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Sport News on Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Andy Murray will attempt to reach the semi-finals of Wimbledon

for the first time when he takes on Juan Carlos Ferrero on Centre Court on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old Briton plays Spanish wildcard Ferrero in the second match at about 1530 BST, with Lleyton Hewitt or Andy Roddick waiting in the last four.
Murray beat Ferrero comfortably in the Queen's Club semi-finals two weeks ago.
"Ferrero is a very tough player. He plays well on any surface - he's a former world number one," said Murray.
"In every match, regardless of who you're playing against, especially in an individual sport, anything can happen on the day.
"I played very well at Queen's but the courts here are a little bit different.
"If I play poorly, there's a good chance I'll lose against him. But I'll try my best to play well. If I do that, I've got a chance of winning."
HENMAN ON MURRAY
Ferrero is the perfect match-up for Murray as he doesn't have the same firepower as Wawrinka
Murray is trying to become the first British man to win the Wimbledon singles title since Fred Perry in 1936, and the first Scot ever to win a Grand Slam singles title.
And the interest in the Scot's progress is such that fans began queuing for the 500 tickets Centre Court tickets available over two days in advance.
His quarter-final follows what is likely to be a serve-dominated contest between second seed Roger Federer and Ivo Karlovic on Centre Court, where play begins at 1300 BST.
It means Murray and Ferrero should avoid the worst of the hot weather forecast for Wednesday, when it is set to be dry with temperatures topping 30C.
The Scot came through a four-hour battle against Stanislas Wawrinka to win his fourth-round match on Monday, finishing late at night in the tournament's first full floodlit match under Centre Court's new roof.
"I believe I can win Wimbledon," he said. "That's not changed since the first match, but I'm going to have to play great tennis to do it."
Pundit's Picks - Men's quarter-finals
Ferrero is a former world number one and French Open champion but the 29-year-old has slipped down the rankings and spoke recently about possibly retiring at the end of 2009.
However, a run to the last four at Queen's Club appears to have rejuvenated the Spaniard.
He has already beaten 10th seed Fernando Gonzalez and eighth seed Gilles Simon at Wimbledon, and is the first wildcard since eventual champion Goran Ivanisevic in 2001 to reach the last eight.
"I think right now I'm with a little bit more rhythm than at Queen's," said the Spaniard.
"And of course after the match I played against Murray, I learnt something. That is, I have to do my job and be aggressive all the time, because he likes to play on one level and then he changes the rhythm very fast.
"I think it's very difficult to play against him because of this, so I will try to be focused on my return, because his serve has been very, very big.

"If I want to win, of course it's going to be very difficult. He's at home and he wants to win and everybody wants him to win, so it's going to be tough, as every match is."
The winner of Murray-Ferrero will face Roddick or Hewitt, who will meet in the second match on Court One.
Former champion Hewitt is unseeded, and had to come back from a thigh injury and two-set deficit against Radek Stepanek in the previous round.
"I have loads of respect for Lleyton and what he's been able to accomplish," said Roddick, who has won his last four matches against the Australian.
"Everyone knows he's certainly capable of playing very, very well on this surface."
The first match on Court One sees fourth seed Novak Djokovic take on Tommy Haas, a repeat of the recent Halle final on grass, which the German won.
Opening proceedings on Centre Court is five-time champion Federer's encounter with Karlovic.
The 30-year-old Croat has hammered down 137 aces in his four matches so far.
But Federer, who has won eight of their nine meetings so far, said: "I like those sort of challenges.
"It's maybe not the most fun match to go through, but I like to beat this guy because he makes it hard to beat him. He's become an excellent player.
"He's not to be underestimated."

Boulevard Stadium in Hull holds final meeting

The Boulevard Stadium in Hull held it's final meeting on Saturday 27th June. Speaking prior to the track's closure Ian Taylor, GBGB Chief Executive, commented:“It is regrettable to learn of the closure of the Boulevard Stadium in Hull.“Despite the industry providing considerable support to the stadium since it recommenced racing in October 2007 it is saddening to hear that lease holder Dave Marshall has been unable to realise the aspirations he held for the track.“GBGB will be working with all relevant stakeholders, including the Retired Greyhound Trust, to make arrangements to ensure the welfare of Hull greyhounds and trainers.”

CryptoLogic Signs Games Deal With UK’s Victor Chandler Group

June 29, 2009 (Dublin, IRELAND) – CryptoLogic Limited, a world leader in Internet casino and branded gaming software, has signed a multi-year deal to provide at least 10 of its most popular online slot games to Victor Chandler Group, one of the world’s leading independent bookmaking and gaming companies. Victor Chandler is the grandson of Victor Chandler senior, who founded the original company in 1946, and is the driving force behind Britain's leading independent bookmaker.The first set of games, both branded and non-branded, are scheduled to go live in the third quarter of 2009, with a complete rollout over the remainder of the year. The games will be made available through Gaming Technology Solutions plc (GTS), the CryptoLogic partner that provides a platform for many of the world’s largest Internet gaming sites.“Today, CryptoLogic adds yet another blue-chip European gaming brand to the growing list of customers offering players an extraordinary e-gaming experience,” said Brian Hadfield, CryptoLogic’s President and CEO. “This is an excellent example of CryptoLogic’s “build-once-license-often” business strategy in action – and a sign of the continued demand for our games among the world’s top operators.”From its Headquarters in Gibraltar, Victor Chandler offers a wide range of gaming products tailored to each market. Victor Chandler is supported by some of the industry’s most experienced managers and works with governments, sporting groups and local officials to reshape the international bookmaking and gaming industry. The company has customers in more than 160 countries, employs over 350 people.“CryptoLogic is one of the best in the business, so partnering with them makes perfect sense,” said Michael Carlton, CEO of Victor Chandler International. “We are committed to providing our customers with a sophisticated, multi-layered operation with easy-to-use betting platforms that will keep them coming back for more – and CryptoLogic games deliver just that blend of simplicity and sophistication.”Boasting more than 280 games, CryptoLogic has one of the most comprehensive casino suites on the Internet today, with games featuring some of the world’s most famous action and entertainment characters. CryptoLogic has earned rave reviews from industry peers and players alike, and in 2009 earned Gambling Online Magazine’s Top Casino Software award for the fourth consecutive year. Based on the votes of players around the world, it is widely considered the industry’s top honour.“Victor Chandler fits our customer profile perfectly: a respected entertainment brand, an attractive player base, and a reputation for innovation,” added Justin Thouin, CryptoLogic’s Vice President. “It’s a win-win deal for our companies – and for the players who enjoy our games.”About CryptoLogic (www.cryptologic.com)Focused on integrity and innovation, CryptoLogic Limited is a leading public developer and supplier of Internet gaming software. Its leadership in regulatory compliance makes it one of the very few companies with gaming software that is certified to strict standards similar to land-based gaming. WagerLogic Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CryptoLogic, is responsible for the licensing of its gaming software and services to blue-chip customers that offer their games to non-U.S. based players around the world. For information on WagerLogic, please visit www.wagerlogic.com.CryptoLogic’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (CRY, CXY), the NASDAQ Global Select Market (CRYP) and the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (CRP).About Victor Chandler (www.victorchandler.com)The Victor Chandler brand has become synonymous with the values of honesty, integrity and a pioneering spirit. These values have been built up over seven decades from a small family business to one of the most successful independent sports betting and gaming groups in the world.The Victor Chandler Group has customers in over 164 countries across the world making it a truly global operation. Since its formation in 1946, the Victor Chandler Group steady growth has been underpinned by two values that set it apart from anyone else: a pioneering spirit and a passion for sport.

Henderson to get personal hearing

Henderson is facing the prospect of a fine or a ban
Leading trainer Nicky Henderson will have a personal hearing with the British Horseracing Authority on Thursday over the Moonlit Path case.
Henderson was last week found guilty of breaching the rules of racing after the horse, who he trains for the Queen, failed a drugs test.
The 59-year-old had the right to request the personal hearing, which will be heard at 1600 BST.
He faces the prospect of either a heavy fine or a ban from the sport.
Last week, Henderson was found guilty of administering the prohibited anti-bleeding drug tranexamic acid to Moonlit Path before she finished sixth in a race at Huntingdon in February.
The Lambourn-based trainer had admitted three of the four charges he faced, but denied any wrongdoing in relation to the BHA's Rule 200, which governs administrating or attempting to administrate a positive substance.
He also insisted at that hearing that there had been no intention to enhance the horse's performance.
Moonlit Path was making her racecourse debut at Huntingdon and has since run three times.
The race was won by another Henderson-trained horse, Ravello Bay.

Ashes hero Vaughan calls it quits

Poor form prompted Vaughan to retire
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has confirmed his immediate retirement from cricket at the age of 34.
"It has been an enormous privilege to have played for and captained my country and this is one of the hardest decisions I have had to make," he said.
Vaughan played 82 Tests, 51 as skipper, and scored over 5,700 runs at an average of 41, including 18 centuries.
But by far his greatest achievement was the 2005 Ashes win over Australia which sparked a national celebration.
His omission from the training squad for this summer's series after failing to rediscover his batting form for Yorkshire in county cricket was one of the factors which contributed to his decision to retire.
"I wanted to give it one last effort to get into the Ashes squad. I've given it that shot but haven't been playing well enough," he told a news conference at Edgbaston.
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"I have not played well enough. I have not got the rhythm or form to be picked in the Ashes squad. It has to be best 16 players and I am not one of those.
"Two weeks ago, I was in the garden with my little lad Archie. He bowled a ball which hit a weed and knocked my off stump out of the ground - and when a three-year-old's bowling you out, it's time to move over.
"Wherever I've played this year I felt that warmth and crowd reaction to try to give me one more chance. I now move on and wish the team all the best in an Ashes series they can win.
"I know they have the drive, ambition and abilities to repeat the success from 2005. Winning that series was definitely the high point of my career."
Hugh Morris, the managing director of England Cricket, hailed Vaughan as "among the very best" international captains.
He said: "The way he and (coach) Duncan Fletcher forged a team capable of winning six consecutive Test series stands as testament to his ability to inspire and motivate those around him.

Vaughan was also recognised as one of the game's most stylish batsmen
"He was also a marvellous ambassador for England cricket, off the field as well as on it, and someone who genuinely appreciated the generous support he received from the thousands of England supporters who follow the team at home and abroad."
Andrew Strauss, the current England captain, said he had "learned a great deal" from watching the way Vaughan led the side.
"His ability to identify a new strategy for outwitting the opposition or bring the best out of his own players was a priceless asset," he said.
"But more than anything we as players will miss the enormous sense of fun and enjoyment that Michael brought to the dressing room."
Vaughan made his first-class debut for Yorkshire in 1993 and six years later won his first Test cap during England's winter tour to South Africa.
In 2002/03 he rose to the top of the Test batting rankings after hitting three centuries during the Ashes series in Australia, and was appointed England one-day captain at the start of the following summer.
By mid-summer he had taken on the Test captaincy too, following Nasser Hussain's decision to step down, and after securing a 2-2 draw with the combative South Africans, led England to six successive series victories, culminating in the epic 2005 Ashes triumph.
He missed the return series in Australia in 2006/07 because of a debilitating knee injury and England were whitewashed 5-0 under the captaincy of Andrew Flintoff.
Vaughan was back for the 2007 World Cup campaign in the West Indies but gave up the one-day captaincy after England's elimination.
He hoped to stay in the team in both forms of the game but was never chosen for the one-day side again, although he remained in charge of the Test side and made a century against the West Indies in his first innings for 18 months in May 2007, and also made hundreds in home series against India and New Zealand.

His form subsequently declined and against South Africa last summer he only scored 40 runs in five innings, including two ducks, prompting him to resign the captaincy before the final match of the series.
Only Michael Atherton led England in more Tests - but Vaughan's record of 26 Test wins is the highest by any England skipper.
At county level, he enjoyed his greatest moment in 2001 when, after missing that summer's Ashes series because of injury, he helped Yorkshire win the Championship for the first time since 1968.
"Michael Vaughan is a class act and will be remembered by Yorkshire members and supporters around the world for his beautiful stroke play and, of course, his success in leading England to Ashes glory in 2005," said the county's chief executive Stewart Regan.
"It has been a pleasure and a privilege for me to get to know Michael over the past three years and his presence around the club has been hugely motivational, particularly the younger players."
Vaughan's final game was a Twenty20 Cup defeat by Leicestershire at Grace Road last Friday.
There has been speculation that he may now take up a career as a television pundit, but Vaughan said he had not yet received any offers to join the ranks of ex-England players working in the media.
"I think it is important to have a little break and weigh up my options and decide what to do next," he explained.
Explaining his approach to captaincy, Vaughan described himself as a "good actor".
He added: "Captaining your country is a very special moment and the skill is making sure no-one knows what you're thinking.
"It's very important not to feel the pressure, or outwardly be seen to be feeling it.
"It's very difficult as England captain to completely switch off - but you enjoy it and at the end you've exhausted all your energy because you've given it everything."
Australia captain Ricky Ponting, Vaughan's adversary in the 2005 series, said he was "a bit surprised" by his retirement.
"It is only a couple of months ago that I was thinking he might be named in the first Test squad by England. I thought he might have a bit more to offer international cricket somewhere down the line," he commented.
"Michael was an exceptionally skilled and talented player whose record would stack up against most top order batsmen who have played international cricket.
"He was a distinguished captain who led the side very well. Good luck with what he does after cricket. He was always a highly respected and skilled opponent."

O'Driscoll criticises De Villiers

O'Driscoll (left) believes De Villiers has brought the game into disrepute
Brian O'Driscoll has added his voice to the criticism of Springboks coach Peter de Villiers over his stance on Schalk Burger's gouging offence.
De Villiers initially denied Burger had done anything wrong in the second Test against the British and Irish Lions.
The flanker received an eight-week ban, and O'Driscoll said: "To hear the South Africa coach talk about gouging being part of the game was semi-repulsive.
"I just find it appalling. I truly find it a disgrace," added the Lions centre.
Burger was found guilty of "making contact with the face in the eye area" of Lions wing Luke Fitzgerald.
TV footage showed Burger's fingers making contact with Fitzgerald's eye inside the first minute of the match in Pretoria.
De Villiers later issued an apology for defending Burger's actions and the South Africans will not be appealing against the player's suspension.
But Ireland star O'Driscoll added: "When you think about a situation where a parent wonders about whether their child should play rugby or soccer, and you hear comments from a national team coach of that sort - and regardless of the apology he may have submitted - it's essentially bringing the game into disrepute.
"We're trying to promote the game, and yet you hear comments like that."
Fitzgerald was able to continue after treatment, but at the time Burger escaped with only a yellow card from French referee Christophe Berdos - a decision taken on the advice of New Zealand touch judge Bryce Lawrence, who spotted the offence.

NT
After the match, De Villiers said he did not believe Burger should have been sent to the sin-bin
But on Monday, he backed down, saying: "It was never my intention to suggest that I condone foul play.
"That is the last thing I would ever do and I apologise for that impression."
De Villiers went on to say that "eye-gouging is something that we as a team will never be part of".
"The same applies to biting, head-butting, spear tackling or any other foul play that doesn't belong in the game," he added.

Dougherty holds on for BMW title

FINAL LEADERBOARD: (GB & Ire unless stated)-22 N Dougherty -21 R Echenique (Arg) -18 R Goosen (SA) -17 F Aguilar (Chi), D Drysdale, MA Jimenez (Spa), G Storm -16 S Kapur (Ind) Selected others: -15 D Willett -14 R McIlroy -12 B Dredge +1 C Montgomerie

Dougherty carded an eight-under round to secure his win
England's Nick Dougherty resisted a late charge from Argentina's Rafa Echenique to claim the BMW International Open by one shot.
Dougherty began with four birdies in the opening five holes to pull level with overnight leader Retief Goosen.
Birdies on 13, 14 and 15 established a comfortable lead, but an albatross at the last helped Echenique to a European Tour record 27 on the back nine.
Goosen finished in third while home favourite Bernhard Langer ended ninth.
The third and most high-profile European Tour win of Dougherty's career had seemed in danger when Echenique sank his approach shot at the par-five last.
The three strokes picked up by the 243-yard three-iron cut Dougherty's advantage to just one heading onto the 18th tee.
But, after a bogey on the same hole on Saturday, the world number 120 kept his nerve to clinch an emotional win.
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Brilliant win for a very popular player
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The Liverpool-born player paid tribute to those who helped him after the sudden death of his mother in April 2008.
"The strength that my Mum had lives on in me," he said.
"I want to say thank you to all the people who have helped me through some tough times.
"I have a great team around me and it's great to be back where I feel I belong."
South Africa's Goosen, who had led over the first three rounds, could not maintain his pace under pressure from the chasing pack.
Dropped shots on the 10th and 12th saw him lose touch just as Dougherty accelerated.
Langer's hopes of becoming the oldest winner in Tour history in front of his home fans were fuelled by an opening birdie that put him within one shot of the lead.
But he finished level-par for the day as he struggled to reproduce the form that saw him go seven-under on Saturday.

Carsten Joh Wins WSOP Event #52; $50,000 HORSE Reaches Final Table

By Brett Collson for POKER NEWS DAILY Posted on June 30, 2009
Professional poker player Carsten Joh gave Germany its first World Series of Poker champion since Sebastian Ruthenberg’s 2008 win, when he won the $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Event (#51) Monday evening. Joh outlasted a field of 2,781 to earn his first gold bracelet and $664,426.
Much like many of the previous $1,500 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em tournaments at the 2009 WSOP, this final table included no former WSOP gold bracelet winners. Joh claimed his first when he defeated Canadian Andrew Chen for the title.
An accomplished backgammon player, Joh competed in international backgammon tournaments and played in various clubs for many years. One of Joh’s friends from the backgammon tournaments was Danish poker player Gus Hansen. With Monday’s victory he now has one more WSOP bracelet than the prominent poker superstar.
“The bracelet means a lot because you have it for the rest of your life”, Joh said afterward. “Whatever you’ve got later on, you can always say you won a bracelet. Even if you stop playing poker – you just have it. If you come second, you really have nothing. You have the money. But nobody talks about that. It is just like that in sports. Everyone remembers the winner.”
At 45 years of age, Joh was the oldest player at the final table. Six of the nine players were age 27 and younger, and the youngest was 21-year-old Chen. Joh sent him home as the runner-up when Chen moved his remaining chips into the middle with after Joh raised from the button. Joh quickly called and flipped over pocket sixes. The flop didn’t give much hope to Chen but the on the turn gave him a flush draw. Joh then ended things when the fell on the river, giving him a set to eliminate Chen in 2nd place for $412,426.
On winning the tournament as the oldest player, Joh said: “Normally, the older players like me do not win the bracelet. You see every final table with six, seven, or eight players in their 20s. It is more difficult for an older player to win it. I have a lot of respect for the older players because you have to play ten levels and you might be here 13 or 14 hours each day.”

Valencia joins Man Utd from Wigan

Valencia is Ferguson's first signing since Ronaldo's departure
Manchester United have signed Wigan Athletic winger Antonio Valencia on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
The 23-year-old Ecuador international is manager Sir Alex Ferguson's first signing since Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid in a £80m transfer.
"Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan," said Ferguson.
Valencia's transfer is reported to have cost United as much as £16m.
"I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team," added Ferguson.
United have been in contact with Wigan over a deal for Valencia over the last "two to three months", according to Latics chairman Dave Whelan.
"I have enjoyed my time at Wigan, but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here," said Valencia, who scored three goals for Wigan last season.
"Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience. I can't wait to get started."
Valencia has played 34 times for Ecuador, scoring four goals.
"I hope the fans at Wigan can understand that I am an ambitious guy and a chance like this might never come again for me," said Valencia, who will be 24 next month.
"I am happy that the club has benefited from the move financially because I owe them such a lot. I have had a great time here."
Valencia's transfer is a club record for Wigan, but his departure leaves new Latics manager Roberto Martinez with the task of finding a suitable replacement.