Latest Sports News Dated on 30-8-2010

Cricket News

1)Fixing row: ICC to probe 82 matches: Read in Detail
2)Akram: Hear out the accused players :Read in Detail
3)First Eng-Pak Test fixed too?:Read in Detail
4)"ODI series as per schedule":Read in Detail
5)Pak leaves for Somerset:Read in Detail
6)"ODI series as per schedule":Read in Detail
7)"Yuvraj will come good":Read in Detail
8)BCCI lines up more hearings:Read in Detail
9)Miandad ready to coach Pak again:read in detail

Spot-fixing Controversy

10)Pak's Eng tour: A money spinner:read in detail
11)No meeting yet between administrators:read in detail
12)NZC: Justice should be done quickly:Read in Detail
13)Pak send investigators to England:Read in Detail

Motorsport News

14)Horner launches Vettel defence:Read in detail
15)Hamilton sets sights on Monza win:Read in Detail
16)Button gets head ready for Monza:read in detail
17)Dani Pedrosa wins in Indianapolis:Read in Detail

Football News

18)Suarez only interested in "real football":Read in Detail
19)Blanc concern over Diarra fitness:Read in Detail
20)Allegri: Milan have some way to go:Read in Detail
21)Old Lady confident in Del Neri ability:Read in Detail

Tennis News

22)Time running out for Roddick:Read in Detail
23)"Murray, Federer US Open favourites":Read in Detail
24)The Great Indian Slam chase:Read in Detail
25)Clijsters relishing US Open challenge:Read in Detail

Other Sport News

26)CWG: Sharath to spearhead India:Read in Detail
27)Cycling: Hutarovich stuns Cav to win:Read in Detail
28)McCaw: All Blacks driven by defeat:Read in Detail

Latest Sports News Dated on 18-8-2010

1)SLC slaps one match ban on Randiv : read in detail
2)ICC welcome SLC probe on no-ball : Read in Detail
3)Sanga: I regret what has happened : Read in Detail
4)Sehwag takes pot-shot at Lanka : Read in Detail
5)"Warriors have a great chance in SA" : Read in Detail
6)Buchanan denies traitor claims : Read in Detail
7)"No international cricket before WC" : Read in Detail

Football News

8)Champions League Play-off Preview : Read in detail
9)Skrtel: This can be Liverpool's year : Read in Detail
10)Ozil: Mourinho is why I joined Real : Read in Detail
11)Redknapp: I had a 'horrible feeling' : Read in Detail

Motorsport News

12)Mercedes release Nick Heidfeld : Read in Detail
13)"Red Bull in a class of their own" : Read in Detail
14)Rossi's "love story" with Yamaha ends : Read in Detail
15)Ducati confirm Rossi signing : Read in Detail

Golf News

16)Monty's traumatic Ryder Cup debut: Read in detail
17)Angelo Que hopes timing is right : Read in Detail
18)Kaymer win is Jiminez's joy: Read in Detail
19)Meesawat dreaming of Thailand title: Read in Detail

Tennis News

20)Bopanna-Qureshi advance to Rd.2: Read in Detail
21)Murray: Federer has lost a little bit : Read in Detail
22)Array of stars still in Finals frame : Read in Detail
23)Jankovic crashes out in Montreal : Read in Detail

Other Sport News

24)Lithuanian upsets junior champion: Read in Detail
25)So far the ‘anti-common’ Games : read in detail
26)CWG: Surprise dope tests for athletes : Read in Detail

Latest Sports News Dated on 16-8-2010

Cricket News

1)Sehwag-powered India thump Lanka : read in detail
2)"Workload too much on Indian bowlers" : read in detail
3)Yuvraj down with dengue, ruled out : read in detail
4)Ponting: We can whitewash England : read in detail
5)Haider to miss Test against England :read in detail
6)Mukund, Rahane seal easy win for India: read in detail
7)16 to compete in Buchi Babu meet :read in detail

Football News

8)Gerrard: Confidence is high at Anfield : read in detail
9)Benzema out to prove true worth : read in detail
10)Low unconcerned by captaincy issue : read in detail
11)Blatter invited to Downing Street : read in detail

Motorsport News

12)Rossi's "love story" with Yamaha ends : read in detail
13)Ducati confirm Rossi signing :read in detail
14)Dennis backs Villeneuve bid :read in detail
15)Lorenzo sweeps to Brno victory :read in detail

Golf News

16)Kaymer tops money list on Euro Tour : read in detail
17)Tiger hopes for Ryder Cup pick :read in detail
18)Maiden major caps Kaymer comeback : read in detail
19)Yet another missed major for McIlroy : read in detail

Tennis News

20)Toronto victory delights Murray : read in detail
21)Clijsters takes Cincinnati crown : read in detail
22)Murray beats Federer in Toronto : read in detail
23)Somdev advances to final round : read in detail

Other Sports News

24)Mary Kom to lead India at WC'ship : read in detail
25)Boxing: Jean Pascal retains title : read in detail
26)"CWG will be a proud moment for India" : read in detail
27)Jessica Ennis pulls out of CWG : read in detail

Latest Sports News Dated on 10-8-2010

Cricket News

1)India wrap up New Zealand for 288 : Read in Detail
2)Murali: India deserve number one spot : Read in Detail
3)"Yousuf refused to play second Test" : Read in Detail
4)Pension for former Ranji players : Read in Detail
5)"Controversies affected Murali" : Read in Detail
6)"Need to play against top teams" : Read in Detail

Football News

7)Drogba: I have been playing in pain! : read in detail
8)Giggs takes swipe at Chelsea : Read in Detail
9)Report: Barca agree Ozil fee : Read in Detail
10)Pompey survive scare to progress : Read in Detail

Motorsport News

11)Ralf Schumacher defends big brother : Read in Detail
12)Sykes claims Brands Hatch double : Read in Detail
13)Force India is similiar to Renault : read in detail
14)Alonso cool on title chances : Read in Detail

Golf News

15)Mickelson confident of No1 spot : Read in Detail
16)Garcia calls for time-out : Read in Detail
17)Mickelson has another pop at top : Read in Detail
18)Off-colour Woods is still world's best : Read in Detail

Tennis News

19)Murray loses in Rogers Cup doubles : Read in Detail
20)Polansky ousts Melzer in Rogers Cup : Read in Detail
21)Ivanovic battles through in Cincinnati : Read in Detail
22)New low for American tennis : Read in Detail

Other Sport News

23)CWG: Govt to probe charges : Read in Detail
24)CWG: E-mail mystery deepens : Read in Detail

Latest Sports News Dated on 7-8-2010

Cricket News

1)Randiv gives Lanka upper hand : Read in Detail
2)Mishra: India can pull off win : Read in Detail
3)"Lanka lower order working on batting" : Read in Detail
4)'IPL teams will face difficulty in SA' : Read in Detail
5)BCCI still not convinced about UDRS : Read in Detail

Football News

6)Arsenal launch £23m offer for Reina : Read in Detail
7)Bengal enter Santosh Trophy final : Read in Detail
8)Sneijder: I want another Inter treble! : Read in Detail

Motorsport News

9)Sutil: I'm still deciding on future! : Read in Detail
10)Schumacher shows old habits die hard : Read in Detail

Latest Sports News of 6-7-2010

Latest Sports News

Cricket News
1)Murali to retire after Galle Test:Read in Detail
2)'Reconstitute BCCI disciplinary panel' : Read in Detail
3)Biswal appointed Team India manager : Read in Detail
4)Dhoni and wife meet Rahul Gandhi : Read in Detail
5)CA confident of security measures : Read in Detail
6)BCB chief is new ACC president: Read in Detail

World Cup Football News

7)SF: Uruguay vs Netherlands Preview : Read in Detail
8)Kuyt: We've a fantastic opportunity! : Read in Detail
9)"Ballack injury good for Germany" : Read in Detail
10)"I never called Maradona an idiot" : Read in Detail

Tennis News

11)Dent defeated in first round :Read in Detail
12)Nadal gunning for career Grand Slam : Read in Detail
13)Sania slips further in rankings : Read in Detail
14)Murray: I need to work harder! : Read in Detail

Motorsport/Golf News

15)"Silverstone will be the best!" : Read in Detail
16)Hill: Never count Schumacher out! : Read in Detail
17)McDowell ready to rumble again : Read in Detail
18)Westwood in race against time : Read in Detail

Other Sport News
19)Netball: Singapore beat India : Read in Detail
20)CWG: Fraser confirms withdrawal : Read in Detail
21)Boxing: IBF issues warning to boxers : Read in Detail

Latest Sports News of 2-7-2010

Latest Sports News

Cricket News

1)Morgan: Pawar not against Howard :Read in Detail
2)Pawar rejects 'divide' in world cricket :Read in Detail
3)BCCI seeks home series sponsors :Read in Detail
4)Nagpur set to host third Ind-NZ Test : Read in Detail
5)India 'A' fall prey to Lions :Read in Detail

World Cup Football News

6)"Sacking Capello would be embarrassing" : Read in Detail
7)Toni: Germany can be world champions :Read in Detail
8)Wenger: Honda is the best so far : Read in Detail
9)Huh confirms South Korea exit:Read in Detail

Wimbledon News

10)Berdych beats Djokovic for spot in Wimbledon final : Read in Detail
11)Murray keeps clear head for big day : Read in Detail
12)Williams taking nothing for granted : Read in Detail
13)Paes, Black in Wimbledon semis : Read in Detail
14)Henin to miss US Open, Clijsters clash: Read in Detail

Other Sport News

15)Badminton: DSP's post to Saina : Read in Detail
16)Boxing: "It's Margarito time!" : Read in Detail
17)Lahiri coasts to six-stroke win : Read in Detail
18)Westwood, Poulter playing catch-up : Read in Detail

Latest Sports News of 27-6-2010

Latest Sports News

Cricket News

1)Yuvraj Singh: India's comeback king? :Read in Detail
2)Yuvraj back, wait over for Ishant :Read in Detail
3)Pawar to take over as prez on July 1 :Read in Detail
4)'Pakistan will miss Younus' experience' :Read in Detail

World Cup FootballNews

5)Last 16: USA 1-2 Ghana :Read in Detail
6)Last 16: Uruguay 2-1 South Korea :Read in Detail
7)Last 16: Argentina vs Mexico Preview :Read in Detail
8)Last 16: England vs Germany Preview :Read in Detail

Wimbledon News

9)Nadal given another five-set fright :Read in Detail
10)Nadal dismisses gamesmanship claims :Read in Detail
11)Murray makes light work of Simon :Read in Detail
12)Victor Hanescu spits out apology :Read in Detail

Motorsport/Golf News

13)Vettel looks to break jinx :Read in Detail
14)First test for Red Bull pair :Read in Detail
15)Kerr won't rest on laurels :Read in Detail
16)Rose leads in Connecticut :Read in Detail

Sports News

Hockey News

Argentina drub sorry India

The South Americans beat India 4-2 to finish seventh in the hockey World Cup.

Argentina overcame India 4-2 in the seventh-eighth play-off at the hockey World Cup in New Delhi on Friday.

Lucas Martin Vila scored twice for Argentina while Tomas Argento Innocente and Facundo Callioni added one each. For the hosts, Sandeep Singh and Shivendra Singh got on the scoresheet.

Argentina took the lead in the 28th minute. Fernando Oscar Zylberberg's long ball found Argento who put the South Americans in front.

Day's action in pics

Despite winning two penalty corners and enjoying most of the possession, India were unable to pull level and the first half ended 1-0.

They finally equalised in the 42nd minute when Sandeep scored off a penalty stroke. This was his fourth goal of the championship and he finished as India's topscorer.

But whatever hope India had of a comeback quickly vanished in the next few minutes. Vila scored a quickfire brace and Callioni added one more inside four minutes to give Argentina a three-goal advantage.

With the score at 4-1, the tie looked beyond India's reach and though the team fought resiliently, the stadium's sudden silence told the tale.

Shivendra pulled one back for India in the 49th minute granting some respectability to the scoreboard. But in the end, Brasa's men fell short again as the match ended 4-2.

The eighth-place finish for the hosts is their best at the World Cup in 16 years.

Kiwis stumble to ninth position

New Zealand held their nerves to beat South Africa on penalties and finish ninth in the hockey World Cup.

In a match where fortunes fluctuated from one side to another, it was New Zealand who held their nerves to beat South Africa 5-4 on penalty strokes at Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Friday.

The match had ended 4-4 after extra-time. Andrew Hayward struck a hat-trick for the Kiwis, while Hugo Inglis scored one. Justin Reid-Ross, Llyod Norris-Jones, Taine Paton and Thomas Hammond netted once each for the Proteas.

The Africans dictated most of the early play, making early in roads into the Kiwi circle and they were rewarded as early as the fourth minute. Ried-Ross slammed the ball into the top-right corner to make it 1-0 in favour of the Proteas.

The Black Sticks responded immediately, but Nicholas Winlson's shot was fended off by keeper Erasmus Pieterse.

Both the teams kept pushing forward but could not change the scoreline till the end of the first-half.

If the first session of play was a drought, the second was indeed a flood. The South Africans continued from where they had left in the first half. They were aggressive, but could not find the back of the net and saw the Kiwis equalize through Inglis in the 40th minute.

Two minutes later, Hayward converted a penalty corner to give Kiwis the lead. The Africans made it 2-2 in the 45th minute.

Jones-Norris capitalized on a defensive error and made a brilliant run in the New Zealand circle and struck from the edge of the circle to equalize for his team.

The Kiwis again had their noses ahead in the 49th minute. Hayward fired a drag-flick in the right corner to make it 3-2.

The Proteas got back in the level in the very next minute. Paton picked up the ball in the Kiwi circle and fired it into the bottom right corner.

Both teams used their energy they were conserving in the early part of the game with end-to-end attacks.

The South Africans, looking for their best finish at the World Cup, again got the lead 13 minutes from time through Hammond.

But the Kiwis were relentless in their attacks and found the equalizer in the very last minute. Hayward completed his hat-trick to push the game into extra-time.

The two sides were cautious in the extra period and made very few attempts on goal.

Both the teams could not find the golden goal, and the fate of the match was to be decided by penalty strokes.

The Kiwis held their nerves to win the match 5-4 on penalties.

"We did not live up to expectations"

New Zealand coach Shane McLeod believes his team has more potential than what their ninth-place finish at the World Cup shows.

By Anshul Baijal

New Zealand coach Shane McLeod was happy that his team beat South Africa to finish ninth in the World Cup, but he was not satisfied with his team's performance. "I am happy that we won the game today, but a ninth place finish is not what we were looking for," he said.

The Kiwis came into this tournament without some of their key players like Simon Child and Hayden Shaw and coach McLeod believes his team missed them in the tournament. "You will always miss such players," said McLeod.

Day's action in pics

He added: "Phil Burrows also got injured during the tournament. So we were basically without three of our first team players and it was difficult to fill these gaps."

Black Sticks captain Dean Couzins, meanwhile, preferred to see the positive side. "Some of our youngsters got a chance to play at the highest level. It will be good for New Zealand hockey in the long run," he said.

Couzins admitted that they were forced to try new combinations but unfortunately they did not work out for the Black Sticks. "Ryan Archibald had to play in the forward line. It is not always easy to change your position in middle of a tournament and we paid the price for it," said Couzins.

Meanwhile, South Africa coach Gregg Clark was disappointed after his team lost the game, but was happy with the way his team played. "We showed a lot of fighting spirit and the players showed commitment," he said.

Cricket News

Mathews storms to sensational fifty

Angelo Mathews blasted a fifty as Kolkata looked like cruising away to a challenging score against Hyderabad.

Owaish Shah is looking good too, approaching a half-century on debut for Kolkata. Hyderabad are bleeding runs here.

Hyderabad got off to a sensational start. Chaminda Vaas struck twice in the first over to send shivers through the Kolkata camp.

Kolkata lost Cheteshwar Pujara and Brad Hodge in quick succession just when the pair started to rebuild the innings against Hyderabad.

RP Singh struck in the fifth over to remove Cheteshwar Pujara who played it straight to Pragyan Ojha at mid-on, as Kolkata slumped to further trouble.

Jaskaran Singh was quick to join the party for the defending champions, seeing off Kolkata's most consistent batsman, Brad Hodge. Hyderabad are on top.

The Toss

Hyderabad have won the toss and elected to field in the opening match of the Indian T20 series against Kolkata.

After a sensational opening ceremony to the third edition of the Indian T20 series, focus will shift to hardcore cricket with defending champions, Hyderabad taking on Kolkata in the opening match.

Sourav Ganguly, back as captain for Kolkata, has a lot on his plate, what with a new set of coaches and a new uniform. Hyderabad, on the other hand, will look to replicate their performance in South Africa last year.

Both sides, however, have to do without their leading international players, engaged in various series for their national teams across the globe.

Teams

Hyderabad: AC Gilchrist (Captain & WK), HH Gibbs, A Symonds, VVS Laxman, RG Sharma, Anirudh Singh, TL Suman, Jaskaran Singh, WPUJC Vaas, RP Singh, PP Ojha

Kolkata: SC Ganguly (Captain), BJ Hodge, CA Pujara, MK Tiwary, OA Shah, AD Mathews, WP Saha (WK), LR Shukla, M Kartik, CK Langeveldt, I Sharma

Gear up for Tendulkar vs Warne battle

Excitement is in the air as Sachin Tendulkar-led Mumbai is set to start their Indian T20 series campaign against Shane Warne's Jaipur.

Both the teams had a disappointing season last year, so they would be more than keen to get off to a winning start.

Jaipur will miss some of its key players. Ravindra Jadeja would be a notable absentee. Jadeja has been slapped with a one-year ban by the Indian T20 Series Governing Council for breaching the player code of conduct.

Besides him, Jaipur will also feel the absence of South Africa's Johan Botha and Australia's Shane Watson and Adam Voges for the first match.

But South Africa captain Graeme Smith, Damien Martyn, Yusuf Pathan, Dmitri Mascarenhas and Swapnil Asnodkar will make up for the strong batting line-up.

The bowling department that consists of South African Morne Morkel, India's Munaf Patel, Kamran Khan and Siddharth Trivedi, has also been given a boost with the addition of the Aussie speedster Shaun Tait. Captain Shane Warne will lead the spin attack.

Meanwhile, Mumbai's batting will revolve around captain Sachin Tendulkar. the Master Blaster, who recently became the first batsman in the history of one-day cricket to hit a double century.

All eyes, though, will be on the new recruit Kieron Pollard, who was brought for a whopping USD 750,000 for the third edition of the Indian T20 Series. He along with another West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo will prove vital to Mumbai's chances.

The pace bowling will be spearheaded by Zaheer Khan. Sri Lankan pacers Lasith Malinga and Dilhara Fernando will give him company.

Harbhajan Singh would lead the spin attack but other than him there isn't any regular slow bowler to support him. So Mumbai will have to depend on Sanath Jayasuriya's slow left arm bowling.

Pak release squad for ICC T20 WC

Pakistan’s selection committee today announced the squad for the ICC T20 WC but did not name the captain of the side.

The squad includes the trio of Shahid Afridi, Kamran and Umar Akmal, who were put under probation on the recommendation of a probe committee.

The selectors picked under-19 all-rounder Hammad Azam and also recalled Muhammad Hafeez and Misbah-ul-Haq in the national side.

"Malik and Rana were not eligible we didn't consider them at all," Mohsin said.

He also said that the new coach Waqar Younis was not part of the discussion today since he was already aware of all the players in contention.

Hafeez returns to the team after being ignored by the selectors for nearly three years. He last played in any form of the game for Pakistan in October, 2007 but has been impressive in recent domestic events including the just concluded National T20 Championship.

The selectors have also picked Misbah and Hammad on basis of their recent form and performances, Mohsin said.

He conceded that defending the title would be an enormous challenge for the side but was optimistic of team's chances.

"The past is now history and we need to prepare for the future," he said.

Speculation is high that ICL-returnee all-rounder Abdul Razzaq or opener Salman Butt could be handed over the reins of the team.

The tournament will be held in West Indies from April 30.

Squad: Muhammad Hafeez, Salman Butt, Khalid Latif, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi, Fawad Alam, Umar Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Yasir Arafat, Kamran Akmal, Saeed Ajmal, Muhammad Asif, Muhammad Aamer, Umar Gul, Hammad Azam.

Reserves: Muhammad Sami, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Naved Yasin, Raza Hasan, Shahzaib Hasan.

Tennis News

Henman rejects Britain captaincy

Tim Henman has ruled himself out as Great Britain's Davis Cup captain because "it doesn't feel like the right time".

Incumbent John Lloyd is considering his future in the role after becoming the first GB captain to oversee five successive defeats when his side lost to Lithuania last weekend.

That defeat has left Great Britain on the verge of dropping into Europe/Africa Zone Group III, the lowest tier of the competition, and prompted calls for change within the team.

Henman, however, has ruled himself out of taking on the captain's role, although the 35-year-old admitted he would one day like to lead his country.

"Maybe in three years or in 13 years, sometime in the future, I might be interested in being the Davis Cup captain," the former world number four told the Daily Telegraph.

"But it doesn't feel like the right time. I'm enjoying my family and my golf - and not having any structure in my life.

"For 28 of the first 33 years of my life tennis was what I did. I wouldn't change that and I'm sure at some stage I'm going to get more involved and give back to British tennis.

"But at the moment I would not want the commitment or the responsibility of being Davis Cup captain."

Nadal to play at Queen's in England

Rafael Nadal is hoping to regain the Queen's Club title he won in 2008 after confirming his attendance at this year's event.

The Spaniard was unable to defend his crown last year after succumbing to a knee injury which also forced him out of Wimbledon.

But he is relishing the chance to play once again at Queen's, with the tournament now sponsored by AEGON.

"I always look forward to coming to England to play at The Queen's Club and Wimbledon but this year there is even more motivation because I could not defend my titles last year," said Nadal, who joins US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro in making an early commitment to playing.

"No-one was more disappointed than me that I couldn't play because I love those tournaments," added Nadal.

"Queen's is a big, important tournament played at a very nice, traditional club and it was an amazing feeling to win it in 2008 and then to fulfil my dream by winning Wimbledon.

"To not defend my Wimbledon title last year was one of the toughest decisions in my career, but this is a new year and now I have the chance to go back to England and to compete on the grass again."

Henin wins opener at Indian Wells

Justine Henin breezed into the second round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells as she dispatched Magdalena Rybarikova 6-2 6-2.

Playing in only her second tournament since ending an 18-month retirement - and her first since the Australian Open in January - Henin looked a long way from her best but was nevertheless too good for Rybarikova.

Henin, one of six former champions in the field, is competing with a wild-card.

One other wild-card progressed today as Australian Alicia Molik ousted Tatjana Malek of Germany 6-1 6-3, but three others are on their way home already with American Christina McHale losing 7-5 6-3 to compatriot Vania King, Eleni Daniilidou of Greece falling 6-0 7-5 to American Jill Craybas, while Alexa Glatch lost to Britain's Elena Baltacha 6-3 6-7 (3-5) 6-4.

Elsewhere, Anna Chakvetadze fought back from losing the opening set to beat Britain's Anne Keothavong 2-6 6-3 6-1.

Also advancing were Polona Hercog, Kimiko Date Krumm, Tamarine Tanasugarn, Kirsten Flipkens, Olga Govortsova, Sorana Cirstea, Vera Dushevina, Patty Schnyder, Shuai Peng and Virginie Razzano.

Golf News

Rain stops play at Puerto Rico

The Puerto Rico Open got off to a slow start as rain halted play with the tournament barely under way in Rio Grande.

Only 18 players had teed off when heavy downpours persuaded organisers to suspend play and try again tomorrow.

The field at this US PGA event is led by South Africa's Rory Sabbatini and India's Jeev Milkha Singh.

Football News

Messi: Barcelona must be humble

Lionel Messi believes Barcelona must avoid Real Madrid’s mistake of being arrogant and keep their feet firmly on the ground.

Messi was speaking at a benefit for Unicef, and took time to respond to Real Madrid's disappointing exit from the Champions League.

"We have come here to speak about Unicef, but I will respond to your question," said Messi. "We have a match against Stuttgart in which nothing is definite and we need to take what happened at the Bernabeu as a warning.

"We have to have our feet on the ground and think of ourselves.

"We always try to approach each match with humility. Last year we had the fortune of winning everything, but this year we start at nothing and we have to work hard to win things".

Asked if he was needed to carry La Blaugrana during matches, Messi humbly denied these opinions.

"I do not go out with the team on my back and I didn't do it last year. It is very difficult for one player to win titles alone."

"We are playing well, but are not achieving results."

First it was 30, now Fergie wants 40!

Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping that Wayne Rooney will get him 40 goals this season. Two short of Cristiano Ronaldo's 42-goal haul.

After breaking the 30 barrier with his double in Wednesday night's incredible four-goal demolition of AC Milan at Old Trafford, Rooney is not setting himself any targets for the remaining two months of the campaign.

Even Ferguson has tended to be reluctant, insisting his only aim for Rooney was 30, despite United's number one striker being on 27 when the Scot last said it.

But, at a sponsorship announcement for Telekom Malaysia at Old Trafford, Ferguson did acknowledge Ronaldo's 42 - an achievement that helped earn him the world player of the year honour in 2008 - is a definite possibility.

"I am delighted he has got to 30," said Ferguson.

"That is what I wanted. But he is there now.

"We have nine league games left and hopefully five European matches, so that is 14 in total. If he gets a goal a game he will do it.

"But I am not greedy. I would be happy if he got to 40."

The sight of Ronaldo disappearing down the tunnel at the Bernabeu, clearly unhappy at Real Madrid's failure to reach the last eight, was a reminder of how well United have adapted to life without the Portugal superstar.

Ferguson would never say his side are better without such a unique talent.

But quite apart from Rooney, others are coming to the fore - including Park Ji-sung and Nani, who had largely been viewed as bit-part players at best.

Doing so much selfless running behind Rooney in an advanced midfield role, Park scored United's third last night, while Nani created the second with a brilliant pass with the outside of his foot.

It continued a remarkable transformation for a player who seemed certain to leave United, either during the most recent transfer window or in the summer, so ineffective had been his performances since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in 2007.

Now though, he is the one smiling. And he might even make a cheeky call to have a bit of fun at his illustrious fellow countryman's expense.

"Life is good at the moment," he said. "I am so happy because things are going well.

"I felt more was expected of me when Ronaldo left. I knew I could do more. I have done it. I hope in the future I can do even better.

"I am certainly happy we are still in the competition. Maybe I will ring Cristiano and speak to him about it."

On the eve of Wednesday night's encounter, Ferguson stated that United's first-leg win in the San Siro had been a 'landmark victory' for his club.

Although you only have to go back six years to Milan's hammering by Deportivo for a similar sized defeat for the Italians, the sheer enormity of the win will be spoken about almost as long as David Beckham wearing a 'protest' green and gold scarf as he made his way down the tunnel.

With the seven-times winners out of the way, plus the team that plays in the stadium May's final will be played - and either Chelsea or Inter Milan sure to fall when the remaining four last-16 clashes are concluded next week, United can look forward to the draw with confidence.

Barcelona are the obvious team to be avoided, whilst there are easier opponents than Arsenal despite United's recent successes against them over the past 12 months.

"You could throw a net over all the clubs and there would be nothing between them," said Ferguson. "The competition nowadays is so close.

"When the draw came out last time, and we were the final name, I said we had never beaten Milan in four attempts.

"Now we are in the last eight and I don't think it matters who we play.

"It is not as if there is an easy game. We have to play one of them and with the performance level we produced last night we are capable of playing against anyone."

Motorsport News

Vettel banking on Luscious Liz

Sebastian Vettel is hoping 'Luscious Liz' will carry him to title glory after going close last year with 'Kate's Dirty Sister'.

Vettel likes the personal touch with his Red Bull Racing cars and has developed a habit of providing them with names, starting off last season with the simply monikered 'Kate'.

However, after sending 'Kate' to an early grave when he wrote her off in the opening race in Australia, Red Bull provided the young German with a more aggressive model, hence 'Kate's Dirty Sister'.

The car carried Vettel to four wins, including the closing one in Abu Dhabi of a campaign in which he finished runner-up, 11 points adrift of champion Jenson Button.

For this season, 'Luscious Liz' will make her debut in Bahrain on Sunday, with Vettel naturally looking to her to take him one step further.

"Hopefully she doesn't need a sister," smiled Vettel.

"As to whether she can win, I can tell you after a couple of races hopefully, or on Monday would be even better.

"But generally I'm happy and confident. I think we have a good car.

"Winter testing has been good. We have never been as prepared as we are now, and we think we are up there.

"Tomorrow (qualifying) we will find out who is strong and who is not, and on Sunday we have the big unknown with everyone starting on lots of fuel.

"We don't yet know how the race will unfold. It could be exciting, crazy and everyone will enjoy it, or it could be very boring, and where you are after five laps is where you'll be at the chequered flag.

"So it's pretty unknown what is going to happen right now. We will see, but hopefully Luscious Liz will win."

Team principal Christian Horner this week hailed Vettel now as "a complete driver," believing last year's near miss has made the 22 -year-old much stronger as a person and on the track.

Vettel, however, feels one particular item is missing from his CV that will ensure he lives up to Horner's praise.

"Obviously I have a target in my life and the target is to be world champion," added Vettel.

"If I reach that target one day then I think I will be more complete than I am now, but I have learned a lot over the years, in particular a lot last year.

"I think the whole team and myself are in a good position. Last year was the first time for me and the team that we were in a position to fight for big points, race wins, pole positions.

"But the key now is to prove we deserve to be there. Last year was our first at the top, and now it is up to us to stay there."

Button craves flying start

Jenson Button believes he will have to make another lightning start to the season if he is to retain his F1 world title.

Last season Button stunned the sport by winning six of the opening seven races, building a platform which enabled him to become world champion with Brawn GP.

The 30-year-old's soaraway early success proved crucial as he only managed two podium finishes in the final 10 grands prix, doing just enough to hold off a charge from Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel.

Button has since switched teams to McLaren, believing he required the change to reignite his passion as he feared going stale with Brawn, and with the title in his pocket.

But with this season the most open for years, and with seemingly so many contenders for the crown, whoever gets a flier could again be in pole position to claim the championship.

Ahead of Sunday's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, a race he won last year en route to the title, Button admitted: "I feel I'll need a dominant start again this weekend.

"I think every championship, for any champion, it's important to be quick out of the blocks.

"If you look back, normally the guy that really fights for the championship and gets the championship is strong from the word go.

"So yes, it is important for all of us to be up there at the front here in Bahrain.

"The competition is very fierce, I must say, but that's why it is exciting.

"For a fan of Formula One, this season should really be electric. If it's not, we're doing something seriously wrong."

Button acknowledged the return of Felipe Massa after eight months out following his accident in qualifying for last year's Hungarian Grand Prix that resulted in him requiring life-saving surgery.

There was also special mention for Schumacher, with Button patting the 41-year-old on the shoulder as he said: "It's great to have Michael back because it makes me feel young again!"

Sitting in the main FIA media conference yesterday with fellow world champions Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso also alongside him, it underlined the stellar nature of this year's field.

"Looking at this race, I don't think there have been so many competitive drivers in competitive cars for a long time, so it's great to see," assessed Button.

It is Button, though, who goes into the season with the coveted number one on his car, which means so much to him - although it is a feeling he concedes will not last for long.

"I can only look at that in a positive way, and stepping into the car and seeing the number one on it is a very special feeling," smiled Button.

"Especially here in Bahrain at the first race when, just before I put on my helmet and look at the car and see the number one, it's going to be an emotional moment.

"But the moment I step into the car and close my visor, last season is out of the window, and that's when I focus on this year."

Latest World Sports News

World cup hockey news

"Germany loss not reason behind exit"

Poor show against Argentina cost us a semifinal place, says New Zealand coach.

Kiwi coach Shane McLeod, after their 5-2 defeat to Germany on Tuesday, said it was not the loss against the defending champions but the previous one against Argentina that led to their ouster from the World Cup.

“I would not say that we are out of semifinal contention because we lost today. Germany is a top class team and worthy of the win. If we had won our last match against Argentina, we would have been far better placed for a semifinal spot,” McLeod said.

“It is not an excuse but I must admit that we missed out key players such as Simon Child and Hayden Shaw, who could not come here for various reasons. With them, we might have done better,” he added.

McLeod’s counterpart, German coach Markus Weise, on the other hand was a happy man after the top seeds made their 11th semifinal in a row.

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“It is a great feeling,” he said.

“We dominated the game for most of the time. Though, in the second half we slackened a bit. After the Kiwis pulled back two goals in no time to reduce our lead to 3-2, anything could have happened,” he added.

On who he would like to face in the semifinal, the German coach remarked, “We do not have any preference. To win a World Cup you got to beat every team that comes in your way.”

The Black Sticks stand-in skipper Dean Couzins, after Phillip Burrows could not play due to a hamstring injury, was gracious in the loss.

“We played much better than we did against Argentina. Still we were not at our best. To win against Germany you need a lot of luck. Not only you need to play exceptionally well but at the same time hope they are out of touch,” he said.

Dutch to face Australia in semis

Despite a 2-1 loss to Korea in their last round-robin tie, the Netherlands booked a semifinal berth against Australia.

Both Korea and the Netherlands came into the match with the semifinals in sight. Germany entered the last-four with a 5-2 win over New Zealand earlier in the evening but the second spot from Pool A was still up for grabs.

The Netherlands could afford a draw or even a loss by a one-goal margin and still make the semis while Korea had to win by two goals to achieve the same. The night belonged to Korea, who emerged 2-1 winners, but it was the Dutch who advanced.

They will take on Pool B leaders Australia in their semifinal encounter on Thursday while England will meet Germany earlier on the same day.

Ronald Brouwer gave the Netherlands an early lead before Hyun Woo Nam and Jong Ho Seo put the Asians in front. But in the end it was not enough as Korea missed out on a last-four spot by one goal.

The Netherlands attacked right from the start and were a goal up in just 25 seconds. Veteran striker Neun de Nooijer raced through the right flank before squaring it to Brouwer who made it 1-0.

That early blow woke the Asians up. They faced an uphill task needing at least three goals to advance. Compelled to attack, they pushed forward but were always under the risk of a Dutch breakaway. Nevertheless, it made for a fast-paced game.

As the half drew to a close, Korea picked up momentum and equalised in the 31st minute. A trademark counter initiated by Seo led to a penalty corner. The Dutch keeper Guus Vogels never stood a chance against Nam’s scorching dragflick.

Korea played with urgency after the break. They went ahead in the 45th minute. Sung Hoon Yoon surged into the Dutch circle as Vogels did likewise in an attempt to thwart him. He deflected Yoon’s goalbound shot slightly but only for Korean skipper Seo to tap into an unguarded net.

Despite taking the lead, Korea still needed one more to pip their opponents to the semis. They attacked relentlessly in search of the all-important third goal. It never came and though the match ended in their favour, it was the Dutch who were celebrating.

Cricket News

Kapil Dev inducted in ICC Hall of Fame

India’s Kapil Dev has been inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame at a ceremony held at the ICC headquarters in Dubai.

A commemorative cap was presented to Kapil by ICC President David Morgan, in front of fellow Hall of Famer Clive Lloyd, as well as an audience of ICC officials and other invited guests.

The Hall of Fame, run in association with the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations (FICA), recognises some of the legends of the game from its long and illustrious history.

Born on 6 January 1959 in Chandigarh, Kapil is probably best known for leading India to victory in the 1983 ICC Cricket World Cup while also playing in 131 Test matches and 225 ODIs in an international career that spanned 16 years.

The India legend made his ODI debut for India on 1 October 1978 against Pakistan in Quetta while his Test debut came two weeks later in Faisalabad against the same opposition.

Kapil played during what was a golden period for world-class all-rounders as other Hall of Famers Imran Khan of Pakistan, Ian Botham of England and New Zealand's Richard Hadlee were also plying their trade at that time. Kapil was very much part of that elite company and is seen as one of the greatest pace bowlers India has produced and its finest bowling all-rounder. In total, he took a remarkable 434 Test wickets and 253 ODI wickets.

In 1994, he became the leading wicket-taker in Tests when he overtook Hadlee, a record that was eventually broken by West Indies pacer Courtney Walsh. Also, in 1988 he leapfrogged another West Indies fast bowler, Joel Garner, to become the most successful bowler in ODIs, a record he held until 1994 when his tally of 253 wickets was passed by Wasim Akram.

Kapil's best bowling figures in a Test match were 11-146 against Pakistan in Chennai in 1980 while in ODIs his best match figures came in the group stage of the 1983 ICC Cricket World Cup when he took 5-43 against Australia.

With the bat Kapil made 5,248 Test runs, including eight centuries and 27 fifties, at an average of 31.05. He also scored 3,783 ODI runs, including a top score of 175 not out which he hit against Zimbabwe during the 1983 ICC Cricket World Cup.

On his induction into the Hall of Fame, Kapil said: "I am proud and happy to have been inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame and it's amazing to think that I have been picked as one of the greats of Indian cricket.

"I am delighted to have been named alongside so many great players of the game but for me, when I was growing up, the man I always looked up to was Sunil Gavaskar from the moment I started playing cricket. Now to be named also alongside greats of the game such as Clive Lloyd, Richard Hadlee and Wasim Akram it truly fantastic," he said.

ICC President David Morgan, who presented Kapil with his hand-crafted Hall of Fame cap at the ceremony at ICC headquarters in Dubai, was glowing in his praise for the latest inductee.

"Kapil was an all-time great player," said Mr Morgan. "He did everything. He batted, bowled and he was a fine fielder. I remember the great catch he took to dismiss Viv Richards in the 1983 World Cup final - he was on the run and the ball came over his shoulder, possibly the most difficult of catches.

"It gives me enormous pleasure to award this commemorative cap to Kapil Dev and formally induct him into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame," he added.

Lloyd, who was in attendance at the cap presentation, played against Kapil in the 1983 ICC Cricket World Cup final: "Kapil is a thoroughly deserving induction into the Hall of Fame. He was a fantastic cricketer and he was a great asset for Indian cricket during his time at the helm.

"He set the pace for them early on and he came to the fore and did wonderfully well - he played like a true champion and was a brilliant leader."

Flower still expects KP to blossom

Andy Flower watched a number of players enhance their Test credentials in the drawn warm-up against Bangladesh A.

But, he is still anticipating a major contribution from the man who conspicuously did not.

Kevin Pietersen again failed to produce the big score his team-mates have been predicting since arrival in Bangladesh, with a breezy 20 before being bowled on the sweep.

That took his total to 69 in seven innings on tour, a miserable return for a player of his rare talent.

Flower saw the likes of James Tredwell, with eight wickets in the match, and Jonathan Trott, with an unbeaten century in the first innings, lay down firm markers, but remains convinced of Pietersen's ability despite his failure to follow suit.

"I think he is frustrated at the moment," Flower conceded.

"It's a pity he didn't spend some more time in the middle because I thought he looked quite good for his 20.

"It was a positive 20, an attacking 20, and that is the way he likes to play.

"I thought he showed some good signs. He's a world-class player with a great record behind him and we still expect a lot from him in these Test matches.

"I don't really agree with that cricketing phase 'one knock away' but I do think all the hard work he is putting in and the thought he is putting into his game will stand him in good stead in the future."

Flower's batting line-up for Friday may have resolved itself over the course of the match, with Trott looking assured enough to take on the opening mantle and Michael Carberry's 40-run return perhaps not enough to earn a Test debut.

But his bowling ranks have been disrupted by back injuries to Graham Onions and Stuart Broad.

Onions has next to no chance of playing but Broad will have one final session to prove his fitness tomorrow.

"Broad has bowled two spells today, one of about six overs at lunch then another of about three overs at tea," said Flower.

"He's improved pretty quickly. Our medical staff and fitness trainer have got him up and running again and he is going to have a proper run out at practice, then we'll see how he responds."

Should Broad not be 100%, Flower opened up the possibility of a whirlwind Test bow for Steven Finn.

The 20-year-old Middlesex quick only arrived in the country on Saturday as injury cover but caught the eye against Bangladesh A and may have leapfrogged the likes of Liam Plunkett and Ajmal Shahzad.

"It was quite interesting seeing four seamers operate in quite a competitive environment here," said Flower.

"I wouldn't rule Finn out. He's been added to the party and he's a contender for selection.

"He did very well to get off the plane the afternoon before this game and then rock up and bowl the next day. He's handled himself well for a young man and has been impressive.

"He's bowled with pace on a slow pitch and bowled with accuracy; he's quite a good prospect."

"It was due to my love for India"

Shane Warne said he loves both India and Australia and that inspired him to contribute in easing off the tension.

The Australian leg-spinner, on the request of Victoria premier, recently mingled with Indian community at a picnic and hoped the initiative would bring desired results.

"I hail from Victoria in Australia and have had the cricketing relations with India for more than 20 years. I love all the three -- Victoria, Australia and India. That is why I have tried to visit the Indian community in Victoria and had assured them," said Warne.

"I have also spoken to the Victorian authorities to look into the problem and find ways to clear the mistrust," added Warne, who is quite popular among Indians in Australia.

"I have been coming to India to play cricket for more than two decades. Cricket is passion here and it can be also used to improve the situation," Warne observed.

Talking about his IPL team Rajasthan Royals, Warne said winning the title in 2008 was one of the most cherished moments in his cricketing career.

"I have relished captaining the side and I believe that Rajasthan Royals has large fan base even in abroad. We have a large number of supporters. It is my responsibility to guide the team this year also," Warne said.

Tennis News

Sandra Zahlavova was the biggest casualty of the first qualifying round for the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

The Czech was beaten 6-4 7-5 by Romania's Edina Gallovits after making a string of unforced errors.

Also making an early exit was seventh seed and fellow Czech Klara Zakopalova, who went down 6-4 3-6 6-3 to Michelle Larcher De Brito of Portugal.

Second seed Tamarine Tanasugarn breezed past Romania's Monica Niculescu 6-0 6-1, but third seed Petra Martic had to work harder for a 6-4 4-6 6-4 victory over Anastasia Pivovarova.

British number one Elena Baltacha fought back from a set down to record a 2-6 6-4 6-4 victory over American Julia Boserup.

Arantxa Parra Santonja, seeded fifth, overcame American wildcard Coco Vandeweghe 6-3 6-1 while Japan's Ayumi Morita, the sixth seed, beat Darya Kustova 6-2 4-6 6-4.

Elsewhere, there were victories for Kai-chen Chang, Kathrin Woerle, Ekaterina Bychkova, Nuria Llagostera Vives, Michaella Krajicek, Pauline Parmentier, Sloane Stephens, Tsvetana Pironkova, Arantxa Rus, Shenay Perry, Viktoriya Kutuzova, Karolina Sprem, Rossana De Los Rios, Yung-jan Chan, Varvara Lepchenko, Akgul Amanmuradova, and Patricia Mayr.

Lloyd to consider future after defeat

Captain John Lloyd will consider his future after Great Britain slumped close to the lowest tier of the Davis Cup.

Lloyd became the first GB captain to oversee five successive defeats in the team competition after his young side crashed to a 3-2 defeat to Lithuania.

Britain must now beat Turkey, who lost to Ireland this weekend, in a relegation play-off in July to avoid dropping into Europe/Africa Zone Group III.

After James Ward's loss to Ricardas Berankis, the tie came down to the last singles rubber between Dan Evans and Laurynas Grigelis, a player ranked 269 places below the Birmingham teenager at 521 in the world.

Evans recovered from a nightmare third set to force a decider, but 18-year-old Grigelis triumphed 6-7 (6/8) 7-5 6-0 2-6 6-4.

"I'm devastated for the team and more so Dan, as I thought he worked his butt off," Lloyd told BBC Sport.

"I felt sorry for him more than anybody else. We'll see about my future, it's too early yet."

Lloyd, who had to do without Andy Murray for the tie after the Australian Open finalist made himself unavailable, added: "We obviously didn't have our number one playing and that was certainly an evening-out point.

"It was a 50-50 sort of match before the start and they were the better team. They don't have as many players to pick from as we do but their players are good."

Ward had beaten Grigelis comfortably in the opening rubber on Friday, but Evans was unable to repeat the trick.

He won the opening set on a tie-break but lost the second 7-5 and looked dead and buried as Grigelis raced through the third set without dropping a game.

The British number four responded well, breaking three times in the fourth set to level the match.

But some stunning shots from his opponent created the vital break of serve in the decider and Evans was unable to convert three break points as Grigelis served for the match.

With Britain leading 2-1 overnight, hopes were high Ward may have been able to seal the tie in the day's first match by upsetting Berankis, a former world junior number one and, at 198, ranked substantially higher than either of Britain's representatives.

But the 19-year-old Lithuanian held his nerve impeccably in a 7-6 (7/4) 6-3 6-4 victory.

Ward said: "It came down to a few points. He served really well. I served well as well but I could have done a bit more on the return and made him play a few more points.

"But there was not much in it, just two breaks. It's tough."

Golf News

Noh turns attention to The Open

Korean teen sensation Noh Seung-yul is turning his attention onto the biggest Open of them all, the British Open.

The in-form Noh, who pulled off a stunning victory over his illustrious countryman K.J. Choi on Sunday at the Maybank Malaysian Open, is amongst 72 players vying for four tickets to the Open at the two-day International Final Qualifying - Asia at Saujana Golf and Country Club starting on Wednesday.

The 18-year-old will be joined by Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Andrew Dodt of Australia, Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand, who finished tied third last weekend, China's rising star Wu Ashun, Singapore's Lam Chih Bing and Malaysians Danny Chia and Iain Steel.

A strong Japanese line-up will also converge at Saujana, including Hiroyuki Fujita, currently ranked 80th in the world, Tetsuji Hiratsuka, five-time winner in Japan, two-time Asian Tour winner Hideto Tanihara and two-time Japan Tour winner Azuma Yano.

Korean amateur stars Han Chang-won and Eric Chun will also be in the mix after finishing first and second respectively at the inaugural Asian Amateur Championship in China last November.

Noh is determined to play his way into his maiden Major appearance at the 150th British Open at St Andrews, Scotland this July. "My confidence is high and I'm still feeling good. Playing in a Major is every golfers' dream and it is no different for me," said Noh today.

Noh is no stranger to the par-72 Palm Course, also known as "The Cobra", as he fired a sizzling 62 to lead the first round of last year's Maybank Malaysian Open. Although he didn't finish the job then, he made up for it with a superb triumph at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club on Sunday, pulling off an audacious birdie on the last hole for a one-shot win.

"I have good memories here and I know this course. It will be difficult this week so I must not take things lightly. Hopefully I will be in the top four," added the young Korean.

Steel holds the distinction of being the first Malaysian to play in the Open in 1996 and he is hoping to be third time lucky in qualifying after narrowly losing out on a spot in the last two years. He missed out by a stroke in Scotland last year and was defeated in a play-off two years ago in the United States.

"Playing this week is new as I have never played in the IFQ - Asia before. I came close on two occasions and hope that this year will be my year," said the American-based Steel.

Steel, whose father is Scottish and mother is Malaysian, is hoping to turn his fortunes as he remembers the buzz of competing in his maiden Major. "When I first played in 1996, I was young and inexperienced but I managed to stay at that level of form for a while so hopefully I can get back to it and my game will rise again," said Steel.

Dodt won the Avantha Masters in India last month and knows that it is every players' dream this week to qualify for the 150th edition of the Open Championship.

"This is the one everyone is talking about qualifying. Everyone wants to play in St Andrews so you just have to go all out and not hold back. I will be trying my best and hope to be one of the top four after 36 holes," said Dodt who missed out by a stroke at last year's qualifier in Singapore.

India's Gaganjeet Bhullar, winner of the season-opening Asian Tour International in Bangkok, is confident of making a second successive appearance. The Indian rising star made his Major debut last July and subsequently won his first Asian Tour title in Indonesia in the following week.

"The British Open is one of the most prestigious Majors in the history of golf and I definitely want to play in it again. I won the IFQ last year (in Singapore), so I have a lot of good memories and I'm very hopeful this week.

"Winning my first tournament this season is certainly a huge boost but Saujana is one of the most difficult and challenging golf courses on the Asian Tour so it will be interesting," said Bhullar.

Chinese stalwart Wu plans to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Liang Wen-chong who played in all four rounds of the British Open in 2008. "It is always a goal of mine to play in the British Open. My form has been quite good but I need to work on my tee shots. I played well last week (finishing top-20) and I'm looking forward to qualifying. I remember watching the Open as a child when John Daly won in 1995 but I was still young then. It means more to me now if I were to play in the Major," said Wu.

Latest Men's World Golf Rankings

Colombian Camilo Villegas has moved from 21st to 12th in the world after his victory at the Honda Classic in Florida.

Padraig Harrington, on the other hand, drops from 10th to 13th after finishing in a tie for 40th.

Latest leading positions:

1 Tiger Woods 12.14pts, 2 Steve Stricker 7.91, 3 Phil Mickelson 7.28, 4 Lee Westwood 6.83, 5 Ian Poulter 6.22, 6 Paul Casey 6.15, 7 Jim Furyk 5.16, 8 Martin Kaymer 5.06, 9 Rory McIlroy 4.88, 10 Henrik Stenson 4.72

11 Geoff Ogilvy 4.68, 12 Camilo Villegas 4.68, 13 Padraig Harrington 4.66, 14 Kenny Perry 4.27, 15 Robert Allenby 4.24, 16 Sergio Garcia 4.21, 17 Retief Goosen 3.98, 18 Stewart Cink 3.94, 19 Sean O'Hair 3.93, 20 Ernie Els 3.89

Other leading Europeans:

21 Robert Karlsson, 23 Ross Fisher, 24 Luke Donald, 33 Alvaro Quiros, 34 Miguel Angel Jimenez, 36 Oliver Wilson, 45 Soren Hansen, 46 Anders Hansen, 47 Edoardo Molinari, 48 Francesco Molinari, 49 Soren Kjeldsen, 50 Graeme McDowell, 54 Simon Dyson, 57 Peter Hanson, 58 Justin Rose, 62 Alexander Noren, 66 Ross McGowan, 69 Chris Wood, 71 Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, 83 Gregory Bourdy, 92 Shane Lowry, 95 Martin Laird

Football News

Injured Fabregas: I wanted to play

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas says he wanted to play through the pain barrier against Porto.

The Spaniard sustained a hamstring injury against Burnley last Saturday and has been ruled out of Tuesday's Champions League last-16 second-leg clash against Jesualdo Ferreira's side.

Arsenal trail the Portuguese 2-1 from the first leg but will be without their inspirational captain at the Emirates.

Fabregas said in The Sun: "I wanted to play but the doctors recommended I rest and avoid any risk.

"I am sad to miss out because Porto is important to us. I will suffer far more than usual, having to watch from the side."

Scans have revealed that there is no major damage and there is a chance Fabregas could make his comeback against Hull this weekend.

Lehmann: I'm planning to retire

Stuttgart goalkeeper Jens Lehmann is likely to retire in the summer after confirming he won't be extending his contract.

The 40-year-old has opted against remaining with the Swabians and hopes understudies Sven Ulreich and Alexander Stolz will prosper following his departure.

"Staying would be unfair on Sven Ulreich," he told the Bild newspaper. "He will be rivalling Alexander Stolz and they are both looking forward to the challenge."

Asked if he would consider staying on a while longer, particularly since Ulreich has a serious injury and may miss the start of next season, Lehmann said he could "rule that out".

It appears the only scenario in which former Germany international Lehmann would prolong his playing career is if a Premier League club came calling.

He recently claimed that he felt good enough to play another year in the English top flight and an offer to do so may change his mind about retiring.

"I am planning to retire, but you just never know," he added.

"I am still really enjoying playing football."

Motorsport News

"Vettel has the makings of a champion"

Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner feels Sebastian Vettel has become "the complete driver".

Vettel finished runner-up to Jenson Button last season, pushing the Briton all the way to the penultimate grand prix in Brazil after the 30-year-old had made his stunning start with six wins in the opening seven races.

As far as Vettel is concerned there is only one objective this season which starts in Bahrain on Sunday, and that is to go a step further by becoming champion.

Horner believes last season's near-miss could be the making of the 22-year-old German, strengthening not only his resolve, but also his character.

"Sebastian has all the makings of a champion," said Horner.

"It's still very early to say, and ultimately he has to go out and do it.

"But he is a very intelligent driver, tremendously talented, has a high work ethic, and is a very dedicated and focused individual.

"Most of all, he is a nice guy as well, a very popular member of the team because he is very down to earth. Success hasn't changed him.

"His rise to stardom has been meteoric so far, and he is improving, evolving and growing. He is a remarkable character, but I see a very hungry and determined young man.

"Now with two full years' experience and a championship campaign under his belt, I think he goes into this year pretty much the complete driver."

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has made no secret of his admiration for Vettel, someone he would love to see crowned champion.

"Bernie has really warmed to him," added Horner.

"He appreciates his cheeky personality, and he is very quick-witted like Bernie, which isn't a normal trait for a German. He is very un-Germanic.

"He understands British humour brilliantly. He'll regularly watch Monty Python, Little Britain and Harry Enfield sketches, and he is a very good mimic.

"With Bernie, he likes the way Sebastian drives, and he likes the way he handles himself.

"He is always willing to sign autographs, and as an ambassador for Formula One, he is fantastic."

Much is likely to be made of Vettel's potential rivalry with seven-times champion Michael Schumacher, who returns to the sport after three years in retirement.

Although nicknamed 'Baby Schumi', Horner is confident Vettel will be himself and not succumb to a sorceror's apprentice role.

"He was still in nappies when Michael was making his grand prix debut," said Horner.

"They are different characters. Sebastian is Sebastian, his own man, and he will continue to grow into being his own person. He is not a mini-Schumi.

"He has a great deal of respect for Michael and what he has achieved, and off track they are good friends.

"But on track he will race him as hard as any other competitor."

Schumacher at full throttle

You listen to Michael Schumacher, you continually hear words such as "motivated" and "driven".

At the age of 41, it would be a risk for Schumacher to be any other way because Formula One is not a sport in which you can be half-hearted, certainly not after spending three years in retirement.

But then they are also words that define Schumacher, a driver so meticulous in his approach in and out of the car that nothing is left to chance.

Of course, there were times during Schumacher's earlier career when such desire would cloud his methodical reasoning and judgment, when his drive tipped him over the edge.

Sadly, that is Schumacher's dark side, so we can only hope his time away playing happy families, having fun on bikes and karts, viewing proceedings from the pit wall as an advisor to Ferrari, has mellowed that part of him, leaving behind the courageous competitor.

Certainly Ross Brawn is delighted to be reunited with Schumacher, the Mercedes GP team principal previously playing such a distinct role in creating the legend who has won seven world titles and 91 grands prix.

Their early bond was formed at Benetton where Schumacher won his first two championships in 1994 and 1995, and cemented at Ferrari where Brawn was the master tactician behind the five titles that followed.

No one understands Schumacher - his psyche, his methods - better than Brawn, and it would appear time has far from withered the German's senses as to what he requires and what is required to win again.

Assessing Schumacher's strengths, in comparison to the drivers he guided to last year's crown in Jenson Button, and his team-mate Rubens Barrichello, the differences are clear.

Brawn's comments are not meant as a slight against the 30-year-old Englishman or veteran Brazilian, but more to emphasise what marks Schumacher out against his peers.

After the first day of testing together in Valencia, Brawn noted: "What came through was Michael's precision about what's going on in the car, what he wants and what he feels is needed.

"He has great clarity of reasoning in what he does, what he feels and what he thinks should be the direction we take or changes to come.

"That's always been notable about Michael in his career, and that's probably the most noticeable difference.

"Both Rubens and Jenson gave very good information on the car, and that was never a problem.

"It's just that Michael is more precise in his opinions as to what is happening, which is nice to work with again.

"It was a bit like the old days."

There is no doubt the combination of Schumacher and Brawn is one that will be fully respected by all the other drivers and teams.

But whether the old days return to their fullest and include all the pomp and glory of another championship is a different matter.

Mercedes acquired a 45.1% stake in last year's title winners after a takeover of Brawn at the end of the season, with Aabar, an Abu Dhabi investment company, taking 30%.

The return of the German manufacturing giant as a fully-fledged team for the first time since 1955 is a welcome tonic for the sport, but that by no means is a guarantee of continued success.

Schumacher is also adamant no lingering doubts remain over a neck injury sustained in a bike accident a year ago that wrecked the comeback dream with Ferrari last August.

His personal doctor, Johannes Peil, was on hand at that first test to oversee matters, but such were the assurances from Schumacher, his services were dispensed with for the three tests that followed.

If he is as fit as he asserts, and he maintains his passion burns as bright as ever, the only questions that remain are whether he is as talented as in the past. Whether, at 41, he still has the speed.

As any driver will tell you, testing is one thing, qualifying and a grand prix are another, and the truth will emerge on March 13 and 14 when the curtain raises on the new season in Bahrain.

Schumacher is adamant he has "nothing to prove to anyone about my age", that instead it is a matter of "proving to myself that I am obviously still able".

If everything falls into place, make no bones about it, Schumacher will be a force to be reckoned with again, so do not rule out the prospect of a record-extending eighth title, because he isn't.

"I feel fresh, good, motivated, and as Ross and I know each other so well, it has made things very easy," said Schumacher.

"It's actually been much easier than I anticipated. I thought I would need a bit more time.

"Assessing everything, I think we have everything you need to be able to fight for the championship.

"With Ross' experience, with what the team did last year, having Mercedes as a team in itself with the experience, know-how and quality they possess, as well as myself, then, I'm sorry, there's only one target."