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The eagerly anticipated Australian Open 2013 is well underway as defending champion Novak Djokovic, Maria Sharapova and Venus Williams all register straight-set victories on day one.British hopes of a second major tennis title in as many years were got off to a strong start as a resillient Heather Watson overcame elbow problems to win her first round match.
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There were regulation victories for former champion Sharapova and Venus with the duo only conceding one set between them to set their campaigns off to a flying start.
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Maria Sharapova and Venus Williams the first winners of Australian Open 2013!
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Meanwhile, off the court the world number two was busy greeting fans ahead of his first round clash with Benoit Paire of France tomorrow.
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#Federer posing with a kid trying to take their picture together. Fed realises the kid hasn’t turned the camera on and does it for him.
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Back on the court there was plenty of action for the masses who flocked to Melbourne Park for the opening day with the tournament’s first five-setter seeing Nicolas Almagro edge his way into the second round.
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Sam Stosur – never comfortable playing at home – into a 1st set TB with Kai-Chen Chang. Already some concern next door at the ABC..
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First 5 setter sees 10th seed Nicolas Almagro sneak past American qualifier Steve Johnson.
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It was a relatively pain-free start to the defence campaign for Novak Djokovic as he eased passed Paul-Henri Mathieu recieving praise from certain collegues.
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Reigning champion Novak Djokovic beats Paul-Henri Mathieu 6-2 6-4 7-5 in #AusOpen. Will he make it three in a row? Live bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/20…
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First time I’ve watched tennis in awhile.. …… Djokovic is still really good #sameol hahaha
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British attention on day one was all focussed on Heather Watson who failed to make easy work of her encounter with Alexandra Cadantu.
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Excellent comeback from Heather Watson to level with Cadantu at 1 set all. Barely lost a point after being visited by doctor and physio.
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Plenty of British support on ct13 for Watson, who’s made a scrappy start but recovers an early break with a screaming backhand winner – 2-2
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Despite having to recieve medical treatment for her elbow problems the 20-year-old Brit managed to complete a spirited comeback and book her place in the second round.
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Watson comes from a set and a break down to beat Cadantu 2-6 6-3 6-2 and reach the 2nd Rd!
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Watson fights back for gutsy win
Last updated at 08:46 GMT Australian Open Coverage: BBC Sport website (daily live text commentaries), Radio 5 live (commentaries) & TV/on… -
As evening drew home favourite Leyton Hewitt took to a packed Rod Laver Arena with thousands gathered in anticipation but the result left the crowd somewhat silenced.
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Janko Tipsarevic’s youth is overpowering Lleyton Hewitt. Let’s see if Hewitt can counter it with his Championship Experience! #AusOpen
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Tipsarevic backhand is one of the best… Some crazy winners in last few minutes… In firm control of the match leads 7-6 7-5 3-0
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Janko Tipsarevic beats home-boy Lleyton Hewitt 7-6 (7-4) 7-5 6-3 at the Australian Open to reach the second round #bbctennis #ausopen
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Excpectations are high for another Brit who broke his major duck in America last year while an upcoming talent is looking to make further tracks on day two of the Australian Open.
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Murray to play Haase first up on Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday @AustralianOpen 11am local and midnight UK. Tomic v Mayer at night, obviously.
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Court 3 for Laura Robson against Melanie Oudin tomorrow. 3rd match on.
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Finally, here is a treat from the Australian Open archivbes…The greatest match in history? Have your say below.
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The Greatest Match In History
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Coverage of the action is live on SkySports while BBC Radio 5 Live Xtra have commentary available and you can find live text from both organisations below.
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LIVE: Australian Open day one
Heather Watson faces Alexandra Cadantu while home favourite Lleyton Hewitt takes on Janko Tipsarevic at the Australian Open. -
Sports Personality of the Year Shortlist Announced
The BBC have announced their shortlist for the Sports Personality of the Year awards.
In a change to recent years there are 12 candidates which have been selected by an esteemed panel of judges comprising; Barbara Slater, Philip Bernie, Carl Doran, Eleanor Oldroyd, Mike Dunn, Lee Clayton, Matthew Hancock, Sue Mott, Sir Steve Redgrave, Baroness Grey-Thompson Denise Lewis and Baroness Campbell.
The contenders for the prestigious trophy are:
Nicola Adams
Ben Ainslie
Jessica Ennis
Mo Farah
Katherine Grainger
Sir Chris Hoy
Rory McIlroy
Andy Murray
Ellie Simmonds
Sarah Storey
David Weir
Bradley Wiggins
The show is live on the BBC on the 16th of December broadcasting from the ExCel Arena.
Speed Remembered
StandardAhead of tonight’s Championship clash between Leeds United and Leicester City a minute’s silence will be observed in memory of former player Gary Speed.
It is a year to the day since the Welsh manager died and the game is still in grief following the tragic loss of one of the good men of football.
Last year following Speed’s death I wrote the following blog, feels right to reiterate the points made at this poignant moment.
The Beautiful Game Mourns
The death of Gary Speed has triggered bereavement throughout sporting circles. Seen as the model professional, all who knew Speed speak of a modest, genuine, passionate gentleman who loved the beautiful game. Football mourns the loss of a legend.
It may be a cold, bitter, winter with even chillier climates ahead to compete with, how much such ‘challenges’ in life become insignificant when the bigger picture is thrown into the spotlight.
Gary Speed is a man who many around Britain will know, certainly every football enthusiast know the name, along with the character. One of football’s ‘Mr Nice Guy’s’, a journeyman in some ways, enjoyed spells at various clubs and had begun a successful career in management with Sheffield United before taking on the Wales national team.
A life ended at 42 years of age in most circumstance is tragic, but for a man, the husband of a wife and father of two children, to be found hanged in his own home, is absolutely heartbreaking. What is happening in the lives of these people who so many know and love.
Speed’s reputation within football is phenomenal. This is a man who captained football teams wherever he went, the Welshman wore the armband at every club he represented before embarking on team management, clearly a natural, gifted leader. One of the most highly respected sportsman within his area.
The social media, Twitter especially went into uproar yesterday at the breaking news of Speed’s death, trying to log onto the social networking site at times was impossible due to the amount of users and comments interacting on the subject.
It’s quite clear that there is an underlying issue which must be investigated and many will dissect the case, producing (for want of a better phrase) post mortems of what took place to lead Gary Speed into a place of taking his own life.
But one aspect in life which most certainly needs attention drawn towards it is depression in sport.
Over recent years we have experienced wider coverage of the problems which some athletes face, but are we taking enough note on what is going on in our world.
Millions of young people across the globe aspire to reach the heights of their sporting heroes and replicate the successes, but it would seem, that ‘height’ may not be quite as glamorous as it is portrayed to be.
Growing up, playing cricket, Marcus Trescothick was always a hero for me, a cult figure, someone who inspired me to want to go further and play the sport. When news broke that the England opener wouldn’t be making the tour to India in 2006 due to what was later discovered to be depression, my mind wandered.
Ever since such reports, depression in sport has been a subject which in one way fascinates but another frightens me.
More and more high profile sports stars are giving details of their personal battles which grind them down, in some cases, leading to them taking their own lives.
Just stop for a moment, literally drop all things on your mind for a second…Can you imagine a place in life, so lonely, so dark, so lost, so hard, so cold, so desperate, so insecure, so helpless where you feel you have no option but to end your existence?
Hard hitting, but true in the cases of depression. Robert Enke, German national team goalkeeper, reaching the pinnacle of his career at 32 years of age. But other things were affecting his life, depression had set in, Enke was lost and went on to take his own life, his body found on a train track. Ronald Reng has today won the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award for his biography of Enke’s life and death, A Life Too Short.
The roots of depression, causes and solutions is such a deep subject, but what must be heard is the fact that professional athletes are as vulnerable to depression as the next man, if not more so.
The commitment, expectation, pressure, circumstance, sacrifice they make day in, day out can lead to severe to mental problems. Gary Speed could be the latest in an unfortunately expanding stream of sportsmen to suffer from depression.
Marcus Trescothick, Neil Lennon, Robert Enke, Frank Bruno, Michael Yardy but to name a few have all suffered battles, some come through and continue to succeed in sport, for others it can signals the end in more ways than one.
This is a sombre time for sport, a challenging issue and certainly a stomach-churning subject to write about.
However, depression in sport and people getting as low as Gary Speed and many others have in the name of sport is something which must be raised in awareness and discussion.
R.I.P Gary Speed – Thoughts and prayers are with his family at such a distressing time.
Our thought continue to remain with the family of Gary Speed.
Chelsea sack Di Matteo
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Where next for Becks?
David Beckham has quit MLS side LA Galaxy and is reportedly looking at one last challenge before hanging up those famous boots for a final time.
But where is he heading?
Staying State Side?
There is a possibility the move could be within the United States with Beckham having spent the majority of the last five years in the States, continually expressing his desire to settle as a family.
New York Red Bulls could be one option as the side have recently recruited a series of high-profile players in their bid to take the MLS crown.
Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, ex-Everton talisman Tim Cahill and Rafael Marquez are amongst the squad’s most talented.
China?
A country with a population in excess of one billion people and the marketing appeal for brand Beckham here has significant potential.
Sponsors would be licking their lips should Beckham opt for Asia and he would be able to name his own price with the Super League clubs desperate to raise their profile.
Former Chelsea strikers Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba have both moved to the Chinese league but could Beckham cope with another culture change for his family and one which is vastly different to any they have become accustomed to.
France?
Ligue 1 club Paris St Germain registered their interest in Beckham last December and could make a move once again now the player has stated he is on the look-out for a move.
PSG are currently in the running to take the title in France which could appeal to the former Manchester United midfielder’s silverware aspirations.
Should also be taken into account that the French capital club is now bankrolled by Qatar investors who are not afraid to splash the cash on big signings.
Australia?
Perth Glory and Melbourne Heart have both spoken of their desire to see Beckham ply his trade down under while many in the Australian A-League set-up see the obvious commercial value in having the former England captain playing in their league.
Beckham would not be the first international to make the switch to Australia with his former Three Lions colleague Emile Heskey now playing for Newcastle Jets and ex-Juventus and Italy front-man Alessandro Del Piero leading the line for Sydney FC.
England?
Finally, there is the Premier League. The place where Beckham made his name and arguably made some of the greatest performances the league has witnessed.
Few clubs have spoken of interest in the player but there is little doubt the majority would welcome him home with open arms.
Although it does seem England could be the least likely move of all it could be one which plays on the heart strings of English football fans and Beckham himself has a love for his country of birth.
Dare to Dream: How West Bromwich Albion are reaching the heights
Far too many were left perplexed around five o’clock Saturday afternoon checking the day’s full-time scores.
At a glance my phone told me West Bromwich Albion had beaten Chelsea 2-1.
After rubbing my eyes and looking once again to confirm the initial sighting it was approved in my mind.
Yes, West Brom hosted Chelsea, scored two goals and the visitors only managed to score one.
Shocked?
If the answer to this is yes, you can rest assured you are not alone.
However, by no means is luck or fate behind the rising success of West Brom.
May we get the ‘on paper’ verdicts out of the system sooner rather than later.
Chelsea, a team full of household names: John Terry, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, Fernando Torres all being names even those who do not divulge in football could associate with the club.
Bankrolled by the Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich and turning over some of the largest revenues in Europe when it comes to sports teams.
And there is West Brom.
The home side went into the lead with just 10 minutes played at The Hawthorns on Saturday thanks to Shane Long’s stooping header.
Edin Hazard gave the visitors hope drawing the match level just before the interval but the day belonged to the hosts without a shadow of doubt as Peter Odemwingie sealed three points just after the restart.
But Saturday’s performance and result were not merely a flash in the pan.
Far from it to be precise.
Currently sat in fourth in the Premier League, just five points behind leaders Manchester City, the Baggies may be enjoying glimpses of continental dreams.
Obviously it is important to understand the top-flight season is only 12 games old and no one would want to be getting carried away at such an early stage, especially ahead of the vitally eventful Christmas period.
Yet, writing this post it would seem disrespectful to not acknowledge the potential West Brom have shown.
Maybe they should dare to dream?
Steve Clarke was appointed manager earlier this year when his predecessor Roy Hodgson headed for the bright lights of international leadership and has continued to orchestrate result yielding football at The Hawthorns.
Following Saturday’s three points Clarke spoke of how his team controlled proceedings against Roberto di Matteo’s side, irony being the Chelsea boss was Baggies boss just last year, and this has been one of the key forces in their success.
It is true that you cannot win football matches without scoring goals, but set that aside for a moment.
Should it not also be said in equal measure that without a resilient defensive system you cannot win football matches?
The casual football theorist may frequently overlook the value in solidarity at the back but at West Brom it has been central to the agenda.
The rewards are being harvested of the hard yards invested in defensive strategy at The Hawthorns.
Starting at the number one jersey Ben Foster is leading the way with four clean sheets to his name already this season.
This combined with a solid back four including Jonas Olsson, who has consistently performed with dogged determination, has meant West Brom have only conceded 13 goals so far this season.
Liam Ridgewell has also been a key feature at the back for the Baggies and despite recovering from a recent injury is set to continue manning the fort with esteem at The Hawthorns.
Then there is the strike force headed by Peter Odemwingie and Shane Long who have both netted four times this term in the Premier League.
However, the beauty of the Baggies this season is the fact they are not relying on the out and out frontmen to provide the goals and have a number of names grace the score-sheet including; Youssouf Mulumbu, Romelu Lakaku and James Morrison.
Throughout it appears West Brom have discovered something fresh this time around, turned a corner some may say and are discovering the true potential held within.
Not only are they confirming their right to be in the top flight, they are establishing credibility to fight up there too.
Who knows what will happen from here on in, but maybe, just maybe it could be time for the Baggies to dare to dream.
Expectancy Stat!
StandardThe last seven North London derbies have witnessed 32 goals.
That is an average of 4.57 goals per game.
You can catch Arsenal against Tottenham Hotspur live on SkySports1 from 12:00.
#BeExpectant
Disclaimer: Do not blame me if the game turns out to be a goalless bore.
In a Spin: How Swann became the greatest
The first day of England’s Test match against India saw Graeme Swann become the country’s most prolific off-spinner.
It was some four years ago Swann graced the main stage for the first time and from the start he took a leading role.
India were the hosts then in 2008 when the Nottinghamshire spinner became only the second player in history to take two wickets in his maiden Test match over.
Throughout the years which have elapsed Swann has frequented the headlines of many sporting publications.
It has been with ease that Swann has surpassed the achievements of predecessors of the England ranks.
Thursday was no exception as the spinner overtook the legendary Jim Laker to become the greatest in the team’s history.
Swann’s absence from the scorecard in the Test match against South Africa at Headingley earlier in the year raised eyebrows aplenty.
But with five wickets in the first innings of the opening Test match in Ahmedabad the 33-year-old verified his value.
The first of which took Swann level with Laker’s record of 193 wickets and on completing the five-wicket haul he moves to 197 in just 47 matches.
Laker’s most renowned performance took place at Old Trafford in 1956 where he claimed 19 of the 20 Australian wickets in an Ashes Test match.
Maybe the coming summer will be Swann’s time to try and emulate, or even surpass that, with Australia’s upcoming tour.
It is always difficult to compare bowlers of differing eras; Laker played just 46 Tests and had a more economical wicket-taking average.
Yet Swann plays in a packed calendar age giving him much more opportunity to take wickets.
The jury will deliberate for a long time to come but all that can be said for now is that the figures do not lie.
Graeme Swann is the leading wicket-taker in England’s international history.
Take a bow.
The Greatest in History
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has thrust himself to the top of the sporting agenda with a goal which is being dubbed the greatest of all time.
If you have slept all day, or simply wish to see it again, here goes:
And what did they have to say?
Well, self-confessed football analyst and television presenter Piers Morgan eagerly expressed his delight in seeing the goal.
Former England and now Stoke City striker Michael Owen also Tweeted reaction to the goal.
England and Arsenal star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was seemingly left astonished by what he had witnessed.
Tottenham’s Kyle Walker jumped in on the action too with his Tweet.
And to complete a short selection of Tweets which saw Ibrahimovic trend on Twitter here is the reaction of Wigan’s Emmerson Boyce.
However, the award for best reaction of all has to go to Paul Merson who was live on SkySports at the time, check it out for yourself here:
Click on the names of each candidate here to view the goals:
Happy voting! Feel free to comment too if you have your own suggestions!
Ben Hampshire (@BH92)
The Rise of Wilfried Zaha
Abidjan. Considered a prominent location in the central hub of Western Africa. Characterised by industrialisation and urbanisation.
A place which is now a mere distant memory to Wilfried Zaha.
The now Crystal Palace striker began life in the Ivory Coast before heading for the bright lights of South London at the age of four.
Dazet Wilfried Armel Zaha is now the subject of attention and has the opportunity for it to be his name cast in lights with a call-up to the senior England squad.
The 20-year-old took some musing time following a phone-call from England boss Roy Hodgson before eventually reaching the decision to accept the offer.
A period of deliberation was necessary as Zaha is currently in the process of choosing which nation to pledge his international allegiance to.
Born in Cote d’Ivoire, raised in England and represented the Three Lions at youth level.
With Wednesday’s match against Sweden a friendly Zaha has not prejudiced his chances to play for his home nation should he feel that way inclined.
A certain pivotal figure in Ivory Coast football, Mr Didier Drogba has already reportedly been on the phone to Zaha in an attempt to convince him to represent his land of birth.
But aside from the international transfer situation and somewhat more prominent is the rise to fame which the attacking winger has crafted for himself.
Take a trip to Selhurst Park and the prince of the Palace it would seem is very much Mr Zaha.
Outside the Championship side’s stadium is a billboard with the upcoming star accompanied by the catchphrase “He’s just too good for you”.
These words are becoming extremely familiar for Zaha as they often ring round the stadiums home and away as the youngster terrorises second-flight defences.
Full-backs have frequently being left spaghetti-legged and humiliated as he swerves and glides through with ease.
Zaha is prepared to set up to the next level and was expected to join the England Under 21 squad ahead of their game against Northern Ireland.
However, the intervention of Roy Hodgson meant a taxi direct from the Football Association at 5AM on Sunday morning beckoned.
The attacker is becoming renowned for his finesse and accuracy whilst delivering at impeccable speed.
Manchester United fans will remember the name of Zaha, with much regret, as they endured first-hand the class of this young talent in their Carling Cup clash at Old Trafford in December.
There was evidence on that evening alone to suggest Dazet the dazzler had the ability to compete at the elite level.
Crystal Palace have raced to the head of the Championship this season but ultimately Zaha’s destiny, if not where he currently plies his trade, is the top flight.
Zaha is only the second Championship outfield player in five years to receive a call up to the senior England squad and is clearly in popular demand.
Wigan Athletic reportedly offered £3.5 million for the attacker before Reading had a £6 million bid rejected on the eve of transfer deadline day.
It has also been suggested in footballing circles that Arsenal and Tottenham have registered interest in the starlet and Palace co-owner Steve Parish claims £20 million may not be enough to convince the club to part with their most prized asset.
But as many defenders lick their wounds and try to disguise the scars left by Zaha on the field and clubs battle for the winger’s signature his international intention remains ambiguous.
All that can be said at this stage is that Zaha has copious amounts of potential.
Will he prove it on the field with England?
Ben Hampshire (@BH92)
Through the sports lens 