Sam Walker seals Open place as Montgomerie and Olazabal fail

Friday, June 29, 2012

Jose Maria Olazabal and Colin Montgomerie missed out in the Open Championship qualifier, but England's Sam Walker secured his place.

  Ryder Cup captain Olazabal and predecessor Montgomerie fell just short of claiming one of the 10 spots during European qualifying at Sunningdale. Walker qualified for the Open for the first time in 10 attempts, finishing second to compatriot James Morrison. Welshman Jamie Donaldson and England's Matthew Baldwin also qualified. Montgomerie needed to hole a bunker shot on the final hole of his second round to go into a play-off. However, his shot finished six feet wide, meaning the 49-year-old was only able to add a level-par 70 on the Old Course to his three-under 66 on the New Course in the morning. The Scot could still feature at Royal Lytham on 19 July with a top-five finish at either the French Open or the Scottish Open. After his first round 67, Olazabal had at one stage been on target, the Spaniard having got to five under through 14, but he faded to a 71 to miss out by three shots. "I made a great start," said Olazabal. "But I then had too many putts and when I hit a bad shot on the 16th that was it." Midlander Walker's qualification ends a long wait to seal his place at the Open, the Brummie having first attempted to qualify 14 years ago at the age of 20. He followed up a first-round 68 with a 65 to finish on six under, two behind Morrison. "It feels amazing," said 34-year-old Walker, who made his first appearance in a major when he qualified for the US Open at Oakmont in 2007. "It's going to be fantastic to play.

 It'll be one of the best things in my life." Morrison opened with a sparkling 63 in the morning and followed that up with a 68 to finish top of the leaderboard on eight under. Two more Englishmen, Hull's Richard Finch and Surrey's Ross Fisher, Spain's Alejandro Canizares and Australian Marcus Fraser all finished on five under alongside Donaldson and Baldwin to qualify. Southport's Lee Slattery, who also played in the US Open two weeks ago, and Denmark's Thorbjorn Olesen came out on top of a five-way play-off to fill the 10 available European Final Qualifying slots. Last year's young Open hero Tom Lewis, who tied for the lead as an amateur after a first round 65 at Royal St George's, was nine shots adrift after two matching three-over 72s. Yorkshireman Danny Willett, who won his first tour event, the BMW International Open in Cologne at the weekend, missed out by four shots. The 24-year-old flew back from Germany at 9.30pm on Sunday and did not get to bed until 2am. Willett could still qualify through a mini money list, which ends this week at the Irish Open. West Ham United midfielder Gary O'Neil failed in his bid to play at Royal Lytham after taking part in the Regional Qualifying at The London Club in Kent. The 29-year-old shot a seven-over-par 79, but was pleased with his efforts. "I don't normally hit it as bad as I did but I enjoyed it and it was just one of those things. I was pleased to keep it going and record a score below 80."













25 June 2012 Last updated at 20:32
 http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/golf/18570198

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Rangers: Davis, McGregor, Lafferty and Ness eye exit

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Four more players - captain Steven Davis, Allan McGregor, Kyle Lafferty and Jamie Ness - have lodged objections to their transfer to a "newco" Rangers. 

 The consortium led by Charles Green believe the players' contracts should transfer from the old, soon-to-be liquidated Rangers. Last week, Steven Naismith, Steven Whittaker, Sone Aluko and Rhys McCabe claimed to be free agents. And it led chief executive Green to threaten legal action. Green, whose consortium bought Rangers' assets after creditors rejected a plan to take the old company out of administration, says he will use the courts to block the players' departure and seek damages. Scotland defender Lee Wallace followed that by announcing that he intends to remain with Rangers for the remainder of his five-year contract. But, hours later, those eyeing an exit were joined by midfielder Davis, Northern Ireland team-mate Lafferty, Scotland goalkeeper Allan McGregor and Under-21 international midfielder Ness. A statement from lawyer Margaret Gribbon of Bridge Litigation read: "Allan McGregor, Steven Davis, Jamie Ness and Kyle Lafferty have instructed PFA lawyers Bridge Litigation UK to object to their transfer to the Rangers' newco." Green's newco Rangers has submitted an application to be granted entry into the Scottish Premier League and will face a vote by all 12 top-flight clubs on 4 July. However, enough clubs have already stated they will be voting against Rangers' application to leave the new club facing the prospect of having to apply for entry to the Scottish Football League. Raith Rovers and Falkirk have gone public with their opposition to a new Rangers being admitted to Division One instead of starting life two rungs below. "This has been an extremely difficult period for all the players and, in the end, their decisions were influenced largely by footballing considerations," added Ms Gribbon. "SPL football appears highly unlikely and even First Division football cannot be guaranteed in light of comments made today by two First Division clubs. "The players' commitment and loyalty to oldco Rangers cannot be questioned; they voluntarily took significant wage cuts in a genuine act of solidarity, which ensured that none of the playing squad or club staff would lose their jobs. "But for their contribution, it's likely that the club would not have survived until the end of the season. "As professional footballers, the players' careers are relatively short-lived and they are entitled to exercise basic employment rights the law affords to all employees in this country under the TUPE Regulations.

 "I now expect the SFA and Fifa to interpret their Rules and Regulations in accordance with the TUPE legislation so that the players' registrations can be released without delay." Rangers players are due to report for pre-season training on Thursday, the same day as staff who have agreed to transfer their contracts are due to receive their first pay packets from the Sevco consortium. However, they have been forced to change their pre-season plans, with newly promoted Southampton announcing that Anderlecht will replace Rangers in this year's Markus Liebherr Memorial Cup, which will also feature Arsenal, because of question marks about the strength of the Glasgow club's squad. Meanwhile, the Scottish Football Association is awaiting information from Green to support his newco club's application for membership of the governing body. Green submitted a letter of application on Friday, but the SFA needs formal documents relating to his consortium, requirements for fit and proper officials, and plans for his newco Rangers. It was agreed that Green, whose group purchased the business and assets of Rangers for £5.5m, would provide the details before this weekend. The transfer of the SFA membership from soon-to-be-liquidated Rangers to Green's newco could take place at the same time as a decision is made over which league the club will play in. The club were forced into administration in February over an unpaid tax bill and failure to secure a company voluntary arrangement in order to exit the process consigned the club to liquidation.












 26 June 2012 Last updated at 20:56
 http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18603617

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London 2012: Triathlete Alistair Brownlee feared missing Games

Friday, June 22, 2012

The 24-year-old competes in his first World Series event of the year in Kitzbühel, Austria on Sunday and says recovery has been tough. "It's been really frustrating," Brownlee told BBC Sport. "There were times when I wondered if it was ever going to get better and be able to race or train properly again." Just two weeks ago, alongside his brother Jonny, he claimed a joint victory in his comeback race in Blenheim and was relieved to come through unscathed. "I was a bit nervous really about the little things that could go wrong," said Alistair. "I've done four-six weeks of solid training without feeling anything but you're never quite sure until you actually race. "It felt absolutely fine to be honest so I'm happy with that." World sprint triathlon champion Jonny, who has won World Series events in San Diego and Madrid so far in 2012, says it has been difficult to see his brother suffer during the crucial build-up to this summer's Games. "He found it tough because he's had injuries before where when you recover, you don't feel them again, but the Achilles is something that kind of hung around," Jonny Brownlee told BBC Sport. "He'd be running along in training and go over on his ankle and say 'that's it I'm retiring' and I'm like, 'what do I say? I'll keep quiet'.

Then we'd run a but more and he'd say he was retiring again. "We can joke about it now but it was tough seeing Alastair like that." Alistair's physiotherapist Emma Deakin suggested in March that the triathlete could come back stronger than before his injury , but he confesses this may not be the case. "I think that's a bit of an optimistic way of looking at it," said Alistair. "I missed three months of training which is never going to be ideal, three months out from an Olympic Games. "But it could happen, the Olympic year is a funny year. "I've got no chance of over-doing it because I've only been training for six weeks so that's probably the only positive you can take from it." After competing in Kitzbühel on Sunday, the Brownlees will head to St. Moritz, Switzerland for a four-week training camp. "As far as time is concerned, I'm not massively away [from where I want to be]," added Alistair. "In the time I have left [before the Games] I could probably go from being completely unfit to fairly fit, so I'm hoping that if I have a good injury-free few weeks then it should work out well for me." The brothers will return to the UK just over two weeks before the Olympic Games begin and after a 'rest' period in Leeds, will travel to London, four days ahead of the men's triathlon in Hyde Park on 7 August .












22 June 2012 Last updated at 12:45
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/18537979

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Mo Farah to defend European 5,000m title in Helsinki

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

 Mo Farah will defend his European 5,000m title after being given special dispensation to compete in Helsinki as well as at the GB Olympic trials. 

 The European Championship begins on 27 June, just three days after the British Olympic trials end in Birmingham. UK Athletics say any other athlete who qualifies for London 2012 at the weekend will not compete in Helsinki. However, Farah will be an exception as the 5,000m in Finland does not involve heats and suits his racing schedule. Farah became the first British man to win the 5,000m and 10,000m double at the outdoor European Championships in Barcelona two years ago, but will not defend the longer distance in Helsinki. A provisional Great Britain squad of 109 athletes has been named for the Euros, which are being held in Olympic year for the first time and begin just 37 days before the athletics gets under way in London. Men 100m: Harry Aikines Aryeetey; Dwain Chambers, James Dasaolu, Richard Kilty, Mark Lewis-Francis 200m: James Alaka; Chris Clarke, James Ellington, Christian Malcolm, Danny Talbot 400m: Richard Buck, Luke Lennon Ford, Nigel Levine, Rob Tobin, Conrad Williams 800m: Mukhtar Mohammed, Andrew Osagie, Michael Rimmer, Gareth Warburton 1500m: Andy Baddeley, James Brewer, Tom Lancashire, Ross Murray, James Shane 5000m: Mo Farah, Rory Fraser, Mitch Goose, Nick McCormick 10,000m: Keith Gerrard, James Walsh 3000m Steeplechase: Luke Gunn, Rob Mullett, Stuart Stokes, James Wilkinson 110m Hurdles: Richard Alleyne, Lawrence Clarke, Gianni Frankis, Andrew Pozzi, William Sharman 400m Hurdles: Jack Green, Ben Sumner, Rhys Williams, Nathan Woodward, Rick Yates High Jump: Martyn Bernard, Robbie Grabarz, Samson Oni, Tom Parsons Pole Vault: Luke Cutts, Max Eaves, Andrew Sutcliffe Long Jump: JJ Jegede, Julian Reid, Chris Tomlinson Triple Jump: Larry Achike Shot Put: Carl Myerscough Discus: Abdul Buhari, Brett Morse, Carl Myerscough, Lawrence Okoye Hammer: Mark Dry Decathlon: Ashley Bryant 4x100m: Aikines Aryeetey, Chambers, Kilty, Tyrone Edgar, Ellington, Malcolm, Talbot 4x400m: Buck, Michael Bingham, Lennon Ford, Levine, Tobin, Williams Women 100m: Montell Douglas, Jeanette Kwakye, Ashleigh Nelson, Anyika Onuora, Abi Oyepitan 200m: Onuora, Oyepitan, Jodie Williams 400m: Shana Cox, Lee McConnell, Kelly Massey, Marilyn Okoro, Nicola Sanders 800m: Emma Jackson, Jenny Meadows, Okoro, Lynsey Sharp, Jemma Simpson 1500m: Lisa Dobriskey, Jemma Simpson, Charlene Thomas, Steph Twell, Laura Weightman 5000m: Julia Bleasdale, Helen Clitheroe, Twell 10,000m: Jo Pavey, Charlotte Purdue, Gemma Steel, Sarah Waldron 3000m Steeplechase: Hatti Archer, Eilish McColgan 100m Hurdles: Tiffany Porter 400m Hurdles: Meghan Beesley High Jump: Isobel Pooley Pole Vault: Kate Dennison, Sally Peake Long Jump: Abigail Irozuru, Shara Proctor Triple Jump: Yamile Aldama Shot Put: Eden Francis Discus Throw: Francis, Jade Nicholls Hammer Throw: Sophie Hitchon, Sarah Holt Javelin Throw: Goldie Sayers, Laura Whittingham Heptathlon: Louise Hazel 4x100m: Douglas, Hayley Jones, Kwakye, Nelson, Onuora, Williams 4x400m: Eilidh Child, Cox, Massey, McConnell, Christine Ohuruogu, Sanders












18 June 2012 Last updated at 11:45
 http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/18489718

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Tiger Woods in US Open hunt as Thompson leads at Olympic

Friday, June 15, 2012

Tiger Woods launched his bid for a 15th major title in impressive fashion as he took a share of second place in testing conditions on day one of the US Open.

  Woods's one-under 69 was only eclipsed by a stunning 66 from fellow American Michael Thompson but the former world number one looked in ominous form. Justin Rose, Graeme McDowell, David Toms and Nick Watney were also at one under but some big names struggled. Phil Mickelson carded 76, Rory McIlroy shot 77 and Luke Donald took 79. World number one Donald finished on the same score as Chinese 14-year-old Andy Zhang, who was eight over after his first five holes at the firm, fast-running Olympic Club in San Francisco. Lee Westwood, the world number three, was playing with defending champion McIlroy and Donald but fought back from a double-bogey start to card a respectable 73 as only six players broke par. Woods, back up to fourth in the world after his recent win at Memorial, looked in complete control of his game as he looks to win a first major since the 2008 US Open. The 36-year-old, who also won before the Masters but ended tied 40th at Augusta, began with five straight pars after starting at the ninth before dropping a first shot at the par-four 14th. He made amends with a birdie at the 522-yard par-five 17th and fired back-to-back birdies at the fourth and fifth, the latter courtesy of a 30-foot putt, before a final bogey on the sixth. "I played well - I felt like I had control of my game all day and stuck to my game plan," said Woods. "We knew it was going to be quick, but we didn't think it was going to happen overnight. "I was very pleased with every facet of my game and I stayed very patient." Masters champion Bubba Watson, who took 78, said of his playing partner's display: "That was the old Tiger. That was beautiful to watch. "That's what we all come to see. 

That's what we all want to watch and that was awesome to see him strike the ball." On his own wayward performance, the left-hander added: "The course beat me up today. It's a lot better than I am - it beat me by eight." Thompson, a qualifier who reached the final of the US Amateur at the San Francisco course five years ago, was two over after six but made six birdies to leave the field trailing. "This is one of my favourite golf courses, so I've got good feelings coming in here," said the 27-year-old, who is in his second year on the PGA Tour. McIlroy, who won by eight strokes and broke a host of scoring records at Congressional last year, said: "I tried to approach it like any other tournament I play and tried to go out there and shoot the best score I could. "It wasn't my greatest day, but hopefully I can come out and try and shoot a good one and at least try to be here for the weekend." Donald, who in part blamed his putting , added: "The top three in the world [with McIlroy and Westwood] and we make three birdies between us - it shows how tough it is." Five-time runner-up Mickelson lost a ball with his first shot and his day continued in a similar vein. "I didn't play very well, obviously," said the four-time major champion. "I've got a tough challenge just to get to the weekend. I will see if I can shoot under par - maybe that will get me there." 

15 June 2012 Last updated at 06:25 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/golf/18452703

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Harry Redknapp leaves Tottenham Hotspur manager's job

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

  Veteran manager Redknapp, who was heavily linked with the England job before the Football Association opted for Roy Hodgson, had denied speculation that he had resigned on Tuesday. The 65-year-old had a year left on his contract but reportedly failed to agree a new deal with chairman Daniel Levy. Everton manager David Moyes is a contender for the job but the Toffees have received no approach for the Scot. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Spurs and am proud of my achievements," Redknapp said on the Spurs website . "I have had a fantastic four years with the club, at times the football has been breathtaking. I am sad to be leaving but wish to thank the players, staff and fans for their terrific support during my time there." Levy thanked the former Spurs boss on the club's official statement. He said: "This is not a decision the board and I have taken lightly. Harry arrived at the club at a time when his experience and approach was exactly what was needed. "This decision in no way detracts from the excellent work Harry has done during his time with the Club and I should like to thank him for his achievements and contribution. Harry will always be welcome at the Lane." Redknapp left Portsmouth for Tottenham, who were four points adrift at the bottom of the Premier League, in October 2008. He guided Spurs to a first-ever Champions League campaign in 2010. After finishing fourth last season, Tottenham only missed out on a repeat of that when Chelsea won the Champions League. Redknapp was immediately installed as the favourite to replace Fabio Capello when the Italian resigned from the England job in February, only for the FA to move for Hodgson. He admitted last week that he would have left Tottenham if he had been offered the national job. When Capello left his post as England boss on 8 February, Spurs were third in the league, 10 points clear of a faltering Arsenal but they eventually finished a point behind the Gunners. Levy is understood to have been left disappointed by Spurs' end-of-season slump. Redknapp consistently rejected suggestions that Tottenham were affected by the speculation linking him with England. Last week he urged Spurs to resolve his future, insisting that the uncertainty could cause problems in the Tottenham dressing room. He said:

"The simple situation is I've got a year left on my contract. It's up to Tottenham whether they want to extend that contract or not. "If they don't extend it and I go into my last year, it's not an easy one when players know you've only got a year left. "It's up to Tottenham. If they think I'm OK and I've done a decent job and deserve an extension, they'll give it to me." But having been the longest-serving Tottenham manager since Terry Venables, whose reign ended in 1991, he has now left the club. Redknapp spent most of his playing career with West Ham and Bournemouth and managed both clubs before taking charge of Portsmouth in 2002. He guided the Fratton Park club into the Premier League within 14 months as First Division champions. Redknapp left for Pompey's bitter South Coast rivals Southampton in 2004 but returned to Fratton Park in December 2005. Then, after dramatically saving Pompey from relegation with a brilliant end-of-season run, Redknapp steered them to a best-ever Premier League finish of ninth in 2006-07. They improved on that by a place in 2007-08, and won the FA Cup against Cardiff, qualifying for their first journey into Uefa Cup football. Just months later he replaced Juande Ramos at struggling Tottenham, eventually finishing eighth in the table and qualifying for the Champions League by finishing fourth the following season. Spurs were eventually beaten in the quarter-finals by Real Madrid and could only finish fifth in the Premier League. At the turn of the year they were considered potential title challengers but a run of one victory in nine matches contributed to them slipping to fourth and losing out to Chelsea for the final Champions League place.











 13 June 2012 Last updated at 22:34 GMT
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18436663

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Rafael Nadal beats Novak Djokovic to win seventh French Open

Monday, June 11, 2012

  Rafael Nadal won a record seventh French Open title after ruthlessly snuffing out Novak Djokovic's comeback to win 6-4 6-3 2-6 7-5 in a rain-affected final. 

Nadal resumed leading 6-4 6-3 2-6 1-2, but his uncharacteristic wobble late on Sunday had fuelled Djokovic's belief. The Spaniard broke back in the first game of the day however, and then piled pressure on an unsettled Djokovic. The Serb finally folded with a double fault to hand Nadal an 11th Grand Slam. Having drawn level with Bjorn Borg on six Roland Garros titles last year, the victory gave Nadal sole ownership of the landmark, and the 26-year-old is likely to have plenty of opportunities to stretch further clear. The only three men to have more Grand Slam victories - Roger Federer with 16, Pete Sampras on 14 and Roy Emerson on 12 - are now in his sights. The crowd had returned to Court Philippe Chatrier entertaining the possibility that they may witness a different piece of tennis history. Djokovic, aiming to become only the third man in history to hold all four Grand Slam titles simultaneously, seemed to have the upper hand on his rival when Parisian drizzle had forced them off on Sunday. Nadal led a precariously-poised contest 6-4 6-3 2-6 1-2 overnight, but, having been broken early in the fourth, he had looked ill at ease on the court he has made his own. The Spaniard had surrendered eight successive games and grew increasingly irritated by the wet conditions underfoot before tournament officials called an end to proceedings. With the chance to reassess his position and resume in dry, if cloudy, conditions the world number two emerged renergised. Djokovic's hopes of becoming the first man to beat Nadal on clay after losing the opening two sets immediately dimmed as Nadal toppled his serve in the opening game. Nadal's body language had spoken volumes on Sunday and, after the Serb's forehand down the line was snagged by the tape to bring up 2-2 , it was Djokovic who allowed his frustration to show. The world number one pounded his head with his racquet strings, but the brutal treatment he was receiving from the opposite end of the net proved harder to halt. Twice Nadal held to love, while Djokovic's serve continued to look vulnerable. Djokovic's resolve and fight had seem him haul back four match points to beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarter-finals, but he appeared drained as he gifted Nadal the championship without forcing him to play a return. The Serb's second serve strayed long to end a run of three successive Grand Slam final wins over Nadal and extend his rival's extraordinary record of just one defeat in the tournament since making his 2005 debut.







 By Mike Henson BBC Sport
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/18395750

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Euro 2012: Scott Parker wants to make up for lost time

Thursday, June 7, 2012

England midfielder Scott Parker is determined to seize his chance as he prepares for his first major tournament at the age of 31.

 Since moving to Tottenham from West Ham in August 2011 for £5m, Parker has impressed and was named England Player of the Year in February. "It's a massive tournament for me personally," he told BBC Radio 5 live. "At 31 it's my first tournament so it's one I have been looking forward to for a long time and I am over the moon." He added: "You always watch the games and wish you could be there or playing a part in it but for one reason or another it wasn't meant to be. "I suppose now I am here I need to try to soak up every bit of it and do the best I can when I'm called upon." Since moving to Tottenham from West Ham in August 2011 for £5m, Parker has impressed and was named England Player of the Year in February.

"It's a massive tournament for me personally," he told BBC Radio 5 live. "At 31 it's my first tournament so it's one I have been looking forward to for a long time and I am over the moon." He added: "You always watch the games and wish you could be there or playing a part in it but for one reason or another it wasn't meant to be. "I suppose now I am here I need to try to soak up every bit of it and do the best I can when I'm called upon." The former Charlton, Norwich, Chelsea and Newcastle central midfielder has started the first two matches of manager Roy Hodgson's reign, against Norway and Belgium, alongside captain Steven Gerrard. The duo may have to be at their best if England are to make an impact in Poland and Ukraine. "If you switch off for one second at the level we are at, then it normally ends up in the back of your net," added Parker at a civic reception, attended by the players in Krakow. "Midfield is obviously a crucial part of a team and a game. You obviously need to win the battles in midfield and from there give yourselves a platform to go and attack and obviously be solid in defence. "Under this manager we are going to have a very organised team, a team which is tactically aware and if you have to grind out results then that is how it has to be. "But we have also got plenty of players in this squad who can go the other way and score some fabulous goals."



















 7 June 2012 Last updated at 19:00
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18359712

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French Open: Novak Djokovic & Roger Federer win epics

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

World number one Novak Djokovic saved four match points to secure a thrilling five-set victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the French Open last eight.

   

 Djokovic was on the brink of defeat but dug deep to complete a 6-1 5-7 5-7 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 win in more than four hours. The Serb will play Roger Federer in the semi-finals after he also came through a gruelling five-set match. The 16-time Grand Slam champion, seeded third, overcame Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro 3-6 6-7 6-2 6-0 6-3. He will now have a chance to repeat his 2011 semi-final victory over Djokovic, who is attempting to become only the third man to hold all four Grand Slam titles at the same time. The last person to achieve the feat was Rod Laver in 1969 and Djokovic's hopes of doing the same only remain on course after an incredible comeback. He and Tsonga both came through five-set contests in the last round and while Tsonga seemed jaded and nervous early on, Djokovic was alert and authoritative. There seemed little sign of the drama to come as the 25-year-old top seed won the opening set in 21 minutes. Tsonga belatedly kickstarted his challenge in the second set, delivering some scintillating blows to level the match. Djokovic gestured angrily to his camp from his chair at the changeover, while Tsonga and the crowd were now firmly against him.

 Tsonga recovered a break early in the third set and while his play was generating huge cheers, Djokovic successes brought shunned silence. The Serb failed to take two break points at 5-5 and was punished in spectacular style as Tsonga broke him and served out. Tsonga's power was unsettling Djokovic and the fifth seed had four match points late in the fourth set. But as in the 2011 US Open final against Federer, when he also faced a match point, Djokovic hit out and it paid off. Djokovic edged the tie-break to shatter Tsonga's resolve and he broke three times in the deciding set before roaring in celebration. He has two days to recover before he plays Federer , who overturned a two-set deficit for the seventh time in his career. Del Potro beat Federer in an epic US Open final in 2009 but wrist and hip injuries have severely hampered his progress. The ninth seed chose their latest encounter to rediscover the form that helped him defeat the Swiss at Flushing Meadows. This time, however, Del Potro became hindered by a heavily strapped left knee and Federer was able to overwhelm his opponent. Federer's form did improve as the match progressed and he remains in contention to add to his sole French Open triumph in 2009. 

5 June 2012 Last updated at 20:31 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/18331991

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Euro 2012: Gary Cahill ruled out but Rio Ferdinand overlooked

Monday, June 4, 2012

 

 Roy Hodgson has been accused of disrespecting Rio Ferdinand after overlooking the defender for Euro 2012, despite an injury to Gary Cahill. 

Cahill, 26, was ruled out with a double fracture of his jaw after colliding with goalkeeper Joe Hart during the friendly win over Belgium on Saturday. Liverpool's Martin Kelly has been called up as his replacement. "It's a lack of respect. He wants to play," Ferdinand's representative Jamie Moralee told BBC Sport. "Rio's very disappointed. He thought he had done enough. It's very difficult to accept. "This is a player with 81 caps for his country. I don't know anyone who understands it. It's not been handled in the right way." Meanwhile, John Terry has been given the all-clear after a scan on a hamstring injury. Liverpool full-back Kelly, 22, who made his international debut as a substitute against Norway last weekend, was on the stand-by list. The call-up is subject to Uefa approval. Former captain Ferdinand, 33, has won 81 caps for his country but was left out of Hodgson's initial squad. England coach Hodgson said the decision was for "footballing reasons" and not as Terry is due to stand trial in July over a charge he racially abused Ferdinand's brother Anton. Terry denies the charge. The Manchester United defender has been hampered by back problems in recent years and club manager Sir Alex Ferguson said in May: "You play something like a game every four days. Rio Ferdinand couldn't do that." However Ferdinand made 30 Premier League appearances last season, the most times he has featured in a campaign since 2007-08. England manager Roy Hodgson had already lost goalkeeper John Ruddy (fractured finger) as well as midfielders Gareth Barry (abdomen) and Frank Lampard (thigh) from his original 23-man squad. Cahill looked in line to start alongside Chelsea team-mate Terry against France in England's Euro 2012 opener in Donetsk on 11 June, but his absence now opens the door for either Manchester City's Joleon Lescott or Everton's Phil Jagielka. Manchester United's Phil Jones is the only other recognised central defender - though he may be needed in midfield following the injuries to Lampard and Barry. Cahill collided with Hart after a push from Belgium winger Dries Mertens in the 17th minute at Wembley. An FA statement said: "Cahill has two fractures of his jaw, one either side. "The England medical team have been in close contact overnight with Cahill's club doctors who will treat him moving forward." Hodgson said after the game: "I wasn't too happy about the challenge. The referee gave him a yellow card, which he deserved." PSV winger Mertens has apologised on his Twitter page. He said: "I sincerely apologise for the harm I've cost to Cahill. When in the heat of the moment, you often don't think about the consequences. "My thoughts go out to him and I hope he recovers well." Kelly's call-up means that there are now six Liverpool players in the 23-man squad travelling to Ukraine and Poland - more than from any other club. Fifa have confirmed that Mertens will not face restrospective action as the incident was seen by the referee at the time. 

 4 June 2012 Last updated at 08:0

 http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18311737

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