Is someone suggesting we have Strictly Come Gee-Gees? Well, forget it

www.guardian.co.uk - The Racing For Change project has talked of X Factor-style promotions. What's the going rate for a sport's self-respect?Racing For Change, the project designed to save our sport, is a slippery beast. Scant detail is understood about this enigmatic creature, though it is known to have existed for more than a year now. Whether by accident or design, it is difficult to corner, tag and categorise. You think you have it by the tail and it sheds it for another. Sometimes you'd like to throttle it.One thing is clear: it lives in close confinement with a large elephant that goes by the name of Funding. Any restructuring of the income stream to British racing, which currently relies on a percentage of dwindling eligible bookmaker profits, does not lie within RFC's remit. Racing's fundamental problem will not be addressed.Even within this status quo it is yet to be decided how to measure RFC's worth. One device is whether, by a date presumably to be agreed, it succeeds in increasing racing's share of the betting pound. Another is whether it grows media-rights income from nearly nothing to something. Inexplicably no target figure for augmented sponsorship has yet been set either.How the concept of "premierisation" - enabling racing's best events to occupy the foreground of the sport's attention more effectively - will work in practice cannot yet be said. Start talking detail, such as whether promoting a core Flat season that starts with the Guineas and ends with an unspecified finale risks ghettoising the existing bookends, and you're told this is a package aimed at the irregular consumer, that nothing will really change for the racing fan.Here there seems to be a disconnect proposed between what racing will mean to Us, the fans, and Them, the wider public, whom RFC implies live an entirely different existence. This discontinuity was also evident in RFC's recent headline proposals for a team competition and celebrity-led, X Factor-style approach.Latching on to celebrities - awkwardly grafted on to promote a sport they are paid to attend, replete with their sometimes damaging moral baggage - or to the previous decade's big TV idea is so far behind the curve, it's flat-lined. RFC says consumers "welcomed the idea of a series they could follow over a short period of time".Are these the focus groups who said they'd go to pubs if smoking was banned? Imagine these serial theoretical opinion-givers went so far as to attend Strictly Come Racing with Brave Cheryl Tweedy. How does the concept pay its way? What is the going rate for a sport's soul and self-respect anyway?How you engage an occasional audience in everyday racing - the stuff that pays the bills - continues to be overlooked. Little effort has been made to hook those who already boost racecourse attendances when an evening music concert is scheduled. Making a lasting connection while new blood is in your backyard should be a priority for Racing For Change.Racing also doesn't look after its existing customers - the sport's primary recruiting officers for the next generation - well enough. This means communicating better, providing accurate information, access to relevant technology and a higher standard of service.This is a viable target more pertinent to the sport's success than turning an envious eye to the attention enjoyed by football and a blind one to its flirtation with financial implosion.Racing For Change has undoubtedly bought breathing space and goodwill with its extensive strategy of consultation. This should not be confused with approbation, however. Perhaps its ambition is hard to pin down because, unless it is an attempt to be all things to all people, it has not decided what it is yet either. But the clock is ticking on the chameleon act.Horse racingLydia Hislopguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Horse racing)

Roll up for a Caribbean World Cup at a price that's right | Mike Selvey

www.guardian.co.uk - This year's Twenty20 World Cup gives the ICC a chance to put the things right it got so horribly wrong in 2007One of the most hilariously rewarding mornings this job of mine has brought was spent at Lord's early in 1999 for the launch of that summer's World Cup. Each presentation entertainingly exceeded the last: "global ambassadors" turned out to be a celebrity chef, a weatherman and a clapped-out fashion model; and we were treated to the rib-tickling sight and sound of that woman with the big arse whose TV day job was to squeeze into a tight jumpsuit and hop in an out of helicopters, expounding on behalf of a sponsor what an odd game cricket was.Then came the song. All Over The World was written and performed by Dave Stewart, formerly half of the Eurythmics, and had been hijacked for the World Cup rather than specially written, in the way that the inaugural tournament had paid royalties to Disney to use the image of Jiminy Cricket rather than create its own mascot.It sounded pleasant enough. Then the accompanying video was screened which, because of a mix-up, showed not the cricket theme that had been commissioned, but that filmed for the record's general release, a surreal pastiche of the asylum and its inmates in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. You couldn't make it up.That the competition itself could only go downhill after such a glorious introduction was inevitable and we were not disappointed, from the opening ceremony - which consisted of Tony Blair claiming he had witnessed things which had never actually happened (an early lesson not learned there), a parachute display aborted because of the wind, and a £10 box of Brocks that covered Lord's in a smokescreen, to the release of the World Cup song the day after the hosts, England, were eliminated from the tournament. The song, of course, never reached the Top 40.We move on to 2007. If ever there was a tournament ripe for a majestic musical interpretation it was the World Cup in the Caribbean, and in this regard we were not disappointed. Another song was commissioned - The Game Of Love And Unity - featuring Shaggy, Rupee and Fay-Ann Lyons, all acclaimed artists. Officially it was described as having "a high energy, up-tempo, soca-inspired beat with lyrics themed around the spirit of cricket and the passion which Caribbean people have for the sport".If the song passed muster, then so did the opening ceremony at the new ground at Trelawny, in Jamaica, which was a brilliant musical triumph, so much so that it is a shame that ICC didn't cut its losses at that point and forget about the dismal tournament that followed, an unmitigated disaster of ludicrous format, greedy prohibitive pricing, and draconian security. Musical instruments, part of the cricket-watching heritage of the West Indies, were banned. The spirit had been exorcised and so a golden opportunity was missed to highlight all that is wonderful about Caribbean cricket, instead leaving the region a laughing stock. People stayed away: it and they deserved so much better.In around seven weeks' time there is a chance for redemption. Over the course of three weeks the World Twenty20 takes place, first of all, in Guyana and St Lucia, then Barbados, while the women's tournament runs simultaneously on St Kitts, with the latter stages preceding the men's semi-final and final. Already the PR machine is whirring away. News arrives of the release of the inevitable song, this time a "contagious, upbeat and proudly West Indian song" featuring the dancehall maestro Mr Vegas and, once more, the queen of soca, Fay-Ann Lyons. It is called Bring It, a clear knock at the previous Caribbean effort in which spectators were instructed to do the opposite.Even Haroon Lorgat, the ICC chief executive, is getting very excited by it all in a dad-at-the-wedding-disco sort of way. "We want this event to be a celebration of nation-versus-nation cricket," he said this week, "with all the atmosphere, fun and excitement traditionally associated with the game in the West Indies. So, we are calling on the people of the Caribbean to 'Bring It'."If that is the sort of sentiment that preceded the World Cup, then this time there is every chance that the message will get through. "We invite you to bring your biggest voices," Lorgat continues enthusiastically. "We invite you to bring your loudest noisemakers. We invite you to bring your most outrageous costumes and facepaint. The world will be playing. The world will be watching. It's time for Twenty20 international cricket, West Indies style."It is not just the lure of a noisefest that will bring an audience, however, nor even the attraction that is Twenty20 cricket. Rather it is the pricing. Affordability, so goes the official line, is the key. Tickets cost from US$3 (about £2) for single group stage matches (US$5 for double headers) and US$8 for Super Eight games, while semi-finals are US$10-20, with admission to the final in Barbados on May 16 costing US$20-40.Under 16s get free entry to group matches and discounts elsewhere while there is no charge for entry to the women's matches on St Kitts. If they have learned nothing else from the 2007 fiasco, then this at least is a step in the right direction. Personally, I shall be packing some earplugs.Twenty20CricketMike Selveyguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Cricket)

Northamptonshire sign Virender Sehwag for Twenty20 campaign

www.guardian.co.uk - Last year's semi-finalists intent on improvement I am delighted to join the county, says Indian batsmanVirender Sehwag is set to play for Northamptonshire in this summer's Friends Provident Twenty20. The Steelbacks have announced the signing subject to approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India.Northamptonshire, Twenty20 Cup semi-finalists last year, are hoping the Indian batsman's destructive stroke play can help them go even further this time.Sehwag, top of the International Cricket Council rankings for Test batsmen, has played in 76 Tests and 220 one-day internationals in a prolific career. The 31-year-old, whose previous experience of county cricket came with Leicestershire, said of his new deal: "I am looking forward to the T20 campaign and I am delighted to have joined the county."Northamptonshire's chief executive, Mark Tagg, added: "This is absolutely fantastic news for the club and shows everyone that we want to continue our year-on-year improvement. We hope this shows our fans we are serious in our ambitions to become the best county cricket club in the country."India Cricket TeamNorthamptonshireCricketguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Cricket)

Tiger Woods hires George Bush aide and prepares for comeback

www.guardian.co.uk - Woods hires Ari Fleischer to deal with press questions Confirmation of return could arrive by next MondayPreparations for Tiger Woods' return to golf are at an advanced stage, it emerged yesterday, amid reports the golfer had hired Ari Fleischer, a former White House press secretary, to help him prepare for the questions he will face in his first confrontation with the media since his car crash last November.Confirmation of Woods' return could come as soon as Monday, and it is widely assumed within the sport that the world No1 will play on 22 and 23 March in the Tavistock Cup, a made-for-television event at Isleworth club, where he is a long-time member. That will be followed by the Bay Hill Invitational, a PGA Tour event hosted by his Arnold Palmer which he has won six times. Palmer is believed to have told friends he expects to see Woods at his event, which starts on 25 March."We have discussed Plan B scenarios and we are prepared to act as best as we can," Scott Wellington, the tournament director at Bay Hill, said yesterday. "Obviously it would help to get as much advanced notice as we can."Earlier this week Mark O'Meara, a long-time friend of Woods, suggested that an appearance at the Tavistock Cup would a "nice way" for him to "ease back into the whole situation".Theoretically, the world No1 can wait until 5pm next Friday before confirming he will play at Bay Hill, but in reality he will have to announce his plans earlier in the week, in order to avoid a clash with the PGA Tour's Transitions Championship, not least because of the criticism he faced after his first public appearance - a scripted apology before an audience of 30 friends - during last month's Accenture Match Play.Ernie Els gave voice to the feelings of many players and officials when he described Woods' timing as "selfish".No doubt the circumstances and substance of that now infamous apology will be the subject of one question asked of Woods during his first press conference but there will be plenty of others, not least about his relationship with the Toronto-based doctor Anthony Galea, who treated him during his rehabilitation from knee surgery in 2008.Galea was arrested by Canadian police last October and is facing charges of importing and selling unapproved drugs, including Actovegin, which advocates claim help with recovery from injury but which is illegal in Canada and the United States. The doctor has denied any wrong-doing and said he has never given any of his patients illegal drugs.Fleischer served as communications chief in the first two years of George W Bush's presidency and has since set up a PR company specialising in "media crisis" situations. Past clients include the former baseball slugger Mark McGwire, whose recent confession that he used performance-enhancing drugs was adjudged by many to have been a PR disaster.Tiger WoodsGolfLawrence Doneganguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Golf)

Old Trafford aims for 2013 Ashes after development clears local hurdle

www.guardian.co.uk - £32m development gets council permission Plans must now be approved by governmentLancashire have secured local planning permission for the £32m development that they say is essential to preserve Old Trafford's future as an international venue, after a three-hour council meeting described as "harrowing" by their chief executive, Jim Cumbes.A packed council chamber - including Lancy the Giraffe, the club's mascot - heard a number of objections to the Tesco superstore that will be built between the cricket and football grounds to fund the redevelopment, as well as a rival application for another supermarket to be built on a nearby site.But Trafford Council's planning committee approved Lancashire's plans on a majority vote. The decision will now be referred to the Government Office for the North-West, who have 21 days to decide whether it should be sent for a national inquiry.But with the Northwest Development Agency meeting next week to vote on a £7.2m funding package to add to Lancashire's pot, the club are cautiously optimistic that there will be no further delays - allowing them to submit a bid to stage a Test in the 2013 Ashes series to the England and Wales Cricket Board, which is due in Manchester for a meeting next month."We're absolutely delighted," said Cumbes, the former Lancashire seamer who deferred his retirement as chief executive to see the five-year redevelopment project through to the end. "It was always going to be difficult but it means the club can now move forward in terms of continuing with international cricket at Old Trafford."It does get referred to Government North-West, but the government likes decisions to be made locally, so we would hope they would endorse what Trafford Council have said. Then we can start to talk to contractors, and getting ourselves set up for starting work at the end of this year or early next year at the latest."We've now got a great chance of retaining international cricket in the North-West because it means we can get on with doing what we want to do, and meeting the requirements that the ECB have."Matt Colledge, the leader of Trafford Council, said: "If the committee's decision is supported by Government Office North-West, this is the beginning of exciting times for the Old Trafford area and the borough generally. It is an important milestone for the cricket club and will hopefully enable them to achieve their ambition to bring international Test match cricket back to Old Trafford."These developments will bring £16m of additional value into Trafford and create more than 600 jobs."CricketLancashireAndy Wilsonguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Cricket)

Britain is 'not a tennis nation', says coach Nick Bollettieri

www.guardian.co.uk - Coach defends LTA after Davis Cup defeat by Lithuania 'British tennis has shortcomings with deep historical roots'The tennis coach Nick Bollettieri has defended the Lawn Tennis Association's chief executive, Roger Draper, over last weekend's Davis Cup embarrassment against Lithuania, saying the problem stems from the fact that Britain is "not a tennis nation".In the absence of Andy Murray the youngsters Dan Evans and James Ward slumped to singles defeats on the final day as Lithuania, composed entirely of teenagers, condemned John Lloyd's side to a play-off against Turkey to avoid relegation to Europe/Africa Zone Group III, the lowest tier of the competition.The inquest started immediately, with widespread calls for Draper and Lloyd to be removed from their posts.But Bollettieri, who has coached 10 world No1s in his long career and currently has the Lithuanian No1, Ricardas Berankis, at his academy, has a different opinion."To pick one or two people and start calling for them to be removed isn't a cure-all solution," Bollettieri wrote in his column on www.sportingintelligence.com. "The blame game won't work because British tennis has shortcomings with deep cultural and historical roots. There's even an argument that Britain is not a tennis nation."Sure, you stage the most prestigious event in the world, Wimbledon. But your national sports are soccer and cricket and your Olympic resources go to cycling, rowing, sailing, swimming, all sports at which you excel at or are improving in. Tennis is part of a social scene."So to argue that Roger Draper is responsible for British tennis's ills is to misidentify the problem. If you'd had generations of grand slam winners and they'd disappeared, then seek blame. But those generations of British tennis winners never existed, not this side of the black-and-white movie era."Looking at what can be done to remedy the problem, he added: "In a Utopia I'd say build an academy in England and open it to the world. Put your best and the best of the rest together. But that's not a small ambition, that's a long way off, if at all."[In the short term] I'd say take your best young players and help them to spend time in other, more testing environments, even just for a few weeks here and there."I'm talking now about the players below Murray, the young players like Daniel Evans and James Ward, who played against Lithuania. At their age it should no longer be about techniques, it should be about building physical strength, about conditioning, mentality, strategy and, of course, day-in, day-out improvement against players as good as and better than you."TennisDavis CupAndy Murrayguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Tennis)

Tom Cooper declares Forpadydeplasterer on course for Cheltenham

www.guardian.co.uk - 2009 Arkle Chase winner has recovered from lameness Trainer says lack of recent run is not a problemForpadydeplasterer, apparently ruled out of the Queen Mother Champion Chase with lameness in early February, is one of 14 possible runners in the two-mile race at Cheltenham next week, after the latest confirmation stage.Last year's Arkle Trophy winner has not raced since finishing second to Twist Magic in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown in December, and was initially expected to be in his box for at least three weeks when he was struck by lameness just over a month ago. However he surprised his connections with the speed of his recovery and schooled impressively at Leopardstown 12 days ago."I am very happy with Forpadydeplasterer at the moment, he is fit, fresh and well," Tom Cooper, his trainer, said . "He had a setback but he is well over it now. We are going to Cheltenham without a run [in 2010] but I don't think that should be a problem. I think the Tingle Creek was a great effort on that ground, he had good horses behind him."On Wednesday better ground will help him, without a doubt. He is a course and distance winner and he is going back there with a huge chance."Master Minded, the winner of the race for the past two seasons, is the clear favourite to emulate Badsworth Boy, a three-time winner from 1983 to 1985.Paul Nicholls's chaser is top-priced at 5-6 with William Hill and Paddy Power, ahead of Kalahari King, the runner-up to Forpadydeplasterer in last year's Arkle, at 5-1. Twist Magic is a 7-1 chance while Forpadydeplasterer and Big Zeb can be backed at 9-1.Horse racingCheltenham festivalGreg Woodguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Horse racing)

Sam Thomas out of Cheltenham Festival following schooling accident

www.guardian.co.uk - Fractured vertebra for jockey who lost ride on Denman Barry Geraghty set for ride on Gold Cup mountSam Thomas, who rode Denman to win the Gold Cup in 2008, will miss this year's Cheltenham Festival after suffering a suspected fracture of a spinal vertebra in a fall while schooling horses at Paul Nicholls's yard.Thomas was jumping the last of six schooling fences on Woolcombe Folly, a possible runner in next week's Arkle Trophy, when he suffered a crashing fall. He was then taken to the Royal United hospital in Bath by air ambulance, where a spokeswoman confirmed that he was "conscious and able to talk".Nicholls said that Thomas's injuries are not as bad as had been feared but that the jockey is likely to be out of action for at least six weeks."I was speaking to his dad just now, and he told me that the prognosis is OK," Nicholls said. "His dad is saying that he has suffered a hairline fracture of a vertebra, and basically the doctor says that it should take six weeks to heal and there is no damage to the spinal chord."It is not as bad as we all first feared, and there's even a possibility that he will be out of hospital tonight. It was a bad fall and you can't take any chances with a neck injury, but the main thing is that it isn't as bad as we thought it could be."Thomas has suffered mixed fortunes since taking the Gold Cup two years ago with an excellent tactical ride, and learned only a few weeks ago that he had lost the ride on Denman in this year's Gold Cup, to Tony McCoy.However he had been due to partner Tell Massini, the ante-post favourite, for Tom George, his principal retainer, in the Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham next Friday, as well as riding Tricky Trickster for Nicholls in the Gold Cup on the same card. Paddy Brennan is expected to replace Thomas on George's runners and Barry Geraghty has been lined up for Tricky Trickster.Yesterday'sThe injury also seems certain to rule Thomas out of the Grand National meeting at Aintree in three weeks' time.McCoy, who was alongside Thomas when he suffered his fall, also schooled Denman for the first time since falling from the Gold Cup second-favourite when his mount was an odds-on shot in the Aon Chase at Newbury."Today was just the second time McCoy had sat on him and it was the first time since Newbury," said Harry Findlay, the 10-year-old's joint-owner."Denman jumped two hurdles, then two schooling fences and then two proper fences. He was good and aggressive over the first and then a little slower at the second, when McCoy had to cajole him along. Some days you can watch him and not have him on your mind, but I would have given him nine out of 10 today."He was definitely keen enough when jumping, but Kauto is so ready for the race. He has been trained for this race all year and it will take a phenomenal performance for anything to beat Kauto Star."Findlay also hinted that Denman is unlikely to be ridden with the sort of aggression that left the field trailing behind him at Cheltenham two years ago."The day we won the Gold Cup, Tony McCoy said that the race would leave its mark and that we needed to be careful ," Findlay said. "I spoke to him this morning and he still thinks that. He might have won the Hennessy giving away two stone, but I don't think it was the same Denman who won the Gold Cup. He was on fire that day. We are unlikely to be so aggressive this time, but we had to do it then as it was the only way of beating Kauto Star."Horse racingCheltenham festivalPaul NichollsGreg Woodguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Horse racing)

Danny Care expecting England's prep to finally pay-off in Scotland

www.guardian.co.uk - Scrum-half convinced they can score tries at Murrayfield Scotland urge referee to keep eye on English 'blockers'England will fly to Scotland tomorrow intent on disproving the theory that they save their best form for the training paddock. For weeks the English backs have, by all accounts, been ripping it up behind closed doors at their Bagshot headquarters and the scrum-half Danny Care insists Saturday could be the day all the tireless preparation finally pays off.The Scottish back-row will have other ideas - the Glasgow No8 Johnnie Beattie indicated that several home players will be sitting down to watch Braveheart on DVD tomorrow evening - but Care is adamant England will soon come spectacularly good as an attacking force. "When it does finally click, it's going to be something really special," said the Harlequins No9. "We've shown glimpses of how good we can be, but we've just lacked a clinical edge in finishing off tries. It's only that final touch that is missing. Hopefully we can do that this weekend."Quicker ball at the breakdown, better decision-making and more accurate kicking would be a good start, but at least Care is keen to take the game to the opposition rather than sitting back and waiting for the Scots to implode. That could take time. Beattie, who has just signed a new two-year contract with Glasgow Warriors, has been described by his club coach, Sean Lineen, as having "the X-Factor" in terms of getting over the gain line, and the home pack are itching to have a crack at their English counterparts. "It's the most I've looked forward to a game in my career," Beattie said.South of the border, too, the mood is quietly determined. It has certainly been a less contentious Calcutta Cup build-up than of late, with no English fly-halves dropped for visiting nightclubs and Steve Borthwick taking a more diplomatic tack than 12 months ago when he criticised Scotland's alleged lack of humility following England's 15‑9 defeat in 2008. The England captain has clearly learned his lesson: "Those things are long since past. What goes on outside of the four sides of the pitch is peripheral to us."Borthwick is so keen not to ruffle feathers that he even declined to confirm whether, as a proud Cumbrian, he has some Scottish relations. "All my family are England supporters now," he replied cryptically. Even their loyalty will be tested, though, if England do not up the tempo for longer, sustained periods at Murrayfield this weekend and remain on the right side of the South African referee Marius Jonker.The same official presided over England's home Calcutta Cup wins in 2007 and 2009 but has now been urged by Scotland's coach, Andy Robinson, to watch out for American-football style blockers running ahead of the visiting back line.Care's response was suitably breezy - "I wasn't aware we had any linebackers in our team" - but Borthwick is taking no chances. "No referee has spoken to me about it," he said sternly. "What matters is not Andy Robinson's opinion or my opinion but Marius's opinion. We train and play within the laws of the game."Regardless of the result, England will not be hanging around in Edinburgh either to gloat or drown their sorrows. With another away game against France looming, they have instead opted to fly home late on Saturday night, after barely 24 hours in Auld Reekie, rather than go carousing down Rose Street. Win or lose, next week's team announcement is also set to be pushed back to Wednesday.Rugby unionSix Nations rugbyEngland rugby union teamRobert Kitsonguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Rugby union)

Wales coach Warren Gatland breaks cover over 'warthog' jibe in Ireland

www.guardian.co.uk - Coach is called 'menopausal' and 'puerile' in Irish press Says he is 'capable of rising above' such commentsWarren Gatland will tomorrow depart from routine and host Wales's final media conference before Saturday's Six Nations match against Ireland at Croke Park, after finding himself the subject of personal attacks in Irish newspapers.Gatland, who was sacked by Ireland in 2001 after three years in charge, was described by Vincent Hogan of the Irish Independent as being "as rational as a menopausal warthog" and accused of harbouring a "toxic personal agenda" against Irish rugby. The former Ireland second-row Neil Francis called him "puerile" and said the New Zealander could be out of a job in the summer.This is the third time Gatland has prepared Wales to face Ireland. The only other time he has presented a media conference the day before a game, a task he usually leaves to his assistants, was before the fixture in Cardiff last year when he had caused a furore by suggesting his players disliked the Irish more than any other side in the Six Nations."I, like the rest of the Wales coaching staff and players, have broad shoulders and we are more than capable of rising above this kind of self-perpetuating attempt at controversy," said Gatland. "We should treat this with the disdain in which it is offered and I urge true Welsh and Irish rugby fans not to let anything that has been written affect the respect and friendship they share for each other. It does not deserve to impact on what will be a great weekend."Gatland has been complimentary to Ireland this week - in the last two years he has not been afraid to provoke a response. Wales were chasing the title then but two defeats in three matches this year have left them needing a win to avoid going into the last weekend as candidates for the wooden spoon."We know it is going to be tough against Ireland," said Gatland. "We need to be more clinical. There will be a lot of emotion about, with Brian O'Driscoll winning his 100th cap, but it is exciting and I am looking forward to it. We need to improve our decision-making, not putting ourselves under pressure by playing too much rugby from the start. We should not be afraid to go into half-time at 3-3 or 6-6 because, as the game breaks up in the second half, we will create chances. We are in great shape physically and we are strong at the end of games. We must just stop giving away soft points."We do not want to be conservative. We want to play expansive rugby but we just have to be a bit smarter. It would be easy to revert to a tighter game plan but it is harder to go the other way and suddenly become expansive, as England have found. They have been unsuccessful when playing a wider game because they have no experience of it. Attack is costing us at the moment but it will come."The Gloucester chairman, Tom Walkinshaw, and his fellow shareholder Martin St Quinton have pumped more than £2.5m into the club after it posted a loss of nearly £670,000 in the last financial year, compared with a £209,000 profit a year before."Trading has been poor and we needed to do something about it," said Walkinshaw. "We have no idea how the economy will perform in the next year and we now have some clear headroom."Six Nations rugbyWarren GatlandWales rugby union teamIreland rugby union teamRugby unionPaul Reesguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Rugby union)

Tiger Woods in talks about comeback later this month

www.guardian.co.uk - Woods thought to be consulting former Bush aide Likely to return for Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay HillThe chances of Tiger Woods making his comeback in two weeks' time improved today with a report claiming that he has been talking with a former presidential adviser.Contact between the world No1 and Ari Fleisher, who since working for George W Bush has set up a sports communications company, would presumably be to discuss an imminent return.The New York Post says it has been told by "two sources in the golf community" that Fleischer - brought in to try to repair the image of the former baseball slugger Mark McGwire after he admitted using performance-enhancing drugs - is now seeing Woods.One of the sources allegedly told the newspaper: "They were in his living room this week going over a strategy for how to handle Bay Hill in two weeks."The Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Orlando is on 25-28 March, but Woods may first play the unofficial Tavistock Cup on Monday and Tuesday that week. That is a private annual match between members of Isleworth and Lake Nona clubs and Woods has played for the last four years.It is less than three weeks since Woods, in his first public appearance since his sex scandal broke at the end of November, said he was not certain to return this year, let alone a month later.Tiger WoodsGolfguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Golf)

Michael Schumacher ready for Formula 1 and a tilt at an eighth title

www.guardian.co.uk - Germany's Michael Schumacher has said he is as hungry as ever on his return to Formula 1Four world champions lined up for the pre-race photocall in the grand prix paddock this afternoon, but only one of them had the dust of the revised Sakhir circuit - with an extra kilometre and nine new corners added to its layout - on his shoes. Michael Schumacher is back, and with him comes the infinite capacity for taking pains that is sometimes said to define genius.The 41-year-old Schumacher walked the track while the other three - Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso - were presumably content with the hours of familiarisation they had undergone in their teams' sophisticated race simulators. The German champion, returning to Formula One after a three-year retirement, is now officially old-school. And despite 68 pole positions, 91 race wins and seven world championships, he was leaving nothing to chance as he prepared for his debut with the new Mercedes-Benz team."It's great to have him back," a lighthearted Button said as they sat together at today's press conference. "He makes me feel young again." But Alonso, the only one of the other three to have captured his championships during Schumacher's first spell in grand prix racing, made the point that a win against a field including the German was worth more than one achieved in his absence."When you see the world championships that Michael has, it's something that may be impossible to repeat," Alonso said. "But looking at those titles, those pole positions, those grand prix wins, we all agree that he is the best ever. So I'm happy that he's here. A grand prix with Michael on the track has more value."Once upon a time, entering a world ruled by Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Nelson Piquet, a 22-year-old Schumacher felt much the same. "It's a good comparison," he said today, "because when I arrived in Formula One my biggest expectation was far below what I finally achieved. I wasn't full of confidence about being on the same playing field. But pretty soon I realised that they cook with the same water we all use. They are all humans. I feel pretty much the same way now."Schumacher claims to be as fit and as hungry for success as ever, although yesterday he was exposed to the side of the sport that no driver really enjoys. In the morning a press conference at Bahrain's main Mercedes-Benz dealership started more than an hour late, a curious lapse for a team which, returning to Formula One under its own name for the first time since 1955, is hoping to emulate the dominance achieved by its predecessors, who were notorious for operating with a precision that brought professional standards of organisation to a sport previously dominated by the amateur ethos. At the circuit in the afternoon he lined up with his rivals to face the media again, seated on a rostrum in a sort of pole position with the two Ferrari drivers, Alonso and Felipe Massa, on either flank and the McLaren pair of Button and Hamilton hovering over his shoulders.He is, inevitably, the centre of attention, even in a season with the two most recent champions teaming up at McLaren, and with Alonso joining Schumacher's old team to race alongside Massa, who is making his return from the serious head injury that kept him out of the second half of last season. In any normal year, too, the return of the name Senna to grand prix racing, with the great Ayrton's nephew Bruno joining the new Hispania team, would be making headlines, but Schumacher's comeback has turned it into a footnote.Perhaps the most daunting thought for his rivals, however, is that they will not be facing just the greatest driver of their era but a revival of the old partnership of Schumacher and Ross Brawn, his technical director with both Benetton and Ferrari and now the Mercedes team principal. Yesterday he was asked to describe the nature of their relationship and to explain the reasons for its consistent success."I feel it's Ross's capability to analyse things and then give directions to all the people at the factory, in order for them to have a clear line to follow," he said. "Then at the track it's the way he reads a race and reacts to events. It's very straightforward. He also knows my strengths and how he can use them. And hopefully this will lead to some other good moments."About the difference between Ferrari and Mercedes, he said: "One is red, the other is silver." The off-the-cuff joke hid a deeper truth: although the reunion with Brawn is taking place in Oxfordshire rather than Emilia-Romagna, it locates Schumacher in a familiar and comfortable environment. It also evokes memories of past scandals, on and off the track, suggesting that however warm the welcome he is receiving from the other drivers at the outset of the new season, it may not be sweetness and light all the way.Asked what his wife, Corinna, and two children thought about his decision to get back into the cockpit of a 200mph racing car, he replied: "Corinna is here this weekend. She's fairly happy about what I'm doing because she's happy if I'm happy - and I'm very happy right now." His smile faded, however, when he spoke of their daughter, 12-year-old Gina Maria, and son, 10-year-old Mick. "In the past you have never heard anything about my children and you won't be hearing about them now. They have the allowance of their privacy."Whatever motivated his return, it was certainly not a need to provide for his family. Rich enough to have donated US$10m (£6.65m) to the 2004 tsunami disaster fund, he was estimated to have earned £50m a year from all sources before his retirement. Now his retainer from Mercedes is around £6m, around a quarter of what he was getting from Ferrari, which basically means he is doing it for fun."I guess what I'm enjoying is sitting in the car and turning the wheel and fighting against all the other guys on the track," he said. "That's what I've been missing. I said at the presentation of the new car that I felt like a 12-year-old boy. I've grown a little bit since then, but not by much."Michael SchumacherMercedes GPFormula OneMotor sportRichard Williamsguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Motor sport)

Umpire review system may be used at 2011 World Cup

www.guardian.co.uk - ICC considering expanding use of technology in one-day game 'It is clear that everyone believes technology is here to stay'The International Cricket Council's decision review system is "here to stay" - and may even be used in next year's World Cup.DRS has already given rise to its share of controversy since being introduced for Test matches last year. It was a notable source of disenchantment at times during England's recent tour of South Africa, where the furore over the third umpire Daryl Harper's decision to uphold a not-out verdict against the home captain Graeme Smith after a review for caught-behind threatened to overshadow the entire match.Yet following a meeting of the chief executives of the ICC's member nations in Dubai this week, the system - by which teams are allowed to review on-field decisions to the TV official - was reported to have universal support. It is also under consideration to expand the use of DRS, currently operational in five-day cricket only, to the 50-over format.David Richardson, the ICC's general manager, conducted a two-day 'workshop' following this week's meeting, which benefited from the input of broadcasters, technology suppliers and umpire representatives."It was an extremely valuable two days for technology development, and we are grateful to all those who attended," he said. "It was clear that everyone believes technology is here to stay."That conclusion was less evident from the immediate response of the England and Wales Cricket Board chairman, Giles Clarke, following the controversy which erupted around Harper in the Johannesburg Test in January.Neither the workshop nor committee had specific remit to make recommendations on the events of the Wanderers, however. The ICC announced two months ago it would conduct an inquiry into those matters, and others arising, and that investigation is still ongoing."The scope of the discussion covered the protocols for broadcasters and umpires, as well as the playing conditions around DRS," Richardson added.At issue back in January was the quality or otherwise of the audio feed available to Harper as he tried to ascertain whether Smith had edged a ball from Ryan Sidebottom on its way into Matt Prior's gloves.Richardson explained: "We also looked at the preferred technology, whether there was a need for standardisation for all Tests around the world and the cost of providing equipment at all Test matches."There was also constructive discussions on whether DRS should be used for the ICC Cricket World Cup."Cricket world cupCricketguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Cricket)

Hard-nosed French have the bottle to see off Italy in Paris | Eddie Butler

www.guardian.co.uk - France should be too strong for a confident Italy while Wales can beat Ireland if their centres strike right balanceIt has become a labour of love over the past two weeks to try and build a logical argument for Italy to win in Paris in round four of the Six Nations. Well, it's going to happen one day, and Italy must have been uplifted by their victory over Scotland, and in Gonzalo Garcia, Andrea Masi, Alessandro Zanni and Leonardo Ghiraldini they have a cluster of the most consistent players in the championship.But, let's face it, the great moment is not going to happen this weekend. France may have left the revelation of their own, Mathieu Bastareaud, on the bench, following a week of hobbling on a tender calf, but they are hardly rendered feeble by the inclusion of David Marty in the centre, or by the experiment of giving a first start to Marc Andreu on the wing. We can talk until we are red in the bank about salary caps and relative strengths across Europe, but France at the moment have an enormous pool of players who seem good enough to fill every place to be had in Marc Lièvremont's 2011 World Cup squad.There may a question mark over François Trinh-Duc or Lionel Beauxis or Frédéric Michalak (now crocked for the rest of the season) when it comes to steering the team through a World Cup campaign, for none of them is Dan Carter, but for the moment France are serene. And that's an important word for them, synonymous with consistency and patience. There may be a doubt about 10 for 2011, but they are happily on course for a grand slam run of five in 2010.If it is possible to see a pattern to France-Italy I think it will be France purring to a winning margin by half-time, and Italy nobly, if not adventurously, edging the second half. It's happened before: France are too good to lose; Italy are too determined to lose badly.There are very few grounds to support a Welsh victory in Dublin, what with Ireland on course for the Triple Crown and Wales generous to the point of lavishness itself in the way they start their games. Ireland have not exactly been awash with possession this year, but have taken just about every chance, their away day in Paris excluded, that has been offered to them. Wales give and Ireland take.On the other hand, is there much more to come from Ireland, even on the day when Brian O'Driscoll, the master himself, reaches 100 caps? It is inconceivable that the great man will be anything but inspired on his special day. And yet, Tommy Bowe now poses a greater threat in attack, a 14 on the end of diagonal kicks, than that old outside glide from Ireland's 13.There's always the possibility of a Munster trundle up front from a lineout, and a little jig from either Geordan Murphy or Gordon D'Arcy, but in terms of attacking potential, Wales outstrip Ireland by a considerable margin. It's just about finding the right moment to release the potential.In that regard, James Hook is the player on whom the game will hinge. One on one, he is more elusive than D'Arcy, but give him an equation, with various possible outcomes, and his maths can be wobbly. Stephen Jones could scarcely do more to preach common sense inside Hook, but now it is time for Jamie Roberts to replace all the little inaccuracies in his last outing with a thumping display of forthright simplicity.The contrast between Roberts and Hook needs to be emphasised not disguised. The big 12 has not had enough of the ball; while Hook has had too much. Roberts propels Wales forward, and Hook then sets up the finish. There's no point any more in protecting Roberts from tacklers. He's a wrecking ball. Hitting things in his way is what he does.Wales have done their best to unhinge their nation at both ends of the emotional spectrum. Agony and ecstasy is becoming a bipolar cliché. Perhaps it is time for Roberts and Hook to fill a little of the middle ground. Against all sense, I'm going for a Welsh win, achieved without fuss or hysteria.Those will remain, for the purposes of this argument, the preserve of Murrayfield. I just love the prospect of Andy Robinson and Martin Johnson, simmering and fuming volcanically with all the frustration that went and still goes with the coaching of England, standing toe to toe in Edinburgh.I see they are a bit worried about Robinson, a proud Englishman and all that, being party in the home changing room to some of the more inflammatory sentiments that accompany Scotland's approach to the Calcutta Cup match. If you want anti-English sentiment I recommend the Scots give Robinson the floor and tell him to recount the tale of his time at Twickenham.That leaves the game on the field. Since England are slightly more mechanical than mercurial in attack, it may be a day for a fierce Scottish defence to hold out. They eventually ran out of players and steam in Cardiff and had problems on the front foot in Rome. But this could be ready-made for one of those legendary performances when backs are pressed to the wall so tightly that the bricks form a tartan pattern.If there were bonus points in the Six Nations I don't suppose there would be a sniff of a supplementary for tries at Murrayfield. And I wouldn't want to be the one delegated to ask either Robinson or Johnson if he were happy with the extra point for losing narrowly.This is an excerpt from The Breakdown, guardian.co.uk's twice-weekly free email during the Six Nations. Sign up now!Rugby unionEddie Butlerguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Rugby union)

Indian Premier League: team-by-team guide

www.guardian.co.uk - The essential preview for every superstar-heavy side in the razzmatazz world of the 2010 IPLDeccan ChargersFranchise notes Owned by a local newspaper, the Deccan ChronicleCoach Darren LehmannCaptain Adam GilchristStar player Hard-hitting West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Smith.Didn't you retire? Ostracised by the Australian set-up after a series of off-field misdemeanours, Andrew Symonds holds the record for the fastest-ever Twenty20 century, off 34 balls.New faces The 21-year-old West Indian paceman Kemar Roach, who cost $720,000.Tournament record: 2009 champions, 2008 eighth in group stage.Did you know? The Chargers are based in the central Indian city of Hyderabad. The team are named after the plateau which covers much of the south of India.Kolkata Knight RidersFranchise notes Part-owned by Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan.Coaches Dav Whatmore, Wasim AkramCaptain Sourav GangulyStar player Brad Hodge, the scorer of more runs in Twenty20 cricket than any other player (2,547).English interest Discarded once again by the national selectors, Owais Shah has an excellent Twenty20 record.New faces Injury-prone Kiwi fast bowler Shane Bond, available after an ICL ban.Tournament record 2009 eighth in group stage, 2008 sixth in group stage.Did you know? The wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum made Twenty20's highest-ever score in the very first IPL match, 158 not out off 73 balls.Rajasthan RoyalsFranchise notes Part-owned by Bollywood actress and former Big Brother contestant Shilpa Shetty.Captain and coach Shane WarneStar player Indian Swapnil Asnodkar, a fearless opening batsman with a penchant for the spectacular.English interest Dimitri Mascarenhas and Michael Lumb. Both play for Hampshire but the South African-born Lumb was one of the surprise picks of this year's auction, Warne obviously being impressed by his 442 runs in 11 games in last year's Twenty20 Cup.Didn't you retire? The former Australian batsman Damien Martyn left the international stage during the 2006‑07 Ashes, saying he had "lost faith in the system", but Shilpa Shetty says he is still "a world-class player".New faces The Western Australian batsman Adam Voges, snapped up for a bargain $50,000.Tournament record 2009 sixth in group stage, 2008 champions.Did you know? The former Gloucestershire off-spinner, "moon-ball" inventor and psychology graduate Jeremy Snape is the team's "high-performance coach".Mumbai IndiansFranchise notes Purchased for $111m by Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries.Coaches Robin Singh, Shaun Pollock, Jonty Rhodes.Captain/star player They don't come much more star-like than Sachin Tendulkar, scorer of 46 ODI centuries, including a double against South Africa last month.English interest Graham Napier. The Essex all-rounder scored 152 not out off 58 balls against Sussex in 2008 but is deemed surplus to requirements by England.Didn't you retire? Sanath Jayasuriya is still going after first announcing his retirement in 2006.Tournament record 2009 seventh in group stage, 2008 fifth in group stage.Did you know? Kieron Pollard was one of only two players to fetch the maximum possible bid at the pre-tournament auction, with the Indians paying $750,000 for the West Indies all-rounder's services. The other was Kolkata's Shane Bond.Royal Challengers BangaloreFranchise notes Owned by drinks magnate and Force India F1 team chief Vijay Mallya.Coach Ray JenningsCaptain Anil KumbleStar player The Australian leg-spinning all-rounder Cameron White, one of a select group of players to score more than one Twenty20 century.English interest Kevin Pietersen and Eoin Morgan. Two players whose careers are going in opposite directions at the moment, Pietersen will be looking to relocate his mojo after a rotten run of form for England.Tournament record 2009 finalists, 2008 seventh in group stage.Did you know? The Royal Challengers are named after a whisky, produced by the owner's company who have found a clever way round India's ban on alcohol advertising. The alternative, Bagpipers Bangalore, was quickly rejected.Delhi DaredevilsFranchise notes Owned by the GMR Group, "one of the fastest growing infrastructure organisations in India."Coach Eric SimonsCaptain Gautam GambhirStar player Tillakaratne Dilshan, one of very few batsman who can claim to have invented a new shot, the cheeky, over-the-shoulder Diliscoop.New faces The up-and-coming South African left-arm paceman Wayne Parnell, bought for $610,000.Tournament record 2009 semi-finalists, 2008 semi-finalists.Did you know? Last year, the Daredevils opener David Warner made his international debut for Australia before making a first-class appearance for New South Wales.Chennai Super KingsFranchise notes Owned by N Srinivasan, who also happens to be the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India.Coach Stephen FlemingCaptain/star player As well as leading the side, MS Dhoni keeps wicket and is his side's main source of runs. He'd probably bowl as well if you asked him nicely.Didn't you retire? Apparently more interested these days in commentating and cookery, the former Aussie opener Matthew Hayden will be trying to maintain an impressive Twenty20 batting average of 53.45.New faces The young Sri Lankan allrounder Thissara Perera and the former ICL rebel Justin Kemp.Tournament record 2009 semi-finalists, 2008 finalists.Did you know? Stuart Law captained the Chennai Super Stars in the IPL's short-lived rival, the Indian Cricket League.Kings XI PunjabFranchise notes Recent reports that Kings XI's owners, including the Bollywood actress Preity Zinta, had sold their stake to Hero Honda were quickly denied by both parties.Coaches Tom Moody, Trevor PenneyCaptain Kumar SangakkaraStar player Yuvraj Singh, who was replaced as captain in January amid concerns that his batting performance was being adversely affected.English interest Ravi Bopara. After initially expressing concerns about the security situation, the Essex batsman was talked round by the IPL's big cheese and Twitter fanatic, Lalit Modi.Didn't you retire? After consulting with Andrew Flintoff, Brett Lee gave up Tests in February. "I'm not 21, I'm 33," he said.New faces The Indian batsman Mohammad Kaif, and South African left-armer Yusuf Abdulla.Tournament record 2009 fifth in group stage, 2008 semi-finalists.Did you know? According to the franchise's website, the team's coaches are two cartoon lions, Ranjit Singh and Rocky.IPLCricketguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Cricket)

Gold-Cup winner Sam Thomas airlifted to hospital after fall

www.guardian.co.uk - Jockey now a doubt for next week's Cheltenham Festival 'I'm afraid this was a bad fall,' says trainer Paul NichollsThe Gold Cup-winning jockey Sam Thomas has been airlifted to hospital after a riding accident this morning and his participation in next week's Cheltenham Festival is in doubt. Thomas is being treated at Bath's Royal United Hospital, where x-rays have been taken, the results of which are not yet known.Thomas had been schooling the Arkle Chase hope Woolcombe Folly at Paul Nicholls' yard near Ditcheat in Somerset when he had the fall. "You know when a jockey has suffered a bad fall, and I'm afraid this was bad," Nicholls told the Racing Post. As is common in that rural area, Thomas was transported to hospital by air ambulance.There was an early indication that the jockey may not have suffered a serious injury. "I'm hoping he'll be OK for next week," said his principal employer, the trainer Tom George, who has been in touch with the hospital by telephone. He would offer no other details at this stage.The 25-year-old Thomas enjoyed his greatest moment in the saddle when partnering Denman to victory in the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup. He rode the same horse to be second behind Kauto Star last year but has lost the ride on Denman since accepting a position as George's No1 rider last spring.He was expected to ride Tricky Trickster, Nicholls' third-string, in next Friday's Gold Cup. His other mounts at the Festival would include George's Tell Massini, the 9-2 favourite for the Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle.Cheltenham festivalHorse racingChris Cookguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Horse racing)

Gold Cup winner Sam Thomas airlifted to hospital after fall

www.guardian.co.uk - Jockey now a doubt for next week's Cheltenham Festival 'I'm afraid this was a bad fall,' says trainer Paul NichollsThe Gold Cup-winning jockey Sam Thomas has been airlifted to Bath's Royal United Hospital with suspected back and neck injuries after a riding accident this morning. His participation in next week's Cheltenham Festival is in doubt."He had a bad fall schooling at Paul Nicholls's yard," said the trainer Tom George, who is Thomas's principal employer. "I've spoken to his girlfriend, who has been allowed to talk to him. Initial X-rays have shown that there are no broken bones."Thomas had been schooling the Arkle hope Woolcombe Folly at Paul Nicholls's yard near Ditcheat in Somerset when he had the fall. "You know when a jockey has suffered a bad fall, and I'm afraid this was bad," Nicholls told the Racing Post. As is common in that rural area, Thomas was transported to hospital by air ambulance.The 25-year-old Thomas enjoyed his greatest moment in the saddle when partnering Denman to victory in the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup. He rode the same horse to be second behind Kauto Star last year but has lost the ride since accepting a position as George's No1 rider.He was expected to ride Tricky Trickster in next Friday's Gold Cup. His other mounts at the Cheltenham Festival would include George's Tell Massini, the 9-2 favourite for the Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle.Cheltenham festivalHorse racingChris Cookguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Horse racing)

PCB chairman defends bans for Mohammad Yousuf and company

www.guardian.co.uk - Ijaz Butt says severe punishments were necessary 'We are not worried about the consequences of our action'The Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, Ijaz Butt, has defended the punishments imposed on seven of the country's top players, saying strong action was needed to stamp out indiscipline in the national side."I am not apologetic; I think the board has taken the right decision and such strong action was urgently required to put Pakistan cricket back on the right track," Butt said. "This problem of indiscipline and groupings in the team has been festering for a while now and we thought this was the best time to take action."Yesterday the PCB imposed various bans and fines on Mohammad Yousuf, Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik, Rana Naved, Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal and Umar Akmal after considering the recommendations of a committee that looked at poor performances and infighting on the recent Australian tour."We are not worried about the consequences of our action," said Butt. "There is no shortage of talent in Pakistan and we want players to remember they have to give 100% to the country and follow the code of conduct."The board, after issuing two statements to clear up confusion about the bans yesterday, said it would not consider the former captains Yousuf and Younis for national team selection for an unspecified period. Malik and Rana are banned for one year and were fined two million rupees (£29,000) each.Afridi and Kamran were each fined three million rupees (£43,000) and put on six months' probation while Umar was fined two million rupees.Pakistan lost every match of their three-Test, five one-day and Twenty20 series in Australia.Pakistan cricket teamCricketguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Cricket)

PCB chairman defends bans for Mohammad Yousuf and co

www.guardian.co.uk - Ejaz Butt says severe punishments were necessary 'We are not worried about the consequences of our action'The Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, Ejaz Butt, has defended the punishments imposed on seven of the country's top players, saying strong action was needed to stamp out indiscipline in the national side."I am not apologetic; I think the board has taken the right decision and such strong action was urgently required to put Pakistan cricket back on the right track," Butt said. "This problem of indiscipline and groupings in the team has been festering for a while now and we thought this was the best time to take action."Yesterday the PCB imposed various bans and fines on Mohammad Yousuf, Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik, Rana Naved, Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal and Umar Akmal after considering the recommendations of a committee that looked at poor performances and infighting on the recent Australian tour."We are not worried about the consequences of our action," said Butt. "There is no shortage of talent in Pakistan and we want players to remember they have to give 100% to the country and follow the code of conduct."The board, after issuing two statements to clear up confusion about the bans yesterday, said it would not consider the former captains Yousuf and Younis for national team selection for an unspecified period. Malik and Rana are banned for one year and were fined two million rupees (£29,000) each.Afridi and Kamran were each fined three million rupees (£43,000) and put on six months' probation while Umar was fined two million rupees.Pakistan lost every match of their three-test, five one-day and Twenty20 series in Australia.Pakistan cricket teamCricketguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Cricket)

National Rugby League junkies will get their fix any way they can | Andy Wilson

www.guardian.co.uk - Despite the absence of a TV deal for the UK, fans of the brilliant NRL await the opening weekend, while in Super League there are mouth-watering ties closer to homeWhat are your plans for tomorrow morning? For a significant number of British rugby league players, coaches, supporters and journalists - mostly, but by no means exclusively, along the M62 corridor - it will be absolutely essential to secure internet access, from roughly 9am until lunch-time. As things stand, that is the only way to follow the opening games of the National Rugby League season from Australia - Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys, followed by the potential humdinger between Parramatta and the St George Illawarra Dragons.Barring the last-minute television deal that we've all been looking out for, or a repeat of the free streaming offered during last year's finals series on the NRL's official website, we're going to have to make do with live radio coverage, followed by highlights on the NRL site when the games are done and dusted.As far as I know - and as ever, your contributions and corrections are welcome below - the best place to listen to the games tomorrow is via the Sydney talkback radio station 2GB, where commentators such as Ray Hadley, Darryl Brohman and the former Kangaroo prop Steve Roach make British controversialists such as Radio 5's Alan Green sound like shrinking violets who are reluctant to offer an opinion.The much cooler music station Triple M have the radio rights to Monday Night Football, which begins next week with a game of particular interest to us Poms - Wests Tigers, who include the England forward Gareth Ellis, code-swapping Lote Tuqiri and the unheralded former Wigan back-row Mark Flanagan, against Manly.With Sam Burgess due to make his eagerly-anticipated competitive debut for South Sydney in their derby against the Roosters on Sunday - at an hour when you'd have to be seriously committed to get up to listen to an internet radio feed - there is probably more British interest in the NRL this year than at any time since Andy Currier and Shaun Edwards played for Balmain in the 1987 Grand Final.That's what makes the absence of television coverage so frustrating. In retrospect, the NRL made a big mistake in grabbing a better financial offer from Setanta a couple of years ago, rather than sticking with Sky. Even if the Australian clubs did receive the money they were promised from the doomed broadcaster, it can't have been very much, and it has considerably reduced the exposure those clubs and their sponsors receive in Britain and beyond.Sky is now awash with Super 14 rugby union on the weekend mornings when Chris Warren and Tulsen Tollett used to present NRL coverage, and even ESPN, who picked up the rights for the last two weeks of the finals last autumn, are full up with Aussie Rules.ITV4's recent deal for Indian Premier League cricket, which was seen as evidence of their determination to become known as a free-to-air sports channel, has offered another straw to clutch at for British NRL junkies. But for the moment we'll have to make do with what's available on the net, as this ferocious, breakneck, colourful, glamorous and terrifically competitive feast of rugby is not deemed sufficiently attractive by British broadcasters.The competition itself is notoriously difficult to predict - even for those who get to watch it every week - largely because of the successful introduction of a salary cap several years ago. There seems to be a consensus that the cap will be significantly increased when the NRL negotiates a new domestic broadcasting deal next year, thereby plugging the talent drain that has seen stars such as Mark Gasnier, Sonny Bill Williams and Karmichael Hunt leave for rugby union or even Aussie Rules.Given those losses, and the constant stream of negative off-field publicity generated by the misbehaviour of leading players, it is remarkable that the NRL remains so popular. That is the ultimate tribute to the quality of the on-field entertainment that clubs such as Parramatta, Canterbury and the Tigers served up in spades last year, especially during the play-offs. If only we could watch it!Keep the home fires burningAt least this weekend's domestic programme provides plenty of consolation. Sean Long's return to Wigan with Hull should be a Friday night cracker, with the winners going top - at least until Warrington face revitalised Bradford the following evening. Huddersfield v Leeds is a heavyweight Yorkshire derby for Sunday, provided the provocative appointment of the World Club Challenge referee Richard Silverwood doesn't ruin it, and the stakes are arguably even higher down in London where Harlequins and Salford are both desperate for a win.These are tough times at The Stoop, as despite the progress league is making at junior levels in the south, the code's Super League flagship is struggling for the financial or playing resources to compete. But this is emphatically not the time to give up on all that development work.So with apologies to Shaun McRae's Salford, who are in an even grimmer state without a point from their first five matches, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for Quins on Sunday. But first of all, for Sam Burgess and South Sydney. Could this finally be the year of the mighty red and green Rabbits?Rugby leagueSuper LeagueAndy Wilsonguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Rugby league)

Rafael Nadal to warm up for Wimbledon at Queen's Club

www.guardian.co.uk - Spaniard returns after missing out though injury in 2009 'Queen's is a big, important tournament,' says former world No1Rafael Nadal is hoping to regain the Queen's Club title he won in 2008 after confirming his participation in this year's event. The Spaniard was unable to defend his crown last year after succumbing to a knee injury which also forced him out of Wimbledon.But he is relishing the chance to play once again at Queen's. "I always look forward to coming to England to play at the Queen's Club and Wimbledon but this year there is even more motivation because I could not defend my titles last year," said Nadal, who joins the US Open champion, Juan Martín del Potro, in making an early commitment to playing."No one was more disappointed than me that I couldn't play because I love those tournaments," added Nadal. "Queen's is a big, important tournament played at a very nice, traditional club and it was an amazing feeling to win it in 2008 and then to fulfil my dream by winning Wimbledon."To not defend my Wimbledon title last year was one of the toughest decisions in my career, but this is a new year and now I have the chance to go back to England and to compete on the grass again."Rafael NadalTennisguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Tennis)

Talking Horses: Today's best bets and latest news plus our weekly tipping competition

www.guardian.co.uk - The latest news and best bets, plus the fourth day of our weekly tipping competitionToday's best bets, by Tony PaleyRobert 'Choc' Thornton is clearly the man to head Racing For Change. There was genuine disappointment and frustration at both Channel 4 and RFC yesterday in response to the jockey's announcement in the Racing Post that he would not be giving any instant television interviews after races if he rides a winner at the Cheltenham Festival next week.It is difficult to estimate how much support Thornton's stand has among his colleagues in the weighing room but his refusal will certainly be supported by the Racing Post's associate editor Howard Wright, who said as much in one of his Friday columns recently.The immediate post-race interview may not be to everyone's taste but it is an opportunity racing affords those covering the sport for TV, and in an age when the projection of personality and colour is vital, as Racing For Change has made clear, it is a shame that people as prominent in the sport as Thornton and Wright take such a position.Thank goodness John McCririck will be in action all next week from the Festival too. Racing Post editor Bruce Millington responded to the Guardian's story last week that the broadcaster's appearances would be further cut back thus:"The bottom line is he's entertaining. Give us an occasionally wrong, but always interesting, broadcaster over a consistently bland one any day. He's also popular. You only have to see the delight on the faces of the Saturday racegoers as they come across him waving his arms about in the ring to see that.Racing is painfully short of characters, and Channel 4 Racing, when McCririck is off-duty, is prone to hitting flat spots between races that are crying out for the unique veteran to enliven with a burst of invective or an effervescent bulletin on a market move for the next contest."You can read Millington's editoral in full here.Sir Alex Ferguson had other matters to attend to last night as the horse he owns, Sworn Tigress, set off at Wolverhampton just as the manager was about to start his half-time team talk at Old Trafford in the game against AC Milan. Sworn Tigress (7.00) romped home as easily as Ferguson's team did in the end and there must be every chance his runner will follow up tonight at the same venue. She is clearly well ahead of her handicap mark at present.Pity the poor commentator at Wolverhampton this evening. In the concluding race at 8.30 horse No6 is Alfie Tupper and horse No13 is Alf Tupper. According to Wikipedia, Alf Tupper was a fictional working class, 'hard as nails' runner, whose adventures appeared in first the 'Rover' and then the 'Victor', British boys comics from D. C. Thomson & Co. Ltd. His adventures appeared over almost a 40 year period, under the title The Tough of the Track.Similar comments apply to Ciceron (3.35) over the sticks at Wincanton. The lightly raced gelding romped home at Bangor last week and the alacrity with which he cleared the obstacles was impressive for one with limited experience. His opponents are pretty much exposed and it will be disappointing if he cannot follow up this afternoon.Tipping competition, day fourWell, that's what we get for offering a prize to the leader after three days - a four-way tie! The previous clear leader, Renzofan, didn't turn up yesterday, Shrewdette had a short-priced double, keepitduty hit a 9-1 winner and johne5knuckle got the hat-trick. Incredibly, by these diverse means, they all ended up on the same score.Alas, we have to decide on a single winner, which will be done at random, sort of, by means of the 3.40 at Clonmel. We're not interested in your tips for this race. The field will be divided up between the four of you, according to the order in which you post your tips today - the first to post will be allotted the horses with saddlecloth numbers one to four, the next will get five to eight, the third will get nine to 12 and the fourth will get 13 to 16.Numbers 17 and 18 will be disregarded - whoever has the horse which does best of those numbered one to 16 will win a copy of this week's prize. If one of the four doesn't post their tips before 3.40pm, they will be allocated the numbers 13 to 16. If more than one of the four doesn't post their tips by 3.40pm, they will be sorted into alphabetical order by name and treated as if they had posted in that order, after those who have posted. Whew!You are all, of course, still in the hunt to be champion tipster of the week. Today, we'd like your tips, please, for these races: 3.45 Carlisle, 4.20 Carlisle, 4.40 Wincanton.This week's prize is the Racing Post's Cheltenham Festival Guide 2010, a handsome publication whose 190 pages are packed with interesting features, insights and advice on next week's betting jamboree.As ever, our champion will be the tipster who returns the best profit to notional level stakes of £1 at starting price on our nominated races, of which there will be three each day up until Friday. Non-runners count as losers. If you have not yet joined in this week, you are welcome to do so today, but you will start on -9.For terms and conditions click here.Good luck!Standings after day threeRenzofan +19.30Shrewdette +19.30keepitdusty +19.30johne5knuckle +19.30Pomme +15.30FinsburyPark +12.30emmapathak +12shears39 +11.30cloudy75 +10slackdad38 +8.30Gluesniffer +8sangfroid +8andyclark57 +8JDK1 +7.30tom1977 +7MatthewHargreaves +4.30MrPositive +3.30fatdeano +2.30gashead1105 +2.30sandiuk +2.30melonk +1.30xwireman +1Rivercity +1Cairo +0Mulldog -0.70TeddyFrost -0.70Ellandback -1.70Jboyler -1.70chiefhk -2DrKelso -2.70barnstormer -2.70Brochdoll -2.70WalthamstowLad -3.70Moscow08 -4Dangalf -4.70Harrytheactor -4.70factormax -5erifder -5coma88 -5DrSativa -523skidoo -5.70mike65ie -6suckzinclee -7Smidster -7chris1623 -7markahoy -7johnny909 -7.70stee33 -7.70TheVic -7.70mightytigers2000 -7.7015244 -7.70leviticus67 -7.70FredS -7.70RoryD -7.70tiznow -7.70MISTERCHESTER -7.70SussexRH -9kentaylor24 -9MrWinnersSonInLaw -9socialwanderer -9Mai11 -9Viejo -9goofs -9WIN TICKETS TO THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL!!!!!For the first time ever, we are going to run a tipping competition on Saturday's edition of Talking Horses. This is because, at short notice, we have landed a couple of tickets to the second day of next week's Cheltenham Festival, provided by those wonderful folks at Paddy Power.They will post two tickets to the winner of Saturday's competition and tell us that they will arrive on Tuesday by registered post. So do be sure to check Saturday's Talking Horses for your chance to be at the Festival.Next week's tipping competitionTotesport have very kindly agreed to provide four £50 free bets as prizes for next week's tipping competition. We will have no competition on Monday, and then we will give a £50 bet to the tipsters who do best on each day of the Cheltenham Festival. As before, we will be asking for your selections for every race, each day, and the competition is bound to be fierce!12pm Hunterview misses cut in Imperial Cup!Chris Cook reports: Hunterview, the ante-post favourite for Saturday's Imperial Cup, will not be able to run. The final declarations were made this morning and David Pipe's runner, backed down to 4-1 from an initial 8-1 earlier this week, was 27th on the list. The race has a safety limit of 24 and there are also two reserves, so Hunterview has missed out by just one place.Pipe will now be without a runner in the race he has won twice in the last three years. His father, Martin, trained the winner six times.Anyone who has backed Hunterview is entitled to get their stake returned, as is always the case with horses who are ballotted out of handicaps.The new favourite is Qaspal at 5-1, with Pepe Simo at 7-1. Qaspal's main aim was supposed to be one of the Cheltenham handicaps - he is entered in the County and the Martin Pipe but will almost certainly need to get a penalty by winning the Imperial Cup in order to make the cut for either of those.Click here for all the day's racecards, form, stats and results.Click here for today's latest odds. [url: http://guardian.oddschecker.com/ ]And post your racing-related comments below.Horse racingHorse racing tipsTony PaleyChris Cookguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Horse racing)

Australia secure one-day series victory over New Zealand

www.guardian.co.uk - Ricky Ponting and Cameron White score half-centuries Tourists ease to six-wicket Duckworth-Lewis victoryAustralia wrapped up the Chappell-Hadlee series against New Zealand with a game still to play thanks to a comfortable six-wicket win under the Duckworth-Lewis method in Auckland.After being put in to bat by the Australia captain, Ricky Ponting, a rejigged New Zealand line-up struggled to a below-par total of 238 as they were bowled out in just 44.1 overs.But with rain delaying the start of the Australians' run-chase they were set a revised target of 200 in 34 overs and, when play finally resumed, the tourists reached it with 17 balls to spare to take an unassailable 3-1 series lead.Not even the early loss of Brad Haddin for a first-ball duck could knock the visitors off their stride as Ponting and Shane Watson added 82 runs for the second wicket.Ponting was however lucky not to go in Daryl Tuffey's first over when the medium-pacer had him plumb leg before wicket. The umpire Asad Rauf inexplicably turned down the appeal.The pair launched a blistering attack on Tim Southee, who went for 55 off 5.1 overs, and Tuffey in the overs immediately following, taking 39 runs off just 18 deliveries.Watson was trapped lbw by Daniel Vettori for 32, but with Australia at that stage 84 for two off just 12.2 overs, the damage had largely been done. Ponting followed Watson back to the pavilion in Vettori's next over after a blistering 50 from 35 balls, but Cameron White (50 not out off 57 balls), Adam Voges (34 off 36) and Mike Hussey (28 not out off 17) saw Australia home with time to spare.Brendon McCullum had top-scored for the hosts with 61, before becoming one of three wickets for Nathan Hauritz. McCullum and Martin Guptill had got New Zealand off to a flier, with Guptill falling for 30 to Watson after putting on 63 in 7.4 overs for the first wicket. Wickets fell at regular intervals thereafter, however, with only Tuffey, who hit four sixes in a quickfire 34 from 17 balls, providing resistance.Australia Cricket TeamNew Zealand cricket teamCricketJohn Ashdownguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Cricket)

Oldham rugby league team sign up cage fighter Jamie l'Anson

www.guardian.co.uk - Mixed martial artist l'Anson returns to Roughyeds Prop will divide time between rugby and cage fightingOldham are to unleash the cage fighter Jamie l'Anson on their Co-operative Championship One rivals.The 22-year-old prop, formerly of the Super League champions Leeds Rhinos, quit rugby league at the end of last season to take up the no-holds-barred mix of boxing, wrestling and martial arts but has now signed a new short-term deal with the Roughyeds.L'Anson, who played in all but three of Oldham's 30 games last season, says he is meaner and leaner after training for his new sport and losing 21 pounds in weight."I'm pleased to be back," said I'Anson, who also played for the then Celtic Crusaders. "[Oldham coach] Tony [Benson] has never been off the phone so I've agreed a deal which will allow me to divide my week between rugby and training for cage fighting."I developed an interest in it when I was in Thailand in 2007 and I've fancied having a serious go at it ever since."The Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton said: "We wore him down to sign but we know he'll give us everything and we are delighted to have him back."Rugby leagueguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Rugby league)

Tim Henman says he is not interested in Davis Cup captaincy

www.guardian.co.uk - Former world No4 may be tempted in the future 'It doesn't feel like the right time,' says HenmanTim Henman has ruled himself out of the running to be Great Britain's next Davis Cup captain because "it doesn't feel like the right time".The current incumbent, John Lloyd, is considering his future in the role after becoming the first GB captain to oversee five successive defeats when his side lost to Lithuania last weekend.That defeat has left Great Britain on the verge of dropping into Europe/Africa Zone Group III, the lowest tier of the competition, and prompted calls for change within the team.Henman, however, has ruled himself out of taking on the captain's role, although the 35-year-old admitted he would one day like to lead his country."Maybe in three years or in 13 years, sometime in the future, I might be interested in being the Davis Cup captain," the former world No4 told the Sun. "But it doesn't feel like the right time. I'm enjoying my family and my golf - and not having any structure in my life."For 28 of the first 33 years of my life tennis was what I did. I wouldn't change that and I'm sure at some stage I'm going to get more involved and give back to British tennis."But at the moment I would not want the commitment or the responsibility of being Davis Cup captain."Davis CupTennisguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Tennis)

Lewis Hamilton insists he won't go off track

www.guardian.co.uk - Former world champion without two mentors this season 'I race for the same team and I've still the same determination'Lewis Hamilton has no intention of going off the rails now he no longer has by his side two dominant characters who have ruled his life.Less than a year ago Hamilton lost his mentor Ron Dennis who stepped down as McLaren's team principal, many believe to ensure his team avoided severe punishment over the 'lie-gate' scandal. Dennis had been an instrumental figure in Hamilton's career since the age of 13 when he was taken on by McLaren and Mercedes as part of their driver development programme.Then just last week, the 25-year-old announced a parting of the ways from his father Anthony as his manager, insisting he wanted to build a more normal father-son relationship away from Formula One.Ahead of the season-opening grand prix in Bahrain this weekend, it leaves Hamilton without a guiding figure at a race for the first time in his life, a situation he is convinced he can handle."When Ron stepped back, nothing really changed. We've still a good relationship, and if anything it has actually grown," said Hamilton. "Rather than a stressed, thoughtful boss thinking about the job and always giving you advice, now he just gives an opinion. He is so relaxed now, and I think it will probably be the same with my dad."Inevitably, with my dad taking a step back, I will have to make some more decisions for myself. But then I've always been able to do that anyway. For example, I chose where I wanted to live, although I still hope to be guided in the same way."Hamilton maintains there is no wild side about to emerge. "I am who I am," he said. "I don't think anybody has stopped me from being who I wanted to be. When I arrived in the sport, I didn't go out and buy a million different cars, I took my time."Maybe I might buy one car this year, and I might go to one more Amber Lounge [post-race] party this year than I did last year. Who knows? But that's not being wild."I've still the same girl, I race for the same team and I've still the same dedication and determination. I don't think you should try and change something that works. My style, my approach, has always worked for me, and I tend to keep it that way."For now, until Hamilton acquires a new manager, the team principal Martin Whitmarsh will have to take up the mantle of guiding light.Although Hamilton and team-mate Jenson Button are all smiles at the moment as they attempt to build their friendship, Whitmarsh has recognised inevitable issues may arise.As Whitmarsh recently said: "At some point, one of them is going to feel uncomfortable because he is getting beaten by the other."That could lead to friction and be a time when Hamilton will need to turn to someone for advice, although he feels it will not come to that."Formula One is the pinnacle of the sport, it's so intense, so much is going on, so you can't guess whether we will have a tough time at some stage, or something like that," said Hamilton. "But we're professionals, and we have a mutual respect for one another that we will deal with it professionally. That's my feeling."Lewis HamiltonFormula OneMotor sportguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Motor sport)

Swinging cuts: Buying golf clubs at a good price

www.guardian.co.uk - Marc Lockley is the Negotiator. Here he shows how to get a good price when buying golf clubs and accessoriesIn Las Vegas hotels you will often need to walk via the slot machines and roulette tables to get to your room, tempting you to stop and gamble. Similarly, the layout of golf driving ranges requires you to wander through the pro-shop, passing the shiny clubs and latest gadgets both before and after your practice.If you're not careful, before you've even swung a club your eye will have been drawn by a bag of irons, a fancy driver, the obligatory hand warmer and a dozen lake balls, and your wallet will be much lighter. Instead of driving a hole in your pocket, read these tips on how save money on quality equipment.Buy second handIf you are new to the game or on a tight budget, consider borrowing a set from friends or colleagues, or even buying reasonably priced second-hand clubs. There are plenty of bargains online and advertised in newspapers and shop windows, while other players are always upgrading their clubs or quitting the game in frustration. A used half-set might only set you back a little but will be adequate for a beginner.Before buying used clubs visit About.com, which has a handy guide on things to look out for. Many people are still unsure about buying golf clubs second hand via the internet, but if you are happy to do so there are a few sites you can try. eBay and Golfbidder both have lots of equipment listed. If you do decide to go down this route always make sure there is a good returns policy offered by the seller.Last year's modelIf you want to purchase new clubs, consider buying nearly-new models. The physical difference is often slight, but they will cost considerably less.Beware the pro-shop price mythMany people assume the pro-shop will be the most expensive place to buy, but this is not always the case. In fact, after simple negotiations I got a great deal on my current clubs from my local pro-shop. Once you have decided which clubs you wish to purchase, research the best deals both off and online. For example, at the time of writing the price for a set of TaylorMade R9 golf irons (RRP £719) ranged from £639 in one store to £476 on eBay, with several outlets offering prices in between.With an idea of what prices are available, start negotiations with your chosen store, but do not commit yourself at this point. For example, say: "I am considering buying a new set of clubs in the next week or so and saw these on offer for £476 online. Would you be able to beat this price?"You may get an objection such as: "We do not match internet prices". Depending on how far you want to push, either quote the best "shop" price available (it could be 100 miles away, but that often doesn't matter), or say to the salesperson: "Well it is the best price I can achieve, and the cost is important to me. However, I understand the issues of matching online prices. If the difference were small I could possibly still buy from you. What is the best price you can offer?"Ask for extrasThe clubs are only the start of the purchasing process, as you may want to have lessons or buy other equipment. Prior to making a purchase, consider introducing a more conversational version of: "If I decided to also buy this driver/golf bag/have three golf lessons, what is your best overall price?"Before you finalise the deal, see if you can get even more for your money by saying something like: "I will agree to pay £X if you include 12 lake balls."Book late to avoid expensive costsOnce you have your equipment in the bag, don't overpay on a game. A round of golf can cost anywhere between £15 and £100, but the Teeofftimes website, for example, offers you the chance to play at some fabulous courses for huge discounts.Money savvy golfers can share their top tips for enjoying great golf at affordable prices in the comments section below. Any useful hints on lowering my handicap will also be gratefully received!Saving moneyConsumer affairsGolfguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Golf)

Justine Henin makes swift progress at Indian Wells

www.guardian.co.uk - Former world No1 cruises past Magdalena Rybarikova Belgian will face No31 seed Gisela Dulko in second roundThe former world No1 Justine Henin continued her remarkable return from retirement with a 6-2, 6-2 demolition of Slovakia's Magdalena Rybarikova in the first round of the Indian Wells WTA tournament.The 27-year-old Belgian, a wildcard entry at the tournament she won in 2004, broke her opponent twice in each set to triumph in 68 minutes."It's a great feeling," Henin said after booking her place in the next round against the No31 seed, Gisela Dulko of Argentina. "It's a tournament I like a lot and I won here six years ago. It seems like a long time ago."Henin has reached successive finals since returning to the circuit in January after quitting the game in 2008 and she totally outclassed her opponent. The Belgian broke Rybarikova in the first and third games of the match to sweep through the opening set in 36 minutes.Showing no signs of rust in her first match since losing to Serena Williams in the Australian Open final in late January, Henin broke the Slovakian's serve twice more early in the second set to coast to victory.Well though she played, however, she believes it will take her another couple of months before she reaches her top level physically."I still need a few more tournaments," Henin said. "In Australia I proved to myself that I could make it, that I didn't really need a lot of competition to be at a pretty good level. But I see further than that and with the French Open and Wimbledon, I hope at that time I can be at my best level and in good shape to perform really well."Justine HeninTennisguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Tennis)

Laura Davies takes first-round lead at Women's Australian Open

www.guardian.co.uk - Defending champion holds two-stroke lead in Melbourne Six players tied for second after challenging opening dayThe defending champion Laura Davies shot a five-under-par 68 to take a two-stroke lead after the first round of the Women's Australian Open in Melbourne.The English veteran had six birdies and a bogey on the tough par-73 Commonwealth layout where fewer than 25 golfers in the 150-woman field broke par.Davies said her round was highlighted by strong putting and subsequently two good par saves. "Luckily I putted really well today," Davies said. "Today we had two eight- or nine-footers for par and they both went right in the middle of the hole. That's the sort of thing that really keeps you going. Then on nine [her last], hoping to two-putt and you roll a 35-footer in so that was a real bonus."Davies has won the Australian Open twice - last year at Metropolitan and in 2004 at Concord in New South Wales.There was a six-way tie for second: Yang Soo-jin of South Korea, Giulia Sergas of Italy, Jenni Kuosa of Finland, England's Felicity Johnson and Rebecca Flood of Australia and her amateur compatriot Alison Whitaker, all with 70s.Alexis Thompson, the 15-year-old American amateur who played in the U.S. Open at the age of 12, shot 71 and was in a group tied for eighth.Karrie Webb, who won last week's Australian Ladies Masters and is a four-time Open champion, shot 73. Playing the tougher back nine first, Webb had three bogeys before the turn and then posted four birdies and a bogey to remain even on the day.Amanda Blumenherst, who led the Australian Masters after the first two rounds, shot 77 while her fellow American Christina Kim had a 78.Golfguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Golf)

Graham Onions flies home from England tour of Bangladesh

www.guardian.co.uk - Seamer's back injury rules him out of two-Test series England also sweating on fitness of Stuart BroadThe England seamer Graham Onions will fly back to England after being ruled out of the two-Test series against Bangladesh due to a back injury.The 27-year-old suffered the complaint in training last week after arriving in the sub-continent for the Test series and missed the three-day warm-up game against Bangladesh A.Onions was yesterday ruled out for the opening Test, which begins in Chittagong tomorrow, but with the problem showing no signs of improving the Durham seamer has now been ordered home to recover.England are also sweating on the fitness of Stuart Broad who yesterday resumed bowling after suffering back spasms, with no replacement for Onions expected to be named.England in Bangladesh 2010Cricketguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Cricket)

Jenson Button looking forward to 'a belter' of an F1 season

www.guardian.co.uk - World champion predicts a season to remember 'With the new regulations we don't know who is the quickest'Jenson Button believes this season in Formula One will be "a belter" and that Michael Schumacher will prove he can still compete at the age of 41.Button lifted the drivers' crown last year with Brawn GP, but has since joined his predecessor as world champion and fellow Briton Lewis Hamilton at McLaren.And the 30-year-old hopes that new regulations, with no refuelling during the race, and the return of seven-time champion Schumacher - never one to shy away from controversy - will bring many fans back to the sport."I think it will be a belter of a year this year," Button said after receiving the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year Award in Abu Dhabi. "Not for me, I think for Formula One as a whole and for all of us who love Formula One and racing in Formula One."You've got four top teams, maybe even five or six that are going to be quick and competitive. With the new regulations we don't really know who is the quickest team. It's a great position to be in, I think it's great for the sport and hopefully will attract more viewers and fans."Michael Schumacher coming back I think is great for the sport. "He's 41, people are saying he's too old, he's not. I'm 30, at 41 I can't imagine myself racing, I'll go and do something else, but Michael's realised I think it's difficult to find something else to do that gives you that buzz like Formula One does."He's back and with four world champions on the grid all in competitive cars [Button, Hamilton, Schumacher and Fernando Alonso], and new regulations, it should be a very exciting season."Last year was great having a couple of new teams fighting at the front but there were some negatives as well, mostly off circuit."Jenson ButtonFormula OneMotor sportguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Motor sport)

Jenson Button looking forward to 'belter' of an F1 season

www.guardian.co.uk - World champion predicts a season to remember 'With the new regulations we don't know who is the quickest'Jenson Button believes this season in Formula One will be "a belter" and that Michael Schumacher will prove he can still compete at the age of 41.Button lifted the drivers' crown last year with Brawn GP, but has since joined his predecessor as world champion and fellow Briton Lewis Hamilton at McLaren.The 30-year-old hopes that new regulations, with no refuelling during the race, and the return of the seven-times champion Schumacher - never one to shy away from controversy - will bring many fans back to the sport."I think it will be a belter of a year this year," Button said after receiving the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year Award in Abu Dhabi. "Not for me, I think for Formula One as a whole and for all of us who love Formula One and racing in Formula One."You've got four top teams, maybe even five or six that are going to be quick and competitive. With the new regulations we don't really know who is the quickest team. It's a great position to be in. I think it's great for the sport and hopefully will attract more viewers and fans."Michael Schumacher coming back I think is great for the sport. He's 41 - people are saying he's too old, but he's not. I'm 30, and at 41 I can't imagine myself racing, I'll go and do something else, but Michael's realised I think it's difficult to find something else to do that gives you that buzz like Formula One does."He's back and with four world champions on the grid all in competitive cars [Button, Hamilton, Schumacher and Fernando Alonso], and new regulations, it should be a very exciting season."Last year was great having a couple of new teams fighting at the front but there were some negatives as well, mostly off circuit."Jenson ButtonFormula OneMcLarenMotor sportguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Motor sport)

Elena Baltacha battles past Alexa Glatch at Indian Wells

www.guardian.co.uk - Elena Baltacha beats Alexa Glatch 6-3, 6-7, 6-4 Anne Keothavong exits in first round in CaliforniaElena Baltacha has progressed to the second round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, with a 6-3, 6-7, 6-4 victory over the American wild card Alexa Glatch.In a lengthy battle, Baltacha made the most of a string of errors committed by Glatch.Baltacha has climbed into the world's top 65 this year, offering some encouragement for British tennis in a year that has brought Davis Cup humiliation by Lithuania.However, Baltacha's fellow Briton Anne Keothavong fell at the first hurdle at Indian Wells as she lost to Russia's Anna Chakvetadze, who fought back from losing the opening set to win 2-6, 6-3, 6-1.Tennisguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Tennis)

All players have weaknesses but Kevin Pietersen will meet his head-on

www.guardian.co.uk - The struggling Kevin Pietersen will need guidance from England's novice captain and vice-versaBangladesh may not be the most glamorous of tours, but that does not make it any easier. England deserved credit for winning the one-day series but did not get much because people took their victory for granted. That is the one thing the team cannot afford to do. Bangladesh are slowly getting better and more difficult to beat. And off the field, it is a very difficult tour.The weather is hot and muggy, the pitches can be slow and awkward and some of the hotels can be a shock to players who are used to staying in more luxurious conditions. It can be difficult to keep your mind focused on the cricket rather than the other frustrations. That is a real test of a player's attitude and ability to adapt.For English batsmen the tour is also an examination of their technique against spin. Bangladesh have an abundance of spinners who, while they may not be well known, are very crafty and skilled at what they do.On many of the wickets there the ball grips so much that it can seem to stop or slow after pitching. In England a batsman must be able to judge the turn, but pace off the pitch tends to be easy to read. That is not the case in Bangladesh.One aspect of the tour which is getting a lot of attention is the form of Kevin Pietersen. He called me at the end of the one-day series and we had a long chat about his game. We discussed certain technical points.It is noticeable that his balance is still slightly out of kilter early in his innings. He has a tendency to play to the leg side, which is the result of his head moving too far across to the off, outside the line of the ball. To fix that he has to keep his head straight and upright and not let it fall outside the line.All players have weaknesses. One of the things that impressed me most about Pietersen when I worked with him was that where a lot of people run away from their problems, he has always been willing to meet them head-on. If he feels that facing left-arm-spin is an area of concern, then he will practise playing that style of bowling over and again in the nets.If he does have a flaw in his technique he can still rely on his decision-making, his judgment of how or whether to play a delivery, to see him through. It is a question of how he approaches the early part of his innings. There is a perception that Pietersen is an exciting, attacking player and because of that people expect him to go out there in Test cricket and hit the ball from the start.That is not his style. If you look back at his best innings for England, in both one-day and Test cricket, he was definitely someone who got himself established at the crease before he expanded his game to attack the bowling. Pietersen has always been a player who is prepared to take a long time scoring his first 20 or so runs.He has to be careful and patient, to build a platform for himself. Get in and then look to play the more exotic shots which he is capable of. That is crucial. This does not mean that he has to be cautious, he does not want to slip into a negative mindset, but he just really has to appreciate the situation and accept that sometimes it does not matter if the runs are not coming freely. He is skilled enough to be able to get through that and then turn the innings round later on.This is where the management have a big role to play. They must keep reassuring him that they do not mind if he only scores 10 runs in his first hour. Even if he has to block just to exaggerate the point.This may be an area where England will really miss Andrew Strauss's captaincy. As his stand-in, Alastair Cook is the main player in the touring squad. It is not just the less experienced players who are going to be looking to him for guidance; he also has a big role to play in motivating his senior team-mates.Even a player of Pietersen's stature looks to the captain for a little motivation, help and direction. Does Cook have enough of Pietersen's respect? Is there much communication between the two?As a novice, Cook will need Pietersen's support in steering the team, and as a player struggling for form, Pietersen may need a little guidance in return. The next two weeks in Bangladesh is going to be a tough test for both men.Kevin PietersenEngland in Bangladesh 2010England Cricket TeamCricketDuncan Fletcherguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Cricket)