Sunday 31 January 2016

Groves fancies crack at Smith

George Groves (R) stopped Andrea Di Luisa in the fifth round in London
George Groves (R) stopped Andrea Di Luisa in the fifth round in London
George Groves says Callum Smith "wouldn't be a problem" if an all-British super-middleweight fight could be made.
Groves looked sharp on his return to the ring on Saturday, stopping Italian Andrea Di Luisa inside five rounds on his first appearance since defeat to WBC champion Badou Jack.
A fourth world title shot - against WBO king Arthur Abraham - is a summer option for the Londoner, accordinBut Groves would take a crack at Liverpool's Smith, whose April meeting with Hadillah Mohoumadi has been sanctioned as an eliminator for Jack's world title.
Groves produced a dominant fifth-round stoppage win over Di Luisa while Leon McKenzie continued his unbeaten record
Groves produced a dominant fifth-round stoppage win over Di Luisa while Leon McKenzie continued his unbeaten recordg to promoter Kalle Sauerland. Groves and his team dispute that decision and he said: "I'll fight Callum Smith for the No 1 spot, that's a fight that interests me.
"That's one of many options but if they want to present it, I'll have it. I like Callum Smith [as a Groves contemplated retirement after he was outpointed by Jack in September but instead took on Shane McGuigan as a trainer.
And the world title dream - twice scuppered by Carl Froch in the past - is still alive according to Sauerland, who said of the Abraham option: "It would be a blockbuster. It's a huge fight, a stadium fight in Germany or in England. But, it is one of many options."fighter] but he wouldn't be a problem at all." 

Emenike seals Westham deal

The Nigeria striker joins from Turkish side Fenerbahce until the summer, when West Ham will have the option of making the deal permanent.
Emenike played in Russia and Turkey when Slaven Bilic was managing other clubs in the same leagues, and the 28-year-old is looking forward to working with his new boss.
"I'm very, very happy and very, very excited that I'm here," he told West Ham TV.  "I have always known West Ham as a great club. I've always been watching them. West Ham's a great club and I'm happy to be here. 
"I've known him [Bilic] for years. When he was at Lokomotiv Moscow, I was at Spartak Moscow, then he came to Besiktas and I was in Fenerbahce, so we've known each other for a long time. I'm happy to be here and happy to play for him.
"We've followed each other's careers and thank God we are here today and we are here together."
Emenike, who was the top scorer when Nigeria won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, joins up with international team-mate Victor Moses at the Boleyn Ground. Emmanuel Emenike has joined West Ham on loan until the summer
Emmanuel Emenike has joined West Ham on loan until the summer

    Everton eases through to next round

    Arouna Kone celebrates his goal after just 92 seconds at Brunton Park
    Arouna Kone celebrates his goal after just 92 seconds at Brunton Park
    Two early goals were the catalyst as Everton eased into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 3-0 win over Carlisle at Brunton Park.
    Arouna Kone scored with just 92 seconds on the clock and Aaron Lennon added another with a smart finish before the 15-minute mark to dent home hopes of an upset.
    The game lacked an edge for much of its duration as a result of Everton's quick impact and it took until well into the second half before England midfielder Ross Barkley added a third. Roberto Martinez's men were rarely troubled, with Derek Asamoah having only a couple of half-chances for Carlisle as the League Two side's run in the competition came to an end. Carlisle were hosting the tie just a few weeks on from major floods across Cumbria had left Brunton Park under several feet of water, but with a relaid pitch and a near-capacity crowd, the venue had a real buzz prior to kick-off.
    Aaron Lennon scores Everton's second goal during their 3-0 FA Cup fourth round victory at Carlisle
    Aaron Lennon scores Everton's second goal during their 3-0 FA Cup fourth round victory at Carlisle
    Sadly for home fans, that excitement was all but gone within two minutes of the game starting as Kone put Everton ahead.
    Lennon latched on to a lofted ball over the top from Seamus Coleman then scampered down the right and crossed for an easy finish for the Ivory Coast international.
    Lennon added Everton's second just minutes later, completing a fine team move for just his second goal since making a permanent move from Tottenham.
    This time Barkley was the provider but Lennon's first touch was crucial as it took him away from Michael Raynes and allowed him the space to convert under keeper Mark Gillespie.
    Everton's Tom Cleverley challenges for the ball with Carlisle goalkeeper Mark Gillespie
    Everton's Tom Cleverley challenges for the ball with Carlisle goalkeeper Mark Gillespie
    Lennon was constantly getting forward and involved in most of the good attacking play Martinez's side displayed before the break.
    But the Toffees where made to wait until the 65th-minute for a third as Barkley's deflected strike effectively sealed the tie following good work from Leon Osman. 
    There were opportunities for Everton to make their victory even more handsome and Tom Cleverley and Kone were both guilty of letting good openings pass them by.
    There was never any danger of them being punished for that, however, as Keith Curle's decision to pick a defensive Carlisle line-up backfired with the two early goals.
    Ross Barkley scores Everton's third goal to kill off their FA Cup meeting with Carlisle
    Ross Barkley scores Everton's third goal to kill off their FA Cup meeting with Carlisle
    By the time he introduced his leading scorer Jabo Ibehre as his final replacement, any hope the hosts might have had of getting back into the tie was gone.
    Even when it seemed Carlisle might give their fans a goal to cheer moments from the end, they were denied that in stubborn fashion by Phil Jagielka.
    Ibehre caught sight of the far corner and did everything right as he released his shot - only to see Jagielka thrust himself in the way to preserve a most-welcome clean sheet, as well as a place in the fifth round.

    Ronaldo scores Hat-trick in demolision of Espanyol


    Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates one of his three goals on Sunday night
    Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates one of his three goals on Sunday night
    Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick helped Real Madrid close the gap on Barcelona as they thumped Espanyol 6-0.
    The forward has scored 30 goals for Madrid this term and they now trail La Liga leaders Barcelona by four points and sit just one behind city rivals Atletico.
    Karim Benzema, James Rodriguez and Ruben Duarte's own goal sealed Madrid's demolition job.
    Benzema opened the scoring after just seven minutes to start a first-half goal rush as Madrid bossed the game from kick-off.
    He turned in James' inch-perfect cross from six yards and then Ronaldo doubled the lead from the spot five minutes later when he was brought down by Enzo Roco.
    There was no let-up from the hosts and James made it 3-0 after just 17 minutes when his shot deflected off the back of Diop and wrong-footed goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis, on loan from Watford, in the Espanyol goal.
    Relive the action as Ronaldo scores a hat-trick in Real Madrid's 6-0 win over Espanyol at the Bernabeu
    Relive the action as Ronaldo scores a hat-trick in Real Madrid's 6-0 win over Espanyol at the Bernabeu
    Benzema wasted two more chances before Ronaldo grabbed his second when he broke through and beat Arlauskis from just outside the area.
    Zinedine Zidane is yet to lose since replacing Rafael Benitez this month and his side continued to batter their visitors as Isco and Benezma went close.
    Abraham had Espanyol's best chance but his late shot was saved by Keylor Navas before Ronaldo clinched his treble by heading in Jese's cross with eight minutes left.
    Duarte then completed the rout after the centre-back unfortunately deflected Jese's low centre into his own net with four minutes remaining.

    Karim Benzema (left) celebrates after scoring Real Madrid's first goal
    Karim Benzema (left) celebrates after scoring Real Madrid's first goal
    They go to Granada next Sunday hoping to catch Barcelona after Luis Enrique's side beat Atletico 2-1 at the Nou Camp on Saturday.

    Terry to leave Chelsea

    John Terry is set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season
    John Terry is set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season
    John Terry has revealed Chelsea will not renew his contract when it expires at the end of the season.
    The club's most decorated captain announced the news after starting a 5-1 FA Cup win at MK Dons on Sunday and said he plans to continue playing, although not in England.
    The 35-year-old sought clarification on his future before last week's win at Arsenal and has now accepted there will be "no fairytale ending" to his career despite a suggestion from Chelsea that "things might change" when a permanent successor to Jose Mourinho is appointed. "It's a big season for me and I want to push on - not just in this competition but in the Premier League as well. I knew before the Arsenal game so mentally I've kind of accepted it. We just have to move on.
    Terry lifts the Premier League trophy for a fourth time in May
    Terry lifts the Premier League trophy for a fourth time in May
    "They said that when the new manager comes in, things might change. It's a no at the minute. I needed to know now like I have done every January and sometimes it takes a couple of months to get done.
    "Unfortunately it was a no. It's not going to be a fairytale ending, I'm not going to retire at Chelsea. It's going to be elsewhere, which it took me a couple of days to get over. But my performance isn't going to change - the way I train, what I give for the club. I want to give everything and finish on a high, on 100 per cent good terms with the club.
    "I couldn't play for another Premier League club, so it will be elsewhere for sure."
    Terry lifts the Champions League trophy in 2012 after missing the final through suspension
    Terry lifts the Champions League trophy in 2012 after missing the final through suspension
    However, a statement from a Chelsea spokesman later on Sunday appeared to leave the door open for Terry to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.
    "John requested a meeting with the club the week before last. In that meeting he asked about the possibility of an extension to his existing contract," said the spokesman. 
    "John was advised that while no new deal was currently on the table, that situation could change in the coming months. The club has the utmost respect for John and everything he has helped us achieve to date. 
    "He is a fantastic servant of Chelsea Football Club and a superb captain and, as such, the club will keep the channels of dialogue open."
    Ray Wilkins gives his reaction to the news that Chelsea will not renew Terry's contract
    Ray Wilkins gives his reaction to the news that Chelsea will not renew Terry's contract
    If he does not return, Terry admitted he has been offered a route back to the club once his playing career his over, and he said: "We spoke about my legacy and coming back to the club when I finish. The most important thing now is to get us up the league.
    "The club will move on. No player is ever bigger than the club. Ideally I would have loved to stay, but the club's moving in a different direction. No doubt they'll sign one or two great centre-backs.
    "I want to come back as a Chelsea supporter in years to come with my kids and see the team doing great. unfortunately that's not going to be with me, but I want to see the team do well. It's going to be my last year and I want to go out at the top."
    Terry, who has been on Chelsea's books since he was 14, made his debut as a 17-year-old in 1998 and has gone on to win 14 major trophies at Stamford Bridge.

    Terry's Chelsea stats

    • Appearances - 696
    • Goals - 66
    • PL titles - 4 ('05, '06, '10, '15)
    • FA Cups - 5 ('00, '07, '09, '10, '12)
    • League Cups - 3 ('05, '07, '15)
    • Europa League - 1 ('13)
    • Champions League - 1 ('12)
    He was made skipper under Jose Mourinho in 2004 and led the club to just a second English title the same season, going on to lift the trophy three further times.
    The 35-year-old's haul of honours also includes five FA Cups, three League Cups, a Europa League and a Champions League, although he famously missed the 2012 final through suspension.

    Terry the Premier League legend

    SSNHQ's Andy Burton reflects on John Terry's last six months
    He said: "I was in last week before the Arsenal game and it's not going to be extended. It's my last run in the FA Cup so I want to make it a good one.

    Djokovic reigns in Melbourne.

    Novak Djokovic defeated Andy Murray in straight sets to win his sixth Australian Open title. [Footage courtesy of Eurosport]
    Novak Djokovic defeated Andy Murray in straight sets to win his sixth Australian Open title. [Footage courtesy of Eurosport]
    Andy Murray's hopes of a maiden Australian Open title were once again dashed by Novak Djokovic as the world No 1 won a record-equalling sixth Melbourne title on Sunday.
    Djokovic successfully defended his crown in his fifth consecutive Grand Slam final after pipping Murray to the title for a fourth time and fifth overall with a commanding 6-1 7-5 7-6 (7-3) victory on Rod Laver Arena.
    Victory helped the 28-year-old claim his 11th Grand Slam title and join Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg on the all-time list - and inch closer to Roger Federer's record of 17. 
    Djokovic is congratulated by Murray
    The dominant Serb also extended his Grand Slam winning streak to 21 matches, and has not lost a match at the majors since he was defeated by Stan Wawrinka in last year's French Open final at Roland Garros.
    Murray was beaten in straight sets by Djokovic
    Murray was beaten in straight sets by Djokovic
    "I feel like I've been here before," Murray said in his on-court speech.
    "First, I'd like to congratulate Novak. Six Australian Opens is an incredible feat and also what he's done in the last year or so has been incredible consistency, so well done to him and all of his team."
    Welling up, Murray added: "And to my wife Kim, I'm sure she's going to be watching back home just now. You've been a legend the last few weeks, thank you for your support and I'll be on the next flight home."
    Murray was broken twice in the opening set
    Murray was broken twice in the opening set
    Despite facing an early break point in his opening service, Djokovic soon found his rhythm and broke Murray's serve twice to claim the opening set in 30 minutes.
    It took the British No 1 until the sixth game to hit his first winner and he survived four break points to hold serve in a marathon 12-minute third game.
    But Djokovic gained another psychological breakthrough with a service break in the seventh game.
    Djokovic was at his ominous best in the final
    Djokovic was at his ominous best in the final
    Murray battled to break back immediately in the following game with his backhand clipping the baseline, which was confirmed by Djokovic's challenge.
    In what was turning into a war of attrition, Djokovic fought back from 0-40 down to break Murray's serve for a fourth time - featuring one lung-busting 36-shot rally - to lead 6-5 and serve for the second set.
    The top seed went on to claim a two sets to love lead after winning an 80-minute battle for the second set.
    The Serb was made to work harder in the second and third sets
    The Serb was made to work harder in the second and third sets
    Djokovic's record in five-setters is 26-8 but any faint hopes of a comeback were quickly diminishing as a superb backhand winner broke Murray in the opening game of the third. 
    With Murray looking at a Herculean task to take the final to five sets, he did find some fire within to force a tie-break but then his resolve crumbled as he served two double faults - his fourth and fifth of the match - to give Djokovic a 6-1 lead.
    Djokovic served out with an ace to seal the title, and when they met at the net, Murray had two words for his conqueror: "Too good".
    The British No  1 made too many unforced errors
    The British No 1 made too many unforced errors
    It was another big statement from Djokovic against his major rivals after beating Rafael Nadal 6-1 6-2 at Doha and convincingly dismantling Roger Federer in the Melbourne semi-finals.
    Murray now has the unwanted statistic of becoming only the second man in the post-1968 Open Era to lose five Grand Slam finals at any one major.
    Ivan Lendl, Murray's former coach, lost five finals at the US Open in 1982-1984 and 1988-1989, before winning at Flushing Meadows in 1985-1987.

    Murray v Djokovic: Match Stats

    MurrayDjokovic
    Aces127
    1st serve points won68%74%
    2nd serve points won35%53%
    Net points won79%65%
    Winners4031
    Unforced errors6541

    Chris Robshaw admits he found it difficult to return to rugby after the World Cup

    Chris Robshaw is ready to begin a "new chapter" in an England career that has been scarred by frustration.
    Robshaw was the automatic pick as captain throughout Stuart Lancaster's regime but was relieved of the post after Dylan Hartley was chosen by new head coach Eddie Jones to lead the team during the Six Nations campaign.
    He remains a part of Jones' plans, however, after the Australian challenged him to emerge from the next two months as Europe's most accomplished blindside flanker. Robshaw was heavily criticised for England's World Cup failure
    Despite the criticism Robshaw has faced, his appetite for international rugby is undiminished  It's a new chapter. Hopefully I'll have the opportunity to go out there and right some wrongs," said Robshaw, who was heavily criticised following England's failure to get out of the group stage of at the World Cup.
    "Hopefully I can perform and repay that trust in me that Eddie has shown so far. It was difficult coming back from the World Cup but I need to go out there and hopefully achieve again.
    Robshaw has impressed for Harlequins this season
    Robshaw has impressed for Harlequins this season
    "We all have setbacks in sport and in life and a lot of people in our game have gone on after them to be extremely successful.
    "You go through tough times every now and again - it is about how you respond. It is about the character of the individual. I think you see what you are about.
    "I fully understand the reasons for the captaincy change and respect Eddie for his choice and will support Dylan as well as possible.
    "For me now it is about being part of the team, doing my bit for the team whatever that may be and supporting Dylan.
    Eddie Jones will oversee his first England game against Scotland
    Eddie Jones will oversee his first England game against Scotland
    "It is interesting to look back over the past four years. I'm extremely proud that I've had the opportunity to captain England.
    "Of course it didn't always go our way and there were a couple of mistakes along the way.
    "I'm not proud of how the World Cup turned out but I'm extremely proud to have captained this country."
    Meanwhile, Kieran Brookes has joined up with the England squad at Pennyhill Park to replace Henry Thomas as preparations continue for the game against Scotland on Saturday.
    Brookes returned to the Northampton starting team in their 24-11 defeat to Wasps on Friday night and will look to add to his 15-cap tally.

    Saturday 30 January 2016

    Choi still tied for Torrey lead

    KJ Choi birdied the last to return to nine under
    KJ Choi birdied the last to return to nine under
    KJ Choi remained firmly in contention for his first PGA Tour win in almost five years as he retained a share of the lead at the Farmers Insurance Open.
    Choi dug deep in tough conditions on the South Course at Torrey Pines and birdied the last hole to salvage a 72 which put him level with Scott Brown heading into the final round.
    But a stormy finish is in prospect on Sunday as organisers brought forward the tee times due to the threat of adverse weather, and the players are likely to be forced to negotiate one of the toughest courses on Tour in winds of up to 40mph. 
    Choi staged a fine fightback with three birdies in his last six holes
    Choi staged a fine fightback with three birdies in his last six holes
    And with 23 players within four shots of the lead, Choi has his work cut out if he is to pick up his ninth PGA Tour title, and his first since edging out David Toms in a play-off at the Players Championship in 2011.
    The Korean veteran hit back from a bogey at the fifth with an immediate birdie at the next, but a poor approach to the seventh left him in an awkward lie and he scrapped his way to a double-bogey six.
    Choi dropped another shot at the 12th, but he staged a superb response over the last third of the round as he birdied the next two holes before a well-judged pitch to four feet at the last set up a closing birdie at the par-five.
    Scott Brown fired a composed 70 to join Choi in a share of the lead
    Scott Brown fired a composed 70 to join Choi in a share of the lead
    Brown mixed five birdies with three bogeys in his two-under 70, although he failed to get up and down from a greenside bunker at the last as his eight-foot birdie putt for the outright lead missed the target.
    The leading pair are one ahead of Jimmy Walker, who birdied the last two holes to post a creditable 68, while joint-overnight leader Gary Woodland was three over for his round until he birdied 15 and 18 to join Walker on eight under.
    Jonas Blixt made five birdies in a superb back-nine 31
    Jonas Blixt made five birdies in a superb back-nine 31
    Jonas Blixt put together the round of the day, making birdies at four of the last six holes in a back-nine 31 which saw him return a 66 and get to seven under for the week - an outstanding effort considering he had opened the tournament with a 77.
    Big-hitters Martin Laird (73) and Dustin Johnson (74) both slipped to six under, while Paul Dunne continued to impress on his PGA Tour debut as he compiled a solid 70.
    Paul Dunne is just four off the lead on his PGA Tour debut
    Paul Dunne is just four off the lead on his PGA Tour debut
    The Irishman, who shared the 54-hole lead at last year's Open while still an amateur, offset four birdies with a pair of bogeys and closed four off the lead on five under.
    Jason Gore provided a moment of magic when he registered an albatross at Torrey Pines
    Jason Gore provided a moment of magic when he registered an albatross at Torrey Pines
    Meanwhile, shot of the day went to Jason Gore as he recorded the first albatross of the season at the 18th - a towering fade with a three-wood from 250 yards which cleared the lake before landing softly and rolling straight into the cup.