Saturday, July 31, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz


Lance Berkman: New York Yankees Hire The Services Of Charismatic Superstar

Posted: 31 Jul 2010 01:08 PM PDT

Lance Berkman ,The New York YankeesNew York Yankees are a; set to hire the services of Lance Berkman now. Their all preparations in order to hire Lance Berkman are complete now.

Instead of buying or selling a player business it is a kind of deal according to which Charismatic Superstars like Mark Melancon and minor league infielder Jimmy Paredes will be transferred to Houston. In order to get this deal done and dusted Houston is likely to pay $4 million.

So far as other things in New York Yankees are concerned so they are also fishing for some precarious baseman. So for this purpose they have been searching a baseman by travelling length and breadth of the country. So now it will be very interesting to see that who comes out with flying colors and grabs the spot of a baseman in New York Yankees.

This time New York Yankees are buying many players from outside sources. Austin Kearns is one of them who has been brought into the team from Cleveland.

In the recent encounter of Milwaukee and New York Yankees Berkman did not turn up to play as he has full no trades rights. So in order to field him on the ground it was completely necessary to have his approval.

So far as Berkman's views about being the part of New York are concerned so he says that I feel very comfortable here.

After the game he was given a huge hug by Astros rookie Chris Johnson.

Berkman is very agile and full of sharp reflexes. Due to his sharp reflexes 34 years Berkman holds wonderful record of hitting .245 with 13 homers and 49 RBIs. He also holds the record of 60 walks and 70 strikeouts in 298 at-bats.

So far as trade with New York Yankees is concerned so Astros general manager Ed Wade approached Berkman two days ago. So about choosing to join New York Yankees Berkamn told DLN sources that he saw some opportunity of exploring his caliber and displaying it in front of the world. So that is why he has joined New York Yankees.

Berkman also believes that it is good for player like him all the teams are still eager to include player like him in the team. It is going to give them not only chance to play but to display their caliber with more enthusiasm.

This time Berkman is charging whopping $14 million this year. So at being asked about his charges and selection Berkman said you always do not get what you think but sometimes you get. So I am the luckiest one to get my wish fulfilled as I always wanted to play for team like New York Yankees.

Eng vs Pak : Prior saves the day

Posted: 31 Jul 2010 11:09 AM PDT

Eng vs. Pak

Eng vs. Pak

England vs Pakistan test match, day three and the match seems to be already in England’s pocket. The pitch has been supporting the bowlers along with the conditions and the fact was shown once again as Pakistan managed to take quick six wickets to reduce England to 120 for the loss of six wickets.

The match could have been anyones at that moment, but then MJ Prior showed his class and scored a fast hundred to take England to the shore of safety,

The England are now resting at a comfortable score of 262 for the loss of nine wickets. They have a lead of a massive 434 runs over Pakistan. Pakistan too showed some determination in the tail when they avoided the follow on largely due to the three six that were hit by Umar Gul, he made a surprising 65 from just 46 balls. He hit 4 six in the innings. He was supported somewhat by Aamer.

When the ball came to Pakistan, they did well with it until Prior came along, he took the match away from them. With the way the pitch is swinging, it seems only destined that England will win the match comfortably and defeat Pakistan.

Merlene Ottey, Age 50 Years, Is The Oldest Running Woman Athlete

Posted: 31 Jul 2010 04:54 AM PDT

Merlene Ottey Merlene Ottey the veteran sprinter, who became the oldest athlete ever to contend at the European Championship. Merlene who is 50 years of age and has more than nine Olympic medals to her name, the maximum by any woman in the field or on the track, has competed for Slovenia.

Slovenia is her adopted choice of country and she has been competing for it since 2002.

She ran the 4×100 mts relay in Barcelona. Her team though did not qualify for the final. However Merlene has said that she might contend in the 2012 Olympics too.

Merlene who is called the Queen Of The Track had first contested in the Moscow Olympics in 1980 and won a Bronze in the 200 mts.

One being asked how she was feeling after the run, she said "Yeah, it’s a great feeling" and when asked how does she do it, she said "I guess it’s my genes. I try to push myself to the limit. This is how I get my adrenalin".

She is getting ready to run in the World Championships in Korea.

Rangers v Aek Athens Result: Athens Defeat A Frustrated Rangers Side 1-0

Posted: 31 Jul 2010 04:36 AM PDT

AEK AthensIn an exciting game of football, Nathan Burns, the Australian, scored the winner to make Athens win in the Sydney Festival Of Football. The match of Athens vs Rangers on saturday was watched by a lot of people and Burns performance has assured him a place in the team. He scored with a header in the 73rd minute.

Athens could have won by a larger margin, but the Rangers goalkeeper Alan McGregor not made outstanding saves in the match. Rangers looked frustrated through the match as they could not score a single goal. Rangers player Smith however felt the loss was not deserved and said "From out point of view it was a success, there was a good standard of games, competitive games which is what we need and we enjoyed it overall"

However the Star player Burns said "I back myself and I want to give myself as big an opportunity as I can to play in this team…. I don’t think I’ve done any harm (tonight), scoring the goal was good, you always want to see goal from strikers and attacking players.". When asked about his chances to play for the team this year he said "I rate myself as playing in this team this year"

Man Utd vs Chivas : Chivas Beat Manchester United 3-2 In A Thrilling Match

Posted: 31 Jul 2010 04:18 AM PDT

 Chivas vs ManchesterIn the much awaited Chivas vs Manchester United match, Chivas has beaten Manchester by a marging of 3-2 with great contribution from Javier Hernandez, who was also given the title of the Star player of the match. Javier scored the first goal for Chivas in the eighth minute and set the tone of the match.

Though Chis Smalling also scored a goal in the first half to equal the scoreboard 1-1 but it was the second half which the Chivas played best in and scored two goals to take the match away from the famous Manchester United club.

Manchester did score another goal in the second half but it was not enough to win the game.

Manchester United is going through a rough patch at the time and they need to play better if they want to retain their top ranking spot.

Who is your favorite player? Share you thoughts in the comments section.

Tyree, Hilliard Sign One-Day Contracts To Retire As N.Y. Giants

Posted: 31 Jul 2010 12:40 AM PDT

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

East Rutherford, NJ, United States (AHN) – The New York Giants signed receiver Ike Hilliard and Super Bowl XLII hero David Tyree to one-day contracts so both players can retire as Giants Friday.

Tyree played seven seasons, six with the Giants, as a receiver and special teams standout and made the Pro Bowl on special teams in 2005.

The 30-year-old native of nearby Montclair, NJ was drafted out of Syracuse in the sixth round of the 2003 draft.

Tyree will be best remembered for his circus helmet catch that led to the Giants stunning the previously undefeated New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII.

Eli Manning somehow escaped relentless Pats pressure to toss a Hail Mary in Tyree’s direction.

The receiver jumped up while harassed by Pats veteran safety Rodney Harrison and miraculously pressed the ball against his helmet in the air, falling while keeping it just a few inches off the ground to secure a crucial reception.

Tyree retires with 85 special teams tackles, 54 receptions for 650 yards and four touchdowns in seven seasons, the last with the Baltimore Ravens.

Hilliard, 34, started 92 games for the Giants (1997-2004), and finished fifth in franchise history in receptions with 368 for a total of 4,630 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Twins Bolster Bullpen; Acquire Nats All-Star Closer Capps

Posted: 31 Jul 2010 12:28 AM PDT

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

Minneapolis, MN, United States (AHN) – The Minnesota Twins bolstered their bullpen for a playoff push by sending highly-touted catching prospect Wilson Ramos and minor league pitcher Joe Testa to the Washington Nationals for All Star closer Matt Capps Thursday.

As part of the deal, the Twins will also receive $500,000.

“We’ve had an interest in Matt Capps for a long time, and this was a good opportunity for us to acquire him. ” Twins general manager Bill Smith told MLB.com. “It gives us a better chance to win the division and hopefully advance to the World Series.”

Capps, 26, is the lone Nationals All Star in his first year with the club, posting 26 saves (fourth in MLB) in 30 opportunities with a 2.47 ERA.

The six-year veteran is 22-22 with 93 saves and a career 3.48 ERA since being selected by the Pirates in the seventh round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft and making his debut in 2005.

Minnesota is caught in a tight divisional race trying to repeat as American League Central champions.

The Twins (56-46), however, have a much better chance making up the 1.5 games behind the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central then catching the Wild Card-leading Rays (63-56).

In Ramos, the Nationals get the the No. 58 prospect in baseball, as rated by Baseball America, and a possible replacement for oft-injured catching prospect Jesús Flores.

Washington is expected to use a committee of relievers as closers, possibly including rookie Drew Storen, the 10th pick of last year’s draft.

Left-handed reliever Atahualpa Severino was brought up from Triple-A Syracuse to take Capps place on the roster.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Sunil Chhetri Gets Go Ahead From KC Wizards; Will Play In Asian Cup 2011

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 11:55 PM PDT

Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri, the Indian player who also plays for the Kansas City Wizards has been given the permission to join the national squad to play the Asian cup in 2011.

Kansas City Wizards is a Major League Soccer club and has been doing well recently, after defeating the top club Manchester United earlier this season.

Sunil who is kept as a forward in the club has been given the green flag to play for India.

The KC Wizards made a statement about the whole issue and said “The Kansas City Wizards announced that attacker Sunil Chhetri has been permitted to join the Indian National Team through the 2011 Asian Cup, in cooperation with the All India Football Federation,”

Sunil according to reports was frustrated, since he was with the club for 4 months but was still not given a chance to play. He is reportedly glad to join the national side. He said to the media “I’m excited to be joining the National Team. But I’ll miss Kansas City. Everything was falling into place here, including the big win we just had against Manchester United,” . Here is wishing the club and the team best of luck!

No Suspension Coming For Titans` Vince Young After Fight

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 11:51 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Nasville, TN, United States (AHN) – The Tennessee Titans learned Thursday NFL commissioner Roger Goodell decided not to discipline quarterback Vince Young over an altercation at a Dallas strip club last month.

The 27-year-old young, the third overall selection in the 2006 Draft by Tennessee, received a misdemeanor assault citation for his involvement in a tussle that was caught on surveillance video.

It showed the two-time Pro Bowl selection in a scuffle with several people in a small room at Club Onyx on June 13.

Young apologized the following day at the team’s minicamp and hoped he would not be suspended because he owned up to his mistake.

According to reports, Goodell met with Young regarding the incident earlier this week.

Young reportedly indicated that he was provoked when the man involved in the tussle made a downward Longhorns sign disparaging the University of Texas, where Young was the star quarterback for three seasons.

Goodell indicated that Young falls under the category of first-time offenders, who usually do not get suspended under the league’s personal conduct policy.

Young, who won eight of his 10 starts in 2009, is entering his fifth NFL season with a 26-13 career mark. Last year, he registered a personal-best passing rate of 82.8 percent.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Miguel Tejada Dealt To Padres; Cantu Headed To Rangers

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 11:51 PM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

San Diego, CA, United States (AHN) – The San Diego Padres enlisted a seasoned power hitter Thursday afternoon with the acquisition of former American League MVP Miguel Tejada from the Baltimore Orioles.

The Padres ended their long search for a reliable hitter with the arrival of the 36-year old Tejada, the two-time Silver Slugger winner.

Tejada, who signed a one-year, $6 million with the Birds in January, is hitting .269 with seven homers, 39 RBI, and 40 runs this season.

Baseball followers consider Tejada a solid player capable of clutch hitting in critical situations despite his advanced age.

With Chase Headley at third base, Padres manager Bud Black will have a tough time getting Tejada in the lineup, however.

Aside from removing Tejada’s big contract from their payroll, the Orioles also received Double-A pitching prospect Wynn Pelzer.

Meanwhile, midseason transactions in Texas continued, as the Rangers acquired infielder Jorge Cantu from the Florida Marlins Thursday.

Fresh from nabbing Cy Young winner Cliff Lee from New Yankees in a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Mariners, the Rangers brought the 28-year old Cantu in the fold.

The 28-year old Cantu is hitting .278 with 100 homers and 458 RBI over seven seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, Cincinnati Reds, and the Marlins.

The Marlins in return obtained right-handed pitchers Evan Reed and Omar Poveda.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Friday, July 30, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz


Ryan And Tannenbaum Will Stay On For Next Two Years

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 12:56 PM PDT

rex ryanNFL team New York Jets coach and general manager, Rex Ryan and Mike Tannenbaum have been retained after the goo show of the team in the season. The team reached the AFC Championship game.

Both have now got two year extensions. The news was announced on Friday this week. The two years extension means that both will be there for the next 5 seasons with the team.

Ryan who is a former Ravens defendor, led them to a 9-7 record and then a play-off run too. Jets have a lot to expect from the 2010 season.

Mark Sanchez has one year to go and with LaDainian Tomlison in back field and a strong defense, things are looking good for the jets. Tannenbaum meanwhile is in his 13th year as the general manager of the team.

Denver Tebow Deal Final

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 12:39 PM PDT

The Denver Broncos have finally inked the deal and will now have Tim Tebow playing for them. The contract has the maximum limit of 33 million and the incentives are extra. The deal however guarantees $8.7 mn and is worth $11.25mn. Tim who used to play for Florida and is a two time national champion there, will look to increase the team strength of Denver.

Broncos have made 25 picks since April and Tim is the 25th one.

Tim has helped Florida beat Cincinnati and win the sugar bowl in the last season. He is also the SEC record holder for maximum touchdowns. Tim will now join practice which had been on hold for three weeks, since the deal was being worked out.

He will now join the team and compete with Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn. Tim was the quaterback for Florida. What do you think, will the deal prove good for the Denvers. Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Eng vs. Pak: James Anderson Cut The Cake of Pakistani Batting Line Up on his 28th Birthday

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 11:46 AM PDT

Eng vs. Pak: James AndersonThere is a Test Cricket Series is going on in England between England vs. Pakistan. In this test match England displayed batting skills first and managed to score 354 runs in front of mind-blowing pace battery of Pakistan.

In this England vs. Pakistan test match Pakistani pace battery did splendid job and set the tone for Pakistani batsman. But Pakistani batsman failed to score big.

First Mohammed Asif made his presence felt by taking five British wickets quickly then British Quickie James Anderson spun Pakistani batting line up like wheel of bicycle. Anderson was unpredictable, furious like wind storm. Anderson blew off the Pakistani batting line up single handedly. He claimed five wickets on his 28th birthday.

When Pakistani batsmen came to bat so Anderson pounced at Pakistani batting line up like some hungry lion right from the word go. He played havoc with Pakistani batting line up.

No Pakistani batsmen could cope up with the pace and line and length of James Anderson. This gave lot of confidence to new Quickie of England named Steven Finn who also chipped in with 3 wickets later.

For Pakistan only Shoib Malik 38, Mohamed Amer 25 and tail ender Umar Gul 30 could play to some extent. Umar Gul is still present on the crease with Mohammed Asif who is yet to open his account.

Now you can well imagine the condition of Pakistan in this match. For bringing Pakistan in this condition none other then James Anderson is responsible. Anderson bowled with lot of passion, devotion, heart, and seriously furious pace and line and length today. He alone rattled the Pakistani batting line up.

Now the bad light has stopped play and Pakistani team is creeping at 147/9 with still a long way to go. Pakistan still needs 8 runs to avoid the follow on with just a one wicket in hand.  Moreover, even if Pakistan some manages to avoid follow on yet it will not be easy to come back for Pakistan in this test match because this is just a day 2 of this England vs. Pakistan test match. They are still 207 runs behind from England.

So now England has lot of time to put Pakistan under pressure and make them panic and win the match. But as we all know that Pakistan is a mercurial team so they can do anything anytime. So despite heaving a huge lead England can not afford to take Pakistan lightly.

Pakistan will surely try to come back by hook or by crook and do something in order to make a fight here in this England vs. Pakistan test match.

Seattle Scientist Perishes During Mountain Climbing Trek On Mt. Rainier

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 07:04 AM PDT

Ayinde O. Chase – AHN News Editor

Seattle, WA, United States (AHN) – Seattle scientist Lee F. Adams died earlier this week following a climbing accident on Mount Rainier. The 52-year-old scientist reportedly was part of a four-man crew climbing down the mountain on Emmons Glacier. The group was at a height of about 13,000 feet when Adams fell 35 feet into a deep crevasse.

Officials say that another climber was hurt and two others escaped injuries during the fall. Lee Taylor, Mount Rainier National Park’s Information Officer expressed his condolence and was saddened said that the simple “misstep” had such severe consequences for the team.

Rescuers were able to retrieve Adams’ body from the crevasse on Wednesday and airlifted the remains off the mountain by helicopter.

The Washington Alpine Club’s chairman Pat O’Brian said that Adams was on the climbing trek with a friend from Texas and his friend’s two teenage sons. They were travelling through the second most popular route on the 14,411 foot mountain where the incident occurred.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Phils Acquire Oswalt; Astros Pitcher Waives No-Trade Clause

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 07:04 AM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

Philadelphia, PA, United States (AHN) – The Philadelphia Phillies acquired Roy Oswalt, as the Houston Astros pitcher waived his no-trade clause, a league source disclosed Thursday.

The Phillies will ship rookie hurler J.A. Happ and two prospects to the Astros for the three-time all-star.

Oswalt, who signed a five-year, $73 million extension with the Astros in 2006, will receive $16 million next year and another $16 million salary or $2 million buyout money in 2012.

The Phillies, who already shelled out $142 million in salary, will reportedly take on another $5 million with the acquisition of the pitcher.

In spite of a 6-12 record, the 32-year old Oswalt remains a high-reward pitcher with a 3.42 ERA, 120 strikeouts and 34 walks over 129 innings this year.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Report: Trail Blazers Look To Deal Rudy Fernandez

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 05:55 AM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Portland, OR, United States (AHN) – The Portland Trail Blazers are reportedly exploring trade options for Rudy Fernandez. The Blazers are talking to three Eastern Conference teams interested in the Spanish swingman.

According to Oregon Live.com, the Blazers, who acquired the draft rights to Fernandez from Phoenix, are in discussions with the Knicks, Celtics and Bulls about the 25-year-old shooting guard

Originally selected 24th overall by the Suns in the 2007 Draft, Fernandez joined the Blazers in September 2008 after participating with the Spanish national team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

According to multiple reports, the once-popular shooting guard has been unhappy in Portland because of limited playing time. The former Spanish star backs up All-Star Brandon Roy.

Fernandez, who set an NBA rookie record of 159 three-pointers made two seasons ago, also failed to adapt to the playing style of coach Nate McMillan, who prefers to use the 6-foot-6 swingman as an outside shooter.

Fernandez has two years remaining on his contract with Portland.

Last season, he averaged 8.1 points and 2.0 assists in 62 games.

According to the Oregonian, trade talks for Fernandez will likely be placed on the “back burner until Sunday.”

General manager Rich Cho will reportedly meet with coach McMillan Sunday regarding the issue.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Dodgers Acquire Royals Outfielder Podsednik; Tigers Obtain Peralta

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 05:05 AM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

Los Angeles, CA, United States (AHN) – The Los Angeles Dodgers addressed the gaping hole in their roster with the acquisition of veteran outfielder Scott Podsednik from the Kansas City Royals, several media outlets reported Wednesday.

With outfielder Manny Ramirez still on the mend, the Dodgers dealt their best catching prospect Lucas May and Class A hurler Elisaul Pimentel for Podsednik.

Podsednik, who’s still entitled to receive $650,000 this season, was averaging .310 with 5 homers, 44 RBI, 46 runs, and 30 stolen bases.

The 34-year old Podsednik is expected to add experience and depth to the Dodgers outfield, which was already filled with all-star caliber names.

However, injuries have certainly slowed down the Dodgers (54-47), who hope Podsednik would become another piece in their possible championship puzzle.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers also improved their lineup after acquiring third baseman Jhonny Peralta from the Cleveland Indians.

The Tigers badly needed a player who can fill up the offensive production of Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Guillen, who are still recovering with their injuries.

Peralta, 28, is batting .246 with 7 homers, 43 RBI and 37 runs in 91 games with the Cleveland Indians this season.

The Indians nabbed pitching prospect Giovanni Soto, who went 6-6 with a 2.91 ERA and 76 strikeouts over 82 2/3 innings at low Class A West Michigan this season.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Nats` Strasburg Goes On Disabled List; Senator Bunning Rips Pitcher

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 05:05 AM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

Washington, DC, United States (AHN) – Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg will take 10 days of rest and go on the disabled list before reevaluating his ailing right shoulder, the team indicated Wednesday.

Strasburg missed a scheduled start Tuesday vs. the Braves and will skip Sunday’s turn in the rotation vs. the Phils.

Strasburg, 22, reportedly felt soreness in his right shoulder after collecting his fifth win of the season against the Cincinnati Reds last week.

After scratching Strasburg from a scheduled start Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves, Nationals manager Jim Riggleman told Sirius/XM Radio the pitcher will shut down his activity for next 1 1-2 weeks.

That means Strasburg will miss his next turn in the rotation vs. the Philadelphia Phillies Sunday.

“We are going to monitor his progress — stretching and strengthening of the shoulder, things of that nature,” Nationals head athletic trainer Lee Kuntz told MLB.com Wednesday. “Right now, we are going to let the medication work, and he feels better.

Strasburg, the first overall pick in 2009 MLB draft, is 5-2 with a 2.32 ERA and 15 walks.

His 75 strikeouts over 54.1 innings were the most from a rookie pitcher in baseball history.

Senator Jim Bunning, meanwhile, criticized the pitcher for what he sees as an overly cautious approach to his career.

“Five-hundred twenty starts, I never refused the ball,” Bunning, a former MLB pitcher, told POLITICO. “What a joke!”

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz


Kim Jong-hun publicly disgraced for North Korea’s World cup vanquish

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 07:20 AM PDT

Kim Jong Hun

Kim Jong Hun

The soccer team of North Korea and its coach Kim Jong-hun couldn't escape the open debate regarding their disgraceful exit from the World Cup this year. The North Korean football coach along with the whole team had to face much humiliation from the sports minister, Pak Myong-chol with 400 government officials and public outcry at People’s Palace of Culture.

The North Korean football coach had to face the ire of Kim Jong-un, the heir apparent of the Supreme leader Kim Jong-il, and was made to boot out of the Workers’ Party of Korea to become a builder.

The players too shared the embarrassment in July 2 debate for not succeeding in their" ideological struggle" in South Africa but were then made to blame the North Korean football coach Kim Jong-hun for their shameful exit which has been worst since its debut in 1966, as the team couldn't win a single group match and went on to face a huge 0-7 loss against Portugal.

Only two players Japanese-born Jong Tae-se and An Yong-hak, who took direct flights to Japan after the tournament, could escape the contempt. As reported by the Chosun Ilbo newspaper, the past punishments for the defeated players and coaches have included prison sentences, it's not surprising that media believes the retribution for Kim Jong-hun and the team has been hardly arduous.

Though the live broadcasts of the shameful vanquishing of the country's team was completely banned, it was lifted only after the surprising struggle of 1-2 put up by the North Korean team against Brazil and the Portugal game became the first live one to be telecast on the state television. The north Korean football coach Kim Jong-hun and its players will have to deal with the humiliation for quite some time.

Jessica Ennis A Few Steps Away From Greatness

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 06:19 AM PDT

Jessica Ennis

Jessica Ennis

Crowd favorite, Jessica Ennis finished first in the European Athletics Championships. She jumped 1.89 mts to beat all her rivals in the heptathlon contest and managed to score 1093 pts.

Though the Ukranian Lyudmyla Yosypenko scored her season’s best 1.86 but even this did not prove enough for her. Ennis has now overtaken Nataliya Dobrynska, who is the present Olympic champion with a total overall 2225 points. At the end of the two events Ennis said “It’s a good start. I would like to have got a bit more out of both but they were solid performances.”. The 24 year old Ukranian was in the danger of being disqualified as two of her competitors made false starts before her.

She completed her hurdle in just 12.95 seconds. She was ahead of her competitors Germanys Oeser and the Belgian Aerts, who timed 13.37 and 13.38 and her predicted closest competitor, Russia’s Chernova could manage only 13.73 seconds. Jessica is on the verge of becoming the outstanding gold medal prospect of Britain for the next olympics which will be held in 2012 she is also on the verge of breaking the 10 year old British record of Denise Lewis who scored 6831 pts.

Magic Extend Pacts Of Coach Stan Van Gundy, GM Otis Smith

Posted: 30 Jul 2010 12:20 AM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

Orlando, FL, United States (AHN) – The Orlando Magic extended the contract of head coach Stan Van Gundy and GM Otis Smith Wednesday, keeping the core intact for three more seasons.

The Magic decided to rest their championship bid in the hands of Smith and Van Gundy after extending their separate contracts through the 2012-2013 season.

Smith, whose current contract expires in 2011, locked in his GM post and added a new role as Magic president of basketball operations.

Meanwhile, Van Gundy will continue to handle the Magic on-court, as he tried to find success around franchise player Dwight Howard.

The Magic aims to bounce back from a disappointing Eastern Conference finals loss to Boston Celtics last May, but the road way back to title contention has become crowded after a wild offseason.

Smith previously said the Magic would not back down from a potentially powerhouse Miami Heat squad, which successfully retained Dwyane Wade and acquired Chris Bosh, and LeBron James from the free agency market.

Van Gundy is optimistic the Magic can topple the Heat and regained supremacy in a highly competitive southeast division.

After losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2009 NBA Finals, the Magic slightly retooled their roster this offseason with the acquisition of outside sniper Quentin Richardson, backup guard Chris Duhon and matched the Chicago Bulls offer on J.J Redick.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Manchester United Topples MLS All-Stars Before Record Crowd

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 10:00 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Houston, TX, United States (AHN) – Federico Macheda scored the first two goals in the first half, as English Premiere League powerhouse Manchester United thumped the Major League Soccer All-Stars squad 5-2 Wednesday.

The Red Devils, not so impressive in their last two exhibition tilts against MLS opponents, showed world-class form with a dominating performance in front of record crowd of about 70,728 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Macheda, recognized with the Most Valuable Player award in the contest, put the English giants up the scoreboards less than 30 seconds into the game.

The Italian teen then gave United a 2-0 advantage just inside 12 minutes.

Brian Ching, star of the hometown Houston Dynamo, tried to fuel a rally by pulling a goal back in the 63rd, making it 2-1.

But United, one of the world’s preeminent soccer powers, had other plans.

Despite playing without several of its top players, United regained a two-goal advantage courtesy of a Darron Gibson free kick, before Tom Cleverley made 4-1 for the visitors.

Mexican international Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, who was inserted by Sir Alex Ferguson in the 63rd, registered his first goal in a Red Devils uniform in the 83rd.

It gave the English club an insurmountable 5-1 lead before Dwayne De Rosario capped the scoring for the All-Star Team, which suffered its first loss in regulation under the current format.

The MLS team had been successful in five of its last six encounters against international competition, including a 1-0 triumph over former Premier League champions Chelsea in 2006.

Last year, the All-Stars lost to Everton in penalty kicks.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Tight End Gates Agrees With Chargers On Five-Year Extension

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 09:59 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

San Diego, CA, United States (AHN) – The San Diego Chargers took care of one of their core players Wednesday by agreeing to a five-year contract extension with Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates.

The extension, reportedly worth about $36.2 million, will keep Gates through the 2015 season.

It could be the biggest contract ever given to an NFL tight end.

Gates, 30, emerged from a rookie free agent in 2003 into one of the best players in the NFL at his position. He is a three-time All-Pro and has been named to the Pro Bowl six times.

In each of the last six seasons (2004-09), Gates, signed by the Chargers as an undrafted sportsman in 2003 after playing college basketball at Kent State University, led San Diego in catches.

Last season, he led the Chargers with 79 receptions for a career-best 1,157 yards, while playing in all 16 contests. He also scored eight touchdowns.

Gates has caught 479 passes for 6,233 yards and 59 TD in 109 career games with the Chargers.

It is still uncertain if Gates’ deal will pave the way to new pacts for disgruntled free agents Marcus McNeill, Vincent Jackson and Shawne Merriman.

Pro Bowl wide receiver McNeill and left tackle Jackson, who protects quarterback Philip Rivers’ blind side, were each tendered one-year deals at just more than $3 million. Both remained unsigned.

Linebacker Merriman also has not signed his tender reportedly worth about $3.2 million. He also has not indicated when he will report.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Cards Decking Competition In MLB TV Ratings

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 05:24 PM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

St. Louis, MO, United States (AHN) – The St. Louis Cardinals are gaining a significant boost from their followers this season, as they topped the survey for the highest local television ratings in MLB, multiple news publications reported Tuesday.

Based on the latest results, the Cardinals games on Fox Sports Midwest received a 9.70 average rating, which was 42 percent higher from last year.

The Cardinals are aiming to topple the Boston Red Sox, who have led the league in local television ratings for six years.

The Red Sox games on NESN plummeted sharply this season with a 6.25 average rating, 36 percent lower from last season’s survey-topping result.

The Cardinals, who currently lead the NL Central with a 55-44 record, have been a smash hit in the St. Louis area due to their high-powered offense, led by sluggers Matt Holliday and Albert Pujols.

Teams trailing the Cards are: the Minnesota Twins (7.85 on FS North), Philadelphia Phillies (7.20 on CSN Philadelphia), and Cincinnati Reds (6.52 on FS Ohio).

The marketing appeal of rookie sensation Stephen Strasburg also lifted the Washington Nationals slightly in the survey, beating the Los Angeles Angels (1.23 on FS Wes) and the Oakland Athletics (1.23 on CSN California) with a 1.34 average rating – 139 percent higher from last season – on MASN and MASN2.

The survey also indicated that every time Strasburg appears on the mound, the Nationals’ television rating increased from 1.34 to 4.4.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Haynesworth Reports, Meets With Redskins Coaches

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 05:24 PM PDT

Todd Callahan – AHN Sports Reporter

Washington, DC, United States (AHN) – Disgruntled defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth reported to Redskins camp Wednesday and met with head coach Mike Shanahan and defensive coordinator Jim Haslett at Redskins Park.

When asked by reporters, Shanahan did not give insight to how the conversation went or the future of the two-time Pro Bowler.

“Albert stopped by, and I had a little conversation with him,” Shanahan told Redskins.com. “He says he is in good shape and hopefully he is in good shape.”

The Redskins hold their first workouts of preseason training camp Thursday, but Haynesworth, who has yet to pass his physical, will not be participating with the team.

It won’t be the first time the club has taken the field without the 6-foot-6, 350-pound lineman.

In the second year of a seven-year, $100 million contract, Haynesworth refused to participate in offseason team workouts, including a mandatory minicamp last month.

The unflappable lineman was not happy with the team making the switch from a 4-3 formation, which he has played his entire career, to a 3-4 set.

Haynesworth, who had requested a trade through his agent, elected to work out on his own with a personal trainer rather that with the team.

Although Haynesworth, who would play nose tackle in the new scheme, had spoken with the coaches by phone the past few weeks, Wednesday was the first time they had met face-to-face.

His meeting with Haslett last more than an hour.

“He knows he’s behind, and we have to get him caught up,” said Haslett, who thought the meeting was productive. “Once he gets into it and once he sees what we’re doing, he’ll like it and I think he’ll flourish in it because he’s an athletic kid. We can put him in some spots where he can use his athleticism.”

While Haslett seemed confident the 29-year-old former Tennessee Volunteer would be playing for the Redskins this fall, Shanahan did not sound as optimistic.

“We’ll see. We’re going to give him every opportunity to show us what he can do,” Shanahan answered when asked about Haynesworth’s future. “He’s going to have to buy in and play [defense] the way we want it to be played.”

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Davydenko Reaches Umag Quarters; Pironkova Out In Istanbul

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 05:24 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Umag, Croatia (AHN) – Top-seeded Russian and defending champion Nikolay Davydenko and former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero secured quarterfinal slots after demolishing their respective opponents at the Croatia Open Wednesday.

Davydenko, currently No. 6 in the world, dumped Frenchman Stephane Robert, 6-1, 6-2. Davydenko will face No. 8 Juan Ignacio Cela of Argentina.

Fourth-seeded Spaniard Ferrero, last year’s runner-up to Davydenko, set a quarterfinal match with sixth-seeded Ukranian Alexandr Dolgopolov after battling back against Uruguay’s Pablo Cuevas, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.

Also Wednesday, fourth-seeded Spaniard Albert Montanes and former top-10 star Richard Gasquet forged a quarterfinals clash after defeating their respective second-round assignments at the Swiss Open Gstaad in Switzerland.

Montanes, a two-time winner on the ATP World Tour this season, came back from a set down to defeat Austrian qualifier Andreas Haider-Maurer, 3-6, 6-1, 6-0.

Seventh-seeded Frenchman Gasquet, the 2006 Gstaad titleholder, outlasted German Daniel Brands, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-0.

Meanwhile, last year’s runner-up Andreas Beck succumbed to Daniel Gimeno-Traver, 7-5, 6-4.

In Stanford, Ca., Australian top seed Samantha Stosur and No. 3 seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland moved into the quarterfinals of the WTA Bank of the West Classic Wednesday.

French Open runner-up Stosur, who received an opening-round bye, rolled over American qualifier Christina McHale, 6-1, 7-5.

In the semis, Stosur will square off against Belgian seventh-seed Yanina Wickmayer, who ousted Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova Wednesday.

Radwanska also advanced after prevailing over Ukrainian qualifier Olga Savchuk.

At the Istanbul Cup, sixth-seeded German Andrea Petkovic escaped a tough test from Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova to advance, while unseeded defending Istanbul titlleholder Vera Dushevina also moved into the quarterfinals.

Petkovic outlasted her Russian opponent 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 6-3, while Dushevina demolished Latvian Anastasija Sevastova in three sets.

Meanwhile, fifth-seeded Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova, a Wimbledon semifinalist, succumbed to Russian-born Aussie Anastasia Rodionova, 6-1, 3-6, 6-2.

At the Farmers Classic Men’s tournament, Rainer Schuettler downed Robby Ginepri, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Missing NBA Vet Lorenzen Wright Reportedly Found Dead In Memphis

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 05:24 PM PDT

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

Atlanta, GA, United States (AHN) – Thirteen-year NBA veteran Lorenzen Wright, missing since July 18, was reportedly found dead in a wooded area in the southeast side of Memphis, according to reports.

Loud gunshot blasts from several weapons were recorded on his cell phone the next day, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

Wright, 34, left his ex-wife’s house at 2 am the previous night in a neighborhood police say is very safe and affluent.

Police assume he was picked up by someone, though no neighbors were able to identify any vehicles.

“There is nothing on his phone records, no bank transactions, his vehicles are still at his house in Smyrna,” Lt. Norm Dixon of the Collierville police said before Wright’s body was found. “It’s like he literally dropped off the face of the earth.”

Wright was reportedly having serious financial woes in his latter years, having homes in Memphis and Atlanta repossessed for a total of nearly $2.5 million.

Wright, drafted seventh overall by the Clippers in 1996, last played for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2008-09 season.

The Memphis, TN native averaged 8.0 points and 6.4 rebounds in 13 seasons with the Clippers, Grizzlies, Hawks, Kings and Cavs.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Scutaro`s Slam Helps Red Sox Sweep Angels

Posted: 29 Jul 2010 05:24 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Anaheim, CA, United States (AHN) – Marco Scutaro hit a grand slam that shattered a tie in the eighth inning, helping the Boston Red Sox sweep a three-game set against the L.A. Angels with a 7-3 victory Wednesday at Angel Stadium.

It was the second career grand slam for Scutaro, who broke the deadlock after Kevin Youkilis tied it 3-3 for the Red Sox with a seventh-inning homer.

Boston drew first blood after Adrian Beltre and Bill Hall hammered solo blasts in the second for a 2-0 edge.

Josh Beckett (2-1), who was making his second start since returning from the disabled list, took his first win since April 10 after giving up three runs on five hits over seven frames.

Beckett, who had faced the Halos eight times, also issued a walk and struck out five for the Red Sox, who have won all seven contests against the Angels this season.

Fernando Rodney (4-1) took the loss after giving up Scutaro’s grand slam.

Meanwhile, Angels scheduled starter, Joel Piniero, was replaced before the game after the right-hander strained a muscle in his left side.

Piniero hurt himself while warming up for Wednesday’s start. He is expected to be out from six to eight weeks with an oblique strain.

The absence of Pineiro, who leads the team with 10 wins, is a major blow for the Angels, who are struggling in their bid for the AL West title.

The Angels have lost four in a row and seven of eight.

Scot Shields, who took Pineiro’s place, was charged with two runs over 1 2/3 innings.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz


SL vs Ind 2nd Test 3rd Day: India Fights Back

Posted: 28 Jul 2010 08:02 AM PDT

India vs Sri Lanka

India vs Sri Lanka

Colombo: The Sri Lanka vs. India 2nd test match saw some great batting action by the visiting side on the 3rd day. India seemed to have thrown the memory of Galle behind as the batting lin-up lead by the great master blaster Tendulkar fought back bravely trying to avoid the follow-on.

Tendulkar was seen making his 1st century in test cricket on Sri Lankan soil in the test match today, going on 108 not out. Partnering him were VVs Lakshman & s. Raina. While the batting order initially fell with Sehwag missing his century by just 1 run & opener M Vijay was taken by Mendis' googly but not before having a 165-run stand .

Rahul Dravid too disappointed with his batting. Lakshman too fell prey to Mendis' attack & that left Tendulkar & Raina to carry on the innings. The Sri Lanka vs. India 2nd test saw some lucky escapades as Tendulkar was dropped wicketkeeper Jaywardene.

Dilshan's appeal for Raina's wicket was turned down thought replays showed it might not have been a good decision. Awesome cricket was played by Tendulkar as he slammed Suraj Randiv for no less than 7 boundaries spanning all over the field.

His unbeaten 108 is his 48th test century. Raina too played a fair game rotating the strike with Sachin as they went for singles. He used Prasad for his boundaries 7 played the spinners quite well.

As India fought back today to avoid follow-on , it remains to be seen if they can conjure up the remaining 61 runs to accomplish their task.

Luke Young Likely To Be Transferred To Liverpool

Posted: 28 Jul 2010 03:30 AM PDT

luke young After Villa put up a half dozen players for bidding, it was reported that a club, which according to reports is Liverpool, is interested in bidding for Luke Young. He was transferred from Middlesbrough to Villa for 5mn pounds.

The transfer proved worth it as he becames one of the leading stars of the villa campaign.

But later due to injury problems and the death of his brother, Luke had to go on a leave during which time his position was taken over by Carlos Cuellar. Luke has experience playing as the right-back for his team.

Liverpool will be wanting to get this experience. Manager of Villa, Martin O’Neil said “There has been an offer from a football club which Luke is mulling over and, if it doesn’t materialise, then he would join us in Portugal (for the Guadiana Cup).”. There the case rests so far.

Maradona’s Dream Run Ends In A Nightmare

Posted: 28 Jul 2010 02:46 AM PDT

 Maradona

Maradona

Maradona’s dream run has ended in a nightmare. The much touted comeback of the former 1986 world cup winner player, as the coach of his national team has ended with a humiliating finish.

It is being said that Maradona wanted to retain hi whole 2010 world cup team, which was criticized badly by the Argentina Football Association president Grondona.

This led to a backroom showdown between the two and when this was revealed to the executive committee, they decided against renewing his contract.

AFA has made a statement about the whole thing which says “The president of the Argentinian Football Association, Mr Julio Grondona, made the members of the executive committee aware of the conversation with Mr Diego Maradona, setting out the points which had come out from the meeting, The executive committee unanimously resolved not to renew the contract with Mr Diego Maradona as coach of the Argentina national football team.

Maradona’s requirements were very far from the FA’s possibilities. For the match against Spain, scheduled for September 7th, we may already have the new coach.”.To Maradona’s immidieate ouster Grondona said “It is difficult to agree. The hardest difference to agree on was changing some of Diego’s staff. Nobody has been sacked.A contract has not been extended because the conditions were not the suitable.”

A-Rod Stuck On 599 Homers; Yanks Edge Tribe

Posted: 28 Jul 2010 12:28 AM PDT

Todd Callahan – AHN Sports Reporter

Cleveland, OH, United States (AHN) – Alex Rodriguez was unable to join the 600 home run club, but teammates Curtis Granderson and Nick Swisher provided the power in lifting the Yankees to a 3-2 victory over the Indians Monday in Cleveland.

A-Rod, stuck on career home run 599 for the last four games, went 0-for-4, but Granderson provided the game-winning hit for the Yankees, who have won five of their last six games.

Trailing 2-1 in the top of the eighth inning, Granderson drove a pitch from Cleveland starter Jake Westbrook (6-7) into the right field stands for a two-run homer.

It was the outfielder’s 10th homer of the season and third in the last two games.

It also came against Westbrook, who had been shutting down the Yankees.

In addition to shutting down A-Rod, who had gone 6-for-17 since hitting No. 599 last Thursday against Kansas City, Westbrook had allowed just two hits for the first seven innings.

His lone mistake, prior to the eighth inning miscue to Granderson, was a solo home run to Swisher in the top of the fourth inning that tied the game at 1-all.

While Westbrook was cruising through the Yankee lineup, New York starter Javier Vazquez was keeping the American League East leaders in the game.

The right-hander struck out five in seven innings of work and scattered five hits to pick up his ninth win of the season.

Travis Hafner hit his ninth home run of the season in the bottom of the second for the first run of the game.

A two-out, RBI double by Shin-Soo Choo provided all the scoring for the Tribe, who have lost three in a row and four of their last five.

For A-Rod, he struck out swinging to lead off the second inning and flew into an inning-ending double play in the fourth frame.

He grounded out to shortstop in the seventh inning and concluded the night by popping up to first base.

Yankee closer Mariano Rivera, showcasing his 0.98 ERA, allowed just a hit in the ninth for his 21st save of the year.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Veteran Forward Kurt Thomas Signs With Bulls

Posted: 28 Jul 2010 12:28 AM PDT

Todd Callahan – AHN Sports Reporter

Chicago, IL, United States (AHN) – Fifteen-year NBA veteran Kurt Thomas signed a free agent deal Monday with the Chicago Bulls, helping bolster the team’s frontcourt.

Known more for his hard-nosed play more than his scoring ability, Thomas, averaging 8.8 points per game and 7.0 rebounds during his career, is playing for eighth NBA team.

“I feel great,” Thomas told Bulls.com while at the United Center taking a physical. “I’m definitely strong as ever both physically and mentally. Coming off of last year, I feel like I can still play at a high level. I have tried to carry that on into the summer, and I am really looking forward to training camp this year.”

Playing with the Bucks last season, Thomas averaged 3.0 points and 4.2 rebounds in 70 games. He averaged 15 minutes a night for the Bucks but proved he could still play in the postseason.

Filling in for the injured Andrew Bogut, who missed the entire first round playoff series with the Hawks, Thomas averaged 28.4 minutes a game and averaged 5.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per contest, as the Bucks stretched the Hawks to a deciding seventh game.

Thomas also has a connection with Bulls new coach Tom Thibodeau, who was an assistant when the 6-foot-9 power forward was with the Knicks.

“He has a tremendous knowledge of the game,” Thomas said of Thibodeau. “He’s a very hard worker—it seems like he eats and sleeps in the gym because he never leaves. He puts in the time to make sure his team is prepared.”

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Survey Evaluates Food Safety Issues Among Vendors In Canada, U.S. Sports Arenas

Posted: 27 Jul 2010 11:53 PM PDT

AHN News Staff

Toronto, Ontario, Canada (AHN) – A survey by sports cable channel ESPN identified the Air Canada Center and Rogers Center in Toronto as among the cleanest sports arena in Canada in terms of food safety. The two are among the 100 sports venues across North America where Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League and National Football League hold their tournaments.

ESPN based its rankings on routine inspections and scores after the sports channel listed vendors’ violation of health standards.

Air Canada Center and Rogers Center both logged zero percent vendors’ violations. Air Canada is the home of the Maple Leafs and Raptors, while Rogers Center is home to the Blue Jays.

Outside Canada, U.S. sports arenas that scored high in the ESPN survey include the United Center, the U.S. Cellular Field, Wrigley Field, Gillette Stadium and the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. On the extreme end, vendors at Tropicana Field were considered the worst offenders of food safety standards.

Tropicana’s Canadian counterpart is the Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta. ESPN discovered that 25 percent of food booths at Rexall Place registered one or more violations of critical food safety standards in the last two years. The ESPN team found ground beef and cheese for pizza stored at wrong temperatures, and uncooked pizza left at room temperatures. There were also no sanitizer bottles or soaps for employees’ use.

Nyall Hislop of the Alberta Health Services explained the violations to the restaurants and kiosks being closed when the ESPN inspectors came.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

HBO Sports Boss Disappointed Mayweather-PacMan Won`t Fight In 2010

Posted: 27 Jul 2010 11:53 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Las Vegas, NV, United States (AHN) – HBO Sports president Ross Greenburg is among the millions who were disappointed the mega-fight pitting pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao and undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. did not materialize.

After promoter Bob Arum’s deadline for a deal with Mayweather’s camp passed last week without a word from the American boxer, Pacquiao was forced to look for another opponent for his next bout in November which reportedly turned out to be the disgraced Antonio Margarito.

Despite the shelving of the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight at least for this year, unfinished business remain with regard to the mess created by the last week’s cliffhanger.

The main issue was whether there were indeed negotiations for the fight between the camps of Pacquiao and Mayweather.

Top Rank’s Arum, in various reports, insisted they were using Greenburg as an intermediary between the two fighters, a fact disputed by the camp of Mayweather.

In a statement Monday, Greenburg said, “Fights like Mayweather vs. Pacquiao are significant because of these fighters’ ability to connect with sports fans around the world. It’s unfortunate that it won’t happen in 2010.”

“I had been negotiating with a representative from each side since May 2nd, carefully trying to put the fight together. Hopefully, someday this fight will happen. Sports fans deserve it,” the HBO Sports boss added.

A few days after Arum surmised the progress of the talks, Leonard Ellerbe, one of Mayweather adviser and the public voice of the boxer, reportedly indicated that there had been any negotiations.

Richard Schaefer, who has promoted Mayweather’s past several fights, also disputed the reported negotiations and stood behind Ellerbe’s statement.

Meanwhile, there is still uncertainty as to where the November clash will take place as the former WBA and WBO welterweight champion Margarito is not currently licensed to fight in the United States.

The 32-year-old Margarito (37-8-0) had his license suspended, along with his trainer Javier Capetillo, after the California State Athletic Commission found a substance inside the Mexican’s gloves prior to a fight against “Sugar” Shane Mosley in 2009.

Pacquiao, (51-3-2), who was recently elected into Philippine Congress in May, will look for his 13th straight victory in November.

He is also seeking to add a record eighth world title in eight different divisions.

The 31-year-old Filipino boxing icon and Margarito will be contending for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight title.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Reports: Clippers Retain Butler; Odom Settles Feud With New Laker Barnes

Posted: 27 Jul 2010 07:55 PM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

Los Angeles, CA, United States (AHN) – The Los Angeles Clippers retained their best outside shooter from last season after reaching an agreement with Rasual Butler on a one-year deal, a league source disclosed Sunday.

The 31-year-old Butler reportedly decided to stay with the Clippers after being sought by several NBA title contenders this offseason.

Butler, who shot 36.6 percent from 3-point range last season, set a franchise record by hitting 145 3-pointers.

NBA followers believed the move to retain Butlerl was a win-win situation for the rebuilding Clippers.

Butler will likely see more playing time for the Clippers at small forward, while rookie forward Al-Farouq Aminu is still adjusting to play in the NBA.

Butler, who played for Miami and New Orleans early in his career, averaged 8.8 points and 2.7 boards over eight seasons.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom shoved away his past feud with Matt Barnes, as he welcomed the newly-acquired Laker to the team.

Last season, Odom and Barnes were involved in a heated on-court discussion, which went on even after the game.

Odom called Barnes a monkey in a post-game interview, while the former Orlando Magic responded with an expletive-laced comment on his Twitter account: “Morning yall up early w/ the babies watchn Dora. Seems Lamar can’t keep my name out his mouth maby I need 2 put my sons [expletive] diaper n it [sic].”

Odom said his past feud with Barnes was over and he warmly welcomed him as his new teammate next season.

Barnes rejected a big offer from the Cleveland Cavaliers to play with the Lakers, signing a two-year, $3.6 million deal last week.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Phillies Hold Off Rockies, Complete Series Sweep

Posted: 27 Jul 2010 07:55 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Philadelphia, PA, United States (AHN) – Backup catcher Brian Schneider smacked a two-run triple and Joe Blanton hurled six solid innings, as the Philadelphia Phillies completed a four-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies 5-4 Monday at Citizens Bank Park.

It was the second straight home sweep for the Phillies (53-46), who moved within 4 1/2 games of idle East-leading Atlanta.

Trailing 2-0 entering the second frame, the two-time National League champs took the lead for good with Schneider drawing first blood with his first triple since September of 2007.

Philadelphia then added two runs in the sixth to secure the win.

Despite a shaky start, Blanton (4-6) managed to register his first victory since beating Cleveland on June 24.

The Phillies right-hander, who has never faced Colorado in the regular season, yielded two runs in the first and allowed six hits before being pulled after six frames with a 5-2 advantage.

Brad Lidge escaped a bases-loaded jam in the ninth inning to earn his 10th save in 13 chances.

Losing pitcher Jason Hammel (7-6) was charged with five runs and seven hits over five-plus innings of work for the Rockies, who stumbled to their six straight loss and will go home after a 2-9 road trip.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Federer Hires Annacone In Effort To Raise Play

Posted: 27 Jul 2010 07:55 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Miami, FL, United States (AHN) – Swiss tennis superstar Roger Federer, who recently slipped to No. 3 in the ATP rankings, is reportedly set to work with Pete Sampras’ former coach Paul Annacone on a trial basis to improve his form.

In a statement on his Web site Monday, the 28-year-old Federer, who seeks to regain his No. 1 ranking in men’s tennis, said “I’ve been looking to add someone to my team, and I’ve decided to spend some days with Paul.”

The Swiss master, who has appeared in every Wimbledon final since 2003, was pushed to his current ranking after getting stunned by Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals at the All England Club this year.

It is the lowest ranking since Nov. 10, 2003 for Federer, who relinquished the top spot to arch rival Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard won the French Open.

At the Roland Garros event, Federer failed to defend his title after Sweden’s Robin Soderling sent him packing in the quarterfinals.

That exit ended Federer’s record streak of reaching the semis in 23 straight major tournaments.

His most recent title came in January at the Australian Open, where he won his record 16th Grand Slam championship.

Federer has worked with Australian coaches Peter Carter, who passed away in 2002, and Tony Roche, who severed ties with the player in 2007.

The struggling Federer, who has been guided by his native country’s Davis Cup captain Severin Luthi since the spit from Roche, could be accompanied by Annacone in Toronto, where he is slated to play his first post-Wimbledon tournament.

“As Paul winds down his responsibilities working for the Lawn Tennis Association, we will explore our relationship through this test period. Paul will work alongside my existing team, and I am excited to learn from his experiences,” the former world No. 1 Swiss indicated on his Web site.

Federer trails No. 1 Nadal and No. 2 Novak Djokovic.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved