Diberdayakan oleh Blogger.

Popular Posts Today

Cousins to face court: report

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 01 Februari 2014 | 18.49

Ben Cousins will reportedly face court next month. Source: Richard Ashford-Hatherly / News Limited

FALLEN former West Coast Eagles star Ben Cousins is facing a fresh chapter in his addiction battle after being charged with drug possession.

Seven News reported tonight that Cousins, who has battled drug addiction, was stopped by police in his car near his Bicton home last October.

The Brownlow medallist and premiership player's car was searched and police allegedly found a bag containing traces of what they suspected was a prohibited drug.

The bag was sent for testing and three months later Cousins, 35, was charged with drug possession despite it only involving a tiny amount of an alleged illicit substance, it was reported.

Cousins will reportedly face court in Fremantle next month.

Cousins was fined $800 in June 2012 after he pleaded guilty to possessing methylamphetamine, a small amount of cannabis and a smoking utensil following his arrest at Esperance Airport earlier that year.

His drug battle ended his 12-year career with West Coast after a string of incidents.

The father of two young children was suspended for 12 months by the AFL for bringing the game into disrepute before making a comeback with Richmond. He retired in 2010.

Cousins' drug addiction has seen him experience relapses, admitted to hospital, undergo stints in rehabilitation centres and offer public apologies.


18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

White relishes return to big time

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

A STARRING return to the international arena has not been enough to convince Cameron White he is a walk-up start for the Twenty20 World Cup squad.

Playing in national colours with the first time since October 2012, White produced a man-of-the-match performance against England in Hobart last night to lift Australia to a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.

The Melbourne Stars skipper clubbed 75 off just 43 balls, cracking four sixes and six boundaries as he shared a 106-run opening stand with Aaron Finch (52) inside 11 overs which set up the home side's daunting 4-213 and eventual 13-run win.

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

With World Cup certainties David Warner and Shane Watson rested ahead of the South Africa tour, White relished the chance to open the batting for his country for the first time to stake a claim for inclusion in the final squad.

However despite his brutal display and being regarded as one of the cleanest hitters in the game, White knows he must keep producing if he is take keep his second shot rolling.

"Those guys (Warner and Watson) have got to come back in, I'm not exactly sure I will be in the team once they are back,'' White said when asked if he expected to slide down the order for the return of the dynamic duo.

"Naturally they will come in for the next series overseas.

"All I can do is concentrate on these next couple of games and hopefully put my best foot forward and score a few more runs.

"With the Twenty20 World Cup around the corner, that is a bit of an aim.''

White had been a mainstay in coloured clothing for Australia up until a few years ago, but strong form domestically in the Ryobi Cup, Sheffield Shield and Big Bash forced the selectors hands.


18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bosnar call looms for Sydney FC

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

DEFENDER Eddy Bosnar is likely to learn at the weekend whether Sydney FC will sign him and the signs are promising.

Bosnar, who was recently released by Chinese side Guangzhou R&F, has been training with the Sky Blues for over a fortnight.

Tiago Calvano's exit to the US this week further weakens a Sydney defence which had already lost fellow import Pascal Bosschaart in October and it opens up another spot in coach Frank Farina's squad.

Farina admits the timing could be right for Bosnar before the January transfer window closes next week.

"Yes it does open a door but whether or not we decide to welcome him through that door we'll decide most probably on the weekend because that decision needs to be made by Tuesday," said Farina on Thursday.

Defender Eddie Bosnar, right, playing for Suwon Bluewings against Central Coast Mariners during the Asian Champions League last year. The Aussie centre-back may join Sydney FC. Source: AFP

"Eddy's looking in good shape and we are looking a bit thin across the central defence now.

"So there's an opportunity there."

The 33-year-old journeyman hasn't been back in Australia since leaving the old NSL in 2000, having since had stints at clubs including Everton, Sturm Graz, Dinamo Zagreb and Shimizu S-Pulse.

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

Bosnar represented Australia at three different age groups but was never picked for the Socceroos.

Farina said it was more matter of money rather than Bosnar proving his skill.

"He doesn't have to do a lot to impress me. He's got a great history," Farina said.

"It's just a decision we've got to make both financially and for the team.

"If it's the right one we'll go about it."

Eddie Bosnar training with Brett Emerton way back in 2000. Source: News Limited

Farina said however, while there are two spots he can fill in this current transfer window, the club will only be offering contracts until the end of this season.

With the majority of the players coming off contract at the end of this campaign, including the likes of Alessandro Del Piero, Ali Abbas, Joel Chianese, Richard Garcia and Terry McFlynn, Farina says he has plans to wait until then to make more permanent signings.

"If we fill those spots it will only be until the end of this year it won't be long term," he said.

"At the end of this current season only eight players remain on contract so there's an opportunity to really rebuild."

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

Farina won't be making too many changes this week however, as the Sky Blues face Melbourne Heart on Friday having dismantled their cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory 5-0 last week.

"It's hard to change a winning side," he said.


18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

White relishes return to big time

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 31 Januari 2014 | 18.49

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

A STARRING return to the international arena has not been enough to convince Cameron White he is a walk-up start for the Twenty20 World Cup squad.

Playing in national colours with the first time since October 2012, White produced a man-of-the-match performance against England in Hobart last night to lift Australia to a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.

The Melbourne Stars skipper clubbed 75 off just 43 balls, cracking four sixes and six boundaries as he shared a 106-run opening stand with Aaron Finch (52) inside 11 overs which set up the home side's daunting 4-213 and eventual 13-run win.

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

With World Cup certainties David Warner and Shane Watson rested ahead of the South Africa tour, White relished the chance to open the batting for his country for the first time to stake a claim for inclusion in the final squad.

However despite his brutal display and being regarded as one of the cleanest hitters in the game, White knows he must keep producing if he is take keep his second shot rolling.

"Those guys (Warner and Watson) have got to come back in, I'm not exactly sure I will be in the team once they are back,'' White said when asked if he expected to slide down the order for the return of the dynamic duo.

"Naturally they will come in for the next series overseas.

"All I can do is concentrate on these next couple of games and hopefully put my best foot forward and score a few more runs.

"With the Twenty20 World Cup around the corner, that is a bit of an aim.''

White had been a mainstay in coloured clothing for Australia up until a few years ago, but strong form domestically in the Ryobi Cup, Sheffield Shield and Big Bash forced the selectors hands.


18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bosnar call looms for Sydney FC

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

DEFENDER Eddy Bosnar is likely to learn at the weekend whether Sydney FC will sign him and the signs are promising.

Bosnar, who was recently released by Chinese side Guangzhou R&F, has been training with the Sky Blues for over a fortnight.

Tiago Calvano's exit to the US this week further weakens a Sydney defence which had already lost fellow import Pascal Bosschaart in October and it opens up another spot in coach Frank Farina's squad.

Farina admits the timing could be right for Bosnar before the January transfer window closes next week.

"Yes it does open a door but whether or not we decide to welcome him through that door we'll decide most probably on the weekend because that decision needs to be made by Tuesday," said Farina on Thursday.

Defender Eddie Bosnar, right, playing for Suwon Bluewings against Central Coast Mariners during the Asian Champions League last year. The Aussie centre-back may join Sydney FC. Source: AFP

"Eddy's looking in good shape and we are looking a bit thin across the central defence now.

"So there's an opportunity there."

The 33-year-old journeyman hasn't been back in Australia since leaving the old NSL in 2000, having since had stints at clubs including Everton, Sturm Graz, Dinamo Zagreb and Shimizu S-Pulse.

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

Bosnar represented Australia at three different age groups but was never picked for the Socceroos.

Farina said it was more matter of money rather than Bosnar proving his skill.

"He doesn't have to do a lot to impress me. He's got a great history," Farina said.

"It's just a decision we've got to make both financially and for the team.

"If it's the right one we'll go about it."

Eddie Bosnar training with Brett Emerton way back in 2000. Source: News Limited

Farina said however, while there are two spots he can fill in this current transfer window, the club will only be offering contracts until the end of this season.

With the majority of the players coming off contract at the end of this campaign, including the likes of Alessandro Del Piero, Ali Abbas, Joel Chianese, Richard Garcia and Terry McFlynn, Farina says he has plans to wait until then to make more permanent signings.

"If we fill those spots it will only be until the end of this year it won't be long term," he said.

"At the end of this current season only eight players remain on contract so there's an opportunity to really rebuild."

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

Farina won't be making too many changes this week however, as the Sky Blues face Melbourne Heart on Friday having dismantled their cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory 5-0 last week.

"It's hard to change a winning side," he said.


18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cousins to face court: report

Ben Cousins will reportedly face court next month. Source: Richard Ashford-Hatherly / News Limited

FALLEN former West Coast Eagles star Ben Cousins is facing a fresh chapter in his addiction battle after being charged with drug possession.

Seven News reported tonight that Cousins, who has battled drug addiction, was stopped by police in his car near his Bicton home last October.

The Brownlow medallist and premiership player's car was searched and police allegedly found a bag containing traces of what they suspected was a prohibited drug.

The bag was sent for testing and three months later Cousins, 35, was charged with drug possession despite it only involving a tiny amount of an alleged illicit substance, it was reported.

Cousins will reportedly face court in Fremantle next month.

Cousins was fined $800 in June 2012 after he pleaded guilty to possessing methylamphetamine, a small amount of cannabis and a smoking utensil following his arrest at Esperance Airport earlier that year.

His drug battle ended his 12-year career with West Coast after a string of incidents.

The father of two young children was suspended for 12 months by the AFL for bringing the game into disrepute before making a comeback with Richmond. He retired in 2010.

Cousins' drug addiction has seen him experience relapses, admitted to hospital, undergo stints in rehabilitation centres and offer public apologies.


18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cousins to face court: report

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 30 Januari 2014 | 18.49

Ben Cousins will reportedly face court next month. Source: Richard Ashford-Hatherly / News Limited

FALLEN former West Coast Eagles star Ben Cousins is facing a fresh chapter in his addiction battle after being charged with drug possession.

Seven News reported tonight that Cousins, who has battled drug addiction, was stopped by police in his car near his Bicton home last October.

The Brownlow medallist and premiership player's car was searched and police allegedly found a bag containing traces of what they suspected was a prohibited drug.

The bag was sent for testing and three months later Cousins, 35, was charged with drug possession despite it only involving a tiny amount of an alleged illicit substance, it was reported.

Cousins will reportedly face court in Fremantle next month.

Cousins was fined $800 in June 2012 after he pleaded guilty to possessing methylamphetamine, a small amount of cannabis and a smoking utensil following his arrest at Esperance Airport earlier that year.

His drug battle ended his 12-year career with West Coast after a string of incidents.

The father of two young children was suspended for 12 months by the AFL for bringing the game into disrepute before making a comeback with Richmond. He retired in 2010.

Cousins' drug addiction has seen him experience relapses, admitted to hospital, undergo stints in rehabilitation centres and offer public apologies.


18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

White relishes return to big time

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

A STARRING return to the international arena has not been enough to convince Cameron White he is a walk-up start for the Twenty20 World Cup squad.

Playing in national colours with the first time since October 2012, White produced a man-of-the-match performance against England in Hobart last night to lift Australia to a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.

The Melbourne Stars skipper clubbed 75 off just 43 balls, cracking four sixes and six boundaries as he shared a 106-run opening stand with Aaron Finch (52) inside 11 overs which set up the home side's daunting 4-213 and eventual 13-run win.

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

With World Cup certainties David Warner and Shane Watson rested ahead of the South Africa tour, White relished the chance to open the batting for his country for the first time to stake a claim for inclusion in the final squad.

However despite his brutal display and being regarded as one of the cleanest hitters in the game, White knows he must keep producing if he is take keep his second shot rolling.

"Those guys (Warner and Watson) have got to come back in, I'm not exactly sure I will be in the team once they are back,'' White said when asked if he expected to slide down the order for the return of the dynamic duo.

"Naturally they will come in for the next series overseas.

"All I can do is concentrate on these next couple of games and hopefully put my best foot forward and score a few more runs.

"With the Twenty20 World Cup around the corner, that is a bit of an aim.''

White had been a mainstay in coloured clothing for Australia up until a few years ago, but strong form domestically in the Ryobi Cup, Sheffield Shield and Big Bash forced the selectors hands.


18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bosnar call looms for Sydney FC

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

DEFENDER Eddy Bosnar is likely to learn at the weekend whether Sydney FC will sign him and the signs are promising.

Bosnar, who was recently released by Chinese side Guangzhou R&F, has been training with the Sky Blues for over a fortnight.

Tiago Calvano's exit to the US this week further weakens a Sydney defence which had already lost fellow import Pascal Bosschaart in October and it opens up another spot in coach Frank Farina's squad.

Farina admits the timing could be right for Bosnar before the January transfer window closes next week.

"Yes it does open a door but whether or not we decide to welcome him through that door we'll decide most probably on the weekend because that decision needs to be made by Tuesday," said Farina on Thursday.

Defender Eddie Bosnar, right, playing for Suwon Bluewings against Central Coast Mariners during the Asian Champions League last year. The Aussie centre-back may join Sydney FC. Source: AFP

"Eddy's looking in good shape and we are looking a bit thin across the central defence now.

"So there's an opportunity there."

The 33-year-old journeyman hasn't been back in Australia since leaving the old NSL in 2000, having since had stints at clubs including Everton, Sturm Graz, Dinamo Zagreb and Shimizu S-Pulse.

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

Bosnar represented Australia at three different age groups but was never picked for the Socceroos.

Farina said it was more matter of money rather than Bosnar proving his skill.

"He doesn't have to do a lot to impress me. He's got a great history," Farina said.

"It's just a decision we've got to make both financially and for the team.

"If it's the right one we'll go about it."

Eddie Bosnar training with Brett Emerton way back in 2000. Source: News Limited

Farina said however, while there are two spots he can fill in this current transfer window, the club will only be offering contracts until the end of this season.

With the majority of the players coming off contract at the end of this campaign, including the likes of Alessandro Del Piero, Ali Abbas, Joel Chianese, Richard Garcia and Terry McFlynn, Farina says he has plans to wait until then to make more permanent signings.

"If we fill those spots it will only be until the end of this year it won't be long term," he said.

"At the end of this current season only eight players remain on contract so there's an opportunity to really rebuild."

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

Farina won't be making too many changes this week however, as the Sky Blues face Melbourne Heart on Friday having dismantled their cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory 5-0 last week.

"It's hard to change a winning side," he said.


18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Gai slams big-weight "paranoia"

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 29 Januari 2014 | 18.48

Trainer Gai Waterhouse says there needs to be more action at the top end of the weight scale to ensure genuine handicaps. Source: Richard Dobson / News Limited

SEVEN-TIME Doncaster-winning trainer Gai Waterhouse believes there is a "paranoia'' that has crept into local racing when it comes to slugging horses with big weights in big handicaps.

The Australian Turf Club announced on Tuesday that this year's $3 million Doncaster Mile would feature a new minimum of 50kg.

But Waterhouse, who will roll out the first of her Doncaster hopes at Rosehill on Saturday, said there needed to be more action at the top end of the weight scale to ensure genuine handicaps.

Waterhouse's comments came on the same day her bookmaker husband Robbie revealed he wanted to see the spread of weights in the Doncaster stretched to a whopping 12kg.

Robbie added Gai's horse Fiorente would "worry the tripe out of his rivals'' in a fast-run Doncaster and if he was kept fresh.

The TAB also released a market on what weight the Doncaster winner would carry, with the option of 55.5kg paying $2.10.

Gai Waterhouse told The Daily Telegraph: "Do they not know what a handicap means?

"Horses with the least experience get the lowest weight, and the best horses get the highest.

"Everyone gets paranoid when a horse gets 60-plus kilos. But they're entitled to it. Handicaps are handicaps. They're meant to push the best horses into weight-for-age races.

"It's a really positive move getting such a lovely broad spectrum, but they can do it even better.''

Asked if she'd be happy with one of her stars carrying more than 60kg in the time-honoured Doncaster, Waterhouse said: "Of course I would. What do you think they carry every morning? 80? 90kg? 100kg? They've got a heavy saddle, a heavy jockey, they carry it every day.''

Waterhouse nominated Ecuador, who resumes in the February Handicap (1400m) this weekend, Spurtonic and Rain Drum, who both trial on Friday, as well as Our Desert Warrior as the early contenders to hopefully win her an eighth Doncaster.

Spurtonic (rails) wins the Group 3 David Jones Cup at Caulfield. Picture: Jay Town Source: News Limited

Robbie Waterhouse said compressed weights in handicaps had made them too inviting for good horses, which had helped contribute to the demise of weight-for-age races in recent years.

"All handicaps in England have what works out to be a 12kg spread, so I'd love to see that here,'' Waterhouse said.

"I understand the jockeys can't ride too light, but why not make the spread 48kg to 60kg, or 50kg to 62kg?

Racing NSW chief handicapper Damien Hay said he wouldn't be afraid to lump horses with huge weights if their form warranted it, but was also mindful not to scare away the horses punters wanted to see.

"We're caught between a rock and a hard place,'' Hay said.

"Handicappers would love to have a greater spread in the weights, but we also want to see the good horses running in the big races.''

Only two horses in the past 15 years have carried more than 56kg to Doncaster victory. The last horse to lump more than 60kg was Gunsynd back in 1972.

The TAB are offering $2.10 about the winner carrying more than 55.5kg, $2.70 for 53.5kg to 55.5kg, and $3.60 for 53kg or less.

Meanwhile, Perth apprentice Chris Parnham, 17, has began a three-month loan with Waterhouse, and will ride a few horses at tomorrow's Randwick trials.

Chris Parnham, who is joining the Gai Waterhouse stable, has been riding in exceptional form in Western Australia. Source: News Limited


18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Live: England struggling in Hobart

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

CAMERON White smashed 75 from 43 balls as Australia set England 214 to win the opening Twenty20 clash on Wednesday at Blundstone Arena.

Recalled to Australian colours for the first time since 2012, White cracked six boundaries and four sixes to set the platform for the home side's 4-213 after they had won the toss.

GET A FULL SCOREBOARD, BALL-BY-BALL COMMENTARY, LIVE STATS AND PITCH MAPS IN OUR MATCH CENTRE.

The 30-year-old put on 106 with opening partner Aaron Finch (52 from 31) as the Australians burst out of the blocks.

Finch hit three sixes as the pair reached a century partnership off 59 balls.

He was caught in the deep in the 11th over and it took the most eventful over of the innings to claim White.

It produced 18 runs from Luke Wright (1-18 from 1) and looked also to have claimed White's wicket when he skied one to Danny Briggs at fine leg.

A no-ball was called and the third umpire took several looks at Wright's full toss to confirm it was above waist height and White survived.

The Victorian was out lbw before the over was out and Australia were 2-134.

Glenn Maxwell (20 from 13) produced an astonishing reverse sweep for six off Briggs (0-53 from 4) but the shot proved to be his downfall when he was caught at 3-157.

Australia couldn't sustain their early pace until, on debut, Queenslander Chris Lynn cracked three sixes in his late cameo of 37 from 19.

Get all the colour and excitement in our live blog below!

CLICK HERE FOR A BETTER VIEWING EXPERIENCE ON AN APPLE MOBILE DEVICE.


18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Live: Mundine v Jackson

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

ANTHONY Mundine has said it himself: he has everything to lose tonight.

Taking on an unheralded fighter in Gunnar Jackson - a man his own camp failed to recognise at Tuesday's pre-fight press conference - Choc should get the job done... but what if he doesn't?

Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.

End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.

Follow the action live in the blog below, including an undercard featuring Wallabies star Quade Cooper.

CLICK HERE FOR A BETTER VIEWING EXPERIENCE ON A MOBILE DEVICE

Live coverage


18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Groves floats like a butterfly

Madeline Groves has the potential to be a world-class butterflyer like Susie O'Neill and Petria Thomas. Source: Marc Robertson / News Limited

BRISBANE teenager Madeline Groves is emerging as Australia's swimming find of the year and a potential heir to the Madame Butterfly title.

Following her role models Susie O'Neill, Petria Thomas and Jessicah Schipper, Groves has shown the makings of a 100m-200m butterfly threat on the world stage.

The 18-year-old, who trains with Stephanie Rice's former coach, Michael Bohl, at St Peters Western, will make her Australian debut in Perth on Thursday for the Aquatic Super Series which could start a year of breakthroughs.

Groves has already put herself on the world rankings map by posting top-five times in the 100m and 200m at state meetings in Brisbane and Melbourne in the past month.

Taking the next step on the world stage will be the toughest but Bohl has been impressed by her attitude.

Two weeks ago in Melbourne she set her 100m butterfly personal best time only 20 minutes after a 400m freestyle race.

Groves as a young unknown star-in-the-making back in 2010 Source: News Limited

It is that sort of spirit that augurs well for the future and shows Groves could be our next butterfly star.

"Doing back-to-back events has probably been the best thing she did,'' Bohl said.

"She is more believing in herself and getting a little bit more confidence.

"She still realises she has a long way to go but I think she is moving in the right direction.

"We just hope she can keep that improvement going through to the trials because the trials is where she wants to swim faster again.

"Her 100 fly is very good but I think the 200 fly is the event. It would be nice to see her do well in both but I think 200 fly is the special one for her.''

Groves is no newcomer to the pool. She was national champion in the 200m fly last year but Australia's strict selection criteria meant her time was not fast enough to make the team for the Barcelona world titles.

She was also a talented junior, but while her then training partner Yolane Kukla enjoyed her stunning Commonwealth Games selection aged 15 in 2010, Groves has battled to achieve open success.

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

She quit the sport a few years ago but Bohl made her promise she would not turn her back on the sport forever.

"I can remember saying to her after she told me, I said: 'Just promise me you won't close the door on swimming because I think you have a lot of ability and a lot of talent and we haven't seen the best of you','' he said.

"She came back in the space of 18 months and been able to turn things around really nicely and get some top world-class performances in.

"She is on the road and hopefully she can keep that improvement going, that is what it's all about.

"A lot of kids get to a good level but to keep that improvement going you have to look at ways to make her a little bit better is a challenge for both her as an athlete and me as a coach.''


18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

It's got Ranko's name all over it

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 28 Januari 2014 | 18.48

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

SLOTTING five goals in ten appearances should be more than enough to get Sydney FC fans to sit up and take notice.

But in a team of Sky Blues stars Serbian superboot Ranko Despotovic is not yet feeling the love.

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

The effusive striker has taken fan recruitment into his own hands, and Rose Bay six-year-old Daniel Newfield is the first beneficiary of Despotovic's mission.

"I was in the team store and I see this little guy and look at him, he's so cute," Despotovic said.

"I remembered when I was a kid how much I would have loved a shirt."

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

After an introduction and a quick chat, Daniel was the proud owner of a Sydney FC jersey, complete with the number four and the name Despotovic, not Del Piero, emblazoned across the back.

The former Urawa Red Diamonds forward said he was programmed to score goals and was lucky to have slotted easily into the FC system.

"For me, scoring a goal is the most beautiful sensation I can have," he said.

He said Sydney had a strong squad destined to make the A-League top six.

"We have had some tough losses over the last several weeks that we should not have had. We are not far away from where we can be," he said.


18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Letts survives his toughest ride

RACING legend and former star jockey John Letts is just "happy to be alive" after beating the prostate cancer he battled in private as he worked through last year's Melbourne Cup.

The two-time winner of Australia's greatest race, now known across the nation as "The Punter's Pal", has shared his fears about what he thought was "a death sentence" during an emotional exclusive interview with The Advertiser.

Letts faced death several times during a triumphant riding career that returned Melbourne Cups on Piping Lane (1972) and Beldale Ball (1980), but says the news that he had cancer was his most devastating moment.

"Emotionally, I've never felt anything like that,'' he said

"I've never had any symptoms, I've had no pain and then suddenly I'm facing what seemed like a death sentence."

Letts - who overcame dozens of major injuries, including a broken neck, during a 26-year riding career - struggled to deal with how he might confront his cancer.

"When I broke my neck, the doctor said I'd probably be a quadriplegic or at least a paraplegic, but I was fanatical about the rehab and worked my way back," he said.

"This was very different. I just felt I had no control and was totally in the hands of ­others."

John Letts, here enjoying a laugh with a camel in Alice Springs, has travelled the nation for the past eight years as a key member of the annual Melbourne Cup tour. Source: News Limited

Only a small group of family members and close friends knew that the man who was the first to interview Damien Oliver straight after he had won the 2013 Melbourne Cup on the Gai Waterhouse-trained Fiorente was coping with a personal secret.

A routine blood test was the first indication that Letts had the cancer that kills about 3400 men a year in Australia.

"Luckily I had that blood test because I've been a bit slack and I nearly let it go again," Letts said.

"I went in to the doc for a flu shot and when I was in there I thought I'd better have the blood test."

The initial results gave a positive reading and a subsequent biopsy confirmed the presence of cancer.

A consultation with leading Adelaide urologist Andrew Fuller left him in no doubt as to the procedure he preferred.

"I had the option of surgery, radiology or chemo (therapy) and I said 'I want it out, I don't want any cancer left in my body'," he said.

"I just didn't want to have to keep on dealing with it psychologically."

John Letts says it was only after a routine blood test that there was an indication that he had the cancer that kills about 3400 men a year in Australia. Picture: Mike Burton Source: News Limited

Just days after being a leading member of the Melbourne Cup coverage at the four-day Flemington Carnival last November, the 70-year-old entered hospital in Adelaide for surgery.

A post-operative setback complicated his recovery.

"I was lying in my hospital bed and they were playing replays of the Melbourne Cup on the TV," Letts said.

"There I was in the middle of it all and I had to reflect how quickly your life can change for the worse."

Letts - whose father, John, died of lung cancer - underwent a four-hour operation to remove his prostrate, a small gland in the male reproductive system.

Surgeons were able to remove all of the cancer.

Subzero and handler Graham Salisbury, Roy Higgins, John Letts, Des Gleeson, Sheila Laxon and Michael Clarke at the launch of last year's Melbourne Cup tour at Flemington racecourse. Source: News Limited

Prostate cancer diagnosis in Australia doubled between 1998 and 2008 - from 10,000 to 20,000 - and is expected to reach 30,000 a year by 2020.

The cancer is the most common cancer in Australian men (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer), accounting for 31 per cent of all new cancers in 2012.

Some of his support team included family friend Dr Barney McCusker, the former doctor to late business tycoon Allan Scott.

The leading orthopedic surgeon contacted AFL legends David Parkin and Don Scott, both prostate cancer ­survivors, who offered Letts support.

"Those blokes have been so good for me," said the winner of more than 2500 races, including more than 100 cups.

Johns Letts with his great mate, Banjo, on Derby Day last spring. Picture: Nicole Garmston. Source: News Limited

"A doctor can tell you everything will be OK but I felt a lot better talking to someone who had actually been there and done that.

"Scotty and David went public with their cancer battle to try and help other people and I wanted to do the same.

"Men have got a bad habit of saying 'she'll be right', but this is something they need to take very seriously.

"All you need is a regular blood test and the earlier they catch the cancer the better your chance of survival."

Letts has been supported by his wife of 36 years, Annie, his mother Georgina, 90, and his children Karen and Michael, from a previous marriage to Julie.

He has seven grand­children.

Letts has been the star of the Melbourne Cup tour, run by the Victorian Racing Club for the past eight years, and has ridden former clerk-of-the-course horse Banjo for 23 successive years as part of the Melbourne Cup coverage.

In consultation with the medical professionals he was seeing, Letts decided to fulfil his commitments to the VRC and Channel 7, so chose to delay his surgery by a few weeks.

"I just don't like to let ­people down that I've given a commitment to," he said.

"As it is, I think I was as good as I've ever been doing that job.

"I'd been thinking this would be my last Melbourne Cup but the doc wasn't having any of that.

"'Don't burn that bridge,' Andrew said. 'We're going to get you back on the horse.'

"It's been a long road back but I'm ready to get back in the saddle."

John Letts celebrates the 40th anniversary of his Melbourne Cup win aboard Piping Lane in 1972. Source: News Limited


18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cate in search of perfection

Cate Campbell: "Doing all the little things right is often what gets you closest to perfection." Source: Jamie Hanson / News Limited

WORLD champion Cate Campbell is continually striving for swimming perfection and while that may prove a never-ending pursuit, on Friday she hopes to at least move closer to that target.

Campbell will spearhead Australia's team for the Aquatic Super Series meet against China, Japan, South Africa and Brazil in Perth starting Friday and as it is her last race before the Commonwealth Games trials in Brisbane in April she is making it a full throttle hit out.

For the 100m freestyle champion that means trying to better her personal best time of 52.33 seconds and edge a little bit closer to the elusive supersuit world record of 52.07s set by Germany's Britta Steffen.

"(My coach Simon Cusack) operates on the philosophy that if you're going to race you better race fast," Campbell said.

Since winning her world title last July Campbell has turned her attention to the finer details of her race to find the small improvements needed to break the 53 second barrier.

She holds a major advantage over her international rivals, so it really is a matter of finding little gains across the race to keep well ahead of the opposition.

"I'm just continuing to focus on my skills, try to bring my starts and turn up to a world standard because they're quite abysmal," she said.

"A couple of tenths of a second (improvement) would be really nice.

"I guess it's hard because you can't always do a good start. It's kind of like a tennis serve. If a tennis player could serve an ace every time they would.

"If swimmers could do a good start every time they would, it comes down to the individual movements but just getting consistently better is what I'm hoping for.

"Everyone is striving for that perfect race, it is the elusive goal that is probably never achieved because nothing in life is ever perfect but you want to get as close as possible.

"Make sure you're doing all the little things right is often what gets you closest to perfection."

The Australian team arrived in Perth yesterday and for the majority it was the first time meeting new head coach Jacco Verhaeren who only arrived in the country from The Netherlands two weeks ago.


18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mohoric no cannon fodder

Caleb Ewan will find a familiar face in Matej Mohoric when they line up in the Jayco Herald Sun Tour. Source: Sarah Reed / News Limited

SLOVAKIAN cyclist Matej Mohoric will have to contend with a familiar foe seeking revenge when he lines up in the Jayco Herald Sun Tour next week.

Mohoric, 19, pipped rising Australian star Caleb Ewan for the gold medal in the under-23 road race at the world championships last year, and is regarded in Europe as just as promising as Ewan is here.

With Ewan riding for the under-23 AIS National Team, the two young guns will have five opportunities to square off again in what should be an intriguing subplot to Australia's oldest stage race.

Mohoric will be riding for Cannondale, an Italian team sponsored by an American bicycle manufacturer, which will be one of three World Tour outfits - along with Australia's Orica-GreenEDGE and USA-based Garmin-Sharp - to take advantage of the race's recently upgraded status to get more early-season mileage in their legs.

Originally known as Liquigas when it was founded in 1999, Cannondale is an interesting presence on the WorldTour scene. Most of its riders are Italian but nine other nations are represented, with veteran Tasmanian Cameron Wurf, 30, the sole Australian.

Its gun rider is Slovakian Peter Sagan, who won the green jersey at last year's Tour de France.

Sagan did not come to Australia for either the Tour Down Under or this race, but the team comes to Melbourne with its international flavour intact - the six riders are from six countries.

Canadian Guillaume Boivan, 24, a dual winner of the Tour of Quebec and a bronze medallist in the under-23 road race at the world championships in Geelong 2010, has been identified as the most likely stage winner.

Boivan, Mohoric and Wurf are joined by New Zealander George Bennett, 23, Italian Alberto Bettiol, 20, and Austrian Matthais Krizek, 25.

They will all be relying on Wurf to supply local knowledge.

"This will be my fourth Herald Sun Tour and I have always loved coming back to race in and around Melbourne," he said.

"It's a race where you need to be alert because with the varying terrain and weather, the race situation can change in the blink of an eye and you don't want to get caught out."

ron.reed@news.com.au


18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Wright: NBL race wide open

Written By Unknown on Senin, 27 Januari 2014 | 18.48

Joey Wright: "Anything can happen over the next few weeks. It could really flip around." Source: Morne de Klerk / Getty Images

THE NBL championship race has been thrown wide open by last weekend's results, according to Adelaide 36ers coach Joey Wright.

"I definitely feel there's a pack there now and we're part of it," he said, his second-placed 36ers beaten by fourth-ranked Sydney, on top of third-ranked Melbourne beating first-placed Perth in Perth.

"Anything can happen over the next few weeks.

"It could really flip around."

Perth (15-4) and Adelaide (12-6) were the pacemakers for half the season and looked a cut above. But the Tigers (12-8) and Kings (9-8) have stepped into the equation while Cairns (8-11) and the Sixers' next opponent on Saturday, still fancies its chances of crashing the post-season party.

"There's another Melbourne-Perth game this round, we have a couple to go against Perth and another one against the Kings in Sydney," Wright said. "A lot could happen yet."

Adelaide's last three regular season games are against Perth, Sydney and Melbourne.

"That Melbourne game to close the season could have a big bearing," Wright said.

Wright said the margin of Sunday's loss to the Kings (105-93) was a concern.

In any tie between teams with the same win-loss records, their results against each other determines the higher placing.

Adelaide beat Sydney by 13, lost by 13 and now has lost by 12. It means to win the series, it not only has to win the fourth match-up to make it 2-2, but by 13 points or more.

It makes foolhardy the fact players still were fouling the Kings in the loss at Adelaide Arena inside the final 10 seconds and putting them to the line, further inflating the margin.

"I was yelling to Gary (Ervin) on court (to stop fouling) but some of the guys obviously didn't get the memo," Wright said.

In Sydney, the 36ers again tread along that same fine line, fouling to stop the clock to try and win but risking Kings' free throws blowing out the result.

They did.

"Well first you are still trying to win the game but then we had to try and smarten up the margin," Wright said.

"In the end, hopefully we'll win more games and it won't matter. They played harder than us in the first quarter.

"And down the stretch they made big shots and some big defensive plays."

Adelaide also was hurt by captain Adam Gibson, who had a career-high 28 points in the previous game, being hamstrung by foul woes and eventually departing the game playing just 17 minutes.

"It meant he couldn't get into a rhythm at any time," Wright said. "Gibbo sat out half the week with a calf issue.

"He is the cornerstone of our defence and not having him out there really hurt us."

Adelaide is 2-1 on Cairns and plus-seven on points.

Follow Boti Nagy on Twitter at @boti_nagy and at www.botinagy.com


18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Double lifts Kent's spirits

Written, ridden by Jackie Beriman, defeats Varboss at Mornington, completing a double for Mick Kent, Source: Supplied

TRAINER Mick Kent doesn't have a passport and can't enjoy a celebratory drink or even look at the replays, but he had a deserved change of luck with back-to-back winners at Mornington on Monday.

Kent's Frankston home was robbed last week.

"The thieves took my passport, two lap-tops, six pair of sunglasses, all my good booze, half a dozen quality watches - even my kids' piggy banks," he lamented.

"Losing the passport is a real pest - it has stopped me going to the New Zealand sales - and so was losing all my quality grog. I've managed to find another pair of sunglasses and a watch, but it really is a shock to the system," he said.

Kent was not alone experiencing recent highs and lows. Tony Vasil was on a high - fresh off a Group 2 Australia Stakes win and preparing for another victory in Sunday's Balnarring Cup - when he discovered a four-wheel-drive and his beloved fishing boat were nicked from outside his Caulfield home.

"Not worried about the old car, but I'd really like the boat back," the keen fisherman said.

Kent had winners to alleviate his pain. He won with Mysonharry ($3.80) in the Window Warehouse Plate (1525m) and followed up with an all-the-way success by Written ($5.50) in the Total Commercial Cleaning Handicap (1225m).

"That eases the pain a little," he said after Written's success.

Written, a three-year-old filly, was having only her second start for Kent after being transferred from Sydney trainer Craig Carmody in a bid to capitalise on the VOBIS bonuses.

Ridden five wide down the back straight despite being in the lead, Written was too strong for her rivals.

"(Jockey) Jackie Beriman and I figured the better going was out wider down the side and we were happy to plot that course," Kent said. He added the filly was likely city class.

In the previous event, Mysonharry also skirted wide but held on by a short half-head to defeat the Peter Moody/Luke Nolen combination, with Lamentations charging along the rails after being held up for a run on the turn.

"We took him to the Gold Coast but he drew the outside, so it was a waste of time. I think he will get to Saturday city class," Kent said.

* DAMIEN Oliver extended his lead in the Victorian Jockeys premiership when he guided Hamam to victory for trainer Luke Oliver in the Three Pillars Handicap (1525m).

With Glen Boss not riding at the meeting, Oliver extended his lead to five wins with his 31st success of the season.


18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

wares

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

SUCH has been the ease with which the Melbourne Stars have demolished virtually all opposition, the best batsman in the Big bash League hasn't even been able to get a hit on a couple of occasions.

It doesn't matter if you're a kid in the school team or an elite-level veteran, that can get frustrating - and Brad Hodge is no exception.

"There have been nights when I have just sat there and shaken the hands of the guys at the end," he said Monday.

"That can make it tough to maintain momentum."

So when he got to captain the all-conquering green machine for the first time, the first thing he did was make sure that wasn't going to happen again.

In Cameron White's absence, he won the toss, assigned himself to open the batting and top-scored. Again.

Hodge survived a couple of early miscued hoicks but turned on his usual masterclass after that to get 61 off 43 balls, a strike-rate of 141, with nine fours.

That was more than twice as many as any other batsman on either side could manage on a tricky, two-paced track, and just underscored for the umpteenth time his amazing ability to dominate this form of the game.

So it might as well be said one more time ...

One day very soon, chief selector John Inverarity is going to have to either pick him for the T20 World Cup - or explain to an incredulous cricket public why not.

Hodge was in a bit of an invidious position in that he had to defend an impressive unbeaten record with a makeshift team in which only himself, David Hussey, Luke Wright, John Hastings and, maybe, Peter Handscomb would get a game if the original squad was available.

And yet the Perth Scorchers, despite the motivation of playing for a home final, never got close, the 20-run margin a flattery.

In the circumstances, it was close to the Stars' best win yet - and that's saying something.

Hodge can take most of the credit, his leadership and tactics adding to his contribution with the bat.

With Cricket Australia pouring so much money and love into this competition, it seems strange they should compromise the spectacle so much by refusing to let players like White participate when they could easily have got to their national gig in time for training on Tuesday.

The absence of so many big names might have had something to do with the crowd totalling just over 16,000 in beautiful weather on a public holiday.

Hodge agreed it was far from ideal, saying: "The difference between the Indian premier League and this is that the stars play every game there, which is a really cool thing.

"Its unfortunate because everyone wants to play with the legends. I'd love them to be around but it just can't happen at the moment."

Hodge, who has captained Victoria and Leicstershire with success, said he had no misgivings about the team he had.

"I was just trying to keep the faith, keep the excitement and freedom and let those guys who haven't played express themselves," he said.

"It was fun coming to the MCG knowing you're going lead a bunch of youngsters, and its sort of half my job anyway because I'm the batting coach and I have to show them what to do.

"I just love contributing. It was good fun."

ron.reed@news.com.au

Twitter: @Reedrw


18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

TDU should be here to stay

The crowds flocked in their tens of thousands to support the 2014 edition of the Tour Down Under. Source: Samuel Wundke / News Limited

I HOPE UCI president Brian Cookson got a long, hard look at the thousands of faces in the crowd at Rymill Park from his spot on stage at the Tour Down Under presentation on Sunday.

The head of world cycling which is currently reviewing the structure of the sport and the make-up of the WorldTour calendar did not need to jot down any notes.

The overwhelming evidence that a) the Tour Down Under deserves its rightful place on the WorldTour and b) it should not be moved from the January school holiday window, was the view from the podium.

Cookson would have seen a sea of camera phones, kids sitting on their parents' shoulders, others with their hands in the air celebrating the best athletes from what is surely one of the fastest growing sports in the country.

He would have seen the same view from the podium at any other town all week.

Adelaide has done it again and produced a Tour Down Under that has been hailed the greatest ever.

And that's saying something given the hype when it first went to ProTour level in 2008, or when Lance Armstrong (pre-doping confession) hit town in 2009, and when Australian team Orica-GreenEDGE made its WorldTour debut in 2012.

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

This was the 16th edition of the race and the momentum shows no signs of slowing. From the estimated record 760,000-strong crowds, to the live TV coverage, edge-of-your-seat racing and quality of the field.

We may not appreciate the magnitude of having Cadel Evans, Richie Porte and Simon Gerrans racing like their lives depended on it on South Australian roads until they are retired.

Because in 50 or 100 years' time, we will be talking about three of the greatest road cyclists Australia has ever produced. Certainly in Evans's case, we already are.

As they reflected on a week of highs and lows on Sunday evening, all three praised the event and its fans.

"It's just nice to come to a race like the Tour Down Under to start your season and all the talk in the peloton is it is one of the best races around," Porte said.

"The fans really make this race, honestly, the racing is fantastic and the fans really make the ambience," Evans said.

"The race is obviously working really well, they're attracting a world class field every year and from all reports the spectators are just growing and the race is becoming more and more popular. They've got a pretty good recipe already," Gerrans said.

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

Porte perhaps said it best on top of Old Willunga Hill on Saturday evening when he declared anyone who believes cycling is not a mainstream sport in Australia is kidding themselves.

One of the great things about the sport is it's accessible to everyone - take the TDU's opening and closing criteriums in the city for example.

Where else can you take a family of five to an afternoon/evening of world class sporting entertainment and it costs you absolutely nothing? Buy the kids and ice cream and you're still in and out for less than $10.

Try doing that at the Twenty20 Big Bash, World Tennis Challenge, a motorsport race or AFL football? Not that cycling is any better or worse than those sports, but it's as close to free entertainment as you will ever get.

From the Bay Crits in Melbourne, to the national championships in Ballarat, to the Tour Down Under in Adelaide, this summer has been the greatest advertisement the sport could have hoped for - and coming off a time when it needed it most.

The sport has weathered one of the worst storms imaginable and both cycling and the Tour Down Under aren't going anywhere.


18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Brit ends Fearnley's record run

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 26 Januari 2014 | 18.48

David Weir celebrates after winning the men's 800-metre, T54 final at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. Source: AFP

BRITISH racer David Weir avenged back-to-back losses to Australian great Kurt Fearnley on Sunday by spoiling the wheelchair champion's bid for a record 10th successive Oz Day 10km in Sydney.

The fast-finishing international overtook Fearnley in the home straight to end one of sport's most extraordinary winning runs.

Fearnley vowed to return next year for another assault on winning his 10th title.

"It is hard to take, but what do you do? You get back up and you have another crack," Fearnley said.

"That is what Australia Day is about. Being resilient and showing grit is what Australians do best. And when you go through a bit of a rough patch, you just keep fighting.

"I knew he had a game plan to hold on to my back wheel, but I was hoping I had done enough for him to have disappeared.

"I was just gritting my teeth and hoping that I was hurting him more than I was hurting and that I'd be able to get away. But that just wasn't the case. It's a weird feeling."

A four-time gold medallist at the London Paralympics, Weir covered the Circular Quay course in 21 minutes and 30 seconds to finish ahead of Fearnley and Switzerland's Marcel Hug, who claimed third.

"I do feel a bit bad for Kurt but it's racing,'' Weir said.

"You just want to beat the people in front of you and that is what I did today.

"I'm really chuffed. This is one of the most iconic wheelchair races around the world. I've come second here twice and I was really hoping this year would be my year."

Switzerland's Manuela Schar won the women's race in 26 minutes and 17 seconds, finishing ahead of Australian defending champion Madison de Rozario (26:44) and Great Britain's Shelley Woods (26:45).


18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

All systems go for Kings

Ben Madgen scored 13 points in the final quarter and 25 points in total against the Adelaide 36ers. Source: Morne de Klerk / Getty Images

SYDNEY Kings co-captain Ben Madgen says his resurgent side are reaping the rewards of sticking to their systems after they recorded a 105-93 coast-to-coast win over the Adelaide 36ers at the Kingdome on Sunday.

Madgen was one of the main beneficiaries of Sydney's systems, scoring 13 points in the final quarter and 25 points in total to lead the Kings to their fourth consecutive win.

"We have a great system. We had a lot of options just through running our sets so it's not like I had the mentality to go out and score 10 points in a row," Madgen said.

"I try to stick to the system and get my shots out of that and I was able to knock a few down."

Tom Garlepp provided a valuable scoring spark, scoring a career high 21 points - all in the second half - and AJ Ogilvy contributed at the defensive end with seven blocks.

Heal said Garlepp's second-half effort and Brad Hill's 13-point second quarter against Melbourne shows that their structure allows anyone who has a quiet start to make an impact later in the game.

"Our system allows us to be able to pick where we find the weaknesses and go with our strengths," he said.

"Sam Young had 31 points in Cairns and he came back the next game and scored seven points and we were still able to score and he did a good job defensively.

"I thought he did a great job on Gibson, who had 28 points last week, so he is playing a valuable role whether he is scoring or not, and I think that breeds the confidence and togetherness we are after."

Gibson scored three points and was limited to 17 minutes of game time due to foul trouble, while Young finished with 21 points and smashed down an alley-oop with five seconds to go.

Adelaide coach Joey Wright said his side missed important opportunities.

"One play can change the game and I thought Madgen's shots were huge. He stepped up at the right moment and knocked some shots down," Wright said.

"We go down and miss some shots and turn it over and that's the margin.

"I thought it was a competitive basketball game all the way through and they just made the plays at the end."

SYDNEY KINGS 105 (Madgen 25, Young 21, Garlepp 21) def ADELAIDE 36ers 93 (Johnson 28, Ervin 24, Frye 13) at the Qantas Credit Union Arena. Crowd: 3622.


18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Games dream back on track

Skeleton racer John Farrow has overcome terrible injuries to qualify for the Sochi Winter Olympics. Source: Alex Livesey / Getty Images

THREE years ago John Farrow looked down in horror at his mangled left leg and thought his dreams of Winter Olympics glory were over.

On a running track in Lake Placid, USA, the Blacktown-born skeleton racer had stumbled during sprint training and suffered a devastating injury.

Farrow, 31, ruptured two knee ligaments, snapped his popliteal tendon, tore his hamstring off the bone, broke his tibia and suffered long-term nerve damage.

Last week he capped off his remarkable recovery by being named on the Australian team to compete at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

"I am very excited about wearing the green and gold into Russia," Farrow said.

"I have always been able to remain positive I will get to Sochi throughout my injury, so day by day it hasn't seemed impossible."

The extreme sport of skeleton sees athletes guide a small sled down a frozen track at breathtaking speeds topping 140km/h.

Farrow, who started his athletic career as a mountain biker but took up skeleton in 2008, said he tries to keep his mind clear as his body experiences forces of up to 5gs.

Farrow is still hampered by his injuries. Source: News Limited

"If your mind or focus is elsewhere then it can start to get messy, hitting concrete walls at that speed ... it can get dangerous and out of control pretty fast," he said.

"The road of development for any slider is full of hard hits, a lot of bruises and some wild crashes."

Farrow qualified for the Australian team courtesy of a 12th-place finish at a World Cup event in St Moritz, Switzerland, earlier this month.

While he concedes his starting speed is still hampered by the lingering effects of his injuries, he believes he is capable of challenging for a medal in Sochi.

Farrow's strength lies in his speed and skill on the steepest parts of the track.

"It's been a race against the clock to get my strength and power to a level (where) I can start competitively," he said.

"Everyone goes to the Games and wants a medal and for me this is the same.

"I believe I have the skill to get one."

Having lived locally until the age of 12 and attended St Michael's Primary and Patrician Brothers, Farrow said he was grateful to have the Blacktown community cheering him on.

"Playing rugby league for St Pats (Patrician Brothers) back then developed an athletic drive in me," he said.

"Those young years are some of the fondest memories I have in sport.

"It's great to know I will have the support of Blacktown as I go to Russia to compete for Australia."

The men's skeleton event in Sochi will be held on February 14 and 15.


18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Aussies win Australia Day thriller

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

Get Adobe Flash Player

AUSTRALIA conjured an Australia Day triumph to celebrate at a cost in Adelaide with Shaun Marsh sustaining an apparent back injury that could threaten a South Africa tour berth.

Last-wicket pair James Tredwell (0) and Chis Jordan (4 not out) needed eight off the last over bowled by Shane Watson (1-36) but were shut down by the ice cool all-rounder. England folded for 212 in 49.4 overs chasing 218 to win - losing 7-58 in 14 overs. Australia finished the summer as it started - demoralising England - to win the series 4-1.

GET A FULL SCOREBOARD, BALL-BY-BALL COMMENTARY, LIVE STATS AND PITCH MAPS IN OUR MATCH CENTRE.

Marsh left the field in the 36th over and was consulted by Australian team physio Alex Kountouris. Seamer Jackson Bird is also in doubt for the three-Test tour of the Rainbow Nation after hurting his back in a fall fronting for Melbourne Renegades against Hobart Hurricanes last Tuesday at the MCG.

England needed 14 off the last three overs, then 12 from 12 balls with Ravi Bopara (25,44) and No.10 Jordan at the crease. However a decisive, controversial stumping decision via third umpire video replay saw Bopara given out stumped through exceptional glovework standing up to Clint McKay (3-36)

"I had to work out a basic plan and it worked out nicely on Australia Day," said Watson.

Australian coach Darren Lehmann had put the heat on Glenn Maxwell to abandon reckless strokeplay and get his side home in a crunch situation. Instead the Big Show Maxwell delivered with a direct hit in the field that ran out Tim Bresnan (13 off 14 balls) with England requiring 24 from 25 balls. Jos Buttler (5) soon followed.

Villain Stuart Broad (3-31) conspired to follow his brilliant bowling with a match-winning cameo with the bat, but was clean bowled by McKay.

Eoin Morgan trudges off Adelaide Oval after being dismissed by James Faulkner. Source: Getty Images

Man of the match James Faulkner (2-37 and 27) overcame right knee soreness sustained while batting to claim danger pair Eoin Morgan (39) and Joe Root (55) just as England looked set for victory and a 3-2 scoreline.

Morgan had dragged recalled Root along in a 64-run, fourth-wicket stand that was always going to be crucial on low, slow wicket before parted with 64 required in the 36th over.

Morgan was the only batsman to exhibit sweet timing on a tough strip for strokemakers before charging Faulkner.

Morgan hit the first six of the day off Shane Watson - reducing the target to 98 runs and making him the leading run-scorer of the series.

After a slow start, Root accelerated sending Maxwell into the western stand to register his half century. However he would paddle to Doherty in a perfect leg-side trap.

Having removed key opener Ian Bell for 14, Nathan Coulter-Nile (3-34) returned to build pressure on Alastair Cook (39) - forcing a prod to George Bailey.

Ben Stokes (0) couldn't back his impressive 3/43 with the ball - claimed by returning seamer McKay.

Lehmann had demanded his unit - headlined by all-rounder Maxwell - atone for a 57-run loss in Perth with a holiday win in Adelaide.

However Stokes, fined 15 per cent of his match fee for a send off to Faulkner in Perth, again illustrated why he is England's find of the tour with 3/43. Pot-stirrer Broad's (3/31) miserly display underlined why he will leave these shores with his head held high having taken 21 Test wickets.

Perennial limited overs performer George Bailey (56) top scored with a valiant half-century but Broad and Stokes put Australia under pressure from the outset. The pair snapped Bailey's 48-run rearguard actions with Maxwell and 55 with keeper-batsman Matthew Wade (31).

Australia's innings would quickly disintegrate, plunging to 4/64 inside 20 overs on a low, slow drop in strip that conspired against exhilarating strokeplay.

The scene was set for a definitive Maxwell innings as Lehmann had pointedly and publicly demanded with 30 overs to bat with controlled aggression, 'responsibility' and jettison reckless modes of dismissal.

Maxwell attempted to adhere but would last just 10 overs and strike one boundary in an indifferent stay, caught between his natural attack and prudency expected in labouring for 22 from 35 balls.

Michael Clarke (8) also made a disappointing return, departing in cross-bat fashion outside off-stump to Tim Bresnan (1/51) that would have landed Maxwell in hot water with Lehmann.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE MATCH CENTRE.


18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More
techieblogger.com Techie Blogger Techie Blogger