Extreme Sport Site

Alonso - not in plane.
ALONSO NOT IN PLANE ACCIDENT - AGENT

Fernando Alonso’s agent has denied reports that the Formula One star was involved in a minor plane accident on Sunday.

There had been suggestions the two-time world champion was flying back from a holiday in Kenya with his wife when the light aircraft he was travelling in brushed a building on take-off, damaging a wing.

But the agent for the Renault driver insisted it was not as serious as reported.

“It seems that the plane took a blow while they were parking it,” said Luis Garcia Abad. “Fernando wasn’t even inside the aircraft.

“We didn’t give it the slightest importance and because of that this commotion surprises us. It doesn’t even qualify as an accident.”

CANADA’S IVAN BABIKOV IS KING OF THE MOUNTAIN AFTER WINNING GOLD IN PURSUIT RACE AT TOUR DE SKI

VAL DI FIEMME, Ita.—Canada’s Ivan Babikov saved his best for last, winning the gold medal at the seventh and final stage of the nine-day Tour de Ski – an 11-kilometre pursuit race in Val di Fiemme, Italy on Sunday.

In one of the most difficult races on a cross-country skiers schedule that ends with a 425-metre climb to the finish line at the top of Alpe Cermis, Babikov fought off the world’s best skiers and sickness that has disrupted the momentum of the Canadian team to win his first ever World Cup race. Babikov clocked a winning time of 33 minutes 51.2 seconds.

“I am so thrilled and totally couldn’t believe it when I was standing on top of the podium,” said Babikov following the awards ceremony, who added he nearly didn’t’ even race today because of an illness rolling through the team. “Our entire men’s team has been sick and yesterday was so hard for us, but I have been looking forward to this uphill climb all year and told myself to pass as many skiers as I could today.”

The victory puts Babikov in some prestigious company. The only other Canadian male to win a World Cup cross-country ski race is Pierre Harvey who made three trips to the top step of the podium. Babikov’s previous best finish was a fourth-place result at the Alberta World Cup in Canmore, Alta. in 2005.

“A World Cup win is something you dream of,” said Babikov, who is a gritty, tough skier that specializes in long distances and challenging climbs. “Our team has been so strong throughout this tour and I am just so happy to be a part of a great team. I have been waiting for this final day and glad it happened.”

Babikov’s new team extends far beyond the sport of cross-country skiing. The 28-year-old Babikov received his Canadian citizenship nearly one year ago after emigrating to Canmore from Syktyvkar, Russia. Babikov, who now resides in Canmore, Alta. with his wife Svetlana and two-year-old son Sergei, raced for Russia at the 2006 Olympics and is competing in his first full season with the Canucks.

The victory marks the second podium appearance by the Canadian men during the seven-race Tour de Ski that was contested in three countries over the last two weeks. Devon Kershaw, of Sudbury, Ont., won a bronze medal in the men’s 15-kilometre classic race at the second stage of the Tour in Oberhof, Germany. Battling illness which nearly forced him to the sidelines, the 29-year-old Kershaw sucked up the pain to finish 22nd on Sunday with a time of 35:11.8, putting him 21st overall.

“I’m done and to finish is a big step forward for me,” said Kershaw who failed to complete his first two trips to the Tour de Ski, and was in seventh spot overall heading into the final weekend. “It is obviously disappointing to get sick and that put me back in the standings, but I had some great results and collected a bunch of World Cup points so it was important for me to finish. Ivan was the man today and I’m very happy for him.”

Sara Renner was the lone Canadian to start and finish the enduring trek against the top women cross-country skiers in the world. One of the most consistent athletes on the circuit, the Canmore, Alta. native finished 15th overall after a 22nd-place finish (37:37.6) in the women’s nine-kilometre pursuit on Sunday.

Norway’s Therese Johaug won the final women’s stage after clocking a winning time of 35:07.7. Johaug’s teammate, Kristin Stoermer Steira, was second at 35:16.4, while Valentina Shevchenko, of the Ukraine, was third (35:52.0).

Switzerland’s Dario Cologna and Finland’s Virpi Kuitunen were crowned the king and queen of cross-country skiing after finishing first in the overall men’s and women’s Tour de Ski respectively.

The Canadian team will now head home and prepare for a World Cup race at Whistler Olympic Park, January 16-18, 2009

Cross Country Canada is the governing body of cross-country skiing in Canada. Its 51,000 members include athletes, coaches, officials and skiers of all ages and abilities, including those on Canada’s National Ski Teams and Para-Nordic Ski Teams. Cross-country skiing is Canada’s optimal winter sport and recreational activity with more than one million Canadians participating annually.

Complete Tour Standings: www.tour-de-ski.com

STAGE SEVEN RESULTS:

TOP-5 MEN AND CANADIAN RESULTS:
1.Ivan Babikov, Canmore, Alta., CAN, 33:51.2; 2. Tom Reichelt, GER, 33;52.7; 3. Giorgio Di Centa, ITA, 33:54.4; 4. Matti Heikkinen, FIN, 34:03.2; 5. Lukas Bauer, CZE, 34:06.4.
Canadian Results:
22. Devon Kershaw, Sudbury, Ont.

TOP-5 WOMEN AND CANADIAN RESULTS:
1. Therese Johaug, NOR, 35:07.7; 2. Kristin Stoermer Steira, NOR, 35:16.4; 3. Valentina Shevchenko, UKR, 35:52.0; 4. Justyna Kowalczyk, POL, 35:54.8; 5. Evgenia Medvedeva, RUS, 36:02.3
Canadian Results:
22. Sara Renner, Canmore, Alta., 37:37.6.

*****

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Chris Dornan
Media and Public Relations
Cross Country Canada
T: 281-703-4394

Ivanovic celebrates her victory.
IVANOVIC ENJOYS WINNING START

Top seed Ana Ivanovic opened her 2009 season with a straight-sets defeat of Petra Kvitova at the Brisbane International on Monday.

The 21-year-old Serbian, who enjoyed a spell at the top of the rankings in 2008 before ending the year in fifth, was too strong for her Czech opponent and ran out a comfortable 6-4 6-2 winner.

Daniela Hantuchova was one of three seeds to crash out after losing to Italy’s Sara Errani.

The tall Slovakian, seeded number four, started well but then collapsed to a 6-7 (1/7) 6-4 6-0 defeat.

Eighth seed Francesca Schiavone and ninth seed Ai Sugiyama also lost, Schiavone going down 7-5 6-2 to Olga Govortsova from Belarus and veteran Japanese Sugiyama falling 6-2 6-3 to home favourite Sam Stosur.

Stosur, ranked 52nd in the world, was due to play Russian Maria Kirilenko in the opening round before the seventh seed withdrew due to illness.

The Queenslander is aiming to get back to full fitness after suffering from Lyme disease and viral meningitis in 2007 which saw her ranking slip from a career-high 27.

Former world number one Amelie Mauresmo is through although she was pushed all the way by the returning Jelena Dokic.

Dokic, a Wimbledon semi-finalist in 2000, battled hard but the Frenchwoman prevailed 7-6 (11/9) 7-6 (7/5).

There were also wins for Tathiana Garbin and Lucie Safarova.

THE CANADIAN SKI CROSS TEAM FACES TOUGH CONDITIONS IN ST. JOHANN, AUT.

ST. JOHANN, AUT. (January 4, 2009)- On a technically demanding track further complicated by water injection, The Canadian Ski Cross Team was able to overcome adverse conditions and qualify 4 athletes for tomorrows race in St. Johann, Austria.

Brady Leman (Calgary, AB), one of the newest members of the team, was the fastest member of the men’s team to qualify for tomorrow race, securing 9th position on the day. Followed by veterans Stanley Hayer (Calgary, AB) in 12th spot and Chris DelBosco (Sudbury, ONT.) in 13th.

Kelsey Serwa (Kelowna, BC) was the lone woman from the Canadian Team to qualify, battling from a start of position of 45th, Kelsey managed to secure 10th spot.

“This was a first for me, I’ve never seen a Ski Cross track that’s water injected,” said Eric Archer, head coach of the team, “ These conditions are really tough, if your not training on this type of snow regularly it is almost impossible to gather the skills needed in two days of training, it was bulletproof out there. The Canadian athletes that qualified were able to pull it together really well.”

The race will begin tomorrow 9:45am MT with final starting at 11am MT.

MEN’S RESULTS
9TH – BRADY LEMAN (CALGARY, AB.)
12TH - STANLEY HAYER (CALGARY, AB.)
13th - CHRIS DELBOSCO (SUDBURY, ONT.)

DNQ - DAVEY BARR (WHISTLER, BC.)
DNQ - CAMRON CULBERT (NORTH BAY, ONT.)
DNS - DAVE DUNCAN (GOLDEN, BC.)

WOMEN’S RESULTS
10TH – KELSEY SERWA (KELOWNA, BC.)

DNQ – ANIK DEMERS-WILD (LAC BEAUPORT, QB.)
DNQ – JULIA MURRAY (WHISTLER, BC.)
DNQ – ASHLEIGH MCIVOR (WHISTLER, BC)
DNQ – DANIE POLESCHUK (CALGARY, AB)
DNQ – ALEISHA CLINE (SQAMISH, BC.)

Andrew Squires
Canadian Ski Cross Team
Director of Marketing and Supplier Services
Ph- (403) 397 9943
Email – asquires@ski-cross.ca
Web – www.ski-cross.ca

Marat Safin showing up in Australia with black eyes after getting his ass kicked (or winning a barfight?); Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams still injured; Pete Sampras saying the U.S. could be in for a long talent drought at the top. Welcome to the 2009 tennis season:

Qatar ExxonMobile Open 2009
DOHA, Qatar
Surface: Hard

Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Andy Roddick go from collecting bank at the Abu Dhabi exhibition to making real green this week as the top three under-the-table appearance-money gatherers in Doha, where Murray is the defending champ. The Brit is also coming off the Abu Dhabi exo title where he defeated Federer and Nadal.

Nadal opens against Fabrice “The Magician” Santoro, and faces a potential quarterfinal meeting against Gael Monfils then Roddick in the semis.

The talent level takes a steep dive outside of the Top 4, so don’t be surprised to see Nadal vs. Roddick and Federer vs. Murray in the semis.

Brisbane International
BRISBANE, Australia
Surface: Hard

Top seed Novak Djokovic, at No. 3 in the world, is within striking distance of overtaking Roger Federer for the No. 2 ranking. He starts his campaign at Brisbane, which offers half the prize money of the ATP event this week in Doha, but has a stronger overall field. The Serb is joined among the seeds by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Fernando “Hot Sauce” Verdasco, Robin Soderling, Tomas Berdych, Mardy Fish, Richard “Failed Fed” Gasquet and WTA lothario Radek Stepanek.

Djokovic starts a tough one against big-hitter Ernests Gulbis, with Verdasco opening against Aussie wildcard hope Bernard Tomic. Fish begins against Austrian veteran Jurgen “Tuna” Melzer, and Soderling against American thumper Sam Querrey. American Taylor Dent also gained direct entry into the event via an injury-protected ranking.

Defending champ Michael Llodra, again unseeded this year, will start against a qualifier before facing the winner of Stepanek and Russian Igor Kunitsyn.

Ana Ivanovic heads the women’s side as the lone Top 10-ranked seed. Victoria Azarenka, Marion Bartoli, Daniela Hantuchova, former No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo, Kaia Kanepi and Francesca Schiavone are the remaining seeds.

Wildcards went to the embattled Jelena Dokic and Aussie hopefuls Monika Wejnert and Isabella Holland.

Chennai Open 2009
CHENNAI, India
Surface: Hard

Mikhail Youzhny doesn’t return to defend his astounding 6-0, 6-1 beating of Rafael Nadal in last year’s final, but fellow Russian Nikolay Davydenko will be the top seed, looking for a first Chennai title.

Also seeded is 2008 Top 10er Stan Wawrinka, Croat comer Marin Cilic, fellow Croat “Dr.” Ivo Karlovic, 1999 runner-up Rainer Schuettler, two-time winner Carlos Moya, Serb Janko Tipsarevic and Spaniard Marcel Granollers.

Wildcards went to American-raised Indian Prakash Amritraj, American-schooled Indian Somdev Devvarman, and Czech Lukas Dlouhy.

ASB Classic
AUCKLAND, New Zealand
Surface: Hard

The annual Hong Kong exhibition usually attracts the top women players and takes the thrill out of the opening week of WTA Tour play, and this year is no different as Auckland kicks off the 2009 campaign with one lone Top 10-ranked seed in Elena Dementieva.

Challenging Dementieva in the name game will be Nuria Llagostera Vives, Barbora Zahlavova Strycova, Klara Zakopalova, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Anne Keothavong, Magdalena Rybarikova and Alla Kudryavtsova.

Also among the seeds at Auckland, where pregnant defending champ Lindsay Davenport won’t return, are Caroline Wozniacki, Anabel Medina Garrigues, Aleksandra Wozniak, Shahar Peer, Nicole Vaidisova, Pavlyuchenkova, and Carla Suarez Navarro.

TENNIS-X NEWS, NOTES, QUOTES AND BARBS

SAFIN THE BRAWLER — Officials at the Hopman Cup exhibition were shocked when Marat Safin showed up for the event with a black and bloodied eye and cuts on his face after getting in a brawl in Moscow. Safin arrived in Perth on Saturday night and immediately asked tournament director Paul McNamee for a doctor and a practice court. “I wasn’t sure why he was arriving so late, why he was requesting to play a day later, and now I know why,” McNamee told the local media. “To see him like that, it’s amazing that he’s come. I know around Marat the unexpected happens, but you couldn’t really pick this one. When he arrived last night I saw him in the lobby and he didn’t look good. He said, ‘I need two things — I need to see a doctor and I need to practice.’ I dragged the doctor out of the hall and then he gave him some treatment and then he went and practiced. He said he had not been able to play in the last week (due to injury to his hands).” Safin won his opening-round match, and reports he won the fight.

TENNIS-X READER FEEDBACK ON NEW ATP WEBSITE RE-DESIGN: ‘Ground Control to ATP’ says: “That website design is absolutely brutal.” ‘Mark’ Says: “The old site was way too clean and easy to navigate.”

GAMBLING ON MATCH-FIXING IN TENNIS? SIGN US UP! — While the ATP and WTA continue to insist that match-fixing in tennis is a non-issue, former mafia crime boss Michael Franzese told AFP that top-level tennis matches are still being influenced by gamblers/match-fixers, and that the sport would be his prime focus were he still in the business. “It’s definitely going on,” Franzese said. “If I were in this business now, tennis would be my major target because one player can impact the game. That’s all you need.”

SHARAPOVA TO MISS AUSSIE OPEN? — Maria Sharapova’s recovery from surgery for a torn rotator cuff in 2008 has hit a snag entering 2009 as the Russian poster girl announced her withdrawal from a pre-Australian Open exhibition in Hong Kong in January. “It’s with much disappointment that I have to withdraw,” Sharapova said on her website. “I’ve been using this event for the last five years to get ready for the new season, in fact Hong Kong has been successful in preparing me for the Australian Open. I’m just not ready to play against the top-class competition in Hong Kong, although I remain hopeful for Australia where I’m the defending champion. It’s been a very difficult decision, but I only started practising 16 days ago.”

OMAN, WHAT A TIE — Pakistan tennis officials are asking for $60,000 compensation from the ITF after tennis’ international governing body decided Pakistan could not host their upcoming Davis Cup tie over security concerns. The ITF says Pakistan must choose either to have the tie played in their opponent’s country of Oman or in Malaysia.

40 YEARS UNTIL NEXT AMERICAN No. 1?: Pete Sampras says it could be a long wait for the next U.S. tennis No. 1 in today’s ultra-competitive international climate: “It’s a tricky time. The American media and the fans expect American champions and our guys to be No. 1, and when you don’t get that people start complaining. It’s a tough comparison for Andy (Roddick) and James (Blake) to be compared to myself and Andre (Agassi) and Jim (Courier) and Michael (Chang). That was a pretty unique crew…It’s going to take maybe five, 10, 15 years for another crew of really good young Americans. It might not happen for 40 years — it’s hard to say.”

INJURED SERENA OUT OF HOPMAN CUP — Current world No. 2 Serena Williams’ main foe during her career has always been injuries, and it looks like the trend will continue into 2009. Williams announced she is withdrawing from the Hopman Cup mixed team event in January, citing a hamstring injury she suffered during the WTA Tour Championships. The U.S. will retain the No. 1 seed in the event, but now James Blake will team with countrywoman Meghann Shaughnessy, who sat out much of 2008 with injury and is not expected to be in championship form.

MISC: Former Grand Slam doubles winner and Wimbledon singles semifinalist Mirjana Lucic has received a controversial wildcard into the WTA event at Auckland. The 26-year-old comeback Croatian is currently ranked No. 433 in the world…

According to AFP, a new government order bars non-natives from representing India could deny U.S. citizens Prakash Amritraj, Sunitha Rao, Shikha Uberoi and her sister Neha from representing India in Davis Cup and Fed Cup play…

Frenchman Richard Gasquet has teamed with former Marcos Baghdatis coach Guillaume Peyre…

From IOL: “Too many exhibitions and perhaps not enough rest may have helped contribute to the pullout of the American Bryan brothers from the January 5 start in Chennai of the 2009 ATP season. The 30-year-old twins gave the bad news to Indian organizers…

The world number two Bryan pair could now face a fight to get Bob ready for the Australian Open starting in three weeks. The side played in exhibitions during the December “off season” with Mike sometimes substituting on serve for his twin with few in the American crowds noticing a difference.”…

France’s Mary Pierce says test indicate her knee has properly recovered and she will shoot for an appearance at Roland Garros in 2009…

The WTA Tour announced that Kim Williams, the chief operating officer of NFL Network, and Darcy Antonellis, the president of technical operations at Warner Brothers Entertainment, will join the tour’s Global Advisory Council of international business leaders…

Serb player Novak Djokovic announced that as owner he has been granted a tournament on the ATP calendar in may in Belgrade. Word is that now Serb women’s player Ana Ivanovic is attempting to buy a WTA Tour event and bring it to Serbia…

Roger Federer will play two exhibitions and one ATP event in January 2009 prior to the Australian Open…

USTA officials are considering putting a roof on Arthur Ashe stadium and converting it to a multi-use sports arena, possibly attracting a pro sports team…

30-year-old Dutchman and former French Open runner-up Martin Verkerk has announced his retirement…

The Outback Champions Series senior tour has dropped the Naples (Fla.) and Dallas (Tex.) events off the calendar for 2009, but added events in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico…

Former French Open champion Albert Costa has been appointed as Spain’s new Davis Cup captain, replacing 33-year-old Emilio Sanchez Vicario who stepped down after Spain won this year’s Davis Cup title, defeating Argentina…

32-year-old Lindsay Davenport is pregnant again, and has withdrawn from the Australian Open. From MonstersandCritics.com: “Pregnant Davenport could be at career crossroads again” — ya think?…

The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Arena in Birmingham, Ala., will host the 2009 first-round Davis Cup tie between the United States and Switzerland on March 6-8 featuring Roger Federer and Andy Roddick…

Frenchman and Florida resident Sebastien Grosjean had shoulder surgery in December, and will be out 4-6 months…

Former No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt and wife Bec had their second child, a son named Cruz in December…

59-year-old Modesto Vazquez has been named Argentina’s new Davis Cup captain…

Russian Nadia Petrova was hospitalized in December with viral meningitis, a medical condition causing inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, possibly causing her to miss the Australian Open…

Between their Middle Eastern stops at the Abu Dhabi exhibition and the ATP stop in Doha, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer were expected to rake in more than $1 million each in appearance fees alone, in addition to prize money…

Andy Murray took a pass on being represented by IMG for 19 Entertainment/CAA, which will be representing its first tennis player…

52-year-old Leo Clijsters, father of former No. 1 Kim Clijsters, died of lung cancer.

Hartlepool celebrate Michael Nelson’s opener.
FOREST AND POOLS OUST TOP-FLIGHT PAIR

Nottingham Forest caused one of the upsets of the FA Cup third round with a 3-0 win over Barclays Premier League opponents Manchester City, heaping further pressure on Blues boss Mark Hughes.

The Coca-Cola Championship side spoiled what was supposed to be a day of celebration for City, who had unveiled new signing Wayne Bridge on the pitch before kick-off, when they stunned their hosts with two goals in four minutes as half-time approached.

Nathan Tyson struck first after 38 minutes with a thunderous volley from 25 yards and Robert Earnshaw made no mistake from close range for the second. City failed to improve in the second half.

It was the worst possible outcome for Hughes, who is under huge pressure to perform having been bankrolled by the club’s owners the Abu Dhabi United Group, and their miserable afternoon reached a new low with 15 minutes remaining when Dietmar Hamann threw the ball straight to Joe Garner, who made no mistake with his finish from the edge of the box.

Chelsea were unable to book their place in the next round after being held to a 1-1 draw by League One side Southend with a goal in stoppage time. Salomon Kalou’s header on the half-hour put the Blues in front but Peter Clarke was the hero for the Shrimpers.

Earlier in the day Hartlepool had caused the first upset of the round when they knocked out Premier League Stoke 2-0 at Victoria Park.

Michael Nelson headed in Matty Robson’s left-wing free-kick four minutes after half-time before David Foley sealed the win with a 25-yard volley which flew into the top-right corner of the net 15 minutes from time.

There were shock results among teams from outside the Premier League too, with Blue Square Premier side Torquay knocking Championship outfit Blackpool out of the cup with a 1-0 win.

Torquay took the lead just after the half-hour when Matt Green latched onto a Kevin Nicholson long ball before driving past Paul Rachubka from 20 yards. Kettering added to the Blue Square Premier’s representation in round four after they beat Eastwood Town 2-1 at Rockingham Road.

Albert Riera’s first-half strike and substitute Fernando Torres’ late effort saw Liverpool as they beat Preston 2-0.

The Premier League dominated the first half but had only Riera’s effort to show for a string of wasted chances.

But in injury time Gerrard set up Torres for a simple second to settle the tie, after Preston had mounted a brave rally that saw them just fail to force a replay at Anfield.

Arsenal saw off the challenge of Championship Plymouth with a 3-1 win at the Emirates Stadium as.stand-in captain Robin van Persie grabbed a brace.

There will be no fairytale run for Barnsley this year after they lost 3-0 at West Ham. The Tykes, who knocked out Liverpool and Chelsea en route to the semi-finals last season, were behind in the 10th minute when Herita Ilunga ghosted in at the far post to tap in a Mark Noble cross from five yards. Noble added the second and Carlton Cole sealed the result in the 68th minute when he turned in Ilunga’s cross.

Sunderland beat Bolton 2-1 with Djibril Cisse scoring the decisive goal, while their north-east rivals Newcastle were held goalless at Hull in another all-Premier League affair.

Shay Given, who earlier this week revealed he might be prepared to leave the club, was the star of the show in the Magpies goal.

Fulham beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 with a late goal from Andrew Johnson while Middlesbrough held off a late rally to beat Blue Square Premier side Barrow 2-1 at the Riverside thanks to an Afonso Alves double.

Leon Osman broke the deadlock two minutes before half-time as Everton beat Macclesfield 1-0 at Moss Rose, while West Brom were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Peterborough, Craig Mackail-Smith forcing the replay with a close-range finish three minutes from time.

Elsewhere holders Portsmouth were held to a 0-0 draw by Bristol City.

Steven Davies’ last-gasp penalty denied Forest Green Rovers a place in the fourth-round draw as they lost 4-3 to Derby in a thriller at the New Lawn.

Rovers, currently 75 places below Derby in the football pyramid, raced into a two-goal lead inside 20 minutes thanks to goals from Jonathan Smith and Alex Lawless.

Rob Hulse and Martin Albrechtsen restored parity for Derby before Paul Stonehouse put Forest Green 3-2 ahead with 18 minutes left.

Paul Green pulled Derby level after 76 minutes when he wriggled free in the box to fire past Roy Carroll.

The home fans thought they were heading for a replay at Pride Park but Davies scored from the spot with three minutes left after Kris Commons was fouled by Lawless, who was sent off for the challenge.

League One sides Millwall and Crewe will have to try again after the duo played out a 2-2 draw at the New Den.

Bottom side Crewe shocked their hosts 12 minutes in when Dennis Lawrence headed home his first goal for the club.

Marc Laird levelled the scores five minutes from the break before Andy Frampton put Millwall ahead on the stroke of half-time with a close-range header. Danny Shelley’s first senior goal then earned Crewe a replay.

Second-half goals from Joe Ledley and Ross McCormack gave Cardiff a 2-0 win over Reading at Ninian Park.

Arturo Lupoli’s second-half strike earned Norwich a replay against Charlton, who had taken the lead through Jonjo Shelvey at The Valley.

Coventry brushed aside Blue Square Premier side Kidderminster 2-0 at the Ricoh Arena with goals from Leon McKenzie and Leon Best.

Jonathan Walters, Pablo Counago and Jonathan Stead were all on target to give Ipswich a 3-0 win over Chesterfield at Portman Road.

Gregorz Rasiak came off the bench to give Watford a 1-0 win over Scunthorpe at Vicarage Road.

Leicester and Crystal Palace played out a goalless draw at the Walkers Stadium while the scoreline was the same at Loftus Road between Championship duo QPR and Burnley.

A number of matches fell victim to the weather. Sheffield United’s game with Leyton Orient, Cheltenham’s match against Doncaster, the midlands derby between Birmingham and Wolves and Swansea’s trip to Histon were all called off.

Hughes - remains defiant.
HUGHES DEFIANT DESPITE CUP LOSS

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes insists he is still the right man to lead the Eastlands outfit despite the humiliating FA Cup defeat by Nottingham Forest.

City lost 3-0 at home against a Forest side that have been struggling badly in the Championship this term and sacked Colin Calderwood on Boxing Day after an abject loss to Doncaster.

There are some who wonder whether the same fate might now befall Hughes, who earlier in the day signed Wayne Bridge from Chelsea for a reported 10million.

But the Welshman insists his own faith in his ability to do the job remains undiminished and he had already made City’s wealthy Abu Dhabi-based owners aware of the Blues’ clear limitations.

“I know exactly what is needed here,” he said.

“The work we do on a day-to-day basis makes players better. They have to be brave enough to perform in matches. Today some were guilty of not doing that.

“We know where we are in development terms and we know where we need to go.

“We know the areas of the squad we have to strengthen and we will try to do that. It is not going to happen in this window, or even two or three. We need more time.”

Hughes feared the worst when he lost Shaun Wright-Phillips after only 18 minutes with a hamstring injury that could keep him out for up to five weeks.

With Robinho and Stephen Ireland also sidelined, the hosts lacked any semblance of creativity and capitulated to what the City boss admitted was a deserved loss.

“We are bitterly disappointed with the level of performance that we produced today,” he said.

“Nottingham Forest fully deserved to win.

“They showed more desire and energy in their play. They forced us into errors and took their chances.”

In confirming Forest showed more desire, Hughes was offering a damning assessment of his own team.

However, the former Wales boss insists there is no point trying to mask the truth.

“I didn’t expect the other team to show more desire but I am just being honest,” he said.

“I am not telling anyone anything they didn’t see themselves. I have known the frailties in the team from day one.”

Indeed, Hughes pointed out the frailties in private discussions with chairman Sheikh Mansoor and chief executive Garry Cook more than a month ago.

“You need leaders, people who drive the game and affect it in a positive way,” he said.

“If we have more than one, two or three players below their best then we struggle to win games. We have shown that throughout the season.”

Van Barneveld is congratulated by Wade.
TAYLOR SETS UP DREAM FINAL

Phil Taylor will meet Raymond van Barneveld in a heavyweight Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship final on Sunday after the top seeds won their semi-finals.

Dutchman Van Barneveld was the first to book his place with a nervy 6-4 victory over James Wade before Taylor eased past Mervyn King 6-2.

The pair met in the final two years ago with Van Barneveld triumphing 7-6 in a classic encounter. It was only the third time Taylor had failed to take the crown since the tournament started in 1994.

That continued last year when Taylor failed to reach the final for the first time - John Part beating surprise package Kirk Shepherd - but there was to be no repeat this year.

Taylor was surprisingly sloppy in the opening leg as King drew first blood, but it was not long before the 11-time champion found his range to level. And ‘The Power’ then checked out for 131 in leg three on his way to the first set.

Taylor had a chance of a nine-dart finish to take a 2-0 lead but had to settle for 11 as he assumed total control early on.

King kept fighting but Taylor’s weight of scoring was simply too much for his rival and he breezed through the third set.

The underdog stopped the rot at the start of the fourth, taking the first two legs, and although Taylor reduced the deficit, an impressive checkout from King under pressure earned him the set.

He repeated the trick in the first leg of the fifth set only for Taylor to level. But if the maestro’s trebles were up to scratch, his checkouts were less than immaculate and another chance went begging as King edged ahead.

Taylor forced a decider but he could not prevent King closing the gap to 3-2. The sixth set saw Taylor reassert his authority, taking three legs in a row to move to within two sets of victory.

That soon became one set as King again failed to take a leg and Taylor made it 5-2. King kept his hopes alive by taking the opener to set eight but Taylor responded with a 10-dart finish and quickly wrapped up victory.

Taylor said: “I think we’re in for a cracker tomorrow. It’s a good rivalry, a friendly rivalry. But there won’t be any love lost when we get on the stage tomorrow night.”

Earlier, Van Barneveld and Wade were involved in a real see-saw tussle with neither able to open up a lead. It was nip and tuck for the first eight sets with van Barneveld initially holding the advantage but then finding himself twice battling back to level.

The Dutchman grew in confidence throughout the match, and although Wade managed to hold on for 4-4, the momentum was with the second seed and he rattled off sets nine and 10 without conceding a leg to seal victory.

Van Barneveld struggled to live up to his quarter-final, where he hit the first PDC World Championship nine-dart finish in a 5-1 victory over Jelle Klaasen, and he knows he will have to up his game to beat Taylor.

“I didn’t perform that well today,” he said.

“I was very tired last night and didn’t sleep at all after the nine-darter and the match against Jelle. I expected it to be a long game but the way I played tonight, I won’t win the tournament.”

Murray celebrates another famous victory.
MURRAY BEATS NADAL IN ABU DHABI FINAL

Andy Murray marked himself out as the man to beat going into the new season as he overcame world number one Rafael Nadal in the final of the World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Both players at times produced strokes in keeping with the exhibition status of the tournament much to the delight of an enthusiastic crowd, but Murray was on top as he took the first set.

The Scot seemed to tire as Nadal won the second, but found a second wind in a scintillating third and claimed a 6-4 5-7 6-3 win.

Murray, who had lost five of their previous six encounters, broke in game three as he brought to an end a thrilling rally with a backhand pass which left Nadal stranded in mid-court, and found his service rhythm to consolidate his advantage.

Both men were producing some good stuff with one backhand lob from Murray a particular highlight, but he failed to clear Nadal with a similar shot in game eight before a double-fault handed a break to the Spaniard.

But the world number one went long in the next game to give Murray back his advantage immediately and the Scot served out the first set.

The second set went with serve until in game five errors from both players, including a Nadal double, took it to four deuces, and Murray finally got the break when his opponent went long.

The Spaniard broke back immediately and held dominantly, before a successful Hawkeye challenge when his drop shot was called out saved him from facing break point when he looked vulnerable.

A seemingly tiring Murray successfully served to stay in the set at 4-5, but could not repeat the feat at 5-6, sending a forehand long to hand the second set to Nadal.

Murray just about held on to level at 2-2 in the third set, before doing his best to rouse the crowd, and a break could have gone to either player in a succession of seesaw games which thrilled the Abu Dhabi crowd.

But it went to Murray in game seven after a series of breathtaking rallies and the Scot consolidated to take a 5-3 lead.

And Nadal found the net in the next game to hand the 250,000 US dollars (173,000) first prize to Murray.

Murray admitted his exertions had drained him and when asked in the post-match presentation, broadcast on Sky Sports 2, how he was feeling he answered simply: “Tired.”

He added: “It was a tough match. He made me do a lot of running and in the first game of the year you’re going to feel it a bit, but I thought it was a great match from both of us.”

Now Murray, who had beaten world number two Roger Federer in the semi-final, has his sights set on a first grand slam victory in Australia, where he has never progressed past the fourth round.

“That’s what I’m aiming for,” he said.

“I worked really hard in November, December to give myself the best chance.”

A smiling Nadal revealed he enjoyed the experience of playing in the United Arab Emirates, despite the result.

“It was an amazing three days,” he said. “I played a very good match, but Andy played a little bit better.

“I congratulate him on his victory. He has a good chance to win in Australia.”

Nadal also said the final, which went close to three hours, put to bed any lingering doubts about the state of his knees.

“It was a very good test,” he said. “My body is perfect right now, I’m very happy for that.”

The pair both move on to Doha for the Qatar Open, but cannot meet each other until the final after being placed in opposite halves of the draw on Saturday.

World number four Murray faces Albert Montanes of Spain in the first round, while Nadal has been handed a tough match against France’s Fabrice Santoro.

Whitlock - into round two.
WHITLOCK FOCUSED ON LAKESIDE SUCCESS

Simon Whitlock declared his intention to go one better than last year after cruising into the second round of the BDO World Championships at Lakeside.

The Australian bricklayer, who lost to Welshman Mark Webster in the final 12 months ago, demolished Scottish debutant Mark Barilli 3-0 in only 23 minutes.

Whitlock told www.lakesideworlddarts.com: “I feel a lot more confident this year after finishing runner-up last year but hope this week to go one better. I learn every time I go up on stage - Lakeside is definitely the place to be.”

Top seed Gary Anderson survived a major scare to scrape past Norwegian Robert Wagner 3-2.

Scot Anderson, a five-time first-round loser, lost the opening set on a deciding leg but fought back to level only to fall behind again. Anderson did not buckle, however, picking up his game at just the right moment to edge through.

Qualifier Robert Hughes caused the first upset of the tournament, the Welshman beating Australian 16th seed Eddy Sims 3-2 to set up a second-round meeting with Anderson.

Sims took a 2-1 lead but his fellow debutant battled back to triumph, and said: “I really enjoyed that match, in fact it was fantastic and I know I have another chance to go back and play on the Lakeside stage.

“I can play much better and hope I can bring my true form to the stage for my second-round match with Gary.”

Ninth seed Tony O’Shea had little trouble disposing of Swede Daniel Larsson 3-0 while fellow Englishman Darryl Fitton, the fifth seed, was an equally emphatic winner over Wales’ Mark Salmon.

In the final match of the day, Dutch eighth seed Edwin Max was a 3-2 victor over debutant Krzysztof Ratajski from Poland.