NADAL CRASHES OUT OF WIMBLEDON

Former Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal was sensationally knocked out at SW19 in the first round by Steve Darcis

World number five Rafael Nadal has been knocked out in the first round of Grand Slam for the first time in his career as he lost in straight sets to Belgium’s Steve Darcis.

The world number 135 stunned a Wimbledon crowd on Court One as he won the contest 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (10-8) 6-4.

It was the second successive year that Nadal has fell early on at SW19 after he lost a five-set thriller to Lukas Rosol in the second round last year.

The Spaniard, who won the French Open at Roland Garros for the eighth time last month, struggled to adjust from the clay court to grass  and Darcis took full advantage of his discomfort.

After loosing the opening set on a tie-break, Nadal showed promise from what he had displayed on the clay court last month, but Darcis went on to extend his lead to two-sets after Nadal saved four set points.

Darcis continued the third set in similar fashion to how started the first two sets. He broke Nadal in the first game of the final set before holding on to his lead, before breaking again towards the end of the set.

Meanwhile, Andy Murray eased into the second round after a three-set victory over Benjamin Becker on Centre Court.

The Scot, who won the Olympic gold medal at SW19 last summer, beat the German 6-4 6-3 6-2.

Reigning champion Roger Federer also secured his place in the second round at Wimbledon after a comfortable straight-sets victory over Victor Hanescu.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion lost only five games on his way to victory. He won 6-3 6-2 6-0.

Words: Adam Grice

Photo: tennisworld-tennis.blogsport.com

ARTHUR SACKED BY AUSSIES JUST 16 DAYS BEFORE START OF ASHES

Australia have sacked head coach Mickey Arthur just 16 days before the start of 2013 Ashes series in England

Australian coach Mickey Arthur has been relived of his duties as Australian coach, just 16 days before the start of the 2013 Ashes series in England.

The South African, 45, has been replaced by Australia A head coach and former Yorkshire-opener Darren Lehmann.

The former Proteas batsman had been extensively criticised following a poor ICC Champions Trophy campaign as well as numerous disciplinary issues within the squad.

In March this year, Arthur disciplined four first team players after they failed to submit presentations.

Vice-captain Shane Watson, Mitchell Johnson, James Pattinson and Usman Khawaja were all dropped for the third test match against India. Watson was the only player to return to the side on that tour as he captained the side during the fourth-test due to captain Michael Clarke being injured.

“Naturally I’m very disappointed with how this has all ended,” Arthur told BBC Sport.

“I certainly wanted to see the job through but I accept that the team hasn’t been completely galvanised under my leadership and our performances have been inconsistent.

“We need the team to be absolutely unified if we’re any chance of beating the English.

“I do not feel let down by the players at all. You live and die by the sword. The disappointing thing is that I thought we were nearly there to cracking it.

“It has been a very challenging 18 months and I think the future is bright for Australian cricket.”

Lehmann, 43, has two warm up matches with the first team squad prior to the opening test match which starts at Trent Bridge on July 10.

The first four-day match starts on Wednesday against Somerset before they play Worcestershire next week.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes Lehmann, who he played with during their time at Yorkshire, will be a success with the Australian national side.

Discipline issues have surrounded the Aussies in recent weeks and especially one individual in particular.

Opening batsman David Warner was suspended from all games until the opening Ashes test match following a bust-up in a Nottingham nightclub with England all-rounder Joe Root.

Warner, who was dismissed for just nine, in his only game of the ICC Champions Trophy was also fined £7,000 for his late-night bust up.

Prior to that Warner had been fined just short of £4,000 after he posted abusive comments about journalists on his Twitter account.

It is expected that Australia could be a much tougher force under Lehmann ahead of the back-to-back Ashes series after he led the Aussie A side to victory over Gloucestershire at the weekend.

Words: Adam Grice

Photo: http://www.news.com.au

ROVERS SIGN EX-MADRID MIDFIELDER

League One champions Doncaster Rovers have reportedly completed the signing of former Real Madrid midfielder  Marc De Val Fernandez on a two-year-deal

Championship new boys Doncaster Rovers have made their first signing of the summer according to local newspaper, the Doncaster Free Press.

The local weekly paper are reporting that new manager Paul Dickov announced the signing of former Real Madrid B star Marc De Val Fernandez on a two-year-deal, prior to training this morning.

Rovers, who open up their campaign on August 3 at home to Blackpool, have signed the 23-year-old defensive midfielder who had reportedly interested Hull City several years ago.

Meanwhile, Doncaster saw their initial written bid for Scunthorpe United midfielder Mark Duffy rejected by the League Two club.

Last week, Iron boss Brian Laws confirmed in his press conference that the club had rejected the bid as it was much lower than their estimate of the player that cleaned up at the end of season awards in May.

“It was a derisory offer which we have turned down and I think they would have expected us to,” Laws said.

“However, the interest is very much there.

“The ball is in their court, they know where we are coming from. There is still room for scope and movement and if nothing comes off there are still a number of other interested parties.”

In the coaching department at the Keepmoat Stadium, Dickov has confirmed former Manchester City manager Brian Horton as his number two, whilst former Everton goalkeeper Paul Gerrard has joined the South Yorkshire outfit as their new goalkeeper coach, replacing the departing Lee Butler.

Words: Adam Grice

Photo: Getty Images

ENGLAND DEMOLISH SOUTH AFRICA TO REACH ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY FINAL

England thrashed South Africa to secure a place in Sunday’s ICC Champions Trophy Final against either India or Sri Lanka at Edgbaston

England secured their place in the ICC Champions Trophy final on Sunday after a comprehensive seven wicket victory over South Africa at the Kia Oval.

The visitors were bowled out for 175 from 38.4 overs.

Ashley Giles’ side should have been chasing a much lower score but a defining ninth wicket partnership of 95 from David Miller and Rory Kleinveldt gave South Africa a slim chance of progressing to the final.

England’s star spin bowler James Tredwell, who has maintained his place in the side throughout the tournament, took three wickets including that of Francois Du Plessis who was caught behind by Jos Buttler.

The Kent off-spinner, who was named man of the match, also dismissed JP Duminy for just three after he played on to his own stumps, whilst the lower-order batsman Christopher Morris also went for the same score as he was caught behind by Buttler.

Tredwell could have had a fourth wicket when Ryan McLaren came charging down the wicket to him. The ball clipped his pad and landed safely in the hands of Jonathan Trott at slip. The quick thinking of the England number three, threw down the stumps to send him on his way back to the pavilion having just added one to South Africa’s total.

England’s opening bowling attack got them off to a great start as they took two wickets in the opening two overs, following Alistair Cook’s decision to field first after winning the toss.

James Anderson sent opener Colin Ingram back to the pavilion without troubling the scorers after just five balls as he was given out lbw.

In the following over Steven Finn, who came into the side for Tim Bresnan, then sent Hashim Amla packing for just one. Amla, who is rated one of the best batsmen in the world, got caught in two minds and he edged the ball through to Buttler to leave them 4-2 with just nine balls in the match bowled.

Anderson took his second wicket when he dismissed Robin Peterson for 30. Sent in to steady the ship, Peterson helped South Africa to 45 but he was trapped lbw by England’s leading ICC Champions Trophy wicket taker.

Stuart Broad took three vital wickets during the match. He dismissed South African captain AB De Villiers, who did not trouble the scorers, as he became frustrated at his lack of ability at finding the gaps that he swiped at a wide ball.

The ball grazed the bottom edge of the bat and just carried to Buttler, who had to dive forward to claim the ball.

Two wickets in as many balls from Broad closed the innings with South Africa all out for 175.

Number 10 Kleinveldt fell with the penultimate ball of the innings after hitting 43 before Lonwabo Tsotsobe went to following ball. Both players edged short balls off the gloves from Broad which were caught by Buttler.

Miller, who played for Yorkshire last season, built up a solid partnership alongside Kleinveldt. The left-handed batsman hit his half century off of just 45 balls, but he was unable to make any further strides as he ran out of partners.

In reply Trott, who ended unbeaten on 82 off of just 84 balls, carried England through the contest after they lost captain Cook for just six early on. Cook edged the ball off of Morris straight through to De Villiers and he walked before the umpire had time to raise his finger.

At the end of the opening power-play England were progressing steadily at just under four runs an over but then they lost Ian Bell for 20 as he was caught behind off the bowling of Kleinveldt.

Trott and Joe Root, who has impressed throughout the tournament, put on a partnership of 105 before the Yorkshireman was clean bowled by Duminy two short of his half century.

Following the dismissal of Root, England continued to surge towards to victory with over 12 overs to spare and. Eoin Morgan ended the match unbeaten on 15.

England will face either India or Sri Lanka in the final at Edgbaston on Sunday.

Words: Adam Grice

Photo: Getty Images

 

CARROLL SIGNS SIX-YEAR DEAL WITH WEST HAM

Andy Carroll has joined West Ham United on a six-year-deal for £15m

England striker Andy Carroll has completed his move to West Ham United bringing an unsettled two-and-a-half year stay with Liverpool to an end.

The 24-year-old had been on loan at Upton Park last season after struggling to make his mark at the Anfield club following his £35 million move from Newcastle in January 2011.

Carroll, who scored seven goals in 24 appearances for the Hammers last season, has signed an initial six-year deal with the option of a further two years.

“It’s fantastic for me to be here. I really enjoyed last season, and that shows in me coming back and making it permanent,” Carroll said.

The England striker was keen to end his troubled stay at Liverpool after he replaced Fernando Torres who moved to Chelsea, however, he felt a move away from Anfield could jeopardise his international career, despite a transfer fee between the two club’s being agreed in May.

Carroll added: “The fans, the lads and the club itself have been great to me, and what I wanted to do was come back here and play football.

“Since the end of the season I’ve had a lot of time to think, I’ve missed it and that’s why I’m back.

“Getting promoted the season before last, then finishing where we did – we did great, and it can only get better for us.

“The way the club’s being run, obviously getting the new stadium and everything like that, it’s only going up.”

Words: Adam Grice

Photo: http://www.blog.football rascal.com

SRI LANKA KEEP HOPES OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY SEMI-FINAL ALIVE

Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara hit 134 not out from 135 balls during their win over England

Sri Lanka ensure they remain in the hunt to qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy semi-finals after they beat England by seven wickets at the Kia Oval on Thursday night.

After winning the toss and putting England into bat, Sri Lanka faced the daunting task of beating England’s target of 293 from their allotted 50 overs, however, they reached that target with just under three overs to spare.

An unbeaten knock of 134, from just 135 balls, from man of the match Kumar Sangakkara ensured the Asian side – who lost their opening group match to New Zealand by one-wicket last Sunday – shocked the hosts who were favourite to book their place in the last four with a match to spare.

Despite a poor day with the ball England struck early in the Sri Lankan innings when James Anderson dismissed Kushal Perera for just six before he went on to claim the wicket of Mahela Jayawardene who was caught in the deep by substitute fielder Jonny Bairstow – who had replaced the injured Jonathan Trott in the field.

The only other wicket to fall during Sri Lanka’s innings was that of Tillakaratne Dilshan who was caught by Joe Root off the bowling of spinner Graeme Swann, who was less than happy later in the innings after he was smashed all over the park by bowler Nuwan Kulasekara.

With the bat, England made a good start this afternoon. Ian Bell was the first wicket to fall when he was caught by Perera off the bowling of Shaminda Eranga before captain Alistair Cook was trapped lbw by Rangana Herath for 59.

The England duo of Trott and Root steadied the ship for England as they put on a third-wicket partnership of 87.

The Warwickshire batsman was dismissed for 76 as he was caught lbw again by Herath.

Unfortunately for England Root was unable to continue without Trott by his side, as he became the first of two Lasith Malinga wickets.

England’s Joe Root was unfazed following reports he had been involved with a scrap with Australia’s David Warner following last Saturday’s match

The 22-year-old Yorkshire man – who was reportedly involved in an altercation with Australian batsman David Warner in a Birmingham nightclub last Saturday following England’s win – was dismissed for 68 before Eoin Morgan fell for 13.

England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler then went without troubling the scorers after he was caught by Sangakkara off the bowling of Kulasekara.

A quick fire 33, from just 13 balls, for Ravi Bopara towards the death of the innings saw England come close to become the first side in this summer’s championship to reach 300.

In the penultimate over of England’s innings the Essex all-rounder, who conceded 33 runs from his six overs, hit 28 runs including three sixes and two fours.

Former England captain Alec Stewart and now BBC Test Match Special pundit gave his reflection on England’s defeat: “Sangakkara showed his class, but everyone batted around him, and that’s why Sri Lanka are walking off with a seven-wicket win.

“It’s not all doom and gloom for England, but there’s plenty to think about between now and Cardiff on Sunday. They are going to have to think beyond Plan A. I’m sure they’ve got the capability to do that, but they didn’t recognise it in time here.”

Meanwhile England skipper Cook remained upbeat despite the defeat, after his side remain in second place in Group A after they have a better run rate.

“The difference was an outstanding hundred from an outstanding cricketer,” he told the BBC.

“Sometimes you can come up short against a guy who plays as well as that
and you don’t feel quite so bad.”I’m not too disappointed. We had an opportunity to get into the semi-finals today and we didn’t take it.”

Cook added: “We have another one in our next game.”

Throughout the Sri Lankan innings the England bowlers were struggling to take the wickets that had seen them comfortably beat the Aussies in their opening match last Saturday.

“The ball was changed because it was out of shape. The umpires make those decisions and you have to accept them,” said Cook.

“Sometimes you don’t think they are the right decisions but there’s not much you
can do about it.”

A win for England would have not only seen them through to the semi-finals but it would have knocked Sri Lanka out of the tournament and the visitors wicketkeeper Sangakkara believes their ability to take wickets at key times during the match helped them win.

He said: “England were looking really strong at one point – perhaps heading towards the 300 mark – and it was really important for us to take wickets in the middle.

“We thought we would take momentum into the dressing room, but Bopara put pressure on us.

“But it was a do-or-die situation and Angie (captain Angelo Mathews) brought us together and told someone to stand up to win us the game.”

Words: Adam Grice

Photos: Sky Sports

SIR HENRY CECIL DIES AGED 70

Legendary racing trainer Sir Henry Cecil, who was responsible for one of the most famous horses Frankel, has died at the age of 70.

Sir Henry Cecil – one of the most successful trainers in the history of horse racing – has passed away at the age of 70.

The 10-time-champion trainer, who had amassed 25 British Classic winners during his illustrious training career, had battled cancer for a number of years.

Cecil, who has knighted in 2011 through his services to the sport, was also the leading handler at Royal Ascot – a prestigious event that takes place in two weeks – with a record 75 wins.

A statement on Cecil’s official website this morning read: “It is with great sadness that Warren Place Stables confirms the passing of Sir Henry Cecil earlier this morning.”

Cecil first gained his horse racing trainers licence in 1969 and within six-years he claimed his maiden British Classic. Bolkonski won the 1975 renewal of the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and Cecil recorded Classic victory the following year – again in the 2000 Guineas.

Coincidently both Cecil’s Classic winners were ridden by Gianfranco Dettori – the father of Frankie Dettori.

“Following communication with the British Horseracing Authority, a temporary licence will be allocated to Lady Cecil.

“No further update is anticipated this afternoon.”

As well as having much success in the Classic races, Sir Henry Cecil will be remembered fondly, by the younger generation certainly, for training Frankel. One of the greatest flat-race horses to have competed.

Frankel, who was ridden by Tom Queally, won all 14 of his outings before he was retired last year.

Throughout his widespread career Cecil trained six 1000 Guineas winners as well as four St Leger victors.

One of his St Leger victors included Oh So Sharp – a horse that went on to complete the fillies triple crown which included the St Leger, the Oaks and the 1000 Guineas.

Out of the eight winners that Cecil had in the Oaks his last one came in 2007 when Light Shine won the race at Epsom.

Words: Adam Grice

Photo: www.britishchampionsseries.com

RAMDIN HIT WITH TWO-GAME BAN

West Indies’ only recognised wicketkeeper for the ICC Champions Trophy – Denesh Ramdin – has been banned for two matches by the ICC

West Indies wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin has been banned for two-games following after he claimed to have caught a ball which he dropped during an ICC Champions Trophy match.

Ramdin, 28, claimed he caught Pakistan batsman Misbah-ul-Haq during last weekend’s win over them at The Oval.

Ramdin dropped ul-Haq but claimed he made a clean catch before celebrating. However, the extensive use of technology in the modern game proved otherwise and images were displayed that showed him clearly picking the ball up off of the ground following his catching opportunity.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) found him guilty of f “conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game”.

This is regarded as a serious offence as it is the responsibility of all players to act in the spirit of the game,” Chris Broad – a member of the ICC’s match referees panel – said.

“I hope Mr Ramdin has learnt his lesson from this incident and that we will not see such behaviour by him or any player in the future.”

Ramdin, who also plays for Trinidad and Tobago, will miss the crucial matches against South Africa and India.

It remains unclear who will represent the Indies behind the stumps as they do not have a recognised wicketkeeper in the squad for the tournament which is taking place at three grounds in England.

Words: Adam Grice

Photo: http://www.mid-day.com

BLADES APPOINT WEIR

Former Everton and Rangers defender David Weir has signed a three-year deal to become the new manager of League One Sheffield United

Sheffield United have confirmed the appointment of former Everton defender David Weir as their new manager.

The 43-year-old has agreed a three-year deal at Bramall Lane in what will be his first managerial post since retiring from the game in 2012.

Amid speculation that the former Blades defender Robert Page was in line for the job, Weir emerged the favourite over the weekend with many bookmakers.

Weir told the club’s website: “My first thoughts about the job are of excitement. I understand how privileged I am to be named manager here.

“I realise what a great opportunity is in front of me now and my message to the supporters is that I will work hard and give everything to be successful at Bramall Lane.”

He added: “I honestly can’t wait to get started and get a real feel for the club, then obviously I am eager to get organised for when the players return for pre-season training later this month.”

The former Scottish international ended his playing career with Rangers in 2012, following lengthy spells with Falkirk, Hearts, Everton and the Ibrox based club.

Weir has previous connections with the League One outfit, as he trained with the club in January prior to returning to Goodison Park in a coaching role.

It was later confirmed that the Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright had interviewed Weir about succeeding David Moyes as Everton boss, after he ended his decade-long affinity with the club last season.

Weir steps into his first managerial job in the third tier of English football with a side that have had two promotion failures.

In that old saying of ‘third time lucky’ the South Yorkshire based outfit will be hoping for exactly that after both Danny Wilson and Chris Morgan failed to get the club promoted back to the Championship.

Former Blade and current Motherwell boss Stuart McCall turned down the chance to manages the Blades last month as did Graham Arnold – the manager of Australian side Central Coast Mariners – who labelled the club “prehistoric”.

Other names that were in contention for the League One job included the much travelled Michael Appleton, Notts County’s former manager Keith Curle and Page – who is a coach at now League One side Port Vale following their promotion last season.

Blades chief executive Julian Winter feels the club have appointed the right man as their new boss: “We are thrilled to appoint David and the three-year contract emphasises the fact that he will assist in a change in club culture.

“I have stated before that the club needs to act differently and David is young, has a great pedigree and will bring a new vision and leadership to the club.”

Words: Adam Grice

Photo: The Telegraph

O’BRIEN CLAIMS FOURTH DERBY WIN

Ruler of the World, ridden by Ryan Moore, won the 2013 Derby at Epsom Downs

Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien claimed his fourth Derby winner at Epsom Downs after 7-1 shot Ruler of the World saw off 11 other hopefuls.

Ruler of the World, ridden by Ryan Moore, beat Yorkshire trained horse Libertarian by a length-and-a-half whilst Galileo Rock edged Battle of Marengo by a shoulder.

The bookmakers favourite Dawn Approach finished the race in last place despite taking the lead at one stage during the race.

Speaking after his fourth success in the Derby trainer O’Brien said: “He was unbeaten coming here and is a great horse.”

“We are so lucky to be in the position that we are in, to get such horses and then to work with such a team of people.”

O’Brien’s winner headed to Epsom following two previous outings – both of which had ended in victory.

Ruler of the World easily won the Chester Vase last month following a maiden victory at the Curragh.

This was Moore’s second win on board Ruler of the World and he believes that the three-year-old is continuing to improve.

“I wanted to be a bit closer, but I just didn’t get away very well and it was a very messy race.”

“I had no option but to go on when I did. I knew he’d stay the trip very well but I got there a bit soon and he was very green. He’ll get further. He’s got a really likeable attitude.

“I knew the others were coming because I’d gone too early, but he really toughed it out and showed a very good attitude.

“I’m very lucky to be in this position and on these horses. This is the most important race for me,” Moore said.

2013 also saw the 30-year-old jockey claim his second Derby win after he had success on Workforce in 2010.

Jim Bolger, the trainer of hot favourite Dawn Approach, reflected on a disappointing afternoon and he later admitted that his highly tipped horse who ran at 5-4, would not run over one-and-a-half miles again.

“Kevin said he jumped out all right and was OK for about 10 strides.

“But he grabbed hold of the bridle, and from then on he was more or less out of control.”

Bolger, who saddled the 2008 Derby winner New Approach, added:”He’d been running over a mile, where they’d been jumping out and going a good pace and Kevin could just let him bowl.”

In the 2012 Epsom Derby Camelot, also trained by O’Brien and ridden by his son Joseph, won the race as they went in search of the Triple Crown.

Words: Adam Grice

Photo: Getty Images