Andy Murray plays Yen-Hsun Lu at Wimbledon 2013

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Andy Murray will take the lessons from one of the hardest defeats of his career into Wednesday’s second-round match against Yen-Hsun Lu at Wimbledon.
The British number one plays Taiwan’s world number 75 in the second match on Court One at approximately 15:00 BST.
They follow the match between French 31st seed Julien Benneteau and Spain’s Fernando Verdasco.
Murray has played Lu twice before, beating him in Indian Wells in March, five years after a shock defeat in the first round of the Beijing Olympics.

"I was so excited to play in the Olympics and be part of it that I was doing a lot of media," Murray said in his BBC Sport column."I was going to the opening ceremony, I was trying to speak to all of the athletes and take pictures with them, I was collecting the pins from each team – I was loving being part of it."But when I lost, I thought, ‘Why was I doing all that stuff? I’m here to win matches, I’m not here to collect pins.’ I loved going to the opening ceremony but had to think, ‘Is that the best thing for my preparation?’ "I learnt a lot from that match. It was one of the toughest losses of my career, and I don’t plan to repeat the experience on Wednesday." Lu beat British number two James Ward over four sets in the opening round, and the 29-year-old is a former world number 33 and Wimbledon quarter-finalist.
With that in mind, Murray refused to look too far ahead despite the absence of Rafael Nadal in his half of the draw after the Spaniard’s surprise loss to Steve Darcis on Monday."It’s pretty irrelevant right now," said Murray. "I would have to win at least four more matches before that would even become something I would think about."


Second seed Victoria Azarenka will open play on Centre Court against Italy’s Flavia Pennetta at 13:00, and the Belarusian will hope that her knee holds up after falling and twisting it during her first-round match."For two minutes I had such a consistent pain that it just completely freaked me out what happened," said the Belarusian. Azarenka and Pennetta will be followed on the main show court by sixth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga against Latvian Ernests Gulbis, and seven-time champion Roger Federer against Ukrainian Sergiy Stakhovsy. Third seed Maria Sharapova faces Portugal’s Michelle Larcher de Briton in the third match on Court Two. Laura Robson, the British women’s number one, will be in action on Thursday.

source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/

Kevin Pietersen makes England return in T20 clash with Kiwis

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Kevin Pietersen is returning to England duty in good form, according to stand-in skipper Eoin Morgan. Pietersen faces New Zealand in the second Twenty20 international at the Oval on Thursday, with England one down in the two-match series. It is his first England game since a knee injury forced him out of the tour of New Zealand in March. Morgan said: "He takes a lot of pride in when he goes out there and bats. He looks in good form."

Pietersen returned from injury in a County Championship match for Surrey, scoring 177 not out in a drawn game against Yorkshire over the weekend. And Morgan, a stand-in for rested captain Stuart Broad, wants Pietersen to help England come back from Tuesday’s defeat by New Zealand, when they fell five runs short of the Kiwi’s imposing 201 for four. "What he brings to the table, probably very few people in the world can," Morgan told the ECB website. "He can take the game away from you at any stage and we saw during the week the way he performed."

After the Twenty20 game, Pietersen will join up with the England squad for their Ashes warm-up match against Essex, which starts on Sunday. The Test series against Australia starts at Trent Bridge on 10 July.

source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/

British Grand Prix: Silverstone to offer tickets on the day

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Silverstone will sell tickets on the gate for this weekend’s British Grand Prix for the first time in nine years. The Formula 1 venue is normally sold out at this stage, but managing director Richard Phillips is still predicting a good attendance.

"It’s true that not all tickets have yet been sold, but Silverstone will nevertheless be playing host this weekend to the third biggest crowd in British Grand Prix history, with about 300,000 expected over the three days and pushing 130,000 on Sunday.

"Those numbers are testament to the British fans, whose enthusiasm and commitment was demonstrated all too clearly last year when, despite the warnings after heavy rain led to waterlogged car parks and horrendous traffic jams, 90,000 still turned up to watch qualifying."

Silverstone’s three-day attendance record is 315,000 – set in 2011. "Ticket sales were slower than usual during the initial sales period, but we have seen a significant upturn since F1 returned to Europe," said Phillips. Sales have increased in the run-up to Sunday’s race and Phillips is still expecting a large attendance. "While we don’t expect to reach the record attendance levels of 2011 and 2012, we are anticipating another big crowd here at Silverstone this weekend," added Phillips.

"A promising forecast for the weekend, has prompted us to put measures in place to sell tickets to fans deciding to turn up on the day. "This weekend’s attendance looks set to be one of our biggest in recent years." A spokeswoman added that they expect about 5% of tickets to be available on the gate on the Sunday.

source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/

Carlos Tevez: Manchester City & Juventus agree £12m deal

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Manchester City and Juventus have agreed a deal for striker Carlos Tevez to join the Italian side in a transfer worth up to £12m.
City accepted an offer of £10m that could rise by £2m with add-ons.

The Argentina international, 29, is expected in Italy on Wednesday for a medical and to discuss personal terms over a proposed three-year contract. When the fee is combined with wages and bonuses due to Tevez in the final year of his contract, City could save £27m. The two clubs reached an agreement at a meeting in London on Tuesday.

Tevez signed a five-year contract when he joined the Sky Blues in 2009 after previously playing for Manchester United. City paid his advisors – who owned his contract – a reported £25.5m fee, although some have claimed the figure was £47m. He has made 148 appearances for the club, scoring 74 goals, but the relationship with former manager Roberto Mancini soured in 2011 when he was fined and suspended following an incident in a Champions League match against Bayern Munich. City must now search for a replacement but have said they will not pay the £53m asking price for Napoli forward Edinson Cavani.

source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/

Lions 2013: Corbisiero and Roberts likely to miss second Test

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British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland is resigned to being without prop Alex Corbisiero and centre Jamie Roberts for Saturday’s second Test against Australia.
Corbisiero is "struggling a little bit" to overcome a calf injury picked up in the first-Test victory in Brisbane.
Gatland said Roberts "is in the same boat" with a hamstring strain.

"We will see how they are on Thursday, but at this stage it is a little bit doubtful," he added.
Manu Tuilagi returned in Tuesday’s 35-0 win over Melbourne Rebels to bolster the Lions’ midfield options.
But with Ireland’s Tom Court only called up as short-term cover for Corbisiero, the Lions will ponder summoning additional reinforcements at loose-head prop, with Mako Vunipola and Ryan Grant the only fit options.

"It is something we will discuss over the next 24 hours to see if we have got enough cover in that position," Gatland said. "The medics say if he is ruled out for this weekend, he will definitely be fit for the third Test." The Lions have already summoned eight replacements – including temporary cover in Shane Williams and Court – since they left the UK, equalling the record number used on the 1980 tour to South Africa.
In all, 44 players have been involved at some stage in the eight games so far, with injury victim Gethin Jenkins the only member of the original squad not to be involved.

Lock Paul O’Connell, ruled out of the rest of the series with a fractured arm sustained in the first-Test victory in Brisbane, will remain with the squad for the remainder of the tour. "He played such an important role in that first Test, so we gave him the option to stay, and he wanted to stay," Gatland said. "I feel really sorry for Paul and it is a big loss for the squad because he was playing some of his best rugby for a long time and that combination with Alun Wyn Jones was proving to be really strong.

"But he has been around for such a long time and he has that experience and wisdom, so I am sure he will be involved in some aspect." After the disappointment of last week’s 14-12 defeat by ACT Brumbies in Canberra, Gatland was pleased by a "professional, workmanlike performance" from his midweek side as they scored five tries and kept the Rebels scoreless in Melbourne.

"I thought the back row were very good. Richie Gray had his best game on tour, Richard Hibbard carried the ball well, both nines [scrum-halves Conor Murray and Ben Youngs], were good, Sean Maitland was good, the defence was outstanding and everyone kept working hard," he said. "The pleasing thing was the spirit they displayed. That really showed how good these guys have been on and off the field on this tour, and that was demonstrated by not conceding any points.

"There is still an opportunity for people to be involved [in the remaining Tests] and there are bound to be a few more injuries between now and the final Test."But even if these guys don’t get selected for the next two Tests, they can still be proud to be part of hopefully a successful tour. That is the whole aim. These guys have been fantastic ambassadors for the four home unions, and everyone back home should be really proud of the way they have conducted themselves on and off the field."

source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/

Lions 2013: Australia centre Pat McCabe out for rest of the year

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Lions 2013: Australia centre Pat McCabe out for rest of the year

Australia’s Pat McCabe has been ruled out for the rest of the year after suffering a recurrence of a neck injury against the British and Irish Lions.
McCabe, 25, was taken off during the hosts’ 23-21 weekend Test defeat, with medical checks showing a fracture to the bone he first damaged in November. The Brumbies centre will spend at least the next six weeks in a brace, but is hopeful he could make a playing return.

Read Bryn’s verdict on the Lions’ first Test win

"I think I’ve got plenty of games left in me," he said."It was encouraging to hear the specialists being positive both about the recovery process, but also the possibility that I could be able to return to the playing field.

"It is human nature to think the worst, but I’m in good hands medically. "We’ll see how the rehabilitation goes and take it from there. I’d obviously like to get back into it, but I’ll be taking no chances with my health either." McCabe will miss the remainder of the Lions tour, the rest of the Super Rugby season with the Brumbies, Australia’s Rugby Championship campaign against South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina, plus their end-of-season tour to Europe.

Saturday’s opening Test was the Manly-born player’s 20th cap for his country since making his international debut against Italy in 2010.
McCabe was not the only Wallabies star to pick up a series-ending injury in the bruising encounter in Brisbane, with 27-year-old wing Digby Ioane also set to miss the final two Tests against the Lions with a shoulder problem.

source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/

Umpires in match fixing scandal

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Umpires at the centre of a match-fixing scandal in southern Asia have denied the allegations.

The ICC has confirmed it is investigating following a programme broadcast by India TV in which its reporters set up a sting operation.

The TV channel claimed that six umpires, including one who is a regular fixture on the international circuit, were willing to give decisions or provide inside information on the teams and playing conditions in return for illicit payments.

The ICC called on India TV "to turn over any information which can assist (our) urgent investigations into this matter.

"The ICC reiterates its zero-tolerance towards corruption whether alleged against players or officials."

Three of those named are from Sri Lanka, two are from Pakistan and the sixth is Bangladeshi Nadir Shah who is a member of the ICC’s international panel.

India TV footage appeared to show Shah, who has stood in 40 ODIs and a number of Twenty20 internationals, say he was willing to give LBW decisions on demand.

The video does not show any cash being exchanged nor did the channel broadcast any proof of the umpires delivering decisions or information.

In a statement Shah says the allegations are "absolutely rubbish".

"If I am going to fix match, I will be caught some day by the ICC. No umpire fixes matches," he said.

Pakistan umpire Nadeem Ghouri, another of those named, has also denied any involvement.

"I am surprised at these baseless allegations" he said. (I will) consult my lawyers to decide on my future course of action," he said.

source: www.skysportsnews.co.uk

Bernstein defends Hodgson

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Football Association chairman David Bernstein has defended England manager Roy Hodgson over his discussion of Rio Ferdinand’s international career on a tube train.

The England boss is reported to have told passengers on the London Underground last week that the Manchester United defender’s England career was over.

But Bernstein has sprung to Hodgson’s defence, insisting he had acted honourably and had paid the price for being prepared to interact with supporters.

"Roy Hodgson is a particularly decent guy, someone I have a huge respect for," Bernstein told Sky Sports.

"He travelled on public transport, unusual in this day and age for a high-profile person, which I think is something to be proud of.

"He spoke to fans and he got caught out with a particular word. I think it’s very sad that someone should phone the newspapers and actually in many ways he acted in an exemplary sort of a way.

"I think he should we should be very proud of someone who is prepared to speak to fans like that and I have no problem with him.

"He was sorry that he said that particular thing and he has said so and apologised to Rio. I actually I think he comes out of it extremely well. "

When asked if his public comments were disrespectful to Ferdinand, Bernstein added: "It was a slip of the tongue. I would rather focus on the general point of a high-profile person meeting the public, being out there, behaving in what I thought was a very commendable way."

source: www.skysportsnews.co.uk

St George’s Park centre of excellence in Burton to open

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St George’s Park centre of excellence in Burton to open

Football Association chairman David Bernstein has described the opening of its new centre of excellence as an "historic" day for the English game.

The £105m St George’s Park complex in Staffordshire will house all 24 England teams, from junior to senior levels.

"We have to get more players through who can be full England internationals and this is where it will happen," Bernstein told BBC Radio 5 live.

"So much work has gone into this for so long and to see it now is fantastic."

The 330-acre St George’s Park will be officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on Tuesday.

England’s players are using the facility for the first time this week as they prepare for their World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Poland.

Aimed at raising standards of play at all levels, it will provide a centre of excellence for training coaches and for sports medicine, sports science and psychology.

Among the facilities at St George’s Park are:

"Everything at Burton is aimed at the future and rivalling the national centres that have been at the heart of the well-being of the game in superpowers such as France, Spain and the Netherlands"

– 11 outdoor pitches, five of which are floodlit and have under-soil heating.

– A full-size indoor 3G artificial pitch with a viewing gallery for up to 200 people.

– An altitude chamber to mimic a variety of playing conditions.

– An indoor 60m sprint track with equipment to measure speed and running style.

– Walls adorned with sporting slogans, such as American Olympian Jesse Owens: "A lifetime of training for just 10 seconds."

– A new Hilton hotel featuring suites named after former England players and managers.

Bernstein described the facility as "inspirational" and said it made him feel optimistic about the future of the nation’s football.

He said: "This is the pinnacle clearly – and we hope that this will be an inspiration in a number of ways.

"One of the main objects of this, possibly almost the main object, is to produce thousands of more highly-qualified coaches.

"There’s a lot more happening in English football at the moment in terms of youth development. We’re trying to move young players away from this physical side, of wanting to win too much when they’re too young.

"We want more skill-based football, kids to enjoy their football more. There’s a great deal aimed at that."

England’s senior men’s team have not won a major international tournament since the 1966 World Cup and have failed to reach a semi-final since the 1996 European Championship.

The women’s side have made three World Cup quarter-finals and twice finished runners-up in the European Championship.

David Sheepshanks, chairman of St George’s Park, said the new complex can help England close the gap on recent World Cup winners such as France and Spain.

"This is a place to inspire young people and young coaches to invest in themselves and go beyond just getting the badge," he said.

"The teachers of the game have the defining influence. We are investing in the teachers so that we can get ahead of what they are doing in France and Spain.

"This is a deliberately long-term view. Really it is the investment in coaches that is crucial and from 2020 onwards we will have winning England teams."

source: www.bbc.co.uk

Owen Coyle is sacked by Bolton Wanderers

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Owen Coyle is sacked by Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers have sacked manager Owen Coyle.

The Trotters, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, are 18th in the Championship after winning only three of their 10 matches.

On Saturday they were beaten 2-1 at fellow strugglers Millwall.

Coyle, 46, took over at Bolton in January 2010, six months after guiding Burnley to promotion to the Premier League and consequently signing a contract extension at Turf Moor.

The Trotters went on to survive a relegation battle while Burnley went down.

In 2010-11 Bolton reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup and finished 14th after spending much of the season in the top half of the table, but last season they were relegated, ending an 11-year spell in the top flight.

“It is the right time for a change. We set a target at the beginning of the season and want to get back on track”

In March Bolton and Coyle were widely praised for the support they gave to Fabrice Muamba, after the midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest while playing against Tottenham Hotspur.

Following relegation it was revealed the club were carrying debts of £110m, mostly owed to Isle of Man-based owner Eddie Davies.

On Saturday Coyle described the defeat at Millwall as the lowest point of his managerial career but insisted he had no intention of resigning.

However, after meeting Davies and chairman Phil Gartside on Tuesday, he parted company with the club.

In a statement on the club website , Gartside said: "Owen poured his heart and soul into the job, both on and off the pitch, and he led our club with great dignity during some very challenging times.

"It is the right time for a change. We set a target at the beginning of the season and want to get back on track.

"I would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Owen, Sandy Stewart and Steve Davis for all their hard work during their time at Bolton Wanderers."

Coyle said: "I have always been driven to act in the best interests of the club and care passionately about it.

"I had fantastic times here as a player and it has been a privilege to have held the post of manager.

"I want to thank the fans for their backing since I returned, the chairman Phil Gartside and the owner Eddie Davies for their support and friendship and the club’s staff and players for all their effort and commitment."

Academy manager Jimmy Phillips and head of academy coaching and development Sammy Lee will take joint temporary charge of the first-team squad.

Former Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is among the front-runners to replace Coyle.

Roy Keane, who guided Sunderland to promotion into the Premier League, is also regarded as a possible candidate.

source: www.bbc.co.uk