ONE FOR THE REFEREE

24 Klub Daftar Kompetisi Internal

BOJONEGORO - Pengcab PSSI Bojonegoro mulai mempersiapkan kompetisi internal Persibo. Kemarin (9/11), 24 klub mulai mengambil formulir untuk ambil bagian dalam

kompetisi internal Persibo Pengcab PSSI Bojonegoro musim 2009/2010 tersebut.

Sekretaris Panpel Kompetisi Internal Persibo Pengcab PSSI Bojonegoro 2009/2010 Arif Sugijanto mengatakan, jumlah itu adalah berdasarkan pengambilan formulir sampai dengan kemarin sore. Ada kemungkinan banyak klub yang masih belum mengambil formulir.

Meski demikian, lanjut anggota bagian pembinan Pengcab PSSI Bojonegoro ini, ada juga

klub lama yang menyatakan mundur. Karena itu, pihaknya meminta agar klub tersebut mengajukan surat pengunduran diri secara resmi. "Jangan sampai nanti hanya lisan dan timbul masalah di kemudian hari," ungkapnya.

Kecuali, masih kata Arif, jika klub yang bersangkutan sampai dengan batas waktu yang ditentukan tidak melakukan registrasi ulang! . Secara otomatis klub tersebut dianggap mundur. "Yang sudah menyampaikan mundur ada dua klub, yakni dari kelas dua dan kelas satu," ungkap Arif tanpa menyebut nama klub bersangkutan.

Sementara itu, dimintanya empat pemain hasil binaan kompetisi internal Persibo oleh Persinga Ngawi, tinggal menunggu jawaban manajemen pengontrak. Asisten Manajer Bidang Teknis Persibo Abdul Mun'im mengatakan, selain ada gaji untuk pamain, diharapkan ada kompensasi bagi Persibo yang telah membina mereka.

Menurut Mun`im, hal itu wajar di dunia persepakbolaan dan sudah menjadi etika. Tapi, dia enggan membeber berapa besar nilai kompensasi yang diminta manajemen Persibo.

"Jumlahnya tidak besar, karena kita paham dan mereka adalah pemain junior, apalagi ini baru awal," imbuhnya. (ade)

WUSA 2008

After a five-year absence, the WUSA is coming back. Scheduled to return in April of 2008, the WUSA will have seven teams — Dallas, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Chicago, New Jersey, Boston and Washington D.C. Each team will play 21 games, and the playoffs will be the final weekend in August.

What makes Cummings feel this time around will be different?

"The business plan is based upon the hard numbers between 2001 and 2003, whereas the launch in 2001 was based on hoped-for numbers," Cummings said this week while watching one of his former Boston Breakers, Wilton's Kristine Lilly, practice with the U.S. national team at the Farmington Sports Center.
"So the revenue numbers now are something that we can look to as being consistent from year to year. On the expense side, we've taken a good look at the expenses and adjusted them to match the proposed revenues.

"Salaries have also been adjusted across the board for both players and staff. It's not j! ust that alone, but the projections for the sponsorship dollars now match up with what the sponsorship dollars were in 2003. Everything is coming on line."

Slowly but surely, the WUSA is starting to inch itself back into the public eye. Already, Cummings says, the Breakers have sold over 100 season tickets (even though they don't formally have a stadium to play in). They have an office and are assembling a staff, and most importantly, the Web site www.bostonbreakers.com is up and running.

Hanks on pace to join Mia Hamm in leading the nation in both goals and assists

Notre Dame sophomore forward, Kerri Hanks, has compiled numerous record-setting accomplishments during her first two seasons of collegiate soccer and is on pace to join former UNC great Mia Hamm in leading the nation in both goals (22) and assists (20).

U-20s: USA 2, Canada 2

The USA showed some quality possession and attacking soccer with Bock and midfielder Amanda Poach playing excellent matches in the middle of the field, carving through the Canadian midfield while linking well with the forwards. The Americans created more dangerous chances, out-shooting Canada, 15-12, but a pair of defensive breakdowns led to two Canadian goals and the first tie in international play this year for the U.S. U-20s.

Inspirational Chastain ready to lead

San Jose's Brandi Chastain has accomplished as much as anyone in women's soccer. She has won World Cup titles, Olympic gold medals and the adulation of countless fans.
Yet, at age 40, the woman famous for making the winning penalty kick in the 1999 World Cup final still had to prove she could play.
"Three months ago I wasn't sure she could," FC Gold Pride Coach Albertin Montoya said Friday after picking Chastain in the seventh round of the Women's Professional Soccer league general draft.
Chastain, perhaps the South Bay's most prominent female sports figure, changed her coach's mind during a series of tryout camps for the start-up professional league that begins play in April. She became the team's featured selection on a day the Gold Pride filled out its roster with a handful of promising college players.
"Watching her, she still has it," said Montoya, who added that taking Chastain wasn't a gimmick. "At the end of the day I've got to pick players who ca! n make the difference. She doesn't waste energy; she reads the game."
Chastain, expected to play a quarterbacking role in the midfield, hasn't been with the U.S. national team since 2004 but competed with the semi-pro California Storm in recent years. One of her teammates was Sissi, a former Brazilian star who is the Gold Pride's assistant coach. The two also played for the San Jose CyberRays of the now-defunct Women's United Soccer Association that folded in 2003.

F1 : 2008 - Where to go Senor Alonso?

Friday, 25 April 2008
Alonso several times made hints that he is disappointed with his current car, his regie is not fast enough to catch his former team mate, Hamilton, don't compare to Ferrari, it will break his tear very soon... :)

He is playing puzzle with us, he said that he would like to join a winning car in 2009, Ferrari also stated that they (especially di Montezemolo) would love to have him; people tend to think that he is absolutely or at least 90% move to Ferra! ri in 2009, because it is no secret that he has a clausal in his current contract to leave the Regie if the car is not as his expected. It seems correct for now, Renault is too slow for the world champion.

But, marque president Luca di Montezemolo appeared to play down the chances of pairing the Alonso and Kimi (www.crash.net) - it's too dangerous... maybe he doesn't want to experience the same thing as McLaren did.

If the Ferrari's door closed? where he would go? Alonso said that he prefers with Renault next year, if Renault is suck, then?... Let's wait and see, this man is playing his card, maybe after 3 next races, we will know where exactly his position is...

Nashua Cape Cobras win again.

Gibbs at the nets -pic by jeff Ayliffe

The Nashua Cape Cobras made very short work of Zimbabwe at Sahara Park Newlands last night, recording a huge 8 wicket victory, and they now have just one match to go in the round robin stage of the Standard Bank Pro 20, thats against the Eagles at Newlands tomorrow.

Charl Langeveldt continued to show his form with the ball, with another 3 wickets, whilst Andrew Puttick and Henry Davids were best of the batsmen, with a partnership of 60. Herschelle Gibbs went cheaply, but coach Shukr! i Conrad is not concerned, saying it was all part of the Pro 20 format.

The boys had another net session today, to prepare for what they know will be a tougher match against the Eagles.

Hewitt in next round

Leyton Hewitt is through to the next round of the French Open when he beat Nicolas Mahut 6-4, 6-2, 6-4. The Austrailian showed no signs of the hip injury he suffered where he missed the entire claycourt season so far. Hewitt will now play American Mardy Fish in the second round.

Breakfast Headlines

There are a few surprises in Springbok coach Peter de Villiers' 28 player squad for the Tri-Nations.
The selectors have opted to drop prop BJ Botha and recall World Cup hero JP Pietersen.
There's no place for Thonderai Chavanga, Gcobani Bobo and Schalk Brits, so they can run out for Western Province against the Blue Bulls at Newlands on Saturday.
Ryan Kankowski will tour, but not Danie Russouw.
***
SARU President Oregan Hoskins says the Springboks must believe they can beat the All Blacks in New Zealand.
He says the announcement of the 28-player Tri-Nations squad is the culmination of coach Peter de Villiers's preparations over the past few weeks.
Hoskins says he's more optimistic about SA's Tri-Nations chances this year than in previous years...
***
Former bok wing Breyton Paulse says the Boks must take advantage of the absence of injured All Black skipper Richie Maccaw.
He says the team has not yet played to its full potent! ial...
***
The Proteas arrive in England today and will play a few warm-ups before the first test against England on the 10th of July.
Skipper Graeme Smith says they won't be targeting dangerman Kevin Pietersen and says "the best way to silence someone is by the cricket you play."
Proteas coach Mickey Arthur told Supersport, England is a balanced batting side, but a bit lacking in the pace bowling department...
***
Australia hammered the West Indies by 84 runs in the first one-day match.
Newcomer Shaun Marsh scored 81 to help the Aussies total 273 for 8 and Nathan Bracken took 4 for 31 to help skittle the Windies for only 189.
***
Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick are both through to the second round at Wimbledon.
Rising star Benjamin Becker eliminated fourth seed Nikolay Davydenko and home favourite Andy Murray is still in it.
Among the women, Maria Sharapova, second seed Jelena Jankovic and defending champ Venus Williams ! all made it through.
***
With the Beijing Games fast! approac hing, 800 metres star, Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, is looking good.
He finished second at the Andalucia Grand Prix in Spain, but set the fifth fastest time of his career behind Cuban runner, Yeimar Lopez.
***
The first Euro Champs semi-final takes place tonight with Germany the favourites against Turkey.

Breakfast Headlines

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers' plans for this weekend's clash with the All Blacks at Newlands has been handed a blow with injuries to three of his Boks. Jaque Fourie, Bakkies Botha and Conrad Jantjes are all suffering with injuries and only time will tell if they'll be fit for the match.

***

Intussen, lyk dit onwaarskynlik dat die WP die halfeindrondte van die Curriebeker sal haal. Dit nadat hulle 32 - 10 teen die Haaie op Nuweland die knie moes buig.

***

England's cricketers have a chance to regain some pride later - as they chase 197 runs to win the final test against the Proteas. Kevin Pietersen will be determined to win his first game as captain - to reduce the series loss to just 2-1. England start the day's play yet to score with the weather predicted to allow a whole day's play.

***

Ierland's Padriag Harrington has taken the USPGA by two shots at Oakland Hills. He finished ahead of Sergio Garcia a! nd Ben Curtis. This is what the Irishman had to say afterwards.

***

Manchester United have won the Community Shield 3 - 1 on penalties, the thirteenth time they've claimed the trophy outright. They played Portsmouth in the final.

***

The USA have claimed gold in the four by 100 metre swimming relay earlier this morning. South Africa's medal hopefuls Ryk Neethling, Roland Schoeman, Lyndon Ferns and Darian Townsend ended a disappointing seventh.

All eyes on Oscar

Oscar Pistorius will be looking to win his first gold medal at the Paralympics today in Beijing.

The 'Blade Runner' not only broke the Paralympic record yesterday in his 100m heat but ran his personal best. Pistorius set the pace and could also break the world record when the final takes place just before noon.

The double amputee has two more gold medals on offer in the 200 and 400m races and will want to better his gold and bronze medals he won at the 2004 Athens games.

The modest yet confident Pistorius says the 100m is not his speciality but the guy who wins the 100m is the fastest runner and at the end of the day that is a title he would like to have.

NZ Pick Dan at 12

Regular All Black flyhalf, Dan Carter, will start Saturday's Bledisloe Cup test against Australia in Hong Kong at inside centre with Stephen Donald wearing the number 10 jersey.

All Black coach Graham Henry says both players haven't been on the field since the Tri-Nations final. He also felt it would be useful to start both navigators with the right-footer/left-footer combination providing some flexibility.

Henry's All Blacks are in a re-building phase after a mass-exodus of players after last year's world cup. Hosea Gear will make his international debut on the right wing on Saturday after a string of solid performances this year.

Former Crusaders and current Wallaby coach Robbie Deans says he wasn't particularly surprised at Carter moving to centre, saying that worked well for them in the Brisbane test during the Tri-Nations. After Saturday's test, the All Blacks play Scotland, Ierland, Wales and England.

! All Black team to play Australia:

15 - Mils Muliaina, 14 - Hosea Gear, 13 - Conrad Smith, 12 - Dan Carter, 11 - Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 - Stephen Donald, 9 - Jimmy Cowan, 8 - Rodney So'oialo, 7 - Richie McCaw (captain), 6 - Jerome Kaino, 5 - Ali Williams, 4 - Brad Thorn, 3 - Neemia Tialata, 2 - Andrew Hore, 1 - Tony Woodcock.

Reserves:

16 - Keven Mealamu, 17 - Greg Somerville, 18 - Anthony Boric, 19 - Adam Thompson, 20 - Piri Weepu, 21 - Ma'a Nonu, 22 - Isaia Toeava.

Monfils to play in SA Open

Ask professional tennis players who they would regard as one of the most exciting players to watch on the tour and many of them would answer: "Gael Monfils''.

Now South Africans will get the opportunity to judge for themselves as the South African Tennis Association (SATA) has announced the 22-year-old Frenchman will be among the players to serve it up in the SA Tennis Open tournament at Montecasino in Johannesburg from February 2 to 8.

The world No 14 joins a list of compelling players, headed by world No 6 and fellow Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Spaniard David Ferrer and Cypriot Marcos Baghdadis. "I'm really looking forward to playing the South African Tennis Open. It will be a fun experience for me playing in Johannesburg. I am really excited to be able to go there and play," said Monfils.

"It's great that there is a new tournament in Johannesburg next year. I have heard a lot of good things about the tournament and ! I can't wait to go there and play in front of all the fans, it will be lots of fun.


Ironically Monfils has already won a trophy on the African continent this year, when winning a Challenger at Marrakech, Morocco in May. A week later he attempted to take the only other ATP Tour event on the African continent when he played in Casablanca but lost in the second round to Oscar Hernandez of Spain.


He went from Morocco directly to Roland Garros to play in the French Open where he knocked off countryman Arnaud Clement, Peru's Luis Horna, Austrian Jurgen Melzer and Croatian Ivan Ljubicic to reach the quarter-finals where he came up against Ferrer. Playing immaculate tennis Monfils, supported by the Paris crowd, beat the Spaniard 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-1 to set up a semifinal clash with the then world No 1 Roger Federer. He managed to take a set off the top seed but in the end fell 2-6 7-5 3-6 5-7.


Monfils has wins over top 10 players lik! e David Nalbandian, Fernando Gonzalez, Andy Roddick, James Bla! ke and M arat Safin to his credit.


"I think it is a great coup for us to get somebody like Gael Monfils at next year's SA Open,'' said SATA CEO Ian Smith. "He is not only a superb artist and athlete but his entertaining style of play is sure to endear him to the South African public.''

Issued by Marks Mokolobate on behalf of BLD Communications

Womens cricket team takes full responsibility

The South African Women's Cricket Captain Sunette Loubser said on Wednesday that the team was taking full responsibility for their disappointing performance at this year's World Cup in Australia.

The Proteas finished bottom of the log because they only won one of their four games and as a result, failed to make the top six of the competition.

Loubser said the winning should have started in their first game against the West Indies.

The team failed to make high scores at the tournament and Loubser said their batting was one of their downfalls.

"Against the West Indies we didn't score enough runs. The top six didn't take the responsibility they needed to. The only game that the batters performed well in was against Australia, where we gave them a good game," she said.

Belgian Grand Prix: McLaren appeals decision

Quoted from Autosport.com

McLaren have lodged an appeal against Lewis Hamilton's demotion to third place in the Belgian Grand Prix, the FIA confirmed on Sunday night. Hamilton was handed a 25-second penalty for gaining an advantage against then race leader Kimi Raikkonen after cutting the chicane two laps from home at Spa-Francorchamps.

McLaren spent some time on Sunday night evaluating whether they could appeal the penalty, but an FIA statement said that the team had indeed notified the stewards of their intention to appeal. It means the result of the Belgian Grand Prix will now be decided at a hearing of the FIA's International Court of Appeal.

Ferrari did not hide their criticism of the way Hamilton behaved after cutting the chicane, with their team principal Stefano Domenicali saying he had no doubt the way Hamilton retook the lead was the result of the benefit he had in cutting the chicane. "Personally, I think it was a little bit extrem! e," he explained. "It's normal that when you attack that you are racing, but the problem is (of) the advantage that may take by doing a manoeuvre and this is the key point of it, so I think that that's the focus that has to be considered.

"What is really the advantage that you are taking in such conditions that can be used in the second situation at the first corner? That, in my view, is the most important thing. But this is racing."

Domenicali did not wish to make any comments on the decision to impose a 25-second penalty, however. "As I said to your Italian colleagues, we are not used to commenting on decisions. The only thing I would say is that as soon as we had been summoned by the stewards, we gave our position to the stewards and that was it. "Then the stewards for sure listened to the Hamilton discussion on that, and that is the decision. On that we don't want to take any further comment." Ferrari have insisted that they did not lodge any offic! ial protest with the race stewards about the matter. http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/70402

We will see what is to follow...

Glen Johnson Talks Up Significance Of Liverpool's Trip To Chelsea

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson believes that Sunday's encounter with championship rivals Chelsea will be "massive" with both clubs harbouring expectations of a Premier League title challenge.

Johnson, a former Chelsea player himself, joined the Reds from Portsmouth this summer and has produced a string of polished performances since his £18.5 million move.

Both sides head into this weekend's clash off the back of unconvincing Champions League performances, with Liverpool having lost 2-0 to Fiorentina while Chelsea narrowly edged past Apoel Nicosia 1-0 having lost to Wigan Athletic the previous Saturday.

Many players! would see the opportunity to play against a former club as the perfect motivation to go out and prove a point although 25-year-old Johnson is adamant that he has nothing to prove when he returns to Stamford Bridge.

"It will be massive because you know Chelsea are going to be there or thereabouts at the end of the season and we'd like to think we will be too," he told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"They are doing well, but they have faults like anybody else, just as Wigan found out.

"It's going to be a massive game. I enjoy every minute that I put on a Liverpool shirt so it'll be nice to do it against one of the big teams.

"It is against an old club, but that's all behind me now and I'm just looking forward to doing the best I can for Liverpool now.

"I've got nothing to prove."

The England right-back went on to bemoan the performance against Fiorentina in midweek stating that his team-mates can't wait to put things right a! gainst Carlo Ancelotti's Blues on Sunday.

"It was a! disappo inting performance and result," he added.

"The lads can't wait to get out there, prove it's a one off and try to pick up points again.

"When you lose it's important you bounce back with a win.

"We have a fantastic team, a good squad and a great bunch of lads who are willing to work their socks off. If we do that from the start we can get something down there."

Saudi Prince Admits Interest

Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Bin Abdullah has confirmed that he would be interested in investing his money in a football club.

The Saudi billionaire is reportedly set to invest his considerable funds in Liverpool after being caught pictured sitting with co-owner George Gillett at the 6-1 win over Hull at Anfield last month.

Gillett is currently in Saudi Arabia as a guest of the Prince with both parties looking to strike up a partnership with the Reds particularly keen on setting up a number of youth academies in the Middle East.

Prince Faisal, ! chairman of sports investment company F6, refused to specify which club he would be looking to invest in before insisting that the visit of Gillett was purely down to friendship.

"As an investment group definitely we have an eye for many opportunities, let's put it this way," he told Sky Sports News.

"In Europe and Asia and North America and South America how can we be an added value and where can we invest our money and how we can manage and that is all I can say about investing in football clubs.

"This is a purely personal friend to a friend who happens to be a co-owner at Liverpool.

"Definitely we look forward to any kind of venture between any clubs in Saudi Arabia and Liverpool and transfer of knowledge, experience and implementation of Liverpool academy and philosophy to Saudi Arabia and to the sports industry of Saudi Arabia.

"This is the main thing and this is what we are discussing."

Meanwhile Gillet! t was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the youth facilit! ies in t he country.

"The infrastructure generally I have seen is absolutely amazing the King's commitments to this country and the youth is amazing," he stated.

"The physical facilities that are here, these are as nice as I have seen anywhere around the world. They have got outstanding management.

"I was very pleasantly surprised, there are some wonderful opportunities for us to work together.

"We have a great appreciation for the respect and the government of Saudi Arabia has for the youth of this country and they're committed to both facilities and programmes to bring more and more youth to a higher level in all sports but particularly in football.

"We are pleased to be involved. To help we would be privileged."

Liverpool Beach-Ball Boy Says Sorry To Fans

A teenage Liverpool fan who caused one of the oddest goals in English football history came out of hiding yesterday to apologise profusely for belting a beach ball onto the pitch.

Callum Campbell, 16, told the Sunday Mirror newspaper it was he who whacked the inflatable onto the pitch, triggering Liverpool's 1-0 defeat at Sunderland on Oct 17.

The youngster has faced death threats for his part in a defeat that dented the Reds' bid to win the Premier League title and locked himself indoors for two days.

"It was me," Campbell told the tabloid.

"I'm the one who did it. I'm the one caught on camera. I'm so, so sorry. This is my worst, worst nightmare."

In the fifth minute of the match, Black Cats striker Darren Bent fired a shot on target, but it hit the Liverpool-branded beach ball, taking a big deflection and completely bamboozling Reds goalkeeper Pepe Reina – who wen! t for the wrong ball.

Millions around the world have seen the bizarre incident.

When the beach ball came Campbell's way before the kick-off, he punched it onto the Stadium of Light pitch. It went into Reina's goal but blew out as Sunderland went on the attack.

"When I got home I went into the garden and threw up. I was physically sick – and that's before the death threats started appearing on the Internet the next day," Campbell said.

"I watched it over and over again, and I still can't work out how it happened.

"But my mum tells me it wasn't my fault – and that's what I have to believe. The referee should never have allowed the goal. I just hope the real fans understand and forgive me.

"How was I supposed to know what would happen? It was just a bit of fun, and if I could turn back the clock and do it differently, throw the ball into the crowd instead of on to the pitch, then I would.

"I'm really,! really sorry it happened like it did.

"It's bad en! ough whe n Liverpool lose, like in a normal way, but this was just one big disaster.

"It would have taken someone a couple of seconds to move it away, or put a foot on it and flatten it, but nobody bothered. And then it started to roll about. Just at the wrong moment.

"But I accept I shouldn't have thrown it on to the pitch in the first place."

Defeat left Liverpool seven points behind bitter rivals Manchester United, the reigning champions, their visitors today at Anfield.

His uncle Tony Moore said: "Let's say Liverpool are just three points short of winning the league at the end of this season – he'll be beside himself, thinking they were the points that cost them."

At Campbell's request, part of the fee for his interview was donated to the Hillsborough Disaster Fund.

Chinese Young Girls Model

Chinese Young Girls Model

National off-road sponsor added

By John Hopkins

TORONTO, ON -- FMF Racing has joined Maxima Racing Oils and Seal Savers as a sponsor of the CMA National Enduro and Hare Scrambles series.

The sponsorships have been arranged by competitor Jon Mutiger, who brought Maxima and Seal Savers on board for the 2004 series. All three companies are sponsors of Mutiger's racing efforts, and FMF's SST pipe and Q-series silencer will be on his race bike this season.

More information is available through Mutiger at jmutiger@msn.com.

Inside Motorcycles // www.insidemotorcycles.com

Martin takes a pair

From WPSA

HILL CITY, MN — Defending WPSA PowerSports Snowmobile Tour Pro Open Champion Steven Martin won both the Pro Open and Pro Stock finals during last Sunday's WPSA regional events at Park X. Martin (Dodge/Ski-Doo) swept all three rounds of qualifying for the Pro Open event, while finishing second in the first two qualifiers and first in the third qualifying round for Pro Stock final.

Mathew Piche (Arctic Cat), Jeff Arsenault (Ski-Doo), Jesse West (Arctic Cat), and Chad Bauerly (Ski-Doo) completed the top five in the Pro Open final. Mike Schultz (Polaris), DJ Ekre (Arctic Cat), Arsenault, and Paul Bauerly (Ski-Doo) followed Martin in the Pro Stock event.

Dan Ebert (Arctic Cat) won both the Semi-Pro Open and Semi-Pro Stock events, while Wesley Selby (Arctic Cat) finished first in the Semi-Pro Stock 600 final. Sport Class winners were: Sport Open: Seth Brede (Arctic Cat); Sport Stock: Trevor Schmi! tt (Ski-Doo); and Sport Stock 600: Brad Richardson (Polaris).

Other winners were: Women's Stock: Martene Herbert (Ski-Doo); Pro-Am Women: Jolene Bute (Arctic Cat); Plus 45 and Plus 40 Class Finals: Dan Richardson (Polaris); and Karl Christian (Arctic Cat) won both the Plus 30 and Plus 25 events. Kory Fasnacht (Polaris) won both the Novice Stock 600 and Novice Stock 500 events, while Tony Engelstad (Arctic Cat) topped the Novice Open field.

Inside Motorcycles // www.insidemotorcycles.com

Kentucky Wildcats News and Notes

* Perhaps a little fallout from the news of DeMarcus Cousins announcement Daniel Orton has re-opened his recruiting and decommitted from the University of Kentucky. Orton was ranked #22 on Rivals.com top 150. There were some concerns as to how Orton would fit into Calipari's dribble drive offense. Where this is a big loss for Kentucky with the signing of Cousins they essentially traded the #2 Rivals ranked player for the #22.

* Michael Porter has announced that we will not return to the University of Kentucky for his senior season. Porter, who played PG for the Cats in 2009, is leaving to pursue other options outside of basketball. Porter will graduate from Kentucky in May and is married with a baby due this summer. This will open up a scholarship spot for Kentucky.

* Xavier Henry has essentially narrowed his list down to Kentucky and Kansas. All early indications are that Henry would more than likely choose Kanasas. Henry's parents both playe! d at Kansas and he has made an official visit to their campus. Henry had previously signed at Memphis to play for Calipari but was released from his letter from Memphis.

* #47 ranked player in Rivals.com SG Nolan Dennis has also been released from his LOI at Memphis. Dennis has been reported to be interested in joining Calipari at Kentucky.

Darius Miller and Men's U-19 Team Win Gold

Today, the U.S. Men's under-19 basketball team won their first gold medal since 1991 with a 88-80 win over Greece.

Darius Miller, a soon to be sophomore at the University of Kentucky, played a key role on the team. In only 14 minutes per game, Miller averaged 5 points and also led the team with 12 blocks and 14 steals throughout the tourney run.

This win is really big because the team is made up of guys who are for the most part under the radar in college basketball.

Roster
DeAngelo Casto, Washington State
Seth Curry, Duke
Ashton Gibbs, Pittsburgh
Gordon Hayward, Butler
Shelvin Mack, Butler
Darius Miller, Kentucky
Arnett Moultrie, UTEP
John Shurna, Northwestern
Tyshawn Taylor, Kansas
Howard Thompkins, Georgia
Klay Thompson, Washington State
Terrico White, Mississippi

Bengals Week 3 Observations

*The Pittsburgh Post Gazette had a live blog during the game, they actually called it Steelers vs. Bungles. Check it out. Who's laughing now bitch!?!

*Offense was abysmal in the first half. -10 yards of total offense in the first quarter is absolutely terrible. I thought the play calling early was a little suspect. Bratkowski is committed to getting the running game started. And I understand you have to get a running game established to set up the pass. He stuck with Benson even with he looked like he could get nothing and eventually he got it going.

*Brad St. Louis, I can't defend you anymore. I tried yesterday to blame it on Huber, but then they slowed it down and he completely missed the mark. Come on Brad, you are the longest tenured Bengal, you need to learn to get the Bungle out of you. Now we all will be holding our breath for every FG and extra point attempt this seas! on.

* I thought the defense was solid. The problem early was the offense couldn't stay on the field. But there were a few times that Pittsburgh got into the red zone and had to settle for FG's. That became huge as the game wore on.

*What about Mike Tomlin's decision to go for it on 4th and 2 in the second half. I thought that was a huge momentum shift for the Bengals. If that we Marvin's call we would have killed him today.

* Where is my man Chris Henry? 1 catch for 19 yards. Throw him the ball! Caldwell was huge today with 6 receptions for 52. Chad went for 5 and 54 and Coles was 5 for 34.

* Palmer gets credit for driving back for the win, but Palmer was terrible in the first half and more and more he worries me.

* Did anyone else notice how far back the safeties were on that last pass play???? Do you think Marvin and Zimmer learned something for the Denver game?

* Overall a win is a win. In the NFL it! is the teams who can finish games who are successful. Looking! at the Denver game without that joke of a reception we managed to drive late and take a lead. I like that out of this team, we need to play with that same sense of urgency throughout the whole game. I am excited to watch this Sunday against Cleveland. But lets not look past them.

UFC 82 Predictions

Keefe & Besse

Anderson Silva vs. Dan Henderson

RK: Here it is. A dream match up of sorts as the UFC Middleweight Champ (Silva) takes on the 185 pound Champ from Pride (Henderson). You're probably thinking, didn't Henderson just fight in another unification bout back in September. The answer is yes. He held 2 Pride titles, and lost a hard fought 5 round decision to UFC Light Heavyweight Champ Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. The UFC middleweight division is garbage so Henderson gets the call to take on Silva without even fighting at 185 in the cage since coming from Pride.

O! ne reason the middleweight division looks so bad is the effortless victories that the Spider has wracked up over the "big" names. Silva is 5-0; with wins over Chris Leben, Rich Franklin (2), Travis Lutter, and Nathan Marquardt. 4 of those wins came by KO with 3 of them in the very 1st round, while the other was a submission victory over a ju-jitsu expert in Lutter. Despite facing the top fighters in his weight class Silva has yet to be really tested. This, I feel is going to change Saturday night.

Dan Henderson has never been knocked out. Read that again. And who's to say if Silva will be the first. He's been in the ring/cage with the likes of Rampage, Wanderlei Silva, Ricardo Arona, and Vitor Belfort to name a few. Hendo is fighting at his more comfortable weight class. How can he get knocked out now? But how can you bet against Anderson Silva at this point? I've been looking forward to this fight for a long, long time. Final verdict: Henderson gets rocked a few! times, Silva gets pushed to the limits and wins in a close de! cision f or the first time in his UFC career.

RK: Anderson Silva by decision.

TB: I agree and disagree with you here, Keefe. Silva has yet to be challenged in the UFC, part of the reason everyone discredits any depth the middleweight division may have. But Henderson is a top-2 fighter in two weight classes in the world, and his game is tailored to be more successful against a fighter of Silva's caliber and expertise.

Against Rampage, he showed how well rounded he is against a naturally bigger, stronger opponent. It was a close decision that could have gone either way, a classic battle of attrition. Silva has technical striking, but Hendo may hit harder (he knocked Wanderlei out cold). Silva's Muay-Thai is lethal (just ask "Ace"), but Henderson's is in close, thus neutralizing it. Silva is a jiu-jitsu black belt, but Henderson is an Olympian Greco-Roman wrestler and is one of the best at submission defenses.

Silva, however, hasn't b! een past the 2nd round since joining the UFC. I expect he'll rock Hendo early, possibly have him in trouble. But "Dangerous" Dan will survive and take this into the 3rd, 4th and 5th rounds, imposing his will while "Spider" gasses down the stretch.

TB: Henderson by decision.

Chieck Kongo vs. Heath Herring

RK: Intriguing heavyweight battle here with Kongo coming off his greatest victory ever over Mirko Cro Cop, and Herring fresh off what could have been his greatest, losing a decision to now Heavyweight Interim Champ Big Nog. Herring has been a disappointing 1-2 since entering the octagon, while Kongo just elevated his career with that decision win over Cro Cop. But how valuable is that win now? Cro Cop has bolted out of the UFC after a couple losses. Both guys have a lot to prove. All three of Herring's UFC fights have gone to decision, and I don't think this one will be any different.

RK: Herring by d! ecision.

TB: So yesterday I was fairly convinc! ed Kongo would win an absolute snoozer by split decision. But last night I tuned into the replay of UFC 82 Countdown on SpikeTV. The second half of the countdown profiled Herring and his re-dedication to the sport. He hired a new team and moved out to Vegas. He's working with a nutritionist full-time and his conditioning has improved immensely. Meanwhile, it's well known thanks to his loss to Carmelo Marrero that any one of us could beat Cheick Kongo on the ground. You can point to Herring's inability to put away Nogueira as an example why the fight won't go there. But I beg to differ. Just ask Tim Sylvia. If you see Big Nog laying on his back, it's advised you don't come within a zip code of him. He'll submit you that easily. So in hindsight I don't blame Herring for getting up. I thought Kongo looked lackluster in his decision win over Cro Cop, and his last three fights have gone to decision. That won't happen here. Herring's experience gives him the edge in what become some viole! nt exchanges. He'll catch Kongo, then finish him on the mat, re-establishing himself as a top contender in the UFC and a legitimate beef with the current champ for a re-match.

TB: Herring by KO in the 2nd round.

Chris Leben v. Alessio Sakara

TB: This is Sakara's first fight since dropping down from light heavyweight and Leben's first since signing a new deal with the UFC. Both are dangerous strikers who love to throw. Leben's last fight against Terry Martin symbolized why he is such a big draw and exactly why he is on the televised portion of the card over the likes of Josh Koscheck, Diego Sanchez and former Heavyweight champ Andrei Arlovski. He was wearing bombs from Martin and trailing on all cards before charging forward and throwing a beautiful left hook on the button that sent Martin to sleep. While Sakara can strike, he can't do it with accuracy like Anderson Silva, who blew Leben out of the ring. For that rea! son, Sakara will likely control the striking but not be able t! o put Le ben away. Leben keeps coming until scoring a TKO midway through the second.

TB: Leben by (T)KO in second round.

RK: Leben is one of my favorite fighters, since moving to and training in Hawaii he has vastly improved his cardio and overall game. In a middleweight division that has Silva and now Henderson at the clear cut top, Leben could make his way back into title contention. If Silva wins does he fight Franklin for a 3rd time? Does Franklin want to get back in there with him? Not saying Leben gets a title shot, but with a win here over a big 185er he's on his way. I still picture Sakara getting worked over by a dangerous Houston Alexander, a fighter Besse can't watch with the lights off. In the end Leben continues his way back up the middleweight ladder, and starts his new contract with a KO.

RK: Leben by KO in 1st round.

Evan Tanner v. Yushin Okami

TB: The former middleweight champio! n returns after a long layoff with drugs, alcohol and various other sins of which we can only imagine. Yushin Okami continues his quest to prove he deserves a title shot. If this were Tanner in his prime, I'd say he grounds and pounds his way to a (T)KO. But he's going to have "cage rust" and Okami is the middleweight version of Lyota Machida: nothing spectacular, but continues piling up wins. Tanner will have his moments, but Okami will position himself better throughout the fight, much like he did against Mike Swick.

TB: Okami by decision.

RK: Ok Tanner hasn't fought in nearly 2 years I know that, but I think he's got something left in the tank. He's well rested. Right? Okami, like Bess said, is not the most exciting fighter to watch, but piles up wins. Tanner will probably have ring rust. He's a crafty veteran though, so I think he will overcome it in a huge upset, and a shakeup that the middleweight division (which is on grand display on t! his card) really needs. Okami will be put to sleep, just befor! e he was about to do the same to the audience. In a shocker…

RK: Tanner by submission 3rd round.

Jon Fitch v. Chris Wilson

TB: Here's the first example of what I don't like about this card. A few notable, marketable studs fighting guys we've never heard of. Nothing against Chris Wilson, he may shock everyone on Saturday night for all we know. But Fitch should be fighting Parysian for a mandatory title shot, bottom line. He'll take care of business here, landing on his feet to set up a takedown and ground and pound before locking in a rear naked choke.

TB: Fitch by submission in the 2nd round.

RK: I agree completely with you Bess. Karo is on the Fight Night card? And you have Fitch, Koscheck, and Diego all on this card, but not fighting each other? The UFC is in a lose-lose scenario here. If all this guys win, good they're supposed to. If any of them lose, there goes on! e of the big name welterweights. It's an opportunity for Chris Wilson to make a name for himself… don't count on it. Fitch is riding a 14 fight win streak with the last 7 in the UFC, he'll make it 15 and 8.

RK: Fitch by submission in the 1st round.

Preliminary Fights

Diego Sanchez v. David Bielkheden
TB: Sanchez by submission in 1st round.
RK: Sanchez by TKO in 2nd round.

Jake O'Brien v. Andrei Arlovski
TB: Arlovski by KO in 2nd round.
RK: Arlovski by TKO in 1st round.

Josh Koscheck v. Dustin Hazelett
TB: Koscheck by Decision.
RK: Koscheck by submission 1st round.

Luigi Fioravanti v. Luke Cummo
TB: Cummo by submission in 3rd round.
RK: Cummo by decision.

Jorge Gurgel v. John Halverson
TB: Gurgel by hometown decision.
RK: Gurgel by submi! ssion in 3rd round.

The Sports Briefs MMA RANKINGS (12/30/08)

Here it is our loyal readers, the Sports Brief's year end MMA Rankings. The UFC finished 2008 with a bang with UFC 92 last weekend. Great card, great fights, great night! Let's take a look at how the new Top 10's look going in to 2009.

Heavyweight:

1. Fedor Emelianenko
2. Brock Lesnar
3. Andrei Arlovski
4. Frank Mir
5. Josh Barnett
6. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
7. Randy Couture
8. Tim Sylvia
9. Alistair Overeem
10. Chiek Kongo

Gabriel Gonzaga, Shane Carwin, Ben Rothwell, Fabricio Werdum, Heath Herring, Aleksander Emelianenko, Mirko Cro Cop, Junior Dos Santos

The UFC's 4 Man Tournament dethroned both the Champion and Interim Champ. What looked like a Couture/ Big Nog final turns into a rematch of Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir. Elsewhere Affliction gets going again next month with their 2nd show, Fedor takes on Arlovski. Overeem and Cro Cop fight on New Year's but alas not agai! nst each other.

Light Heavyweight:

1. Rashad Evans
2. Quinton Jackson
3. Forrest Griffin
4. Lyoto Machida
5. Chuck Liddell
6. Maurcio 'Shogun' Rua
7. Thiago Silva
8. Babalu Sobral
9. Wanderlei Silva
10. Keith Jardine

Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Tito Ortiz, Vladimir Matyushenko, Brandon Vera, Luis Cane

Another title fight, another Light Heavyweight Champion. Will anyone ever retain this belt? Rashad beat Forrest at UFC 92 and Rampage knocked out Wanderlei. Makes sense for Rampage to get a shot at the title next, but he wants Forrest as well. Machida and Thiago is on the way. Soko failed in the UFC and followed many others to Affliction. Speaking of Affliction Tito Ortiz... will provide the color commentary for the next card. The long awaited return of Shogun Rua is next month, but against Mark Coleman. What? Interesting weightclass to say the leas! t, looks as though everyone can beat everyone in the top 10.
Middleweight:

1. Anderson Silva
2. Matt Lindland
3. Dan Henderson
4. Rich Franklin
5. Robbie Lawler
6. Cung Le
7. Yushin Okami
8. Gegard Mousasi
9. Michael Bisping
10. Nathan Marquardt

Denis Kang, Chael Sonnen, Paulo Filho, Frank Trigg, Patrick Cote, Frank Shamrock, Kazuo Misaki, Yoshihiro Akiyama, Thales Leites, Demian Maia, Chris Leben, Ricardo Almeida, Ronaldo Souza

No changes here since last month. A very deep division world wide, with Anderson Silva head, shoulders, and even a full body length ahead of everyone else. A rumored bout with Thales Leites does not get me goin though. Denis Kang and Chael Sonnen are coming to the UFC. Sonnen to face Maia in a few months. Dan Henderson and Rich Franklin fight in a couple weeks, but at 205. Not sure I get that one. The Spider might as well move up too.

Welterweight:

1. Georges St. Pierr! e
2. Jon Fitch
3. Jake Shields
4. Thiago Alves
5. Josh Koscheck
6. Diego Sanchez
t-7. Matt Hughes
t-7. Matt Serra
9. Karo Parisyan
10. Carlos Condit

Nick Thompson, Mike Swick, Marcus Davis, Drew Fickett, Jay Hieron

January 31st GSP puts his belt on the line against Lightweight Champ B.J. Penn. We'll see what happens to both divisions after that. Who will Shields fight next? And it looks as though Diego Sanchez will be moving down a weight class to challenge Joe Stevenson.

Lightweight:

1. BJ Penn
2. Eddie Alverez
3. Joachim Hansen
4. Shinya Aoki
5. JZ Cavalcante
6. Takanori Gomi
7. Josh Thomson
8. Tatsuya Kawajiri
9. Sean Sherk
10. Kenny Florian

Gilbert Melendez, KJ Noons, Nick Diaz, Victor Ribero, Joe Stevenson, Roger Huerta, Frankie Edgar

The little hyped WAMMA Championship c! omes to the Lightweight division on New Year's Eve in Japan wi! th Eddie Alverez vs. Shinya Aoki. B.J. Penn anyone? Even still the Aoki/ Alverez fight should be very entertaining. The UFC dominates many of these divisions, but clearly not this one. Does Penn stay here or move up for good? What kind of splash does Diego make down here?

How About Some Video Games?

-Keefe

Getafe 3-1 Valencia

Getafe bounced back from going a goal down early on to inflict a first defeat of the season on Valencia.

And complete a miserable few days for Unai Emery's team

Much of the build-up to Wednesday's match had focussed on David Villa's comments following Sunday's 2-2 home draw with Sporting Gijon, when the Spain striker appeared to question coach Emery's tactics after Valencia failed to hold onto a 2-1 lead against a side that had been down to 10 men since the 23rd mi! nute.

Villa subsequently apologised for the comments and claimed they were not directed at any individual but at the team as a whole, while Emery yesterday declared the matter closed.

And when Villa put Valencia ahead with his fifth goal of the season tonight it was all smiles for the east-coast side.

However, that was not to last as a brace from Manu del Moral and a brilliant free-kick from Pedro Leon saw Getafe earn their second win of the season.

The home side created the first decent chance of the match in the 16th minute, which Manu headed wide, but it was Valencia who went ahead first thanks to Villa.

The in-form hitman had already gone close in the 20th minute when he almost poked a shot past Oscar Ustari, but there was no denying the prolific hitman two minutes later as Valencia scored a brilliant team goal.

A slick one-touch move involving Juan Manuel Mata and Joaquin resulted in the latter getting in behind the Getafe defe! nce, and his first-time pass inside was controlled by Villa on! his che st before he slammed a left-footed shot past Ustari.

It was a goal out of the top drawer and was just the boost Valencia would have been looking for following the last few days.

Their joy was short-lived, though, as within 60 seconds they had lost their advantage and within 16 minutes they were trailing 2-1.

Manu's equaliser came after former Valencia winger Jaime Gavilan did well down the left, chesting the ball past his marker - losing his boot in the process - before pulling a pass back to Javi Casquero, whose mis-hit shot fell kindly for Manu at the far post and he had the simple task of slotting home.

That was Manu's first goal of the season but he did not have to wait much longer for number two as he put Getafe in front seven minutes before the break.

Again the former Atletico Madrid striker was in the right place at the right time to guide home a header at the far post after Leon's right-wing corner had flicked off the head of Valenc! ia defender Jeremy Mathieu at the near post.

Getafe were good value for their half-time lead, and they further strengthened their grip on the game in the second period - when Leon was outstanding.

Adrian came close with a low shot that visiting goalkeeper Miguel Moya did well to push around the post, while from the resulting corner Gavilan saw a goal ruled out for a marginal offside.

Leon then came close to netting after skipping inside Mathieu and Hedwiges Maduro before firing over when well placed, before the same player brought a good save out of Moya from a free-kick.

That proved to be just a sighter for the 22-year-old though, as two minutes later he beat Moya with a magnificent effort from 25 yards out that curled into the top corner.

There was no way back for Valencia after that, and Getafe might even have added further goals with Leon curling another free-kick just over and Gavilan being denied by Moya before Villa headed a great c! hance wide late on for sorry Valencia.

Johnson claims maiden title

Felicity Johnson claimed her first title on the Ladies European Tour with a two-shot victory at the Tenerife Ladies Open.

The 22-year-old from Birmingham sealed the win in style with birdies on the last two holes at Costa Adeje for a closing 67 and total of 274, 14 under par.

Wales' Becky Brewerton, who led by three with a round to play, stumbled to a 72 and took outright second.

"It's all a bit surreal at the moment but I've worked so hard for this so it's ! just fantastic that it's finally come together for me," said Johnson.

"I hit a lot of fairways and a lot of greens and made a couple of good up and downs early on which kept the pars on the card.

"I just hit one bad shot on 14 and made a bogey there but apart from that I played really solid golf again.

"I led after the first round in Gothenburg last year and I've finished third four times so it was a matter of putting the icing on the cake really."

Germany's Bettina Hauert finished third with England's Melissa Reid (67) fourth alongside Spain's Tania Elosegui (73) on six under.

Germany's Anja Monke shared sixth with Laura Davies on four under, Davies having scraped through the cut at halfway.

Biarritz 42 Gloucester 15

The Heineken Cup game between Biarritz and Gloucester at Parc des Sports Aguiléra, Biarritz, on Saturday Oct 17, 2009.

Gloucester's Heineken Cup hopes were dealt a heavy blow following defeat against Biarritz Olympique in Pool Two.

Takudzwa Ngwenya scored a hat-trick as Biarritz ran in five tries to secure a bonus-point victory at Parc des Sports Aguilera.

Tom Voyce and Jake Boer both went over in the second half to save Gloucester from a humiliating scoreline, but further tries by Ayoola Erinle and Valentin Courren! t ensured Biarritz were rarely troubled.

France international Dimitri Yachvili opened the scoring after just two minutes with an early penalty that was cancelled out by Nick Robinson's effort.

A tightly contested forward effort saw Yachvili land two more penalties after 13 and then 26 minutes, the latter when Andy Hazell was shown the yellow card for illegally preventing Biarritz playing the ball after his tackle on Nicolas Brusque.

With Gloucester reduced in numbers, Biarritz looked to break clear on the scoreboard but they only managed to add five points with the first of Ngwenya's three tries.

The United States international sped past Tom Voyce to score on 33 minutes, however Yachvili failed with the conversion.

Hazell returned but Biarritz still added a second try just before half-time when Ngwenya kicked over the head of Lesley Vainikolo and gathered the ball to touch down, converted by Yac! hvili to open a 21-3 lead at the break.

Yachvili mis! sed a sn ap drop-goal attempt in the opening minute of the second half but when Gloucester wing Charlie Sharples lost the ball, that handed play to Biarritz.

Full-back Marcelo Bosch reacted quickly, picking up possession before passing to Ngwenya who raced clear to complete his hat-trick after 49 minutes. Yachvili added the conversion to stretch the lead to 28-3.

Gloucester rang the changes by introducing Freddie Burns and Boer and it was not long before outside-half Burns was taking a shot at goal after Voyce scored his team's first try.

Gloucester retained possession, moved the ball through the phases and took minimal risks before Voyce broke through from close range. Burns missed the conversion but Gloucester had reduced the deficit to 28-8.

However no sooner had Gloucester given themselves some hope than Biarritz scored a fourth try to claim the bonus point just four minutes later.

Replacement outside-ha! lf Courrent slipped through before offloading to Erinle, who finished well. Yachvili converted to establish a 35-8 lead.

Again Gloucester found a way to score, the forwards driving on before replacement flanker Boer picked up and dived over. This time Burns added the conversion.

Ngwenya thought he had scored a fourth try but had the score ruled out for an earlier infringement, however Courrent went over two minutes from time to complete a comfortable win for the French team.

Singapore 4-2 Turkmenistan

Two first half goals from Aleksandar Duric and a goal each from Khairul Amri and Masrezwan Masturi gave Singapore a 4-2 win over Turkmenistan in the HCMC International Tournament in Vietnam.

The Lions dominated possession from the opening whistle as they created numerous chances against the back pedaling Turkmenistan defense.

Duric opened the scoring in the ninth minute after trapping a long ball from captain Noh Rahman and rifling a right foot shot into the top corner.

Turkmenistan eq! ualized five minutes later through a penalty after Hassan Sunny fouled an on coming Turkmenistan forward in the area and up stepped Berdy Shamuradov to slot in the penalty

The Lions created several chances as they first half wore on but both Duric and his strike partner, Agu Casmir, failed to capitalise on them.

Duric finally managed get the vital second goal and his seventh goal for Singapore as he finished off a move started by Casmir and Shahril Ishak in the 38th minute as Singapore headed into the break with a well deserved lead.

Singapore started the second half in a furious tempo as they lay siege on the Turkmenistan defense.

Khairul Amri and Masrezwan Masturi, who came as on substitutes for Duric and Fazrul Nawaz, were combining well and carved open the defense with the darting runs around the penalty area.

On the hour mark, Masturi beat the offside trap and clipped in Singapore's third over the on rushing goalkeeper.

Amri go! t his ninth international goal in the 77th minute to give Sing! apore a commendable three goal cushion.

Turkmenistan got their second goal of the game after a swift counter attack left the Lions' defense scrambling and striker Guvanchmuhammet Ovekov easily scored from close range.

Ho Chi Minh City International Tournament

Singapore 4
Aleksandar Duric 9', 38'
Masrezwan Masturi 60'
Khairul Amri 77'

Turkmenistan 2
Berdy Shamuradov 14th (pen)
Guvanchmuhammet Ovekov 84th

Singapore: Hassan Sunny, Noh Rahman (C) (Rosman Sulaiman 46'), Daniel Bennett (Sevki Sha'ban 68'), Precious Emuejeraye, Shaiful Esah, Shahril Ishak, Isa Halim, Hariss Harun, Fazrul Nawaz (Masrezwan Masturi 46'(Juma'at Jantan 68')), Aleksandar Duric (Khairul Amri'), Agu Casmir (John Wilkinson 80')
Comments from Coach Radojko Avramovic

On the Singapore's performance

We played well and cre! ated many chances in today's game, especially in the first half but because of good goalkeeping and the players' eagerness to score, we weren't able to increase the score line.

On Khairul Amri and Masrezwan Masturi scoring

I am happy for them. They both had a good game and they could have scored a lot more today. A game like this will encourage them to work harder for future games.

On the players performance

Aleksandar Duric had a good game as he scored two goals and also created many chances for the other players. Hariss Harun and Isa Halim played well too as they controlled the midfield and helped out in the defense when needed.

On any injuries

Agu (Casmir) twisted his ankle and Mas (Masrezwan Masturi) hurt his back. Most likely they will not play on Saturday against Vietnam

David Beckham returns to AC Milan in bid to make England squad for 2010 World Cup

AC Milan have confirmed that David Beckham, the former England captain, will be returning to the Italian club on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy.

Beckham had been strongly linked with a second loan spell with the Rossoneri to improve his chances of making Fabio Capello's World Cup squad.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani claimed last week that an announcement was imminent - and it was confirmed on the club's website on Monday evening.

Milan have announced a six-month deal, meaning Beckham will remain in Italy up ! until the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa, which start on on June 11.

Beckham said: "I need to give myself the best chance possible to make the World Cup squad and playing for Milan on loan will help me to do that.

"I genuinely enjoyed my time at Milan and I look forward to meeting the players and staff again.

"I'm thankful to Tim Leiweke and Bruce Arena for allowing me this opportunity.

"I'm committed to LA Galaxy and MLS in the long term and remain as passionate as ever about growing the game of soccer in America.

"I'm completely focused on ending this season on a high note with my club by winning the MLS Cup."

Beckham moved to the San Siro during Major League Soccer's off-season last January, initially on a three-month loan deal, but impressed so much that his stay was extended until the end of the Serie A campaign.

The 34 year-old returned to the Los Angeles Galaxy in the su! mmer after helping Milan to fourth place in Serie A, with t! wo goals in 18 league appearances.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said: "We are very happy to see again David Beckham with the Rossoneri jersey after the splendid experience of last season.

"We are certain that this time in Europe will help the player take part in the next World Cup and to continue after his career in Los Angeles Galaxy, to whom we thank for their time."

Beckham's first Serie A game this season could be against Genoa at the San Siro on January 6.

A statement from LA Galaxy read: "We have today completed the loan agreement of midfielder David Beckham to AC Milan, effective in January.

"Beckham remains under contract to the Galaxy and will play for the club throughout the MLS Cup play-offs, which continue on Sunday.

"In accordance with team and league regulations, details of the loan agreement were not released."

Galaxy head coach and general manager Bruce Arena! said: "We are pleased to finalise David's loan to AC Milan and we look forward to his return to the Galaxy after the 2010 World Cup,"

Following the conclusion of the MLS season, Beckham and the rest of the Galaxy will travel to Germany for the club's 2009 post-season tour.

He will officially join AC Milan on December 28 and will remain with the club throughout their season, which ends on May 16, before rejoining the Galaxy when the summer transfer window opens in July 2010.

Beckham joined the Galaxy in January 2007. In three seasons with the club, he has appeared in 41 MLS games, scoring seven goals.

He missed the first half of the 2009 MLS season while on loan to Milan, but returned to the Galaxy in July.

Semi Final First Leg in Indonesia

16/12/08

At Gelora Bung Karno Stadium Indonesia

Indonesia 0 : 1 Thai Land

Tha: Teerasil Dangda 6'.

MICHELE MARCOLINI: PELLISSIER, TRANQUILLO LA CLASSIFICA CANNONIERI NON FA PER ME

di Marco Spinelli
fonte:L'Arena

Sorride largo. E forte. Dice che non sono cose per lui, le storie dei cannonieri. Anche se ne ha fatti tre, uno in meno del suo capitano, nonché compagno di camera, Sergio Pellissier. "Alla mia età...". Ripete. La canta Tiziano Ferro, potrebbe essere la sua colonna sonora. Alla sua età, se la sta passando alla grande. Gol, assist, corse a perdifiato, coraggio, personalità, passione. Sempre più dentro al Chievo, sempre più al centro di una storia che è sempr! e più sua. Al Chievo era arrivato per la Champions e s'è ritrovato in serie B. E' risalito, ha ballato per un po' sul filo, senza rete, poi ha risfiorato la ricaduta in B, è risalito sull'ottovolante, la vita è come un'altalena, se ti piacciono le cose scontate, non guardare la sua storia. Adesso è lì, a un tiro di schioppo dalle grandi, ma ha abbastanza anni percapire che il calcio è malandrino, si diverte a regalarti illusioni e lui ne ha già attraversate un bel po'. Se ne ha, se le tiene strette, perché il difficile comincia solo adesso. Il difficile, in fondo, non è a Cagliari. Il difficile è Bari. Un pezzo della sua vita, quando ancora non sapeva che cosa avrebbe fatto da grande. Poi venne Fascetti, l'allenatore che per primo gli ha detto "ragazzo, tu puoi fare starda". "Si, è così. Se penso ad un allenatore che mi ha dato una spinta, che mi ha fatto crescere, maturare, in un momento particolare della mia vita. Venivo dalla C, è stato bravo a capirmi e ancora di più a ! gestirmi. Mi ha fatto crescere per gradi, quei 4 anni sono sta! ti fonda mentali"

Cagliari è la tua giornata più bella? "Mah, facciamo una delle più belle, questo è sicuro. Anche perché, oltre alla gioia personale, c'è stata quella di squadra. E poi, il gol da lontano che un po' mi mancava, era dall'Inter che non lo facevo. Poi, la doppietta, sai, quando non ci sei abituato è ancora più bella… Però, se guardo indietro, ne vedo tante di belle. La salvezza dell'anno scorso, la promozione dell'anno prima, ho l'imbarazzo della scelta"

La classifica vi mette alle spalle della grandi… "E noi non dobbiamo pensarci, perché questo sarebbe un errore imperdonabile. Noi sappiamo che con questa mentalità, lo spirito del Chievo, il carattere che abbiamo, la forza del gruppo, siamo una squadra fastidiosa per tutti, da affrontare. Ma non dobbiamo fare altri discorsi. Basta niente, per ricominciare a soffrire e noi non vogliamo farlo"

Invecchiando si diventa più forti: è vero? "Se devo dir la verità, io mi sento bene, molto bene. ! Non sento il tempo che passa, non faccio fatica ad allenarmi, ho lo stesso entusiasmo di sempre. E voglio ripagare la Società, per la fiducia che ha dimostrato. Mi ha rinnovato il contratto per due anni, un segnale importante, no?"

Frosinone, un bacio da primato

di Andrea Ranaldo
Fonte: Tuttosport.com

Frosinone primo in serie B ma un fermo immagine (foto Sky) in pure stile gossip che raffigura Santoruvo che bacia sulle labbra il compagno di squadra Aurelio, dopo aver segnato ieri al Crotone, è diventato un autentico cult sulla rete. «Ma quale bacio sulla bocca - taglia corto Santoruvo - l'immagine inganna, ci siamo abbracciati con Aurelio, che è napoletano e non brasiliano come ho visto scritto da qualche parte, pe! rchè lui prima della gara mi aveva pronosticato due gol e infatti uno buono me lo hanno pure annullato. Ovvio che nella gioia sono corso a ringraziarlo ma occhio, l'ho baciato sulla guancia, non scherziamo con le illazioni. Pensare ad altro mi viene da ridere, diciamo così, per noi è un grande momento è tutto fa pubblicità».

Eppure il fermo immagine dell'esultanza dopo il gol lascia intendere che tra Santoruvo e Aurelio effettivamente ci sia un bacio. D'altronde precedenti nel calcio non mancano, come quello, diventato famoso tra Claudio Caniggia e Diego Armando Maradona che, nel 1996, entrambi in forza al Boca Juniors dopo il gol messo a segno dall'ex romanista con il Velez Sarsfield. Santoruvo respinge ogni tipo di allusione. Quali sono stati i commenti dei compagni? «Mi hanno dato del fortunato perchè con Aurelio ora andremo su 'Striscia' come è capitato a Cariello nella scorsa stagione dopo il record mondiale di essersi infortunato dopo dodici secondi di gara! ».

Sarà il signor Nasca di Bari l'arbitro di Triestina - Gallipoli

Di Pasquale Campanella
Fonte: triestinacalcio.it

Lo ha comunicato oggi la Segreteria CAN A e B
Gli assistenti della gara di sabato con i salentini saranno i signori Schenone e Liberti; il Quarto Uomo designato è il signor Bindoni.
Trieste 15/10/2009
Segreteria della CAN A-B ha comunicato con nota numero 26 del 15 ottobre 2009 i nominativi degli Arbitri, degli Assistenti e dei IV° Ufficiali che dirigeranno le gare valide per decima giornata del campionato di Serie B Tim 2009-2010.
Sarà il signor Luigi Nasca di Bari a dirigere la gara Triestina – Ga! llipoli di sabato 17 ottobre (ore 15.30). Gli assistenti saranno i signori Schenone e Liberti; il Quarto Uomo designato è il signor Bindoni.

La panchina di Cari è in bilico

di Filippo Capurso
Fonte: salernonotizie.it

Mattinata di lavoro per il Presidente Lombardi ed il Direttore Sportivo Nicola Salerno. I due hanno analizzato a mente fredda la partita di ieri a Lecce. Di buono c'è stato l'atteggiamento della squadra, soprattutto nel secondo tempo, l'impegno del gruppo.
Di negativo c'è stato però il risultato che rende la posizione di classifica ancor più Drammatica alla luce dei risultati che verranno fuori oggi dagli altri campi.
Una situazione che impone provvedimenti anche se ora come ora la società non potrà! sbagliare più nulla. Si valuta anche la posizione del tecnico Cari. Certe affermazioni, alla vigilia della partenze di Lecce, non sono piaciute così come non è piaciuto vedere all'opera Carcuro che aveva già accusato ad inizio settimana problemi fisici.
Stefano Cuoghi è uno dei nomi in cima alla lista ma è anche probabile che venga concessa a Cari, con il Crotone, l'ultima chance. Querelle con il Cassino. La Procura Federale ha chiesto una multa di 60mila euro e la squalifica per 6 mesi per Lombardi e Rispoli ma niente punti di penalizzazione.
Per il Cassino, invece la Procura ha chiesto 2 punti di penalizzazione e l'inibizione ad 1 anno di Clodomiro Murolo..L'accusa sostiene che il Cassino aveva una posizione predominante nella Salernitana. La sentenza è prevista per lunedì.
Nelle prossime ore potrebbe essere ingaggiato un forte centrocampista: De Ascentis o Colucci i nomi che circolano in queste ore.

Ascoli: Domani la ripresa della preparazione

di Marco Fundoni

fonte ascolicalcio.net

I bianconeri torneranno in campo domani pomeriggio alle 15:30 al C.S. Città di Ascoli per preparare la trasferta di Empoli di sabato prossimo.
Da valutare le condizioni di Giallombardo, out nella sfida di ieri con il Torino.

Catania prova a ripartire

Di:Sebastiano Battiato
Fonte:eurosport.com

La sconfitta contro l'Inter ha confermato che il Catania di Atzori sta comunque crescendo: quattro pareggi e una vittoria, una miniserie positiva di cinque risultati utili consecutivi che la prestazione di San Siro ha dimostrato non essere stata casuale. Positivo anche l'atteggiamento evidenziato dai rossoazzurri a Milano, quando anche sullo 0-2 non hanno smesso di proporre il loro gioco e di tentare sortite offensive per riaprire la partita. I complimenti di Mourinho (è stata una sofferenza), valgono comunque moltissimo, e da qu! i si può andare avanti: Siamo partiti troppo piano dice comunque Gianluca Atzori analizzando la partita di San Siro e abbiamo commesso parecchi errori in fase di impostazione a centrocampo. In questo dobbiamo ancora crescere e trovare maggiore continuità. Nel secondo tempo c'è stata una buona reattività e abbiamo dimostrato un bel carattere. Contro il Chievo dovremo cercare di fare meglio fin dall'inizio.
Chievo che dopo un ottimo avvio è tornato nella parte destra della classifica complice anche la sconfitta contro il Milan. Anche Mimmo Di Carlo fa autocritica: Non abbiamo il killer instinct, quando eravamo in vantaggio e abbiamo avuto le occasioni per chiudere il match non siamo state in grado di sfruttarle. In Serie A nessuno ti perdona nulla. Figuriamoci il Milan. Catania rappresenta una sfida importantissima in chiave salvezza.
Gli etnei dovrebbero confermare il 4-3-2-1 con Mascara (nella foto) e Ricchiuti alle spalle di Morimoto e Ledesma dall'inizio all'eso! rdio all'assoluto dal primo minuto dopo l'infortunio che lo ha! tenuto quasi sei mesi lontano dai campi. Il Chievo sarà privo di Pinzi, squalificato, e di Bogdani. Fiducia a Granoche dal primo minuto.

#095 Highlights della 30^ giornata di B

Cari amici, questa settimana anticipiamo la rubrica degli highlights della serie B visto il turno infrasettimanale di martedi 17 alle ore 20.30, che ci proporrà la trentunesima giornata. La trentesima giornata lancia in vetta il Bari che allunga sul secondo posto e si porta a più quattro. Il Parma aggancia il Livorno al secondo posto e rende ancora più avvincente la lotta per la promozione. In coda poche novità e classifica molto corta. Insomma il campionato cadetto ci regalerà una volata finale interessante per tutti i verdetti finali. Andiamo nel dettaglio delle partite.

Ascoli – Piacenza 2-0: Ottima vittoria interna per gli ascolani che continuano la loro risalita in classifica. I padroni di casa centrano la settima vittoria di fila in casa e scavalcano proprio i rivali piacentini in graduatoria. Il Piacenza torna a perdere fuori casa dopo due vittorie consecutive in trasferta.

Empoli – Parma 1-4: Bella partita al Castellani. Empoli in vantaggio nei primi minuti, il resto della gara però vede solo gli ospiti in campo. Ottimo Parma che allunga la striscia positiva a sei risultati utili. Per gli emiliani 7 punti nelle ultime tre trasferte. L'Empoli subisce la quarta sconfitta casalinga della stagione. Per i toscani 3 soli punti nelle ultime tre partite in casa e zona play-off che si allontana.

Bari – Avellino 3-0: Gioco facile per la prima della classe contro la penultima. Il Bari passa subito in vantaggio e chiude subito i conti con la doppietta di Barreto. I pugliesi allungano sulla seconda in classifica, tornano alla vittoria in casa dove non vincevano dal 31 Gennaio 2009 (2-1 contro il Frosinone), e arrivano a quota tredici risultati utili consecutivi (9 vittorie e 4 pareggi). Per i campani quarta sconfitta di fila fuori c! asa e soli 2 punti nelle ultime otto trasferte.

Livorno – Cittadella 1-1: Si blocca ancora una volta il Livorno in casa. Per i toscani si tratta del terzo pareggio consecutivo fra le mura amiche. La vittoria interna manca dal 7 Febbraio 2009, 3-0 contro il Piacenza. Il Cittadella ottiene un punto d'oro in chiave salvezza ed il terzo risultato utile consecutivo in trasferta, 5 punti nelle ultime tre partite fuori casa.

Mantova – Sassuolo 1-1: Bella partita fra le due compagini che alla fine si devono dividere la posta in palio. Continua a mancare la vittoria ai virgiliani. Per loro secondo pareggio consecutivo e quinto turno senza vittoria, questa manca in casa dal 14 Febbraio 2009, 2-1 contro il Cittadella. Mantovani in piena zona play-out. Buon pareggio invece per il Sassuolo che resta in zona play-off, per loro 4 punti nelle ultime due trasferte.

Modena –! Ancona 1-0: Vittoria importante per il Modena che continua ad inseguire la zona play-out. Per i modenesi 7 punti nelle ultime tre gare interne. Continua il mal di trasferta dell'Ancona. I marchigiani sono alla settima sconfitta consecutiva fuori casa.

Rimini – Frosinone 0-0: Pareggio che non accontenta le due formazioni alla ricerca della vittoria. Il Rimini perde un'occasione per allungare sul gruppo centrale della classifica, il Frosinone invece resta nella parte bassa della graduatoria. Per i padroni di casa terzo risultato utile di fila, per i ciociari invece terzo risultato utile consecutivo fuori casa con 7 punti nelle ultime tre trasferte.

Salernitana – Grosseto 2-0: Tre punti d'oro per la Salernitana in chiave salvezza. Ottima la prova dei campani che tornano alla vittoria che mancava da quattro turni. Terza sconfitta di fila ! in trasferta per il Grosseto che resta nella parte medio alta ! della cl assifica e sembra ormai aver rallentato la propria corsa.

Treviso – Pisa 0-2: Importante vittoria in trasferta dei toscani che scalano diverse posizioni in classifica ed ottengono la seconda vittoria consecutiva. I Pisani non vincevano fuori casa dal 6 Dicembre 2008, 2-4 contro l'Ancona. Continua il momento nero del Treviso alla quarta sconfitta consecutiva in casa.

Triestina – Brescia 1-2: Importante vittoria del Brescia a Trieste, che con questo risultato scavalca proprio gli alabardati in classifica. Per il Brescia seconda vittoria consecutiva fuori casa. La Triestina invece interrompe la striscia di quattro vittorie consecutive in campionato ma resta in zona play-off. Per i triestini terza sconfitta casalinga della stagione.

Vicenza – Albinoleffe 0-3: Schiacciante vittoria del! l'Albinoleffe a Vicenza. Per i veneti terza sconfitta casalinga del campionato, l'ultima risaliva all'8 Novembre 2008, 0-1 contro il Livorno. L'Albinoleffe con questa vittoria resta a quattro punti dalla zona play-off, per loro 4 vittorie nelle ultime cinque partite.

Convocazioni del 16-17 Maggio

Tutto il Calcio Serie B (Sabato 16/05 ore 16.00)
Conduce: Filippo Corsini

A Pisa - Piacenza Anticipo Non Coperto
CP Cittadella - Parma Livio Forma
2 Sassuolo - Livorno Tarcisio Mazzeo
3 Mantova - Empoli Antonello Brughini
4 Triestina - Ancona Ugo Russo
5 Bari - Modena Enzo Del Vecchio
6 Avellino - Treviso Gianfranco Coppola
S Albinoleffe - Rimini Aggiornamenti da studio
S Ascoli - Salernitana Aggiornamenti da studio
S Vicenza - Frosinone Aggiornamenti da studio

1° Anticipo di A (Sabato 16/05 ore 18.00)
Roma - Catania
Radiocronista: Massimo Barchiesi
Seconda voce: Mauro Carafa

2° Anticipo di A (Sabato 16/05 ore 20.30)
Udinese - Milan
Radiocronista: Francesco Repice
Seconda voce: Ugo Russo

Da notare che Ugo Russo dalle 16.00 alle 18.00 era a Trieste per Triestina-Ancona mentre alle 20.20 era al Friuli per Udinese - Milan. Che professionalità!

Tutto il Calcio Serie A (Domenica 17/05 ore 15.00)
Conduce: Alfredo Provenzali
In studio: Filippo Corsini

CP Bologna - Lecce Emanuele Dotto
2 Napoli - Torino Carlo Verna
3 Reggina - Cagliari Tonino Raffa
4 Fiorentina - Sampdoria Enzo Baldini
5 Genoa - Chievo Vr. Tarcisio Mazzeo
6 Juventus - Atalanta Mauro Carafa
7 Palermo - Lazio Roberto Gueli

Posso dire che è una delle scalette più strane che abbia mai sentito a Tutto il calcio. Ripescato Dotto dal Giro, la Juve a fine scaletta con Carafa penso! all' esordio come radiocronista in stagione.

Posticipo di A (Domenica 17/05 ore 20.30)
Inter - Siena
Radiocronista: Riccardo Cucchi
Seconda voce: Francesco Repice

Posticipo di B (Lunedì 18/05 ore 20.45)

Adelizzi di BRONZO. Microfono a Ugo Russo

Cominciano a susseguirsi le grandi emozioni per gli atleti azzurri ai Mondiali di Roma 2009. La giornata si è aperta con uno splendido bronzo di Beatrice Adelizzi nel Solo Tecnico, nuoto sincronizzato. Un grande esercizio che ci ha raccontato così la voce di Ugo Russo. Purtroppo la legge della diretta ha dovuto interrompere sul più bello la radiocronaca, con un interruzione giusta ma forse un pò brutale. Ma l'annuncio comunque è stato solo rinviato all'edizione del GR1 arrivata pochi minuti dopo.