage has no chance. I'd put a line right through him.PP: Rite of Passage has a massive chance, and is a strong favourite.Willie Mullins' horse-by-horse guideChampion trainer Willie Mullins then joins on a conference call, and runs trough a few races and horses:Quel Esprit is one of my better ones at the festival. Stays really well and will handle any ground. At 12-1 I'd have a lot each-way.We were delighted with Cooldine on Sunday during schooling at Leopardstown.Dunguib is in a different league, and is very hard to beat. Blackstairmountain has a solid each-way shout.Sports Line: the Arkle looks a cracking race, but his work on Sunday was pleasing. His style of racing will suit the race. Shakervilz is not bad value at 33's either. I'm happy with both my runners, but it's a tough race.Secant Star's jumping may not be good enough, and that worries me.Golden Silver is improving all the time, but I can't see us beating Master Minded.Uimhiraceathair is good value at 20-1 for the RSA.Jy Vole is a tough ride, and may be better going right handed so Scotsirish is better value at 33's for the Ryanair.Cousin Vinny hasn't fired this year, and didn't take to travelling last year.Mourad may be better in the Coral Cup.If Shot From The Hip turns up like he did last Sunday, then he'll win the bumper.Enterprise Park has got a great chance in the Albert Bartlett. I'm amazed that Tell Massini is favourite. Fionnegas may also run in this.Triumph HurdleCM: Davy, what do you think?DR: Nobody has any idea what will win! It's a terrible race. They're all Flat rejects. Pittoni might not run . . .BG: Last year was a good year. This year everything is beating each other. Advisor looked ok at Ascot the other day. Soldatino will improve a stone from his last win and has a good chance.EW: I quite like Carlito Brigante. Difficult race though; I've got Barazan and on good ground he'll be in the first four.MPH: I have no idea!PP: Notus De La Tour is very interesting. Imperial Cup first and then bonus hunting in this. At 16-1 he has a massive chanceDM: No strong view, hard to weigh up, and the form is all over the place.Champion HurdleCM: Barry, Punjabi again?BG: He felt good at Kempton last time. I'm not too fussed about Zaynar's Kelso defeat. I'm not sure what I'll ride yet. Go Native is the one to beat though.DM: Go Native should be shorter; he is the most likely winner.EW: Go Native must be seriously respected. There is a little bit of value around though and Khyber Kim appeals.MPH: I'm a Go Native fan but Solwhit has real guts and only ever does enough. Punjabi has been there and done it. It's pretty wide open to be fair.PP: Good race for us, open. Go Native maybe should be shorter but the betting is pretty much right.DR: Stable form at Charles Byrne's isn't a worry for me. If Celestial Halo gets an easy lead he could be very dangerous. Solwhit is quality but the lack of course form is a worry. It's a hell of a good race.World HurdleCM: Sentry Duty Barry?BG: Good each-way chance but then again Big Bucks is buying money at 8-13. Different class.DR: 110% Big Bucks will win. War of Attrition each-way is good fun and he's flying at home.EW: Big Bucks has so much in hand. Not for me at the price though. Maybe Katchit each-way? Karabak could really hustle up the favourite.MPH: Case of what will finish second behind Big Bucks. Maybe War of Attrition, maybe Sentry Duty.DM: Of all the odds-on shots Big Bucks is the most solid. The race lends itself to multiple winners. Tidal Bay could run him close though.PP: Big Bucks is featuring in all trebles we're taking. He's going to be very hard, if not impossible, to beat.Arkle ChaseBarry Geraghty has left the panel but has asked the MC to give his opinions on some of the races. His seat has been filled by Peter Daly (PD), who is involved in the ownership of lading Arkle fancy, Sports Line.CM: We (the Irish) look to have a strong hand here . . .EW: I really like Somersby a lot. His jumping is perfect. There is plenty of class in the race but Somersby should go very close.DM: Hell of a race. It has class oozing out of it. Captain Cee Bee should probably win and 7-2 is about right. I respect Somersby but am worried about his Sandown (Henry VIII) form.DR: Captain Cee Bee shouldn't be far away. Can't have Sizing Europe, not sure over Somersby, or Tataniano. Keep it simple and stick with Captain Cee Bee.MPH: I'm a Captain Cee Bee fan. He's done nothing wrong really, apart from falling!PD: Our horse (Sports Line) is in great form. He schooled really well on Sunday, all is going well, and we are very optimistic. It's a big ask for him though with just two chase starts under his belt.PP: Sports Line best backed in recent days. Captain Cee Bee is very solid though.RSA ChaseCM: BG gives a big thumbs up to Punchestowns for this one.PP: He drifted the other day but has tightened back up now.MPH: Punchestowns looks the real deal. Weapons Amnesty will be better on good ground.DR: Weapons Amnesty is a good horse, but a slow learner. He takes his time to figure out what's happening. Wouldn't have the class though I don't think. If Long Run can win this as a five-year-old then fair play as it's a huge ask. I'm happy enough with Weapons Amnesty though I suppose.DM: Long Run doesn't jump well enough. The Feltham is a terrible guide to this race too. Weapons Amnesty is solid and I'd have him on my side, along with Weird Al, my two against the field.EW: Nicky Henderson will win it! Reverse forecast the pair. When he says they're the best he's trained then sit up and take notice. Bensalem each-way.Queen Mother Champion ChaseCM: Big Zeb then Colm?MPH: We're very happy, wished we'd never gone to Tingle Creek but hindsight is a wonderful thing. I like to think we'll run a big race but Master Minded is Master Minded. Jockey booking is up in the air at present.DM: It's going to be hard to get Master Minded beat, but not impossible. He's a remarkable horse but how good is he? Big Zeb is over priced, Forpadydeplasterer isn't out of it either.EW: Kalahari King's last win at Doncaster was sensational. I really think he could win it. A clear round for Big Zeb gives him a massive chance too.PP: This race could easily cut up so maybe now is the best time to bet. Could get just 6 or 7 runners. Going to be very hard to beat Master Minded. I'd love to see Big Zeb win.DR: Master Minded is beatable, vulnerable off the bridle. Kalahari King has a squeak but this looks wide open. Twist Magic has no chance.PD: I have my doubts over Master Minded and I like Kalahari King instead.Gold CupCM: Kauto Star, one of the greats.EW: Absolute super star lets hope he goes there and wins. Cooldine to be second. Kauto Star by ten lengths.DM: Superstar. Not a bet for me though at odds-on. Imperial Commander is 12-1 why? Big Price. Couldn't have confidence in Denman. Calgary Bay without the 'big two'.DR: My head says Kauto Star but my heart says Denman. Denman hasn't become a bad horse overnight, he knows how to beat Kauto Star. Get Sam Thomas back on board though. Tricky Trickster at a nice each-way price.MPH: No doubt for me, Kauto Star. What finishes second? Denman probably. Cooldine is a serious each-way bet though.PP: Cooldine and Imperial Commander dominate the 'without big two' market but I hope Kauto Star wins.Champion BumperCM: Davy, what about Tavern Times?DR: Lovely horse, slight worry though that he's only had one run. He worked well the other day and is in good nick but I'd of liked another start under his belt. Shot From The Hip was impressive on Sunday but that looked a very tough race. Sorting Willie Mullins' runners out isn't easy and you've got to respect Dermot Weld – but Hidden Universe will not win!DM: Elegant Concord is the best of Weld's runners but it's not a betting race for me. That said, Drumbaloo could be interesting at a half decent price.EW: Ignore all the English runners! Shot From The Hip for me but wait till the day and follow the market!MPH: Great betting race but this year looks very tough. Elegant Concord at a push.PP: DM has it right, Drumbaloo is the one. Strong form and a very decent price (16-1). I'm not convinced by the Paul Nicholls-trained Al Ferof and I've heard negative things coming from the yard.Panel's napsDM: Imperial Commander each-way – Gold CupDR: Peddlers Cross – Neptune Investment HurdleEW: Punchestowns/Long Run reverse forecast – RSA ChasePP: Drumbaloo – Champion BumperBG: Finians Rainbow – Neptune Investment HurdleYou can read similar reports from other Festival preview evenings by subscribing to the service here provided by Weatherbys at a cost of £9.95.Horse racingCheltenham festivalguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
guardian.co.uk 2010-03-10
Klitschko: Lewis's mum stopped rematch
• Heavyweights met to discuss follow-up to 2003 showdown• 'His mum decided he wasn't going to fight,' said UkrainianVitali Klitschko has revealed how Lennox Lewis's mother stopped him getting a rematch with the former world heavyweight champion.Lewis beat Klitschko in June 2003 in controversial circumstances, retaining his WBC title when the fight was stopped after the sixth round in Los Angeles. The Ukrainian had a deep cut above his left eye but led on the judges' scorecards when officials ruled he could not continue. In the referee's opinion the cut had been caused by a punch, which meant that Lewis was automatically declared the winner.If it had been ruled that the cut had been caused by a headbutt, Klitschko would have won the title as he was ahead on the scorecards at the time.Plans for an eagerly anticipated rematch never materialised, with Klitschko yesterday offering an interesting explanation for why that was the case. "Lennox promised me but his mum decided he wasn't going to fight," said the 38-year-old ahead of the Laureus World Sports Awards in Abu Dhabi. "He invited me to London, without managers. He said he wanted to talk just together. I came to the room and his mum is there. We talked for two hours and his mum was looking at me and scanning me."After that I went away and he called me a couple of hours later and said, 'Sorry, but no'. I felt it wasn't his decision, his mum decided. I tried to change his decision, but it's difficult."But I was appreciative to Lennox Lewis that I got the chance to prove my skills against the toughest fighter in the world. But he was lucky, because I was ahead before the doctor stopped the fight with the cut."Klitschko will defend his WBC heavyweight title against the London-based Pole Albert Sosnowski on 29 May, but a fight with Britain's WBA champion David Haye remains high on the agenda.Haye faces the first defence of his title against the American John Ruiz next month and Klitschko added: "I keep my fingers crossed that Haye beats Ruiz. Not because I like him, but I want his title and to shut his mouth."Maybe we [Vitali and his brother Wladimir] will decide by coins who fights him. For Wladimir it is personal, but for me I want the title."My brother already has three but I have to clear it with him. I hope he listens to his older brother."Boxingguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
guardian.co.uk 2010-03-10
Wilkinson: England have learned lessons
• Fly-half says 2008 loss was 'massive learning curve'• Says England will need 'inner strength' on SaturdayJonny Wilkinson has said that England's defeat by Scotland at Murrayfield two years ago was one of the most painful experiences of his career. The England fly-half broke the world record for Test points that afternoon but England, who had been World Cup finalists five months before, were poor. They were beaten 15-9 and Wilkinson was replaced with 11 minutes to go.Wilkinson was then dropped for only the second time in his Test career, as the then England coach, Brian Ashton, turned to Danny Cipriani for a home victory over Ireland. Cipriani is now bound for Melbourne's new Super rugby franchise and Wilkinson is heading back to Murrayfield."The most painful lessons are often the most powerful and for me that is definitely the case," said Wilkinson. "That was a big experience and it has done the world of good for me. I have spent much of the time since then injured on the sidelines but that doesn't change the fact that you have to take heed of those lessons."The game a couple of years ago was a massive learning curve and it taught us that you need to go out there to play. You can't expect to just build a game solely from what you have planned on paper."We tried that against Scotland with the conditions and the weather and they did a great job of smothering us. We didn't push the situation hard enough to earn the right to win that game. We played a game that was stifled and we ended up losing the game and quite rightly so."I have learned it is all very well to know it on paper but I have got to put it into practice on the field."Many would argue England have not moved on from the one-dimensional game they played at Murrayfield that day. Wilkinson has seen former team-mates claim he is not a natural playmaker and decision-maker and question whether he is the man to release England's backs.Matt Dawson, Wilkinson's scrum-half in the World Cup-winning side of 2003, said: "He can play in the way that has been planned on a flip chart in team meetings but if it comes down to him to work out on the hoof what options to take, more often than not he will kick, and miss opportunities to attack."Wilkinson does not dismiss criticism – "They must see it to say it, or have a reason for saying it," he said – but he is confident that his relationship with Riki Flutey, England's inside-centre, is developing well."One of the big things for us is communicating what we see of the whole field," he said. "We missed some chances against Ireland, which we didn't realise until we watched the video."The structure is still a bit new to myself as well and maybe I am a bit tied in to seeing what I am doing and likewise for him [Flutey] so we are trying to make sure we see more of the field. But he knows what I am looking for now and I am trying to understand every day what he is looking for. We have had a couple of good chats this week."England travel to Murrayfield with their Six Nations title hopes alive. Scotland have suffered three defeats.Wilkinson knows what to expect from a Scotland side coached by the former England coach Andy Robinson, and it is not all fire and brimstone."He played the way he coaches. There is no facade," said Wilkinson. "He was physical, he was intense, he was skilful and he mixed it every time he went out there. As a coach he does exactly the same thing but this time he is able to impart a huge amount of that rugby brain and experience over many years and that is why he is a good man for the job."We need to go in with a level of inner strength that is capable of dealing with everything on the field – and off the field."Jonny WilkinsonEngland rugby union teamSix Nations rugbyRugby unionguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
guardian.co.uk 2010-03-10
Twins reliever Nathan has ligament tear in elbow
Minnesota Twins All-Star closer Joe Nathan has a torn ligament in his throwing elbow.
rssfeeds.usatoday.com 2010-03-09
On the bag: Thumb's up for Creamer, despite the injury
Early last week, Paula Creamer hit balls on the same field Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins are using as they prepare for another run ...
rssfeeds.usatoday.com 2010-03-09
Steinbrenner says no extensions for Jeter, Rivera
Hal Steinbrenner says the New York Yankees won't alter their policy against contract extensions and will deal with Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera ...
rssfeeds.usatoday.com 2010-03-09
Clijsters juggles motherhood, tennis in her return
Kim Clijsters' first full season back on the tennis tour is presenting new challenges: figuring out a balanced schedule, needing more rest than ...
rssfeeds.usatoday.com 2010-03-09
UConn breaks its own NCAA record with 71st straight win
Tina Charles scored 16 points and Moore added 11 to help top-ranked Connecticut win an NCAA record 71st straight game, a 59-44 victory over No. ...
rssfeeds.usatoday.com 2010-03-09
CBS to present Final Four in 3D
CBS announced Tuesday that it will produce 3-D coverage of the Final Four of NCAA men's college basketball tournament that will be carried in ...
rssfeeds.usatoday.com 2010-03-09
Panel Part II: MLB playoffs need fewer days off; shorter spring
No one is suggesting the New York Yankees return the 2009 World Series trophy. And maybe Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee would have still ...
rssfeeds.usatoday.com 2010-03-09
Carl Edwards gets three weeks' probation for Keselowski crash
Carl Edwards has been placed on three weeks' probation by NASCAR for intentionally wrecking Brad Keselowski's car during last weekend's race ...
rssfeeds.usatoday.com 2010-03-09
Ben Roethlisberger's image, off-field earning power at stake
One of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's hometown sponsors is expressing concern over the second accusation of sexual assault ...
rssfeeds.usatoday.com 2010-03-09
NFL salary database: A matter of big numbers
Drew Brees stands No. 1 in the NFL when it comes to holding the Lombardi Trophy as Super Bowl champion. But the New Orleans Saints superstar ...
rssfeeds.usatoday.com 2010-03-09
Steven Gerrard controversy adds to Rafael Benitez's woes as Liverpool crash at Wigan
Liverpool officials were forced to issue a denial last night that Steven Gerrard, the club captain, had made an offensive gesture to the referee during their defeat at the DW Stadium.
feeds.timesonline.co.uk 2010-03-09
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce fines Steed Malbranque for nightclub visit
Steve Bruce is determined to impose his authority on Sunderland’s under-achieving players, with the manager fining Steed Malbranque two weeks’ wages after he was caught in a nightclub close to a match.
feeds.timesonline.co.uk 2010-03-09
FA investigates England security breach
Fabio Capello was dismayed to discover that England’s preparations for the World Cup finals had been undermined yet again last night after conversations involving players and coaching staff were secretly recorded.
feeds.timesonline.co.uk 2010-03-09
John Lloyd faces the music as LTA demands answers
John Lloyd, the Great Britain Davis Cup captain, was summoned directly from Gatwick to the headquarters of British tennis in Roehampton, southwest London, yesterday to take stock of a weekend that Roger Draper, the LTA chief executive, said “might do the game some good”.
feeds.timesonline.co.uk 2010-03-09
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Arsene Wenger takes notice of Arsenal's warnings from history
Any Arsenal fans expecting their heroes to swat aside Porto this evening and reach the Champions League quarter-finals with something to spare would do well to listen to Arsène Wenger.
feeds.timesonline.co.uk 2010-03-09
William Gallas must accept substantial pay cut to stay at Arsenal
Arsenal are planning to tell William Gallas that he must take a huge pay cut if he wishes to stay at the club after his contract expires in the summer.
feeds.timesonline.co.uk 2010-03-09
Walter Smith guarded on Rangers takeover talk
Rangers have begun talks with a potential new owner about a takeover and while Walter Smith gave a guarded response to the news yesterday, the manager acknowledged that fresh investment on a wide scale is urgently required at Ibrox.
feeds.timesonline.co.uk 2010-03-09
David Beckham keen to extol Sir Alex Ferguson's legacy
Sir Alex Ferguson will sit down for a Champions League press conference today and wish he was anywhere else. Cleaning Mike Riley’s car, polishing Arsène Wenger’s boots ... anything but talk about David Beckham.
feeds.timesonline.co.uk 2010-03-09
Michael Schumacher world title chances dismissed
Beware the angry man in the silver car because Michael Schumacher could bring a new meaning to road rage in Formula One.
feeds.timesonline.co.uk 2010-03-09
Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho lead threat to Premier League domination
Among the first things Florentino Pérez pronounced upon reclaiming the presidency of Real Madrid last summer was that, even with the European Cup residing in that glittering trophy cabinet in Barcelona, Spanish football needed to break the stranglehold of the Premier League.
feeds.timesonline.co.uk 2010-03-09
Kevin Pietersen fails against Bangladesh A as first Test looms
Deference to English cricket has long since disappeared throughout most of the sub-continent, but not in Bangladesh. By agreeing to spank around some farcical declaration bowling just before lunch, and then declaring generously, Bangladesh A allowed England’s batsmen a longer time at the crease in their second innings than would otherwise have been possible.
feeds.timesonline.co.uk 2010-03-09
Wayne Rooney fit for Manchester United's Champions League battle with AC Milan
Wayne Rooney has been passed fit to face AC Milan in the Champions League tomorrow night after training with his Manchester United team-mates this morning.
feeds.timesonline.co.uk 2010-03-09
England recall Joe Worsley and Louis Deacon for Calcutta Cup
Martin Johnson has recalled Joe Worsley and Louis Deacon for Saturday's Calcutta Cup match at Murrayfield.
feeds.timesonline.co.uk 2010-03-09
At last, Fabio Capello receives some good news over Wes Brown
It has been a long time coming but Fabio Capello today received some good news about the parlous state of England's defence: Wes Brown should be fit for the World Cup finals.
feeds.timesonline.co.uk 2010-03-09
Sir Alex Ferguson is 'a scary man', says David Beckham
David Beckham has described Sir Alex Ferguson as a "scary man" as he prepares to return to Old Trafford for the first time since he left Manchester United in controversial circumstances 6½ years ago.
feeds.timesonline.co.uk 2010-03-09
Steven Gerrard unlikely to face FA action over two-fingered 'gesture'
Steven Gerrard is unlikely to face any disciplinary action from the Football Association for allegedly making a two fingered gesture to referee Andre Marriner during Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat by Wigan Athletic.
feeds.timesonline.co.uk 2010-03-09
Skater's gaffe highlights politics of China sports
BEIJING (AP) -- It was a political gaffe for Chinese short track speedskater Zhou Yang - failing to thank her country and its government after winning two gold medals at the Vancouver Olympics....
hosted.ap.org 2010-03-09
Twins closer Nathan has ligament tear in elbow
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota Twins All-Star closer Joe Nathan has a torn ligament in his throwing elbow....
hosted.ap.org 2010-03-09
Steelers reach deals with Clark, Randle El
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The Pittsburgh Steelers, normally one of the quietest teams in NFL free agency, suddenly are one of the busiest....
hosted.ap.org 2010-03-09
UConn wins NCAA record 71st straight game
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- The Connecticut Huskies didn't celebrate after the game. Just another night's work for coach Geno Auriemma's latest dynasty....
hosted.ap.org 2010-03-09
Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on Dec 30
NEW YORK (AP) -- The first Pinstripe Bowl will be played at Yankee Stadium on Dec. 30 and will be televised by ESPN....
hosted.ap.org 2010-03-09
Bode Miller decides to skip World Cup finals
GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany (AP) -- Olympic gold medalist Bode Miller has called it a season, a week before the World Cup finals in Germany....
hosted.ap.org 2010-03-09
UConn's Caroline Doty to play in league title game
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Connecticut's Caroline Doty will play in the Big East championship game Tuesday night after a scary head and neck injury during the Huskies' NCAA-record 71st straight victory....
hosted.ap.org 2010-03-09
Swarbrick: Expansion could force ND into move
NEW YORK (AP) -- Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick says the possible expansion of the Big Ten could create changes in major college football that force the Fighting Irish to give up their football independence....
hosted.ap.org 2010-03-09
Carl Edwards gets 3 weeks' probation from NASCAR
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Carl Edwards has been placed on three weeks' probation by NASCAR for intentionally wrecking Brad Keselowski's car during last weekend's race at Atlanta....
hosted.ap.org 2010-03-09
Alex Rodriguez 'at ease' with Canadian doctor
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Yankees star Alex Rodriguez said Tuesday he is at ease with his ties to a Canadian sports doctor embroiled in cross-border investigations involving HGH and another drug, though he still hasn't talked to federal authorities about the case....
hosted.ap.org 2010-03-09
Isle of Capri sues Florida Gaming Corp.
Isle of Capri Casinos has sued Florida Gaming Corp., the owner of two jai alai frontons in the state, for defaulting on a $3 million loan. (ISLE)
feeds.bizjournals.com 2010-03-09
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