Verdasco hits form in Las Vegas

Verdasco allowed Udomchoke to level after a blistering start, before serving out a 6-1 5-7 6-2 win to become the first player into the last eight.The win was Verdasco’s second in the round-robin stages.Former world number one Gustavo Kuerten may struggle to qualify, though, after losing 6-4 6-3 to Benjamin Becker.The Brazilian, who came through [...]

Wenger anger at Adebayor report

Adebayor’s appeal against his dismissal was rejected and the Arsenal boss said: “We don’t agree with the statement of the linesman. I think it’s a lie.”He comes out now and says Adebayor punched Lampard. I’d like Lampard to come out and say Adebayor punched him.”There are players that have punched that haven’t been charged,” he [...]

Edinburgh pair sign new contracts

Easson, 19, who can play at centre of full-back, and hooker Lawrie, 23, have both signed two-year contracts. “I’m over the moon to be offered a full contract. It’s a great opportunity for me, especially with the World Cup coming,” said Easson.”Hopefully, I’ll have more opportunities to show what I can do,” the youngster added.With [...]

St Johnstone into semi-final

Saints took the lead after 20 minutes when Peter MacDonald’s looping shot from a William McLaren cross beat Well keeper Graeme Smith. Jason Scotland, who was dangerous throughout, headed Saints’ second in the 72nd minute.Ross McCormack pulled one back with a header but Saints deservedly held on.

Higginson on form in qualifiers

The Englishman, who won eight matches to become only the second unranked player to reach the Welsh Open final, beat Glasgow’s Scott MacKenzie 10-6.The 29-year-old does not even have a world ranking and had earned less than £70,000 in his career before this year.”It’s a weird feeling. I think I may have inspired a few [...]

Federer secures straight-sets win

Federer saved break points in the third and fifth games of the first set before crucially breaking in game 12.He raced to a 3-0 lead in the second, but wasted eight break points in game four before sealing a 7-5 6-3 victory.The Swiss player now faces fifth seed Novak Djorkovic of Serbia, who beat German [...]

UK Sport defiant over test policy

Commonwealth 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu was banned for a year after failing to attend three random tests.Her ban - and that of world triathlete champion Tim Don - led to criticism that the current system was too harsh.But UK Sport’s Andy Parkinson insisted: “We cannot be serious about the fight against doping if any notice [...]

Morris happy with Attrition form

The eight-year-old has lost on his last three starts in Ireland, although all have been on heavy ground.”He looks in the same kind of form now that he was 12 months ago and I am very happy with his condition,” said Morris.”The ground in Ireland has been a nightmare - it’s been too heavyfor him.”He [...]

Swan linked to Cheltenham return

Trainer Colm Murphy is waiting on the availability of regular partner Tony McCoy, the 10-times champion jockey.McCoy may be required to ride Straw Bear for his boss, the horse’s millionaire owner JP McManus.Asked if Swan could take the ride, Murphy said: “I wouldn’t rule it in or out. We’ll see what happens.”Swan, now a successful [...]

Newcastle’s Visser in loan move

The 19-year-old burst on to the scene for the Falcons this season, scoring tries in his first three matches.Falcons director of rugby, John Fletcher, said:”Tim just needs game time at the moment, and we feel he will benefit from playing for Darlington.”Visser will play for the National Division Three North club as they host Cleckheaton [...]