ADP puts Sydney in seventh heaven

Seventh heaven ... Del Piero was on fire at Allianz Stadium. Source: Dean Lewins / AAP

Alessandro Del Piero delivered one of the A-League's greatest individual performances as his four-goal masterclass inspired Sydney FC to their biggest ever win, a 7-1 thrashing of Wellington Phoenix on Saturday.

Del Piero delighted 12,691 fans at Allianz Stadium, striking the competition's second-fastest hat-trick in the first half and adding another brilliant goal after halftime.

The 38-year-old former Italy and Juventus great notched four goals in a match for the first time in his esteemed career.

"I felt free in my mind today, for sure,'' said Del Piero, who now has nine goals for the season.

"It's a day from the heavens because when you score four, for sure it's a great day.

"I'm really happy, not only for the four goals but because we play very good from the first minute."

Del Piero had a strong supporting cast, with new signing Joel Griffiths delivering the opening goal and a fine all-round display on debut.

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The performance moved Sydney to the cusp of the top six as they registered back-to-back wins for only the second time in a turbulent season.

Both Del Piero and Farina Farina hoped the performance could be a catalyst for Sydney making a run at the finals but the coach said it was imperative the Sky Blues backed it up away to Melbourne Victory next week.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	17	10	5	2	15	35
2	Adelaide	17	10	2	5	6	32
3	Victory	16	8	3	5	0	27
4	Western Sydney	16	8	2	6	6	26
5	Heart	17	6	3	8	-1	21
6	Newcastle	17	6	3	8	-8	21
7	Sydney	17	6	2	9	-7	20
8	Perth	16	5	4	7	1	19
9	Brisbane	16	5	2	9	-1	17
10	Wellington	17	4	4	9	-11	16

"We'll enjoy tonight, but it's three points, let's be realistic,'' Farina said.

"Next week we go to Melbourne so unless we continue to play like that and continue to fight and work hard, it means nothing."

The defeat equalled the Phoenix's worst losing streak of four to leave them rooted to the foot of the ladder, with pressure mounting on coach Ricki Herbert.

He branded the performance "totally unacceptable."

"That's the most disappointing performance by a team that I've had at the football club," Herbert said.

Griffiths and fellow recruit Tiago were both handed starts and a fresh-faced Sydney side exploded to five-goal lead inside 39 minutes.

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Former Newcastle striker Griffiths, returning to the A-League after more than four years in China, oozed class early and opened the scoring in the 11th minute when he combined brilliantly with Del Piero.

The Italian delivered a superb, lofted-through ball from almost halfway, and Griffiths read it perfectly before latching onto it from a tight angle to score.

From there, Del Piero stole the show.

He was allowed too much time and space in the box in the 21st minute when he cooly steered the ball past Mark Paston and had his brace two minutes later.

There was more than a touch of fortune as Andrew Durante was harshly adjudged to have fouled Jason Culina inside the box and Del Piero made no mistake with the penalty.

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Culina scored a goal of his own in the 26th minute before Del Piero then wrapped a hat-trick inside 18 minutes, unleashing a powerful, curling shot from the top of the box.

The Phoenix were not without their chances, but headed into the sheds stunned.

There was more pain in the second half.

Del Piero grabbed his fourth in the 65th minute, tormenting Durante with some fancy footwork before unleashing another pin-point finish.

Wellington's Ben Sigmund bagged a consolation goal in the 79th minute but it could not prevent their worst ever loss.

Yairo Yau ensured that when he played a brilliant one-two with Blake Powell to score in the 84th minute, moments after Del Piero had been substituted off to an enormous ovation.

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Heart's Fred to miss four weeks

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Sidelined ... Fred will miss the Heart's next four A-League clashes. Source:AAP

Melbourne Heart's superb win over Adelaide United has been tempered by confirmation on their captain Fred is facing one month on the sidelines after scans confirmed he has a strained quadriceps muscle.

Brazilian playmaker Fred injured his left quad just 10 minutes into the second half of Friday's clash at AAMI Park.

The Heart remain the A-League's red-and-white shirted riddle - and a great 2-0 win over high-flying Adelaide did little to change it.

The home side controlled the match against a good side from kick-off at AAMI Park on Friday night, and showed no sign of the capitulations which have dogged them this season.

They now sit inside the top six, and at their best look serious finals players.

But it made even more perplexing their worst as seen the previous week - leading and outplaying bottom side Sydney FC before conceding twice in the last five minutes and losing.

If A-League matches were 45 minutes long, the Heart would lead the competition - statistics showing they are the best-performed first half side in the league.

Yet they are also the worst second half team in the competition, as shown by their alarming fadeouts at key moments this season.

Coach John Aloisi paid tribute to his team's ability to learn from the Sydney FC defeat, the importance of coaching each other on-field, and maintaining focus for the full 90 minutes.

And Aloisi believes the quality of the performance against Adelaide - especially how rock-solid they were late on unlike other games this season - showed just how good his side can be.

"When you're controlling a game like we are for 80 minutes, it's important the players don't change the style of play, and coach each other ... make sure players don't start doing their own thing," Aloisi said.

"The players did that (against Adelaide). You could hear them out there coaching each other, organising and helping each other.

"It was a good performance, considering what happened last week. A lot of questions were asked about fitness, about concentration, about are we good enough.

"But the boys showed against a team that's second-top, we can beat anyone in this league.

"We have to now, for the next 10 games, show that we can keep playing like that."

The Heart have now won three of their past four matches and have a platform to build serious momentum towards the finals.

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Federer ends Tomic's Open campaign

All class ... Federer was too good for Tomic on Rod Laver Arena. Source: Paul Crock / AAP

It was billed as Roger's Weekend at Bernie's but Rod Laver Arena remains very much Federer's house.

Australian Open: Mens Singles

Round 3, 19/01/13

No man has won more Open crowns at Melbourne Park than Federer and the Swiss master put paid to the Australian apprentice's immediate title ambitions with a sublime display on Saturday night.

Tomic's 10 straight wins this summer may have instilled the local hope with unshakeable belief, but it counted for nothing as Federer swept imperiously to a 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 victory in less than two hours.

Tomic was anything but poor, at times looking every bit the future grand slam champion he believes he is, but the great Swiss had every answer in a high-quality third-round contest.

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"I think we both played a great match," Federer said.

"He has had a great run and really got the best out of me tonight, so I hope he can keep it up.

"He's a big guy and he's got a lot of power and a big serve and he uses it well ... he'll be tough to beat in the future, that's for sure."

It was Federer's fourth win from as four meetings with the 20-year-old and only Tomic's fourth loss from his past 27 matches in Australia.

But just like in the fourth round last year and in Davis Cup in Sydney in 2011, it was Federer who brought the young upstart down.

"It's important to take the right things out of a loss because usually you learn more when you lose," said Federer, noting Tomic was a vastly more difficult proposition than 12 months ago.

"He's more mature, a bit more power at times. It's hard to explain; it's just the whole package is a bit better."

Only Canadian Milos Raonic, who Federer has never lost to either, stands between the 17-time major champion and a 35th consecutive grand slam quarter-final appearance.

Bidding for an unprecedented fifth men's Open title, Federer snared the only three breaks of the match and offered up just one break point on his own serve in a commanding performance.

Tomic had won 76 consecutive service games and claimed to be in the best serving form of his career - yet Federer broke him in the opening game of the match.

It was the only break Federer needed as he powered through the first set in 34 minutes.

Tomic had to fight tooth and nail to stay in the second set, saving further break points in his first two service games and then staving off a total of four mini set points in the 10th and 12th games.

In the tiebreaker, Tomic produced a brilliant running forehand to jump to a 4-1 advantage and seemed poised to level the match up.

But from 5-3 down, Federer reeled off four consecutive points to take a stranglehold on the third-round contest.
It was vintage Federer who broke Tomic for a 2-0 advantage in the second set.

In the rally of the match, a free-wheeling Tomic had Federer stretching from side to side before luring the second seed to the net with a deft backhand half-volley drop.

Against virtually anyone else, Tomic's shot was a winner, but Federer not only reached it but swatted it crosscourt for a breathtaking winner of his own.

Federer was in full flight now, grabbing the double break with an off-forehand winner and serving it out after one hour and 58 minutes to record his 250th grand slam match win.

"I was pretty satisfied with my tennis," Tomic said.

"I was competing out there, trying to hang in there with him. He just came up with good stuff when he really needed it the most."

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Mariners, Jets share F3 derby spoils

F3 fire ... The Mariners and Jets couldn't be separated at Bluetongue. Source: AAP

One of the saves of the A-League season from goalkeeper Mark Birighitti ensured Newcastle Jets deservedly shared the points in a 0-0 draw with Central Coast at Bluetongue Stadium on Saturday.

A full stretch Birighitti pushed wide a brilliant Michael McGlinchey shot from close range after he had beaten four players in the 40th minute.

There was a frantic end to the 29th edition of the F3 derby; Mariners striker Daniel McBreen hit the side netting in the 78th minute and the Jets came close in the 85th minute when Pedj Bojic was forced to clear off the hosts' line.

Coach Graham Arnold, watching from the stands as punishment for his dismissal from the sideline the previous week, would have been relieved to escape with a point after a trying week in which he lost Bernie Ibini to a trial at Club Brugge and young gun Tomas Rogic to Celtic.

Central Coast extended their lead at the top of the ladder to three points, sitting on 35 points to Adelaide United's 32 after the Reds lost to Melbourne Heart on Friday.

In persistent rain before a crowd of 11,249 the Mariners, eager to make up from their poor first half showing against Wellington last week, were upbeat early and enjoyed the better of proceedings without creating any genuine chances.

The Jets began to wrest control as the half progressed but were also unable to capitalise.

Former England strilker Emile Heskey lacked touch when he could only lightly head the ball on in front of goal twice midway through the half and was replaced by James Virgili in the 60th minute.

Mariners assistant coach Phil Moss, in charge for the night, said he was happy with his team's effort.

"It was a scrap, not the prettiest game of football but our determination to keep a clean sheet was fantastic," he said.

Newcastle boss Gary van Egmond was also pleased by the Jets' performance against the ladder leaders.

"To come to Gosford and play the team coming first and to come away with a point is great," he said.

"I feel we could have got a goal or two early in the second half. We are buoyed by this and will take confidence from that performance."

Review all the stats and watch video of the big plays at Match Centre!

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Lance cheated the sport: Djokovic

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Disgrace ... Novak Djokovic slams confessed drug cheat Lance Armstrong. Source: Romeo Gacad / AAP

World No.1 Novak Djokovic is confident tennis is safeguarded from the doping that has rocked cycling by the testing measures the sport has in place.

Djokovic slammed disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong, who confessed to doping throughout much of his professional career in a television interview with Oprah Winfrey.

He said he cheated in each of his seven Tour de France victories.

"I think it's a disgrace for the sport to have an athlete like this,'' Djokovic said after his third round win over Czech veteran Radek Stepanek.

"He cheated the sport.

"He cheated many people around the world with his career, with his life story.

"I think he should suffer for his lies all these years.''

Djokovic said he used to enjoy watching cycling but felt that many of the great champions were tainted by the doping.

Former Belgian tennis pro Christophe Rochus made claims in 2010 that drug-taking in tennis was rife and he recently told Belgian radio that performance-enhancing drugs were still used.

The former world No.38 accused the sport's authorities of covering up chemical cheating.

Djokovic said results had shown the sport was clean and he believed drug-testing in tennis were rigorous enough.

He welcomed more blood testing if that helped prove the sport was clean.

"From my perspective, it's really good,'' the Serb said.

"We have to write where we are every day of our lives so they have an opportunity to test us every day of 365 days in a year.

"I think that doesn't give anybody a chance to do something that is unsportsmanlike.

"The results are showing that.

"In last few years there maybe has been one or two cases, but those players were more or less outside of the hundred (at the top of the rankings).''

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V8 Abu Dhabi race cancelled

Cancelled ... Jamie Whincup in action at last year's race in Abu Dhabi. Source: EDGE Photographics / AAP

V8 Supercars organisers have been forced to cancel their glamour race in Abu Dhabi for the 2013 season.

It was announced on Friday that the event at Yas Marina Circuit has been sidelined this year in what appears to have been a call made by Formula One authorities, namely Formula One Managemtn (FOM).

The Abu Dhabi race was run last year as the only support category for the F1 Grand Prix at the same venue and was scheduled to do the same this year before Friday's announcement.

"V8 Supercars have been absolutely amazing in the three years we've worked with them building a fan base for the sport locally and in the region," Yas Marina Circuit CEO Richard Cregan said.

"As one of the most exciting motorsport categories in the world we hope to see them back at Yas Marina Circuit soon."

V8 Supercars organisers said they understood the decision and are comfortable with it, but are hopeful of returning to the circuit in 2014.

"It has always been clear that FOM ultimately decides, or approves, 'support' categories that run in conjunction with Formula One," V8 Supercars CEO David Malone said.

"We were acutely aware of this when we announced the 2013 calendar, with FOM then making this decision in late December. We thoroughly enjoy competing alongside Formula One and are absolutely comfortable with this news.

"There are contingencies in place and we will discuss the options, which may include racing on an alternate date to Formula One in 2014, with Yas Marina Circuit as soon as possible.

"What is very clear is the outstanding relationship we have with Richard Cregan and his team at Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management; and a committed combined will to find an alternative solution that fits for all.

"V8 Supercars and ADMM will announce any new arrangements as soon as they are decided."

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Sharapova continues Open dominance

Fired up ... Sharapova was in control from start to finish against Williams. Source: Dita Alangkara / AAP

Seven-time grand slam champion Venus Williams became another Maria Sharapova victim as the Russian took her astonishing Australian Open start up a notch in the third round.

Sharapova, 25, whose preparation for the tournament was limited by a collarbone injury, had gone through the first two rounds without losing a game, blitzing fellow Russian Olga Puchkova and Japan's Misaki Doi.

Australian Open: Ladies Singles

Round 3, 18/01/13

Unlike those victims, Williams at least made it onto the scoreboard as Sharapova won 6-1 6-3.

Williams had been expected to give the No.2 seed her first real fight of the tournament.

But Sharapova, who won the Open in 2008 and lost last year's final to Victoria Azarenka, dominated from the start.

She won the first four games, making it 28 in succession to start her tournament, before Williams held serve to ensure she would avoid a whitewash.

It was a blip as the Russian played clinical tennis to race through the next five games.

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It was only when Sharapova first served for the match at 5-1 that Williams provided substantial resistance, breaking serve for the first time.

That prolonged the match for two more games.

Sharapova will meet unseeded Belgian Kirsten Flipkens in the fourth round, after Flipkens beat Russia's Valeria Savinykh on Friday.

Australian Open: Ladies Singles

Round 3, 18/01/13

Iva (13)	7	6
Jan (22)	5	3

Sharapova said it the meeting with Williams was something she had been eyeing since the draw was announced.

"No matter what she's ranked or seeded she's always a very tough opponent,'' Sharapova said.

"I was very determined out there and really wanted this victory.''

Meanwhile, Ana Ivanovic, seeded 13, defeated compatriot Jelena Jankovic, the 22nd seed, 7-5 6-3 in the third round on Friday.

Radwanska had an easier pathway, continuing her stunning form with a 6-3 6-1 win over young Briton Heather Watson.

Australian Open: Ladies Singles

Round 3, 18/01/13

The fourth seed has already won titles in Auckland and Sydney and is yet to drop a set at Melbourne Park on her progression through to the last 16.

Crowd favourite and former finalist Li Na of China, meets German Julia Goerges after defeating Romanian Sorana Cirstea 6-4 6-1.

Australian Open: Ladies Singles

Round 3, 18/01/13

A second German, the fifth-ranked Angelique Kerber, also made it to the last 16 with a 6-2 7-5 victory over rising American star Madison Keys.

Radwanska and Watson, a 20-year-old from Guernsey, had met once before - at Wimbledon, last year where the Pole was the eventual runner-up.

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Find all your Australian Open results here!

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"It's great that I am already playing my best tennis at the beginning of the year,'' Radwanska said after her win on Wednesday.

"I just hope I can keep playing on the same level through the rest of the tournament.''

Watson managed her first service break points in the final game but watched them evaporate as Radwanska clawed her way to deuce.

An ace brought up match point, which she seized on as the British woman netted a return.

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Melbourne break Adelaide hearts

Head hunter ... Josip Tadic celebartes with teammates after scoring. Source: Hamish Blair / AAP

Melbourne Heart leapt into the A-League top six and left Adelaide United with a greasy grip on a top two spot with a 2-0 victory at AAMI Park.

The Heart rebounded from their late capitulation to Sydney FC last weekend with a far more controlled performance against a Reds side which struggled for rhythm.

Goals in both halves to Josip Tadic and Richard Garcia secured the victory, pushing the Heart into fifth place.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	16	10	4	2	15	34
2	Adelaide	17	10	2	5	6	32
3	Victory	16	8	3	5	0	27
4	Western Sydney	16	8	2	6	6	26
5	Heart	17	6	3	8	-1	21
6	Newcastle	16	6	2	8	-8	20
7	Perth	16	5	4	7	1	19
8	Brisbane	16	5	2	9	-1	17
9	Sydney	16	5	2	9	-13	17
10	Wellington	16	4	4	8	-5	16

Adelaide are in danger of both falling further behind league leaders Central Coast if the Mariners can pick up points against Newcastle Jets on Saturday and having third-placed Melbourne Victory close in if they succeed against Perth Glory on Saturday night.

As is their usual modus operandi, the Heart grabbed an early lead when striker Tadic headed home a Fred cross in the fifth minute with Adelaide's marking non-existent.

Both teams had dangerous patches of play and Adelaide could have equalised had Dario Vidosic done better on 42 minutes.

He shot well over the bar after Evan Kostopoulos had played him in on goal.

A minute later, Adelaide keeper Eugene Galekovic made a fine save to deny David Williams and Tadic was unable to make any meaningful contact with a difficult rebound.

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Relive every goal, tackle and foul in our Match Centre.

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But it took just four minutes after halftime for the Heart to go further ahead, when midfielder Matt Thompson dispossessed Kostopoulos in midfield, ran to the edge of the box, then played in Garcia who slotted home coolly.

While Heart are the best first half team in the A-League this season, they are also the worst second-half performers.

But they were rarely troubled by a flat Reds side in the second half - long-range shots from Kostopoulos and Cameron Watson late in the period their best attempts.

Both teams also have significant injury concerns out of the match.

Heart lost skipper Fred to what appeared a hamstring or quadriceps injury just 10 minutes into the second half.

And soon after Adelaide's Vidosic limped from the field to be substituted.

Melbourne Heart coach John Aloisi confirmed post match that Fred had damaged his quadriceps and would have scans to determine the severity of an injury which left the Brazilian visibly distressed.

"I only spoke to him very briefly and he's very upset, so we'll have to have scans to see if it's something serious - if it's a tear or not,'' Aloisi said.

"Disappointing, because last week you saw the old Fred coming back and now this happened ... we'll just have to see the extent of it.''

Adelaide coach John Kosmina said Vidosic had a hip injury, picking up two knocks in the same area during the match.

And he lamented what he called "two cheap goals'' his side conceded at poor times.

"We played well in patches but we gave two cheap goals away, and that's what probably killed us,'' Kosmina said.

"When we did keep the ball we looked half-decent. We just didn't do it for long enough.''

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Geeves takes on 'best match ever'

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Best game ever ... Brett Geeves offers his thoughts on an epic BBL semi-final. Source: Daniel Wilkins / News Limited

Brett Geeves is back for another installment of his yet-to-be-named column. This time he runs the rule over Australia's rotation system and dissects the best game of cricket he's ever seen.

This rotation business has to stop. We thought we had seen the end of it after the Sri Lankan experiment. Anthem singer Alston Koch was rotated out of the Sydney test in favour of the pretty young lass with potential.The failure of this experiment was summed up well by Sri Lankan master blaster, Tillakaratne Dilshan*: "Unfortunately we should have finished the series off strongly, on a high note. Of course when I say high note, I don't mean a note so high it would paralyse bird's mid-flap, causing them to drop out of the sky; or a note so low it causes you to soil yourself. I mean an Alston note. He is the king of pop and replacing him is harder than replacing a hip with just a chisel and no anaesthesiologist."

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Such is the confusion surrounding the rotation system, John Inverarity, has named Steve Rixon as the nation's new opening bowler while Mitch Starc recovers from shin splints or lower back pain or something. Ben Cutting will take over as head coach while Mickey Arthur has a breather from watching too much cricket, which results in eating too much food; this will lessen the chances of getting gout. It is also reported that Moises Henriques may also be rested, with Humphrey Bear creating history to be the first Australian-born bear to play for his country and the first player in the history of the game not required to wear pants on the field. On a serious note, this is becoming a large issue. There isn't a former player that hasn't weighed into the debate with a thought as to why this isn't working. If former players are coming out in favour of the rotation policy, we certainly aren't hearing about it or they have been silenced by the anti-CA mobsters employed to ... well ... silence people. I'm not sure I hold enough credibility to have an opinion on this one, but let's give it a crack in the hope that someone quotes me in this evening's news, or a local journalist gets hold of these pearls and writes of me and my thoughts. Maybe I'll just write the story myself...

*Denotes a semi made up quote. Dilshan actually said that he was pleased to head into game three on a high note.

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BY GEEVES, HE AGREES

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Former Tasmanian and somehow two-time one-day player for Australia, Brett Geeves, has come out in defence of the CA selectors.  "Let's be honest, while the rest of us work nine to five and count down the hours to lunch and the next available RDO or public holiday, Australia's elite cricketers are working tirelessly in the nets from 9:30am to 11:30am and from there they have 12:30pm tee times to make" Geeves says.

When quizzed about the stresses of elite level sport, Geeves's mood changes dramatically, "have you ever showered, changed, ate lunch, made the trek from Adelaide Oval to Kooyonga, hit a bucket of balls and made ten straight putts on the practice green in the space of one hour? That is stress and if you can't handle this type of activity, you're not ready to be a full time professional cricketer and will most likely require the rotation policy. The modern cricketer is tough, they are now fitting in hair appointments and feng shui-related yoga around their jam-packed daily schedules. If you think these guys don't work hard and don't deserve time off like you and I, then it's time for self reflection."

As the debate rolls on, you can rest assured that the cricket loving public will be asking themselves this question: How did that guy play for Australia?

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The best match ever...

Last night's KFC T20 Big Bash League semi-final between the Stars and Scorchers was without doubt the best game of cricket I have ever seen. I will openly admit to disliking cricket as a spectator. I have the attention span of a wombat, named Karl, who has been run over by a tractor. But last night's game had it all; so many sixes, Shaun Marsh batting and speaking on live TV, Brad Hodge's six over cover was dreamy, Alex Keath looking like poor Karl with the tractor lights in his eyes and then there was the last over. OH. MY. GOODNESS.

How is it possible that on the last ball of the game, the bowler and captain can discuss their plan for two minutes and not see there were only three men in the circle, leaving one too many men on the boundary? To make it worse, the bowler has coughed up a front foot no ball, which I guess can be forgiven. The intense nature of that last ball, the rising adrenalin and nervous energy can all be attributed to the bowler over-striding by an inch. Leaving an extra man out of the circle, on the most important ball of the tournament, is as inexcusable as kicking a Labrador puppy. James Faulkner went from being the greatest finisher in Australian cricket and the resultant hero for the Stars, to being the villain in the space of seven centimetres and also sharing the attention span of Karl. You have to feel for the boy. He will learn from this. Sadly, the captain might not get a chance at redemption.

The other lad you have to feel for is Alex Keath. This is a kid who was named as a priority pick by the Gold Coast Suns. He made the decision to give cricket a go and after Wednesday night, you wonder if hindsight is a word he has used a few times today? One over for 26 is the nature of the game. We've all been there. I once bowled four overs for 64 runs on national TV!!

All you can do sometimes is look at the positives. Imagine if on your debut for the Gold Coast Suns, you got smashed by a rampaging Max Rooke, who had run from the back pocket to half-forward, just to ensure your face made contact with his shoulder and then the ground. Getting smacked by Shaun Marsh, Michael Dighton or David Warner in a game of cricket may dent your ego and may also leave you a touch bloated after you've comforted yourself with a four-litre tub of ice-cream and a chick flick. What it won't do, is dent your cheekbone, fracture your eye socket or leave you dizzy and confused. These are positives.

Brett Geeves is a regular columnist for foxsports.com.au. Unfortunately, Brett isn't clever enough to come up with his own column name and desperately needs your help. Two words and no profanities please...

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Port disappointed with Jurrah

Port disappointed ... Liam Jurrah outside court. Source: Xavier La Canna / AAP

AFL club Port Adelaide have expressed their disappointment over ex-Melbourne forward Liam Jurrah's alleged drink-driving incident.

Port chose not to draft Jurrah for 2013 after giving the 24-year-old Northern Territory product a chance to make his way back into the AFL via their SANFL club the Port Adelaide Magpies.

Jurrah, who has played 36 AFL games, failed to show up for training with the Magpies this summer.

Without confirming Jurrah's identity, police said patrols stopped a 24-year-old man on Monday night in Adelaide and he returned a breath test of 0.269.

His driver's licence was disqualified for 12 months and he will be summonsed to appear in the Holden Hill Magistrates Court at a date to be decided.

The incident comes after Jurrah was charged with assault over an alleged machete attack in the NT in March last year and after he quit the Demons at the end of the AFL season.

He is due to face court in Alice Springs on the assault charge in March.

"After making the decision not to select Liam in last month's pre-season and rookie drafts, the club has been working with the AFL to attempt to provide a pathway for Liam to return to the AFL system,'' Port said in a statement.

"During this period, the club has been waiting on a commitment from Liam in relation to training and playing with Port Adelaide (Magpies) in the SANFL and working in the club's community department.

"The club is disappointed with Liam's alleged driving offence but before making a decision on his future the club needs time to assess all the information regarding Liam's situation.''

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Wallabies' Beale eyes NRL switch

Switch ... Kurtley Beale would love to try his hand at rugby league down the track. Source: News Limited

Wallabies five-eighth Kurtley Beale says a stint in rugby league might be in his future following a cross-code training session with NRL premiers Melbourne.

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The Rebels Super Rugby star hit the training paddock for the first time since Australia's tour of the UK and Europe late last year and he sweated it out in a two-hour session with the Storm.

The Storm are renowned for their tortuous NRL pre-season campaigns but the Rebels were able to keep the pace.

Rebels and Wallaby halfback Nick Phipps was one who never let his Storm opposite Cooper Cronk get the better of him.

Admitting he was a huge league fan, Beale said he wanted to try his hand in the 13-man game.

"It's always lingering in the back of my mind," the 24-year-old said.

"I'm a massive fan of rugby league and I played it all my junior career and I'm always switching channels to watch it on the weekend.

"Hopefully later on, in the years to come, I will be able to put my hand up and have a crack at it."

He said his focus was on a big year ahead for the Rebels and the Wallabies, with the British and Irish Lions in Australia for their three-Test series in June-July.

Beale wore the Wallabies No.10 jersey on the Spring tour and said he wanted to continue in the role, holding off challenges from Queensland's Quade Cooper and his Rebels' teammate James O'Connor, among others.

His fitness was in question during Melbourne's 2012 Super Rugby campaign, hampered early on by hamstring-related problems.

While injury-free, Beale admitted he still had plenty of work to do before their opening-round clash with the Western Force on February 15.

"I'm a little bit off," he said.

"Obviously, it's my first day back today and the boys were jogging past me so there's a little bit of work to do but I'll try and focus on that over the next few weeks.

"Our boys had a really good off-season and, to be able to see them mix it with the champion league team, brought me a lot of confidence going into a new year."

The Rebels and Storm will present a united front in Geelong early next month when they play trial games; the NRL titleholders hosting Canberra on Friday February 8 and the Rebels facing Wellington the next day at Simmons Stadium.

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Federer sets up Bernie battle

Ivan Dodig (CRO) bt Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) 6-3 6-7(3) 6-3 6-7(4) 6-1

6-Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) bt Benjamin Becker (GER) 6-2 6-4 6-2

Gael Monfils (FRA) bt Lu Yen-Hsun (TPE) 7-6(5) 4-6 0-6 6-1 8-6

14-Gilles Simon (FRA) bt Jesse Levine (CAN) 2-6 6-3 7-6(4) 6-2

Jeremy Chardy (FRA) bt 30-Marcel Granollers (ESP) 6-3 3-6 6-1 6-2

12-Marin Cilic (CRO) bt Q-Rajeev Ram (USA) 7-5 6-2 6-4

Blaz Kavcic (SLO) bt WC-James Duckworth (AUS) 3-6 6-3 6-4 6-7(3) 10-8

Bernard Tomic (AUS) bt Q-Daniel Brands (GER) 6-7(4) 7-5 7-6(3) 7-6(8)

21-Andreas Seppi (ITA) bt Denis Istomin (UZB) 7-6(4) 5-7 6-7(3) 7-6(3) 6-2

3-Andy Murray (GBR) bt Joao Sousa (POR) 6-2 6-2 6-4

13-Milos Raonic (CAN) bt Lukas Rosol (CZE) 7-6(2) 6-2 6-3

7-Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) bt Go Soeda (JPN) 6-3 7-6(1) 6-3

17-Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) bt Q-Amir Weintraub (ISR) 6-2 7-6(4) 6-4

Q-Ricardas Berankis (LTU) bt 25-Florian Mayer (GER) 6-2 6-3 6-1

2-Roger Federer (SUI) bt Nikolay Davydenko (Rus) 6-3 6-4 6-4

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Venus sets up date with Sharapova

All class ... Sharapova hasn't dropped a game so far at this year's Open. Source: Julian Smith / AAP

Venus Williams set up a glamour Australian Open third round showdown with in-form fellow former world No.1 Maria Sharapova by outclassing Frenchwoman Alize Cornet at Melbourne Park on Wednesday night.

The statuesque American beat Cornet 6-3 6-3 to book a date on Friday with the Russian second seed.

Australian Open: Ladies Singles

Round 2, 16/01/13

The pair have 11 grand slam singles trophies between them, Williams seven and Sharapova four, including the 2008 Australian Open title.

Sharapova's form over the first two rounds has been faultless, not dropping a game in either of her matches.

Williams, the 25th seed, wasn't quite as convincing against Cornet.

She lost the first two games of the match and went down a break of serve early in the second set, but both times Williams responded well and showed she still packs an enormous punch at her best, winning six of the last seven games of the first set and the last four of the match.

Australian Open: Ladies Singles

Round 2, 16/01/13

Asked about her prospects against Sharapova, Williams said: "I better bring my best game against her."

Sharapova holds a 4-3 head-to-head career advantage but the American has won their only two grand slam meetings in straight sets, at Wimbledon in 2005 and 2007, going on to win the championship both times.

Sharapova said the illustrious records of herself and Williams wouldn't mean much when they took to the court.

"I hope for it to be a great match. You certainly know what she's capable of," Sharapova said.

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For a full list of Australian Open scores and results, click here.

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"But when you're out on the court, you're not thinking about how many titles she's won or how experienced she is. You're thinking about what you need to do to step it up in a certain situation and win as many points as you can."

Earlier, Polish world No.4 Agnieszka Radwanska moved into the third round of the Australian Open and already has the finals in her sights.

Australian Open: Ladies Singles

Round 2, 16/01/13

Radwanska reached her first grand slam final at Wimbledon last year when she went down to Serena Williams, and is chasing more time in the major spotlight.

However she may not get the opportunity to play Williams at Melbourne Park after doubt increased over the American's fitness.

Williams rolled an ankle during her first round win over Romanian Edina Gallovits-Hall and on Wednesday switched her practice session to train indoors in private.

Radwanska, meanwhile, was forced to fight back in both sets on Wednesday before moving through her second round clash with Romanian Irina-Camelia Begu.

She was happy after her 6-3 6-3 win, even though she had to rebound in both sets.

Radwanska believes if she can last long enough to meet the top players in big tournaments consistently, she will soon be joining them.

"Playing against one or two in a grand slam is always the biggest challenge so hopefully I will have the opportunity this time and be in the sem-finals here," she said.

Australian Open: Ladies Singles

Round 2, 16/01/13

Her sizzling start to the year has given her a massive lift in confidence and left the pacesetters looking over their shoulders.

"I'm definitely happy that I can play my best tennis at the beginning of the year because it's always tough after a few weeks off.

"I didn't really expect that I could win that many matches in a row - and hopefully I can keep going," she said.

Popular Chinese star Li Na scored a straight sets win en route to the third round, the sixth seed - a finalist at Melbourne Park in 2011 - beat Belarusian Olga Govortsova 6-2 7-5.

Australian Open: Ladies Singles

Round 2, 16/01/13

But 15th seed Dominika Cibulkova was not so fortunate, exiting after a shock loss to a qualifier.

The Czech went down in straight sets in the second round - losing 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 to little known Russian Valeria Savinykh.

Fifth seed Angelique Kerber also moved easily into the third round, disposing of Czech Lucie Hradecka in straight sets, the German winning 6-3 6-1.

She will play the winner of the clash between American Madison Keys and 30th-seeded Austrian Tamira Paszek for a fourth-round berth.

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Guardiola admits EPL dream

English dream ... Pep Guardiola says he would love to manage in the EPL. Source: Manu Fernandez / AAP

Pep Guardiola has followed the lead of Jose Mourinho and admitted he is keen to manage in the Premier League.

The former Barcelona coach is currently on a sabbatical from the game, and he is widely expected to end his hiatus by taking over at Bayern Munich during the summer.

But in a video message sent to the Football Association to mark their 150th anniversary, the Spaniard declared his desire to manage in England in the future.

"As a player, I couldn't realise my dream to play there," he said. "But I hope, in the future, I have a challenge to be a coach there and feel the experience of all the coaches and players that have been there.

"It is unique, to play in that league. I want to feel the supporters, the environment, the media and the style of the players. I have always found English football fascinating. The support of the home team is amazing.

"In Italy, Latin people will support you when they are playing and when you lose, they kill you. In England, I'm always surprised that people support everything.

"That is nice and why, maybe, as I am still young, just 41, I hope to have the challenge or the opportunity to train there."

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/8399473/Former-Barcelona-boss-Pep-Guardiola-is-keen-to-manage-in-the-Premier-League

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Honest Stosur admits she 'choked'

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Honest ... Samantha Stosur admits to "choking" in her second-round loss. Source: Paul Crock / AAP

A brutally honest Samantha Stosur confessed to a mental meltdown after suffering yet more Australian Open heartache at Melbourne Park.

In a dramatic and devastating collapse, Stosur capitulated from 5-2 up in the deciding set to crash out of the Open with a 6-4 1-6 7-5 loss to China's former semi-finalist Zheng Jie on Wednesday.

The shattering defeat continued Stosur's nightmare run at her home grand slam, the 2011 US Open champion having never ventured beyond the fourth round in 11 visits to Melbourne.

After battling back from a set down to seize control of the second-round contest, Stosur committed tennis suicide, ultimately falling on her sword with her ninth double fault after two hours and 42 tension-filled minutes.

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See all the latest results from the Australian Open here.

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"At 5-2 up in the third, (with a) double break, probably is a bit of a choke, yeah," Stosur said.

32-Julien Benneteau (FRA) bt Edouard Roger-Vasselin (FRA) 4-6 7-5 7-6 7-6

31-Radek Stepanek (CZE) bt Feliciano Lopez (ESP) 6-2 6-2 6-4.
 

Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) bt Tatsuma Ito (JPN) 3-6 6-3 6-2 6-2.

Evgeny Donskoy (RUS) bt 23-Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) 3-6 7-6(4) 6-2 3-6 6-3.

4-David Ferrer (ESP) bt LL-Tim Smyczek (USA) 6-0 7-5 4-6 6-3.

26-Jurgen Melzer (AUT) bt Roberto Bautista (ESP) 6-7(4) 6-3 6-7(3) 6-3 6-2.

15-Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) bt Tobias Kamke (GER) 6-3 7-6(4) ret.

24-Jerzy Janowicz (POL) bt Somdev Devvarman (IND) 6-7(10) 3-6 6-1 6-0 7-5.

5-Tomas Berdych (CZE) bt Guillaume Rufin (FRA) 6-2 6-2 6-4.

16-Kei Nishikori (JPN) bt Carlos Berlocq (ARG) 7-6(4) 6-4 6-1.

20-Sam Querrey (USA) bt Brian Baker (USA) 6-7(2) 1-1 ret.

10-Nicolas Almagro (ESP) bt Daniel Gimeno (ESP) 6-4 6-1 6-2

Stosur readily admitted to freezing under the weight of home pressure in her first-round loss last year to Sorana Cirstea, but felt she was managing her nerves better this summer.

Alas, the 28-year-old conceded her latest collapse was "100 per cent" mental.

"I got tight and then you start missing some balls," she said.

"You probably think a little bit too much. You do it over and over and over again and then you start not wanting to miss rather than wanting to make the winner."

Stosur said "crazy things" first started popping into her head when she failed to serve out the match on her first chance at 5-2.

From there, the 28-year-old was unable to recover as Zheng for the second time in a week fought back to defeat the Australian in three sets.

"It's a pretty hard one to take when you get yourself well and truly into a winning position," Stosur said.

"I was playing really quite well. Then all of a sudden you get to 5-2 and you lose five games straight.

"Now, unfortunately, the summer is over as quickly as what it started again.

"I'll do what I always do and keep playing and keep trying hard. I mean, I know I'm going to get over it. It's just you want it now, not tomorrow."

Zheng, also a former Wimbledon semi-finalist, said Stosur was playing much better than in their Sydney clash last Monday.

But the world No.40 knew she could beat Stosur if she stayed with her.

"Her kick serve and the big forehand, also backhand slice gave me the big trouble," Zheng said.

"But today I try to play more aggressive. I try to go to the net, give her some pressure.

"This is what my coaches tell me - give her some pressure - and this way is the key to win this match."

Despite reigning supreme in New York 16 months ago and reaching a French Open final and three semis in Paris, Stosur has faltered in the early rounds nine times in Melbourne.

Her exit completes Australia's worst-ever showing in the women's singles, with the world No.9 the only local to make the second round.

Bernard Tomic, who plays German qualifier Daniel Brands on Thursday for a likely shot at Roger Federer, and fellow 20-year-old James Duckworth, up against world No.93 Blaz Kavcic, are the only Australians left after 16 started on Monday.

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Djokovic storms into third round

Favourite ... Djokovic breezed into the third round for the loss of just six games. Source: AFP

The world's top-ranked player Novak Djokovic showed American rising star Ryan Harrison just how far he still needs to climb in a commanding Australian Open performance on Wednesday night.

Harrison, the 20-year-old world No.62, looked like a boy against a man as the top seed's march towards a potential third straight title at Melbourne Park gathered speed.

Djokovic could not have been more impressive, stamping his authority on the match from the start to win 6-1 6-2 6-3 and set up a third round meeting with the No.31 seed Radek Stepanek.

Never stretched, the world No.1 allowed the young American just one point in the first three games and took just 20 minutes to claim the first set.

Harrison kept fighting, hoping Djokovic's superb form would tail off but it never dipped.

Even the American's powerful first serve couldn't dent the Serb's total control, Djokovic's return game exquisite while he gave up a remarkably-low eight points on his own serve for the match.

Harrison's frustration was made clear in the third set when, after pausing before serving to wait for some fans to be quiet, he called out: "It's already tough enough right now."

Djokovic, who won the Australian Open in 2008 as well as each of the past two years, will take a 16-match winning streak at Melbourne Park into his clash with Stepanek, who took a set off the Serb at Wimbledon last year but has lost their past six meetings.

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Rumour Mill: back to future edition

On the road again... Kenwyne Jones, David De Gea and Carlos Tevez. Source: FOX SPORTS

It's back to future for this edition of the Rumour Mill, which features a host of players stating their desire to return home, and a couple of very persistent managers who'll stop at nothing to get the player they want.

Tevez to Boca Juniors

The 28-year-old has previously stated he would like to end his career at former club Boca Juniors, telling Fox Sports US: "My biggest wish is to finish my career in the Boca shirt". Cashed-up City are certainly in the hunt for a possible replacement.

Richard Dunne to QPR

Harry Redknapp will have to compete with MLS super clubs LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls for the signature of the highly-regarded Aston Villa defender. The Republic of Ireland international has been a Redknapp target ever since the manager was at Tottenham Hotspur – proof that when Harry wants his man, he doesn't stop.

Ben Arfa to PSG

We all aim to fulfil our childhood dreams. For Hatem Ben Arfa, that dream is a contract with PSG. Speaking to French newspaper Le Parisien, Ben Arfa said: "to sign for PSG would be my childhood dream." A return to his home city and to play for the team he supported as a boy appears imminent.

M'Vila to QPR

Although overshadowed by Harry Redknapp's reported poaching of Loic Remy from the grasps of Newcastle United, QPR are also chasing fellow Frenchman Yann M'Vila. M'Vila is the bad boy of French football – the 22-year-old, who has been capped 22 times for Les Bleus, is currently serving a two-year ban for breaking a curfew and going out clubbing while on international duty.

Vegard Forren to Liverpool

Currently on trial at Liverpool, the Norwegian central defender looks to have done enough to earn a contract at Anfield. Despite being pursued by Southampton, Everton and Fulham, The Guardian is reporting that manager Brendan Rodgers is drawing up a longer-term deal expected to be valued at about £4m ($A6m).

Mohamed Diame to Arsenal

The Gunners are the favourites to land the Senegal international, with The Sun reporting that Arsene Wenger has offered £3.5m ($A5.3m). His current club, West Ham United, are reportedly reluctant to offload a player who provides a great portion of the steel in their midfield. However, that is also the reason Wenger wants him. Let the games begin.

Joao Moutinho to Tottenham Hotspur

The Mirror is reporting that Spurs will have another crack at the Porto star in January, only four months after being originally knocked back. Porto, who are reluctant to part with the let go of their exciting midfielder, may not be able to hold on to the 26-year-old as the big guns in the EPL circle. Tottenham are reportedly desperate to recruit Moutinho as they push for a permanent position in the top four.

Kenwyne Jones to Swansea City

The Swans have named the tall Stoke City striker as their number one target in January. Jones is in exceptional form, taking full advantage of an injury to Peter Crouch to prove his credentials. With manager Michael Laudrup looking to bolster his forward line, a move to Swansea is certainly on the cards for Jones.

Carlton Cole to MLS

After losing major marquee signing David Beckham, the LA Galaxy and the rest of the MLS teams are on the hunt for some big-name English signings to boost the profile of the game on the domestic front. TalkSport is reporting that the west Ham United striker would rather a move to the US rather than down the nPower Championship.

Mats Hummels to Manchester City

With defender Vincent Kompany facing a suspension if he loses his red-card appeal, Roberto Mancini has stepped up the search for a quick buy. Borussia Dortmund and regular German international Mats Hummels is firmly in City's sights. However, Hummels is also being watched by cross-town rivals Manchester United, so City must act quickly. 

David De Gea to Barca

With the future of Victor Valdes at Barcelona unstable at best, the Spanish giants have begun the search for possible replacements. De Gea is the first on a shortlist of goalkeeping replacements, featuring Vincente Guaita (Valencia), Marc Ter Stegen (Borussia Moenchengladbach) and Maarten Stekelenburg (Roma).

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Warne lashes Aussie selection policies

No common sense ... Warne can't understand Australia's selection policies. Source: News Limited

Test legend Shane Warne has blasted Australia's selection policies, labelling them as garbage, ridiculous and mind-boggling.

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Warne was left fuming after being told fit-again paceman James Pattinson was off-limits for Melbourne Stars KFC T20 Big Bash League semi-final showdown against Perth Scorchers on Wednesday night.

Pattinson made a successful return from a side strain last Saturday in the Victorian Premier League, snaring 2-21 off eight overs.

But Cricket Australia has deemed the 22-year-old is not yet ready for the helter-skelter nature of T20 cricket so early in his comeback.

A fired-up Warne, who was already unimpressed by CA's controversial rotation policy, said there was no logic in keeping Pattinson out of T20 ranks for such a big match.

"Everyone told us we couldn't have him,'' Warne said in Perth on Tuesday.

"We were just trying to find some logical answer or some common sense in between the absolute garbage we were given.

"Anyone with half a brain or common sense will know that playing a semi-final against good opposition where your get four overs is actually better for you than playing eight overs of grade cricket and standing out there for seven hours.

"I mean, hello? Am I the only one who thinks that? Or has common sense gone out the window?

"He's two weeks ahead of schedule, steaming in in the nets and bowling beautifully.

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"To me it's a joke that we haven't got him.

"It's just mind boggling how ridiculous that decision is."

Warne also hit out at Australia's recent practice of rotating players, despite national coach Mickey Arthur launching a passionate defence of the policy.

"I know there has been some injuries, but it looks like strength and conditioning are picking the team, not the selectors,'' Warne said.

"To me the captain should always pick the team, in conjunction (with) the selectors to try and get the best team out on the park for Australia.

"Playing cricket for Australia is something special.

"It's not just rotate around and give a guy a game and see how you go.

"What sort of pressure is that on a particular player knowing he's got one game?

"There's nothing like knowing you've performed well enough that you're going to play the next game. That's when you start performing at your best."

The Stars will be without a host of key players against the Scorchers, with Sri Lankan paceman Lasith Malinga and Australian quartet Clint McKay, David Hussey, Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Wade all on international duties.

Malinga snared 6-7 when the teams met last month to help skittle the Scorchers for a record-low 69.

Warne will not be miked up for the re-match at the WACA Ground after his recent expletive-laden altercation with West Indies all-rounder Marlon Samuels, which earned the Australian spinner a one-match ban.

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Tomic trounces Mayer in straight sets

Cruise control ... Tomic completely outclassed Mayer in the straight-sets romp. Source: News Limited

Bernard Tomic has cruised into the second round of the Australian Open with a straight-sets victory over Argentine Leonardo Mayer on Rod Laver Arena.

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Already nursing a burnt hand from a fireworks accident, Mayer copped a few more welts as the Australian moved him around court with deft shot placement and all aspects of his game firing.

Tomic was irresistible in his 6-3 6-2 6-3 victory as he continued his extraordinary Australian summer and further built his imposing record on home soil.

A service break midway through the first set allowed Tomic to blow through it in 26 minutes, before again taking less than half an hour to seal the second set.

Mayer, the world No.72, offered slightly more resistance in the third before the 20-year-old Gold Coast player broke in the seventh game.

Then he closed it out with a minimum of fuss in one hour and 32 minutes.

Tomic will play German qualifier Daniel Brands in the second round on Thursday, with a likely third round match-up against four-time Australian Open winner Roger Federer should he win there.

"Everyone keeps asking me about playing against Roger," Tomic said.

"I've got to win and he's got to win again and if we do, it will be an interesting match. But it's very difficult. Every player here can play."

Tomic is in rare form, already improving his world ranking to 43 with his maiden tour title victory in the Sydney International last week.

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Heat stun Renegades in semi-final

Stunned ... Tom Cooper inspects his bat after being dismissed. Source: Stuart Walmsley / News Limited

Comeback kid Luke Pomersbach's unbeaten 112 helped steer Brisbane Heat to a 15-run upset victory over Melbourne Renegades in Tuesday's KFC T20 Big Bash League semi-final at Etihad Stadium.

T20 - Etihad Stadium

15 January 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

Renegades 1st Innings

A. O'Brien	14	7	1	1	200
M. Muralidara...	0	0	0	0	0
A. McDermott	4	0	31	2	7.75

The Heat compiled a formidable total of 3-183 before paceman Ben Cutting claimed 3-24 as the Renegades scored 9-168 in reply.

The Renegades drew a crowd of over 16,000 but, despite finishing on top of the table with a 7-1 win-loss record, they were unable to overcome the fourth-placed Heat.

Captain Aaron Finch admitted Pomersbach's performance had left his bowlers feeling rattled.

Punishing left-hander Pomersbach, who was handed a lifeline at Brisbane by coach Darren Lehmann after a series of alcohol-related incidents in Western Australia, crunched 15 fours and two sixes in his 70-ball knock.

The Heat will not only advance to Saturday's BBL final against Perth Scorchers or Melbourne Stars but they've also qualified for the lucrative T20 Champions League in India in October.

The Renegades began their run-chase well as Finch and Alex Hales smashed 34 from the first three overs. But Cutting claimed 1-1 from the fourth over to apply the brakes, bowling Hales for 20.

Spinner Nathan Hauritz took his first wicket of the tournament when Alex Doolan fell for 13 at 2-63 and the key breakthrough came two deliveries later when Renegades' leading runscorer Finch (23) holed out to deep cover to part-time spinner Chris Lynn (2-15).

Cutting also bowled Tom Cooper (14) while the home side's other main batting hope Ben Rohrer fell to Lynn's bowling at 5-131 after smashing 42 off 22 balls.

Pomersbach's century was only the second by any player this season in the BBL and he's the leading runscorer with 360 runs.

Sri Lanka's spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan conceded 1-35, his most expensive effort this summer for the Renegades, while medium-pacer Sheridan's 0-41 included a 20-run final over of the innings.

After the loss of Peter Forrest (three) in the third over, Pomersbach added 80 for the second wicket with Joe Burns (33) while Dan Christian (11) and Chris Lynn (20 not out) also played handy supporting roles.

Lynn and Pomersbach shared a 45-run stand for the fourth wicket.

"'Pomers' played out of his skin tonight," Finch told Fox Sports. "We had no real answers for him. One guy can beat you.

"It really rattled the team I suppose when someone's going like that."

Pomersbach praised Lehmann for his mentoring role.

"They've shown a lot of faith in me to get me over. Darren Lehmann's been excellent," Pomersbach said.

"They've taken a bit of a risk but I know where I'm at in my career now and my life and everything's going well."

Cutting, who made his ODI debut last week for Australia, said the Brisbane side had relied on a backs-to-the-wall approach.

"That's the Queensland way. That's when we play our best in any sport," he said.

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Relive all the action with our Match Centre!

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Arnold banned for one match

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Outburst ... Arnold has paid the price for some out-of-character comments. Source:News Limited

Central Coast coach Graham Arnold has been handed a one-match touchline ban for comments directed at match officials in the A-League draw with Melbourne Victory.

The penalty means Arnold will have to watch on from the stands when his side hosts local rivals Newcastle Jets on Saturday night.

Arnold was ordered away from the field midway through Saturday's 1-1 draw in Launceston after saying something which caused offence to the fourth official, linesman and referee Jarred Gillett.

Arnold later apologised for the outburst, admitting he was frustrated at watching his side being totally outplayed by the Victory in the first half.

The ban means Arnold cannot have any contact with his team from two hours before the game until an hour after it finishes.

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Rough day for Aussies at Open

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Long day ... Ebden was one of a number of Aussies to crumble on day one. Source:News Limited

The local support cast found any number of ways to fluff their lines as leading lady Samantha Stosur made a welcome winning start to the Australian Open on Monday.

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The local support cast found any number of ways to fluff their lines as leading lady Samantha Stosur made a welcome winning start to the Australian Open on Monday.

The ninth-seeded Stosur survived an opening-set scare before downing Taiwan's Kai-Chen Chang 7-6 (7-3) 6-3.

It was Stosur's maiden victory of 2013 after first-up losses in Brisbane and Sydney.

But for the lesser lights of the Australian tennis scene, day one was pretty much all doom and gloom - although Matthew Ebden was determined to look on the bright side despite letting slip a two-set lead for the second straight year at Melbourne Park.

The South African-born Ebden looked on course for an upset victory over No.23 seed Mikhail Youzhny when he raced through the second-set tiebreak.

But the Russian veteran refused to yield, fighting off a match point in the 10th game of the fourth set before going on to win 4-6 6-7 (0-7) 6-2 7-6 (7-4) 6-3.

"I've had a lot of improvements out there," said Ebden.

"My return of service, my backhand, all that has improved a lot.

"It obviously got me to match point. Big deal.

"That's how tennis goes some days - he won the point and I didn't.

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"... he hit some great shots and he's a quality player who's been to the semis of slams.

"I gave the best I could and it was a tiny bit short."

Ebden - who has never won a five-set match - also crashed out in the second round of last year's Open to Japan's Kei Nishikori after winning the first two sets.

Teen star Ashleigh Barty said she was "destroyed" and countrywoman Olivia Rogowska felt "heartbroken" after they lost contrasting three-setters.

Barty started brightly against women's No.15 seed Dominika Cibulkova.

But after dropping the first set, the Slovakian lifted to reel off 12 of the next 13 games and win 3-6 6-0 6-1.

"That was nerves," said Barty.

"She was able to pounce on me pretty quickly. That's why she's ranked 15 in the world.

"Once she got the momentum I wasn't able to stop her."

Rogowska got into a winning position before bowing out 5-7 7-5 8-6 to Serbian qualifier Vesna Dolonc.

Rogowska led 3-0 and 4-1 in the deciding set but couldn't close the deal.

Red-hot Agnieszka Radwanska started slowly before over-running West Australian Bojana Bobusic.

The No.4 seed from Poland won the last nine games on the trot in her 7-5 6-0 victory.

Radwanska has been the form player in women's tennis in the opening month of 2013, winning back-to-back tournaments in Auckland and Sydney.

Casey Dellacqua failed to convert two set points in the 12th game and then fell apart in the tiebreaker of a 6-4 7-6 (7-0) loss to American slugger Madison Keys.

Kiwi-turned-Australian Sacha Jones lost 6-3 6-2 to Kristyna Pliskova from the Czech Republic.

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Opening is my preferred spot: Watto

I'm only a lightweight ... Shane Watson says he can't compete in the Weet-Bix stakes. Source: Eranga Jayawardena / AP

Shane Watson has revealed everything from his preferred batting position to how many Weet-Bix he does of a morning in an exclusive live chat with foxsports.com.au users.

Australia vice-captain Shane Watson will appear on Inside Cricket this Monday night.

The dynamic all-rounder joins Brendon Julian, Allan Border, Greg Blewett and Stuart MacGill on the panel, as he opens up about his injury-marred summer.

In an exclusive interview with Fox Sports, Watson will set the record straight about his plans for the future and his role in the national side moving forward.

Watch Inside Cricket – 8:30pm (EDT), January 14 on Fox Sports 2HD.

Watson, the most talked-about cricketer of the season, appeared on Inside Cricket on Monday before joining foxsports.com.au users to answer all your questions.

Re-live the intriguing chat below.

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Tipsarevic ends Hewitt's hot summer

Brave ... Hewitt pushed Tipsarevic but didn't have the firepower to worry the Serb. Source: News Limited

Lleyton Hewitt's heart proved no match for Janko Tipsarevic's heat as the Aussie warrior bowed out of the Australian Open at the first hurdle on Monday night.

Hewitt fell to the white-hot No.8 seed 7-6 (7-4) 7-5 6-3 - Tipsarevic producing some amazing tennis from the middle of the second set to sink the 31-year-old Australian on Rod Laver Arena.

After losing a tight first set in a tiebreak, Hewitt raced to a 3-0 second set lead with two service breaks.
But the Serb cranked up several gears from then on.

With some punishing winners and after solidifying his service game, Tipsarevic won seven of the next nine games - breaking Hewitt's serve to secure the second set.

Tipsarevic then raced to an early 3-0 lead in the third.

Hewitt's trademark fight then came to the fore, breaking back with the slightest of opportunities to put the set on serve.

But Tipsarevic broke back again mid-set and served out the match in just over three hours.

In his record 17th successive Australian Open, Hewitt's defeat means he has only ever once got beyond the fourth round at Melbourne Park - when he made and lost the final in 2005.
 

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Late comeback win for Sydney FC

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Tussle ... Alessandro Del Piero tackles Nicholas Kalmar at Allianz Stadium. Source: By Joosep Martinson / AAP

On the brink of yet another defeat, Sydney FC scored two goals in the final 10 minutes to snatch a dramatic 2-1 A-League win over Melbourne Heart at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.

Richard Garcia put the visitors in front midway through the first half with veteran Brett Emerton levelling the scores in the 85th minute and Rhyan Grant netting the winner in the 93rd.

Coach Frank Farina said it was essential the Sky Blues followed up with another victory.

"I said that these next two home games we have to take maximum points,'' he said. "The first part of the jigsaw is in so if we can beat Wellington next week then we can maybe talk about a possible push (for the finals).''

Sydney beat the table-topping Central Coast in their last home clash and came back from being behind twice to steal a point in their 2-2 draw against Perth last week.

And while he admits they played "ugly'' football on Sunday, Farina feels his messages might just be getting through to his players.

"I've tried to drum into these players 'you've got to play for 90 minutes and if you do that you'll always have a chance','' he said.

"It's a slow process but I think they're starting to see that against Perth, against the Central Coast and again here now if they're prepared to really work hard and keep going even when you're down the rewards can come.

"If they buy into that mentality, you've got a formidable side on your hands.

"We ground out a result again and it was purely down to the players not dropping their heads and giving up.''

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Re-live the action from Sydney's dramatic win over Melbourne Heart with our A-League Match Centre, featuring video highlights and all the important stats.

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The Sky Blues were outplayed for most of the match but managed to come from behind to snatch the three points and climb off the bottom of the ladder - where they have sat for eight of the competition's 15 weeks.

Sydney are now in ninth place but equal on points with eight-placed Brisbane while the Heart remain in seventh.

It took less than two minutes for the Heart to penetrate the fragile Sydney defence with Nicholas Kalmar forcing a save from gloveman Vedran Janjetovic.

Garcia broke the deadlock in the 24th minute thanks to some superb lead-up work from Kalmar, the Heart midfielder beating Grant in the air to head home.

Farina took Ali Abbas off in the 39th minute to bring Blake Powell on.

The usually placid Iraqi International appeared furious over the decision and exchanged some heated words with Alessandro Del Piero, with many suspecting he felt the Italian had called on Farina to make the change.

Sebastian Ryall had the 13,125-strong crowd on their feet when it looked like he'd levelled but the desperate Sky Blues were denied by a correct offside ruling.

The hosts had their best chance to equalise when speedy Panamanian Yairo Yau sent a perfect pass in the box for the waiting Emerton with 20 minutes to go.

Emerton, one-on-one with the Heart 'keeper Andrew Redmayne, had the perfect chance to bring the hosts level, but in what will go down as one of the misses of the season, he sent his shot way over the crossbar.

Emerton made up for the miss when he got on the end of a great Terry McFlynn pass to slot home with his right foot.

The goal seemed to spark the Sky Blues into action with Del Piero setting up Grant with a superb pass. He made no mistake, slotting home the winning header in the final 90 seconds of the match.

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'Win is Sydney's defining moment'

Turning point ... Sydney FC are still in the A-League finals hunt. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Sydney FC come from the clouds to snatch victory against Melbourne Heart while Melbourne Victory and Central Coast Mariners showcase their title credentials. Former Socceroos Mark Bosnich and Craig Moore review another exciting round in the A-League.

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Adelaide United 3-2 Perth Glory

Moore says: Adelaide are certainly playing their best in patches. When they're hot, they're very hot. Jeromino comes on early after an unfortunate injury to Bruce Djite and isn't it great when you bring on a player and he scores the two goals. I believe Adelaide United have a really good squad, they're highly competitive.

Bozza says: You go through Perth's squad and they definitely need some freshening up. You go back to what (Moore) said about competition for places. I'd like to see the likes of Nicky Ward, Zaha, Berger the young guy McGinchey given a chance. It's like last year when they went through a rough patch and Ian Ferguson changed it up and they ended up making the grand final. I feel that needs to happen again because there are too many players playing in their comfort zone.

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Melbourne Victory 1-1 Central Coast Mariners

Mariners defender Pedj Bojic joined the boys to discuss the draw with Melbourne Victory and said Graham Arnold's half-time spray was a turning point.
He did go off his head. I think that's what sparked us up. He was satisfied and happy with the second half. To get the equaliser and push on and almost get a winner he was happy with that. I think it was a fair result, a 1-1 draw. In the first half they dominated and in the second half we had our chances and could have snathced it at the end.

Moore says: (Arnold's sending off) For me that shows you've got a manager that's passionate. I don't have a problem with it.

Bozza says: Melbourne Victory did everything in that first half but finish off.

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Newcastle Jets 1-0 Brisbane Roar

Bozza says: Newcastle were going through a tough spell, now they've got two clean sheets in a row and a really good attacking performance. It's good to see young players like Houle, Chapman, Gallaway and I've made my thoughts on Goodwin known. Credit must go to the coaching staff because when it's tough it can be hard to throw the young guys in. It's a good sign when they have the bravery and boldness to put them in and a special mention to Ruben Zadkovich, he is inspiring this team.

Moore says: There's a few problems in Brisbane. A couple of visa problems, guys that are never going to play and it takes two spots away from young guys. There's a lot of speculation about Erik Paartalu - will he stay or will he go - he played like he's going to go. There's a bit of short term pain for Brisbane. As a player I played my best when I had someone breathing down my neck and Brisbane Roar don't have that. Mike Mulvey will be deperate to get that in place. That need that competition for places. There's plenty of time. They've got the players who can turn it around.

Wellington Phoenix 0-2 Western Sydney Wanderers

Moore says: I think it's fair to say we're already at that point, Western Sydney Wanders are title contenders. They've been a huge success and Poppa (Tony Popovic) has got them as good as they can be. Shinji Ono is five or six kilos lighter than when he arrived, which shows you how hard he works them. To have the courage to go to Perth - last year's grand finallists - and make five or six changes. That shows a real confidence and boldness to make the big calls.

Bozza says: I totally agree they're title contenders but there's only so long you can fly under the radar.

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Sydney FC 2-1 Melbourne Heart

Bozza says: It was all Sydney, they drove the game and Melbourne Heart did fade away. I thought when Brett Emerton missed that chance - when it was probably easier to score than do what he did - what's going to go wrong next. It's very easy to say it's just not going to happen. The result can mask a performance whether its good or bad but what matters is the result. They won't be happy with the performance in the first half but what (Frank Farina) will pull out of this is they kept fighting and got the result.

Moore says: In the second half, Sydney came back into it. In the 92nd, 93rd minute they're still going at it and when you're playing in front of that crowd, you finish and you get those three points, it's a huge lift. This could be that defining moment in their season.

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Sri Lanka thump injury-hit Aussies

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Night to remember ... Lahiru Thirimanne scores his maiden ODI to guide the tourists to victory. Source:News Limited

Australia suffered more injury worries and a debutant's dream turned into a nightmare in a sobering eight-wicket loss to Sri Lanka in Sunday's one-dayer in Adelaide.

The tourists squared the five-match series at one-all by cruising to 2-172 in reply to Australia's 170 all out.

Young gun Lahiru Thirimanne scored a classy unbeaten 102 as Sri Lanka won with a whopping 59 balls to spare.

A despondent wicketkeeper Brad Haddin limped from Adelaide Oval during Sri Lanka's innings with an apparent hamstring strain.

And paceman Mitchell Johnson joins fellow quick Mitchell Starc (calf) in being uncertain starters for the rest of the series after becoming the latest injured paceman.

Johnson didn't play because a side strain, forcing Australia to blood two fast bowling first-gamers in Ben Cutting and Kane Richardson, who endured a horror debut.

Richardson made a golden duck and then, after six wicketless overs, was banned from bowling again after receiving a third warning for running on the pitch.

Australia will name its squad for the third and fourth games of the series on Monday, with first-choice gloveman Matthew Wade certain to be recalled.

Haddin, who played the opening two games while Wade was rested, top-scored with 50 during Australia's meagre innings but left the field after the 19th over of Sri Lanka's run chase.

The Lankan batsmen were never troubled with Thirimanne, making his maiden one-day international ton, and experienced opener Tillakaratne Dilshan (57) timing the chase like precision clockwork.

The pair were united after just three balls when Clint McKay dismissed Upul Tharanga for a duck, and responded in style with a match-defining 137-run partnership for the second wicket.

First-gamer Cutting (1-42) ended the union by dismissing Dilshan, after the Queenslander earlier made a handy contribution with the bat.

Cutting partnered Haddin in a 57-run stand after the Australians crashed to 6-83, with four of the top six batsmen failing to reach double figures.

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Re-live all the action with our ODI Match Centre.

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Only David Hussey (29) and stand-in skipper George Bailey (26) contributed amid a middle order collapse of 4-32 which cruelled any Australian hopes of posting a competitive total.

Aaron Finch (four) failed again, Phil Hughes made three, Glenn Maxwell eight and Steve Smith, who surprisingly replaced Usman Khawaja, also managed just eight.

Sri Lankan quick Lasith Malinga claimed 3-32 as the Australians were bowled out in the 47th over.

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Bozza's Save of the Week R16

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Winner ... Mat Ryan has won Mark Bosnich's Save of the Week award for round 16. Source: Gary Graham / News Limited

Central Coast Mariners goalkeeper Mat Ryan has won Mark Bosnich's Save of the Week for his tip over the bar while running backwards in the round 16 encounter with Melbourne Victory.

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It was a tight decision, but Ryan edged the award from Nathan Coe after impressing former Manchester United goalkeeper Bosnich with his judgment and timing to deny Victory twice in the space of a few seconds.

"It was a toss up between this one and Nathan Coe," said Bosnich. "I've only gone for this one because it is technically more difficult than what Nathan did. It was a split hair between them."

Ryan initially springs into action with a low block that ricochets out wide, then pedals quickly back to his line to tip over a chip destined to land just under his crossbar. It was a crucial moment as the Mariners managed to salvage a point against Victory despite a shaky start.

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Click on the video at the top of the page to see Ryan's outstanding save and for more of Bosnich's critique of the round's A-League goalkeeping.

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"Of the double save, it's the second save I'm more interested in," Bosnich said. "One of the hardest things a goalkeeper can do is to go backwards and tip it over and he judged that with absolute aplomb."

Bosnich was also impressed with the way Ryan handled the speculation surrounding a potential move to Europe.

"For somebody with that type of spotlight, is he going to go is he going to stay, and to come out with a performance like really does auger well for the future," said Bosnich.

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