FEDERER SHOCKED IN TORONTO

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roger-federer.jpgWorld number one Roger Federer exited the Rogers Cup, while Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal continued his remarkable run.

Top seed Federer opened play and all appeared normal early on but unseeded Frenchman Gilles Simon turned things around for a stunning 2-6 7-5 6-4 triumph.

Nadal, meanwhile, claimed a comfortable 6-4 6-2 victory over American qualifier Jesse Levine.

Federer, who was playing his first match since losing to Nadal at Wimbledon, is having a poor year by his standards and lost his 10th contest out of 53 this season, where he has won two titles and no Grand Slam championships.

Of course, the rapid emergence of Nadal, who has beaten Federer in all four contests between the two in finals this season, has played a significant role in the 26-year-old’s downturn.

This particular venue had been a favourite of Federer’s, however, as he was unbeaten in 13 matches at the Rexall Centre, claiming titles in 2004 and 2006.

But Federer, who has 55 career titles, will have to wait until next year to try and become the third player in the Open era to win three Canadian titles, joining Ivan Lendl (six) and Andre Agassi.

Simon is ranked number 22 in the world and won the event in Indianapolis on Sunday.

Nadal was playing his first match since winning Wimbledon and rolled into the third round of this hardcourt event with a straight sets win over Levine.

The first player to win both the French Open and Wimbledon in the same season since Bjorn Borg in 1980, Nadal is at the top of his game.

The world number two since July 2005 has won his last four tournaments played and is on a 25-match winning streak.

“It’s not easy to play, especially after Wimbledon. I didn’t have much practice so it’s was a tough start,” Nadal said.

“Right now I am just continuing to try and improve my hard court season.”

The 22-year-old, who captured this event in 2005, leads the ATP with 57 wins this year and has captured six titles overall to move to 29 career titles

SKY DEAL ANNOUNCED BY BRITISH CYCLING

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British Cycling has announced a multi-million pound partnership with broadcaster Sky for the next five years.

Every level of the sport is set to benefit from the investment, including Britain’s elite team of world, Olympic and Paralympics cyclists to British Cycling’s talent development programmes and grass roots initiatives in schools and local communities.

The partnership’s announcement comes as the British team enters the final stages of preparation for next month’s Beijing Olympics, when riders such as Bradley Wiggins, Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton are expected to lead a medals blitz.

wiggins.jpgThe arrangement with Sky will provide increased support in the run-up towards the 2012 London Olympics and beyond.

British cycling performance director David Brailsford said: “I believe this partnership will create a step change for cycling.

“Cycling is already one of Britain’s sporting success stories, and this is a truly exciting opportunity to grow the sport even further.”

British Cycling president Brian Cookson added: “Sky’s support presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform our sport by building on our international success and using it to get more people cycling, more people engaged with the sport, more people belonging to British Cycling.”

MOSLEY WINS PRIVACY ACTION

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Formula One boss Max Mosley on Thursday won his privacy action against the News of the World.

mosley.jpgThe newspaper, which had accused the 68-year-old son of the 1930s Fascist leader Sir Oswald Mosley of taking part in a “sick Nazi orgy” with five prostitutes, must now pay him a record £60,000 compensation.

Mr Justice Eady did not make an additional award – which would have been unprecedented in invasion of privacy cases – of punitive exemplary damages.

Mr Mosley, president of the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile), did not dispute taking part in the sadomasochistic roleplay at a rented Chelsea basement flat, but said it was consensual and private, with no Nazi overtones.

He said his life was devastated by the March expose and by the newspaper putting secretly-filmed footage of what it called a “truly grotesque and depraved” event on its website, attracting at least 3.5 million hits at the last count.

James Price QC told London’s High Court that the “gross and indefensible intrusion” by the tabloid in its role as a titillating Peeping Tom was made substantially worse by the false suggestion that Mr Mosley was playing a concentration camp commandant and a cowering death camp inmate.

The newspaper’s editor, Colin Myler, said he believed the story was one of “legitimate public interest and one that I believe was legitimately published” and that it was “absolutely not true” that the newspaper had fabricated the Nazi aspect.

Mr Mosley was in court but showed no emotion at the ruling.

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KING’S HOPES FOR D’ARGENT

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dargent.jpgTrainer Alan King admits he has “no idea” whether D’Argent can become the first grey winner of the John Smith’s Grand National for almost half a century on Saturday.

King hopes D’Argent takes to the unique Aintree fences as the 11-year-old bids to emulate Nicolaus Silver’s 1961 triumph.

He said: “I have no idea whether D’Argent will take to the fences on Saturday – I think we’ll know our fate early on in the race.”

Jockey Robert Thornton, seeking his first victory in 11 attempts, agrees, adding: “I schooled D’Argent on Monday. He’s kind of got his own way of doing things jumping-wise, but I’m not going to change that.

“He’s in good form so as long as I get him into a rhythm early he’ll certainly give me a good ride.”

Bewleys Berry fell at Becher’s on the second circuit last year, but Howard Johnson’s charge has got round the famous course twice when finishing runner-up in the last two renewals of the Becher Chase.

Owner Graham Wylie said: “He was pulled up last time and there were two reasons for it. Firstly it was very heavy ground and he doesn’t go on that.

“Howard wanted to get him out before Aintree and the only other option was at Doncaster, where it was firm, and we didn’t want to risk him on that either.

“The other thing is that he doesn’t seem to run very well anywhere apart from Aintree. They say horses for courses, and he’s one of them.

“He’s only ever won for me on his first time as a novice chaser at Wetherby. Everywhere else, he’s been disappointing, but he just seems to light up at Aintree and let’s hope he does so on Saturday.”

Timmy Murphy admits he has played safe in choosing Comply Or Die over Vodka Bleu as his mount on Saturday.

Murphy, without a National win in 12 attempts, felt he could not desert the more fancied runner, especially after winning the Eider Chase at Newcastle.

“I think it was the safest decision. He’s proved that he stays and that he jumps safely, two things you need to do in the National,” he said.

“Vodka Bleu is an old favourite of mine and a lovely old horse. We’ve had some great days. He’s been round here while Comply hasn’t, (but) I couldn’t get off the second or third favourite for a 33-1 shot.”

UNITED BUOYANT AFTER ITALIAN LESSON

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Manchester United defender John O’Shea insists his side can head back into Barclays Premier League action at Middlesbrough on Sunday bursting with pride after their midweek Champions League exploits.

United eased past Roma 2-0 in Italy to put themselves in pole position for a place in the semi-finals and give them a major boost ahead of the crucial clash against Gareth Southgate’s men.

O’Shea, who replaced injury victim Nemanja Vidic after 33 minutes, said: “We can be very proud of the performance because Roma are a very good team.

“I thought it was very impressive. To come away in the Champions League at any stage, but especially in the quarter finals, Roma were so familiar to us as well.

“When the back four and Edwin (van der Sar) are playing so well and all the experience they have, it is easy to slot in to the confidence of the team.

“We have been keeping clean sheets all season and we just had to do that again.”

O’Shea is expected to figure from the start in the north-east with Vidic ruled out for three weeks. Nani remains a doubt after missing the trip to Italy with a thigh strain.

Mikael Silvestre should figure after shaking off a knee injury while Gary Neville is edging closer to full fitness. Darren Fletcher (knee) and Louis Saha (hamstring) are both still out.

But O’Shea went on to warn his United team-mates not to take their first-leg result for granted with Roma expected to come to Old Trafford and throw everything at the United defence.

AINTREE AGENDA FOR DITCHEAT DUO

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masterminded.jpgPaul Nicholls could run Kauto Star and brilliant Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Master Minded at Aintree next week.

The latter may line up in the John Smith’s Melling Chase on Friday, while Kauto Star will be entered in both that race and Thursday’s totesport Bowl.

Master Minded was under consideration for the Kerrygold Champion Chase at Punchestown next month but Nicholls told the Racing Post: “The drawback with Punchestown is that the ground can turn a bit quick by then and as he’s so well, we’d be silly not to look at the Melling.

“Kauto Star will be entered in both the Melling Chase and the totesport Bowl on Thursday.

“But I’ll have to be satisfied with the ground and both horses’ wellbeing before we give them the go-ahead.”

ENGLAND: NO FLINTOFF RUSH

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England are refusing to put a date on Andrew Flintoff’s return to international cricket as they begin their journey home following Test series success in New Zealand.

The team fly back on Thursday having clinched a 2-1 win with victory in final Test at Napier on Wednesday.

Coach Peter Moores is now looking ahead to the summer and the return series against New Zealand, which is followed by four Tests against South Africa.

Their options for both series would be improved considerably if they could call upon the services of Lancashire all-rounder Flintoff, who is now playing again following a fourth operation on his troublesome left ankle.

But England are remaining patient over the 30-year-old Ashes hero and are willing to give him time to recover his match sharpness and fitness before they consider recalling him.

“We’re deliberately not putting a date on it,” stressed Moores. “He’s got to be fit and feeling good about himself first.

“Andrew’s progress is very promising. He’s bowling and the reports back are good. The key for him is not to push it until he feels very happy in himself and the medical staff are very happy at where he’s at.

flintoff.jpg“When he’s in the right sort of form then we will make the decision of how and where he will fit into that England team.

“It’s nice he’s progressing so well because as a cricketer he’s one of those player that can make a real difference.”

Flintoff, who featured in all but one of Lancashire’s games on their pre-season tour in Dubai, has targeted that first Test against New Zealand on May 15 as a possible return date.

But with England winning their last two Tests against the Kiwis and both Matthew Hoggard and Steve Harmison also competing for places in the side after being dropped, they can possibly afford to wait for the return of Flintoff.

“The progression he’s going through at the moment with Lancashire is for him to get stuck into the season,” said Moores.

“Naturally that will happen and he’ll get a chance to play as a batsman and a bowler and get battle-hardened again in county cricket after a reasonable time out.”

Flintoff could possibly play 23 days of senior cricket before the first Test with matches for the MCC against Sussex in the traditional season curtain-raiser and all of Lancashire’s fixtures before then.

CALZAGHE OUT TO BOOST TEAM

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calzaghe.jpgJoe Calzaghe admits he will head to Las Vegas next week desperate to get his gym back on the winning track after a series of setbacks for his father’s Welsh boxing odyssey.

Calzaghe’s stablemates Enzo Maccarinelli, Gavin Rees and Kerry Hope have all tasted defeat in recent weeks – a feeling 36-year-old Calzaghe has not had to cope with since his amateur days.

Calzaghe said: “It drives me on to go and do it for the gym. Obviously it was disappointing on a personal level but as a professional I’ve just got to concentrate on the things that keep me unbeaten.

“Enzo and Gavin were in two massive tests and Kerry just came up short as well. But I’m sure they’ll bounce back stronger from defeat. I don’t have that option because I’m too long in the tooth now.”

Calzaghe is putting the finishing touches to his preparations in the Cwmcarn this week before jetting out to America to face former middleweight great Bernard Hopkins on April 19.

Calzaghe said: “I’ve always wanted to top the bill in Las Vegas and the fact that I’m doing it in one of the biggest fights for years shows how much I want it. Hopefully Hopkins is going to come and trade – but I won’t hold my breath.

“Hopkins is good at making people look bad but he won’t do that to me. That’s the only way he can handle me and that’s why he’s not a well-loved fighter.

“Hopkins has hardly ever been in any exciting fights and he’s very negative. He’ll do everything he can to knock me out of my rhythm because he knows I’m stronger, faster and fitter than him.”

Calzaghe says he is delighted that experienced referee Joe Cortez has been announced as the official for their April 19 showdown, despite being perceived to have done Ricky Hatton few favours against Floyd Mayweather.

“I don’t do holding and mauling and Joe Cortez is well aware of that,” added Calzaghe. “He’s an experienced referee and he’ll enjoy a quiet night because all he will have to do is count to 10 and save Hopkins.”

WASPS SUSPEND DALLAGLIO

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Lawrence Dallaglio has been suspended for a week by his club Wasps.

Wasps launched an investigation after their captain was cited for allegedly striking Leicester prop Julian White during last Saturday’s EDF Energy Cup semi-final at the Millennium Stadium.

Dallaglio, who faces a Rugby Football Union disciplinary hearing in London next Tuesday as a result, will now miss Wasps’ Guinness Premiership appointment with Leicester this weekend.

The former England captain’s club ban took effect two days ago.

Wasps say they are satisfied there was no intention or malice on Dallaglio’s part, although his actions did infringe the relevant International Rugby Board rule.

The club also took into account what they describe as Dallaglio’s “exemplary previous disciplinary history.”

dallaglio.jpgDallaglio said: “I accept the sanction of a week’s suspension from playing for my club.

“I acknowledge that my actions infringed the rules, although I wish to stress that they were unintentional and without any malice.

“I have extended my apologies to Julian White.

“I hope that I can now draw a line under this incident and enjoy playing out the rest of my final season.”

Dallaglio, 35, will retire from all rugby next month following a glittering career that saw him help England win the 2003 World Cup.

He won 85 caps – only Jason Leonard is above him on England’s all-time list – in addition to touring three times with the Lions.

Wasps are currently battling to reach the Guinness Premiership play-off positions in their quest for a fourth league title in six seasons.

They have seven games left, and a high Premiership finish is now their solitary route into next season’s Heineken Cup after making an early European exit this term and bowing out of EDF contention against Leicester.

CAPELLO HAPPY WITH PROGRESS

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capello.jpgFabio Capello is convinced his England team are on the right track despite suffering the first defeat of his 10-week reign against France.

The England boss saw goalkeeper David James bring down Nicolas Anelka in the first half at the Stade de France to allow Franck Ribery to score the only goal of a match in which David Beckham won his 100th cap.

It was a carbon copy of the penalty given away by James the last time England played France at Euro 2004, except that time it was Thierry Henry who was upended.

Capello, however, was upbeat.

He said: “I saw some very good things against a top-level team. That showed me what our worth is.”

The 61-year-old Italian insisted the display, even in defeat, was superior to the one which beat Switzerland 2-1 in his first game in charge at Wembley last month.

And he maintained he was delighted with the performance of Beckham, who was replaced by David Bentley after 63 minutes and received a standing ovation from the entire stadium.

Capello has said he believes 32-year-old Beckham can play for his country right through to the World Cup finals in 2010 and he praised him for a performance which saw him join an exclusive club which also comprises Billy Wright, Sir Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore and Peter Shilton.

Beckham played from the start and received a yellow card in the first half for tugging the shirt of Ribery after the Bayern Munich star had raced away from him.

He might have scored when he failed to connect with an Ashley Cole cross after just 14 minutes and he also played the pass of the match, a raking 50-yarder straight to the feet of Steven Gerrard.

Capello said he substituted Beckham only so that he could take a look at Bentley against top-rated opposition.