The process to select the site for Britain's first Las Vegas-style super-casino has begun.

An independent panel is looking at the arguments for and against seven possible locations.

First under scrutiny is the application by US developer AEG for a super-casino at the Millennium Dome in Greenwich.

The bid has been mired in controversy ever since it emerged Deputy PM John Prescott stayed with AEG's owner Philip Anschutz.

But the chairman of the Casino Advisory Panel has said the row would not influence any decision.

Professor Stephen Crow said: "The answer is no of course it won't.

The Millennium Dome "Does it complicate the matter? Yes, because it has resulted in a whole lot of silly stories going around that make all our lives that much more complicated."

He also said Tory charges that the whole process was "mired in confusion" were "nonsense".

"We have a very clear course, we have a clear programme, I think it is quite fair, we are totally impartial and to say we are mired in confusion is just, well I think it's a comment that is not made on the evidence," he said.

The other towns in the running to build the super-casino are Blackpool, Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield.

Only one super-casino is initially being allowed under the terms of the Gambling Act 2005.

Further hearings will be held around the country later this week and next.

Beckham was dropped from Steve McClaren's first England squad
David Beckham has signed a two-year contract extension with Real Madrid, according to Spanish media reports.
Spanish daily Marca quotes Real president Ramon Calderon as saying that 31-year-old Beckham has committed himself to the club until 2009.

Calderon said the deal was done "for sporting reasons".

"Marketing is important but at Real the most important thing is the sporting factor and the technical team gave the green light to renew Beckham's deal."

Beckham joined Real in a £24.5m move from Manchester United in 2003, signing a four-year deal, but the club have failed to win a major trophy in his three seasons in Spain.

Beckham would have been free to negotiate with other clubs in January if he failed to agree a new contract with Real.

The former England captain was dropped from the national team by Steve McClaren when the new coach announced his first international squad.

Buchanan was in charge as Australia won a record 16 straight Tests
John Buchanan has confirmed he will step down as Australia's coach after the World Cup next year.
The 53-year-old, who took over from Geoff March in 1999, wants to spend more time with his family but plans to stay involved with Cricket Australia.

"There's a shelf life in coaching and I believe that after the World Cup will be the appropriate time to hand over the reins to someone new," he said.

Buchanan has guided Australia to 24 Test series wins and only two defeats.

But one of those losses came in last year's Ashes series in England and he is keen to avenge that on home soil this winter before giving up the job.

Australia have a hectic schedule over the next few months with a triangular one-day series against India and West Indies and Singapore to be followed by the ICC Champions Trophy, the Ashes and one-day VB Series on home soil, and finally the World Cup in the Caribbean next March.

"I am extremely excited about the challenges ...we are playing three huge tournaments in a brief period of time with a view to winning them all," said Buchanan.

Who's next

When he does step down, Australia will not be short of candidates from whom to choose a replacement.

Tom Moody, Greg Chappell, Dav Whatmore and Bennett King are currently in charge of the Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India and West Indies national teams.


The best manager of people I have worked under

Australia skipper Ricky Ponting on Buchanan

And they could also consider Tim Nielsen, who is currently in charge of Australia's Centre of Excellence.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said they would start the search for a new coach at a management committee meeting next month.

He praised Buchanan for the "extraordinary success" achieved by the team in recent years.

"Since taking on the role as coach, Australia has played 267 international matches and won approximately 75% of these games.

Among their achievements was a world record run of 16 successive Test wins, which finally came to an end in India in 2001, when they suffered their first series defeat with him in charge.

"This is a record that cannot be matched by any other international side and is a testament to the role John has played with the team," he said.

In the same period, South Africa have the next best winning percentage of 55.04% in all forms of the game.

Coaching methods

Buchanan was appointed by Australia after a successful period in charge of the Queensland state side.

He is renowned as a highly original thinker about the game and was among the first to use detailed video analysis as part of his method for preparing the team.

During the 2001 Ashes tour to England, he drew on the teachings of Chinese warlord Sun Tzu to try and inspire the team.

Players have also been encouraged to give talks on subjects ranging from wrestler Hulk Hogan to the Bee Gees to improve their confidence.

And Buchanan even went as far as employing the "close-eyed technique", in which players bat and catch with their eyes shut.

Manchester's Hatton is still undefeated in 41 pro encounters
Ricky Hatton's team has welcomed the news that potential rival Jose Luis Castillo has escaped a ban from boxing.
Castillo was fined $250,000 (£140,000) for failing to make the 135lbs weight limit against Diego Corrales in June.

But Castillo can re-apply for a license in Nevada in January, if he fights above the 135lbs lightweight limit.

"We're happy that Castillo won't be out of action because we'd love to make the fight happen," said Hatton's co-promoter Dennis Hobson.

Before that, Hatton is likely to challenge IBF light welterweight champion Juan Urango of Colombia in Atlanta on 9 December.

The most exciting match out there for [Castillo] is against Ricky Hatton

Dennis Hobson

"Allowing ourselves for a second to anticipate a favorable result there, we've already had good talks with Bob Arum about making a Hatton v Castillo super-fight (at 140lbs) for March or April," said Hobson.

"That's a fight Ricky is relishing."

Hobson and Hatton were at the Las Vegas weigh-in for the Castillo v Corrales bout before it was scrapped when Mexico's Castillo came in at 140lbs.

"Me and Ricky were as gutted as anyone that the fight got cancelled at the last minute," said Hobson.

"But I think Castillo's paid the price by getting fined and should be allowed to move on in his career.

"The best way for Castillo to make it up to boxing fans would be for him to put on another fantastic fight and the most exciting match out there for him is against Ricky Hatton."

Holah won the last of his 35 caps against Ireland in June
New Zealand have added prop John Afoa and back-row forward Marty Holah to their squad for next week's Tri-Nations Test against South Africa.
Four players picked up injuries in Saturday's 45-26 win in Pretoria, with prop Greg Somerville facing at least six months out with an Achilles injury.

Reuben Thorne broke a thumb and Chris Masoe suffered an ankle injury, while Leon MacDonald has a hip injury.

Carl Hayman is also a doubt with a head injury suffered in a previous game.

Lock Ali Williams could also be ruled out of the match as he faces a judicial hearing in the next two days after being cited for alleged foul play.

Springboks captain John Smit was also cited.

OPPORTUNITY FOR TRAINERS:

Involvement in the 2006 Pepsi Max Promotion and Race.

Pepsi Max is looking for trainers with Grade 5 greyhounds to be part of their latest promotion over a 6 month period.

Trainers will be paid to be involved and have the chance to win $10,000, $3,000 & $1,500 at the Pepsi Cup in October (Wentworth Park) with all expenses paid to participate including accommodation, airfares and kennelling costs.

There will be a maximum of 28 greyhounds around Australia required for this promotion and the greyhounds will be selected based on the location of the promotional winners.

FINAL LEADERBOARD:
US unless stated
-10 Tiger Woods*, Stewart Cink
-9 Jim Furyk
-7 Paul Casey (Gbr), Angel Cabrera (Arg), Davis Love III, Lucas Glover
-6 Luke Donald (Gbr), David Toms
*Woods wins after play-off

Tiger Woods continued his rich vein of form by defending his WGC-Bridgestone Invitational title - but only after overcoming Stewart Cink in a play-off.

Woods finished level with Cink at 10 under after 72 holes in Akron.

But the newly-crowned USPGA champion eventually prevailed against his fellow American at the fourth extra hole.

Britain's Paul Casey secured his place in the European Ryder Cup team by finishing joint fourth, three shots off the lead after a one-over-par 71.

Compatriot Luke Donald was a shot further back on six under.

Woods lost a three-stroke lead in the last five holes but hit back to seal victory.

It's always nice to walk away with a win, however you do it

Tiger Woods

An eight-foot birdie eventually gave the world number one the first prize of nearly £700,000, 10 years to the day after he turned professional.

"I was very lucky to even be in a play-off," said Woods after clinching his fifth victory at Firestone Country Club in seven starts and the 52nd PGA Tour title of his career.

"I wasn't swinging the club very consistently today at all.

"I got hot on the back nine, made some nice putts and messed up on 16. But it's always nice to walk away with a win, however you do it."

Woods now lies joint fifth with Byron Nelson (52) in the all-time standings for PGA Tour victories.

Only Arnold Palmer (62), Ben Hogan (64), Jack Nicklaus (73) and Sam Snead (82) have won more.

Casey led by one with nine holes to play but slipped out of contention by completing the last eight holes in three over.

"I'm very happy with that," said the 29-year-old Englishman.

"I thought I played OK. I just didn't make anything on the back nine and was a little bit unlucky on the 16th."

Paul McGinley's hopes of joining Casey at the Ryder Cup took a slight knock, the Irishman finishing 66th.

He is now in the 10th and last automatic spot.

August 22, 2006 (London, UK) – A new player has hit the sixth major jackpot of the year at Slotland.com. “Iringion” of Massachusetts won $116,828 playing the popular Wild Heart slot machine at the world’s most popular slots site.

“I wasn’t even a real slots fan before this,” said the excited winner. “I used to prefer online poker and other card games, but after this experience you can be sure I love spinning slots now!”

“Some people think you have to play slots a lot before you win anything,” said Hannah Morante of Slotland.com, “But this beginner winning a very big jackpot after playing such a short time shows that anyone can win any time.”

“Iringion” decided to try out Slotland’s unique games when he realized that several are, in fact, card games.

“I’ve found the Slotland card games to be quite loose,” said the winner. “I just figured that there are more slots and players probably play the slots more often than the card games, which is why I see so many slot machine jackpots. I did recall Striking Sevens hitting recently, so I really was not expecting the jackpot by playing the card games! “

On his winning session, Slotland’s most recent progressive jackpot winner knew he’d really hit a groove of nice paying hands when he saw a couple of straight flushes and several four of a kinds land in his lap while playing Jacks or Better. When he switched to Wild Hearts, it was slow at first and he was down $600. Then he was dealt three Wild Royal Flushes for an automatic $1,500 win – and there were still two wild cards in each deck. Agonizing for a moment about whether or not to take the guaranteed $1500 or go for the glory, with a progressive jackpot or over $116,000 luring him to give it a try, he trusted his decision to a flip of a coin.

“When the cards came up, I will never forget seeing that beloved jack of diamonds fall on the bottom line!” recalls the winner of his winning hand. “And can you believe it? I also DID get another wild card on the middle line! Kind of like extra frosting on an amazing cake!”

“Our jackpots get hit so often – usually every six weeks or so – and for such large amounts, you’d think we’d get used to hearing about yet another big winner,” said Hannah Morante of Slotland.com. “But the whole office always gets excited whenever a players has this kind of good luck!”

Asked what he plans to do with his big win, the winner said he still hasn’t calmed down enough to think that far. “I never expected it to be me to win the jackpot, so I never really thought very hard about what to do with so much money. But don't worry I am sure I will figure it out!”

Playtech, the poker software company which powers the likes of Titan Poker and Noble Poker, have reported poker revenues are up 851% over last year to a staggering $4.8 million from $500,000 in 2005.

Playtech, the software provider for the iPoker network, are clearly enjoying the poker boom thanks to it's big players: Noble and Titan. The company also provides casino based software and bingo games to it's many operators.

The company floated on the London Stock Exchange in March of this year with a valuation of $984 million. Total revenues are up 139% to $46.2 million and its net profit for the first six months of the year is up 172% to $37.3 million. Revenues from casino game software are up 129% to $40.4 million.

The recent legal activity in the United States has apparently not effected Playtechs growth. The company has added seven new licensees to its list of 42 operators already this year. As the company does not provide software to sportsbooks, an area which the United States government has been focusing a great deal of attention on.

The company has also established the Playtech Academy, its own computer science academy based in Tartu, Estonia. To ensure high quality future employees. 40 students are enrolled in the IT classes. With a new development centre opening in Bulgaria soon, it seems these trainees have a secure future within the industry.

Playtech's board is headed by Non-executive Chairman Roger Withers. Withers, 63, has over 30 years experience in the gaming industry with previous position held at Hilton PLC (now Ladbrokes PLC), Bass and Arena Leisure.

The companies headquarters are on The Isle Of Man.

Holyfield last fought in New York on 13 November, 2004
Evander Holyfield begins a comeback on Friday which he hopes will end in an unprecedented fifth world title.
America's former undisputed heavyweight champion, now aged 43, fights journeyman Jeremy Bates in Dallas.

Holyfield has won only one of his last six fights, and his last loss was so was lacklustre that New York boxing officials revoked his licence.

But the four-time title holder said: "I am supposed to retire on top and I know that I can."

Holyfield had no problem getting a licence in Texas, and he weighed in on Thursday at 100kg (220lbs).

Bates, who has a 21-11-1 record and had quit the ring before Holyfield came calling, weighed in at 102kg (225.5lbs).

Holyfield, who claims to have a ranked opponent lined up for his next bout, said: "This is just to let people know that I can fight.

He plans to have a title fight in 2007 and to have all the belts around his waist, "by the time that Olympics comes," in 2008.

"When they put out the flame, I'll be retired," he said. "Maybe right there in Beijing."

The four significant world heavyweight titles are currently held by four different boxers, and Holyfield believes his return to the fray will create a stir.

"People are going to say 'can he do it?'. That's going to bring interest," he said. "If I just beat one of them guys, everybody will go crazy."

The 31-year-old former New Zealand prop was due to be out of contract at the end of the season but is eager to finish his career with the Bulls.

Vagana said: "I've been here six years and I want to finish off at this club.

"I have lots of good memories and I'm hoping for a few more now before I do pack it in. I had offers from other clubs but here is like home from home."

Vagana joined the Bulls in 2001 from Auckland Warriors and has made 187 for the Yorkshire club.

He added: "It would have been hard to leave but it's a cruel world. Guys that have been here 10 years had to go last season and it's part of rugby league but I'm just glad I've been given the opportunity to stay."

Bradford coach Steve McNamara was quick to sing Vagana's praises. He said: "Joe is very important to this club in what he does both on and off the field and his form has been outstanding in recent weeks.

"Since the departure of Stuart Fielden I think he has really stepped it up."

Montgomerie discovered he weighs 20 pounds more than in 2004
Colin Montgomerie has vowed to cut out cheese and lard after discovering he is too fat to fit into his suit for the forthcoming Ryder Cup.
"I had my sizing for the Ryder Cup done," said Montgomerie.

"I thought I was the same weight as I was two years ago but I'm not - I'm about 20 pounds heavier.

"I've got to lose that weight and I'm halfway to achieving it," added the Scot, who tees off in the year's fourth major, the USPGA, on Thursday evening.

He admitted that the American approach to food is not helping his cause.

"The trouble is I put weight on as quickly as I take it off and putting it on is easy, especially in America. The food here is extortionate, in both ways," he said.

"I'm cutting out cheese and lard - everything that I shouldn't be eating but usually do - all the fried stuff.

"I'm not a drinker so that's OK, it's just the portion control really - the portions here are ridiculous.

"I was brought up to finish what's on my plate and if I do that here I'm stuffed, so I put less on my plate and that's me fine."

The Five Live selection is Logsdail in the 1905 at Newmarket (all times BST).
Friday's racing will get under way at Newbury, Folkestone, Newcastle, Newmarket and Catterick.

Newbury have a bumper eight-race card which starts at 1410. Heavy rain fell during the night but the going remains good to firm.

The listed race at 1550 is the feature with John Gosden's Valiance bidding to follow up his debut success at Lingfield.

The colt cost 130,000 guineas as a yearling and is entered in the Derby. He won well at Lingfield and is expected to make a smooth transition from maiden's to listed. The unraced Tastahil looks another interesting contender.

Folkestone also have a marathon eight-race card with racing getting under way at 1320. The going has changed significantly and is now good to soft with good places following 10mm of rain.

Henry Candy has his string in cracking form and the Wantage trainer can add another to his tally with the consistent Early Evening in the 1600.

Newcastle had a tiny amount of rain overnight and the ground remains good with good to firm places but that could easily change with heavy showers forecast. The first race gets under way at 1430.

Carnivore in the 16.10 was only beaten by a neck last night at Musselburgh and goes for quick compensation.

The race looks fiercely competitive, but with Mark Johnston's horses in good spirits, he should not be overlooked.

The last evening meeting of the season at Newmarket is a sell out with Westlife playing after racing.

The season's leading rider Ryan Moore - who had a double at Sandown last night - has four rides and should be successful on today's Five Live tip Logsdail in the 19.05.

Trained by his father Gary Logsdail, he could hardly be in better form on the all weather.

He does not look harshly handicapped on his return to turf and can continue the good run of the father-son partnership. The first race is at 17.25 and the ground is now good to soft.

Catterick had 10mm of rain during the night and the ground is now good with good to soft places. The action starts at 17.40.

It is not often the champion trainer Sir Michael Stoute has runners at this track so the well bred Greek Well looks a stand out bet in the 20.20.

The Kismet International-owned Internet gaming site of the Knightsbridge based department store, has announced the launch of its new Jackpot Solitaire offering, the first version of the game to feature a progressive jackpot that mathematically speaking, could tip the scales in favour of the player.

The Jackpot Vegas Solitaire game allows players to play through one 52-card deck drawing one card at a time, with a payment made to the player every time a card is placed on the foundation pile. The amount is based on the original bet, with amounts being paid once a game is completed.


Manu Gambhir, CEO of Kismet International, the operator of Harrods Casino Online commented, “This is an interesting game for players as there is no known mathematical model which predicts the payout rate for Solitaire. With the progressive jackpot, simulations suggest that expert players may have a slight advantage over the house.”

World Series of Poker Main Event winner Jamie Gold made official what many expected – he inked a two year deal to represent online poker room Bodog. Gold wore Bodog gear throughout most of the tournament, and got into the main event via a deal with the company.

Gold will represent Bodog at live poker tournaments and events all over the world. Given Bodog's penchant for 'lifestyle' based events, one would assume Gold will find himself in a room with a bevy of scantily clad beauties on many occasions over the next two years.

"Jamie truly epitomizes the Bodog spirit. We are incredibly proud of his achievement and thrilled by his performance in the tournament," said Bodog CEO Calvin Ayre.

Boonen will ride in this year's Tour of Britain
Tom Boonen won a sprint finish to take the first stage of the Benelux Tour on Thursday and become the overall leader of the eight-day ProTour race.
The Quick Step rider beat off Simone Cadamuro and Enrico Gasparotto of Italy in a tight conclusion to stage from Wieringerwerf to Hoogeveen.

Boonen took the race lead thanks to a 10-second time bonus for his stage win.

He will wear the leader's red jersey during Friday's 194.6 km second stage from Hertogenbosch to Sittard-Geleen.

Booen said "Winning the first stage is good for the team's moral. Now we can ride the rest of the race without any pressure."

The world road race champion is determined to win stage five to his home town of Balen next Monday.

Boonen failed to win a stage on the Tour de France last month and retired from the race in the Alps.

FOURTH TEST, THE OVAL (DAY TWO)
England 173 v Pakistan 190-2

Mohammad Yousuf looked determined to make England suffer

A dominant Pakistan reached lunch on day two of the Oval Test on 190-2, already 17 runs ahead of England.

The home team took just one wicket in the first session - when the stylish Imran Farhat fell to Matthew Hoggard after completing a quickfire 91.

Mohammad Yousuf, dropped twice on Thursday before reaching double figures, was looking ominous on 46.

England's chances of winning the match are dwindling, although they have already sewn up the series.

Play began half an hour late because of early morning rain.

And though showers looked imminent at various stages, the players got through to lunch without any further delays.

The first over of the day was bowled by Sajid Mahmood, who started brightly and bowled quickly.

But he struggled to get enough seam movement to consistently trouble the batsmen.

Farhat and Yousuf got into their stride with some elegant cover-drives and the run-rate was threatening to get out of hand.

Andrew Strauss then elected to replace Mahmood with Monty Panesar.

However the spinner's first ball was confidently lofted over mid-on for six by Farhat.

The 24-year-old left-hander was on course for his first century against England.

But Hoggard, continuing to attack his weak area just outside the off-stump, finally elicited an edge which Marcus Trescothick snapped up to end a stand worth 78 precious runs.

Farhat had made his runs off just 112 balls, allowing his team to seize control of the match, but he trudged off the ground unhappily after missing out on a third Test century.

The wicket saw the return of Mohammad Hafeez, who had reached eight on Thursday evening before retiring hurt with a knee problem.

He could have been lbw to Monty Panesar almost immediately, but umpire Darrell Hair declined an appeal that had a lot going for it.

Neither was Yousuf entirely certain against Panesar initially, but he put Pakistan into the lead with a sweep for four off the Sikh tweaker.

The two right-handers looked ready to produce another sizeable partnership when lunch came to give England a brief respite.