Sport

Raikkonen 'is the right champion'

2007-11-05T03:23:00.001-08:00

Raikkonen has the support of his fellow Finn Kovalainen

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen should retain his Formula One world title, despite McLaren's forthcoming appeal against the result of the Brazilian Grand Prix.

That is the view of Renault driver and BBC Sport columnist Heikki Kovalainen.

"Kimi is the right champion. I don't think you can put it down to luck. He was the strongest driver over the year," Kovalainen said.

Lewis Hamilton could become champion if McLaren win their appeal against the BMW and Williams cars in Brazil.

McLaren are complaining about the decision not to punish the teams after their cars were found to have been filled fuel that was too cold.

If Williams and BMW Sauber are excluded for the fuel irregularities, Hamilton could be moved up to fourth place, which would make him champion ahead Raikkonen.

Kimi has never been the chattiest guy in the world but he can be very funny and he's a very smart guy

Heikki Kovalainen

Governing body the FIA's International Court of Appeal will hear the case on 15 November.

But Kovalainen believes the result should remain unaltered with Raikkonen confirmed as the 2007 world champion.

Kovalainen said: "It's fair to say that in the last few races Kimi was the strongest one. All of them had a bad race at some point, all made a few errors. But Kimi really was the strongest driver throughout the year.

"The right guy won it. I don't know all the details about the appeal, but let them sort it out and if there's anyone to blame and there is a guilty party let them face the penalty accordingly.

"But I really hope it doesn't change anything. I guess it needs sorting out but I hope the championship result stands."

Raikkonen has a poor public image because of his monosyllabic approach to interviews, but Kovalainen says his countryman is misunderstood.

"Kimi is a really nice guy," Kovalainen said. "He is very honest and fair and never gets involved in things that aren't his business.

"People in F1 like him because what you see is what you get. He's never been the chattiest guy in the world but that's how he is.

"He's got a really good sense of humour. I get on very well with him and he can be very funny. Whatever people say about him, he's a very smart guy.

"I see things said about him and they make me smile, but he never gets involved in a war of words or anything.

"Sometimes, he says things in a clever way and it shows his intelligence."

Alonso and McLaren agree to split

2007-11-05T03:22:00.001-08:00

Alonso's relationship with McLaren broke down this season

Former world champion Fernando Alonso has left McLaren after agreeing an early release from his contract.

McLaren and Alonso have had an acrimonious relationship this season and a team statement said that both parties had "agreed to move on".

Alonso is free to join another team in 2008, and his agent said neither party would pay a financial penalty.

Red Bull and Renault are the favourites to sign him, and BBC Sport understands Red Bull are the more likely option.

Alonso's relationship with McLaren soured following a series of rows with team boss Ron Dennis this season.

I know there have been suggestions of favouritism within the team but in the end I was always provided with an equal opportunity to win

Fernando Alonso

McLaren described the split as a "mutual parting of the ways", adding: "Both parties believe that this was the right decision.

Alonso said: "Since I was a boy I had always wanted to drive for McLaren, but sometimes in life things do not work out. I continue to believe that McLaren is a great team.

"Yes, we have had our ups and downs during the season, which has made it extra challenging for all of us, and it is not a secret that I never really felt at home.

"I know there have been suggestions of favouritism within the team and people say a lot of things in the heat of battle, but in the end I was always provided with an equal opportunity to win."

Dennis added: "He is a great driver but for some reason the combination of McLaren-Mercedes and Fernando has not really worked out, and in the end we reached a stage where none of us could find a way to move forward."

It is not known who will replace Alonso as Lewis Hamilton's team-mate, but Williams's Nico Rosberg and Renault's Heikki Kovalainen are the favourites.

Alonso finished 2007 tied on points with team-mate Lewis Hamilton and only one adrift of Raikkonen.

He joined the team this season on a three-year contract worth a total of 50 million euros (£34.7m).

But he spent much of his time at McLaren under a cloud.

His initial misgivings about the level of support McLaren were giving to Hamilton, who was in his debut season this year, soon degenerated into a series of rows with Dennis.

These became public in the course of the spy scandal that rocked the sport this season, when McLaren were fined $100m (£49.2m) and thrown out of the constructors' championship after being found guilty of being in possession of confidential Ferrari documents.

Alonso became central to the story when, in a row with Dennis at the Hungarian Grand Prix in August, he threatened to reveal incriminating e-mails to governing body the FIA.

Although Alonso soon apologised, Dennis had already phoned FIA president Max Mosley himself, starting the chain of events that led to McLaren's punishment.

McLaren boss Dennis and Alonso had a difficult relationship

Following those events, the relationship between Hamilton and Alonso also deteriorated, with both saying they would rather not partner the other again for another season.

Both men later said the antagonism between them had been overplayed by the media.

It has been widely speculated that wherever Alonso ends up next season, it will be for only a year before moving to Ferrari.

Ferrari last month extended Felipe Massa's contract to 2010, which appeared to end the possibility of Alonso joining in 2009 because Raikkonen is also contracted to the team for another two years.

But Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo is known to be a fan of Alonso, and said after the conclusion to the championship last month: "Alonso is world-class in every sense.

"I have appreciated very much his sportsmanship. He lost by one point and I believe it wasn't his fault."

It is possible that a vacancy could be made for Alonso by paying up Massa's contract at the end of next season.

Alonso offered return to Renault

2007-11-05T03:21:00.000-08:00

Alonso (left) and Briatore during their time together at Renault

Renault chief Flavio Briatore has offered Fernando Alonso a deal to return to the team which helped him win the 2005 and 2006 world titles.

Alonso has left McLaren and speculation suggests he could move to a team for a year before a switch to Ferrari.

But Briatore says Renault are not prepared to be an interim measure.

"I have presented a project for the future to Fernando," Briatore told Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport's website.

"If his desires coincide with ours, it can happen.

"I know how much he can still give Renault. But an agreement for one year would have no sense with an outlook projected for a period of time."

Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen are currently the drivers at Renault, who finished third behind Ferrari and BMW in the constructor standings last season.

Lorenzo lands Yamaha MotoGP ride

2007-11-05T03:20:00.002-08:00

Lorenzo has earned his chance in MotoGP

Spain's 250cc double world champion Jorge Lorenzo has been confirmed as Valentino Rossi's MotoGP team-mate at Yamaha next season.

Lorenzo, 20, who won this year's 250cc title for Aprilia, finished seventh in Sunday's season-ending Valencia GP.

Yamaha have also said that five-times MotoGP champion Rossi would change tyre manufacturer to run on Bridgestones in 2008. Lorenzo will use Michelins.

Rossi had problems with the Michelins on his bike for much of this season.

Yamaha said that in order to ensure confidentiality for each tyre company, the two riders would have separate pit boxes and managers.

Rossi, 28, came third in this year's championship behind Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa.

He was forced to drop out of the Valencia race on Sunday with a technical problem after deciding to ride with a broken hand sustained in a qualifying crash.

It was the first time the Italian has finished outside the top two in any category since he was ninth in his rookie season in the 125cc class in 1996.

Engine failure wrecks Rossi hopes

2007-11-05T03:20:00.001-08:00

Rossi had to settle for third place in the final standings

Valentino Rossi's brave decision to take part in the season-ending Valencia Grand Prix was ruined when an engine failure forced him out of the race.

The Yamaha rider, who broke three bones in his hand in Saturday's qualifying, lost second place in the Championship to Dani Pedrosa as a result.

Honda's Pedrosa started on pole and won the race by more than five seconds from new champion Casey Stoner.

Rossi had not finished outside the top two in any category since 1996.

That was when he came ninth in the 125cc in what was his first season.

"I am very happy, I didn't expect this," Pedrosa told BBC Sport. It made the Spaniard the first rider to win in all three classes in Valencia.

Stoner finished top of the final standings with 367 points after winning 10 of the 18 races on his Ducati. Pedrosa was second on 242 with Rossi third on 241.

Suzuki rider John Hopkins was fourth in the overall standings after finishing third in Valencia.

Although Pedrosa started on pole for the fourth successive race Stoner overtook him off the grid but the Spaniard regained the lead on the sixth lap and never relinquished it.

Rossi started the race in second-last place but managed to work his way into a points-scoring position before being forced to stop with 11 laps remaining.

Result:

1. Dani Pedrosa (Spain) Honda 46 minutes, 43.533 seconds
2. Casey Stoner (Australia) Ducati 46:48.980
3. John Hopkins (US) Suzuki 47:03.937
4. Marco Melandri (Italy) Honda 47:08.360
5. Loris Capirossi (Italy) Ducati 47:09.337
6. Chris Vermeulen (Australia) Suzuki 47:09.395
7. Alex Barros (Brazil) Ducati 47:13.003
8. Nicky Hayden (US) Honda 47:13.866
9. Randy de Puniet (France) Kawasaki 47:14.428
10. Toni Elias (Spain) Honda 47:14.563

Final championship standings:

1. Casey Stoner (Australia) Ducati 367 points
2. Dani Pedrosa (Spain) Honda 242
3. Valentino Rossi (Italy) Yamaha 241
4. John Hopkins (US) Suzuki 189
5. Marco Melandri (Italy) Honda 187
6. Chris Vermeulen (Australia) Suzuki 179
7. Loris Capirossi (Italy) Ducati 166
8. Nicky Hayden (US) Honda 127
9. Colin Edwards (US) Yamaha 124
10. Alex Barros (Brazil) Ducati 115

Rose claims Order of Merit title

2007-11-05T03:19:00.001-08:00

You need to win tournaments to be regarded as a great player

Justin Rose

Volvo Masters final round:
* Rose won on second play-off hole
-1 J Rose*, S Dyson, S Kjeldsen
+1 P Harrington, G McDowell
+4 M Kaymer
+6 MA Jimenez

England's Justin Rose won the 2007 European PGA Tour Order of Merit title for the first time after victory in the season-ending Volvo Masters.

Rose won a three-way play-off at Valderrama against compatriot Simon Dyson and Denmark's Soren Kjeldsen.

Padraig Harrington, who also had the chance to finish as number one, ended up third in the money list after coming joint fourth in the tournament.

Long-time leader Ernie Els was second after opting not to play at Valderrama.

The South African controversially decided to play in the Singapore Masters instead, where he missed the cut.

The 27-year-old Rose eventually came through on the second play-off hole after finishing on one-under 283 alongside Dyson and Kjeldsen.

But he came close to throwing the tournament away during a traumatic back nine in which he dropped four shots in three holes to allow Kjeldsen to take the lead.

"I am emotional right now - it was a hard day," said Rose.

"I looked like losing and dug deep. I'm sure there's an easy way to do this stuff, but it was terrible.

"I made a couple of mental errors and even saw the Order of Merit slipping away.

"It's awesome to do it. Knowing that I had was a nice consolation going into the play-off, but I wanted to do it by winning the tournament.

"It's been a long road to get here. You need to win tournaments to be regarded as a great player and it would have been very disappointing if I hadn't won this."

Rose had seemed to be sitting pretty as he developed a four-shot lead after 10 holes of the final round, but a double bogey seven at the 11th - after putting himself in trouble in the bunker - stopped him in his tracks.

The mistake seemed to rock Rose's confidence as he dropped further shots on the 13th and 14th holes, and Kjeldsen needed no second invitation as he found form to take the lead.

It's the pinnacle of my career so far

Justin Rose

A brilliant albatross at the 17th from Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell catapulted him into a share of the lead at one under alongside Rose and Kjeldsen.

But McDowell made a mess of the last hole to slip out of contention just as Dyson was storming into the race for the lead.

Rose regained his composure with a birdie at the 17th and did just about enough to take his place in the play-off.

Dyson, Rose and Kjeldsen all played the first play-off hole in exemplary fashion, but a superb birdie putt at the next hole saw the Englishman finish off the perfect day in style.

Harrington and Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell ended two shots back.

Rose's victory - his first tournament win since the Australian Masters last November - took him to seventh in the world rankings.

"It's the pinnacle of my career so far," added Rose, the youngest winner of the Order of Merit since a 25-year-old Ronan Rafferty back in 1989.

Rose sets sights on major in 2008

2007-11-05T03:18:00.000-08:00

Justin Rose (right) celebrates victory with his wife, coach and manager

Justin Rose is targeting a major victory in 2008 after securing his first European PGA Tour Order of Merit title at Valderrama on Sunday.

The Englishman, who is up to seventh in the world rankings, beat Simon Dyson and Soren Kjeldsen in a play-off to win the tournament and the Merit title.

Rose is now looking to build on some impressive major results in 2007.

"I think that's how you're remembered in the game in 20 or 50 years' time," Rose told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"The first port of call is 'he won two majors' or 'he won three majors'.

"To me, it's really important to win a major, that's been a lifelong dream of mine. I've won the Open about 1,000 times on the putting green as a kid. That's what drives me."

Rose finished tied for fifth at this year's Masters, 10th at the US Open, 12th at the Open and 12th at the USPGA Championship.

"Until winning yesterday, the thing that I took most confidence and comfort from was fact that I played well in the majors this year and got close to winning the Masters," he said.

"That's where I've gained a lot of confidence from this year."

Rose pipped Ernie Els to the title after the South Africa opted to play in the Singapore Open instead.

Nicholas to lead Solheim Cup team

2007-11-05T03:17:00.002-08:00

It's a magnificent competition and something that I always look forward to

Alison Nicholas

England's Alison Nicholas has been named European Solheim Cup captain in succession to Swede Helen Alfredsson.

The 45-year-old played in the contest six times and has also served as a vice-captain or assistant since then.

An obvious choice for the 2009 contest at Rich Harvest Farms in Illinois, she said: "It's a great honour and I'm delighted. I can't wait.

"We face a big challenge, but I don't believe that anything is impossible. I want to enjoy the whole experience."

Nicholas said she intended to inject the fun factor into the team, to "help them to be the best that they can be."

Europe have lost the last two Solheim Cups and trail 7-3 in the series.

But those three wins featured Nicholas as a player twice, and once as Catrin Nilsmark's vice-captain, in 2003.

At just 4ft 10in tall, Nicholas is known as "Big Al". Her proudest moment came in 1997 when she won the US Women's Open, beating Nancy Lopez by one shot.

She was born in Gibraltar, but grew up in Sheffield and has lived in Birmingham since 1988, where she teaches at her own Alison Nicholas Golf Academy.

"I'm really excited and very passionate about the Solheim Cup," she added.

"It's a magnificent competition and something that I always look forward to."

Karen Lunn, chairman of the Ladies European Tour and the European Solheim Cup Committee, said Nicholas had all the aualities they were looking for in a captain.

"I am not sure that there is anyone that is as passionate about the Solheim Cup as Ali.

"Alison fully understands the difficulty of the task that lies ahead in going onto US soil to get the Solheim Cup back," she commented.

Nadal and Nalbandian reach final

2007-11-05T03:17:00.001-08:00

Nadal has played Nalbandian once, losing to him in Madrid last month

World number two Rafael Nadal came from a set down to beat Marcos Baghdatis in the semi-finals of the Paris Masters.

Nadal lost the first set 6-4 after leading it 3-0, but won the next two 6-4 6-3 to book his place in the final.

The loss ended any hopes that Baghdatis had of qualifying for the season-ending Masters Cup in Shanghai.

It also means France's Richard Gasquet gets the eighth and final berth. He lost 6-2 6-4 in the second semi-final to unseeded Argentine David Nalbandian.

After his loss to Nadal, a gracious Baghdatis said: "I know I did Gasquet a big favour, but he deserves it.

"He's played good the whole year, he's playing big tennis. You cannot say it's luck. It's people who deserve it, and I think he does."

He added: "It's tough to lose a match when you're a set up, a break up, and everything's under control.

"You cannot say I made a mistake or something - the guy just upped his level."

Nadal said: "Marcos played really well but I managed to find the solution by being more aggressive and showing more initiative."

The French Open champion added: "I love this city, and not only because I keep winning here. It's the nicest place in the world after Mallorca."

Nalbandian extended his brilliant run of form by crushing local favourite Gasquet in just over an hour. His record against him is now 5-0.

After being dogged by injuries and indifferent form earlier in the season, he is now firing on all cylinders, beating world number one Roger Federer in the Madrid Masters final two weeks ago and again in the third round in Paris.

But he said: "I think here is a little different than Madrid. It's a little slow, and it's maybe a little bit better for (Nadal)."

The eight players in the Masters Cup field are: Nadal, Gasquet, Federer, Fernando Gonzalez, Novak Djokovic, Nikolay Davydenko, Andy Roddick and David Ferrer.

Nalbandian crushes Nadal in Paris

2007-11-05T03:16:00.001-08:00

Nalbandian posed with some Paris models after his victory

David Nalbandian capped a stunning late-season surge by thrashing world number two Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-0 to win the Paris Masters.

The Argentine inflicted Nadal's first ever defeat in the French capital to lift his second Masters trophy in a row following his Madrid win.

Nalbandian beat Nadal and world number one Roger Federer at both tournaments.

The 25-year will be rewarded with a return to the top 10 when the new rankings are released on Monday.

He is now the first alternate for the end-of-season Masters Cup, and with rumours suggesting Andy Roddick could pull out, Nalbandian could yet go to Shanghai.

He was in exactly the same position in 2005 when he stepped in for Roddick and went on to win the title with a famous five-set win over Federer.

The Argentine, who suffered knee and back injuries earlier in year, had failed to make single a semi-final before heading to the Madrid Masters.

However, the former Wimbledon finalist finally found his form in Spain, beating Nadal, Federer and world number three Novak Djokovic on his way to his first Masters Series trophy.

He continued that form in Paris, beating Federer for the seventh time in the third round before a one-sided win over Nadal.

"All week I was playing great, and I don't know why the result was so easy," said Nalbandian, who is the first man to do the Madrid-Paris double since Marat Safin in 2004.

"After I broke him, I felt that I was playing better than him. I play more relaxed, start hitting winners almost from everywhere. That gave me confidence."

Nadal, the three-times French Open champion, lost the second set in only 27 minutes as his serve fell apart.

"He played better than me," he said. "You have to congratulate him. I could not play at my best."

Nadal, who has been struggling with tendonitis in his knees, had not appeared in a final since July.

Davenport extends winning return

2007-11-05T03:15:00.000-08:00

Davenport was a wildcard in Canada

Lindsay Davenport's impressive comeback continued with a second title in three events at the Quebec City Challenge.

The ex-world number one, who returned to action in September after nearly a year out, defeated Julia Vakulenko 6-4 6-1 for the 53rd title of her career.

Davenport, who gave birth to son Jagger in June, won her comeback event in Bali two months ago, beating world number three Jelena Jankovic on the way.

"The journey back has been greater than I could have anticipated," she said.

Obviously things will change in Melbourne when I'm playing Justine (Henin), Venus (Williams) or Serena (Williams)

Lindsay Davenport

"It has been a much different experience coming back this time around - I just feel a lot less pressure, and I'm just trying to enjoy it as I go."

Davenport is now tied with Monica Seles for eighth on the all-time women's winners list.

Asked what goals she had set for herself ahead of the first Grand Slam event of 2008, the Australian Open in January, Davenport said: "It's kind of undefined.

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"Obviously things will change in Melbourne when I'm playing Justine (Henin), Venus (Williams) or Serena (Williams).

"But I consider it a victory just going out and playing a big match, after such a great year off the court."

Henin to open against Chakvetadze

2007-11-05T03:14:00.000-08:00

Henin has won nine titles this season

Defending champion Justine Henin will open against Russian newcomer Anna Chakvetadze at the Sony Ericsson Championships in Madrid on Tuesday.

The WTA Tour's season-ending event features the world's top eight players and begins with a round-robin format.

Henin is in the yellow group along with Chakvetadze, Australian Open winner Serena Williams and Jelena Jankovic.

The red group includes 2004 champion Maria Sharapova, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Ana Ivanovic and Daniela Hantuchova.

The top two players from each group will advance to the semi-finals.

Wimbledon champion Venus Williams withdrew last week because of illness.

Can you believe I played my third event in a row? I don't believe I have ever done that in my career

Serena Williams

Following Henin and Chakvetadze on Tuesday will be Sharapova against Hantuchova, before Kuznetsova takes on Ivanovic.

Sharapova's year has been decimated by injuries and she has played only twice in the last two months, losing both matches.

"This has been a very frustrating year for me physically, but I am a big competitor and I am determined to compete at the Championships," said the Russian.

Kuznetsova has reached a career-high ranking of two in the world in 2007 but has won only one title.

"This is something I have to work on," she said. "I have beaten some great players but when I am in a final I have to switch it on and be more focused, more decisive in key moments.

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All of the major contenders are in the yellow group

thetennisinsaniac

"This is what will make the difference if I want to move to another level. There is definitely something mental there but every final is different."

Henin, already enjoying the most successful season of her career, will target her 10th title in Madrid.

"I would prefer 10 titles to nine this year for sure but it's probably for me the most difficult tournament of the year," she said.

"It's the best eight players so it's going to be a tough one. I know I'm going to be number one now so it's just going to be a challenge to win the Championships one more time."

Serena Williams is relishing the chance to beat Henin - who knocked the American out of the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open this year.

"I was happy to see that I was in her half, because I feel like it would be fun to play her again and she's the number one player, so it'd be cool," said the Australian Open champion.

And after competing in Stuttgart, Moscow and Zurich, Williams added: "Can you believe I played my third event in a row?

"I don't believe I have ever done that in my career. I am determined to make good at the end of the year."

Scotland 16-18 Wales

2007-11-05T03:13:00.001-08:00

Scotland were the ones celebrating their World Cup qualification

Scotland (4) 16
Tries: Fisher, Benn
Goals: Brough (4)

Wales (14) 18
Tries: Dyer, Hughes, Gibson
Goals: Harris (3)

Scotland claimed the ninth place in the 2008 World Cup in Australia despite losing a tense final in Glasgow.

Damien Gibson's 78th-minute try for Wales was not enough to overturn a seven-point deficit from the first game in Bridgend.

It means the Scots join England and Ireland in the main draw thanks to an aggregate score of 37-32.

The Welsh must now win the repechage if they are to claim the 10th and final place in Australia.

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Martin Hall's team take on Lebanon in Widnes on Friday night, with Samoa or United States awaiting the winners at Featherstone on Wednesday week.

The Scots, who won 21-14 in Bridgend, trailed 14-4 at half-time but scored second-half tries through hooker Ben Fisher and winger Jamie Benn to keep themselves in contention.

Captain Danny Brough crucially kicked four goals from four attempts.

Wales, directed by experienced half-backs Iestyn Harris and Lee Briers, had the edge in the first half, but the never-say-die Scots had the final say.

Former Hull KR centre Luke Dyer took Phil Joseph's pass to open the scoring with an eighth-minute try and Harris kicked the first of three goals.

Brough kept his side in front with two first-half penalty goals and full-back Wade Liddell had a try disallowed after video referee Ben Thaler ruled that he failed to control the touchdown.

Ben Fisher was among Scotland's try scorers in Glasgow

The Scots also suffered a blow when loose forward Richard Fletcher was carried off on a stretcher after being hurt in an aerial collision that caused a six-minute stoppage.

It was during the added time that Wales scored their second try, centre Adam Hughes taking substitute Andy Bracek's pass to force his way to the line.

Wales winger Anthony Blackwood was twice denied tries and the misses began to look costly when Scotland scored their first try 12 minutes into the second half to edge his side back in front on aggregate if not on the scoreboard.

Brough kicked his third goal to provide a small cushion, but it needed a desperate last-ditch tackle from centre Mick Nanyn to deny Harris after he had gathered Briers' kick.

In a nailbiting finish, Scotland winger Jamie Benn had a try disallowed for an obstruction by Nanyn - and Harris went within inches of scoring at the other end.

The pivotal moment came after 73 minutes, when Nanyn superbly kept the ball alive and Benn successfully chased Neil Lowe's speculative kick-ahead for the vital score.

Wales had the final say when Gibson went over for a third try that gave them only their second win in five meetings with the Scots, but it was a hollow success.

Scotland: Liddell, Benn, K. Henderson, Nanyn, Todd, Patterson, Brough, Jackson, Fisher, Wilkes, MacGillivray, Morrison, Fletcher.
Substitutes: Lynn, Marsh, Lowe, A. Henderson.

Wales: Halley, Blackwood, Dyer, Hughes, Gibson, Harris, Briers, Cushion, Webster, Dean, M. James, Roberts, Joseph.
Substitutes: Penkywicz, J. James, Kopczak, Bracek.

Ref: P Bentham (Warrington).

Second Test - G Britain 44-0 N Zealand

2007-11-05T03:12:00.000-08:00

Smith says he could make changes for the final Test in Wigan

Tony Smith hailed a fantastic all-round display from Great Britain following the crushing 44-0 win over New Zealand.

"To nil a team with as many attacking players as the Kiwis have got is some feat," Smith told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"That's pretty tough to do in the modern game, but to do so and score some terrific, entertaining tries was the icing on the cake.

"I'm pleased for the players and the Great Britain supporters. They've got a team to be proud of at the moment."

Paul Wellens agreed that Britain's brilliant defence had set the platform for such a comprehensive victory.

"Early in the second half we held New Zealand on our line for four sets," said the St Helens full-back.

The combinations and the cohesion between the players was outstanding

Tony Smith

"When you defend the line like that it quite often demoralises the opposition. I think that was the case tonight."

The Lions were utterly dominant as they sealed their first series win since whitewashing the Kiwis 3-0 in 1993.

"The combinations and the cohesion between the players was outstanding," added Smith.

"It was a really entertaining game. I could feel it coming before the game.

"There is a quiet determination about the players. They weren't going to be denied.

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I have to say that this is the best GB performance I have ever seen

jimmymac14

"In any game of rugby league it's difficult to nil a team. It shows a lot of discipline, commitment, determination and pride in their jersey. These boys have certainly got that."

Smith hinted that he could make changes for the third and final Test at Wigan's JJB Stadium next weekend.

"Some of these guys have been playing week in, week out for a long, long time," he said.

"They may well benefit next year because of not playing an extra game."

If we can continue to perform like we did tonight, other countries will start to take notice

Paul Wellens

The likes of Kirk Yeaman, Stephen Wild, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, David Hodgson and Michael Platt could all feature for the first time in the series.

But Smith insisted that whatever team he decided to field, the Lions would be going all out to make it a clean sweep.

"We are greedy, we want to do that," he said.

"Regardless of whether I select players from this week's game or not, the guys on standby will do a great job. I've got every bit of faith in them."

Wellens added that it was vital for the team not to let their standards drop.

"It's important we don't look too far down the track," he said. "We've got another important game next week against New Zealand.

They're hurting but they're a close unit. They'll come out of this fired up

NZ coach Gary Kemble

"But if we can continue to perform like we did tonight, other countries will start to take notice."

New Zealand coach Gary Kemble, a player with Hull for eight years, cited a number of injuries as a factor for his side's poor showing on his return to Humberside.

"This is a new team and we've got another team at home," said Kemble, who suffered his third straight defeat since taking charge.

"They're learning all the time. There's no excuses and we got beat by a big score again. I'll review myself and see if I'm doing anything wrong.

"We have a couple of injuries but it might be time to replace a couple of players. They're hurting but they're a close unit. They'll come out of this fired up."

What now for Ashton?

2007-11-05T03:10:00.000-08:00

Ashton is keen to take England to the 2011 World Cup

The dust has only just settled on England's surprisingly successful World Cup campaign but already the Rugby Football Union faces some tough questions.

There is the issue of rebuilding after a team labelled Dad's Army exceeded expectations by reaching the final.

But most pressing of all is the position of head coach Brian Ashton, the man who presided over England's success in France.

THE SITUATION AS IT STANDS

Ashton was promoted from attack coach to his current position in December 2006, signing a rolling one-year contract that will soon be up for review.

Ashton succeeded Andy Robinson and inherited a team that had lost eight of their previous nine fixtures.

As Rob Andrew, the RFU's elite rugby director, has acknowledged, Ashton was on the wrong end of a "hospital pass".

But despite England's disastrous World Cup build-up, not to mention the desperate struggles in the early group matches, the team went on to reach the final, where they lost 15-6 to South Africa.

Andrew has got some serious decisions to make

Having emerged successfully from the wreckage of England's preparations, Ashton now appears to be in a position of strength to negotiate a new deal.

It has been widely reported that the 61-year-old is in line for a new four-year contract worth more than £1m, a deal that would take him through to the 2011 World Cup.

Francis Baron, chief executive of the Rugby Football Union, strongly hinted as such when he said: "Brian has clearly done a great job and I'm sure Rob and Brian will sit down to thrash out a deal as soon as the World Cup is over."

But Andrew, despite praising Ashton's work at the World Cup, has failed to confirm that the head coach will remain in his current role.

"We will review the World Cup correctly and properly in due course over the next few weeks, and we will look to go forward," he said.

"We need to reflect on what has happened. I am not going to be held to any deadlines."

SHOULD ENGLAND STICK WITH ASHTON?

Ashton is a vastly experienced coach who, superficially at least, worked wonders in guiding England to the final in France.

He has a reputation as a coach who encourages his charges to think for themselves and take control of situations.

The former schoolteacher is known to favour an expansive style of play, yet at the World Cup his team's success was built on a solid platform from his powerful forwards.

His style is to test players and his game is about utilising space

Jeremy Guscott on Brian Ashton

Expansive play was a rare sight from England at the World Cup but Jeremy Guscott, who played under Ashton at Bath, believes this shows his ability to assess the situation and craft an effective, winning team.

"His style is to test players and his game is about utilising space," Guscott told BBC Sport.

"But needs must and you have got to win games. Sometimes it's not the pretty way."

However, there have been persistent rumours that a players' meeting after the 36-0 thrashing by South Africa in the group stage was the catalyst for England's spectacular change of fortune.

Former England international Paul Ackford claimed in his Sunday Telegraph column that an insider told him the coaching set-up in the early stages of the World Cup was a shambles.

One senior player reportedly said that Ashton had to "pull his finger out and put some work in".

He added that there was confusion over the system of play, virtually no tactical assistance at half-time during the group games and there was too much responsibility on fly-half Jonny Wilkinson to "control the game".

Ashton spoke to his players after the final - but his influence through the tournament has been questioned

Only after the meeting in the wake of the thrashing by South Africa, when the senior players took the situation by the scruff of the neck, did England's campaign really start to move forward.

Former England prop Jeff Probyn hinted at Ashton's managerial weaknesses when he was initially appointed head coach.

"Brian works well alongside others who make decisions. Coaching-wise he's the man to take England forward," said Probyn.

"But as a head coach, decision-maker and planner of the broader vision to take England forward, he's not the right man."

Ashton does not deny the significance of the meeting after the South Africa game but stresses that it was a process involving all the staff, not only the players.

"This was a real joint, inclusive effort," Ashton told the BBC.

"That is the way I coach, I am inclusive. I want senior players talking to me because they are on the field and I'm not.

"It's very important they take their game with them on to the pitch, not someone else's game, because when something goes wrong they will be looking around going, 'what do I do now?'"

Ashton's assertion has been echoed by England skipper Phil Vickery.

"It was a combination of players and coaches sitting down and trying to iron out some problems," stated Vickery.

606: DEBATE

Should Brian Ashton be given a new contract?

"Ultimately, what came from that had a huge influence on how we did."

Veteran England forward Lawrence Dallaglio said that credit for the change in fortune must be shared.

"Brian Ashton turned things around but then again so did the players and so did all the coaches," Dallaglio told BBC's Inside Sport.

"I think a review will be done by the right people. Rob Andrew will head it up and I'm sure he will make the right decisions."

Ashton's analytical and tactical ability ensured the team were able to exploit French weaknesses in their semi-final encounter and push the Springboks hard in the final.

The unquestionable fact is that, inside a year, Ashton's England went from a beaten and bruised team to the World Cup final.

Ashton must take his share of credit for that achievement - whether that means he should be rewarded with a new contract depends at least in part on what role the RFU have in mind.

A NEW COACHING STRUCTURE FOR ENGLAND?

The bottom line may be that Ashton's position as it stands will not exist after the review process has taken place.

Ashton is currently England's head coach, with Mike Ford and John Wells as his assistants.

His role combines coaching the players with a wide range of responsibilities, including media duties.

Ashton is happiest when he is coaching the players

Andrew, as elite rugby director, oversees all aspects of representative rugby in England - from the regional academies to the full senior side.

But the upshot of the review process may be creation of a post of manager to slot between Andrew and the head coach.

It remains to be seen exactly how this would work - who would pick the team, have the final word on tactics, deal with the media etc - and whether Ashton would become manager or remain head coach.

Former captain Martin Johnson's name has been mentioned with the post of manager and having someone else fill that role might suit Ashton, if his preference is to concentrate on coaching.

A decision on what structure the RFU will adopt to take England forward over the next four years is expected relatively soon.

"We need to make sure we have a clear structure in place for the next World Cup and we'd like that in place for the next Six Nations," revealed RFU chief executive Baron.

Of course, another point worth considering is that the RFU may decide against keeping Ashton and opt for someone completely different.

Jake White, for example, guided South Africa to a World Cup triumph and has expressed an interest in coaching England.

DOES ASHTON WANT THE JOB?

It has been suggested that Ashton would like to change aspects of his role, particularly a reduction in his media responsibilities.

Some have also said that Ashton may be too old for a further four years of what is a high-profile role, with huge pressure to succeed.

I'm 65 in four years' time - everyone knows it's a pretty good retirement age

Brian Ashton

Ashton disagrees. "I'm 65 in four years' time. Everyone knows it's a pretty good retirement age," he said.

"I enjoy doing the job - I thoroughly enjoy it. England rugby has got a pretty exciting future.

"On reflection, I would rather stay than not but it's probably not my decision."

Senior hints at ending GB career

2007-11-05T03:09:00.000-08:00

Senior got on the scoresheet during Saturday's record win

Great Britain centre Keith Senior has revealed the series win against New Zealand will probably hasten his retirement from representative rugby.

Britain clinched the series with a crushing 44-0 victory on Saturday.

"It would be nice to go out through my choice and it would definitely be on a high if we made it 3-0 next week," said the 30-year-old Leeds three-quarter.

"Maybe it's time to let some of the young guns come through and let the old man bow out in style."

It's been a long time coming

Keith Senior on series victory

Senior won the first of his 32 caps 11 years ago, during a tour of the southern hemisphere that included a 3-0 series defeat by New Zealand.

Saturday's victory, which followed a 20-14 win in the opening Test in Huddersfield, gave Britain their first series win since 1993, when they beat New Zealand 3-0.

"It's been a long time coming," added Senior, who scored a try during the win. "Now we're focusing on a 3-0 win which would be a fantastic achievement."

Meanwhile, international rookie Jon Clarke has set his sights on the 2008 World Cup after enjoying his first taste of Test-match football on the big stage.

The Warrington hooker, who at 28 is a late developer, seized his chance to make his Great Britain debut by playing a key role in Saturday's record-breaking win.

"I did my best and hopefully it will be enough to get me in the side next week," he said.

"It definitely whets your appetite and hopefully I'll get another chance at some stage.

"The World Cup is a long-term goal for myself, it's probably every player's goal in Super League. It's going to be a massive event and something I definitely want to be a part of next year."

Interview: Ray Gravell on BBC Radio Four in 1993

2007-11-05T03:08:00.000-08:00

Former Wales centre Ray Gravell died on Wednesday, aged 56

"West is best, Cliffy. West is best."

The refrain was as heartfelt as the warmth of the voice and what followed has stayed with me ever since.

It was late in the afternoon on a Friday in 1993 and we were preparing to record an interview for that weekend's "Sport on Four" programme on Radio Four.

While presenter Cliff Morgan sat in a studio in the bowels of Broadcasting House in London, Ray Gravell joined us down the line from a studio in Cardiff. I was a young producer hoping to make sure the two could hear each other.

A fortnight before Ieuan Evans had caught Rory Underwood half-asleep at the Arms Park. Wales had beaten Will Carling's much-vaunted England and ended their hopes of a triple Grand Slam.

Cliff thought a chat with Ray would be an appropriate way to reflect on that match and look ahead to the following day's game between Wales and Scotland in Edinburgh.

It turned out to be much more than that. It turned out to be so much more than the "usual eggs and bacon", as Cliff liked to describe ordinary interviews.

The next half-an-hour was to be a magical one as two fellow countrymen shared their love of sport, love of rugby and passion for life.

During the programme the following morning Cliff introduced Ray as someone who believed "rugby was about so much more than tries and kicks and defeats and wins; it can lift you to an almost spiritual plane."

During their conversation he wondered what it was about the game that so appealed to the imagination?

"It's a mystical, magical game, Cliffy" came the reply in a voice that always had a smile twinkling around the edges and seemed to hint at the wonders of life.

"It's captured the imagination of many a person; of poets, scholars, coalminers. There is poetry in rugby football and people like the late and dear Carwyn James fully realised that.

"He tried to transform the poetry from written word to a beautiful, physical game."

When Ray recalled his Welsh debut - he was one of six debutants in a famous win in Paris in 1975 - his voice was full of emotion as he took us into the dressing room that day.

"Prior to going out onto the field I'd had six telegrams and the last one that I opened was from my mother. It said 'All our love Raymond. From Mammy and Toodles'. Toodles was the cat.

"When I read that I wanted to take on the whole of France. My father had passed away when I was young but that was one of the few times I felt his presence.

"I felt I could have run into any brick wall. I cried my heart out during the anthem."

We always tried to end each Saturday's "Sport on Four" with our most captivating interview. We ended the programme that weekend in 1993 with Ray Gravell.

His was a life-enhancing personality. That beaming, bearded, welcoming smile and warm handshake were intrinsic parts of match days in Wales. However good you felt about being there, he made you feel even better.

Those days will just not be the same without the man for whom West was always best.

Rogge on rugger

2007-11-05T03:07:00.000-08:00

Sports politician extraordinaire, famous Belgian, skilled surgeon, Olympic sailor and former international rugby player, Jacques Rogge is a modern-day renaissance man.

Now, for his next trick, he would like to bring about the rebirth of Olympic rugby.

Not seen at the four-yearly global gathering since 1924, when the US of A left Paris with an Olympic rugby gold they have conspicuously failed to build on, rugby union would very much like to rejoin the five-ring circus.

Rogge, like the proud father of a large brood, cannot reveal his favourite, but it is evident from listening to him talking about the oval-ball game that rugby union is his guilty pleasure.

Clearly, the 15-a-side game isn't going to fit into the super-snug Olympic schedule - the participants would need NFL-sized squads to get a team on the pitch after a few rounds - but the sport's slimmed-down, speeded-up, seven-a-side version looks like a winner.

Already a massive hit with broadcasters and spectators at the Commonwealth Games, the International Rugby Board has launched a reasonably successful Sevens World Series and has staged four Rugby World Cup Sevens tournaments.

The games are fast, furious and finished in about quarter of an hour. Perfect for an extravaganza that some suggest has become a tad flabby.

The cast is similar to the 15-a-side game's big shows but the plaudits are more democratically shared - Fiji, not a traditional Olympic power, has won two of those four world cups.

So what's the problem?

Cricket, darts, golf, gurning, karate, roller sports, squash, stone skimming....and they're just the ones I like. The recently uninvited baseball and softball quite fancy returning to the party asap too.

They can't all fit in. The Games already cost as much as decent-sized wars and host cities really cannot be expected to keep building state-of-the-art facilities for sports their citizens have no intention of even trying.

But surely some room can be found for a highly-skilled, super-charged sport that is played around the world and growing in popularity. Particularly as the medals could be dished out after a couple of days of well-attended competition at the local football stadium.

Sadly, it's too late for sevens and 2012. But a decision on which sports will comprise the 2016 programme will be made in 2009.

Does rugby deserve its chance? Or are you more of a roller-blading and modern pentathlon kind of sports fan?

England run to boost grass-roots

2007-11-05T03:06:00.000-08:00

Players like Phil Vickery (left) maintain a strong bond between professional and grass-roots rugby

The Rugby Football Union says that the scheme to boost the game at grass-roots level is well-placed to capitalise on England's route to the World Cup final.

The governing body said that despite England's triumph four years ago, which gave a boost to kids' playing numbers, little impact was made at adult level.

But since then adults have been targeted and the RFU hopes England's success will bolster their efforts.

RFU community manager Simon Mills said: "The signs are that it is successful."

After England's World Cup triumph in 2003 there was a huge increase in children playing at grass-roots level.

The numbers of kids playing aged seven to 12 rose by 28% over the three years after the tournament in Australia, while among teenagers (aged 13-18) there was a 16% increase.

That was set against a 3% increase in the number of adults playing rugby.

England players, like Nick Easter, are involved with junior clubs and coach on a fairly regular basis

RFU community manager Simon Mills

In order to address this discrepancy, the RFU set up a recruitment drive called "Go Play Rugby", aimed at bringing 16-35 year-olds back to the game.

The target was to take on an extra 6,000 players in all by launching advertising campaigns and services more suited to an adult audience.

"We approached it with a two-pronged attack," says Mills.

"There were targeted cinema and radio advertising campaigns and there is a dedicated website with a club finder and a text messaging service. We also pre-armed our 700 clubs involved in the campaign.

"Our initial target was to a secure a 6% growth in the six months it is running.

"The signs are that it has been very successful. We believe we have already topped that 6,000 player figure, in fact we're hoping for a couple of thousand past that."

Although Mills acknowledges that success has its spin-offs, he argues that grass-roots sport has an inevitable boost during and after big tournaments such as the World Cup.

But he regards rugby as a special case in that it retains a clear connection between the elite and grass roots end of the sport.

"Regardless of how England does we would get more players because numbers peak during a World Cup year and the year afterwards," he said.

There is a fantastic connection between the top end and bottom end of the game that is not replicated in other sports

RFU community manager Simon Mills

"My feeling is that it's probably the youth section of the game which benefits more from success of the England team than the adults.

"But this period has been enormously successful for us.

"One of the reasons has been the fantastic connection between the top end and bottom end of the game that is not replicated in other sports.

"Players like Phil Vickery are identifiable role models who come from somewhere that other people playing the game can understand.

"Phil started off as a kid playing in Cornwall for his local club at Bude then as a teenager moved down the road to Redruth.

"He played in England's age group teams and then suddenly was at Gloucester, in the England side and at Wasps leading his country at the World Cup.

"I know that a lot of people identify with the England team because of that and I know a lot of England guys are still involved in the grass roots of the game.

"Phil still has mates down in Cornwall and still visits the club.

"Other England players, like Nick Easter, are involved with junior clubs in the sense that some of them go back and coach on a fairly regular basis."

Whether the England team's success in France was down to the players or the coaching staff, the elite end is due for a period of assessement after its unexpected run to the final.

And the same can be said of the targets at the bottom end of the game.

"Our long-term targets are to grow the adult game by 12-14% by 2013," Mills added.

"But after the success of Go Play Rugby so far, it looks like we may not have been ambitious enough."

Players wishing to find their local rugby club can visit the Go Play Rugby website.

EDF Energy Cup team of the week

2007-11-05T03:05:00.000-08:00

15. Lee Byrne (Ospreys) A potent attacking threat who made the most of a poor Worcester defence.

14. Lee Robinson (Bristol) Early try against Llanelli Scarlets set the tone for a battling display.

13. James Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester) Great hands to bring others into play and two fine tries to earn a last-gasp draw against Newcastle, just pipping Bath's Alex Crockett to the 13 spot.

12. Gareth Thomas (Cardiff Blues) Scored two tries on his full Cardiff Blues debut in a fine all-round performance.

11. Shane Williams (Ospreys) A brace of tries was the reward for a typical jinking display against Worcester.

10. Charlie Hodgson (Sale Sharks) Most of his best work was done in defence with some fine cover tackling, but still showed his class in a losing cause.

9. Alan Dickens (Saracens) Led Sarries well in Neil de Kock's absence, showing fizz and class against former club Leeds.

1. David Flatman (Bath) Fine scrummaging work gave Leicester's inexperienced front row a torrid afternoon.

2. Rob Hawkins (Bath) Young Bath hooker continues to progress well and impressed alongside front-row colleague Flatman.

3. Rhys Thomas (Dragons) Forwards dominated in the dour 3-3 draw against Wasps, with Thomas showing his mettle in the front-row exchanges.

4. Steve Borthwick (Bath) Shrugged off any lingering World Cup disappointment with a committed display for his club.

5. Paul Tito (Cardiff Blues) It was easy to spot the copper-topped Kiwi, but it proved much harder for opponents to stop him.

6. Tom Croft (Leicester) Laboured manfully in the Tigers back-row to try and keep Bath at bay.

7. Robin Sowden-Taylor (Cardiff Blues) Young open-side produced some excellent scavenging work and ran his socks off.

8. Andrew Blowers (Bristol) Bullocking performance from the number eight who was at the heart of a big Bristol forward effort.

*Share your thoughts on the opening round of the EDF Cup and pick your own team of the week.

EDF Energy Cup team of the week

Rugby mourns Ray Gravell

2007-11-05T03:04:00.000-08:00

Wales and Lions legend Ray Gravell has died at the age of 56.

'Grav' was a key member of the Wales teams of the late 1970s and early 1980s that dominated the Five Nations, also winning four Lions caps on the 1980 tour to South Africa.

The BBC and S4C presenter was a great character as well as a player and will be sorely missed.

Send your tributes and share your memories of Ray Gravell.

Wales closing in on Kiwi Gatland

2007-11-05T03:03:00.000-08:00

Warren Gatland would welcome a return to international rugby

Warren Gatland admits he is "fairly close" to taking over as the next coach of Wales.

The Kiwi, 44, has held talks with the Welsh Rugby Union and said he is "very interested" in the job.

"We have a few things to work out," said Gatland who is currently assistant at Super 14 team the Chiefs and is also in charge of the Waikato NPC side.

"Nothing is finalised but we are fairly close. They are fairly keen to have me and I am very interested in the job."

The WRU have been looking for a new coach since sacking Gareth Jenkins the day after Wales were eliminated from the World Cup.

Former Ireland and Wasps coach Gatland met WRU officials in New Zealand last month at the start of the union's global search for a new coach.

And he was in Cardiff for talks over the weekend and will stay in the UK until next week, suggesting an appointment could be imminent.

"The challenge is appealing," he said. "The scene is a lot like New Zealand, it's a goldfish bowl.

"I loved Britain. I had a fantastic time here and really enjoyed it.

"If it comes off, I could not be joining at a better time. They are 10th in the world and the only way is up.

"And what a start, against England at Twickenham in the Six Nations.

"I hope to have made my mind up before I return to New Zealand next week. I have a few things to discuss with my family."

606: DEBATE

Who should be the next Wales coach?

Gatland coached Ireland for three years before being replaced by Eddie O'Sullivan in 2001 and later joined Wasps in 2002.

He enjoyed a highly successful spell as coach at the English side, leading them to three consecutive Guinness Premiership titles (2003, 2004 and 2005) and the Heineken Cup in 2004.

Gatland's New Zealand compatriots Hansen and Regan King, currently playing for Llanelli Scarlets, feel that he could do a decent job for Wales.

"He did a good job with Ireland," said Hansen, who coached Wales between 2002-4.

"He coached at Wasps and understands how the game is played in the northern hemisphere.

"I think there are a number of coaches who could do the job, it is just whether they are given the opportunity to do it."

King added: "Warren Gatland did great things at Wasps and also at Waikato so is a good contender."

Sinkewitz makes doping admission

2007-11-04T07:07:00.001-08:00

Sinkewitz's was the first drugs case to hit this year's Tour

Disgraced cyclist Patrik Sinkewitz has admitted using illegal blood-booster erythropoietin (EPO) and undergoing banned blood transfusions in the past.

Sinkewitz was sacked by T-Mobile during this year's Tour de France after failing a pre-race drugs test.

"I felt guilty about it all," the 27-year-old told the German magazine Der Speigel in an interview for Monday.

However, he said he stopped using EPO in 2006 and still blamed his result on a testosterone gel used in training.

It was no secret then that EPO made you faster

Patrik Sinkewitz in a magazine interview

The German cyclist was suspended during the Tour de France after testing positive for elevated levels of testosterone on 8 June.

He recently spent five hours giving evidence to the German Cyling Federation's (BDR) disciplinary committee in an effort to get his expected two-year ban reduced.

But he told Der Speigel he first started taking EPO in 2003 when he rode for Team Quick-Step and continued the practice at T-Mobile until 2006.

"It was no secret then that EPO made you faster," he said.

He said he had blood transfusions - a practice banned by the sports governing body - to improve his blood's oxygenation and increase red cells, administered by team doctors Lothar Heinrich and Andreas Schmid, who were sacked in May after admitting giving cyclists EPO.

"In November 2005, at the time of our first meeting, I definitely spoke to them about blood doping and they said to me that it was possible," he added.

"They did not give out EPO readily and only did it so our riders wouldn't go to any other doctors."

However, Sinkewitz said all doping operations in T-Mobile stopped after the 2006 Tour and the team was completely reorganised.

He also maintained that his failed drugs test was the result of applying some testosterone gel to his arm to help his recovery after training and added the quantity was "the bare minimum."

Williams warn McLaren off Rosberg

2007-11-04T07:06:00.000-08:00

Hamilton (right) and Rosberg both drove in the GP2 series before F1

Williams director Patrick Head has told McLaren to forget about Nico Rosberg becoming Fernando Alonso's replacement for next season.

Lewis Hamilton had tipped Williams driver Rosberg as one of three men he could see stepping into Alonso's shoes.

But Head responded: "Nico is contracted to our team for 2008 and we have an option for his services for 2009.

"We plan to go into next season with Nico as our lead driver and we would not entertain a approach from McLaren."

When asked who would be alongside him next season, Hamilton said: "(Nico) Rosberg, (Adrian) Sutil or (Heikki) Kovalainen.

"The most important thing is that he is a team player," added the Briton, whose sensational first season in F1 led to him falling out with Spaniard Alonso.

They are all fantastic drivers and I know them quite well - if I could choose I honestly don't know who I would pick

Lewis Hamilton

The double world champion left McLaren on Friday after agreeing a release from the last two years of his deal.

Rosberg, the son of Finland's 1982 world champion Keke, is under contract with Williams and Head added in the Mail on Sunday: "McLaren are a team in a position to offer very large salaries, but our aim is to be looking to strengthen Williams."

Rosberg finished ninth in the 2007 drivers' championship, while Finland's Kovalainen took seventh, boosted by his second place in the Japanese GP.

Renault chief Flavio Briatore said on Saturday that he had offered Alonso a deal to return to the team where he won the 2005 and 2006 titles.

Sutil is a friend of Hamilton's and drove for F1 minnows Spyker in 2007 but is highly rated.

Spyker were sold to Indian tycoon Vijay Mallya in October and will become Force India F1 next season.

Mallya said recently: "I am very happy with Adrian Sutil and I've told team boss Colin Kolles that we need to keep him."

McLaren are determined to pick the right man to partner Hamilton after he and Alonso's feuding contributed to the duo losing out in the drivers' title race to Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen by one point.

Speaking at a Mercedes 'Stars and Cars' event in Stuttgart, Hamilton, 22, added of Rosberg, Sutil and Kovaleinen: "They are all fantastic drivers.

"I know all of them quite well, and if I could choose I honestly don't know who I would pick."

Also at the Mercedes event, McLaren's double world champion Mika Hakkinen announced he was retiring from racing in the German Touring Car series. Hakkinen, 39, who won 20 grands prix in his career, said he would continue to be involved with Mercedes off the track.

Hingis 'to fight positive test'

2007-11-04T07:05:00.000-08:00

Hingis returned to tennis in 2006 after a three-year hiatus

Martina Hingis will challenge her positive drugs test, the head of the women's tennis tour has told the BBC.

Hingis announced her retirement from tennis after revealing the positive test, and she indicated she would not be challenging the result.

But WTA chief Larry Scott said he understood Hingis would try to prove she was not guilty of taking cocaine.

"Everything that she and her representatives have said to me is that they are going to fight it," he said.

The popular former world number one revealed she had returned a positive result from a routine urine sample taken after losing to Laura Granville in the third round of this year's Wimbledon championships.

Hingis insisted she was "100% innocent" and that this was backed up by a negative result on a hair test, which can show whether or not someone has taken cocaine.

Scott told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme: "From what I've read in her statement, and my conversation with her representatives, they are putting forward a case partially based on that.

"There was some suggestion [it was] not a 100% certainty it was her sample that was tested."

But Scott added that it would not be easy for Hingis to prove her innocence.

"Once you are found to have a prohibitive substance in your system, the burden of proof then shifts to the player," he said.

"If it's in your system you have to prove how it might have got there other than suspicious ways."

White agent reveals England talks

2007-11-04T07:04:00.000-08:00

White has been linked to several top jobs in world rugby

South Africa's World Cup-winning coach Jake White has held talks with England, according to his agent.

The England management set-up and the position of head coach Brian Ashton are being reviewed by Rugby Football Union director of elite rugby Rob Andrew.

"They've been in touch. England are busy with the review process and then they will make a decision," Craig Livingstone told The Sunday Times.

"We've expressed an interest and so have they. We've talked to Rob Andrew."

White led the Springboks to World Cup final glory over England last month.

England's unexpected run to the final was seen as a great success, but coach Ashton has since been criticised by some of his own players, with Lawrence Dallaglio saying the post "demands management skills that Brian does not have".

White announced on Wednesday that he would leave the Springboks in December and accused South Africa of forcing him out of the job after they revealed he was not on a shortlist of four names to fill his own position.

He has since confirmed that he would not be interested in either the vacant Australia or Wales jobs.

White is due to lead South Africa on their tour of Britain later this month before stepping down.

The Springboks will play Wales on 24 November, before taking on the Barbarians at Twickenham a week later - White's final game in charge.

Soon after arriving back in South Africa with the Webb Ellis trophy, White said: "England is probably one job most international coaches wouldn't mind taking.

"It's a power that can become a huge force. They have a great rugby culture."

Younus backs Ashes-style series

2007-11-04T07:03:00.000-08:00

Younus took two wickets in the warm-up game victory over Delhi

Younus Khan has suggested Pakistan and India should adopt an Ashes-style model and play a Test series every two years.

"The teams will get more time to prepare and plan and the fun factor will increase," said the Pakistan star.

The two rivals will play a five-match one-day series, which begins in Guwahati on 5 November, before contesting three Test matches.

Pakistan welcome back Shoaib Akhtar after a 13-match ban, while opener Virender Sehwag returns for India.

The forthcoming series will be the fourth between the two teams since cricket relations were resumed in 2004 following a 15-year hiatus.

The rivals also met in the final of the inaugural World Twenty20 tournament in September, a match which India won by five runs.

But Younus said he would like to see an alternating biennial series between the two countries.

"We should organise India-Pakistan series every two years like the Ashes," said the 29-year-old, who took two wickets in Pakistan's comfortable seven-wicket win in a warm-up match against Delhi on Friday.

"The game is very popular in the two nations and people like to see us fight on the field."

The series will be Geoff Lawson's first as Pakistan coach - and the Australian is acutely aware of the magnitude of the occasion.

"Having toured India on a number of occasions I know people follow an India-Pakistan match with extreme passion and at times it is a bit more than the sport, bigger than the Ashes," he said.

Captain Shoaib Malik will rely on the experience of Shoaib Akhtar

"The team that handles the pressure and tensions better will win."

Both teams will be keen to avenge recent home series defeats; India lost 4-2 to Australia while Pakistan were defeated 3-2 by South Africa.

India's selectors caused a stir when they dropped Rahul Dravid from the 15-man squad, along with opener Dinesh Karthik, opting to recall Gautam Gambhir and Sehwag.

Uncapped pace bowler Praveen Kumar was the only new face in the 15-man squad, which will be led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Pakistan will be without influential paceman Mohammad Asif, who missed the majority of the South Africa series with a chronic elbow problem.

Asif's absence will place the onus on Shoaib Akhtar, who has served out a 13-match suspension imposed for hitting his injured team-mate with a bat in September.

The 32-year-old will spearhead Pakistan's potent pace attack, ably assisted by Umar Gul, Sohail Tanvir and Rao Iftikhar Anjum, who ended the South Africa series as joint-highest wicket-taker with 14.

Fletcher opens old wounds

2007-11-04T07:02:00.001-08:00

Andrew Flintoff’s behaviour only confirms Duncan Fletcher had lost control of the team

Simon Wilde

Although the passages on Andrew Flintoff have drawn most notice, they are far from the most significant aspects of Duncan Fletcher’s unsparingly thorough autobiography. Behind The Shades, which is published tomorrow, is as colour-ful as the former England coach’s press conferences were dull. In truth, Fletcher tells us little that we did not know about Flintoff and his drinking. It has long been publicly known – since the “pedalo affair” eight months ago, to be precise – that Flintoff turned up inebriated to a training session in Australia. It was also widely known, within days of the event, that he had been drinking in the Australian dressing-room until midnight after the morale-shattering second Test defeat in Adelaide.

On these matters, the England allrounder has not got a leg on which to stand. He is guilty as charged, as well he knows, if the messages coming out of his management team are anything to go by, regarding him having stayed off the booze for three months and beginning to address “lifestyle issues”.

Forget Flintoff. The striking aspect to the book is the picture it paints of dysfunctional management at the apex of English cricket. True, the consequences of the investment of too much power in Fletcher were being felt, but elsewhere mistakes were made left, right and centre by senior figures seemingly more interested in leaking information to the press and minding their own backs than working for the good of the collective cause.

Back in 2005 it seemed England had created the best-run professional cricket system in the world. Even the Australians were asking for advice. But it seems England just got lucky, with a good set of players on a run free of injury.

Fletcher understandably spares his long-time ally, David Morgan, the then-chairman, whom he praises for his loyalty, but few other officials at the England and Wales Cricket Board escape censure. After almost eight years working with them, Fletcher had plainly learnt to trust almost nobody. When Micky Stewart, a member of the Schofield report group tasked with reviewing England’s performances from 2003 to 2007, told Fletcher that he was regarded as a poor communicator, Fletcher replied: “I would communicate more if there was more confidentiality. I know there is none, so I keep things to myself. Why talk if people are going to blab?” It is a comment that has the ring of truth about it.

As for selection meetings, what a Punch and Judy show they sound. Rod Marsh concentrated on talking up his charges, regardless of whether they were ready to play Test cricket or not, just so he could hold his head up when he got back to the national academy, where 80% of batsmen, apparently, were failing to improve. That was when Marsh was not shouting and screaming because he had not been consulted about a change of wicketkeeper, only for David Graveney to admit that he had omitted to tell him. Then there is Graveney himself, seemingly chairman only in name, arriving for meetings hotfoot from his latest phone call to check what Ian Botham thought, then sitting on his hands whenever the tricky decisions came up.

Not that Fletcher was without fault. You wouldn’t expect him to admit mistakes – and he doesn’t – but his errors are plain enough. He even seemed to lose the knack of getting his own way. He wanted Matt Prior to replace Geraint Jones in August 2006, but got Chris Read instead, as he did when the squad was chosen for Australia. In Adelaide he wanted Monty Panesar to come in for James Anderson as a second spinner, but the rest of the management wanted only one spinner, Ashley Giles.

The most serious charge against Fletcher is one he cannot hope to share with others: his failure to punish Flintoff for turning up in his shambolic state for practice in Sydney. Fletcher’s explanation, that he did not want to hand the media a juicy story, only highlights his growing impotence. No wonder Flintoff offended again, and no wonder Fletcher wonders whether he should have taken more control of situations.

Compare this handling of Flintoff with how Australia dealt with Andrew Symonds when he turned up on the morning of a one-day international against Bangladesh in Cardiff in 2005 stinking of alcohol after a night on the tiles. They fined him and suspended him for two matches. Symonds has not only kept a clean disciplinary record since, but has become a hugely influen-tial player.

Flaws revealed by Fletcher

1 Many players had become too powerful. Andrew Flintoff was made captain for Australia partly for fear of how Flintoff and Steve Harmison might behave were he not in charge. When Darren Gough criticised the England coach during the World Cup, Fletcher wanted him punished, but the board did nothing

2 The ECB mismanaged many situations. The board knew Fletcher wielded too much power but when he twice offered to resign as a selector, board ofﬁ cials talked him out of it. The board let fast bowling coach Troy Cooley leave by offering him only a one-year extension to his contract

3 England’s selection process was turbulent. Fletcher lost conﬁ dence in David Graveney, the chairman, who he said was reluctant to make difﬁ cult decisions and was swayed by TV commentator Sir Ian Botham. Graveney failed to keep Rod Marsh, another selector, informed about talks on a change of wicketkeeper, forcing Marsh to apologise for his protests

4 Fletcher’s leadership powers were on the wane in his last 12 months.

He wanted Matt Prior rather than Chris Read to replace Geraint Jones as wicketkeeper, and Monty Panesar and Sajid Mahmood to replace James Anderson and Steve Harmison for the Test in Adelaide, yet none of these things happened

If Fletcher sometimes felt too close to his players to hand out the necessary punishments, the hope must be that Hugh Morris, the new managing director of the England team, will not feel so compromised.

Restoring discipline must be his priority, particularly given that since Flintoff’s exploits we have had Anderson shoulder-charging an opponent, the puerile jelly-bean antics at Trent Bridge and Paul Collingwood’s ill-advised late night out in South Africa.

Yankees told $350 million or no A-Rod talk: reports

2007-11-04T06:53:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The New York Yankees were told $350 million was the starting point for discussions about retaining Alex Rodriguez before the slugger declared himself a free agent, local newspapers reported on Saturday.

Citing club and major league sources, local media reported that agent Scott Boras told the Yankees it would take at least a $350-million extension to Rodriguez's deal, which had three years remaining on the original 10-year, $252-million agreement.

The two sides never met face-to-face on an extension and Boras announced during Game Four of the World Series that Rodriguez was exercising an escape clause in the deal originally signed with Texas to declare himself a free agent.

The Yankees had planned to offer Rodriguez, 32, a five-year extension for about $150 million, club sources said.

Boras told the New York Times he had not talked to the Yankees about economic terms.

Rodriguez had 10 days from the end of the World Series as a deadline for becoming a free agent. The Yankees had said they were interested in retaining the third baseman but would not participate in negotiating with him if he became a free agent.

Arguably the best all-around player in the major leagues, Rodriguez had a stellar season in 2007, leading the majors with 54 home runs and 156 runs batted in.

Among teams believed to be considering pursuing Rodriguez are the Los Angeles Dodgers and Angels, the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, Florida Marlins and New York Mets.

Source: Pirates to name Russell manager

2007-11-04T06:47:00.000-08:00

PITTSBURGH - John Russell, let go by the Pirates as their third-base coach only two seasons ago, will succeed Jim Tracy as Pittsburgh's manager, a source with knowledge of the hiring told The Associated Press on Saturday night.

Russell, who lost his previous job in Pittsburgh following former Pirates manager Lloyd McClendon's firing in September 2005, will be introduced at a news conference Monday. He managed the Phillies' Triple-A team the last two seasons.

Russell's hiring is the first major move by new Pirates general manager Neal Huntington, who took over with 10 days left in the regular season. The Pirates spent nearly a month looking for Tracy's successor and had been the only remaining team in the majors without a manager following the Dodgers hiring of Joe Torre.

The Pirates settled on Russell only a day after being told by Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell that he wasn't interested. The Pirates had delayed their search until they could talk to Farrell following the World Series. Farrell once succeeded Huntington as Cleveland's director of player development.

Russell's hiring was a surprise because he was let go as a coach by the same team that, after only a few weeks under new leadership, now has decided he's a better fit to be their manager than he was to be a coach. Russell was the Pirates' third-base coach and catching instructor from 2003-05.

At the time, Russell was unpopular among some Pirates fans because of the frequency of runners he waved home that were thrown out at the plate.

On Saturday, the Pirates began calling the other finalists to tell them they weren't getting the job. They are believed to have talked with Triple-A Indianapolis manager Trent Jewett, plus Chicago White Sox bench coach Joey Cora and Indians third- base coach Joel Skinner.

The 46-year-old Russell, a former major league catcher who once caught one of Nolan Ryan's no-hitters, spent eight years as a Minnesota Twins minor league manager. He interviewed with the Phillies for their manager's job following the 2000 season.

Russell became a Pirates coach after leading Edmonton to the Pacific Coast League title in 2002. He was chosen as Baseball America as the best managerial prospect in the minors after that season. The publication also chose him as the best Double-A managerial prospect in 1999.

Russell played for the Phillies, Braves and Rangers from 1984-93, hitting .225 with 34 homers and 129 RBIs in 448 games. A career backup, he never played more than 93 games in any season.

Tracy was fired with one year left on his contract after his teams lost 189 games in two seasons. The Pirates have had 15 consecutive losing seasons, one short of the major league record. They have had four managers during that time: Jim Leyland, Gene Lamont, Lloyd McClendon and Tracy.

Upset Saturday: Seminoles beat No. 2 BC

2007-11-04T06:45:00.000-08:00

BOSTON - Geno Hayes returned Matt Ryan's third interception for a 38-yard touchdown with 1:10 to play on Saturday night to help Florida State beat No. 2 Boston College 27-17, ending the Eagles' run at an unbeaten season and shaking up the BCS standings yet again.

With the loss by BC (8-1, 4-1 Atlantic Coast Conference), there are three unbeaten teams left in the nation — Ohio State, Kansas and Hawaii — and a handful of one-loss teams who can argue for a spot in the Bowl Championship Series title game. LSU will probably take second-place behind Ohio State in the BCS standings when they come out Sunday.

Drew Weatherford completed 29-of-45 passes for 354 yards for Florida State (6-3, 3-3), hitting Preston Parker nine times for 93 yards and a touchdown and De'Cody Fagg on six catches for 111 yards and a TD. Ryan finished 25-for-53 for two touchdowns and 415 yards — his fourth career 400-yard game, tying Doug Flutie for the most in school history.

But his interceptions were costly.

Ryan was picked off once in the first quarter inside the Seminoles 10. He also threw an interception early in the third that allowed Florida State to move into position for a 40-yard field goal that made it 10-0.

It was the second consecutive game BC trailed 10-0 before mounting a rally: The Eagles spotted Virginia Tech a two-score lead on Oct. 25 before Ryan threw two touchdown passes in the final 2:11.

This time, he had more than 20 minutes to work with.

Ryan led BC on a four-play, 70-yard drive over 63 seconds, hitting Ryan Purvis for 26 yards to the Seminoles 30 and then Brandon Robinson for the touchdown. The teams traded field goals, then Weatherford hit Fagg on a 42-yard touchdown pass to give the Seminoles a 20-10 lead.

Ryan hit Rich Gunnell on a 42-yard pass to the Florida State 6 with 7:24 left. Two plays later, including a penalty that moved the ball to the 3, Ryan hit a wide-open Purvis in the middle of the end zone to make it 20-17.

BC got the ball back with a chance to take the lead, but Hayes ripped the ball free from an Eagles' receiver on a pass across the middle and went easily into the end zone.

The game began in a frigid and soaking downpour, with wind gusts forecast at up to 50 mph as the remnants of Hurricane Noel proceeded up the East Coast. The rain had stopped by the end of the first quarter, but the winds battered the U.S. flag and played havoc with a couple of second-quarter field goal attempts.

The No. 2 team in The Associated Press Top 25 lost three consecutive weeks before Boston College took over the second spot on Oct. 21 and held on with a comeback victory over Virginia Tech.

Robinson caught seven passes for 163 yards for BC, fighting off a grabby defender to make a diving catch at the Seminoles 6 late in the game. But the Eagles managed only a field goal.

Live - Volvo Masters

2007-11-04T06:44:00.000-08:00

Rose and Harrington are both in with a chance of the title

Leaders:
-3 J Rose
-1 S Kjeldsen
+1 P Harrington
+2 G McDowell, S Dyson +3 I Poulter

Justin Rose and Padraig Harrington are battling for the European Order of Merit title in a thrilling climax to the season at the Volvo Masters.

Ernie Els leads the standings, but opted to play in Singapore, giving Rose and Harrington the chance to pounce.

With two birdies on the front nine, Rose is the clear favourite despite Harrington's best efforts.

A bogey at the ninth sees Harrington drop further behind his rival as he begins to run out of holes.