It Has Been Officially Announced That Michael Owen Has Moved To The Potters Stoke City On One Year Deal. The former England forward became a free agent after three seasons at Manchester United and has officially become Tony Pulis's seventh signing of the summer following confirmation of his registration by the Premier League Board. A Premier League statement said: "The Premier League Board has confirmed to Stoke City the registration of Michael Owen. Consequently he can be included in their 25-man playing squad."Owen joins Jamie Ness, Geoff Cameron, Michael Kightly, Maurice Edu, Charlie Adam and Steven N'Zonzi in joining the Potters.The 32-year-old, who helped United claim the Barclays Premier League title during the 2010/11 season, expressed his delight at being included within Stoke's 25-man Premier League squad that was released yesterday."Delighted to have signed for Stoke," said Owen on his Twitter account. "We have been in talks for a while and it was a club I was always keen to join."I'm particularly excited at the prospect of working under Tony Pulis. He has assembled a great squad that I look forward to joining. I'm now looking forward to contributing as much as possible to the club and can't wait to play in front of a great set of supporters."Thanks for your kind messages everyone. Can't wait to get going again!"Owen came through the ranks at Liverpool and burst on to the international scene at the 1998 FIFA World Cup when scoring a memorable goal against Argentina.He went on to establish himself as an England regular for the best part of the next 10 years, plundering 40 goals in 89 international appearances to become England's fourth-highest goalscorer.Owen made his name as one of the Barclays Premier League's sharpest finishers at Liverpool, where he scored 118 League goals and won back-to-back Premier League Golden Boots in 1997/98 and 1998/99. He scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final two years later in a memorable 2000/01 season which resulted in the Reds claiming the League Cup and the UEFA Cup, while Owen was awarded the Ballon d'Or.After moving to Real Madrid in 2004 he scored 13 times in 20 La Liga starts before returning to the Premier League with Newcastle United the following year. He scored 26 goals in 70 League appearances for the Magpies.Owen then joined Sir Alex Ferguson's side on a free transfer in 2009 and scored five goals in 31 English top-flight sorties.
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Wednesday, 5 September 2012
Cristiano Ronaldo: ''Its not All about Money''
Cristiano Ronaldo said on Tuesday his sadness had nothing to do with money as the Real Madrid forward looked to head off media speculation he simply wanted for a more lucrative deal.The world’s most expensive player hit the headlines after Sunday’s 3-0 La Liga win over Granada when he failed to celebrate his two goals and told reporters he was “sad” for “professional” reasons and that the club knew why.“That I am feeling sad and have expressed this sadness has created a huge stir,” the 27-year-old Portugal forward said via his Twitter account.“I am accused of wanting more money, but one day it will be shown that this is not the case.''Local newspapers and radio stations have been full of speculation about the reasons for Ronaldo’s outburst.He was reported to have had a meeting with club president Florentino Perez on Saturday and said he did not feel he had the support of the dressing room, was unhappy and wanted to leave.Ronaldo rejected the idea he was downcast at losing out to Barcelona’s Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta for the Best Player in Europe award on Thursday.There were also suggestions the former Manchester United winger, one of the world’s best-paid players, earning some 11 million euros (8.7 million pounds) a year, was seeking an improved contract.“I just want to guarantee to the Real Madrid fans that my motivation, dedication, commitment and desire to win all competitions will not be affected,” he added.“I have too much respect for myself and for Real Madrid to ever give less to the club than all I am capable of.”ARBELOA SURPRISED Earlier on Tuesday, Ronaldo’s team mate Alvaro Arbeloa said the squad had no idea their leading scorer was unhappy.“I don’t know what’s up with Cristiano. It was a surprise for us as much as for you. We found out after the game,” the fullback told reporters as he joined up with the Spain squad.“At Madrid, we are a family and we will support him in any way he needs, just as we would do with Mesut Ozil, Michael Essien or whoever.“It’s true that Cristiano, like most of us, doesn’t have the problems that many Spaniards have, but he will have his reasons for not being at his best and this is reasonable.“I have never heard him talk about money, a longer deal, or wanting to go. I think he’ll be here for many years.“There has been too much made of his words. Maybe he needs more affection from everyone, I don’t know, but if that is it, he will receive it from us.”
3rd Odi: Australia wins series Against Pakistan 2-1
A little calmer when it mattered most, Australia completed a victory more testing than the scoreboard ultimately showed to defeat Pakistan in Sharjah and claim the overnight ODI series 2-1. It was a result achieved as much by perspiration as inspiration, Michael Hussey and the nerveless tyro Glenn Maxwell forming the critical union to rescue their team from the uncertainty of 159 for 5 when Matthew Wade fell to Abdur Rehman.Michael Hussey could so easily have been out lbw to Saeed Ajmal before he had scored, amid a mesmerising spell in which the offspinner claimed what appeared a pivotal 3 for 11. But Misbah-ul-Haq made a pair of judgements that were to prove too timid - failing to refer the umpire Billy Bowden's decision, and then taking Ajmal off after five overs when another wicket or two might have sealed Australia's fate.Pakistan's hesitation could perhaps be attributed to the weight of history, having not defeated Australia in an ODI series since 2002. There was to be little such trepidation about the way Michael Hussey and Maxwell closed in on the target, which had been reined in to manageable proportions by Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc after Pakistan's openers made their team's best start against Australia since 1985.Mohammad Hafeez's stand of 129 with Nasir Jamshed should have allowed Pakistan to soar well past 250, but Australia's bowlers stuck admirably to their task to limit the rest. It was Johnson who started the salvage operation, claiming two wickets while keeping his economy-rate down, and thus allowing Starc to strike four times to continue his decent form.As had been flagged as a possibility by the assistant coach Steve Rixon earlier in the series, Wade's exertions during 50 overs in the field were deemed too much for him to back up immediately as an opener.His replacement at the top of the order was unexpected - David Hussey opening for the first time in his ODI career - but provided a useful left-right contrast with David Warner in a stand that showed plenty of brio if not total safety.Warner and David Hussey both smote huge sixes, causing the umpires to twice call for a replacement ball, and denting the previously tidy series figures of Hafeez. Rehman hurried a Warner pull shot and claimed his wicket to break the partnership at 44, but Michael Clarke was typically fluent and with David Hussey he kept Australia ahead of the asking-rate.However Ajmal's introduction brought a marked change to proceedings, as he found spin despite the moist night air and yet again confused the Australians with his variations. Clarke had struck one significant blow in drawing blood from the left hand of Shahid Afridi with a fierce drive, but he advanced too early to Ajmal and was well stumped down the leg side by Kamran Akmal.Michael Hussey seemed palpably lbw, but Pakistan chose conservatively not to refer Billy Bowden's not-out verdict. David Hussey perished in pursuit of another six, and George Bailey gloved an attempted paddle-sweep. Ajmal's spin had turned the innings, but he was then withdrawn to allow Wade and Michael Hussey some desperately needed breathing room.They steadied things until Wade's exit, bowled between bat and pad, whereupon Maxwell made another free-spirited contribution to a series in which his batting comfortably outshone his bowling as he ransacked Afridi for 16 runs in the 43rd over. Michael Hussey was out to a tired slog and Dan Christian did not endure, but Maxwell kept his cool and his timing to guide the weary Australians home.They had been grateful to win the toss and avoid the worst excesses of the evening moisture. Bolstered by happy memories of game one when they had topped and tailed the Pakistan innings, Pattinson and Starc took the new ball with some intent. Starc looked initially short of rhythm and comfort having shrugged off a side/chest complaint to take part, but Australia's opening duo made Jamshed and Hafeez work hard to survive the early overs.Both batsmen top-edged attempted hook shots and were fortunate to see their respective strokes fall safely. Nonetheless, the shots signalled their ambition, even as a sluggish pitch, slow outfield and tidy Australian fielding made scoring difficult.Gradually, Hafeez and Jamshed wrested the initiative, seeing off a useful spell by Johnson and profiting more from the others. The allrounder Christian shelled a difficult return catch when Hafeez was on 26, but it was the only hint of a chance offered by the openers as they strode to Pakistan's first century opening stand against Australia in ODIs since 1985.Jamshed's innings was a worthy follow-up to his match-shaping innings in Abu Dhabi, while Hafeez was finally showing the Australians the worth of his batting after some years of underachievement. The six off Pattinson was a particularly compelling reminder.Australia were so desperate for a wicket that Clarke sacrificed his one referral to a speculative appeal for a leg-side catch off Jamshed. The stratagem was indirectly helpful in securing the breakthrough, distracting Jamshed enough for Johnson to have him touching a bouncer behind in the same over.Afridi was promoted in the order to make a flash-in-the-pan seven, and Hafeez's innings was ended when Clarke struck him in front while attempting to sweep. Asad Shafiq, Misbah-ul-Haq and Azhar Ali did not go beyond their starts, keeping the target within Australia's reach.
Australia 250 for 7 (Hussey 65, Maxwell 56*, Ajmal 3-37) beat Pakistan 244 for 7 (Hafeez 78, Jamshed 48, Starc 4-51) by three wickets
Result:Australia wins by three wickets
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
Spanish Giants Gets Victory In Their Respective Matches
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Adriano celebrates while scoring a Screamer |
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Cristiano was the Hero after scoring 2 |
Barcelona Beat Valencia 1-0, While Real Madrid Gets Easy win against Granada C.F By 3-0:
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice before injuring his leg to steer Real Madrid to a 3-0 home win over Granada on Sunday, the defending champions' first victory after three rounds of the Spanish season.Barcelona, meanwhile, edged out Valencia 1-0 thanks to Adriano's first-half screamer to remain perfect after three games and lead the standings.Madrid displayed little of the attacking flair it unleashed to topple Barcelona in the Spanish Supercup earlier this week, but Ronaldo's first league goals this season proved more than enough against the modest talents of Granada.Ronaldo scored in the 26th and 54th minutes before leaving the pitch grimacing and favouring his left leg following a tackle by Borja Gomez that cost the Granada defender a second booking.The Portugal forward uncharacteristically did not celebrate his goals."I am sad and the club knows it, that's why I didn't celebrate the goals," Ronaldo said, adding that he was upset for "professional" reasons before refusing to elaborate.With Granada down a man, Gonzalo Higuain scored in the 76th to seal the much-needed win. Madrid had only one point after the first two rounds. It trails Barcelona by five points."Ronaldo is an important player for us, he is our goal-scorer," Madrid defender Sergio Ramos said. "I hope he takes advantage of (this week's) international break and gets better soon."Barcelona had the chance to decide the game after Adriano's goal, but Cesc Fabregas missed two clear chances and the hosts struggled to protect their slimmest of leads in the final minutes."The important thing is that we pulled out the win," said Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta, recently crowned UEFA's best player in Europe. "We could have increased the margin, above all in the first half. When you have chances you have to put them in because if not you suffer later."One of the few bright spots for Barcelona was former Arsenal player Alex Song, who fit in seamlessly with his new team, not erring in passes and providing a defensive presence in midfield.Also Sunday, Athletic Bilbao beat Valladolid 2-0 for the Basques first win of the season. Sevilla drew 0-0 at Rayo Vallecano, and 10-man Levante came from behind to win 3-2 against visiting Espanyol.In his first start for Madrid since joining from Tottenham, Luka Modric looked eager to justify his €35 million ($44 million) price tag. The Croatia playmaker drew an early save from Antonio "Tono" Rodriguez and combined well with his new teammates.Ronaldo got the defending champions going in the 26th when he slotted Jose Callejon's pass between Tono's legs from a tight angle.But just like in the previous two matches against Valencia and Getafe, Madrid retreated after going in front, giving Granada a chance to come forward.Madrid coach Jose Mourinho sent on winger Angel Di Maria at the start of the second half to try to jumpstart his attack.The Argentina international quickly responded by sliding a through ball to Ronaldo cutting toward the near post. Tono did well to block his first shot, only to see the ball fall to Ronaldo's feet for him to fire into the open net.Reduced to 10 men after Gomez's sending off, the visitors fell apart at the back, leaving Higuain alone to tap in a cross from an equally unmarked Karim Benzema and cap the victory.Madrid coach Jose Mourinho remained unsatisfied with his team's play in the league."Against Barcelona we played to the limit and in league games, no. It's difficult for me to explain," said Mourinho. "I am not happy. We have to play with more intensity and work harder."Barcelona started well with Lionel Messi forcing goalkeeper Diego Alves into a diving parry to keep his early header out.But Diego Alves could do nothing to stop Adriano 22 minutes in.The Brazilian left back took a short pass from a corner, used one touch to gather momentum, and rocketed a right-footed shot from outside the area past the outstretched goalkeeper.Fabregas wasted two excellent opportunities to double the lead on either side of halftime.Messi drew the defense in and laid off for the unmarked Fabregas to send his chip shot floating by the upright. Then, Fabregas fired high after Alexis Sanchez had found him inside the box."We didn't play an excellent game, but we got a good result against an important team," said Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez, who defended Fabregas. "Cesc is important for this team. He will make a difference and score goals for us this season."Valencia, which had been limited to a miss by Roberto Soldado in the first 45 minutes, provoked nerves at Camp Nou after the restart as it started to pepper Barcelona's area.Barcelona assistant Jordi Roura, on the sideline with coach Tito Vilanova serving the first of a two-game ban for arguing with the referee, sent on Iniesta for Fabregas in the 64th.Barcelona, however, stalled in attack, apparently either tired or affected by the loss to Madrid on Wednesday.Valencia defender Victor Ruiz came inches away from scoring the equalizer when his header just missed in the 90th.On Saturday, it was: Celta Vigo 2, Osasuna 0; Zaragoza 0, Malaga 1; Deportivo La Coruna 1, Getafe 1; and Mallorca 1, Real Sociedad 0.Originally scheduled for Monday, Real Betis vs. Atletico Madrid has been postponed due to international matches.
OFFICIAL: Hulk Signs for Zenit,Raul Meireles Signs For Fenerbahce
It has been Officially confirmed that hulk Has Signed For Zenit ST Petersburg on a five-year contract.Hulk is believed to be a long-time target of Chelsea but the Russian giants have ended speculation linking him with a Stamford Bridge move after confirming their swoop for the forward on their official website on Monday evening.The club did not disclose the transfer fee but reports claim they have parted with €60m (£47.5m) to secure the frontman.The 26-year-old made a huge impact at Porto after joining from Tokyo Verdy in 2008.But the Brazil international had long been linked with a new challenge, with his agent admitting earlier in the summer that the "time was right" for the player to move on.Last week, Porto president Pinto da Costa revealed he had turned down an offer worth €50m from Zenit for the powerful forward, but a deal has now been reached by the two clubs.Hulk scored 21 goals in all competitions last season and played a crucial role in Porto's Europa League title-winning campaign in 2010-11.
It Has Been Officially Confirmed That Raul Meireles Has Signed For Fenerbahce on Monday on a four years contract."I can't wait to get started Fenerbahce is as big a club as Chelsea, Liverpool and Porto," Meireles told FB TV on Tuesday, revealing former Anfield teammate Dirk Kuyt had played a part in the pair being reunited in Turkey."I had a great season playing at Liverpool with Kuyt. He told me about Fenerbahce and encouraged me to make the move, Meireles said. "I have friends playing in Turkey. Kuyt has told be on several occasions that Istanbul is a beautiful city, I'm very excited about the prospect of playing here."Fenerbahce was able to buy the 29-year-old outside the British transfer window because their own country's transfer period does not close until midnight on Wednesday.Meireles only moved to Stamford Bridge from Liverpool for a reported 12 million pounds ($19 million) on transfer deadline day last year.Since then, the Portugal international has struggled to hit top form and has been in and out of the starting lineup, especially after Andre Villas-Boas was sacked as manager in March.He started 37 games for the Blues last season.Meireles was reportedly unhappy with the departure of his former boss at Porto and was immediately linked with a move away. There have been reports in the past week that Fenerbahce were preparing an 8 million pound ($12.7 million) bid for him.Letting the all-action Meireles go is a risky strategy by Chelsea, whose midfield was completely overrun by Atletico Madrid in Friday night's UEFA Super Cup debacle.That evening saw them allow Michael Essien to join Real Madrid on a season-long loan, and with Josh McEachran also out on loan, they are arguably short of cover for John Obi Mikel and Frank Lampard in the anchorman positions.Meireles departure could see Ramires, who Chelsea successfully reinvented as an attacking midfielder, return to a more defensive role.Losing Meireles also deprives Fernando Torres of the former Liverpool teammate that was brought to the club to help get him firing. That did not work but the arrival of Eden Hazard appears to have had the desired effect, with the Spaniard scoring three times in his first five games this season.Torres, who last week declared he was a better player and person for his nightmare first 18 months at Stamford Bridge, is now hopeful of beating his tally of 33 goals from his first season at Anfield.He told the latest Chelsea Magazine: "Now I am looking for new personal targets, which is to get as many goals as possible and, hopefully, I will score more than I did in my best season at Liverpool."We have the squad to do that and we have five more trophies to play for, so it could be a magic season."
Cristiano Ronaldo "Sad" As He wants To Leave Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo,Real Madrid star is sad not to be best paid player in the world after all he earns £10m a year.Cristiano Ronaldo's public show of discontent at Real Madrid has left supporters guessing if he was upset with team-mates for a lack of moral support in his battle to be recognised as the best player on the planet or with the club's director general Jose Angel Sanchez in his battle to regain his status as the world's best-paid.His comments after Sunday's win over Granada came just four days ahead of the closing of the transfer window in Russia, home to one of the only clubs currently paying its players more than Real Madrid. FC Anzhi are currently giving striker Samuel Eto'o €20m (£16m) a year.The timing of Ronaldo's comments increased speculation that the Spanish champions' failure to keep him at the top of the wages league he also trails Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic was at the heart of the "sadness" he said he felt despite reaching the milestone of 150 goals in 150 games at the weekend.Ronaldo earns €13m a year and the planned negotiations to improve his contract in the summer did not materialise. The player called a meeting with Sanchez and with club president Florentino Perez on Saturday just as the club were unveiling their new signing from Chelsea, Michael Essien.Perez and Sanchez are understood to have called Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, who confirmed there was no offer on the table from any other clubs for the Portuguese international whose buy-out clause stands at €1,000m.The counter-theory is that Ronaldo feels increasingly isolated in the dressing room and was unhappy at comments made by his Brazilian team-mate Marcelo after the European Championship, that Iker Casillas should win the Ballon d'Or at the end of the year and not the Real Madrid striker. There have been claims that Ronaldo no longer speaks to Marcelo, though a dressing-room problem would more likely have been addressed by manager Jose Mourinho than by president Perez.Ronaldo could be seen asking for his manager's permission as he disappeared down the tunnel after Sunday's 3-0 win and there seems to be no problem between the player and his coach. Mourinho criticised all his players for a below-par performance in spite of the win just minutes before Ronaldo stopped, first for television and then radio journalists, in the bowels of the Bernabeu to make his feelings felt."I have four goals in five games that is not the problem," he said of his own form. He was applauded off by supporters after the win which left Real five points behind Barcelona going into the international break.
S Eto'o (Anzhi)£330,000
W Rooney (Man Utd) £250,000
Z Ibrahimovic (PSG) £240,000
C Ronaldo (Real Madrid)£215,000
Y Touré (Man City) £200,000
R van Persie (Man Utd) £200,000
S Aguero (Man City)£200,000
L Messi (Barcelona)£180,000
F Torres (Chelsea) £175,000
List based on estimated wages per week.
DAY 6: US Open Results 2012
Federer to play without quarters: Berdych will face
After the efforts against Davydenko, five sets, and Simon (4) Mardy Fish waiver of the fourth round match against Roger Federer will play without qualification to the quarterfinals. Will face Tomas Berdych, No. 6 seed, who ruled Nicolas Almagro in 3 sets: 7-6, 6-4, 6-1 the final
Serbian tennis player, finalist in the last two editions of the fourth Grand Slam of the season and reigning champions took an hour and a half to beat the French, who never troubled to Djokovic. The Belgrade player, who reached the second week of the competition without giving any so far in September, will play in the second round against the winner of the match between the Ukrainian Alexander Dolgopolov and Stanislas Wawrinka
Andy RODDICK b. Fabio FOGNINI 7-5, 7-6, 4-6, 6-4
Calling it "missed opportunity" might be a bit 'too much, but the match against Fabio Fognini Andy Roddick is something which much closer to what I have just written. And this is not just for the chance to enter the future autobiography of Andy Roddick, ready to retire at the end of this U.S. Open, but more than anything to be able to go play quarter-final against the unknown "physical conditions of Juan Martin Del I can. " The winners of the third round Andy Roddick is in fact at the end of a match lasted just over three hours, but as always, the DVD of the game, Fabio Fognini will find more than a regret. The Ligurian were fatal as always some key moments: the slow start, the twelfth game of the first set, the unfortunate tie-break of the second and the transition to empty early in the fourth. A matter of moments, play, individual fifteen as always in tennis make the difference between a great player and a "better potential" struggling, the threshold of 25 years, with a ranking that his talent does not belong.And why just look at the other side of the net. The Andy Roddick champion here in 2003, Andy Roddick able to get to number 1 in the world, the terms of mere touch, a clear gap in pay Fognini ... Yet today to win. And if they replay the game probably would do it again. And this will happen at least until Fognini will not be able to avoid slow starts, such as those that have cost 1 September in Paris with Tsonga and as it currently has now seen having to chase Roddick in the September 1 Happen again until it is able to avoid trivial free in the game that would take him to a well deserved tie-break in the September 1 Happen again until the tie-break of the second will not continue to serve better the opponent, as he had hitherto incredibly done, but it'll put double faults (while at the same time the opponent will turn wiser with aces). .. In short, it will happen until Fognini not be able to get what he lacks mental snap to get to far greater heights where it never arrived. Yes, because in the middle of all this there is tennis, excuse me, the most beautiful tennis. A vigorous game against an opponent who today would do anything to win and that eventually it succeeded even more comfortable than it has said the field. A pity that sees Roddick continued his dream with Del Potro and Fognini, once again, to go home.
Tomas BERDYCH b. Nicolas ALMAGRO 7-6, 6-4, 6-1
The seeded sixth in the tournament, Tomas Berdych, center for the first time in the quarter-finals of the U.S. Open - he missed only at Flushing Meadows in evidence Slam - where he will face world number one, Roger Federer, playing without forward . His opponent in the fourth round in fact, the American Mardy Fish, has given package after the nine set (389 minutes) against Davydenko, reassembled in five, and Gilles Simon in the last two grueling encounters. Returning to Berdych, two sets balanced, but with the Czech closer on key points, against the usual discontinuous Nicolas Almagro, No. 11 men on the board, which lay down its weapons in the third game for a hasty 6-1 in favor of Berdych. The number 7 in the ATP rankings, has found his best tennis after the unexpected elimination in the first round of Wimbledon and the U.S. cement has already twice defeated Federer in Key Byscane in 2010 (repeating the Championships, quarterfinal) and last years in Cincinnati.
Kohlschreiber wins record-night shift
Philipp Kohlschreiber has reached for the first time in his career, the second round of the U.S. Open. The 28-year-old Augsburg won against the world number tithes John Isner from the United States after a night shift on the center court of New York by using 6:4, 3:6, 4:6, 6:3, 6:4. In the fourth duel with the 2.06-meter Americans Kohlschreiber celebrates after a strong performance the first victory. The last Grand Slam tournament of the year, he will now face the Serb Janko Tipsarevic. "Today I played really well. I am very happy with my game, and quite happy. I enjoyed it," Kohlschreiber said after his first appearance in the biggest tennis stadium with 23,771 seats in the world. Because of a previous rain delay before the match went to 2:26 clock time in the night to end. To this end the two counterparties must have a record in the history of the U.S. Open: On 4 September 1993 Mats Wilander and Mikael Pernfors stood in the second round also to 2:26 clock in the square. "I was pushed out of the atmosphere," Kohlschreiber later reported killed and easier. "Because you will not get tired, you do not look at the clock."
Kerber had made much after the Italian had been unsuccessful in June in the quarterfinals of the French Open. "I need to play consistently, move me very much and Sara put it under pressure," the 24-year-old said before the game. The first advantage in Louis Armstrong Stadium battled but Errani who pulled away for a break to 3-1. Kerber has argued, and so developed an intense and tight match, the first sentence was consistent in the tiebreak - and also had crime quality. Errani kept 7:5 finally prevailed. Only the first set lasted 71 minutes.
Kerber's comeback is not rewarded
The set loss seemed to have brought Kerber from the concept, because the error rate in the world ranking sixth now rose significantly. Errani countered their level and quickly pulled them to 3-0. But as in the first set to let the German not shake off, with three games in a row came Kerber to compensate.
The joy did not last long, however, because although the match was now completely open and balanced again, found itself confronted Kerber shortly thereafter with a 3:5 residue. And this time it has not stopped the more Italian. After an hour and 46 minutes turned the French Open finalist her first match point.
AZARENKA b. Tatishvili 6-2, 6-2
Up to this moment has aroused a good impression even if the opponents were certainly not top-level, marking the path net.Victoria Azarenka surrendered only nine games without dropping a set in four matches in which he defeated in series Panova, Flipkens, Zheng and now number 73 of the WTA rankings Tatishvili, which in the previous round had got the better of Mandy Minella. Vika has never gained access to the quarterfinals here and now if you will play defending champion Sam Stosur in a match that could really be worth a final. The meeting with the Georgian had no history if not at the beginning of the second set when the Belarusian had earned break before losing in turn immediately after the service. Only an illusion, however, because the world number one has taken over the reins of the game immediately. At the end will be its 24 unforced errors against 22 winners, but this was enough to rip the 7 times the service all'avversaria ceded in 3 occasions.
BARTOLI b. Kvitova 1-6, 6-2, 6-0
The two had met recently in Montreal and win on that occasion was the Czech player, number 5 in the world and triumphant at Wimbledon in 2011 with a double net 6-1. A result that had portatp Bartoli to declare that Kvitova is the player who puts the greatest difficulties in the circuit, even more of the best Serena Williams. These words are perhaps a little 'gifted and due to the defeat, but who knows what he must have thought when she found herself again in the 6-1 after half an hour even at Flushing Meadows? In any case, the great strength of the 27 year-old Le Puy-en-Velay is tenacity. Even after a disastrous first part is given up, in fact, began to play putting pressure all'avversaria that probably did not expect such a reaction. Between a 'handful' and a grunt, Marion finds two break rooms, 4-1 and ensures September 2 taking advantage of the move to empty, or rather, the free fall of the rival author of as many as 29 unforced errors. In the third there is no match, the Czech goes one step away from tears as the French touches the sky with a finger, even with a punch, as shown in the last point of contact and who gives the quarter-finals.
Samantha STOSUR b. Laura ROBSON 6-4, 6-4
He stops in the second round of the dream Laura Robson. Against defending champion Sam Stosur are fatal in fact two small steps in vacuum, as we saw yesterday also in the match of our Fabio Fognini, make "all the difference in the world" between win or perish. First set very balanced, with Robson you able to keep the service up to 4-5, then two double faults in the same game and we salute the first set.According similar set, but with the lever Stosur who beat the British in the fifth game and able to keep the lead until the end. For the Australian, definitely ritrovatasi on cement Fulshing Meadows, in the quarterfinals will be the # 1 seeded women Vika Azarenka.
Maria SHARAPOVA b. Petra Kvitova 6-1, 4-6, 6-4
Who suffers more than expected in September as his prime is Maria Sharapova. The Siberian, before entering the second week of the tournament, has his work cut out in the derby with Russian Nadia Petrova. Yet the sprint start in the first set, where the Russian liquid in half an hour the exact strength of the small intestine Petrova, prefaced a very different kind of evening for the audience of the central field, ready to enjoy the home favorite John Isner. Instead, they had to wait ... and not a little.Yes, because in the second set to run from the start the race we think Petrova (of course in cooperation with a number of embarrassing Free - 20 - of Sharapova), which goes on 4-0, you reassemble at 4-4, and then closes for 6-4. It goes to the third. There, the equilibrium is more stable, also from the point of view of the percentages: Sharapova sticks a couple of winning more of Petrova, but also 4 double faults that the cost even a break. Masha is, however, the reaction at the key moment, recovering what was left and put the arrow in the decisive game. Now, in the quarter, there will be Marion Bartoli.
Ana Ivanovic B. Tsvetana Pironkova 6-0 6-4
After losing a set in the third round against the American Stephens, Ana Ivanovic returns to his "perfect gear" in this U.S. Open, reaching the quarterfinals in moderate fluency with success on the Bulgarian Pironkova. The Serbian program opens the second week sull'Arthur Ashe with a first set of applause concluded with an emblematic 6-0 in his favor. Pironkova enter into the game too late, but at least it does with conviction: the second part, in fact, it is nice and balanced, with the breaks that follow one after the other. At 3-3 Ivanovic tries to speed up winning two consecutive guiochi and going to serve for the match: the Bulgarian opponent tries to answer and shortens with the counter-break 5-4 but eventually forced to surrender in the following game ( break to zero). Ana Ivanovic then reach the quarter-finals at the bottom of the board in New York. On his way now Serena Williams.
Serena WILLIAMS b. Andrea Hlavackova 6-0, 6-0
A double 6-0 in 57 minutes trip sull'Arthur Ashe for Serena Williams Ana Ivanovic found in Flushing Meadows after defeating her in straight sets in 2006 and last year in the middle of the only other year, with the same script, in 2009 in Dubai. Andrea Hlavackova, who in the third round he defeated the 14th-seeded Maria Kirilenko, a partial mortifying: 31 winners and 8 ace are the items most emblematic of American monologue.
Sunday, 2 September 2012
''Mourinho is like father'' says Essien
Michael Essien says he is thrilled to reunite with Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid and has not ruled out a permanent move to the Spanish capital.Essien sealed a season-long loan deal with the reigning La Liga champions on deadline day following a call from Mourinho. The midfielder, who was brought to Chelsea by Mourinho in 2005, did not hesitate to take up the offer."Everything happened so fast," Essien said. "I was in the hotel when Mourinho called and said that he was ready to take me. Mourinho's call was more than enough to convince me to come here. I just wanted to play football. He call me and I said yes."I see him as a father because he was the one who took me to Chelsea. I know him very well and I love him too - we have a very good relationship, we understand each other."After reflecting on his transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu, Essien believes he will fit in with Real Madrid's squad and has not ruled out a long-term move."Real Madrid have very good players, but I'm ready to play in any position Mourinho asks me to. I'd be delighted to win titles this way."I have had some fitness problems in the past, but I'm strong. If I am not ready for Real Madrid then I would not have signed. I will work hard and at the end of the season we will see what happens [with Chelsea].Essien, 29, may feature for Real Madrid this weekend after being named in the squad to face Granada.
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