Written By Unknown on Kamis, 30 Januari 2014 | 23.07
Updated: Thursday, 30 Jan 2014 15:32 | Comments
Éamonn Fitzmaurice has named a young looking side to take on Dublin
Kerry have named a much changed team to play Dublin in the Allianz League in Croke Park on Saturday from the one that was beaten by the hosts in last year's All-Ireland semi-final.
Manager Éamonn Fitzmaurice has made eight changes in personnel to the side that were beaten 3-18 to 3-11 back in September.
Fitzmaurice is taking the chance to blood new players; Paul Murphy (Rathmore) and Stephen O'Brien (Kenmare), both of whom featured in the recent McGrath Cup competition, make their Allianz League debuts.
Colm Cooper and the rest of Kerry's Dr Crokes players have club commitments and will miss out on the trip to Croke Park.
Paul Galvin and Aidan O'Mahony, who returned to training in recent weeks, are included among the subs.
Kerry team to play Dublin: B Kealy, P Murphy, M Griffin, S Enright, P Crowley, B McGuire, J Sherwood, A Maher, D Moran, J Lyne, M Geaney, D Walsh, BJ Keane, J O'Donoghue, St O'Brien
Substitutes: B Kelly, P Galvin, A O'Mahony, B Shanahan, C Cox, P Geaney, P Kilkenny, D Culhane, J Walsh, A Fitzgerald, S O'Callaghan
Daniel Glancy will be the first Irish player in action
Belarus and Ireland face off in the first round of the Davis Cup this weekend in Minsk.
The nations have met just once before, also at this stage of the competition, when Belarus emerged with a 4-1 victory in Dublin in 1999.
The draw for the weekend's matches took place in City Hall in Minsk earlier today.
Daniel Glancy will be first out on court for Ireland.
He will meet the number two Belarusian player Dzmitry Zermont at 10am Irish time.
Zermont is ranked 314 in the world.
Playing in his first ever Davis Cup tie, Dublin's John Morrissey follows against Egor Gerasimon, currently world number 252.
David O'Hare replaces the injured Sam Barry in the team and he will compete in his first ever Davis Cup rubber with James Cluskey in the doubles on Saturday afternoon.
They face a daunting task against the experienced duo of Alexander Bury and Max Mirnyi.
O'Hare is currently on scholarship at the University of Memphis and is part of the third-ranked doubles pair in all of collegiate tennis in the US.
The reverse singles take place on Sunday morning.
Should Ireland win the tie, they will face either Egypt or Moldova in the quarter-finals in Ireland from 4-6 April.
Rory McIlroy emphatically lived up to his billing as pre-tournament favourite with a stunning opening round of 63 that left playing partner Tiger Woods in the shade in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
McIlroy carded seven birdies and an eagle at Emirates Golf Club to set the clubhouse target on nine under par, three shots ahead of defending champion Stephen Gallacher, fellow Irishman Damien McGrane, France's Julien Quesne and South African Richard Sterne.
Woods, playing alongside Gallacher and McIlroy, carded nine straight pars to complete a four-under 68 which meant the marquee group were a combined 19 under par, with just one bogey - from Gallacher - between them.
"It was good," McIlroy said with considerable understatement.
"It was really nice. I played really well from tee to green, drove the ball well again; I think I only missed a couple of fairways and only missed one green where I had to really get it up and down.
"I took advantage of how I am driving the ball and just need to do more of the same the next three days."
Asked how close he was to his best, the two-time major winner added on Sky Sports: "It's close, obviously. This year I've shot a couple of good rounds. This is a little lower than I went in Abu Dhabi and I feel very comfortable with my game."
Woods began his 2014 campaign in the Farmers Insurance Open last week, but carded a third round of 79 at Torrey Pines - a venue where he has won eight times - to miss the unusual 54-hole cut.
The world number one insisted his game was "just a fraction off" and demonstrated that with a number of wayward drives, but made birdies on the three par fives on the back nine and picked up another shot on the 15th to reach the turn in four under.
"He's a true pro, he knows there are no pictures on a scorecard," McIlroy said of his Nike stablemate.
"He was hitting it a lot better at the end of the round but to shoot the score he did on our front nine was a good effort."
Woods added: "I played all right today. I probably could have got a couple more out of it. I didn't hit a bad putt today which was nice, it was just that sometimes the grain grabbed it pretty hard at the end."
The 38-year-old revealed he has been working on making a shorter backswing with coach Sean Foley due to the numerous knee operations he has endured over the years.
"I've always played my best from a shorter position," he added.
"Looking back at my younger days on tour it as even shorter than it is now, the only difference is I can't wheel on it like I used to.
"I used to snap the knee at the end to get the power, if I did that now I'd destroy the knee just like I did before. That's one of the reasons why I've had so many operations on it."
McGrane carded four birdies and one bogey on the front nine and then eagled the par-five 10th to move to five under par.
McGrane's round stalled with a run of seven straight pars on the back nine, but a birdie on the 18th completed a round of 66, six under par.
Gallacher, meanwhile, hailed a "sublime" display from McIlroy, but was also delighted to begin his title defence with a 66 that featured an eagle on the par-five 18th and a chip-in for birdie on the fifth.
"Me and Tiger had a couple of holes where we had great saves of par but it was one of those days where we took advantage of the conditions, it was quite benign," Gallacher told Sky Sports.
"It was great to play with Tiger and Fred Couples in the Champions event on Tuesday, that eased me in and I knew what to expect."
Quesne looked set to claim outright second when he covered the back nine in just 30 shots and was eight under par playing his final hole, only to run up a double-bogey six after hitting his second shot into the water.
Rory Best training ahead of Ireland's Six Nations clash with Scotland
Live
Audio
Rookie international props Jack McGrath and Martin Moore have turned Ireland scrummaging sessions into a fearsome contest, according to Rory Best.
Leinster duo McGrath and Moore are primed for bench duty in Sunday's RBS 6 Nations opener against Scotland in Dublin.
Fast-developing tighthead Moore is expected to win his first cap as a replacement, with experienced campaigners Cian Healy and Mike Ross Ireland's starting props.
Ulster hooker Best will win his 71st cap, with Sean Cronin among the replacements and McGrath in line for just his fourth international outing if he joins the fray.
Best admitted Ireland's forwards have sunk their teeth into some testing scrum tussles in training at their Carton House base in Six Nations preparations.
"When we're training in the scrum now, if you don't get it right you're going to get done, which is exactly what it will be like on Sunday," said 31-year-old Best.
"Competition for places drives everyone on and hopefully raises standards across the board" - Rory Best
"And that's important. It obviously brings competition for places, which is good for everyone, with these young guys coming through.
"There's some real competition in training there now. From that side of things it's great to see, especially with their age profile too, these guys are young and have a fantastic future ahead of them.
"It's important that they know now that this is just step one, getting into the extended squad is just step one.
"And then getting into the match-day squad is step two, and then you've got to be looking to start and push to better yourself every time.
"That's the attitude they will adapt, they've already given that impression, and it's great for the squad.
"Competition for places drives everyone on and hopefully raises standards across the board."
Moore has just 23 senior Leinster appearances to his name since his provincial debut in April 2012.
The 22-year-old has racked up 18 of those in his breakthrough season though, and secured a new Leinster deal, snubbing interest from the likes of English Premiership clubs Exeter and Harlequins.
The Castleknock College and Ireland Under-20s graduate looks to have earned a first chance to impress under head coach Joe Schmidt.
Club-mate McGrath made his Ireland debut in the 40-9 November Test victory over Samoa, claiming man-of-the-match honours.
Ireland boss Schmidt is likely to make few changes from the starting line-up that lost out so agonisingly 24-22 to world champions New Zealand in Dublin in November.
Luke Fitzgerald is expected to partner Fergus McFadden on the wings when former Leinster coach Schmidt names his squad to face Scotland on Friday.
Ulster flanker Chris Henry should slot in for Sean O'Brien, who will miss four months' action after shoulder surgery, and that could free up a spot on the bench for the uncapped Cardiff Blues loose forward Robin Copeland.
Best expects Scotland to scrap and spoil for every shred on Sunday, admitting the visitors will punish any lack of accuracy and physicality at the breakdown.
"Their back row are very abrasive so you've go to roll up your sleeves and prepare for battle," he said. "You look at their pack, and the breakdown is massive. The back row will cause plenty of problems, but even Jim Hamilton and some of the front row, they are very dangerous over the ball if you let them get in.
"And it's going to be very tough to slow their ball down because they are big men, they carry hard and they hit rucks hard too.
"It's a great challenge against a big pack, but that brings pressure too, because you need to perform."
Carl Frampton: 'I believe that the next 12 months will bring me even more success and, more importantly, the World title'
Carl Frampton is one fight away from a world title shot after his WBC eliminator bout against Mexico's Hugo Cazares was confirmed for Belfast on Friday 4 April.
If Barry McGuigan's protege can get the better of Cazares (35), a two-time former world-champion, at the Odyssey arena, he will become the mandatory challenger to Leo Santa Cruz's WBC super-banamweight belt.
"I can't wait to get back in front of the amazing Belfast crowd and secure my shot at the WBC World title," said Frampton, unbeaten in 17 professional bouts (12 KO).
"I have progressed so much in the last twelve months both in the boxing ring and out of it, and I believe that the next 12 months will bring me even more success and more importantly the World title.
"It's fantastic to be boxing at home for the fourth consecutive time and to be fighting a former two-weight World Champion in a final eliminator for the World title."
Manager McGuigan warned that beating Cazares was no foregone conclusion, however.
"In Hugo Cazares, Carl faces a very experienced man who has been there and done It," he said.
"He has won World titles in two weight divisions, including winning his second away from home in Japan, so he is no stranger to partisan crowds.
"Carl will have to be at his best to beat this man and I believe he will, convincingly, and in doing so Carl will become the mandatory challenger to the WBC World Champion, Leo Santa Cruz."
For his part, Cazares is confident that he can stop 'The Jackal' in his own back yard.
"April the fourth is my chance to put myself back on the World stage. I am a former champion and I have fought all over the World so going to Belfast is no problem for me," said Cazares.
"Frampton is a very good fighter but no one can stand in my way on my journey back to a World title."
Frampton's big night comes the day before Ulster take on Saracens in their Heineken Cup quarter-final, and he is aiming to set up a perfect weekend for sports fans in the province.
"Hopefully I can set the tone with a big victory and it will be a successful weekend all-round for Belfast," said the 26-year-old."The whole city will be buzzing."
Mayo have handed league debuts to two young players for Sunday's NFL Division 1 kick-off away to Kildare.
Wing-back Brendan Harrison of Aghamore and half-forward Adam Gallagher, the county's U-21 captain from Mayo Gaels, will make their first starts as James Horan deals with the absence of several established players.
The presence of Castlebar Mitchels in the All-Ireland Senior Club football semi-final and Kiltane in the Intermediate Club final, along with some injury worries has forced Horan to look to his panel for their opening clash.
Veteran forward Andy Moran, who skippered Mayo in last year's All-Ireland final defeat to Dublin, again captains the side.
Mayo team to play Kildare: R Hennelly; K Keane, G Cafferkey, C Boyle; L Keegan, S McHale, B Harrison; T Parsons, A O'Shea; C Carolan, K Higgins, A Gallagher; K McLoughlin, A Moran (capt), D Coen.
Live radio coverage of the Allianz NFL meeting of Dublin and Kerry on An tSraith Náisiúnta from 19:00 on Saturday 1 February on RTÉ RnaG and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).
Live coverage and updates of all the day's action on Sunday Sport from 14:00 on RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).
Television highlights on League Sunday from 19:30 on RTÉ Two and RTE.ie (Ireland only).
Written By Unknown on Rabu, 29 Januari 2014 | 23.06
Updated: Wednesday, 29 Jan 2014 14:14 | Comments
The route for the 2014 An Post Rás was announced today at Dublin's GPO, revealing an aggressive course, comprising over 1260 kilometres and 36 categorised climbs in eight stages.
The race will travel anticlockwise around Ireland, beginning in Dunboyne on Sunday 18 May and featuring stage end finishes in Roscommon, Lisdoonvarna, Charleville, Cahirciveen, Clonakilty, Carrick on Suir, Baltinglass and Skerries.
The race profile strikes a balance between flat fast roads, undulating sections and tough climbs, with a total of five category one mountains and five category two ascents set to shake up the peloton.
Climbers will seek to make the most of stages such as Charleville to Cahirciveen on day four, which features no less than ten categorised ascent and the stage six summit finish on Seskin Hill in Carrick on Suir.
However, race organiser Tony Campbell believes a good balance has been struck and that one group of riders will not be favoured over another.
"The day around Cahirciveen is going to be a hard stage. It is over 180 kilometres that day and will be difficult" - Tony Campbell
"I wouldn't say it is a pure climber's race," he states. "There are climbs, but there are also a lot of fast roads where plenty of aggressive racing will be done.
"I think it is more or less one for a good, hard strong rider, a guy who can push up over the hills and who is also good when the speed is on. I think it's an An Post Rás for the strong all-rounder.
"In some ways it is similar to last year's route. The first two stages are mainly flat; although day two has a category one climb near the finish.
"The speed will really be on during those stages and I think the effects of that will tell on the third and fourth day when riders start to get worn out."
Campbell added that the fourth stage from Charleville in Cork into Cahirciveen, Co Kerry has the potential to really shake up the peloton.
"The day around Cahirciveen is going to be a hard stage. It is over 180 kilometres that day and will be difficult.
"The climb up Seskin Hill will also be important, but there will be plenty of opportunity throughout the eight days for attacks. The speed and the distance will tell - they will make things hard."
Former An Post rider Ronan McLaughlin was on hand to launch this year's route alongside fellow Irish riders Roger Aiken and Connor McConvey. McLaughlin, who came agonisingly close to winning a stage following a heroic solo ride into his hometown in Bundoran in 2012, is busy putting together a Donegal based outfit for this year's race.
"I'm working on getting a Donegal team together for the An Post Rás, which has been a very exciting new challenge for me.
"The course looks to be set up to give every rider a chance, although I think it will be won or lost in the tough middle stages where the mountains will have a big say in the outcome."
The race gets underway on Sunday 18 May with a stage guaranteed to result in very aggressive racing. Starting in Dunboyne, riders will battle it out for bonus seconds at the Post Office Primes and Hot Spot Sprints in Athboy, Coole, Edgeworthstown and Ballymahon, with things being further enlivened by the category three climb at Richmount.
The pace will ramp up further before the finish in Roscommon, where the riders will fight for the stage win and, once the time gaps and bonuses are calculated, the first yellow jersey will be awarded.
An Post Rás route 2014 - 18-25 May
Stage 1, Sunday 18: Dunboyne to Roscommon, 149.8 km
Stage 2, Monday 19: Roscommon to Lisdoonvarna, 159.2 km
Stage 3, Tuesday 20: Lisdoonvarna to Charleville, 154.2 km
Stage 4, Wednesday 21: Charleville to Cahirciveen, 183.6 km
Stage 5, Thursday 22: Cahirciveen to Clonakilty, 168.9 km
Stage 6, Friday 23: Clonakilty to Carrick on Suir, 167.9km
Stage 7, Saturday 24: Carrick on Suir to Baltinglass, 147.7km
Stage 8, Sunday 25: Newbridge to Skerries, 134.3 km
Life at Racing Metro has proven exacting for Johnny Sexton, both on and off the pitch
Johnny Sexton has admitted he has felt like quitting Racing Metro and returning to Ireland since his summer move from Leinster.
The Ireland fly-half is confident he is settling into the French lifestyle though, and hopes Racing will ration his playing time more conservatively than in a hectic autumn.
Ireland open their RBS 6 Nations campaign by hosting Scotland in Dublin on Sunday, with Sexton expected to lead the backline.
Despite his big-money move to France last summer, Sexton hailed the IRFU for securing Jamie Heaslip and Sean O'Brien on new contracts.
"There have been some games where I thought, 'I'm walking in on Monday and telling them I'm going home'," he revealed in an interview with the BBC.
"Then there's other games where I've come off thinking 'right, this is the start of it, that's brilliant, and you could be here forever'.
"That's the same with everything, there's ups and downs along the way.
"Me and my wife probably struggled with it at the start.
"It's pretty easy to settle into the club because everyone's doing their best to make you feel at home.
"But the more simple things, like going round to the shop, you don't know where it is, going to get petrol - you don't where that is, things like that.
"Everything's just a stress, so it was tough going at the start."
Munster duo Paul O'Connell and Keith Earls and Ulster hooker Rory Best have signed new IRFU deals, to complement the decisions of Heaslip and O'Brien to spurn big money in France.
Sexton revealed his Ireland team-mates sought his advice about a move to France, but he admitted he was pleased to see the IRFU tie them down.
"I think it's great that they're staying, the IRFU, fair play to them, they've really stepped up to the plate," he said.
"I think it's important for Irish rugby that guys stay.
"I sound like a hypocrite, but that's the bottom line."
Stuart Hogg is tackled by Brian O'Driscoll and Luke Marshall last year
Scotland head coach Scott Johnson has made four changes to his side for Sunday's opening RBS 6 Nations match with Ireland.
Lion Stuart Hogg returns at full-back having missed the Autumn Tests through injury, while the other alterations from the team beaten 21-15 by Australia include Alex Dunbar replacing Nick De Luca at centre, Tim Swinson preferred to Grant Gilchrist in the second-row, and a fourth Glasgow Warrior, Ryan Wilson, chosen at blindside flanker instead of Johnnie Beattie, who has a virus.
The Scots are seeking to build on last year's third-place finish by getting off to a winning start at Dublin's Aviva Stadium.
"We believe we've got a good combination to go in against formidable opposition" - Scott Johnson
Sean Maitland - who scored on his first outing in the championship, last season's opening game against England - moves to the wing to accommodate Hogg in the 15 jersey.
For Dunbar, Swinson, Wilson and for Duncan Taylor at inside centre, the Ireland clash is their first Six Nations start, while Kelly Brown will again captain the side as he wins his 61st cap.
But Johnson admitted picking the side had not been easy, saying: "The forwards especially were a hard pick but we're happy. We believe we've got a good combination to go in against formidable opposition."
In the backs, Glasgow's Sean Lamont will win his 83rd cap just a fortnight after turning 33 while Duncan Weir starts at stand-off after his Warriors team-mate and fellow number 10 Ruaridh Jackson misses out completely.
But the head coach has high hopes for his back three of Hogg, Maitland and Dunbar.
"We can go the length with that back three," he said. "For a seasoned campaigner Sean Lamont has some legs still.
"His form over the last 24 months for us has been outstanding, especially his work off the ball. Like something in my wine cabinet he's certainly getting better with age."
As well as Beattie and his illness, a dead leg rules out Glasgow wing Tommy Seymour, while Bristol forward Ross Rennie is not deemed fit enough to take part in the squad.
Edinburgh centre Matt Scott has over come a hand injury to return to action but starts on the bench.
Long-term absentees Tim Visser, Euan Murray and Alastair Kellock are all set to miss the championships completely.
Scotland team to play Ireland: S Hogg; S Maitland, A Dunbar, D Taylor, S Lamont, D Weir, G Laidlaw; R Grant, R Ford, M Low, T Swinson, J Hamilton, R Wilson, K Brown (capt), D Denton.
Replacements: P MacArthur, A Dickinson, G Cross, R Gray, J Beattie, C Cusiter, M Scott, M Evans.
Live television coverage of the opening weekend of the RBS Six Nations from 14:00 on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 February on RTÉ Two and RTE.ie (Ireland only). Live radio coverage on Saturday Sport (14:00) and Sunday Sport (14:00) on RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).
Alvaro Negredo, one of Manchester City's overseas buys in 2013
Premier League clubs once again ruled the international transfer market in 2013, topping the $1bn-mark for the first time.
The English clubs, plus Swansea and Cardiff from Wales, spent 1.1 billion dollars (£660m) on overseas transfers last year, and of that more than £50m went straight into the pockets of agents.
The figures - revealed in the Global Transfer Market 2014 report, published by FIFA - only include international transfers between different countries.
Premier League figures released in November disclosed a total of £100m was paid to agents, including for domestic transfers.
After the Premier League, Italian clubs were the next biggest spenders on overseas transfers (£286m), followed by France (£253m), Spain (£192m) and then Germany (£144m).
Spanish clubs, however, were the biggest net earners for transfers, with net income of £150m.
The report also highlighted the growing influence of 'super clubs' such as Manchester City, Paris St Germain and Monaco, where wealthy owners provide huge sums for fast-track team strengthening.
The report states that across the world there were a total of 12,309 international transfers in 2013, 4% more than in 2012, and 90%of these were free transfers with no fee paid.
"Players with Brazilian nationality were also represented most in the international transfer market with 1,558 transfers (13% of total transfers)," says the report, with 236 players moving to and from Brazil and Portugal.
FIFA's transfers matching system aims to provide a clearing house for all international transfers, with clubs having to register agents involved plus any fees and add-ons.
Defy Logic disappointed in the Irish Arkle after suffering an episode of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH)
Paul Nolan has been forced to rule out his top-class novice chaser Defy Logic for the rest of the season.
The seven-year-old was an impressive winner of the Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas, beating subsequent Irish Arkle victor Trifolium and current Arkle Trophy favourite Champagne Fever.
He was sent off favourite for the Irish Arkle, but was beaten some way out and it later transpired he had broken a blood vessel.
"He's out for the season I'm afraid," said Nolan.
"He broke a blood vessel and we decided it's best to leave him off for the rest of this season and give him plenty of time to recover, that was the opinion of everyone.
"He's only a seven-year-old and he's never done anything like this before.
"He'd need four to five weeks off which would rule out Cheltenham, so we'll come back next year nice and fresh.
"I could tell he wasn't happy from the start on Sunday, yet before the race I thought he was perfect. It's unfortunate but there you go.
"We'll just look forward to next season with him now."
Pat Flanagan (l) and Jason Ryan are in charge of Sligo and Kildare respectively for the 2014 season
by Martin Carney
In all there are 12.The newly appointed. Some newbies; others gnarled veterans of many campaigns that writing the definitive book about the perils and pitfalls of inter-county management would fall easily within their remit.
This group you can be sure will approach their briefs with evangelistic zeal and attempt to raise standards and achieve results, thus ensuring progress from teams in their care and creating a sense of hope with their supporters.
Few, if indeed any, can realistically aspire to winning any of the year's big prizes, but if their management tenure is franked by winning performances and a sense that their charges are going in the right direction then they will view their time in charge as worthwhile.
Under his management, Conor Counihan guided Cork to the double in 2010 and to two further Division 1 league titles. His departure, I felt, opened the door for John Cleary to succeed him, so the appointment of Brian Cuthbert came as somewhat of a surprise.
Cuthbert is by all accounts an able successor whose highly organised skills are much valued, as is his grasp of the requirements for the modern game.
The fact that his appointment coincides with the retirement of a large cohort of seasoned players like Canty, Miskella and O'Leary will be to his advantage as he will be given a blank sheet on which to develop and nurture a new team with his own blueprint.
To a certain degree his brief has been rendered more difficult by the departure of Ciarán Sheehan to the Aussie Rules code. Sheehan's capacity to influence games had yet to peak and his going has left a leadership void in the attack.
Cuthbert will hope that Colm O'Neill can rediscover his form on return from injury and that dual commitments won't prevent Aidan Walsh and Eoin Cadogan from maximising their footballing talents.
Consolidating their league status and reaching the August Bank Holiday quarter-finals will be as much as I'd expect from Cork in his first year in charge.
During his tenure as Wexford manager Jason Ryan provided credible evidence of his credentials to successfully manage an inter-county team.
With forwards of the calibre of Matty Forde, Redmond Barry, Ciaran Lyng and latterly Ben Brosnan, his teams combined a thrilling blend of competitiveness, style and attacking flair.
Their surprising defeat to Limerick in the 2011 qualifiers stalled an eventful era for the team yet his departure to Kildare as McGeeney's sidekick at the end of 2012 was unexpected.
With Geezer's departure the door was opened to allow Ryan assume the leadership role in a county where sadly achievement rarely matches expectation.
His one-year apprenticeship will have taken care of the familiarisation process, but his task is unenviable given the scale of problems both on and off the field.
The recent resignation of the core membership of Club Kildare may compromise future fundraising ventures to the detriment of the team. Restoring levels of self belief in a squad that suffered a 16-point mauling to the Dubs in last year's championship will be top of Ryan's agenda.
Developing an attacking unit that for so long was dependent on the excellence of Johnny Doyle will also get priority status. An encouraging win in last Sunday's O'Byrne Cup final was a promising start and should Paul Cribbin, Darren Mulhall, Padraig Fogarty and Tommy Moolick develop as hoped, then better days are possible.
However I believe that the scale of redesigning the team is one that will require a long term strategy so Ryan will require time. Will that condition be afforded him?
Westmeath are a welcome addition to Division 1 of the league. What has surprised me is that Pat Flanagan, who steered them to the top table, is no longer at the helm.
Perhaps it was the nature of their defeat to Dublin and their subsequent loss to Fermanagh in the qualifiers that sealed his fate.
His successor, Paul Bealin, can use his previous experience as Wexford manager to good effect. The issue of trying to coax another season out of the inimitable Dessie Dolan will require attention, as will the attempts to develop further the wonderful skills of John Heslin.
Given the circumstances of Flanagan's departure, gaining the respect and trust of the panel may take a while but a successful league run - at the very least retaining their league status - would be of benefit to all.
Bealin as an All-Ireland winner has much to offer, but whether or not his team has the squad depth to prosper remains to be seen.
For whatever reason, managers and Laois footballers have never been happy bedfellows. Micko coaxed a tune from them but their period of underage brilliance never garnered the success levels that their followers craved.
Tomás Ó Flatharta is the latest incumbent in the hot seat and he inherits a team whose inconsistencies are maddening. Shock defeats to Louth and Longford in Leinster over the past two years were followed by redemption-earning runs in the qualifiers, where it took good displays from Dublin and Donegal in successive seasons to put a halt to their gallop.
Ó Flatharta was a wonderful lieutenant to the late lamented Paidi but his time at the helm in both Galway and Westmeath was not what was hoped for.
He is capable of instilling levels of passion and drive in his charges and this should compliment the organisational foundation established by his predecessor. Hopefully for Laois the response from his squad will match his desire.
In an evenly balanced and ultra competitive Division 3 there are four teams with new managers - the most eye catching of whom are Pete McGrath and Pat Flanagan.
The latter will have the added incentive of improving Sligo in order to silence his detractors and yet his task is huge in a county that is in rebuilding mode.
Unluckily pipped for promotion last year, Fermanagh bowed out of championship by losing twice to near neighbours Cavan.
Whether McGrath can make a difference is questionable even though, in management terms, his credentials are unimpeachable. Promotion will herald success and a win on Sunday against Cavan (them again) would be a perfect start.
Sean Hagan had the start he would have wished for with Leitrim by winning last week's FBD league but I feel that Liam Bradley (Antrim) and Colm Collins (Clare) may be the two new guys who can steer their charges out of the bottom tier. In that section John Brudair is the new man at the helm in Limerick.
Longford, who failed to win a match in Division 2 last year, now have former Dublin player Jack Sheedy at the helm.
Whatever happens, the chosen dozen, and this includes Ian Galvin in New York, will approach their tasks with a sense of mission.
Failure will be the occasional unwanted fellow traveller, but nonetheless these men will dream on in the hope that they will triumph eventually.
Live radio coverage of the Allianz NFL meeting of Dublin and Kerry on An tSraith Náisiúnta from 19:00 on Saturday 1 February on RTÉ RnaG and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide). Live coverage and updates of all the day's action on Sunday Sport from 14:00 on RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide). Television highlights on League Sunday from 19:30 on RTÉ Two and RTE.ie (Ireland only).
Written By Unknown on Selasa, 28 Januari 2014 | 23.06
Updated: Tuesday, 28 Jan 2014 13:10 | Comments
Shane Long: 'It was always in the back of my mind that West Brom wanted to sell up'
Audio
Shane Long will make his Hull debut at Crystal Palace tonight, nearly five months after being won over by manager Steve Bruce.
Ireland striker Long was set to join the Tigers in a deadline day switch from West Brom on 2 September, only for the Baggies to pull the plug when their own pursuit of Romelu Lukaku fell through.
That left Long sitting with Bruce at Hull's training ground in Cottingham when both men realised the transfer was off.
But Bruce did not waste his time with Long, laying out his plans for Hull and planting a seed that came to bear when West Brom again agreed a fee of around £6.5million this month.
"It was a weird one (in September). I think there was ten hours from finding out about the deal to get it done and it got pulled at the last minute," the 27-year-old said.
"It was a strange situation to be in but these things happen in football.
"I tried to be as professional as I could be. I was a West Brom player and I think anyone there would tell you I gave my all on the pitch and trained hard every day.
"But it was hard to try and get it out of your head.
"I think it was always in the back of my mind that West Brom wanted to sell up and I was lucky that a club like Hull were interested.
"After meeting the manager (Bruce), he left a good impression on me and I wanted to play for him.
"He was just talking to me about the club, the players coming in and how I was going to be a part of it.
"When a club is agreeing to sell you, for me anyway, you want to go.
"Once the transfer window opened again, it was inevitable something was going to happen sooner rather than later and I got the deal done."
"Once the transfer window opened again, it was inevitable something was going to happen"
Long, who has shaken off an ankle complaint and has been told he will play some part against Palace, will now look forward to forging a partnership with fellow newcomer Nikica Jelavic.
The Croatia striker was brought in from Everton for a fee that could rise to £7.5million should Hull avoid relegation, taking the club's spending to £14million this month - a serious gamble that will require Premier League safety as a minimum pay-off.
Oscar Whisky is a best-price 8-1 for the JLT Novices Chase on the third day of the Cheltenham Festival
Oscar Whisky is the stand-out name among seven entries in the Betfred TV Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown on Saturday.
The Grade One contest was reopened for an extra 24 hours after insufficient entries were received, but the turnout is still disappointingly low.
Nicky Henderson's Oscar Whisky was beaten on his chasing debut by Taquin Du Seuil but has since turned the table on that rival at Cheltenham on New Year's Day, as well as defeating the smart Wonderful Charm on his penultimate outing.
The chief threat could come from Paul Nicholls' Benvolio, a recent gutsy winner at Haydock. Nicholls has also entered Valco De Touzaine.
Alan King's Manyriverstocross could step up in trip, with Ardkilly Witness, Roger Beantown and Toby Lerone also entered.
Seamus Coleman and Jordan Henderson at Anfield last season
Audio
TUESDAY 28 JANUARY
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE
Manchester United v Cardiff 7.45pm
Juan Mata is set to make his Manchester United debut at Old Trafford.
The club record £37.1million new arrival could be joined by Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney, who are back training again after recent thigh and groin problems.
Marouane Fellaini has also recovered from a broken wrist as United look to claw their way back up the Premier League table after suffering their seventh defeat of the season at Chelsea.
Cardiff manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reports no new injuries other than a couple of minor unspecified knocks.
Defenders Andrew Taylor and Matthew Connolly remain in the sidelines with ankle problems and midfielder Don Cowie has a calf strain. The Bluebirds are poised to announce the new signings of Fabio from United and Kenwyne Jones from Stoke but neither are likely to play.
Norwich v Newcastle 7.45pm
Norwich will again be without midfielder Jonny Howson (back) and centre-back Michael Turner (hamstring).
On-loan Magpies midfielder Jonas Gutierrez is not available to face his parent club at Carrow Road.
Winger Elliott Bennett has stepped up his rehabilitation following a serious knee injury.
It's unlikely that Yohan Cabaye will be part of the Newcastle squad due to Paris St Germain's continued pursuit.
PA Sport understands that the clubs have reached an agreement in principle over the transfer of the midfielder.
Full-back Mathieu Debuchy returns after a three-match ban, but striker Papiss Cisse (back) and midfielder Gabriel Obertan (ankle) will miss out as they join skipper Fabricio Coloccini (knee) on the sidelines).
Southampton v Arsenal 7.45pm
Victor Wanyama could return from a seven-week injury lay-off, although Rickie Lambert is a doubt fort the Saints.
Kenyan midfielder Wanyama suffered a hairline fracture to his leg in defeat to Aston Villa on December 4, but is line for a return against the Gunners.
Artur Boruc (hand) should also be back after missing the 2-0 FA Cup defeat of Yeovil, although Lambert (hamstring) will need to be assessed. Dejan Lovren and Gaston Ramirez (both ankle) are definitely absent, as is Dani Osvaldo (club suspension).
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is able to welcome three players back into his squad, but may rest Jack Wilshere due to an ankle problem.
Midfielders Aaron Ramsey (thigh) and Mikel Arteta (calf) and defender Thomas Vermaelen (knee) are all back training, although Wenger is not planning on using any of them from the start.
Wojciech Szczesny should return in goal after being rested for the FA Cup win against Coventry, while the same should go for Olivier Giroud who was a substitute in that game.
Swansea v Fulham 7.45pm
David Ngog is available for Swansea's clash with Fulham.
The striker joined from Bolton until the end of the season on Monday and was registered in time to play a part against the Cottagers, although manager Michael Laudrup may opt not to throw him in at the deep end.
Nathan Dyer, Jonathan de Guzman and Jonjo Shelvey could all return as Laudrup's injury worries slowly begin to ease.
Fulham are expected to make a number of changes.
A win would take the Cottagers above their opponents in the battle to avoid relegation and Rene Meulensteen is expected to rotate his options once more after giving a number of first-team regulars a rest in Sunday's FA Cup draw at Sheffield United.
Defender Fernando Amorebieta has a knee problem and is a doubt, while John Arne Riise went off in the first half at Bramall Lane and may also be absent.
Crystal Palace v Hull 8pm
Defender Jonny Parr is expected be out as Palace face Hull.
Parr suffered concussion in the FA Cup loss at Wigan.
Jerome Thomas and Kagisho Dikgacoi are still suffering from calf problems and Jack Hunt (ankle) and Glenn Murray (knee) are out.
Shane Long is set to make his Hull debut.
The £6.5million signing from West Brom is fully fit after an ankle knock and could line up alongside fellow newcomer Nikica Jelavic, who has one start under his belt.
James Chester (hamstring) and Sone Aluko (Achilles) remain out, while Danny Graham and Matty Fryatt could be battling for a single spot in the matchday squad.
Liverpool v Everton 8pm
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has a decision to make over whether to include midfielder Joe Allen for the 222nd Merseyside derby.
The Wales international missed the weekend's FA Cup win at Bournemouth with a hamstring injury and although he trained Monday Rodgers is concerned playing him may do more harm than good.
Defender Mamadou Sakho (hamstring) is still two to three weeks away from fitness while Jon Flanagan is set to start after making his comeback as a substitute at the weekend after a month out.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez will make a late call on whether to include loan signing Lacina Traore.
The Ivory Coast international only trained with his new team-mates on Monday and has had a hamstring injury.
Doubts persist over defensive quartet Phil Jagielka, Sylvain Distin, Antolin Alcaraz and Seamus Coleman as well as midfielders Ross Barkley and Steven Pienaar.
Rory Best: 'I often wonder, if you went somewhere else, would you get over defeat that bit quicker?'
Live
Video
Audio
The rain buckets down, curtailing the farm work outside Banbridge.
Rory Best ducks into a barn and fires 80 rugby balls through the target hoop of the home-made line-out training contraption he fashioned with his father John.
For three generations and more one Best or another has been farming and playing rugby in Banbridge.
Ulster's evergreen Ireland hooker had the chance to seek a new life experience and rugby challenge amid the riches of France's Top 14 next summer, but a quiet family chat was all it took to reject overtures from across the channel and sign a new two-year deal with his home province.
Professionalism has skewed rugby forever, but the 31-year-old hopes some things will never change.
Ireland and their provinces protect top players from overexposure, a benefit the 70-cap hooker hopes can add years to his career.
"It is a little bit harder to be loyal in professional rugby, there's no escaping that," Best told Press Association Sport.
"Clubs have to make business decisions now too, so it's also harder for them to be loyal to players.
"But I often wonder, if you went somewhere else, would you get over defeat that bit quicker? Maybe it wouldn't mean quite so much.
"At Ulster, for me, when we lose, it consumes you all weekend, because you're so annoyed about it.
"Moving somewhere else you lose a little of those emotional roots"
"It's not just for yourself, for your team-mates, it's for your family and for everyone around the province and the area.
"Maybe in moving somewhere else you lose a little of those emotional roots.
"One thing you learn from farming, it's very cyclical: one day things are great, the next it's teeming down from the heavens and you can't get anything done.
"You've got to be able to stop it getting you down too much.
"Human nature dictates it will get you down, but you just have to bide your time, so that when the weather clears you're ready to go."
Ronan O'Gara played international rugby at 36 and Paul O'Connell has just signed a two-year IRFU deal aged 34; Best admits he must find fortune in injury and form to mirror that longevity.
Best also said Ireland's player welfare programme is not to be taken lightly, and remains central to the kinds of careers that should see Brian O'Driscoll overtake O'Gara's record caps haul of 128 in his final RBS 6 Nations.
"Your body has to hold up: as long you come through injury-wise you have a chance," added Best.
"Then you need to want to do it. In Ireland I think we're extremely lucky to be playing for clubs that really mean something to us.
"You don't want to give that up.
"So as long as my body holds up and I've still got the appetite for it, I'd love to play for as long as I can.
"It's easy to get a bit fed up with rugby from time to time, but whenever that happens someone will remind you you're a very long time retired.
"Ireland have been good at guarding against players leaving, especially when you look at Wales.
"The player welfare programme ensures national players get a good amount of rest.
"Ulster have been really good to me over the years too in terms of how they have managed me, helping me peak for big games. Getting the most out of top players over a number of years, rather than flogging them for five or six, it's important.
"There's no coincidence when you see John Hayes at 36 and Ronan O'Gara at 36 still going, then now Donnacha O'Callaghan and Paul O'Connell both at 34 and signing new contracts.
"If that system allows you a few more years at the end of your career playing for teams you love, great."
Ireland's two defeats in three autumn contests proved a frustrating return for new head coach Joe Schmidt.
The last-gasp agony of 24-22 New Zealand defeat aside, Ireland produced a rousing performance of incision and passion against the All Blacks.
Best said Ireland's biggest challenge now is blend rugby's old-school blood and guts with the modern era's tactical demands.
"As rugby turns ever more technical, there's still a lot to be said for rolling up the sleeves and putting in some old-fashioned, honest hard work, with a bit of passion," he said.
"Those values are certainly reflected in the way I was brought up, and in the farming fraternity.
"In the first two autumn games maybe we forgot a little about the passion and just the all-out mayhem that we can produce.
"Probably in the New Zealand game we got that balance right, we were accurate and knew what we were doing, but we also brought that bit of physicality and hard work.
"It can't all be dictated from a blackboard.
"Now people are more comfortable with the systems, hopefully we can keep Joe's attention to detail and add that bit of extra passion too."
Live television coverage of the opening weekend of the RBS Six Nations from 14:00 on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 February on RTÉ Two and RTE.ie (Ireland only). Live radio coverage on Saturday Sport (14:00) and Sunday Sport (14:00) on RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).
Alun-Wyn Jones in action against Australia last July
Live
Video
Audio
Ospreys lock Alun-Wyn Jones will captain Wales in their RBS 6 Nations opener against Italy next Saturday (2.30pm, live on RTÉ Two).
Jones takes over from Sam Warburton, who will begin his comeback after two months out with a shoulder injury on the replacements' bench.
Elsewhere, Rhys Priestland has edged out Dan Biggar for fly-half duties, Jamie Roberts returns in midfield after missing this season's autumn Tests, Paul James replaces injured prop Gethin Jenkins and Luke Charteris fills the second-row vacancy left by suspended Ospreys forward Ian Evans.
It later emerged that Warburton could end up starting the Italy clash after Lydiate flew back to Paris on Tuesday morning.
Lydiate's partner is due to have a child, and the former Newport Gwent Dragons forward has returned to be with her.
The Wales squad has a day off on Wednesday, and it is not known at this stage whether or not Lydiate will take part on Saturday.
If he was to be unavailable, then the likelihood is that Warburton would be promoted off the bench and start in the number six shirt.
Wales: L Halfpenny; A Cuthbert, S Williams, J Roberts, G North; R Priestland, M Phillips; P James, R Hibbard, A Jones, L Charteris, A-W Jones (c), D Lydiate, J Tipuric, T Faletau.
Replacements: K Owens, R Bevington, R Jones, A Coombs, S Warburton, R Webb, J Hook, L Williams.
LIVE: U20 SIX NATIONS
Live television coverage of the U20 Six Nations meeting of Ireland and Scotland from 19:00 on Friday 31 January on RTÉ Two and RTE.ie (Ireland only). Live radio coverage on Saturday Sport (14:00) and Sunday Sport (14:00) on RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).
LIVE: WOMENS SIX NATIONS Live radio coverage of the Women's Six Nations meeting of Ireland and Scotland on Friday 31 January on Game On from 19:00 on RTÉ 2fm and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).
LIVE: RBS SIX NATIONS Live television coverage of the opening weekend of the RBS Six Nations from 14:00 on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 February on RTÉ Two and RTE.ie (Ireland only). Live radio coverage on Saturday Sport (14:00) and Sunday Sport (14:00) on RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).
Kerry's Donnchadh Walsh and Peadar Andrews of Dublin go head-to-head on Saturday eveningStephen Cluxton lifts the trophy after Dublin defeated Tyrone in the 2013 Division 1 decider
Audio
By James McMahon
Here we go again. Counties are finalising their preparations for a league campaign that they hope will act as a springboard for a positive return come the summer.
New players and formations will be tried out. Some squads will see the benefits of this process more so than others. Between February and April it's all about getting the blend right.
Momentum going into the championship is crucial, particularly over the last decade when the league reverted to a competition played in the same calendar year. Tyrone (2003), Kerry (2004, 2006), Cork (2010) and Dublin (2013) all completed a Division 1/All-Ireland double. Last season Meath and Monaghan escaped from Division 3 en route to good things in the summer.
Go back to 2009 and Antrim and Sligo, both promoted from Division 4, gave Kerry their fill of it in the qualifiers.
Needless to say, some may prefer to put all their eggs in the championship basket. That was very much the mantra of Mick O'Dwyer, in spite of guiding Kerry to a number of league titles and overseeing an appearance in a decider for both Kildare and Laois.
Last season Jim McGuinness played down Donegal's relegation to Division 2. Yet, tellingly, Mickey Harte believes that no team will win the All-Ireland coming from the second tier.
There is no doubt, however, that in the months ahead teams will desperately want to avoid relegation or be the outfit that props up Division 4. Playing in a divisional decider at the end of April will cap of a satisfactory campaign
There is much to speculate on and no shortage of talking points to be addressed before any ball is thrown in.
1. The opening weekend
Dublin v Kerry under lights at Croke Park is a fitting way to get the show on the road on Saturday next. With the Dubs taking on Kilkenny in Walsh Cup hurling final beforehand, there is sure to be a healthy crowd at GAA HQ.
On the same night Derry take on Tyrone in Celtic Park, Down host Monaghan in Newry, while Fermanagh are the visitors to Cavan.
The counter attraction of Ireland's Six Nations opener against Scotland may take some of the focus from Sunday's games. Nevertheless there are enough intriguing pairings to analyse afterwards.
2. Black Card
Introduced in the pre-season competitions, where the issuing of the card was relatively low. The competitive league series, however, will act as a more reliable barometer of its effectiveness.
A consistent approach from referees would help. In particular let's hope the black card debate does not dominate the closing stages of the campaign.
3. Swashbuckling Dublin
Last spring the Dubs signalled their intent with some explosive performances in the league. In the main they carried that through to the championship. Will Jim Gavin's men be equally as swashbuckling this spring? Will others seek to emulate their approach?
In getting to the McKenna Cup final, Tyrone's attacking prowess has been praised and the scoreboard operator has been busy. A realisation, perhaps, of a change in emphasis that must be adopted if the Dubs' gallop is to be halted this year.
Tyrone host Dublin in their final regulation game in Division 1 on 6 April
4. 'All changed, changed utterly'
Cork footballers begin 2014 with a new manager, Brian Cuthbert, and a squad minus prominent names due to retirement. Alan Quirke, Graham Canty, Paudie Kissane, Noel O'Leary and Pearse O'Neill have moved on. Ray Carey and John Hayes have returned to the squad, however.
The Rebels have had decent U-21 success in recent seasons and it will be interesting to see how Cuthbert blends it all together.
5. Mayo's quest for a title
Would winning the league benefit Mayo in terms of their quest to finally land Sam later in the year? Manager James Horan has hinted that they will give the spring campaign a good go.
An alternative view from former player David Brady is that the Green and Red could find it tough in the weeks ahead.
In any event, Mayo have had a long stay in Division 1 and you'd expect they will want to remain in the top flight. Finding another scoring forward or two in the short term would certainly aid their cause.
6. New role for Galvin?
In the McGrath Cup, Paul Galvin lined out at No 6 for Kerry. It's an interesting experiment, but the jury is out as to how effective he will be. A few games in the league will tell us more.
Colm Cooper's switch to the other '40 worked a treat last season, but opponents will have a plan in place to curb his effectiveness once he returns from club duty with Dr Crokes.
Long-term injuries see Kieran Donaghy, Killian Young and Darran O'Sullivan on the sidelines.
Kerry had a poor start to the 2013 league, but recovered well to stave off relegation. Three of their first four games this year are away to Dublin, Mayo and Kildare respectively. In what again will be a keenly fought section getting points on the board early on will be crucial.
7. Donegal seek quick return
After a winter of some upheaval, where Donegal put in place a new backroom team, regaining Division 1 status will be the goal for Jim McGuinness and co.
However, as Tyrone found out in recent seasons, a swift resumption should not be taken for granted.
Donegal begin with away trips to Laois and Galway and with Meath and Monaghan also vying for promotion, a ticket back to the top flight will be hard-earned.
8. 'Great Expectations'
Cavan's graph has been on the rise of late. They will now be keen to escape from Division 3. The bookies, for one, have faith in them to do just that.
Elsewhere, Antrim, with 'Baker Bradley' back at the helm, look the most likely to top Division 4. Tipperary look good enough to join them.
Following their exploits last summer London football is on a high. With that, though, comes pressure to deliver a more productive league campaign.
Live radio coverage of the Allianz NFL meeting of Dublin and Kerry on An tSraith Náisiúnta from 19:00 on Saturday 1 February on RTÉ RnaG and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide). Live coverage and updates of all the day's action on Sunday Sport from 14:00 on RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide). Television highlights on League Sunday from 19:30 on RTÉ Two and RTE.ie (Ireland only).
Written By Unknown on Minggu, 26 Januari 2014 | 23.07
Updated: Sunday, 26 Jan 2014 11:50 | Comments
Stanislas Wawrinka celebrates after sealing victory at Rod Laver ArenaStanislas Wawrinka during his final clash with Rafael Nadal
Stanislas Wawrinka has won the Australian Open men's singles title by beating Rafael Nadal 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-3 in the final in Melbourne.
Wawrinka put in a powerful, composed performance to seal his first grand slam.
He was a huge underdog having never won a set in 12 previous matches against Nadal, but he played superbly to break that sequence.
Remarkably Nadal managed to win the third set but Wawrinka eventually got his focus back in the fourth to clinch victory.
The win means Wawrinka will jump to number three in the world rankings. Nadal remains one major away from Pete Sampras' total of 14.
Nadal had looked supreme in defeating Wawrinka's countryman Roger Federer on Friday but the soon-to-be Swiss number one has the power to match the world number one.
It had taken Federer until the third set to create break points but Wawrinka did so in only Nadal's second service game, and took the first with a fine forehand.
All the pressure was on Nadal, and he looked like he was feeling it, dropping the ball far too short and inviting attack from his opponent.
And Wawrinka was attacking at every opportunity, a superb backhand down the line showing Nadal that the high forehands that had so nullified Federer would not have the same effect.
Nadal had to fight off another break point to hold for 2-4, and he transferred some pressure onto his opponent by forcing him to serve it out. Nadal sensed his moment and missed first serves cost Wawrinka as he dropped to 0-40.
But the Spaniard did not make another return and an ace from Wawrinka gave him the set. It was a huge statement of intent from Wawrinka, and things got even better for the eighth seed at the start of the second set.
A searing return winner gave him a break to love, and a run of 12 straight points was eventually ended when he was 40-0 on serve.
The match then took another twist in the third game when Nadal seemed to jar his back. The Spaniard held his serve but headed off court at the change of ends to receive a lengthy medical time-out.
Wawrinka was furious that he was not being told what the injury was and entered into a heated debate with referee Wayne McKewen.
When Nadal came back on court he was loudly jeered by the Rod Laver Arena crowd, but the problem was all too apparent.
He was rolling in serves at less than 80mph and moving very stiffly on the baseline, while the emotion was clear to see as he struggled to hold back tears.
The crowd were back on Nadal's side as he saved three set points to hold for 2-5, but the Spaniard sat with head in hands at the changeover, sending the trainer away.
It was a mental test for Wawrinka, whose head must have been spinning, but four big serves gave him the set 6-2.
Nadal appeared to think about calling it a day at the end of the set but decided to head to his chair, and in the first game of the third set there seemed to be a glimmer of hope. The top seed saved two break points and was at least able to hit a couple of winners.
Of all the things Wawrinka might have expected to happen in his first grand slam final, this surely was not one of them, and he was not handling the uncertainty very well.
Nadal opened up a 3-0 lead without doing much more than keeping the ball in the court, and more errors from Wawrinka on break points helped the Spaniard win one of the more remarkable sets of his career 6-3.
Wawrinka was battling himself more than his opponent, and two more break points went begging at the start of the fourth set, a set he desperately needed to win.
But the Swiss was handling events much better, holding his own serve easily, and he finally broke Nadal to lead 4-2.
Incredibly, he was then broken back to love, but Nadal's serve was still his big weakness and Wawrinka struck once more to move to within a game of victory.
This time he held his serve to love, raising his hands in delight and relief, although his muted celebrations reflected the strange circumstances of his maiden grand slam triumph.
Wawrinka becomes only the second man after Juan Martin del Potro to break the big four's stranglehold on slam titles since Marat Safin won the Australian Open in 2005.
Hugo Rodallega (centre) is congratulated by his Fulham team-mates after his goal
Hugo Rodallega spared Fulham's blushes as the Premier League strugglers narrowly averted a humbling FA Cup exit at the hands of 10-man Sheffield United in a 1-1 draw.
Cottagers boss Rene Meulensteen made his priorities clear with 11 changes for the game but he would still have hoped for better than a laboured 1-1 draw against a side who are not yet safe in League One.
On a waterlogged Bramall Lane pitch that made life hard on all concerned, the Blades went ahead through Chris Porter's 31st-minute finish and looked likely to hold on even after Michael Doyle's needless red card eight minutes into the second half.
But Rodallega's fourth of the season forced a replay, the Colombian drilling home from the edge of the area in the 75th minute.
Both sides were denied penalties, Rodallega and Ryan Flynn both apparently fouled in the area only for referee Andre Marriner to wave play on each time.
Fulham might have saved themselves a replay in the closing stages as Philippe Senderos headed against the crossbar and Darren Bent flashed wide from a yard but the Blades were well worth a second chance.
After a late pitch inspection saw the game given the green light, Fulham's day began badly.
John Arne-Riise's involvement lasted just 10 minutes, the full-back injured as he slid to dispossess Flynn at the byline.
With rain continuing to fall there was little chance of flowing football, Patjim Kasami and Rodallega coming closest only for Neill Collins to emerge at the last moment and shepherd the ball to safety.
Former Everton man Jose Baxter bent his free-kick towards the bottom corner from 20 yards but was a yard wide of working David Stockdale.
Another heavy downpour threatened to make life even more difficult for the players but just after the half-hour, the Blades gave the game the goal it needed.
Centre-half Harry Maguire was the unlikely creator, advancing up the field before powering a low ball into the box where Porter was able to get the crucial touch. Senderos might have reacted better in defence, but Porter's instant finish was decisive.
The celebrations would have been short-lived had Marriner awarded Fulham a penalty a matter of seconds after the restart but he was unmoved by Rodallega's appeal.
The striker was one-on-one with George Long after connecting with Muamer Tankovic's through ball and appeared to be clipped on his way through.
As it was the lead held until the interval and within 90 seconds of the second half, United were without both men involved in their goal.
Porter was replaced at half-time by new signing Stefan Scougall and Maguire followed him in making an early exit after collapsing in pain for the second time in the match.
The disruption was to get much worse for United in the 53rd minute when Doyle lashed out at Chris David off the ball and was dismissed without hesitation. David's reaction was theatrical to say the least, but the lack of dissent from Doyle suggested he had erred.
Remarkably, the sending-off was almost followed by the hosts' second goal as Flynn broke at pace, shrugged off Hughes and drilled low at the near post. Fortunately for Fulham, Stockdale stood firm and saved with feet.
The addition of Bent from the bench at least gave Fulham a proven scorer on the field, while the mercurial Adel Taarabt joined the fray with 24 minutes remaining.
But the League Two side would not lie down and with 70 minutes gone, the direct running of Scougall and Flynn left Fulham all at sea and just as the latter closed in on goal he was tripped by Hughes.
Marriner again waved away appeals, seemingly incorrectly. It was a massive call and the visitors cashed in with 15 minutes left.
It took a single moment of quality from Rodallega, who shuffled into space 20 yards from goal and fired low into the bottom corner.
That gave his side the platform to press for the win and it almost came as United finally flagged. First Senderos rattled the woodwork and the centre-half was involved again in a move that saw Bent fluff his finish after Pajtim Kasami nodded across goal.
Anything less than a return trip to Craven Cottage would have been harsh indeed and some stout defending in added time secured it.
Hurricane Fly is a best-price 3-1 to win a third Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival
Hurricane Fly repelled the strong challenge of Our Conor to win a fourth consecutive BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown, equalling the record of the great Istabraq.
The Willie Mullins-trained 10-year-old was the 4-7 favourite to secure his 19th Grade One triumph and travelled with his usual zest in the hands of Ruby Walsh.
He quickened up to lead approaching the final flight, but Our Conor threw down a serious challenge.
The two fought out a pulsating finish, but Hurricane Fly was going away again in the closing strides under a jubilant Walsh.
Hurricane Fly had comfortably beaten Our Conor and Jezki in the Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown's Christmas Festival, but connections of the latter pair had reasons to believe they could possibly bridge the gap this time.
As he had done last month, admirable veteran Captain Cee Bee took the four runners along, with Hurricane Fly his closest pursuer, ahead of Our Conor and the free-going Jezki.
Jezki was the first of the three main protagonists to come under pressure in the hands of Tony McCoy, but Walsh and Our Conor's rider Danny Mullins appeared confident as they straightened up for home.
There was little to choose between the duo jumping the final flight and, just for a moment, it looked like Dessie Hughes' charge might be getting on top.
But Hurricane Fly, who suffered an injury scare earlier in the week with a bruised foot, roared back and was a length and a half to the good at the line - even though he did not jump the last cleanly.
Captain Cee Bee stuck to his guns to ensure fellow JP McManus-owned runner Jezki finished last of the four, albeit beaten little over three lengths.
It was an eighth victory from as many starts at Leopardstown for Hurricane Fly.
"He wasn't great at the last, but when I got serious with him he found plenty" - Ruby Walsh on Hurricane Fly
Walsh said: "I just rode the race as I found it.
"In fairness to Hurricane, he quickened up well. He wasn't great at the last, but when I got serious with him he found plenty.
"Stamina was never going to be an issue with him."
Mullins said: "That was a huge relief. I have huge respect for the horse to do what he did, coming off the bit of work he did during the week.
"If he had been an ordinary horse he wouldn't have run today. It was his worst bit of work ever.
"I was so disappointed coming off the gallops. I was saying to myself, 'Is the dream over with him and has he had enough?'
"Thankfully we found he had a bruised foot. He seemed fine the next morning and he's been fine since.
"We had to run and take our chance. We did all the tests on him and everything was coming back right.
"These races only come around once a year. I would have liked to have had another week with him.
"I thought when Our Conor came upsides him at the last he was beat.
"It was the first time he's ever missed the last and I was thinking to myself, 'There's that bad bit of work', but he showed his guts and he battled back.
"For the horse to come here with a bad prep and win that I'm very happy with where I'm at with him."
Our Conor's owner Barry Connell is looking forward to watching his charge renew rivalry with Hurricane Fly at Cheltenham in March.
He said: "He probably settled a bit better than he did the first time (in the Ryanair Hurdle).
"He was probably the last off the bridle and he travelled like a dream, but we got outbattled.
"All credit to Hurricane Fly - this is his backyard and he's unbeaten here. For a young horse to run him so close we couldn't be more delighted.
"We'd like to think there is more improvement from our horse.
Trifolium is a best-price 10-1 to win the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival after his Leopardstown success
Trifolium justified jockey Bryan Cooper's decision to partner him as opposed to the well-backed Mozoltov as he landed the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase at Leopardstown in emphatic fashion.
As Gigginstown House Stud's new number one jockey, Cooper could have ridden latter, who went off at 7-2, but instead he sided with the Charles Byrnes-trained 7-1 shot Trifolium.
The seven-year-old chased home reopposing 11-8 favourite Defy Logic in the Racing Post Novice Chase over the course and distance last month, but travelled noticeably well on this occasion.
Defy Logic adopted his customary front-running tactics under Tony McCoy, but got in tight to the third fence from the finish and Trifolium quickly found himself in front.
He continued to pour it on from the home turn and stayed on all the way to the line to comfortably take the Grade One prize.
Felix Yonger (5-2) made a couple of jumping errors down the back straight, but finished well to grab the runner-up spot, with stable companion Mozoltov back in third.
Defy Logic was bitterly disappointing back in fifth but was found after the race to have burst a blood vessel.
Byrnes said: "I knew he was in the form of his life coming here. I didn't really expect him to win, but I thought he'd be there or thereabouts.
"We put cheekpieces on him the last day and he was a bit free early on, so we took them off today and it helped him settle.
"His jumping was fantastic and if you look back at the formbook, he had pretty good form in heavy ground over hurdles.
"From day one over fences in Thurles, every day his jumping has been brilliant.
"He was able to settle in behind Defy Logic today and that was the secret.
"I felt he was back in the same form as he was going to Cheltenham two years ago (third in Supreme Novices' Hurdle).
"We had a terrible year with him last year and nothing went right, but all roads lead back to Cheltenham now."
Cooper said: "It was a hard decision (to elect to ride Trifolium), but the bottom line is that I went for experience.
"Mozoltov is a fair horse but he only had one other run over fences."
Of Trifolium, Cooper said: "He's beat them all out there, and is entitled to go for that (Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival) now."
Leitrim's Barry Prior and Ciarain Murtagh of Roscommon
Leitrim withstood difficult conditions and a ferocious late surge from Roscommon to retain their FBD League title by a single point, 2-05 to 1-07, this afternoon in Páirc Seán McDiarmada.
The foundations for the victory were laid in the first half when the hosts played into the wind and led by 1-03 to 0-03, their goal coming from Aaron Hickey.
Substitute John Mulligan seemingly made the win safe when he added a second goal with two minutes remaining, but a Niall Daly screamer in injury-time set up a grandstand finish.
In the end the hosts were able to secure Cathal McCrann's kick out and retain possession for the last 60 seconds of action and it was the least they deserved after producing the better football over the course of the hour of play at the Carrick-on-Shannon venue.
It was clear right from the off that Leitrim were fully committed to the cause of retaining their FBD League title and they burst out of the blocks with some excellent possession football into the strong wind.
A sharp burst of hailstones blew into the face of the Leitrim attackers but that didn't prevent them from opening the scoring through an Emlyn Mulligan free, a lead they held for the first five minutes of play thanks to two terrible close range wides from the Roscommon forwards.
In contrast, when Leitrim got their next opportunity to attack they took it in style, with Aaron Hickey crashing the ball to the net from close range.
A well placed handpass from Mulligan set up Ray Cox from 20 yards out and while Darren O'Malley did brilliantly to parry the initial attempt from the Annaduff corner forward, he could only watch helplessly as the rebound fell into the waiting hands of Hickey, who had the simplest of tasks to blast the ball home.
Roscommon centre back Niall Daly kicked his team's first score in the 14th minute but the struggle of the visiting forward line was a theme of the day.
Roscommon's starting midfielders and forwards kicked just two points between them in this tie, one from a free, and they regularly needed the backs to bail them out with scores and keep them in the tie.
Points from Niall Carty and Conor Daly made it 1-02 to 0-03 as half time approached but a stunning score from Wayne McKeon increased Leitrim's lead and left the hosts well poised at the break.
Teenage substitute Diarmuid Murtagh – fresh from scoring the decisive goal in Roscommon's Hastings Cup semi-final over Cavan yesterday – replaced Senan Kilbride at the break at he made an instant impact, kicking two scores and helping to set up another for his brother Ciarán early in the second half.
However Leitrim kept pushing and with Mulligan spreading the ball around incredibly well, they retained their lead thanks to points from Ray Cox and Fergal Clancy.
Clancy's score in the 45th minute to make it 1-05 to 0-06 looked for a long time as if it might have been the last of the game, as both sides were reluctant to leave fewer than four or five defenders close to goal at any stage and consequently it proved almost impossible for forwards to create space at either end of the field.
The game finally began to open up as Roscommon pushed forward in search of a goal with full time looming and when they were caught in possession around midfield in the 58th minute, Leitrim pounced for the decisive goal. Emlyn Mulligan played in John Mulligan with a great long delivery and after the AIT student played a quick 1-02 with full forward Thomas Beirne, he made no mistake with his finish.
Roscommon didn't give up however and Niall Daly produced a glorious strike that seared past a crowd of players and grazed the crossbar en route to the net to reduce the deficit as injury time began to tick.
Cathal Cregg pointed a free to leave the minimum between the sides a minute later but that was to be as close as it got, with Leitrim stepping up to secure the all important kickout and close out the tie.
Leitrim: C McCrann; P Maguire, B Prior, D Wrynn; W McKeon (0-02), P Brennan, G Reynolds; D Moran, A Hickey (1-00); K Conlan, R Lowe, F Clancy (0-01); E Mulligan (0-01, free), T Beirne, R Cox (0-01).
Subs: D Beck for Brennan (23 mins – Black Card), J Glancy for Lowe (35), G Hickey for Moran (44), J Mulligan (1-00) for Cox (50), E Mahon for Hickey (60).
Roscommon: D O'Malley; N Collins, N Carty (0-01), C Cafferky; S McDermott, N Daly (1-01), C Daly (0-01); C Shine, K Higgins; C Devaney, C Burns, M Nally; S Kilbride, C Murtagh (0-01), C Cregg (0-01, free).
Subs: M Finneran for Burns (25 mins), D Keane for Devaney (HT), D Murtagh (0-02, 0-01 free) for Kilbride (HT), D O'Gara for Nally (48), E Smith for Higgins (58).
Written By Unknown on Jumat, 24 Januari 2014 | 23.06
Updated: Friday, 24 Jan 2014 15:44 | Comments
Craig Gilroy is hoping to make an impression with the Wolfhounds
Video
Audio
Ireland's two RBS 6 Nations wing spots are both still up for grabs, according to Craig Gilroy.
The fit-again Ulster flyer is aiming for a performance senior boss Joe Schmidt cannot ignore for the Ireland Wolfhounds in Saturday's clash with England Saxons at Kingsholm.
Ireland have most likely lost Munster three-quarter Keith Earls for the duration of the Six Nations with knee ligament damage.
Tommy Bowe is yet to recover from groin trouble suffered on Ireland duty in November and will miss the first two rounds of Six Nations action.
Dave Kearney, Fergus McFadden, Luke Fitzgerald and Andrew Trimble are currently the senior squad's four main wing competitors.
But Gilroy remains confident he and fit-again Simon Zebo of Munster still have time to muscle back into the picture. Ireland open their Six Nations campaign by hosting Scotland in Dublin on Sunday, 2 February.
Gilroy believes a standout showing in Gloucester on Saturday could be enough to sneak back into the Six Nations equation.
"Last year when I was playing Tommy Bowe was fit," said the 22-year-old.
"It was Simon Zebo at 15, and Andrew Trimble, Luke Fitzgerald and Fergus (McFadden) were all there too.
"Everyone's here now except Tommy.
"Everyone's been playing well for their club, so no one really knows who Joe's going to go for.
"So that's another reason why it's really important to have a good game this weekend, because who knows where you could be in two weeks' time?
"Definitely you want to produce something strong.
"You want to get out and play some good rugby, and give Joe a bit of a headache when selection time comes around again."
"Everyone's been playing well for their club, so no one really knows who Joe's going to go for"
Gilroy suffered concussion in Ulster's 27-16 Heineken Cup victory over Montpellier on 10 January.
Relieved to overcome that blow in time for the Wolfhounds clash, he said: "I wouldn't say I'm quite at full sharpness yet but I'm definitely back to full fitness, which is good, so just coming off the back of two Heineken Cup games where we did well.
"So I'm back to full fitness now and just hoping to make an impact.
"Hopefully this weekend again is an opportunity for me to put my hand up, to be used throughout the course of the competition."
Former Leinster boss Schmidt's love of detail has stunned all those who have not worked under him before.
Gilroy is no exception, and while he expects the Wolfhounds to take a leaf out of the senior side's attacking blueprint, he promised there will be a level of individuality on view at Gloucester this weekend.
"Joe's been very impressive so far, the detail he goes into one-on-one with the guys," said Gilroy.
"He doesn't miss anything, he's a real perfectionist and the level of detail is enormous.
"He's welcomed me back in and just said it was good to see me back playing.
"Most of us have played together a few times so everyone's pretty comfortable.
"I haven't played with Felix (Jones) before but I've really enjoyed training with him, he really knows his stuff, and it's comfortable playing outside him.
"If you try to do everything 100 miles an hour everything might fall apart, so as long as we stay calm and trust each other things should go well.
"I think the foundation is quite similar to the senior side but there are a few little extras we will have added as well, just to benefit the players we'll have on the field."
The Republic of Ireland will be one of nine second seeds in February's draw
UEFA has confirmed that the Republic of Ireland will be one of the nine second seeds for the upcoming EURO 2016 draw.
Martin O'Neill's side join Ukraine, Croatia, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Belgium, Czech Republic and Hungary in Pot 2, while Northern Ireland have been included in Pot 5.
The draw takes place on 23 February in Nice, while the opening round of fixtures will take place between 7-9 September 2014.
Holders Spain are named in Pot 1 alongside Germany, Netherlands, Italy, England, Portugal, Greece, Russia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, while hosts France will also be named in one of the nine groups, however, their fixtures will just be considered friendly internationals with no points available.
UEFA are introducing the concept of a 'Week of Football', where matches will be played from Tuesday to Thursday.
Matches can be played on any day within the 'week', while double-header weeks will involve countries playing on Thursday/Sunday, Friday/Monday or Saturday/Tuesday.
Apart from the seeding, the only other restrictions will ensure that Azerbaijan cannot meet Armenia and Spain cannot play Gibraltar for political reasons.
Pot 1 Spain (holders), Germany, Netherlands, Italy, England, Portugal, Greece, Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina Pot 2 Ukraine, Croatia, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Belgium, Czech Republic, Hungary, Republic of Ireland Pot 3 Serbia, Turkey, Slovenia, Israel, Norway, Slovakia, Romania, Austria, Poland Pot 4 Montenegro, Armenia, Scotland, Finland, Latvia, Wales, Bulgaria, Estonia, Belarus Pot 5 Iceland, Northern Ireland, Albania, Lithuania, Moldova, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Cyprus Pot 6 Luxembourg, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein, Faroe Islands, Malta, Andorra, San Marino, Gibraltar
UEFA EURO 2016/European Qualifiers calendar Matchday 1: 7–9 September 2014 Matchday 2: 9–11 October 2014 Matchday 3: 12–14 October 2014 Matchday 4: 14–16 November 2014 Matchday 5: 27–29 March 2015 Matchday 6: 12–14 June 2015 Matchday 7: 3–5 September 2015 Matchday 8: 6–8 September 2015 Matchday 9: 8–10 October 2015 Matchday 10: 11–13 October 2015
Play-off first leg: 12–14 November 2015 Play-off second leg: 15–17 November 2015 Final tournament draw: 12 December 2015 Final tournament (France): 10 June–10 July 2016
It is the first controversy since the introduction of the new black card
Audio
Controversy has arisen surrounding the new black card rule with a Cork college considering an appeal against a result following an alleged mistake by referee Kevin Walsh.
Colaiste Chriost Ri, who lost the Corn Ui Mhuiri quarter-final to Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne of Dingle in extra time, are considering an appeal after the Kerry side's captain, Barra O Suilleabhain, was apparently issued with both a yellow and a black card during the match in Killarney.
Under new rules, O Suilleabhain should have been red-carded, but Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne were allowed to replace the midfielder with substitute Gareth O Brosnachain.
Munster colleges serving officer John Brennan told the Irish Examiner: "The referee's report is expected tonight and if Colaiste Chriost Ri decide to put in an objection, there will be a hearing of the Munster Post Primary CCC committee.
"They have three days to lodge an objection and we will hold off on fixing a date for the semi-final until the three days have passed."
Chriost Ri manager Aidan Moynihan added: "If that man had not been replaced, the outcome after normal time could have been very different.
"I went on to the field to try and address the issue. I was dismissed quite abruptly by the referee. I was asked to leave the field and if I didn't, I would be put off.
"The linesman on our side was Eddie Walsh, who is from Kerry and part of Eamonn Fitzmaurice's Kerry backroom team. The other linesman was also from Kerry, Pat Sheehy.
"It was a bit of an ambush position to be putting us in having those officials. The new rules are laid out as plain as day on the GAA website."
Nadal will play in his second Australian Open final, having beaten Federer to win the title in 2009
Rafael Nadal maintained his dominance over Roger Federer to set up an Australian Open final against Stanislas Wawrinka.
World number one Nadal proved too strong for his great rival, as he had on 22 of the previous 32 occasions they had played, and was a comfortable 7-6 (7/4) 6-3 6-3 winner.
Nadal's victory ended hopes of an all-Swiss final, and the Spaniard will be a huge favourite to defeat Wawrinka on Sunday given Federer's countryman has never won a set in any of their 12 matches.
Friday's result also ensured Wawrinka will overtake Federer in the rankings on Monday to become Swiss number one for the first time.
Nadal will play in his second Australian Open final, having beaten Federer to win the title in 2009.
Victory on Sunday would take him level on 14 grand slam titles with Pete Sampras, who will present the trophy and on Friday watched Nadal play Federer live for the first time.
Federer's 17 slams is the all-time men's record Nadal could then aim for.
"I think I played my best match of the tournament so I'm very happy for that" - Rafa Nadal
Nadal said of facing Federer: "We've played a lot of times for important things in our career.
"He's a great champion and it's an honour to be in the same era as him.
"I think I played my best match of the tournament so I'm very happy for that."
The stats were all in Nadal's favour, especially the one that showed Federer had not beaten the Spaniard at a grand slam since the Wimbledon final in 2007.
But there is always a special excitement around their matches, and there were reasons to think maybe this time it might be different.
World number one Nadal had been struggling with a blister on the palm of his left hand that affected his serve and was far from his best against Grigor Dimitrov in the quarter-finals.
Federer, meanwhile, had looked back to something like top form in wins over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Andy Murray.
Free from back pain, with a larger-headed racquet and boyhood idol Stefan Edberg as coach in his corner, Federer was dreaming of an all-Swiss final.
The first set was extremely tight, both men aware how important early momentum could be.
Nadal was the one pushing, but Federer came up with solid play when he needed it, saving two break points in the seventh game and another in the ninth.
The Swiss, surely influenced by Edberg, had come to the net incredibly often against Murray, and he was sticking to the tactic despite Nadal's extraordinary ability to hit passing shots.
If he was to have any chance, the tie-break appeared a must-win for Federer, but he made errors at crucial moments to trail 5-1, and although he won the next three points, he could not fully recover.
As he has on so many occasions, Nadal was trapping Federer in his backhand corner with vicious top-spin that the 32-year-old has always seemed powerless to counter.
Federer betrayed his frustration by complaining to umpire Jake Garner about Nadal's grunting, which received short shrift.
Nadal had no visible strapping on his blister but he took a medical time-out after the first game of the second set to have it treated.
Federer continued to resist the onslaught by saving three more break points in the fourth game, but two games later he dropped the ball too short and saw a forehand go whizzing past him as Nadal finally took his eighth chance.
There was a half-opening for Federer at 0-30 when Nadal served for the set but the Spaniard played four excellent points, including a sublime forehand down the line.
The only time Nadal had ever lost a match from two sets up came in their second meeting in Miami in 2005, when Nadal was 18 years old.
There seemed virtually no chance of a repeat, and even less so when a disgruntled Federer netted a volley to drop serve early in the third set.
Federer was given a lifeline when Nadal promptly dropped serve himself - the first time he had offered up break points in the match - but he moved ahead again for 4-3.
And two games later Nadal clinched victory on his second match point when a desperate Federer forehand flew long.
