Month: January 2017

The Latest: Pliskova into 4th round with win over Ostapenko

U.S. Open runner-up Karolina Pliskova rallied from 5-1 down in the third set to beat Jelena Ostapenko 4-6, 6-0, 10-8 and reach the fourth round of the Australian Open for the first time. She saved a match point before holding in the 12th game, prolonging the match for another six games until fifth-seeded Pliskova finally broke serve again.

Weekend Planner: MLK, creatively expressed

Victor Perez, operations coordinator for the Center for Education in Small Urban Communities, shows works from two winners of this year’s MLK Creative Expressions Contest on the computer in his office Friday at the University of Illinois College of Education in Urbana. At right is ‘Angry Black Woman,’ painted by Centennial High School student Amani Joy Congleton; at left is a frame from a video by Robeson Elementary School teacher Randall Bost and his second- and third-graders depicting the Rev.

Haydock Park

Politologue , Its’afreebee , Waiting Patiently , Bun Doran , Maximiser , Solatentif Politologue made all in this grade at Ascot last month and won at this track on his debut over the larger obstacles. The drop in distance shouldn’t be a problem but he does have to concede weight to some potentially useful rivals.

Oakland Athletics Closer Role Up For Grabs

The Oakland Athletics made their signing of Santiago Casilla official yesterday, as the former San Francisco Giant closer joined in on a conference call with local media from both the A’s and Giants. Nobody is kidding themselves about the Oakland Athletics.

Why Joel Matip didn’t start for Liverpool FC vs Swansea

LIVE: Liverpool v Swansea: Lallana comes closest with acrobatic overhead but Klopp’s men struggle to break down basement boys The Pedro of Barcelona is back: Chelsea are finally reaping rewards of beating Manchester United to deal… and stats show he’s now performing even BETTER than in his Nou Camp days Balotelli accuses fans of racist chants: ‘French people… is it normal that Bastia supporters make monkey noises? Is racism LEGAL in France?’ Payet is skilled enough to play for Real Madrid… Marseille won’t get a bargain, insists West Ham chief Brady Arsenal don’t need Payet… Iwobi can be just as good as him in a few years, insists legend Henry Manchester City vs Tottenham combined XI: No room for Jesus … but does Kane or Aguero get the nod for striker’s slot? Tevez denies he is highest-paid player in the world as he trains for first time with new Shanghai Shenhua team-mates ‘I … (more)

Pistons look to continue streak against the red-hot Wizards

The Washington Wizards look to continue their fine when they play their third game in four nights against the rested Detroit Pistons The Wizards are looking to continue their climb and push for a position in the top four of the Eastern Conference as they visit the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Saturday. They are currently 5th and only 1.5 games back from the 4th place Atlanta Hawks.

Rafael Nadal takes heart from Alexander Zverev victory

Rafael Nadal says his five-set win against Alexander Zverev has given him a huge boost of confidence for the rest of the Australian Open. Nadal defied doubts about both his fitness and form during a pulsating four-hour contest on Rod Laver Arena, at the end of which he had beaten the talented Zverev 4-6 6-3 6-7 6-3 6-2.

Rafael Nadal surpasses a fierce five-set battle against rising star Alexander Zverev1 hour ago

Rafael Nadal surpassed a fierce challenge against one of the rising stars in the game German teenager Alexander Zverev in 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 , 6-3, 6-2 battle to reach the last 16 of the Australian Open on Saturday. The Champions of 2009 had to be at his best to come out on top after more than four hours of fierce rallies and shot-making which earned both players a huge ovation from the spectators at the Rod Laver Arena.

Leyton Orient v Morecambe – Match Postponed

Leyton Orient were due to be at Brisbane Road with Morecambe the visitors for the latest League 2 game, which was meant to be 3pm kick-off. However, this has been confirmed as being postponed! Due to a frozen pitch at Orient this game couldn’t go ahead – an obvious disappointment but there wasn’t a lot that could be done and it wasn’t the only one called off either today as others have also suffered the same fate.

Youngster moves on loan

Celtic’s Norwegian teenager Kristoffer Ajer has joined Kilmarnock on loan for the rest of the season. The eighteen-year-old midfielder arrived in the summer from IK Start but has struggled for any first-team involvement.

Ross County v Dundee United

Dundee United turn their attention towards Scottish Cup fourth round action when visiting top-flight Ross County. Manager Ray McKinnon was considering the claims of Charlie Telfer, Blair Spittal and Tope Obadeyi having made an impression when coming on against Queen of the South last week.

Jack Stevens back up goalkeeper

The progress of keeper Jack Stevens has moved the 19-year-old further up the pecking order getting his chance as back up to Eastwood in the first team. Jack’s progress has meant that Benji Buchel has been told he can leave Oxford United if an opportunity appeals to the goalkeeper during the January transfer window.

Middlesbrough v West Ham United

Middlesbrough continue to search for vital points when hosting West Ham United this afternoon. Striker Patrick Bamford may receive immediate action having completed a permanent move from Chelsea during the week.

Pogba wants me back at Manchester United, claims Januzaj

The Belgium international is currently on loan at Sunderland, but is under contract at Old Trafford until 2018 and says it is his goal to return Adnan Januzaj says Paul Pogba has quizzed him on his future, with Manchester United’s record signing eager to see the Belgium international back at Old Trafford. The 21-year-old winger is currently taking in a season-long loan at Sunderland under former Red Devils boss David Moyes.

Walker & Rose on Man City’s radar as Guardiola chases homegrown targets

The Blues made enquiries for the two England and Spurs full-backs last summer and are aware they would have to pay top dollar to land even one of them Pep Guardiola will come up against two of his top summer transfer targets when Manchester City take on Tottenham on Saturday. Spurs duo Kyle Walker and Danny Rose head up a list of potential new full-backs as Guardiola looks to overhaul an ageing area of his squad.

Oswaldo replaces Aguirre at Al Arabi helm

Al Arabi switch gaffers for the third time this season, and this time they put their faith in Oswaldo de Oliveira from Brazil Al Arabi FC host a press conference to present their newly appointed coach Oswaldo de Oliveira who will lead the team till the end of this season as a successor for Edison Aguirre, who will fill the position of second in charge with the Brazilian coach.

Al Jazira take their revenge from 8 man Al Wahda with big 5-1 win

Al Jazira dominated undermanned Al Wahda with 5-1 scoreline, avenging their 6-0 humiliation in UAE’s President Cup Al Jazira avenged their 6-0 loss in UAE’s President Cup against Al Wahda with an emphatic 5-1 win against them at the Mohammed Bin Zayed stadium in matchday 15 of Arabian Gulf League. Al Jazira bolstered their position atop the league standings raising their point tally to 35, increasing the difference to 4 points between them and Al Ain, their closest competitor, whereas Al Wahda remain in 5th position with 24 points.

Emirates shock Al Ain with 3-2 win in Arabian Gulf League

Relegation-threatened Emirates FC got their second win of the league season by beating powerhouse Al Ain 3-2 in matchday 15 of the Arabian Gulf League With this win Emirates raise their point tally to 9 points in 12th place, while Al Ain remain temporarily in 2nd place with 31 points, pending Al Wasl’s meeting with Al Dhafra, and Al Ahli’s with Al Nasr as Al Wasl and Al Ahli both have 29 points in 3rd and 4th places. Emirates opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a freekick by Murad Batna after the Moroccan was brought down on the edge of the area by Mohammed Abdurrahman.

Why doesn’t Stotts…

Why wouldn’t Stotts try changing the Dame and CJ rotations? He should have Dame sub out when CJ normally does and then bring him back in with the second unit. What’s the point in keeping it the same if it isn’t working? Or he should just change it up completely.

World jittery about Trump’s ‘America first’ inaugural speech

President Donald Trump’s inaugural speech promised “America first” policy, but offered no specifics about America’s place in the world. The billionaire businessman and reality television star – the first president who had never held political office or high military rank – promised to stir a “new national pride” and protect America from the “ravages” of countries he says have stolen U.S. jobs.

Henrik Sedin beats Roberto Luongo for 1,000th NHL point as Canucks down Panthers

Henrik Sedin recorded the 1,000th point of his NHL career before Luca Sbisa scored the winner in the third period as the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Florida Panthers 2-1 on Friday night. Ryan Miller stopped 34 shots for Vancouver , which improved to 8-1-3 over its last 12. Sedin came in with a goal and two assists over his last three games to get to 999 points after going scoreless in the four previous contests, and reached the milestone in style in the second period.

The Latest: Hingis, Vandeweghe out of doubles in 2nd round

United States’ Jennifer Brady, right, is congratulated by Russia’s Elena Vesnina after winning their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017. Croatia’s Mirjana Lucic-Baroni celebrates after defeating Maria Sakkari of Greece in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017.

Kickers for final 4 NFL playoff teams each have leg up

In this Dec. 18, 2016, file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers’ Chris Boswell watches his field goal from the hold of punter Jordan Berry during the team’s NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati. The Steelers head into the AFC championship game against New England with added confidence in second-year player Boswell after he booted six field goals last week against Kansas City.

Andy Murray is the favourite to win in Melbourne

Andy Murray believes the decline of Novak Djokovic has been exaggerated and insists the Serb is just a victim of his own success. Murray beat Sam Querrey to move into the Australian Open fourth round on Friday, less than 24 hours after Djokovic had crashed out to wildcard Denis Istomin.

Blackhawks beat Bruins 1-0 on Marian Hossa’s late goal

Marian Hossa scored with 1:26 left to give the Chicago Blackhawks a 1-0 victory over the Boston Bruins on Friday night. It was a rematch of the 2013 Stanley Cup finals, when Chicago scored twice in the final 76 seconds of the third period in Game 6 to overcome a one-goal deficit and claim the NHL title.

Magic pull away for convincing win over Milwaukee

Elfrid Payton scored 20 points, Jeff Green added 18 points and seven rebounds off the bench, and the Orlando Magic snapped a three-game losing streak by beating the Milwaukee Bucks 112-96 on Friday night. The Magic, returning home from a 1-5 road trip, played with a small lineup for much of the night and it provided the offence they needed with two of their top scorers out.