Hussey unilkely to bat up order

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

One more time? ... Hussey may have played his last innings. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

The Test cricketing world has almost certainly seen the last of retiring champion Mike Hussey.

3rd Test - Sydney Cricket Ground

3 January 2013 - Day 3, Session 3

Sri Lanka 2nd Innings

D. Chandimal	22	35	5	0	62.86
R. Herath	7	16	0	0	43.75
M. Hussey	1	0	4	0	4.00

A pitiful Sri Lankan collapse and Hussey's own reluctance to embrace the spotlight put paid to that.

The visitors' meagre 87-run lead will need a significant boost from Dinesh Chandimal (22no) on Sunday or run the risk of being eaten up by Australia's top three batsmen - let alone No.4 Michael Clarke.

One thing appears certain, Hussey won't appear in the middle until three wickets fall.

"I don't think Huss will want to go up the order to be honest," century-maker Matthew Wade said on Saturday.

"He's been really funny this week. He just wants us to win and he wants it to be his last cricket match.

"He wants to play it exactly the way he'd play it if it wasn't his last one I suppose.

"... But we'll try and push him out there, don't worry about that."

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

That means his last effort with bat in hand produced 25 runs before he was cruelly run-out chasing a quick single, called through by skipper Clarke.

That exit drew rapturous applause from a delirious SCG crowd, eager to celebrate Hussey's career.

They cheered when he wandered near the boundary, every time he fielded a ball and even when he stretched.

Every one of his four catches have been received with applause that rocked the stadium and, of course, he was given a standing ovation when he walked out to bat for what now looks like being the final time.

But the crowd wasn't satisfied.

They simply wanted one more memory of Mr Cricket.

And so the chant began.

---

Re-live the action from day three with our Test Match Centre and don't forget to join us on Friday from 10.30am (EDT) to see if Australia can wrap up the Sri Lanka tail and chase down the runs for victory.

---

"Give it to Hus-sey" sang out around the SCG before a chorus of boos rained down on Mitchell Starc for being selected to bowl the penultimate over.

But they got their wish, with captain Clarke relenting and throwing the rock to the affable 37-year-old - who couldn't deliver the wicket they desired.

"The crowd have been awesome with Huss," Wade added.

"It's been fun to be out there and watch him - he gets a little bit embarrassed by all that stuff.

"So the Hussey chants, he tends to shy away from.

"He didn't really want to bowl I don't think tonight. The crowd got him a bowl to be honest."

Hussey won't want to have to bat on Sunday either, but the crowd may demand otherwise.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Boyce spins Strikers to victory

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Walk of shame ... Adelaide Strikers celebrate the wicket of Aiden Blizzard. Source: Nikki Davis-jones / News Limited

A screamer of a catch from Adelaide Strikers' Kane Richardson helped his side to a convincing 38-run win over Hobart Hurricanes at Blundstone Arena.

T20 - Blundstone Arena

5 January 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

Hurricanes 1st Innings

X. Doherty	15	11	2	0	136.36
B. Laughlin	8	12	1	0	66.67
S. Tait	4	0	23	1	5.75

Set 163 to win, the Hurricanes fell apart once key men Ricky Ponting (26 from 25) and Tim Paine (33 from 31) departed, finishing at 8-124 on Saturday night.

Richardson brought back memories of Glenn McGrath at Adelaide Oval when he dived in the outfield to dismiss last season's leading runscorer Travis Birt (1 from 6).

The lanky paceman looked to have misjudged the chance as he moved towards deep extra cover but threw out his right hand only for the ball to stick.

He raised his arms to the crowd on the Bellerive hill as his teammates celebrated with the Hurricanes reduced to 4-63.

---

Click on the video at the top of the page to watch Kane Richardson's sensational catch!

---

		P	W	L	NR	T	Pts	NNR
1	Renegades	6	5	1	0	0	10	0.708
2	Scorchers	7	4	3	0	0	8	0.632
3	Strikers	7	4	3	0	0	8	0.53
4	Stars	6	4	2	0	0	8	0.317
5	Hurricanes	7	4	3	0	0	8	-0.287
6	Heat	6	3	3	0	0	6	0.243
7	Sixers	6	2	4	0	0	4	-0.331
8	Thunder	7	0	7	0	0	0	-1.471

Richardson's stunning effort gave young legspinner Cameron Boyce (3-17) his third wicket after he'd already removed big guns Ponting and Paine.

When Richardson (2-26) then bowled Owais Shah (9 from 9), the home side were in all sorts of trouble at 5-85.

The win keeps the Strikers in the hunt for the finals, while Hobart blew a chance to go second on the ladder and all but wrap up a semi-final.

The Hurricanes were 1-10 when Aiden Blizzard was out for a third ball duck to Shaun Tait (1-23) - who clocked a tournament high 154.4km/h - and 2-56 when Ponting was caught at point.

It was game on when in-form Paine was caught in deep at 3-63, then came Richardson's moment and the momentum was all with the visitors.

Earlier, Strikers opener Michael Klinger had anchored his side's 4-162 with an unbeaten 71 from 61 balls with eight fours.

Klinger put on a partnership of 59 with Callum Ferguson (32 from 23) and 70 with Nathan Reardon (29 from 23).

Relive the game with our Match Centre, featuring video of every wicket and boundary.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rojas magic foils Phoenix again

Attacking genius ... Marco Rojas and Marcos Flores had too much for the Phoenix. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Melbourne Victory were controlled and clinical in closing the gap on the A-League top two on Saturday night.

The Victory climbed to within a win of second place with a comfortable 2-0 win over Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park.

After being poked with a stick by the Phoenix for much of the first half, the Victory snapped into action to eventually smother the visitors with goals to Marcos Flores just before halftime and Marco Rojas early in the second.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	14	9	3	2	13	30
2	Adelaide	15	9	2	4	7	29
3	Victory	15	8	2	5	0	26
4	Western Sydney	14	7	2	5	6	23
5	Perth	14	5	3	6	2	18
6	Brisbane	14	5	2	7	1	17
7	Newcastle	15	5	2	8	-9	17
8	Wellington	15	4	4	7	-3	16
9	Heart	14	4	3	7	-3	15
10	Sydney	14	4	1	9	-14	13

The Victory are now just three points adrift of second-placed Adelaide United, who drew 0-0 with Newcastle Jets at Hunter Stadium earlier on Saturday.

Coach Ange Postecoglou praised his players' character after they emerged from the Christmas-New Year period with nine of a possible 12 points.

"For all the clubs, this period is a massive period of football. You're travelling, you're playing games one after the other in trying conditions," Postecoglou said.

---

Re-live the game as it happened with our A-League Match Centre, featuring video highlights and all the key stats!

---

"The fact we've come through this four-game period with three wins, it's a massive testament to the work the players have done, but also their character."

But the Victory did have to work hard in the first 40 minutes to break down an organised and determined Phoenix, who attacked down the flanks and matched the home side for much of the period.

Eventually Flores' goal on 43 minutes from a Rojas cross gave Victory a lead few saw coming.

Victory regained their swagger from then on, dominating the second half.

Midfielder Billy Celeski was outstanding and controlled the middle of the park as the Phoenix struggled for traction without suspended enforcer Manny Muscat.

After creating little in the first half, the Victory created a welter of second half chances.

But Rojas' tap-in of a rebound from Adrian Leijer shot off the post in the 53rd minute was the only tangible result, with midfielder Mark Milligan shaving a post and several others shooting just wide.

Phoenix's best chance came late in the second half when substitute Cameron Lindsay forced a good diving save from goalkeeper Nathan Coe.

Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert, whose 152nd match in charge surpassed the A-League record, felt his side had been excellent for most of the first half but missed the experience of Muscat and injured striker Paul Ifill when things got tough.

"The depth from our perspective is limited from an experience point of view," Herbert said.

"Jeremy (Brockie) is having a good season for us. But we need more people (scoring goals) with that. Out of midfield we've been a bit short."

The Phoenix remain outside the top six following the defeat.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Classy Serena takes Brisbane title

Champion ... Serena Williams celebrates her Brisbane International title. Source: Darren England / AP

Frightened by the fish, Serena Williams admitted she was too afraid to swim in the ocean during her recent training camp in Mauritius.

But it will be Williams who'll be scaring the daylights out of the women's field at the Australian Open after ruthlessly showcasing her power and precision at the Brisbane International.

The American superstar warmed up perfectly for a possible sixth major at Melbourne Park with a 50-minute demolition of Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on Saturday night.

Her 6-2 6-1 final triumph meant she didn't lose a set at the year-opening tournament and conceded just 17 games in total on Pat Rafter Arena.

Pavlyuchenkova admitted she was clueless.

Williams now has a 35-1 record since her shock first-round loss at the French Open, which shook her into career-best form.

Under new coach Patrick Mouratoglou, the 15-time grand slam champion is reaching towards the heights of her career-best 2002-03 period when she claimed the "Serena Slam", capped by the first of her five Australian Open titles.

Mouratoglou claims she's only getting better at 31 and, on her recent form - triumphing at Wimbledon, the Olympics, US Open and the year-ending WTA Championships - it's hard to disagree.

The world No.3 can become the rightful No.1 with victory in Melbourne in three weeks time and she feels she's done everything right to prepare.

Her Mauritius camp had her arrive in Brisbane in peak fitness despite recent surgery on both big toes.

But swimming was not on the menu.

"I ended up being really afraid of everything," she said in Brisbane.

"I was afraid of the ocean. Everyone swam with the dolphins; I thought they would bite me, so I refused.

"I ended up barely being able to snorkel because I was afraid of the fish."

Now it's Williams who's the big shark in Melbourne and the fear will on the other side of the net.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mundine feels good in Brisbane

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Ready ... Anthony Mundine finishes his training in Brisbane. Source: Torsten Blackwood / AFP

Daniel Geale and Anthony Mundine have taken opposite paths to prepare for their eagerly awaited boxing world title rematch, one man staying at home and the other heading interstate.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Mundine claims he has received a timely boost ahead of his January 30 bout with IBF middleweight champion Geale, by returning to the city where he last defeated his rival - Brisbane.

Conversely, Geale has stayed at his western Sydney base and has no plans to go elsewhere before their Sydney Entertainment bout.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Mundine on Friday completed a month-long training stint in the Queensland capital where he was awarded the controversial 2009 victory - Geale's only professional loss.

He claimed there was "something special'' about Brisbane and believed the four-week camp had provided the finetuning needed ahead of his re-match with Geale in Sydney.

"I always feel different when I leave this joint. I always feel a lot fitter and stronger,'' Mundine said.

"Moving to a different climate, it's like altitude training for me.''

"Now I am ready to shake the world up again.''

Geale lost his IBO middleweight title to Mundine in a split-points decision in Brisbane in May 2009.

He went on to win the IBF and WBA Super titles, though he was stripped of the latter for choosing to fight Mundine.

Tasmanian-born Geale relocated to Sydney several years ago and saw no reason to change his usual routine and follow Sydneysider Mundine out of town.

"Everybody to their own - I'm getting the best out of what I need to do right where I am. It definitely works for me,'' Geale said.

"We pretty much do everything we need (to) here in Sydney.

"We're very happy - we've got good sparring partners. Everything has fallen into place perfectly for us.''

Geale, who has sparred with Trent Broadhurst and former Mundine victim Rob Medley, said he kept working throughout the holiday season.

The 37-year-old Mundine, is a $3.36 outsider with bookies against hot favourite Geale ($1.30).

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Azarenka withdraws with sore toe

Sore toe ... Azarenka has withdrawn from the Brisbane International. Source: AFP

World No.1 Victoria Azarenka has protected her Australian Open title defence plans by withdrawing from the WTA's Brisbane International with a toe infection.

The 23-year-old pulled out just half an hour before her much-anticipated semi-final showdown with world No.3 Serena Williams on Friday.

Azarenka was the second big name to withdraw from the Brisbane event following French Open champion Maria Sharapova (collarbone).

Azarenka of Belarus blamed a bad pedicure for the infection that required a minor surgical procedure on Thursday.

But she insisted she was not concerned about its impact on her Australian Open plans.

"I have had it for about 10 days, I had tried medication and taping it but yesterday it got a lot worse and I had to take action," she said.

Williams will take on the winner of the other semi-final between Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia and lucky loser Lesia Tsurenko of the Ukraine in Saturday night's tournament decider.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mehmet leaves Glory for Thailand

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Gone ... Billy Mehmet decides to leave Perth Glory for Thailand. Source: Justin Benson-Cooper / News Limited

Perth Glory striker Billy Mehmet has left the A-League club in order to link up with Thailand outfit Bangkok Glass FC.

Glory coach Ian Ferguson said he has already sounded out several potential replacements for the hard-working Mehmet, who scored 10 goals in 42 games for the club.

Mehmet's departure frees up an international spot on the Glory's roster, with Ferguson keen to secure a player before the transfer window shuts at the end of the month.

"We have got one or two irons in the fire overseas and we're waiting to see what happens with those, whether they are still progressing,'' Ferguson said on Friday.

"We have put a couple of things to certain players and hopefully if it comes off, it'll be great for Perth Glory.''

Mehmet, who has been used largely off the bench whenever Shane Smeltz has played this season, was keen to join a club where he could earn a regular start.

"I can't guarantee anyone a first team place, and Billy is 29 and he wants to be playing regularly,'' Ferguson said of Mehmet's reasons to leave.

"It's disappointing, but we don't want unhappy players here either and if anyone wants to move on and head overseas, we won't stand in their way.

"We've got good attacking cover.

"Travis Dodd can play up there, as can (Steven) McGarry and we've got (Chris) Harold and (Ryo) Nagai as well.

"Hopefully the players we bring in will do a good job for us.''

Perth will be aiming to break back to the winners' list when they host Sydney FC on Saturday night.

Smeltz is set to start against the Sky Blues despite suffering a slight tweak to his groin at training this week.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cole returns home to West Ham

Return ... Joe Cole signs for the club he started his career with, West Ham United. Source: Tim Hales / News Limited

Barclays Premier League side West Ham United on Friday said they had signed Joe Cole from Liverpool, bringing the midfielder back to the club where he began his career.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The 31-year-old, who has been capped 56 times for England, has inked an 18-month contract with the Hammers, a decade after leaving the east London side for capital rivals Chelsea.

"It is a great move for me,'' he was quoted as saying on the club's whufc.com website.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"Coming back here brings back all the memories of the pitches I learnt how to play on.

"This is where I learnt my trade and I'm happy to have another chance to be here. I've always loved West Ham and I hope I can give the club a few memorable seasons.

"The timing was right for me to come back and I'm happy. I'm back in London and I'm delighted to be here. I want to be here and I want to make an impact.''

Cole, whose time at Liverpool included last season on loan at French Ligue 1 side Lille, said he was looking forward to playing under manager Sam Allardyce and excited to return to his roots.

"Sam didn't have to sell me the club for me to come back. For me, I have had 18 months at Liverpool where I haven't played much football and Sam wants to play me,'' he added.

"I'm going to need games to get back to my best but I want to play football and come here and help the team to make an impact.

"I feel like I owe the club a little bit as well because, if it wasn't for West Ham, I wouldn't be a footballer. This club's great youth-team coaches taught me the trade.''

In Cole's first spell at the club, he played alongside Paolo Di Canio, Michael Carrick, Frank Lampard, Jermain Defoe and Trevor Sinclair and, in 1999, was part of the Claret and Blues' FA Youth Cup-winning team.

West Ham are mid-table in the Premier League and take on Manchester United on Sunday in the FA Cup third round.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Berry to face CA hearing

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Hearing ... Darren Berry faces disciplinary action after exchange with Marlon Samuels. Source: Tait Schmaal / News Limited

Adelaide Strikers coach Darren Berry will face a Cricket Australia disciplinary hearing after his confrontation with Melbourne Renegades import Marlon Samuels.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Berry would not elaborate on what was said during the heated exchange, just before the KFC T20 Big Bash League clash at Etihad Stadium.

CA released a statement saying Berry and the Strikers had been informed of the hearing.

"Berry is alleged to have breached rule six: unbecoming behaviour regarding his comments and behaviour towards Renegades player Marlon Samuels before the match at Etihad Stadium," the statement said.

"Rule six states that "players and officials must not at any time engage in behaviour unbecoming to a representative player or official that could (a) bring them or the game of cricket into disrepute or (b) be harmful to the interests of cricket."

The time and date of the hearing is yet to be determined.

It is the second time Samuels has become embroiled in an incident with a rival coach after Brisbane Heat mentor Darren Lehmann alleged the West Indies star of chucking.

Lehmann was reprimanded by CA for his outburst.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Thirimanne flies in, saves Sri Lanka

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Concentration ... Thirimanne was prepared to take the fight to the Australians. Source:News Limited

It took a 23-year-old who had been in the country for just 48 hours to display the application and drive Sri Lanka have been begging for all summer.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Lahiru Thirimanne, who only landed in Australia on New Year's Day as a late call-up to an injury-ravaged squad, typified Sri Lanka's renewed attitude in the Sydney Test on Thursday by crafting a career-best 91 in their total of 294.

It's not the sort of score that will cause Michael Clarke any sleepless nights, but it's light years ahead of their twin disasters at the MCG a little over a week ago - when the top order crumbled on both occasions.

And central to it was Thirimanne, dropped after a poor series in England last April and waiting by the phone in Sri Lanka less than a week ago.

A veteran of just seven Tests and boasting the less-than-intimidating average of 19.84, Thirimanne came within nine runs of producing just the visitors' second century on tour - something even the man he replaced, all-time great Kumar Sangakkara (fractured finger), was unable to achieve.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

And after just one training session with the team, he briefly assumed the role as the team saviour.

"Kumar Sangakkara is a great player, one of the greatest cricketers in the world," Thirimanne, whose previous best was 68 against Pakistan, said afterwards.

"It's a great opportunity for me to replace him for a Test match in Australia. I thought I grabbed that opportunity with both hands."

That he threw away his century with a rash shot - and to an athletic David Warner catch - was unfortunate, and certainly a sore point afterwards for the young left-hander.

"Actually I'm really disappointed because this is a great opportunity for me after a long break from Test cricket," he said.

"But I feel I batted really well. At the end of the day, I'm really happy with my performance."

Thirimanne combined well with captain Mahela Jayawardene, putting on 62 for the third wicket as the pair looked to guide Sri Lanka to an imposing total.

But losing four wickets for just 23 runs in the final session, before a handy 21-run 10th wicket partnership, cruelled the visitors' chances of posting a dominant score.

Still, they'd followed through on Jayawardene's pre-game message to take the fight to Australia's fearsome pace attack led by MCG man-of-the-match Mitchell Johnson.

In Sydney, Johnson (0-58) went wicketless and Thirimanne weathered the best short balls that Australia's tattooed left-armer could offer.

"It's about individuals taking responsibility and knowing what they need to do," Jayawardene said on match eve.

"If you really sit down and look at what we've achieved so far in this series, I think it's not that hard to say 'no, we haven't done enough' and that we need to really stand up and count ourselves.

"It has to come within themselves."

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Christian, McKay go toe-to-toe

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Personal space ... Dan Christian and Clint McKay swap recipes. Source:FOX SPORTS

Brisbane Heat batsman Dan Christian and Melbourne Stars paceman Clint McKay have gone toe-to-toe in a feisty KFC T20 Big Bash League clash at the Gabba.

T20 - Gabba

3 January 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

Stars 1st Innings

J. Faulkner	18	11	1	1	163.64
C. McKay	1	3	0	0	33.33
K. Roach	3.3	0	22	0	6.29

McKay took exception to Christian's running between the wickets as he tried to get to the ball and attempt a run out.

However, Christian didn't take a backward step and got right in McKay's face despite having a helmet on.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The argument went on for some time afterwards and the Heat took advantage as Thisara Perera hit a six and a four off the next two balls.

Earlier in the innings, Stars teammates Shane Warne and Luke Wright also had a tiff after a missed catching chance.

It was a comedy of errors as Wright appeared to call for the ball only for it to float towards Warne, who got right out of the way.

Warne later dropped a simple catch that allowed Christian a life.

Heat captain James Hopes lead from the front, opening the batting he made a sterling 49 off 40 balls before falling to a Lasith Malinga slower ball.

The wicket put Malinga on a hat-trick and gave him figures of 3-0 at the time and the Sri Lankan paceman finished the game with 3-26.

The Heat finished with 5-171 setting the Stars a tough chase for victory as they look to go equal top of the ladder with cross-town rivals, the Melbourne Renegades.

---

Don't miss the action with our BBL Match Centre, featuring video updates, ball-by-ball and all the vital stats!

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tomic continues hot form in Perth

Three in a row ... Tomic finished his singles rubbers in Perth with a perfect record. Source: News Limited

Australian Bernard Tomic continued his winning run at the Hopman Cup with a 6-3 7-5 triumph over world No.23 Andreas Seppi at Perth Arena on Thursday night.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Tomic, who stunned world No.1 Novak Djokovic on Wednesday night after accounting for German Tommy Haas earlier in the tournament, had too many weapons for Seppi, with the 71-minute win giving Australia a 1-0 lead in the tie.

Queensland teenager Ashleigh Barty can secure the win for Australia if she can upset 2010 French Open champion Francesca Schiavone in the women's singles rubber.

"I think I played really well against Novak yesterday and today was really good as well," Tomic said.

"It's amazing preparation before the Australian Open and I'm really glad I came.

"The last few months were very hard. I was focusing a lot on my fitness and my serve. You need to serve well when you play against these top players."

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Tomic had to save three break points on his first service game.

But from there, the 20-year-old took control of the match, breaking Seppi in the fourth game on the way to first-set honours.

Seppi and Tomic went toe-to-toe for much of the second set.

But a double fault from Seppi on break point in the 11th game ended the Italian's resistance, with Tomic easily serving out the match.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Video: A-League finest goals so far

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

A-League stunning strikes ... Marco Rojas, Shinji Ono, Jeremy Brockie, Ale Del Piero. Source:AAP

The first half of the A-League season has showcased some beautiful goals and the turn of the year didn't stop some of the competition's brightest stars from producing more magic on the field.

We've put together the best goals of the season so far, now it's up to you to watch the video above and let us know the best goal by voting in our poll on the right of this page.

---

What is the best goal of the 2012-2013 A-League season so far?

Western Sydney Wanderers' star recruit Shinji Ono on Tuesday netted a double against the Victory - showcasing a truly world-class first touch and finish for his first to put himself in serious contention for goal of the season.

Wellington Phoenix might have rung in the new year with a loss to Brisbane Roar, but it wasn't all doom and gloom from the men from across the ditch with Jeremy Brockie lashing in an absolute rocket from long range into the top corner.

But are they the best two goals at the halfway point of the A-League season?

Surely Archie Thompson's last-gasp winner in the second Melbourne Derby has to be considered for the occasion alone.

Though if it is all about the moment, then Alessandro Del Piero's debut goal for Sydney FC can't be discounted.

In front of 35,000 fans and facing fellow marquee Emile Heskey, ADP lined up a trademark free kick, and there was only ever going to be one outcome.

What about Melbourne Victory duo Marco Rojas and Marcos Flores?

Kiwi maestro Rojas capped a fine individual performance against the Jets in round 13 with a brace of goals, the first a sweetly-hit curler from outside the box before a brilliant volley on the turn killed off the Jets.

Marcos Flores might have failed to reach the dizzy heights of his days at Adelaide United so far, but his exchange of passes with Gui Finkler and outside-of-the-boot finish against Wellington in round five showed he is still one of the competition's finest players.

Perth Glory's Steve McGarry threw his name into the ring against the Roar in round 12, his right-foot rocket silencing the defending premiers on home soil.

Back in Sydney and Ono isn't the only Wanderers player producing fireworks on the pitch, Labinot Haliti's quick feet and bending finish against the Glory another for the highlight reel in what is shaping up as a fairytale debut season for the men from Sydney's west.

First-time shots don't get much better than Adelaide United's Marcelo Carrusca's left-foot effort against Melbourne Victory in a round-10 thriller between the two rivals.

The Victory's Andrew Nabbout has a pretty sweet left peg of his own, as Sydney FC found out the hard way when Victory chased down the Sky Blues in an absorbing Allianz Stadium encounter.

The 20-year-old's fierce strike kicked the Victory into gear as they reeled in a 2-0 deficit to break Sydney hearts late.

---

Watch the stunning video at the top of the page and vote in our poll to see who has scored the best goal of the A-League season so far.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tomic stuns Djokovic at Hopman Cup

Massive upset ... Tomic dominated Djokovic to win in straight sets. Source: AAP

Australian Bernard Tomic secured a massive upset by beating world No.1 Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-4 in their Hopman Cup tennis clash in Perth on Wednesday night.

Tomic was at his sizzling best during the straight-sets romp, unleashing a flurry of winners to notch his second career win over Djokovic and give Australia a vital 1-0 lead over top-ranked Serbia in the mixed-teams event.

The 20-year-old Queenslander entered the match having lost all three of his ATP matches against Djokovic, including their quarter-final stoush at Wimbledon in 2011.

Tomic did get one over Djokovic in a light-hearted exhibition match at the Kooyong Tennis Classic in 2010.

But his latest victory marks a significant step forward in Tomic's development as a future world beater.

Tomic, who has slipped to a ranking of 52 after reaching a career-high of 27 last June, frustrated Djokovic during an entertaining opening set.

Djokovic had to save four break points in his first service game, and even had his plea for a change of balls approved after complaining they were too soft.

But the 25-year-old couldn't repeat the feat in the ninth game, with three scintillating winners from Tomic securing the crucial break.

Is this the turning point in Tomic's career? Have your say by leaving a comment below!

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Murali gets Renegades back on track

Too good ... Murali showed his class on Wednesday night. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

Melbourne Renegades moved back to the top of the KFC T20 Big Bash League ladder after racking up a big win over Adelaide Strikers at Etihad Stadium.

T20 - Etihad Stadium

2 January 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

Strikers 1st Innings

M. Neser	29	24	1	1	120.83
G. Putland	0	1	0	0	0
W. Sheridan	1.3	0	2	1	1.33

Brilliant bowling from Muttiah Muralidaran and Marlon Samuels, who took three wickets each, meant the Strikers were never really in the hunt during their run chase, eventually falling 48 runs short as they were bowled out for just 107.

Both Samuels and Murali took wickets off consecutive balls, although neither was able to convert it into a hat-trick.

---

Watch Pollard's catch and his interesting celebration in the video at the bottom of the page.

---

There were plenty of fireworks during the Renegades' innings, as Kieron Pollard stole the show with a spectacular catch off his own bowling, and followed it up with an amusing jig for a celebration.

Pollard combined with good bowling from veteran spinner Brad Young, skipper Johan Botha and young quick Kane Richardson to restrict the Renegades to 6-155 from their 20 overs.

Tom Cooper was the best of the Renegades batsmen, smashing 59 runs off 46 balls before being caught off the last ball of the innings by wicketkeeper Tim Ludeman.

Relive the game LIVE with our Match Centre, featuring all the best videos.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tennis No.1 Azarenka starts 2013 in style

WORLD No.1 Victoria Azarenka has continued her Down Under love affair by warming up impressively for her Australian Open tennis defence.

In her first match of the 2013 season, Azarenka maintained her flawless record at the Brisbane International with a 6-3 6-3 second-round victory over German Sabine Lisicki.

The 23-year-old did not drop a set en route to the inaugural tournament title in 2009 and she never gave the world No.37 a look in during her return on Wednesday night.

The flat, heavy groundstrokes and strong return of Lisicki's big serve held sway over one hour 27 minutes to take her unbeaten match record to four against the German.

Azarenka thrives on the Australian plexicushion courts and broke through for her maiden grand slam win at Melbourne Park last year - wiping Maria Sharapova off Rod Laver Arena 6-3 6-0 in the final - after previously taking out the Sydney International.

It was the springboard to a 26-match unbeaten streak, the longest on the WTA Tour since Martina Hingis in 1997, which propelled her to the No.1 ranking.

Azarenka will play Kazakhstan qualifier Ksenia Pervak, who upset Caroline Wozniacki in the opening round, in a Thursday quarter-final but is set for a semi-final showdown against Serena Williams in a mouth-watering replay of the 2012 US Open final.

World No.3 Williams will play compatriot Sloane Stephens in her Thursday night quarter-final.

Lisicki upset Maria Sharapova at Wimbledon last year but could not keep the pressure on Azarenka.

The 23-year-old threatened to take the match into a third set by clawing back to 3-4 in the second but the top seed lifted to close out the match.

Azarenka praised Lisicki's serve and fight in what was a tough battle.

"At the beginning, it's always good to see where you're at right from the start so I'm happy I went through it," she told Network Seven. "There's things to work on and hopefully tomorrow I will be better."

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ono masterclass sees Wanderers win

Quality ... A Shinji Ono double helps deliver a Wanderers win. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

A freakish double strike by marquee star Shinji Ono continued Western Sydney Wanderers' remarkable rise in a 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory at Parramatta Stadium.

The Japanese playmaker scored brilliant goals in either half in front of 13,659 fans as the Wanderers leapfrogged the Victory into third spot in their debut A-League campaign.

It was Tony Popovic's side's fourth win in five games to confirm their credentials as genuine title contenders.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

While the A-League's form player, Melbourne star Marco Rojas, hogged the pre-game headlines, it was Ono who stole the show.

He opened the scoring with a remarkable piece of technical skill in the 42nd minute and delivered again with a cracking late winner after Victory substitute Spase Dilevski had equalised seven minutes earlier.

The Wanderers coach paid tribute to his marquee man.

"He's a special player and he's been a special player for this football club since he first arrived,'' Popovic said.

"We're delighted for him. He's a great player, a great man and a perfect fit for this football club.''

However, he played down talk of the Wanderers making a run at the league championship.

"Not now, not after 14 games. I think it's still showing that everyone's beating everyone," Popovic said.

"We're in a good position at the halfway mark but we've got a lot of work to do.''

After resting a host of key players in last week's 1-1 draw with Perth, Popovic made seven changes to his starting line-up with Ono, Mark Bridge and Youssouf Hersi among those returning.

The Wanderers looked the fresher side in the first half and created several clear-cut chances as the Victory couldn't find much in attack.

Bridge had a great chance to open the scoring in the seventh minute but blasted a volleyed attempt over the bar from Hersi's headed pass.

The visitors suffered an early blow with Gui Finkler forced off in the 10th minute with an knee injury.

The Wanderers continued to mount pressure and Ono finally achieved the breakthrough three minutes before halftime with a moment of magic.

---

Relive the magic in the Wanderers' win over Victory with our A-League Match Centre, featuring video highlights and all the important stats.

---

Nikolai Topor-Stanley headed the ball down field and the Japanese playmaker collected it on the volley, juggled it and finished superbly from the edge of the box.

The Victory tried to respond after halftime with Archie Thompson squandering a decent chance in the 54th minute.

The Wanderers suffered a scare midway though the second half as Ono was hurt in a challenge on Jonathan Bru but he was able to continue.

Western Sydney looked to put the result beyond doubt and had a decent penalty shout turned down before Nathan Coe made a brilliant save to deny Michael Beauchamp in the 65th minute.

The Victory kept fighting, though, and were rewarded when Dilevski created something out of nothing with a low drive from just outside the box that beat Wanderers 'keeper Ante Covic.

But it was Ono's day and he sent a passionate home crowd into raptures as he put the Wanderers ahead again with a curling, long-range effort.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Geeves takes on Gayle and Haddin

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Feud ... Gayle v Haddin was a bit of entertainment says Brett Geeves. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Monday night was New Year's Eve. If you went to the Hobart waterfront and enjoyed the fireworks, you no doubt stepped over a broken glass, saw a fight between two teenage girls and waited more than three hours for a cab home.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

All this to witness someone standing on a pontoon, throwing half a dozen sparklers in the air.

Note to Hobart Council - a fireworks budget of $11.80 may have got the job done in 1985 – but it's not working for you in 2011.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Sydney and Melbourne on the other hand, spent enough money to buy Gina Reinhardt's favourite knickers.

If the Falls Festival or any music festival was your thing, you're reading this stuck in a 5000+ car traffic jam, while police randomly (I'm pretty sure random doesn't mean every) breathe test cars and search them for Olivia Newton-John's ex-boyfriend, Patrick McDermott.

You probably haven't showered in three days and the fact you're wearing a turtle neck to cover the hickey on your neck is only adding to your god-awful smell. Enjoy your shower.

Maybe you attended a house party?

Someone spiked the punch and on the stroke of midnight you took the opportunity to kiss everyone too far.

Tongue kissing is for behind your high school gymnasium, the back seat of the movies, public transport and if you're from South Australia – family reunions.

You should not attempt to tongue kiss your girlfriend's grandmother on the stroke of the new year.

No amount of punch makes this acceptable, unless she looks like a wrinkly Anne Hathaway.

I am thinking most of you cricket-loving nuffies are deeply involved in the KFC T20 Big Bash League and possibly some of you enjoy bird watching, or birding as you would refer to it - making you a birder.

Ba Ba Ba Bird, Bird, Bird, Bird is the word.

Now, I hadn't planned on penning anything until day one of the next Test.

Mostly because I am lazy and if you are attempting mental imagery of me right now, think Jabba the Hut, wearing a KFC bucket head that was once actually full of chicken (what a plug!!) and a Nowitzki singlet that is now six sizes too small.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Now think about Brad Haddin's attempt at upsetting Chris Gayle.

Now think about whether or not this was done as entertainment or if they are actually feuding.

Let's compare Gayle v Haddin and Muscle-man Manou v High-pants Hussey of 09/10.

Big Bash cricket was a different beast back then.

It was a pride-based beast where players were representing their states, as opposed to cities that most of them aren't from.

They wore clothes that bared their state's colours, the colours that are traditionally simple because that's how cricket should be – not the types of colours you could expect to see at a nine-year-old girl's slumber party.

So when Manou took exception to the antics of Dave Hussey, it meant something and if you watched the match and the way the crowd became involved, you knew that this was a rivalry that was not based on entertainment.

This had been built up over a decade of first class games and was as real as the troubles of Greece's economy.

The next time Dave Hussey played at Adelaide Oval in front of the SA fans, he was booed un-mercifully.

In true Hussey style he dominated. He lives for on-field controversy and thrives under the pressure of having to perform.

This was real cricket, played for real points and by men who cared for the result and not the pot of gold that was waiting for them at the end of the rainbow (rainbow is end of tournament).

Watching Gayle v Haddin felt like watching two school chums slowly grinding each other down to the point that one explodes and rips the others shirt, causing the kid with the ripped shirt to get a beating from his old man when he made it home.

That's what dads do when a school shirt is ripped. It's their rite of passage.

This was a feud made for entertainment, much like Family Feud or Judge Judy and should be taken as seriously as these two shows and current day wrestling.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Paine too much for Scorchers

Classy ... Paine played plenty of quality shots in his innings of 74. Source: Nikki Davis-jones / News Limited

Former Test gloveman Tim Paine has cracked the highest score of his tough comeback from injury to steer Hobart Hurricanes to a six-wicket win over Perth Scorchers at Blundstone Arena.

T20 - Blundstone Arena

1 January 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

Hurricanes 1st Innings

T. Paine	74	57	7	2	129.82
G. Bailey	19	11	2	0	172.73
N. Coulter-Ni...	3.3	0	41	0	11.71

Paine finally returned to his best with 74 from 57 balls as the Hurricanes chased down Perth's 8-152 with nine balls to spare.

The 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, who was the heir apparent to ex-Australian gloveman Brad Haddin, has endured no fewer than six operations on the finger he broke in an exhibition Twenty20 match more than two years ago.

He put on 90 from 60 balls with Ricky Ponting (34 from 26) to lead the Hurricanes to their third straight win and third place on the KFC T20 Big Bash League ladder.

The Scorchers' three-game winning streak is over with their season now 3-3.

---

Relive the game with our Match Centre, featuring videos of every wicket and boundary!

---

Injuries could add to their woes with in-form batsman Shaun Marsh (6 from 11) unable to field after he was struck on the thumb by Hurricanes paceman Doug Bollinger (1-27).

And in a bizarre incident, Scorchers paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile (0-41) fell clutching an ankle halfway through his run-up before completing his spell.

The home side were 1-15 when opener Aiden Blizzard was caught for 12 from seven balls to bring Paine and Ponting together.

Their stand put the Hurricanes in the box seat before veteran spinner Brad Hogg (3-17) found himself on a hat-trick in the 12th over as he reduced the Hurricanes to 3-105.

But Paine and captain George Bailey (19 from 11) steadied to steer the home side to victory.

Earlier, veteran Perth skipper Simon Katich blasted the equal-second fastest fifty of the BBL season.

The 37-year-old reached 52 off just 28 balls with a monstrous six off Bollinger, joining Melbourne Renegades' Aaron Finch behind Brisbane's Chris Lynn, who reached 50 from 27 balls against Perth.

Katich finished with 66 from 41 balls with five fours and four sixes.

The Scorchers had been 2-10 before the former Test opener combined with Marcus North (27 from 33) to put on 69 from 52 balls.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Roar outgun Phoenix in spicy clash

Make: NIKON CORPORATIONModel: NIKON D4Date/Time: 2013:01:01 21:02:58 Source: AAP

Besart Berisha broke his goalscoring drought as Brisbane Roar recorded their second consecutive victory, a 2-1 defeat of Wellington Phoenix in a match that saw both teams lose players to red cards.

Berisha put the Roar into the lead with a finely-taken strikers goal, turning Phoenix skipper Andrew Durante before slotting it cooly past Mark Paston.

If Berisha's goal was impressive, Jeremy Brockie's equaliser for Wellington was of the highest standard.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	14	9	3	2	13	30
2	Adelaide	14	9	1	4	7	28
3	Western Sydney	14	7	2	5	6	23
4	Victory	14	7	2	5	-2	23
5	Perth	14	5	3	6	2	18
6	Brisbane	14	5	2	7	1	17
7	Wellington	14	4	4	6	-1	16
8	Newcastle	14	5	1	8	-9	16
9	Heart	14	4	3	7	-3	15
10	Sydney	14	4	1	9	-14	13

The form frontman collected a pass from Durante before lashing it past an outstreteched Michael Theo into the far corner from 25 yards.

It was Ben Halloran who gave the Roar the lead in the second half, linking up superby with Thomas Broich and Berisha before curling the ball just inside the right post.

---

Re-live all the action from the Roar's win at our A-League Match Centre, with video highlights and player stats.

---

The Phoenix's task to draw level was made even more difficult when youngster Tyler Boyd was sent off, though the ledger was soon square with James Donachie earning a red card of his own for a second bookable offence.

The challenges were flying in all evening and tensions threatened to boil over when Berisha took umbrage at a stray elbow from Phoenix midfielder Manny Muscat.

More to come...

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mariners squeeze past Glory

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Tight ... Oliver Bozanic is tackled by Jacob Burns. Source: Dean Lewins / AAP

Substitute Bernie Ibini ensured an understrength Central Coast entered the new year on top of the A-League ladder with the decisive goal in the Mariners' 1-0 home win over Perth at Bluetongue Stadium on Monday.

Ibini's 68th-minute goal was the first shot on target of a match dominated by two well-drilled defences.

However, after what looked like a hand-ball, Perth Glory coach Ian Ferguson felt Ibini's goal should not have stood.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"I felt he was all over Jamieson and also he has used his hand to get the ball around to him and score the goal,'' he said.

"We've lost three points there.''

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

It was the Mariners' sixth win from as many home games this A-League season.

Without the suspended trio of playmaker Tomas Rogic, leading goal-scorer Daniel McBreen and captain John Hutchinson, Central Coast struggled to penetrate the Glory rearguard.

Mariners coach Graham Arnold said the win furthered his belief in the group.

"(The win) confirmed to me that we definitely have the depth to continue and go forward,'' Arnold said.

"The performance in the first half I think was a bit down for both teams because of the heat, but in the second half when the sun was gone it was a much better spectacle,''

Perth were a man down from the 76th minute when Dutch central defender Bas van den Brink was sent off after collecting a second yellow card.

Glory created the only decent chance of the first half, but it was spurned by normally deadly striker Shane Smeltz.

The unmarked New Zealand international put a sidefoot volley wide from six metres out following a good cross from Steven McGarry.

At the other end, former Mariners goalkeeper Danny Vukovic pushed away a couple of dangerous crosses, but the home team struggled to create a genuine shot on goal in the first half.

---

Re-live the action between the Mariners and Glory with our A-League Match Centre, featuring video highlights and all the important stats!

---

The Mariners upped the tempo in the second half and looked the more likely to score.

Striker Adam Kwasnik had a headed goal disallowed in the 47th minute for offside and headed wide 12 minutes later.

The breakthrough came shortly after when 53rd-minute substitute Ibini won a challenge with Scott Jamieson to an Oliver Bozanic cross.

The 20-year-old striker drilled the ball past Vukovic for his third goal of the season.

Glory didn't create much in the second half and their hopes plummeted after van Den Brink, who had earlier been booked for a foul on Michael McGlinchey, was given his second card for an illegal challenge on Mile Sterjovski.

Perth didn't have an attempt on target in the whole game, while the Mariners had just two.

Ferguson lamented his team's inability to make their chances pay.

"For the first half we looked very comfortable, I thought we moved the ball about well and we had a couple of half chances here or there,'' he said.

"In the second half, they came out with the bit between their teeth and probably towards that 65th, 70th minute mark we started to tire and that took its toll at the end.''

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

McGrath inducted into Hall of Fame

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Inductee ... Glenn McGrath the latest Australian to enter the ICC Hall of Fame. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Fast bowling great Glenn McGrath will be the latest Australian to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The ICC announced on Monday the right-arm speedster, who claimed 563 Test wickets in 124 Tests from 1993-2007, will become the third inductee in 2012-13 after West Indian maestro Brian Lara and Englishwoman Enid Bakewell were honoured in September.

The ceremony for McGrath will take place on Friday during the lunch break of the second day of the third Test between Australia and Sri Lanka on his home ground of the SCG.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The 42-year-old will become the 68th male member of the Hall of Fame in recognition of a career that also included 250 one-day internationals and playing in three straight ICC World Cup-winning sides in 1999, 2003 and 2007.

McGrath took more Test wickets than any other seam bowler - current or retired - while he sits second behind leg-spinning legend Shane Warne (708 wickets) as Australia's leading wicket-taker.

"I am very much looking forward to celebrating the occasion with not only my friends and family, but all those at the SCG which is of course like a second home to me,'' said McGrath in a statement.

Alan Davidson, Fred Spofforth and Belinda Clark were inducted into the Hall of Fame last year to join fellow Australians including Don Bradman, Richie Benaud, Allan Border and Dennis Lillee.

The SCG will be bathed in pink in support of cancer charity the McGrath Foundation on the third day of the Test.

A fourth and final Hall of Fame inductee for 2012-13 will be announced next summer.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Vidosic helps Reds cruise on NYE

Class above ... Adelaide were far too good for Sydney on New Year's Eve. Source: David Mariuz / News Limited

Adelaide United maestro Dario Vidosic scored twice to orchestrate a 3-0 drubbing of an off-key Sydney FC in Monday night's A-League match.

Vidosic's first-half brace, and a second half tap-in by Iain Ramsay at Hindmarsh Stadium, ensured the Reds keep snapping at the heels of ladder leaders Central Coast Mariners.

Second-placed Adelaide remain two points shy of the Mariners, who earlier on New Year's Eve downed Perth Glory 1-0.

Vidosic's double took his tally to eight goals in an influential season - he also hit the cross bar with an audacious curling 20 metre free kick, and struck the post with another hat-trick attempt.

But more importantly for the 10,934-strong Adelaide crowd, Vidosic helped break the Reds' two-game losing sequence, opening his account with an 18th minute header.

Creative Marcelo Carrusca delivered a nifty pass which Iain Ramsay wisely let run for teammate Cassio, streaming down the left. Cassio's cross found an air-borne Vidosic, whose header floated into the top right corner of the net.

Just 11 minutes later, Vidosic sliced through slack defence before passing to frontman Bruce Djite, who was felled by a tackle from behind by defender Sebastian Ryall.

---

Relive the action with our A-League Match Centre, featuring video highlights and all the key stats.

---

Vidosic calmly slotted the penalty and the Sky Blues were on their way to a ninth loss in 14 matches.

Adelaide winger Ramsay rubbed salt into Sydney's wounds in the 61st minute after Djite outmuscled Ryall, charged at goal, and aimed a low left-footer at goal.

The shot was well saved by diving goalkeeper Vedran Janjetkovic but the rebound fell kindly into Ramsay's path and he tapped in from two metres.

Sydney, without injured star Alessandro Del Piero, were hampered by the loss of midfielder Adam Griffiths who hobbled off in the 12th minute with a leg injury.

The Sydneysiders have now conceded a whopping 30 goals this season and will return to the bottom of the ladder should Melbourne Heart defeat or draw with Newcastle Jets on Tuesday.

Adelaide coach John Kosmina said the Reds could have scored seven or eight goals, such was their weight of scoring chances.

"It was a really good, solid performance," he said.

Reds defender Nigel Boogard was substituted with tightness in a hamstring as Kosmina warned of a challenging January including away matches against Newcastle, Melbourne Heart and Central Coast.

"We have a tough month in January ... it's not going to be easy," he said.

Sydney coach Frank Farina agreed his side could have copped eight goals, saying the match turned into a "virtually a training run" for the Reds.

"To be brutally honest, we were outplayed," he said.

Midfielder Griffiths' early exit was caused by knee medial ligament strain suffered last week, but Farina expected Del Piero to return against Perth on Saturday.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Stosur crashes out in Brisbane

Disappointing ... Stosur got her Australian summer campaign off to a poor start. Source: Dan Peled / AAP

Australian tennis fans must be braced for another deflating home summer for Samantha Stosur following a worrying first-up failure at the Brisbane International.

In a terrible blow to her Australian Open preparations, an off-key Stosur crashed 7-6 (7-4) 7-5 to Swede Sofia Arvidsson to be the second top-10 star upset on Pat Rafter Arena on Monday.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The Queenslander followed former world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki, who lost to Ksenia Pervak, out of the tournament in a disappointing one hour and 44 minute display.

Underdone heading into the 2013 season following a minor ankle operation five weeks ago, Stosur moved freely but her groundstrokes were rusty and judgment off.

While she showed plenty of fight to save five first-set points, the world No.9 leaked 48 unforced errors, including seven double faults.

Stosur had enjoyed a 3-1 head-to-head advantage over world No.41 Arvidsson and had swept the tall Swede aside in the first round of her 2011 US Open triumph.

However the writing was on the wall in the seventh game as she lost her serve with a string of poor groundstrokes.

The 28-year-old seemed to produced her best when it most mattered - breaking Arvidsson twice when she served for the set - but paid for her inconsistency.

She did her best to hang in in the second set, as Arvidsson held serve with ease, before producing a forgettable last service game to fall on her sword.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Stosur's inability to cope with local expectations has been well documented and the loss continues a poor run at her "home" tournament where she's never progressed past the second round.

It will heap even more pressure on her as she just has the Sydney International to fine-tune her game for the Australian Open.

Last summer, as the reigning US Open champion, she only mustered one win Down Under, beating little-known Belarussian Anastasia Yakimova in Brisbane before crashing in Sydney and Melbourne Park.

In more bad news for local fans, Australia's top-ranked male player Marinko Matosevic went down to Japanese No.5 seed Kei Nishikori 7-5 6-2.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hussey says his shoes can be filled

Replacement ... Mike Hussey says there is enough talent to replace him in the team. Source: Lakruwan Wanniarachchi / AFP

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Michael Hussey insists there is quality and quantity to replace him despite leaving a second chasm in Australia's middle order ahead of a critical 12 months.

• PJ Hughes (SA) 518 at 51.8
• CJ Ferguson (SA) 463 at 42.09
• UT Khawaja (QLD) 438 at 39.81  
• AJ Doolan (TAS) 409 at 58.42  
• MJ Cosgrove (TAS) 373 at 37.30
• RT Ponting (TAS) 355 at 118.33  
• BCJ Cutting (QLD) 348 at 38.66
• CJL Rogers (VIC) 340 at 42.50
• BJ Haddin (NSW) 337 at 67.40  
• MC Henriques (NSW) 314 at 78.50

Hussey's announcement on Saturday that he'll retire from international cricket after this summer came exactly a month after Ricky Ponting revealed he was calling time on his storied career.

That leaves another middle-order batting vacancy going into February's tour of India, followed by two Ashes series, in England then Australia.

But 37-year-old Hussey - set to play his 79th and last Test this week against Sri Lanka at the SCG - said on Sunday there was talent available to step in after his surprise decision to retire despite averaging close to 80 this summer.

And he said his 35-year-old brother David, a regular contributor at domestic level for Victoria, should be among those considered.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"I'm not worried about the team whatsoever. We've got some fantastic candidates to come in - probably too many to name,'' Hussey said.

"Maybe David Hussey could get a run - one Hussey out, one Hussey in. History has shown players have come and gone. But the game continues to move forward, and it'll be no different with me.''

With Phil Hughes already recalled to replace Ponting, Queensland batsman Usman Khawaja is almost certain to get first crack at Hussey's spot, while Victorian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is in the 13-man squad for the Sydney Test as injured Shane Watson's replacement.

Maxwell bats at No.5 or 6 for Victoria, and comes with the bonus of bowling decent off-spin.

The younger Hussey and fellow Victorian Rob Quiney - used and discarded already this summer - will also be among the candidates, along with Tasmania's Alex Doolan and South Australia's Callum Ferguson.

Hussey said his decision to walk away - mostly for family reasons as he didn't want to commit to a six-month-plus stint away from home next year - had shocked teammates.

He rang them all personally on Saturday after he had broken the news to Michael Clarke and Mickey Arthur.

Paceman Mitchell Starc admitted he was surprised, and believed Hussey's replacement would have big shoes to fill.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"He's still in great form with the bat, as we've seen through this summer so far,'' Starc said in Sydney on Sunday.

"He's going out the way he wants by the sound of things and it's going to leave a big hole.

"It's hard to replace Ricky Ponting. Now we've got to replace him and Mike Hussey, so it's a big gap.''

The Australians will also have to find a replacement for Hussey in his role of leading the singing of the team song after Test victories.

He refused to say who his preferred candidate was, but said he had already spoken to the player.

Hussey said he was comfortable with his decision to walk away after Sydney, despite his great recent form.

"I do still love the game, but I'm not up to the rigours, pressures and stresses of international cricket any more,'' Hussey said.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Velasquez downs Dos Santos in Vegas

Belting ... Cain Velasquez lays into Junior Dos Santos. Source: David Becker / AAP

Cain Velasquez reclaimed the UFC heavyweight championship by battering Junior Dos Santos on the way to a lopsided unanimous decision in UFC 155 in Las Vegas on Sunday (AEDT).

Velasquez (11-1) took early control of the rematch of his only career loss, flooring the champion with a big right hand midway through the first round.

The American spent most of the match stalking and pounding on Brazil's Dos Santos (15-2), who never fully recovered from the first-round shot that left him bruised and woozy.

Velasquez won every round on every judge's scorecard in the UFC's traditional year-end event in its hometown.

Dos Santos took the UFC belt away from Velasquez in November 2011 in just 64 seconds, earning a first-round stoppage victory with one vicious overhand right in Anaheim, California.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rogic to learn from send-off: Arnie

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Tomas Rogic ... will learn from his shocking red card against Sydney FC. Source:News Limited

Central Coast Mariners coach Graham Arnold say Tomas Rogic's wild tackle which earned him a three-match ban was a result of frustration, not a character flaw.

Rising star Rogic has always been singled out for talent rather than tempest during a meteoric 12-month rise to become one of the A-League's best players.

But the 20-year-old's shocking challenge on Sydney midfielder Rhyan Grant in an ill-tempered end to the Mariners' loss last week brought a new layer of scrutiny for a player likely to be a key Socceroo for the next decade.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The lunge could have had dire consequences for Grant - also a young player feeling his way in the game.

Tellingly, the Mariners accepted the match review panel's three-match ban which rules Rogic out of the New Year's Eve clash with Perth Glory.

Arnold admitted it "wasn't a great tackle".

But he defended the youngster's character, saying he would learn from an incident the coach blamed on pent-up frustration from a succession of fouls committed against the youngster.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"It's a learning lesson for Tommy,'' Arnold told reporters on the Central Coast on Sunday

"He's got to realise in his career, a player of his style is going to attract physical attention.

"(The ban) is very disappointing, because Tommy's not that type of player.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	13	8	3	2	12	27
2	Adelaide	13	8	1	4	4	25
3	Victory	13	7	2	4	-1	23
4	Western Sydney	13	6	2	5	5	20
5	Perth	13	5	3	5	3	18
6	Wellington	13	4	4	5	0	16
7	Newcastle	13	5	1	7	-8	16
8	Brisbane	13	4	2	7	0	14
9	Sydney	13	4	1	8	-11	13
10	Heart	13	3	3	7	-4	12

"He's an entertainer, he puts bums on seats and you see players get away with a lot plenty of other times."

Arnold reiterated his post-match call that referees needed to do more to protect Rogic and players like him, saying the midfielder had been "lined up" several times during the match.

Also on Sunday, Sydney FC coach Frank Farina made a similar plea about his Italian star Alessandro Del Piero.

He will miss the Sky Blues' away clash with Adelaide United on Monday because of niggling injury - Farina saying it was as a result of increased physical attention the 38-year-old has been getting during matches.

Arnold will also be without captain John Hutchinson, another sent off against Sydney FC, and leading goalscorer Daniel McBreen through suspension.

With veteran centre-half Patrick Zwaanswijk also out injured, Arnold has made Kiwi midfielder Michael McGlinchey skipper against the Glory at Bluetongue Stadium.

"It's a great honour to be the stand-in captain for Hutch," said McGlinchey, one of his side's best in their top-of-the-table season so far.

"I've been at the club four years now and hopefully it can add to my game."

Arnold will bring Adriano Pellegrino, Adam Kwasnik and Oliver Bozanic into the starting side to replace his suspended trio.

The Glory will be without centre-back Michael Thwaite following a bad calf injury sustained in the team's draw with Western Sydney Wanderers last week.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Unsung Hughes helps Sixers win derby

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Match-winner ... Daniel Hughes (L) and Brett Lee celebrate the victory. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Unheralded youngster Daniel Hughes played a starring role as Sydney Sixers won the local derby against Sydney Thunder at ANZ Stadium on Sunday night.

T20 - ANZ Stadium

30 December 2012 - Day 1, Session 2

Sixers 1st Innings

D. Hughes	51	36	4	2	141.67
B. Lee	12	6	2	0	200
S. Coyte	4	0	26	0	6.50

The Sixers were in big trouble at 5-89 in the 15th over in their chase of the Thunder's 6-132, but Hughes showed maturity beyond his years to guide his team to victory with a classy 51 off 36 balls.

Earlier, a couple of the Sixers' other lesser-known players, Luke Feldman and Josh Lalor did the damage with the ball, removing Matt Prior and Chris Gayle respectively during the Thunder's innings.

While Gayle failed yet again, Usman Khawaja gave a subtle reminder to Australia's selectors of his immense talent by smashing 66 runs off 47 balls.

 Khawaja came to the crease with his team in trouble at 2-18, and could only watch on as they were reduced to 5-56 in the 12th over.

But he combined well with Simon Keen and Scott Coyte to smash more than 50 runs off the final five overs of the Thunder's innings and help the home side post a competitive total of 6-132.

Khawaja will switch back into Test cricket mode after Sunday night's game, with many tipping him to return to Australia's XI in the New Year's Test.

With Shane Watson out injured, Khawaja's only competition for a starting spot comes from uncapped all-rounder Glenn Maxwell.

Relive the game with our Match Centre, featuring videos of every wicket and boundary!

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More