Cardiff 2-0 Blackburn: The shock of Tuesday saw Blackburn 'forfeit' their game against Cardiff. Kenny Miller put Cardiff ahead after nineteen minutes before Anthony Gerrard wrapped things up five minutes into the second half. Steve Kean said in a post-match interview that they forfeited the match to focus on the Premiership.
Chelsea 0-2 Liverpool: Andre Villas-Boas remains under fire after a second defeat at home to Liverpool. Maxi Rodriguez put Liverpool ahead thirteen minutes into the second half with Martin Kelly making it 2-0 on 63 minutes.
Arsenal 0-1 Manchester City: City edged out Arsenal in a game that the hosts had opportunities to win. Sergio Aguero rounded off a counter attack with seven minutes to go to put them through to the semi-finals.
Manchester United 1-2 Crystal Palace AET: The shock of the round saw Man United vacate the tournament after a poor display against Palace. Darren Ambrose scored a screamer on 65 minutes before Federico Macheda equalised on the spot four minutes later to force extra time. Poor marking, despite a possible offside call, allowed substitute Glenn Murray to make it 2-1 eight minutes into the extra period to seal the upset.
The final may be a dud one however as Manchester City will take on Liverpool. But Cardiff or Crystal Palace have a great opportunity to get to Wembley to challenge for silverware.
Wednesday 30 November 2011
Sunday 27 November 2011
Two Draws Overshadowed
Super Sunday today was overshadowed by the hugely shocking news over the death of Gary Speed. But both games went ahead and both games produced a draw.
We started off in Speed's home country as Swansea hosted Aston Villa. Ashley Williams, Joe Allen, Ashley Richards and James Collins all featured and former colleagues like Shay Given did produce tears. There was supposed to be a minute's silence for Speed but that turned into a minute's applause as the crowd celebrated his life. The game was always going to play second fiddle and it ended 0-0 with both teams creating a few chances. Gabriel Agbonlahor was the biggest threat of the match and the closest he came to scoring saw Michel Vorm squeeze the ball past the post.
The second game of the day was the clash between Liverpool and Manchester City. This time there was a minute's silence but Craig Bellamy was too distraught to play any part of the game. The game was again finely balanced and the draw was probably the right result. City took the lead when Vincent Kompany headed a corner past Jose Reina just after the half hour mark. But Liverpool responded instantly were level again within ninety seconds of going behind, a Charlie Adam was turned into his own net by Joleon Lescott. From there both teams created chances with both keepers producing fantastic saves, Liverpool were given a lifeline when substitute Mario Balotelli received a second yellow card with seven minutes left. But Joe Hart kept Liverpool out with a string of stunning saves to earn City the point.
We started off in Speed's home country as Swansea hosted Aston Villa. Ashley Williams, Joe Allen, Ashley Richards and James Collins all featured and former colleagues like Shay Given did produce tears. There was supposed to be a minute's silence for Speed but that turned into a minute's applause as the crowd celebrated his life. The game was always going to play second fiddle and it ended 0-0 with both teams creating a few chances. Gabriel Agbonlahor was the biggest threat of the match and the closest he came to scoring saw Michel Vorm squeeze the ball past the post.
The second game of the day was the clash between Liverpool and Manchester City. This time there was a minute's silence but Craig Bellamy was too distraught to play any part of the game. The game was again finely balanced and the draw was probably the right result. City took the lead when Vincent Kompany headed a corner past Jose Reina just after the half hour mark. But Liverpool responded instantly were level again within ninety seconds of going behind, a Charlie Adam was turned into his own net by Joleon Lescott. From there both teams created chances with both keepers producing fantastic saves, Liverpool were given a lifeline when substitute Mario Balotelli received a second yellow card with seven minutes left. But Joe Hart kept Liverpool out with a string of stunning saves to earn City the point.
2011 F1 Constructors Championship Standings
1. Red Bull 650
2. McLaren 497
3. Ferrari 375
4. Mercedes 165
5. Renault 73
6. Force India 69
7. Sauber 44
8. Toro Rosso 41
9. Williams 5
10. Lotus 0
11. Hispania 0
12. Virgin 0
2. McLaren 497
3. Ferrari 375
4. Mercedes 165
5. Renault 73
6. Force India 69
7. Sauber 44
8. Toro Rosso 41
9. Williams 5
10. Lotus 0
11. Hispania 0
12. Virgin 0
2011 F1 Drivers Championship Standings
Drivers:
1. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) 392
2. Jenson Button (McLaren) 270
3. Mark Webber (Red Bull) 258
4. Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) 257
5. Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) 227
6. Felipe Massa (Ferrari) 118
7. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) 89
8. Michael Schumacher (Mercedes) 76
9. Adrian Sutil (Force India) 42
10. Vitaly Petrov (Renault) 37
11. Nick Heidfeld (Renault) 34
12. Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber) 30
13. Paul Di Resta (Force India) 27
14. Jaime Alguersuari (Toro Rosso) 26
15. Sebastien Buemi (Toro Rosso) 15
16. Sergio Perez (Sauber) 14
17. Rubens Barrichello (Williams) 4
18. Bruno Senna (Renault) 2
19. Pastor Maldonado (Williams) 1
20. Pedro De La Rosa (Sauber) 0
21. Heikki Kovalainen (Lotus) 0
22. Jarno Trulli (Lotus) 0
23. Vitantonio Liuzzi (Hispania) 0
24. Jerome D'Ambrosio (Virgin) 0
25. Timo Glock (Virgin) 0
26. Daniel Ricciardo (Hispania) 0
27. Narain Karthikeyan (Hispania) 0
28. Karun Chandhok (Lotus) 0
1. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) 392
2. Jenson Button (McLaren) 270
3. Mark Webber (Red Bull) 258
4. Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) 257
5. Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) 227
6. Felipe Massa (Ferrari) 118
7. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) 89
8. Michael Schumacher (Mercedes) 76
9. Adrian Sutil (Force India) 42
10. Vitaly Petrov (Renault) 37
11. Nick Heidfeld (Renault) 34
12. Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber) 30
13. Paul Di Resta (Force India) 27
14. Jaime Alguersuari (Toro Rosso) 26
15. Sebastien Buemi (Toro Rosso) 15
16. Sergio Perez (Sauber) 14
17. Rubens Barrichello (Williams) 4
18. Bruno Senna (Renault) 2
19. Pastor Maldonado (Williams) 1
20. Pedro De La Rosa (Sauber) 0
21. Heikki Kovalainen (Lotus) 0
22. Jarno Trulli (Lotus) 0
23. Vitantonio Liuzzi (Hispania) 0
24. Jerome D'Ambrosio (Virgin) 0
25. Timo Glock (Virgin) 0
26. Daniel Ricciardo (Hispania) 0
27. Narain Karthikeyan (Hispania) 0
28. Karun Chandhok (Lotus) 0
Chequered Flag Comes Down on 2011
The final race of the 2011 season saw Mark Webber beat his team-mate Sebastian Vettel to victory in Brazil. The start of the race was pretty uneventful, Vettel and Webber got away cleanly and the only driver to gain a place was Fernando Alonso over Lewis Hamilton.
Lap ten saw the first incident as Michael Schumacher and Bruno Senna contacted before the Brazilian punctured the Mercedes' left rear tyre as Schumacher took the corner to gain the place. Both drivers could continue although Schumacher was last after replacing his punctured tyre and Senna was given a drive through penalty. Alonso showed the Ferrari's pace and was able to overtake Jenson Button on the outside to gain third place on lap eleven.
The first retirement came on lap 24 when Timo Glock was released too early from a pit-stop with a tyre not fully connected. The stewards are to inquire into the unsafe release at a later date. Maldonado followed four laps later after finding himself amongst the barriers.
The big move came on lap thirty as Vettel was struggling with gearbox issues and Webber was able to overtake to take control of the race. Button overtook Felipe Massa on lap 39 to gain fourth place with Lewis Hamilton still languishing in sixth.
But the worse was yet to come for Hamilton as he was to suffer a gearbox failure on lap 47 to become the third retirement of the afternoon. Alonso was lagging for the majority of the race and Button took full advantage, overtaking the Spaniard to gain third place, the podium that would ensure he finished second in the overall standings. The final retirement was Vitantonio Liuzzi who crashed out on lap 65. Race result:
1.Webber (Red Bull), 2.Vettel (Red Bull), 3.Button (McLaren), 4.Alonso (Ferrari), 5.Massa (Ferrari), 6.Sutil (Force India), 7.Rosberg (Mercedes), 8.Di Resta (Force India), 9.Kobayashi (Sauber), 10.Petrov (Renault), 11.Alguersuari (Toro Rosso), 12.Buemi (Toro Rosso), 13.Perez (Sauber), 14.Barrichello (Williams), 15.Schumacher (Mercedes), 16.Kovalainen (Lotus), 17.Senna (Renault), 18.Trulli (Lotus), 19.D'Ambrosio (Virgin), 20.Ricciardo (Hispania) DNF: Glock (Virgin), Maldonado (Williams), Hamilton (McLaren), Liuzzi (Hispania)
Lap ten saw the first incident as Michael Schumacher and Bruno Senna contacted before the Brazilian punctured the Mercedes' left rear tyre as Schumacher took the corner to gain the place. Both drivers could continue although Schumacher was last after replacing his punctured tyre and Senna was given a drive through penalty. Alonso showed the Ferrari's pace and was able to overtake Jenson Button on the outside to gain third place on lap eleven.
The first retirement came on lap 24 when Timo Glock was released too early from a pit-stop with a tyre not fully connected. The stewards are to inquire into the unsafe release at a later date. Maldonado followed four laps later after finding himself amongst the barriers.
The big move came on lap thirty as Vettel was struggling with gearbox issues and Webber was able to overtake to take control of the race. Button overtook Felipe Massa on lap 39 to gain fourth place with Lewis Hamilton still languishing in sixth.
But the worse was yet to come for Hamilton as he was to suffer a gearbox failure on lap 47 to become the third retirement of the afternoon. Alonso was lagging for the majority of the race and Button took full advantage, overtaking the Spaniard to gain third place, the podium that would ensure he finished second in the overall standings. The final retirement was Vitantonio Liuzzi who crashed out on lap 65. Race result:
1.Webber (Red Bull), 2.Vettel (Red Bull), 3.Button (McLaren), 4.Alonso (Ferrari), 5.Massa (Ferrari), 6.Sutil (Force India), 7.Rosberg (Mercedes), 8.Di Resta (Force India), 9.Kobayashi (Sauber), 10.Petrov (Renault), 11.Alguersuari (Toro Rosso), 12.Buemi (Toro Rosso), 13.Perez (Sauber), 14.Barrichello (Williams), 15.Schumacher (Mercedes), 16.Kovalainen (Lotus), 17.Senna (Renault), 18.Trulli (Lotus), 19.D'Ambrosio (Virgin), 20.Ricciardo (Hispania) DNF: Glock (Virgin), Maldonado (Williams), Hamilton (McLaren), Liuzzi (Hispania)
Gary Speed: A Tribute
The football world has lost a true gentleman in Gary Speed.
The Welsh manager has seemed to have taken his own life as more news to this
tragic story gets uncovered.
Speed had a very long playing career, making his debut at
the age of nineteen for Leeds. He went onto win the Division One title in the
1991/92 season. After making 248 appearances for Leeds in eight years, he spent
two seasons at Everton before having probably his most notable spell at
Newcastle. After spending a further four years and playing another 213 games he
moved to Bolton in 2004. He ended his playing career at Sheffield United in
2010 and became their coach. He played a total of 677 games in club football
and is still the most capped outfield player for Wales earning 85 appearances
for his national side. He also received an MBE in 2010 for his services to
football in Wales.
He became manager of the Wales team last year and after a
bad start, Speed won his final three Euro Championships qualifiers with Wales
looking to become a force. With Wales seemingly on the up, it is hard to come
to terms with why Speed decided he couldn’t carry on.
While the speculation around his death and what drove him to
it continues, Twitter has been abundant with former colleagues and friends
sending their condolences to the Speed family:
‘The world has lost a great man in Gary speed
I'm devastated spoke to him yesterday morning why ! Why. Why !! I'll miss him
so much x’ Robbie Savage
‘One of the most consistent professionals of
our generation, gone in a flash. Tragic.’ Joey Barton
‘Just cannot believe the news regarding Gary
Speed. We waved at each other a couple of days ago dropping our kids off at
school. I'm numb.’ Michael Owen
‘I feel so sad.We have lost our manager,leader
and an extremely great person who's inspired us all in the last year.Rest in
Peace Gary Speed’ Robert Earnshaw
These are just a few of literally hundreds of comments. Former
players like John Hartson were reduced to tears when they heard the heart-breaking
news and Craig Bellamy, understandably, couldn’t bring himself to play against
Manchester City. R.I.P Gary Speed 1969-2011.
Saturday 26 November 2011
Racism: Will it Ever Get Kicked Out?
QPR's Jay Bothroyd became the latest player to 'tweet' his views on racism. It has always been an unfortunate part of the beautiful game and it has been heavily involved in recent weeks. We've had the Suarez Evra allegations that the FA seemingly took forever to find a conclusion, which didn't help matters. Then it was John Terry's seemingly racist remark to Anton Ferdinand that brought even more people into the debate. This was before Sepp Blatter did his best to bring everybody else into this debate with his 'shake hands and move on' comment.
Even though great lengths have been made to kick racism out of football and the equality amongst players has increased, a question still remains as to whether racism will ever be able to be kicked out of the sport. It should be easier in the bigger leagues like the Premiership as it is one of the most ethnically diverse leagues in the world, especially as the likes of Terry and Suarez both have ethnic players within their squads.
But unfortunately there are leagues that aren't so ethnically diverse and this is where the problem is at its work. Places like Russia and Italy, amongst many others, have strong partisan following with little diversity. This led to the shocking banana throwing incident aimed at Roberto Carlos for Anzhi. With these soul destroying antics still going on in certain parts of the world, is it possible for racism to be wholly kicked out?
The 'Kick it Out' campaign has done a fantastic job on making us aware and improving behaviour. But they don't get as much advertising as they should and when the President of the sport's governing body makes completely naive claims, it does nothing to help the good work that has preceded it.
For Sepp Blatter to shrug a racist incident off by claiming that players should just shake hands at the end of the match and move is ludicrous. Racist comments can't just be forgotten after a match has been completed, a school kid doesn't forget being bullied at the end of a school day, so why should this be any different. What is needed is racist investigations like the Suarez and Terry ones to be concluded quicker so it doesn't drag on. The conclusions then need to be told to the public and if it comes out that a player is guilty of racism then he should be seriously reprimanded. This will show others that behaviour like that won't be tolerated from any race and would help campaigns like 'Kick it Out' to continue to gain plaudits.
Even though great lengths have been made to kick racism out of football and the equality amongst players has increased, a question still remains as to whether racism will ever be able to be kicked out of the sport. It should be easier in the bigger leagues like the Premiership as it is one of the most ethnically diverse leagues in the world, especially as the likes of Terry and Suarez both have ethnic players within their squads.
But unfortunately there are leagues that aren't so ethnically diverse and this is where the problem is at its work. Places like Russia and Italy, amongst many others, have strong partisan following with little diversity. This led to the shocking banana throwing incident aimed at Roberto Carlos for Anzhi. With these soul destroying antics still going on in certain parts of the world, is it possible for racism to be wholly kicked out?
The 'Kick it Out' campaign has done a fantastic job on making us aware and improving behaviour. But they don't get as much advertising as they should and when the President of the sport's governing body makes completely naive claims, it does nothing to help the good work that has preceded it.
For Sepp Blatter to shrug a racist incident off by claiming that players should just shake hands at the end of the match and move is ludicrous. Racist comments can't just be forgotten after a match has been completed, a school kid doesn't forget being bullied at the end of a school day, so why should this be any different. What is needed is racist investigations like the Suarez and Terry ones to be concluded quicker so it doesn't drag on. The conclusions then need to be told to the public and if it comes out that a player is guilty of racism then he should be seriously reprimanded. This will show others that behaviour like that won't be tolerated from any race and would help campaigns like 'Kick it Out' to continue to gain plaudits.
PL Round-Up: 26/11/11
Chelsea 3-0 Wolves: Chelsea made sure they didn't lose three home matches on the bounce with three first half goals. John Terry broke the deadlock for the hosts with a cushioned header from a corner after seven minutes. Daniel Sturridge made it 2-0 by tapping home a Juan Mata cross just before the half hour mark, Mata then made it three after finishing off an Ashley Cole cross on half time. If it wasn't for Wayne Hennessey in the Wolves goal, it could have been so much worse for the visitors.
Manchester United 1-1 Newcastle: Another game between Man Utd and Newcastle, another game full of controversy. But the end result sees United fail to close the gap on rivals Man City. Tim Krul largely kept the hosts out but United finally took the lead just four minutes into the second half; Javier Hernandez having the ball struck against him and going into the net fortuitously. Newcastle's equaliser came in dubious circumstances; Rio Ferdinand made a tackle on Hatem Ben Arfa in which he won the ball, referee Mike Jones initially pointed for a corner but the linesman pointed for a penalty. After much deliberation, Jones awarded the penalty and Demba Ba dispatched it past David De Gea four minutes after the hour. United were then awarded a lifeline twelve minutes before the end when Jonas Gutierrez received a second yellow. But Tim Krul and his defenders continued to produce wonder saves and United were forced to settle for an aggrieved point.
West Brom 1-3 Tottenham: Spurs make it ten games unbeaten after coming from behind to beat West Brom. The Baggies took the lead when Youssouf Mulumbu headed home from a Steven Reid cross after ten minutes. Tottenham were level when Lennon was brought down by Nicky Shorey in the area, Emmanuel Adebayor stepped up but his penalty was saved before Adebayor scored the rebound on 25 minutes. Spurs then took the lead with Jermain Defoe scoring nine minutes from time, Adebayor then secured the victory in injury time after being put through by Gareth Bale.
Arsenal 1-1 Fulham: Thomas Vermaelen became the 31st player in Premiership history to score in either end as Arsenal's recent form stuttered. The Belgian gave Fulham the lead after slicing a sliding clearance past his own keeper on 65 minutes before equalising for Arsenal with a header with nine minutes left.
Sunderland 1-2 Wigan: Wigan record only their second win of the season as Sunderland continue their slump. Sebastian Larsson scored his fourth goal of the season after taking advantage of an Ali Al-Habsi spill on eight minutes. Al-Habsi redeemed himself with a string of good saves to keep it at 1-0 and Wigan were level just before half-time when Victor Moses was arguably brought down by Larsson, although it looked rather soft. Jordi Gomez converted the spot kick to make it 1-1 at half-time. Franco Di Santo then won the game when Wes Brown was caught napping by James McArthur before squaring to the substitute in injury time.
Stoke 3-1 Blackburn: Stoke bounce back from their defeat against QPR as Steve Kean continues to battle the growing boo boys. Stoke took the lead just before the half hour mark when a Jermaine Pennant free-kick was headed home by Rory Delap. Glen Whelan doubled Stoke's lead with a deflected shot thirteen minutes into the second half, Crouch made it three on 72 minutes. Reuben Rochina scored Blackburn's consolation with four minutes left with a great strike.
Bolton 0-2 Everton: Bolton got off to a poor start with David Wheater getting red carded with studs showing challenge after twenty minutes. The visitors took full advantage with Marouane Fellaini sliding Everton ahead four minutes into the second half. Substitute Apostolos Vellios secured the points twelve minutes from time via a tap in.
Norwich 2-1 QPR: Russell Martin gave the hosts the lead from a corner after fifteen minutes. Luke Young equalised just before the hour mark with a rebound after Jamie Mackie's shot hit the post. But Norwich won the game with seventeen minutes remaining through substitute Grant Holt.
Manchester United 1-1 Newcastle: Another game between Man Utd and Newcastle, another game full of controversy. But the end result sees United fail to close the gap on rivals Man City. Tim Krul largely kept the hosts out but United finally took the lead just four minutes into the second half; Javier Hernandez having the ball struck against him and going into the net fortuitously. Newcastle's equaliser came in dubious circumstances; Rio Ferdinand made a tackle on Hatem Ben Arfa in which he won the ball, referee Mike Jones initially pointed for a corner but the linesman pointed for a penalty. After much deliberation, Jones awarded the penalty and Demba Ba dispatched it past David De Gea four minutes after the hour. United were then awarded a lifeline twelve minutes before the end when Jonas Gutierrez received a second yellow. But Tim Krul and his defenders continued to produce wonder saves and United were forced to settle for an aggrieved point.
West Brom 1-3 Tottenham: Spurs make it ten games unbeaten after coming from behind to beat West Brom. The Baggies took the lead when Youssouf Mulumbu headed home from a Steven Reid cross after ten minutes. Tottenham were level when Lennon was brought down by Nicky Shorey in the area, Emmanuel Adebayor stepped up but his penalty was saved before Adebayor scored the rebound on 25 minutes. Spurs then took the lead with Jermain Defoe scoring nine minutes from time, Adebayor then secured the victory in injury time after being put through by Gareth Bale.
Arsenal 1-1 Fulham: Thomas Vermaelen became the 31st player in Premiership history to score in either end as Arsenal's recent form stuttered. The Belgian gave Fulham the lead after slicing a sliding clearance past his own keeper on 65 minutes before equalising for Arsenal with a header with nine minutes left.
Sunderland 1-2 Wigan: Wigan record only their second win of the season as Sunderland continue their slump. Sebastian Larsson scored his fourth goal of the season after taking advantage of an Ali Al-Habsi spill on eight minutes. Al-Habsi redeemed himself with a string of good saves to keep it at 1-0 and Wigan were level just before half-time when Victor Moses was arguably brought down by Larsson, although it looked rather soft. Jordi Gomez converted the spot kick to make it 1-1 at half-time. Franco Di Santo then won the game when Wes Brown was caught napping by James McArthur before squaring to the substitute in injury time.
Stoke 3-1 Blackburn: Stoke bounce back from their defeat against QPR as Steve Kean continues to battle the growing boo boys. Stoke took the lead just before the half hour mark when a Jermaine Pennant free-kick was headed home by Rory Delap. Glen Whelan doubled Stoke's lead with a deflected shot thirteen minutes into the second half, Crouch made it three on 72 minutes. Reuben Rochina scored Blackburn's consolation with four minutes left with a great strike.
Bolton 0-2 Everton: Bolton got off to a poor start with David Wheater getting red carded with studs showing challenge after twenty minutes. The visitors took full advantage with Marouane Fellaini sliding Everton ahead four minutes into the second half. Substitute Apostolos Vellios secured the points twelve minutes from time via a tap in.
Norwich 2-1 QPR: Russell Martin gave the hosts the lead from a corner after fifteen minutes. Luke Young equalised just before the hour mark with a rebound after Jamie Mackie's shot hit the post. But Norwich won the game with seventeen minutes remaining through substitute Grant Holt.
2011 Brazilian GP Qualifying Result
1. Vettel (Red Bull)
2. Webber (Red Bull)
3. Button (McLaren)
4. Hamilton (McLaren)
5. Alonso (Ferrari)
6. Rosberg (Mercedes)
7. Massa (Ferrari)
8. Sutil (Force India)
9. Senna (Renault)
10. Schumacher (Mercedes)
11. Di Resta (Force India)
12. Barrichello (Williams)
13. Alguersuari (Toro Rosso)
14. Buemi (Toro Rosso)
15. Petrov (Renault)
16. Kobayashi (Sauber)
17. Perez (Sauber)
18. Maldonado (Williams)
19. Kovalainen (Lotus)
20. Trulli (Lotus)
21. Liuzzi (Hispania)
22. Ricciardo (Hispania)
23. D'Ambrosio (Virgin)
24. Glock (Virgin)
2. Webber (Red Bull)
3. Button (McLaren)
4. Hamilton (McLaren)
5. Alonso (Ferrari)
6. Rosberg (Mercedes)
7. Massa (Ferrari)
8. Sutil (Force India)
9. Senna (Renault)
10. Schumacher (Mercedes)
11. Di Resta (Force India)
12. Barrichello (Williams)
13. Alguersuari (Toro Rosso)
14. Buemi (Toro Rosso)
15. Petrov (Renault)
16. Kobayashi (Sauber)
17. Perez (Sauber)
18. Maldonado (Williams)
19. Kovalainen (Lotus)
20. Trulli (Lotus)
21. Liuzzi (Hispania)
22. Ricciardo (Hispania)
23. D'Ambrosio (Virgin)
24. Glock (Virgin)
Wednesday 23 November 2011
2011/2012 CL Round-Up: Matchday 5 Groups E-H
Group E: Chelsea face a win or bust final match against Valencia after a last gasp defeat to Bayer Leverkuesen. Chelsea took the lead through Didier Drogba just three minutes into the second half before substitute Eren Derdiyok equalised on 73 minutes. Manuel Friedrich then won the game in injury time for the German side. Leverkuesen are now top on nine points with Chelsea on eight.
Valencia are also on eight points and now have an improved goal difference after thrashing Genk at home. Jonas broke the deadlock after ten minutes before Roberto Soldado made it 2-0 three minutes later. Soldado then completed his hat-trick with his second on 36 minutes and his third three minutes later. Pablo Hernandez made it five after 68 minutes with substitute Artiz Aduriz making it six two minutes later. Tino Costa wrapped things up nine minutes from time to set up the win or bust match against Chelsea.
Group F: Olympiacos kept their qualification hopes alive with a 1-0 away win over Olympique Marseille. Substitute Fetfatzidis Ioannnis scored the winner eight minutes from time. Olympicaos are now on six points with Marseille on seven.
Arsenal became the first English side to progress and win their group with a 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund. Who else but Robin Van Persie would give Arsenal the lead four minutes into the second half before he doubled his tally four minutes from the end. Shinji Kagawa pulled a goal back in injury time but it wasn't enough. Dortmund sit on four points and need a miracle to progress.
Group G: Zenit St. Petersburg and Apoel Nicosia played out goalless draw in Russia. Nicosia only require a point to secure qualification on nine points but Zenit sit only a point behind them on eight.
Porto sit on seven points to set up a nervy final round of games. A Hulk goal after 79 minutes and a Razvan Rat own goal in injury time gave them a 2-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk.
Group H: Viktoria Plzen beat BATE in the battle for Europa League. Marek Bakos scored the only goal of the match three minutes before half-time to put Plzen two points ahead of BATE.
Barcelona edged a five goal thriller over AC Milan in the fight for top spot. A Mark Van Bommel own goal gave Barca the lead after fourteen minutes before Zlatan Ibrahimovic equalised six minutes later. Messi made it 2-1 from the penalty spot just after the half hour mark but it was again cancelled out, this time by Kevin-Prince Boateng nine minutes into the second half. Xavi then won the game on 63 minutes to ensure top spot for the Champions.
Valencia are also on eight points and now have an improved goal difference after thrashing Genk at home. Jonas broke the deadlock after ten minutes before Roberto Soldado made it 2-0 three minutes later. Soldado then completed his hat-trick with his second on 36 minutes and his third three minutes later. Pablo Hernandez made it five after 68 minutes with substitute Artiz Aduriz making it six two minutes later. Tino Costa wrapped things up nine minutes from time to set up the win or bust match against Chelsea.
Group F: Olympiacos kept their qualification hopes alive with a 1-0 away win over Olympique Marseille. Substitute Fetfatzidis Ioannnis scored the winner eight minutes from time. Olympicaos are now on six points with Marseille on seven.
Arsenal became the first English side to progress and win their group with a 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund. Who else but Robin Van Persie would give Arsenal the lead four minutes into the second half before he doubled his tally four minutes from the end. Shinji Kagawa pulled a goal back in injury time but it wasn't enough. Dortmund sit on four points and need a miracle to progress.
Group G: Zenit St. Petersburg and Apoel Nicosia played out goalless draw in Russia. Nicosia only require a point to secure qualification on nine points but Zenit sit only a point behind them on eight.
Porto sit on seven points to set up a nervy final round of games. A Hulk goal after 79 minutes and a Razvan Rat own goal in injury time gave them a 2-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk.
Group H: Viktoria Plzen beat BATE in the battle for Europa League. Marek Bakos scored the only goal of the match three minutes before half-time to put Plzen two points ahead of BATE.
Barcelona edged a five goal thriller over AC Milan in the fight for top spot. A Mark Van Bommel own goal gave Barca the lead after fourteen minutes before Zlatan Ibrahimovic equalised six minutes later. Messi made it 2-1 from the penalty spot just after the half hour mark but it was again cancelled out, this time by Kevin-Prince Boateng nine minutes into the second half. Xavi then won the game on 63 minutes to ensure top spot for the Champions.
Tuesday 22 November 2011
2011/2012 CL Round-Up - Matchday 5 Groups A-D
Group A: Manchester City are in real trouble after losing 2-1 away to Napoli. Edinson Cavani put the hosts ahead on seventeen minutes after some poor defending. Mario Balotelli equalised after 33 minutes, tapping in from short range. But Napoli won the game four minutes into the second half when an unmarked Cavani fired a second goal home. City must now beat Bayern Munich in the final game and hope Napoli fail to win to qualify, Napoli just need to equal City's result to relegate City into the Europa League.
Bayern Munich have won the group with another win over pointless Villarreal. Franck Ribery got the ball rolling after just three minutes for the hosts. Mario Gomez made it two after 23 minutes before Jonathan De Guzman pulled one back five minutes into the second half. Ribery then netted for a second time on 69 minutes to guarantee the win and top spot in group A.
Group B: Lille go level on points with CSKA Moscow after beating them 2-0 in Russia. Vasili Berezutski lobbed his own keeper four minutes into the second half to give Lille the lead before Moussa Sow doubled the score on 64 minutes. Both teams have five points going into the final match.
Inter Milan have won the group despite a 1-1 draw against Trabzonspor. Ricardo Alvarez gave Inter the lead after eighteen minutes before Halil Altintop equalised five minutes later. The point sees Trabzonspor move to six points knowing that a win away to Lille will secure qualification. They'll also progress with a draw as long as CSKA fail to beat Inter in the San Siro.
Group C: Benfica secure their place in the next round with a 2-2 at Old Trafford. Benfica took the lead after three minutes when Phil Jones put through his own net. Manchester United equalised with a Dimitar Berbatov header on the half hour mark. United then took the lead just before the hour mark through Darren Fletcher but it was cancelled a minute later after poor defending left Pablo Aimar with a tap in. Benfica qualify based on a better head to head record. United only need a draw in Basle to secure their place.
Basle need to beat United in the final game to gain a shock qualification place after beating Otelul Galati. Fabian Frei gave Basle the lead ten minutes before Alexander Frei made it two four minutes later. Marco Streller then looked to have the game beyond all doubt eight minutes before half-time. But Galati fought back Gabriel Giurgiu made it 3-1 with fifteen minutes left before Liviu Antal made it 3-2 six minutes later. Basle were able to hold on to set up a last match day show down with United in Switzerland.
Group D: Lyon and Ajax played out a 0-0 draw in France. Ajax remain three points ahead of Lyon and the French side must beat Dinamo Zagreb and hope Ajax lose to Real Madrid, with a seven goal swing, to give Lyon a chance of progressing.
Madrid continued their 100% group phase with a thrashing over Zagreb. Madrid were 3-0 within nine minutes, Karim Benzema after two, Jose Callejon after six and Gonzalo Higuain getting the goals. Mesut Ozil then made it four after twenty minutes. But Zagreb managed to get a 2-2 draw in the second half, Callejon made it 5-0 just four minutes after restart before Benzema also added a second after 66 minutes. Fatos Beciraj made it 6-1 eight minutes from time before substitute Ivan Tomecak added a second in stoppage time.
Bayern Munich have won the group with another win over pointless Villarreal. Franck Ribery got the ball rolling after just three minutes for the hosts. Mario Gomez made it two after 23 minutes before Jonathan De Guzman pulled one back five minutes into the second half. Ribery then netted for a second time on 69 minutes to guarantee the win and top spot in group A.
Group B: Lille go level on points with CSKA Moscow after beating them 2-0 in Russia. Vasili Berezutski lobbed his own keeper four minutes into the second half to give Lille the lead before Moussa Sow doubled the score on 64 minutes. Both teams have five points going into the final match.
Inter Milan have won the group despite a 1-1 draw against Trabzonspor. Ricardo Alvarez gave Inter the lead after eighteen minutes before Halil Altintop equalised five minutes later. The point sees Trabzonspor move to six points knowing that a win away to Lille will secure qualification. They'll also progress with a draw as long as CSKA fail to beat Inter in the San Siro.
Group C: Benfica secure their place in the next round with a 2-2 at Old Trafford. Benfica took the lead after three minutes when Phil Jones put through his own net. Manchester United equalised with a Dimitar Berbatov header on the half hour mark. United then took the lead just before the hour mark through Darren Fletcher but it was cancelled a minute later after poor defending left Pablo Aimar with a tap in. Benfica qualify based on a better head to head record. United only need a draw in Basle to secure their place.
Basle need to beat United in the final game to gain a shock qualification place after beating Otelul Galati. Fabian Frei gave Basle the lead ten minutes before Alexander Frei made it two four minutes later. Marco Streller then looked to have the game beyond all doubt eight minutes before half-time. But Galati fought back Gabriel Giurgiu made it 3-1 with fifteen minutes left before Liviu Antal made it 3-2 six minutes later. Basle were able to hold on to set up a last match day show down with United in Switzerland.
Group D: Lyon and Ajax played out a 0-0 draw in France. Ajax remain three points ahead of Lyon and the French side must beat Dinamo Zagreb and hope Ajax lose to Real Madrid, with a seven goal swing, to give Lyon a chance of progressing.
Madrid continued their 100% group phase with a thrashing over Zagreb. Madrid were 3-0 within nine minutes, Karim Benzema after two, Jose Callejon after six and Gonzalo Higuain getting the goals. Mesut Ozil then made it four after twenty minutes. But Zagreb managed to get a 2-2 draw in the second half, Callejon made it 5-0 just four minutes after restart before Benzema also added a second after 66 minutes. Fatos Beciraj made it 6-1 eight minutes from time before substitute Ivan Tomecak added a second in stoppage time.
Monday 21 November 2011
Liverpool Level With Chelsea, Spurs Climb to Third
With eight games played on Saturday, there wasn't a lot left for the spectators. But we were treated to a Chelsea Liverpool ding dong on Sunday and Spurs entertained Villa on Monday Night Football. Chelsea's form has been poor recently after their defeat at home to Arsenal and Liverpool took full advantage, succumbing Chelsea to another home defeat. The deadlock was broken three minutes after the half hour mark through Maxi Rodriguez. Daniel Sturridge equalised ten minutes into the second half before Glen Johnson finished off a mazy run three minutes from time to put Liverpool level on points with Chelsea.
Tottenham moved up to third as they continued their impressive form against Aston Villa. Harry Redknapp returned to the dugout after recent heart surgery and was treated to the three points. Villa didn't provide much up front and gave too much respect to the home side. Both goals came from poor defending with Emmanuel Adebayor first scoring a bicycle kick from eight yards after fourteen minutes before making it 2-0 five minutes before half-time. Villa still sit eighth in the table but level with QPR.
Tottenham moved up to third as they continued their impressive form against Aston Villa. Harry Redknapp returned to the dugout after recent heart surgery and was treated to the three points. Villa didn't provide much up front and gave too much respect to the home side. Both goals came from poor defending with Emmanuel Adebayor first scoring a bicycle kick from eight yards after fourteen minutes before making it 2-0 five minutes before half-time. Villa still sit eighth in the table but level with QPR.
Sunday 20 November 2011
Flying Scotsman Derailed By a Power Surge
Phil Taylor won the Grand Slam of Darts for the fourth time in his career with another impressive victory. Gary Anderson had no response to the breathtaking display and was very much a spectator after the first five legs.
The final kicked off with a 140 checkout from Anderson, before then making it 2-1 with a 128 check-out. But it would be Taylor who secured the crucial break of throw to lead 3-2 going into the first interval. Anderson didn't return after the break and Taylor secured another two breaks of throw to extend an 8-2 lead over the Scot. Taylor hit a 127 to reach double figures and then lead 11-4 after Anderson squandered five darts to make it 10-5. There was no stopping Taylor from there and he won the match 16-4.
The final kicked off with a 140 checkout from Anderson, before then making it 2-1 with a 128 check-out. But it would be Taylor who secured the crucial break of throw to lead 3-2 going into the first interval. Anderson didn't return after the break and Taylor secured another two breaks of throw to extend an 8-2 lead over the Scot. Taylor hit a 127 to reach double figures and then lead 11-4 after Anderson squandered five darts to make it 10-5. There was no stopping Taylor from there and he won the match 16-4.
Goulden Boy
Martin Gould wins the 2011 Power Snooker Masters Trophy by beating the defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan. The final delivered all aspects of Power Snooker with all the heightened tension up until the final minute.
Gould got the final under way and his consistent good break continued and potted the first Power Ball within the first minute of play. He made 54 before leaving the final fifty seconds of the Power Play to O'Sullivan. Ronnie took full advantage, quickly clearing the table to lead 86-54 with 25:39 remaining. O'Sullivan followed on with pots available from his first break of the final. But he unbelievably missed the Power Ball, allowing Gould to initiate the Power Play. Gould couldn't make much out of it and Ronnie began to take control before missing the yellow and a defensive duel took place. Gould found a fantastic pot on the yellow but unfortunately the cue ball rolled into the pocket. O'Sullivan then cleared up to the pink before Gould potted the pink before Ronnie rounded the frame off, the score standing at 181-74 with 18:50 to play. Gould potted the Power Ball with the first shot from the break in the third frame but missed the subsequent red. With O'Sullivan having the majority of the Power Play left, the lead some became over 100 before missing a red at the end of the double points. There was no damage done as Gould then left a red over a pocket for Ronnie to gobble up before O'Sullivan missed a double. Gould showed him how to do it and then went onto clear up to the black. Gould then length doubled the black to make it 234-138 after the third frame with 12:42 left on the clock. O'Sullivan had another decent break but again missed the Power Ball which Gould planted into the pocket. He used all the Power Play and the remaining balls to reduce the arrears and make it 258-249 with 7:48 remaining to decide the Champion. It was advantage Gould as he had the break in the fifth frame and his consistency continued but with only the blue in play. He missed the yellow and advantage switched to O'Sullivan who missed the shot on the red. Gould didn't make the same mistake twice and played safe behind the green after potting the red. The safety duel wore the clock down to five minutes before Gould found a pot. Gould then took the lead with 4:30 left and he went onto pot the Power Ball with three and a half left. Gould played safe on the green with a lead of 21 and two and a half minutes left. Gould then found another pot and again played safe with one and a half left. Gould finished O'Sullivan off with a snooker that forced a foul to win the game 286-258.
Gould got the final under way and his consistent good break continued and potted the first Power Ball within the first minute of play. He made 54 before leaving the final fifty seconds of the Power Play to O'Sullivan. Ronnie took full advantage, quickly clearing the table to lead 86-54 with 25:39 remaining. O'Sullivan followed on with pots available from his first break of the final. But he unbelievably missed the Power Ball, allowing Gould to initiate the Power Play. Gould couldn't make much out of it and Ronnie began to take control before missing the yellow and a defensive duel took place. Gould found a fantastic pot on the yellow but unfortunately the cue ball rolled into the pocket. O'Sullivan then cleared up to the pink before Gould potted the pink before Ronnie rounded the frame off, the score standing at 181-74 with 18:50 to play. Gould potted the Power Ball with the first shot from the break in the third frame but missed the subsequent red. With O'Sullivan having the majority of the Power Play left, the lead some became over 100 before missing a red at the end of the double points. There was no damage done as Gould then left a red over a pocket for Ronnie to gobble up before O'Sullivan missed a double. Gould showed him how to do it and then went onto clear up to the black. Gould then length doubled the black to make it 234-138 after the third frame with 12:42 left on the clock. O'Sullivan had another decent break but again missed the Power Ball which Gould planted into the pocket. He used all the Power Play and the remaining balls to reduce the arrears and make it 258-249 with 7:48 remaining to decide the Champion. It was advantage Gould as he had the break in the fifth frame and his consistency continued but with only the blue in play. He missed the yellow and advantage switched to O'Sullivan who missed the shot on the red. Gould didn't make the same mistake twice and played safe behind the green after potting the red. The safety duel wore the clock down to five minutes before Gould found a pot. Gould then took the lead with 4:30 left and he went onto pot the Power Ball with three and a half left. Gould played safe on the green with a lead of 21 and two and a half minutes left. Gould then found another pot and again played safe with one and a half left. Gould finished O'Sullivan off with a snooker that forced a foul to win the game 286-258.
2011 Power Snooker: Semi Finals
The first semi-final saw World Number One Mark Selby take on Martin Gould. Gould broke off and his consistency continued to get onto a red and followed to pot the Power Ball. He missed the blue to give 45 seconds of the Power Play to Selby. Selby took full advantage and wrapped up the remaining reds before playing safe on the green. The safety exchange left Selby to foul before hitting the green on the second attempt. But Selby fouled again after finding himself behind the black before again hitting it on the second attempt with the scores level at 46 apiece. Gould then fouled after potting the cue ball but nothing was made from it as the defending continued. Selby fouled for a third time in the frame and Gould was awarded a free ball, he potted the black before reverting to safety. Selby finally potted the green to level the score and was then able to up to the pink. Gould was able to pot the pink and black to make it 72-62 to Gould with 15:48 remaining. Selby broke in the second frame and was able to find a pot but then fouled whilst making a shot. Gould came to the table with the balls nicely spread and went onto pot the Power Ball and cleared up to the green. Selby had thirty seconds of the Power Play left and potted the green within the Power Zone but then missed the brown. Gould finished off the colours to stretch his lead to 176-76 with 10:04 left to play. But Gould had the break, which has been his best asset, and was amongst the balls again. Gould took full advantage of the Power Play and forced Selby into making another foul. Gould then cleared the colours to make it 253-84 with 3:22 minutes left of Selby's tournament. Selby spent the remaining time getting himself back into it and managed to pot the Power Ball for the final two minutes. Selby made a fantastic clearance of 162 to make the final score 253-246 to Martin Gould.
On paper, the second semi-final was the more anticipated between Neil Robertson and Ronnie O'Sullivan. The 'Thunder From Down Under' got us started and had plenty of options from the break. But Robertson failed to make anything from it and Ronnie wasn't in the mood to decline the gift. But O'Sullivan missed the Power Ball to give Robertson a reprieve. Robertson left the Power Ball till last and then missed it. After a few jousts, O'Sullivan finally managed to pot the Power Ball and cleared the colours to lead 84-41 after the first frame with 23:38 remaining. Ronnie had the break in the second frame and made an average spread. O'Sullivan bided his time to pot the Power Ball but he made it at the right time to clear up, accumulating 122 points up to the pink. Robertson was able to pot the pink after a couple of exchanges but couldn't sink the black. Even with over seventeen minutes left on the clock Ronnie was playing defensive but still potted the black to lead 213-47 with 17:24 left. Robertson broke in the third frame and potted the Power Ball with his first shot but he completely misjudged a shot on the red to allow O'Sullivan straight back in. The Rocket blasted himself over 200 points clear but got a little too ahead of himself and potted the cue ball with 288 points to his name. Robertson did clear the colours making the score 288-99 with 12:22 remaining. Ronnie then found a pot off his break shot and again waited for the right moment to pot the Power Ball. O'Sullivan snookered himself on the final red but managed to escape unharmed, although Robertson managed to pot it before missing the colour. Nothing would go the Aussie's way, potting the cue ball off the green after already potting the yellow. O'Sullivan cleared from brown to make it 407-105 with 6:32 minutes of Robertson's tournament remaining. With damage limitation the only thing possible for Robertson, he was able to pot off his break. He initiated the Power Play but missed the black with a minute left of the double points. Another clearance was imminent as O'Sullivan pulled out the exhibition shots but missed the final black. With the result all over Robertson tried an exhibition shot of his own but fouled and O'Sullivan made it 493-155 with 1:26 left of Robertson's torture. To make things worse, O'Sullivan potted the Power Ball with the first shot but missed the brown. Robertson, now sporting a cork hat, couldn't make anything more out of it and the final score was 519-157.
On paper, the second semi-final was the more anticipated between Neil Robertson and Ronnie O'Sullivan. The 'Thunder From Down Under' got us started and had plenty of options from the break. But Robertson failed to make anything from it and Ronnie wasn't in the mood to decline the gift. But O'Sullivan missed the Power Ball to give Robertson a reprieve. Robertson left the Power Ball till last and then missed it. After a few jousts, O'Sullivan finally managed to pot the Power Ball and cleared the colours to lead 84-41 after the first frame with 23:38 remaining. Ronnie had the break in the second frame and made an average spread. O'Sullivan bided his time to pot the Power Ball but he made it at the right time to clear up, accumulating 122 points up to the pink. Robertson was able to pot the pink after a couple of exchanges but couldn't sink the black. Even with over seventeen minutes left on the clock Ronnie was playing defensive but still potted the black to lead 213-47 with 17:24 left. Robertson broke in the third frame and potted the Power Ball with his first shot but he completely misjudged a shot on the red to allow O'Sullivan straight back in. The Rocket blasted himself over 200 points clear but got a little too ahead of himself and potted the cue ball with 288 points to his name. Robertson did clear the colours making the score 288-99 with 12:22 remaining. Ronnie then found a pot off his break shot and again waited for the right moment to pot the Power Ball. O'Sullivan snookered himself on the final red but managed to escape unharmed, although Robertson managed to pot it before missing the colour. Nothing would go the Aussie's way, potting the cue ball off the green after already potting the yellow. O'Sullivan cleared from brown to make it 407-105 with 6:32 minutes of Robertson's tournament remaining. With damage limitation the only thing possible for Robertson, he was able to pot off his break. He initiated the Power Play but missed the black with a minute left of the double points. Another clearance was imminent as O'Sullivan pulled out the exhibition shots but missed the final black. With the result all over Robertson tried an exhibition shot of his own but fouled and O'Sullivan made it 493-155 with 1:26 left of Robertson's torture. To make things worse, O'Sullivan potted the Power Ball with the first shot but missed the brown. Robertson, now sporting a cork hat, couldn't make anything more out of it and the final score was 519-157.
2011 Grand Slam Darts: Semi-Finals
We started with 32 top darts players last Saturday and eight days later, four remain to be crowned the 2011 Grand Slam of Darts Champion. The first semi-final on paper was the most lucrative, Phil Taylor taking on World Champion Adrian Lewis. Taylor cruised into a 3-0 lead before winning a crucial fifth leg after Lewis missed a double for a 141 checkout to lead 4-1 after the first session. The match remained with a gap of three throughout the second session until Taylor hit double top in the tenth leg to make it 7-3 and edge just a little further away from Lewis. Lewis reduced the score to 7-4 with a silky 131 finish after Taylor missed two darts at double twelve to seal the a break of throw. Lewis took the momentum to pull it back to 8-6 before Taylor took out 119 to lead 9-6 going into the third break. Taylor then managed a break of throw to extend the lead to 10-6. Taylor then took out 106 to extend his lead to 13-7, leaving him just three legs away from a place in the final. Lewis found a show piece 145 checkout to make the score 15-8 before Taylor found double twelve to win the match 16-9.
Gary Anderson met Mark Walsh in the second semi-final and Walsh had the lead for the first part of the game. But Anderson won four legs on the spin to go from 10-6 down to level the match at 10-10. Anderson then took out 101 to take the lead and a break of throw. But Walsh fought back as Anderson missed three darts a double three to allow Walsh back on level terms. But Walsh began to falter and Anderson was able escape the Special Brew's clutches to lead 14-11. Anderson only required the following two legs to put himself in tonight's final against Taylor.
Gary Anderson met Mark Walsh in the second semi-final and Walsh had the lead for the first part of the game. But Anderson won four legs on the spin to go from 10-6 down to level the match at 10-10. Anderson then took out 101 to take the lead and a break of throw. But Walsh fought back as Anderson missed three darts a double three to allow Walsh back on level terms. But Walsh began to falter and Anderson was able escape the Special Brew's clutches to lead 14-11. Anderson only required the following two legs to put himself in tonight's final against Taylor.
2011 Power Snooker: Quarter Finals
First to the table today were Mark Selby and Mark Allen. Selby broke off and quickly potted the first Power Ball of the day and quickly secured over fifty points during the Power Play. Selby missed a red at 65 to allow Allen his first pot of the match. Selby was back in control with Allen only managing to score eight and after clearing up to the black the score stood at 101-15 to Selby at the end of the first frame with 23:25 remaining. Allen made a brilliant recovery pot from his unfortunate break and was able to pot the Power Ball but missed the subsequent red to give control away. Selby took full advantage of the gift to lead 155-45 but he missed the final red at 162. Allen then also missed it and Selby wasn't going to miss twice but then potted the cue ball off the green. Fortunately for Selby, Allen couldn't take advantage and the pair became embroiled in a brown ball chess match. The clocked ticked down and Selby looked more and more like the victor as he kept refusing to pot the brown ball. The Jester From Leicester finally potted the brown but again allowed Allen to pot the black, the score 190-56 with 10:32 left as we entered a third frame. But Selby had the break and potted the Power Ball with his first shot and used the whole of the Power Play to almost put himself in the final four. Selby then missed the final red again but Allen couldn't pot it and another chess match ensued. The final nail in coffin was a foul from Allen and Selby was able to pot the red and clear the colours to make it 327-56 with 4:03 left of Allen's tournament. Allen couldn't restore any pride in the next frame and Selby was amongst the balls once again. He potted the Power Ball with just under a minute left of the match and the final score Selby 398 Allen 56.
Selby would take on the winner between Martin Gould and Stuart Bingham in the semi-finals. Gould got us under way and potted the Power Ball with his first shot after the break. But Gould missed a black with a minute of the Power Play remaining and the score was 30-28 to Gould at the end of the Power Play before Bingham missed a red with the following shot. Gould then snookered himself on the final red but was able to get out of it unscathed but Bingham did pot the red however. Bingham cleared the table to take a 64-50 lead at the end of the first frame with 24:29 remaining. Bingham broke off in the second frame and found a pot to get him going before being able to pot the Power Ball. Bingham was forced to play safe with a minute of the Power Play remaining but Gould still found a pot, making the score 102-82 to Bingham at the end of the Power Play with Gould still at the table. The match hit a scrappy patch with two reds left on the table and the score 102-90. Bingham surrendered one of the reds and Gould re-took the lead, clearing up to blue. Gould was able to pot the blue after a safety exchange and he was able to pot the black with 13:30 left on the clock and the score 131-102 to Gould. Gould had the break in the third frame and immediately potted the Power Ball. Gould missed a black at the end of the Power Play but Bingham rushed the red before Gould returned the favour. Bingham couldn't capitalise however and Gould was straight back into the potting game. Gould played strategically by keeping the final black on the table before finally potting it to lead 238-108 with 6:05 minutes to play. Bingham had the break but couldn't stay on the table courtesy of a misjudgement on a red. Gould was eventually back among the reds after a defensive exchange but still kept his defensive head on to force a foul from Bingham, almost finishing him off. Bingham played the last minute and half without pressure and made the Power Ball to accumulate as much as possible. The final score 247-180 to leave Gould facing Selby in the semis.
The third quarter-final saw Trowbridge lad Stephen Lee take on Australian Neil Robertson. Robertson started the match but quickly allowed Lee to the table, facing a snooker. Both players missed tough shots on the Power Ball before Lee played a carom shot to pot a red, then finally potting the Power Ball. But Lee could only manage 37 and Robertson had a portion of the Power Play left. Robertson couldn't find a pot and the game remained a little scrappy. Robertson finally found his feet but was still forced to play safe and Lee ended up fouling, conceding eight points. Robertson did take the lead but missed the yellow and another safety duel took place. Lee finally dispatched the colours and ended the lengthy first frame, Lee lead 65-46 with only 16:16 left. Lee squandered his break and Robertson could finally get some rhythm in the match. Robertson potted the Power Ball a little while later with four other reds on the table, he managed a century break before Lee left the brown and then found himself snookered. Robertson missed the pink and Lee finally potted the two remaining balls to make it 160-86 in Robertson's favour with 7:15 remaining. Robertson couldn't make anything off his break but Lee left a red in the Power Zone to get Robertson started and the Aussie potted the Power Ball. The balls were kind and Robertson used the full two minutes of the Power Play before missing a blue with three minutes remaining. Lee fluked a black into the right baulk pocket after aiming into the bottom left pocket. Lee again potted the final pink and black to make it 251-125 with 1:15 left, surely not enough time to change the result. Lee didn't have a good break and Robertson potted the Power Ball to end the match in a Power Play. Final score 269-125 to Neil Robertson.
Graeme Dott and Ronnie O'Sullivan battled it out for the chance to play Robertson in the semi-final. The first to potted in the match was the Power Ball, courtesy of O'Sullivan and made 54 from it. Dott was left to clear up and the score was 54-37 at the end of the first frame with 21:39 left. Ronnie then potted from the break shot but wasn't left on a colour. Dott potted the second Power Ball of the match but missed the pink to give Ronnie the opportunity but he missed a black. It was a very sloppy Power Play with very few points being scored before Dott found a little rhythm after the Power Play to take the lead. He made a carom pot, potting the red after clipping the blue but couldn't carry the momentum forward and then potted the cue ball to allow Ronnie in with a chance of a coloured clear-up. O'Sullivan uncharacteristically missed the green and Dott did the job to make it 107-66 in the Sctosman's favour with 13:58 left on the clock. Dott made the break and potted the Power Ball immediately. Dott used the full two minutes to extend a decent lead, making it 182-66 before playing a safety shot on the final red. But Ronnie made a snooker of his own and Dott couldn't hit it, allowing Ronnie to pot. O'Sullivan stood 100 points behind with colours remaining. The score at the end of the third frame: 182-109 with 6:22 remaining. But O'Sullivan fought all the way back to win 185-182 to face Robertson in the semi-finals.
Selby would take on the winner between Martin Gould and Stuart Bingham in the semi-finals. Gould got us under way and potted the Power Ball with his first shot after the break. But Gould missed a black with a minute of the Power Play remaining and the score was 30-28 to Gould at the end of the Power Play before Bingham missed a red with the following shot. Gould then snookered himself on the final red but was able to get out of it unscathed but Bingham did pot the red however. Bingham cleared the table to take a 64-50 lead at the end of the first frame with 24:29 remaining. Bingham broke off in the second frame and found a pot to get him going before being able to pot the Power Ball. Bingham was forced to play safe with a minute of the Power Play remaining but Gould still found a pot, making the score 102-82 to Bingham at the end of the Power Play with Gould still at the table. The match hit a scrappy patch with two reds left on the table and the score 102-90. Bingham surrendered one of the reds and Gould re-took the lead, clearing up to blue. Gould was able to pot the blue after a safety exchange and he was able to pot the black with 13:30 left on the clock and the score 131-102 to Gould. Gould had the break in the third frame and immediately potted the Power Ball. Gould missed a black at the end of the Power Play but Bingham rushed the red before Gould returned the favour. Bingham couldn't capitalise however and Gould was straight back into the potting game. Gould played strategically by keeping the final black on the table before finally potting it to lead 238-108 with 6:05 minutes to play. Bingham had the break but couldn't stay on the table courtesy of a misjudgement on a red. Gould was eventually back among the reds after a defensive exchange but still kept his defensive head on to force a foul from Bingham, almost finishing him off. Bingham played the last minute and half without pressure and made the Power Ball to accumulate as much as possible. The final score 247-180 to leave Gould facing Selby in the semis.
The third quarter-final saw Trowbridge lad Stephen Lee take on Australian Neil Robertson. Robertson started the match but quickly allowed Lee to the table, facing a snooker. Both players missed tough shots on the Power Ball before Lee played a carom shot to pot a red, then finally potting the Power Ball. But Lee could only manage 37 and Robertson had a portion of the Power Play left. Robertson couldn't find a pot and the game remained a little scrappy. Robertson finally found his feet but was still forced to play safe and Lee ended up fouling, conceding eight points. Robertson did take the lead but missed the yellow and another safety duel took place. Lee finally dispatched the colours and ended the lengthy first frame, Lee lead 65-46 with only 16:16 left. Lee squandered his break and Robertson could finally get some rhythm in the match. Robertson potted the Power Ball a little while later with four other reds on the table, he managed a century break before Lee left the brown and then found himself snookered. Robertson missed the pink and Lee finally potted the two remaining balls to make it 160-86 in Robertson's favour with 7:15 remaining. Robertson couldn't make anything off his break but Lee left a red in the Power Zone to get Robertson started and the Aussie potted the Power Ball. The balls were kind and Robertson used the full two minutes of the Power Play before missing a blue with three minutes remaining. Lee fluked a black into the right baulk pocket after aiming into the bottom left pocket. Lee again potted the final pink and black to make it 251-125 with 1:15 left, surely not enough time to change the result. Lee didn't have a good break and Robertson potted the Power Ball to end the match in a Power Play. Final score 269-125 to Neil Robertson.
Graeme Dott and Ronnie O'Sullivan battled it out for the chance to play Robertson in the semi-final. The first to potted in the match was the Power Ball, courtesy of O'Sullivan and made 54 from it. Dott was left to clear up and the score was 54-37 at the end of the first frame with 21:39 left. Ronnie then potted from the break shot but wasn't left on a colour. Dott potted the second Power Ball of the match but missed the pink to give Ronnie the opportunity but he missed a black. It was a very sloppy Power Play with very few points being scored before Dott found a little rhythm after the Power Play to take the lead. He made a carom pot, potting the red after clipping the blue but couldn't carry the momentum forward and then potted the cue ball to allow Ronnie in with a chance of a coloured clear-up. O'Sullivan uncharacteristically missed the green and Dott did the job to make it 107-66 in the Sctosman's favour with 13:58 left on the clock. Dott made the break and potted the Power Ball immediately. Dott used the full two minutes to extend a decent lead, making it 182-66 before playing a safety shot on the final red. But Ronnie made a snooker of his own and Dott couldn't hit it, allowing Ronnie to pot. O'Sullivan stood 100 points behind with colours remaining. The score at the end of the third frame: 182-109 with 6:22 remaining. But O'Sullivan fought all the way back to win 185-182 to face Robertson in the semi-finals.
Saturday 19 November 2011
2011 Power Snooker: 1st Round, Second Half Results
Mark Williams 211-228 Stephen Lee
Neil Robertson 238-174 Stephen Maguire
Ali Carter 245-335 Ronnie O'Sullivan
Ding Junhui 182-288 Graeme Dott
Neil Robertson 238-174 Stephen Maguire
Ali Carter 245-335 Ronnie O'Sullivan
Ding Junhui 182-288 Graeme Dott
PL Round-Up: 19/11/11
Man City 3-1 Newcastle: Man City won the battle of the unbeaten sides to stay five points ahead at the top of the table. The deadlock was broken four minutes before half-time when Ryan Taylor conceded a penalty for handball, Mario Balotelli calmly put the penalty away. It was 2-0 just before the interval when Micah Richards took full advantage of sloppy defending. It was wrapped up 72 after minutes when Hatem Ben Arfa barged Richards over in the box and this time Sergio Aguero converted the penalty. Newcastle scored the consolation after Dan Gosling slid a rebound home for his first Newcastle goal in the final minute.
Wigan 3-3 Blackburn: No-one would have predicted a six goal thriller between two struggling Premiership sides. Yakubu put Blackburn ahead after poor defending allowed the striker a clear path with just two minutes played. Jordi Gomez equalised five minutes later with a shot that bamboozled Paul Robinson. Stephen Caldwell then gave Wigan the lead with a free header from a corner just after the half hour mark. Blackburn's task got worse when David Dunn was sent off for a second bookable offence but that didn't stop Blackburn and they were level in dubious circumstances, Morten Gamst Pedersen took a corner to himself and Junior Hoillet turned his low cross in on the hour mark. Wigan then retook the lead through Albert Crusat two minutes from time, but anyone who thought that would win the game was wrong. Paul Robinson was kicked in the head in Wigan's box to earn a penalty, Yakubu converted it in the 98th minute to earn the draw.
Swansea 0-1 Man United: United end Swansea's unbeaten start at home this season to keep tabs with City. The only goal of the game came via poor defending, Angel Rangel easily dispossessed by Ryan Giggs on the edge of the box, Giggs then played ball across to Javier Hernandez to tap home after eleven. Swansea's best chance of an equaliser came minutes later when Scott Sinclair just needed to tap it home but instead it went through his legs.
Norwich 1-2 Arsenal: Arsenal were almost on the end of another shock defeat when Steve Morison capitalised on a Per Mertesacker slip to deliver a sucker punch after sixteen minutes. But Arsenal recuperated and wouldn't you know it, Robin Van Persie equalised by tapping a Walcott cross home after 26 minutes. Then Mr.Arsenal secured all three points with his 31st goal of 2011 just before the hour mark.
Stoke 2-3 QPR: Stoke's recent slump continued with a shock home defeat to QPR. Jon Walters broke the deadlock for the home side after just eight minutes but it was ruled out by Heidar Helguson after 22 minutes. QPR then took the lead through Luke Young for his first Rangers goal just before half-time. Helguson made it 3-1 with his second four minutes after the restart. Ryan Shawcross made it 3-2 after 64 minutes but QPR were able to hold on for the crucial win.
Everton 2-1 Wolves: Wolves opened the scoring via Stephen Hunt penalty after 37 minutes when Jamie O'Hara was brought down. Everton equalised when Phil Jagielka powered a header past Wayne Hennessey just before half-time.Everton were then awarded a penalty themselves when Louis Saha was impeded by Stephen Ward, Leighton Baines converted it seven minutes before the end.
West Brom 2-1 Bolton: The international break came at the wrong time for Bolton after the 5-0 win over Stoke. Jerome Thomas put the hosts ahead despite calls for offside after sixteen minutes. Bolton were then awarded a penalty when Muamba was bound over by Thomas, Ivan Klasnic converted after 21 minutes. West Brom won the game with a Shane Long header nine minutes into the second half.
Sunderland 0-0 Fulham: Both teams move onto eleven points after the poor goalless draw between the two surprisingly struggling clubs.
Wigan 3-3 Blackburn: No-one would have predicted a six goal thriller between two struggling Premiership sides. Yakubu put Blackburn ahead after poor defending allowed the striker a clear path with just two minutes played. Jordi Gomez equalised five minutes later with a shot that bamboozled Paul Robinson. Stephen Caldwell then gave Wigan the lead with a free header from a corner just after the half hour mark. Blackburn's task got worse when David Dunn was sent off for a second bookable offence but that didn't stop Blackburn and they were level in dubious circumstances, Morten Gamst Pedersen took a corner to himself and Junior Hoillet turned his low cross in on the hour mark. Wigan then retook the lead through Albert Crusat two minutes from time, but anyone who thought that would win the game was wrong. Paul Robinson was kicked in the head in Wigan's box to earn a penalty, Yakubu converted it in the 98th minute to earn the draw.
Swansea 0-1 Man United: United end Swansea's unbeaten start at home this season to keep tabs with City. The only goal of the game came via poor defending, Angel Rangel easily dispossessed by Ryan Giggs on the edge of the box, Giggs then played ball across to Javier Hernandez to tap home after eleven. Swansea's best chance of an equaliser came minutes later when Scott Sinclair just needed to tap it home but instead it went through his legs.
Norwich 1-2 Arsenal: Arsenal were almost on the end of another shock defeat when Steve Morison capitalised on a Per Mertesacker slip to deliver a sucker punch after sixteen minutes. But Arsenal recuperated and wouldn't you know it, Robin Van Persie equalised by tapping a Walcott cross home after 26 minutes. Then Mr.Arsenal secured all three points with his 31st goal of 2011 just before the hour mark.
Stoke 2-3 QPR: Stoke's recent slump continued with a shock home defeat to QPR. Jon Walters broke the deadlock for the home side after just eight minutes but it was ruled out by Heidar Helguson after 22 minutes. QPR then took the lead through Luke Young for his first Rangers goal just before half-time. Helguson made it 3-1 with his second four minutes after the restart. Ryan Shawcross made it 3-2 after 64 minutes but QPR were able to hold on for the crucial win.
Everton 2-1 Wolves: Wolves opened the scoring via Stephen Hunt penalty after 37 minutes when Jamie O'Hara was brought down. Everton equalised when Phil Jagielka powered a header past Wayne Hennessey just before half-time.Everton were then awarded a penalty themselves when Louis Saha was impeded by Stephen Ward, Leighton Baines converted it seven minutes before the end.
West Brom 2-1 Bolton: The international break came at the wrong time for Bolton after the 5-0 win over Stoke. Jerome Thomas put the hosts ahead despite calls for offside after sixteen minutes. Bolton were then awarded a penalty when Muamba was bound over by Thomas, Ivan Klasnic converted after 21 minutes. West Brom won the game with a Shane Long header nine minutes into the second half.
Sunderland 0-0 Fulham: Both teams move onto eleven points after the poor goalless draw between the two surprisingly struggling clubs.
2011 Grand Slam Darts: Quarter Finals
As the Grand Slam reaches its second weekend, the tournament hits the quarter final stage with the matches now best of 31 legs. The first quarter-final saw Grand Slam débutante Mark Walsh take on BDO veteran Ted Hankey. Walsh secured an early break of throw to lead 2-1 before leading 3-2 going into the first interval. The second session continued in the same vain until Walsh secured a second break of throw on his way to leading 7-3 at the next intermission. Walsh then extended his lead in the third session to 10-5 before going to within three legs of the semi-finals, leading 13-7. Hankey fought back a little bit and kept himself alive with the match at 15-9 but the necessity of winning six consecutive legs seemed to be too much to ask. However Hankey was able to make it 15-14 and both players missed doubles in the following leg before Walsh finally put himself into the semi-finals.
The other quarter-final saw Gary Anderson battle Terry Jenkins. The first session saw Anderson take a 3-1 lead before Jenkins made it 3-2 just before the break. The game see-sawed throughout the second session at the pair left the stage at 5-5 for the second interval. The game then went to 6-6 before Anderson stormed into a 13-7 victory. Jenkins' resilience made the scoreline 15-12 before Anderson stumbled over the line.
The third quarter-final saw World Champion Adrian Lewis take on Mark Webster. The game started off quite close with Lewis edging it 5-3. But after that Lewis kicked up a gear to power into a 13-4 lead before managing to ease into the semi-finals 16-5.
The final match saw Phil Taylor take on Paul Nicholson in a game that didn't produce what many had hoped. There were little fireworks as Taylor converted a 3-0 lead into 8-1. That lead became 12-4 as Nicholson tried to close the canyon and Taylor took the match 16-7 to prove why he his still favourite for the title.
The other quarter-final saw Gary Anderson battle Terry Jenkins. The first session saw Anderson take a 3-1 lead before Jenkins made it 3-2 just before the break. The game see-sawed throughout the second session at the pair left the stage at 5-5 for the second interval. The game then went to 6-6 before Anderson stormed into a 13-7 victory. Jenkins' resilience made the scoreline 15-12 before Anderson stumbled over the line.
The third quarter-final saw World Champion Adrian Lewis take on Mark Webster. The game started off quite close with Lewis edging it 5-3. But after that Lewis kicked up a gear to power into a 13-4 lead before managing to ease into the semi-finals 16-5.
The final match saw Phil Taylor take on Paul Nicholson in a game that didn't produce what many had hoped. There were little fireworks as Taylor converted a 3-0 lead into 8-1. That lead became 12-4 as Nicholson tried to close the canyon and Taylor took the match 16-7 to prove why he his still favourite for the title.
The Return of Power Snooker
The break neck speed of Power Snooker returns this weekend. The wayward sister of normal snooker allows a darting atmosphere with matches that will only last half an hour and players battle a twenty second shot clock.. In case you didn't watch it last year, there are nine reds instead of fifteen, the middle red looks like an eleven ball in American pool and is known as the Power Ball. When that is potted, there is a two minute Power Play where everything counts for double points. The baulk zone used to be the haven of safety, but now it is the Power Zone, anything potted from in there also counts double. So if you pot a black during a Power Play whilst in the Power Zone, it will earn a massive 28 points! Get your seatbelts on and enjoy the ride as the top sixteen players battle for the power.
The first match of the tournament saw Mark Selby take on Matt Stevens. Stevens took full advantage of the the Power Zone, making two reds and scoring four points. He took an 18-1 lead and that was soon extended after Selby fouled during a Power Play, which Stevens started, the score then stood at 47-1 at the end of the Power Play with 22 minutes remaining. The clock was stopped with eighteen minutes to go as Selby had brought it back to 47-41 and had potted the remaining balls. This meant a re-rack and the game continued to play out the remaining time. Stevens broke and made the mandatory two reds onto the cushion to continue but could only extend his lead to 55-41. Selby potted the second Power Ball and took full advantage of the Power Play, taking a massive 108-55 lead with fourteen minutes left at the end of the second Power Play. Stevens was able to come back to 109-90 at the end of the second frame, so they entered a third frame with 12:45 to play. Selby then potted the third Power Ball and took full advantage, leading 198-101 at the end of the Power Play with six minutes left. A foul from Stevens allowed Selby to pot the green and brown in the Power Zone, racking up a further fourteen points. The 'Jester From Leicester' then wrapped the third frame up with a 234-101 lead with a further 5:05 left on the clock. But Stevens wasn't done and after a decent break in the fourth frame, he potted the Power Ball but missed a red with over a minute remaining in the Power Play with score at 234-169. Selby couldn't convert anything and Stevens potted the first quadruple colour of the tournament before then missing another red. 234-195 at the end of the fourth Power Play going into the final minute of the match, the final score 243-196.
The second match of the first round saw newcomer, Scotland's John Higgins take on Northern Ireland's Mark Allen. Allen kicked it off and potted straight off the break, earning two points due to the cue ball being in the Power Zone. Allen took a 42-0 lead and forced Higgins into a foul and gave a free ball in the Power Zone which Allen potted green for six points. Allen again played defensive and forced another foul from Higgins, this time on the black and it happened again when he was forced to re-hit it. But Higgins then fluked a red on the third time of asking before then snookering Allen, Allen didn't foul however. Allen then went onto pot the Power Ball but gave away the final minute of the Power Play to Higgins. Higgins made it 85-45 to Allen at the end of the first frame with moments of the Power Play still remaining. Higgins then fouled from the break, gifting fourteen points to Allen. Higgins came back and potted the second Power Ball to initiate the second Power Play.This time Higgins gave away a minute of the Power Play and Allen was able to pot before playing safe. Allen then found a double just before the end of the Power Play and the score was 116-95 with just under sixteen minutes to play. Allen then fouled by potting the cue ball after potting the pink but Higgins couldn't instantly capitalise. The score at the end of the second frame: 128-122 to Allen with 13:02 left. Allen then potted the cue ball from the break to give Higgins the lead but Higgins left a red for Allen start another break. Allen swiftly potted the Power Ball and the third Power Play began, he used the full two minutes before missing with the score now 192-130 in his favour. The match looked to have been wrapped up when Allen secured another fourteen Power Zone points on his way to leading 219-151 at the end of the fourth frame with 3:47 left. Higgins made a legal break this time and was able to start potting until he missed a crucial black. Higgins came back though and potted the Power Ball along with a second red. The match ticked down and the result was confirmed when Higgins fouled by potting the cue ball and Allen scored a quadruple blue. The final score 255-177 to see Allen play Selby in tomorrow's quarter finals.
The penultimate first round match of the session saw Judd Trump take on Martin Gould.Gould potted the first Power Ball of the match before surrendering the final fifteen seconds of the Power Play, allowing Trump to put points on the board. The score after the first frame 72-52 to Trump with 24:14 left but Gould potted two reds off the break and went onto pot the Power Ball. The match was now closed to 108-106 at the end of the second Power Play before Gould extended his lead to 143-106 going into the third frame. Gould again potted the Power Ball and took his score to 204 before Trump reduced the arrears to 204-154 before the start of the fourth frame. Trump couldn't get himself back into it with numerous fouls and shots not going the way he'd have liked. Gould took a lead of 305-173 with 4:41 remaining and a fifth frame about to start. Trump unfortunately left it too little too late and the final score was 332-229 to Martin Gould.
The final match of the session saw Shaun Murphy battle it out against Stuart Bingham. The Power Play was initiated within the first couple of minutes. It remained extremely close with Murphy leading 39-36 as Bingham tried potting the colours up until the brown. Bingham was able to take a 64-54 at the end of the first frame with 19:58 to go. Bingham then extended his lead during the second Power Play, leading 117-56 and forced Murphy to pot the brown illegally, conceding eight points. Bingham then made it 171-56 at the end of the second frame with 14:02 remaining. Bingham continued to dominate in the third frame, keeping Murphy from scoring and Bingham then converted the Power Ball. Bingham forced another foul during the Power Play and made Murphy retake the shot with the same outcome before conceding a further twenty points for three consecutive fouls. With the win now all but secured, Bingham started to play defensive to keep his over 200 point lead intact. The score at the end of the third frame, 319-61 with 6:17 minutes to play. Murphy started the fourth frame convincingly but conceded the Power Play to Bingham and the débutante stretched his lead to nearly 300 points. The final score 376-112.
Friday 18 November 2011
2011 Grand Slam Darts: Last 16 Part 2
The remaining four matches of the last sixteen took place tonight with the quarter finals line-up now full completed. Up first was Paul Nicholson against Steve Beaton, it was level at 2-2 after Beaton had taken a 2-0 but the 'Bronze Adonis' was able to take a 3-2 lead going into the first interval. It did become 3-3 shortly after the break but then Beaton stretched into a 6-3 lead. Nicholson secured a crucial leg just before the second advert break to make it 6-4 and maybe steal the momentum. And the momentum was stolen as Beaton started to become a little shaky and Nicholson was able to restore parity at 6-6 before then taking the lead for the first time in the match. Nicholson then continued his surge and made it 9-6 with an impressive 121 checkout. But Steve Beaton's walk-on music is 'Staying Alive' and that's exactly what he did to bring it back to 9-8 before Nicholson finally finished the job to make it into the quarter-finals.
The second match of the night was an all Welsh affair as PDC's Mark Webster took on BDO's Martin Phillips. It was Phillips who came storming out, swiftly taking a 3-0 lead but Webster pulled it back to 3-2 just before the break. Webster then equalised before Phillips re-extended his lead to 5-3 but Webster came back to make it 5-5 going into the second break. Phillips then found another lead, this time 8-5 but yet again Webster fought back to win the next five legs on the trot to take the match 10-8 and dumps the BDO man out.
The penultimate match of the night didn't turn out to be the match we thought it might. Phil Taylor took on Wes Newton but unfortunately Newton was completely outclassed by a 112.37 average from Taylor. Newton managed to get on the board after the fifth leg before then finding himself 7-3. Taylor took the final three legs to seal his place against Nicholson in what should be a tantalising quarter final.
The final match of the night saw World Champion Adrian Lewis take on three time World Champion John Part. Lewis also took a 3-0 lead before Part pulled a leg back with a 104 checkout, but Lewis had the 4-1 lead going into the first advert break. Lewis continued his dominance and led 9-3 before Part started to reduce the arrears. Then the unthinkable happened, Part brought it to 9-8 but just couldn't force a deciding leg as Lewis just managed to squeeze over the line.
The second match of the night was an all Welsh affair as PDC's Mark Webster took on BDO's Martin Phillips. It was Phillips who came storming out, swiftly taking a 3-0 lead but Webster pulled it back to 3-2 just before the break. Webster then equalised before Phillips re-extended his lead to 5-3 but Webster came back to make it 5-5 going into the second break. Phillips then found another lead, this time 8-5 but yet again Webster fought back to win the next five legs on the trot to take the match 10-8 and dumps the BDO man out.
The penultimate match of the night didn't turn out to be the match we thought it might. Phil Taylor took on Wes Newton but unfortunately Newton was completely outclassed by a 112.37 average from Taylor. Newton managed to get on the board after the fifth leg before then finding himself 7-3. Taylor took the final three legs to seal his place against Nicholson in what should be a tantalising quarter final.
The final match of the night saw World Champion Adrian Lewis take on three time World Champion John Part. Lewis also took a 3-0 lead before Part pulled a leg back with a 104 checkout, but Lewis had the 4-1 lead going into the first advert break. Lewis continued his dominance and led 9-3 before Part started to reduce the arrears. Then the unthinkable happened, Part brought it to 9-8 but just couldn't force a deciding leg as Lewis just managed to squeeze over the line.
Thursday 17 November 2011
2011 Grand Slam Darts: Last 16 Part 1
The 2011 Grand Slam of Darts has reached the second round after all the groups were finalised yesterday. But the drama intensified as the matches were extended to best of nineteen. The night started with a final leg shoot-out between Mark Walsh and Dean Winstanley in a PDC vs BDO match. Winstanley has probably been the unknown star of the tournament so far and looked set to continue that name by taking a 3-1 lead. 'Special Brew' Walsh fought back however and turned the tables, taking a 6-3 lead. Walsh took the match to 8-5 before Winstanley found a fight back of his own and was first to hill, leading 9-8. Walsh then forced the decider after Winstanley missed two match-winning darts and it would ultimately cost him as Walsh then won the decider to progress to the quarter-finals.
The drama continued into the second match as there was another deciding leg between PDC's Michael Van Gerwen and BDO's Ted Hankey. The game see-sawed as Van Gerwen struggled to adapt to Hankey's obtrusive playing style. The Dutchman did take a 2-0 lead and then lead 7-5 later on in the game. But Hankey continued to fight back and eventually took the lead at 9-8 before the Van Gerwen forced the decider. It was a close final leg but Hankey managed to take it to make it into the quarter finals.
The third game of the night was billed as the biggest but it had a lot to live up to after the previous two games. James Wade took on Gary Anderson and immediately started firing with a 122 check-out in the opening leg on his way to taking a 2-0 lead. But Anderson regained his composure and broke back straight away before taking the lead himself at 3-2 going into the break. After the interval, Anderson continued his rampage making it seven legs on the trot before Wade made it 7-3 going into the second intermission. But the break may have come at the wrong time for him as Anderson came back fully refreshed. The Scot won the next three legs in comfortable fashion to dump last year's runner-up out of the tournament 10-3.
The final match of the night saw Terry Jenkins take on the home town hero Wayne Jones. Jones was looking set to please the crowd by storming into a 3-0 lead which included a 122 check-out. But Jenkins managed to make it 3-2 before the break. Jenkins continued his form after the adverts and it went to 4-4 before Jones regained his form and took a 6-4 lead before the second interval. Jenkins tried to push Jones but every time Jenkins pulled a leg back, Jones instantly got away again. That was until Jenkins finally managed to restore parity at 8-8. From there Jones couldn't find his way and Jenkins was able to complete the comeback and win the match 10-8 to face Anderson in the quarter-finals.
The drama continued into the second match as there was another deciding leg between PDC's Michael Van Gerwen and BDO's Ted Hankey. The game see-sawed as Van Gerwen struggled to adapt to Hankey's obtrusive playing style. The Dutchman did take a 2-0 lead and then lead 7-5 later on in the game. But Hankey continued to fight back and eventually took the lead at 9-8 before the Van Gerwen forced the decider. It was a close final leg but Hankey managed to take it to make it into the quarter finals.
The third game of the night was billed as the biggest but it had a lot to live up to after the previous two games. James Wade took on Gary Anderson and immediately started firing with a 122 check-out in the opening leg on his way to taking a 2-0 lead. But Anderson regained his composure and broke back straight away before taking the lead himself at 3-2 going into the break. After the interval, Anderson continued his rampage making it seven legs on the trot before Wade made it 7-3 going into the second intermission. But the break may have come at the wrong time for him as Anderson came back fully refreshed. The Scot won the next three legs in comfortable fashion to dump last year's runner-up out of the tournament 10-3.
The final match of the night saw Terry Jenkins take on the home town hero Wayne Jones. Jones was looking set to please the crowd by storming into a 3-0 lead which included a 122 check-out. But Jenkins managed to make it 3-2 before the break. Jenkins continued his form after the adverts and it went to 4-4 before Jones regained his form and took a 6-4 lead before the second interval. Jenkins tried to push Jones but every time Jenkins pulled a leg back, Jones instantly got away again. That was until Jenkins finally managed to restore parity at 8-8. From there Jones couldn't find his way and Jenkins was able to complete the comeback and win the match 10-8 to face Anderson in the quarter-finals.
2011 Grand Slam Darts: Groups E-H Final Game
Group E: Steve Beaton did what he had to do to push Mervyn King in the battle for progression. James Hubbard was 2-0 down before Beaton extended his lead 4-2. Unfortunately the nineteen year old couldn't fight any more and last semi-finalist went one step closer to the knock-out phase.
The win meant that Mervyn King would have to beat Phil Taylor by at least three legs to make things interesting between the three of them. King did take a 2-1 lead but the game went to 3-3 to put Mervyn King out of contention. Taylor then took the match 5-3 to secure a 100% group stage record. Table:
Taylor 6 +8
Beaton 4 +3
King 2 -2
Hubbard 0 -9
Group F: Wes Newton put himself into the knock-out with a 5-1 victory over Barrie Bates. Bates' tournament has been one he'd like to forget and Newton ended it on a real low. The match was level a 1-1 before Newton stormed into the knock-out round with a superior leg difference to Magnus Caris.
Despite Caris' fate already sealed, he still pushed Paul Nicholson all the way to the deciding leg. Nicholson did take an early 2-0 lead before Caris came back to 3-3. Caris then took a 4-3 lead but Nicholson fought back with a comeback of his own to seal his 100% record in the group stage. Table:
Nicholson 6 +7
Newton 4 +6
Caris 2 0
Bates 0 -13
Group G: John Part kept his hopes of progression alive with a win over Aaron Monk. It didn't all go the Canadian's way though as he found himself 2-1 down. Part then did make it 4-2 and was forced into the eighth leg to seal victory.
This meant that any win by Jan Dekker over Mark Webster would put Part out, except a whitewash scoreline. Webster's doubles were a problem at the start of the match and he found himself 3-2 down. But Part was to get the news he'd been waiting for as Webster recovered his doubles to take the next three legs to put Part through. Table:
Webster 6 +7
Part 4 +1
Dekker 2 -1
Monk 0 -7
Group H: Adrian Lewis also confirmed his 100% group stage record with a comprehensive win over Vicent Van Der Voort. Despite being level at 1-1, Lewis soon found himself 3-1 ahead of the Dutchman. It was then 4-2 before Lewis ended Van Der Voort's disappointing tournament.
Co Stompe took on Martin Phillips in a winner takes all match. Whoever won would join Lewis in the next phase and the contest was over before it started. Phillips quickly took a 4-1 lead before securing his place with a 5-2 win over the deflated Dutchman. Table:
Lewis 6 +8
Phillips 4 +5
Stompe 2 -5
Van Der Voort 0 -8
The win meant that Mervyn King would have to beat Phil Taylor by at least three legs to make things interesting between the three of them. King did take a 2-1 lead but the game went to 3-3 to put Mervyn King out of contention. Taylor then took the match 5-3 to secure a 100% group stage record. Table:
Taylor 6 +8
Beaton 4 +3
King 2 -2
Hubbard 0 -9
Group F: Wes Newton put himself into the knock-out with a 5-1 victory over Barrie Bates. Bates' tournament has been one he'd like to forget and Newton ended it on a real low. The match was level a 1-1 before Newton stormed into the knock-out round with a superior leg difference to Magnus Caris.
Despite Caris' fate already sealed, he still pushed Paul Nicholson all the way to the deciding leg. Nicholson did take an early 2-0 lead before Caris came back to 3-3. Caris then took a 4-3 lead but Nicholson fought back with a comeback of his own to seal his 100% record in the group stage. Table:
Nicholson 6 +7
Newton 4 +6
Caris 2 0
Bates 0 -13
Group G: John Part kept his hopes of progression alive with a win over Aaron Monk. It didn't all go the Canadian's way though as he found himself 2-1 down. Part then did make it 4-2 and was forced into the eighth leg to seal victory.
This meant that any win by Jan Dekker over Mark Webster would put Part out, except a whitewash scoreline. Webster's doubles were a problem at the start of the match and he found himself 3-2 down. But Part was to get the news he'd been waiting for as Webster recovered his doubles to take the next three legs to put Part through. Table:
Webster 6 +7
Part 4 +1
Dekker 2 -1
Monk 0 -7
Group H: Adrian Lewis also confirmed his 100% group stage record with a comprehensive win over Vicent Van Der Voort. Despite being level at 1-1, Lewis soon found himself 3-1 ahead of the Dutchman. It was then 4-2 before Lewis ended Van Der Voort's disappointing tournament.
Co Stompe took on Martin Phillips in a winner takes all match. Whoever won would join Lewis in the next phase and the contest was over before it started. Phillips quickly took a 4-1 lead before securing his place with a 5-2 win over the deflated Dutchman. Table:
Lewis 6 +8
Phillips 4 +5
Stompe 2 -5
Van Der Voort 0 -8
Tuesday 15 November 2011
2011 Grand Slam Darts: Groups A-D Final Game
Group A: Defending Champion Scott Waites ended his 2001 campaign on a high by beating Mark Walsh who was already through. Waites was 1-0 down but two eleven dart legs helped him take a 3-2 lead. From there Waites never looked back and took the match 5-2.
Tony O'Shea met Michael Van Gerwen in a winner takes all match. The Dutchman took the first leg before O'Shea went 2-1 ahead. O'Shea then missed the chance to 3-2 ahead and it would cost him dear as Van Gerwen romped home to a 5-2 victory. Table:
Van Gerwen 4 +3
Walsh 4 +2
Waites 2 0
O'Shea 2 -5
Group B: Dean Winstanley added to Raymond Van Barneveld's pain as he goes through with a 100% rate. After being locked at 1-1, Winstanley took a 3-1 lead. Barney did pull a leg back before Winstanley went onto win 5-2, leaving Barneveld without a win to his name in this tournament.
Ian White took on Ted Hankey with the winner joining Winstanley into the knock-out phase. White took the first leg against the throw but Hankey went into fifth gear and powered into a 4-1 lead. White pulled a leg back before Hankey completed the win to progress. Table:
Winstanley 6 +9
Hankey 4 +1
White 2 -3
Van Barneveld 0 -7
Group C: Brendan Dolan ended his campaign with a win that almost secured Nigel Heydon's exit as well. Dolan took a 3-0 lead before Heydon reduced the arrears to 4-3. Dolan secured the eighth leg to take the win and the only way Heydon could qualify is if Gary Anderson lost 5-1 or worse to Wayne Jones.
The match between Anderson and Jones did finish 5-1, but not the way Heydon would have liked it to have been. It wasn't in doubt for Anderson who quickly secured his place in the next round by taking a 3-0 lead. Jones did win a leg before Anderson finished the match off 5-1. Table:
Anderson 4 +6
Jones 4 +1
Heydon 2 -2
Dolan 2 -5
Group D: Dave Chisnall also recorded his first and last victory in this year's Grand Slam against Justin Pipe. The match was neck and throughout with neither player getting more than a leg ahead. But Dave Chisnall, who hadn't led at any point, took the final leg to win 5-4.
The equation was simple, if Terry Jenkins beat James Wade then he would go through. If Wade won then Pipe would go through. It was looking good for Pipe when Wade took a 3-1 lead. But Jenkins fought back and won the match 5-3 with two double tops to secure his place in the knock-out rounds. Table:
Wade 4 0
Jenkins 4 0
Pipe 2 +2
Chisnall 2 -2
Tony O'Shea met Michael Van Gerwen in a winner takes all match. The Dutchman took the first leg before O'Shea went 2-1 ahead. O'Shea then missed the chance to 3-2 ahead and it would cost him dear as Van Gerwen romped home to a 5-2 victory. Table:
Van Gerwen 4 +3
Walsh 4 +2
Waites 2 0
O'Shea 2 -5
Group B: Dean Winstanley added to Raymond Van Barneveld's pain as he goes through with a 100% rate. After being locked at 1-1, Winstanley took a 3-1 lead. Barney did pull a leg back before Winstanley went onto win 5-2, leaving Barneveld without a win to his name in this tournament.
Ian White took on Ted Hankey with the winner joining Winstanley into the knock-out phase. White took the first leg against the throw but Hankey went into fifth gear and powered into a 4-1 lead. White pulled a leg back before Hankey completed the win to progress. Table:
Winstanley 6 +9
Hankey 4 +1
White 2 -3
Van Barneveld 0 -7
Group C: Brendan Dolan ended his campaign with a win that almost secured Nigel Heydon's exit as well. Dolan took a 3-0 lead before Heydon reduced the arrears to 4-3. Dolan secured the eighth leg to take the win and the only way Heydon could qualify is if Gary Anderson lost 5-1 or worse to Wayne Jones.
The match between Anderson and Jones did finish 5-1, but not the way Heydon would have liked it to have been. It wasn't in doubt for Anderson who quickly secured his place in the next round by taking a 3-0 lead. Jones did win a leg before Anderson finished the match off 5-1. Table:
Anderson 4 +6
Jones 4 +1
Heydon 2 -2
Dolan 2 -5
Group D: Dave Chisnall also recorded his first and last victory in this year's Grand Slam against Justin Pipe. The match was neck and throughout with neither player getting more than a leg ahead. But Dave Chisnall, who hadn't led at any point, took the final leg to win 5-4.
The equation was simple, if Terry Jenkins beat James Wade then he would go through. If Wade won then Pipe would go through. It was looking good for Pipe when Wade took a 3-1 lead. But Jenkins fought back and won the match 5-3 with two double tops to secure his place in the knock-out rounds. Table:
Wade 4 0
Jenkins 4 0
Pipe 2 +2
Chisnall 2 -2
Monday 14 November 2011
2011 World Grand Slam: Groups E-H Game 2
Group E: Mervyn King kept his hopes of qualification with a hard fought victory over James Hubbard. The game went to 3-3 before King went onto take the match 5-3. Hubbard isn't quite out yet, he needs a big win over Steve Beaton with Phil Taylor beating King convincingly.
The Power is almost through to the next stage after securing his second win over Steve Beaton. This match also went to 3-3 before Taylor took the following two legs to go through. Beaton needs to beat Hubbard and hope Taylor beats King to progress.
Group F: The shock of the night probably saw Magnus Caris comprehensively beat Barrie Bates. Bates has only won leg in his two games and will now face the exit after his final match against Paul Nicholson. Caris must better Wes Newton in the final game to progress.
Paul Nicholson is almost through after an exciting match against Wes Newton. The match see-sawed between the two them with each player taking the lead at points. But Nicholson came out on top in the deciding leg to put a foot in the next round. Newton just needs to beat Caris' scoreline to progress.
Group G: Jan Dekker convincingly beat Aaron Monk in the battle of the 21 year olds. Dekker stormed into a 3-0 lead before Monk posted a leg on the board. Dekker then went onto win 5-1 to help his legs difference immensely. Monk is almost certainly out with no points in either game, Dekker will have to beat John Part's scoreline to progress.
Mark Webster should also be in knock-out phase after his second win over John Part by the same scoreline. Webster also took a 3-0 lead before taking the match 5-1.
Group H: Vincent Van Der Voort is out of the competition after suffering his second defeat. Martin Phillips took a 4-1 lead before the Dutchman pulled a leg back. But Phillips wasn't going to be denied and will now face Co Stompe in the final game where the winner takes all.
Adrian Lewis booked his place in the last sixteen with a darting master-class against Stompe. Lewis hit countless 180s and had a three dart average of 109 after winning the match 5-1 from 1-1.
The Power is almost through to the next stage after securing his second win over Steve Beaton. This match also went to 3-3 before Taylor took the following two legs to go through. Beaton needs to beat Hubbard and hope Taylor beats King to progress.
Group F: The shock of the night probably saw Magnus Caris comprehensively beat Barrie Bates. Bates has only won leg in his two games and will now face the exit after his final match against Paul Nicholson. Caris must better Wes Newton in the final game to progress.
Paul Nicholson is almost through after an exciting match against Wes Newton. The match see-sawed between the two them with each player taking the lead at points. But Nicholson came out on top in the deciding leg to put a foot in the next round. Newton just needs to beat Caris' scoreline to progress.
Group G: Jan Dekker convincingly beat Aaron Monk in the battle of the 21 year olds. Dekker stormed into a 3-0 lead before Monk posted a leg on the board. Dekker then went onto win 5-1 to help his legs difference immensely. Monk is almost certainly out with no points in either game, Dekker will have to beat John Part's scoreline to progress.
Mark Webster should also be in knock-out phase after his second win over John Part by the same scoreline. Webster also took a 3-0 lead before taking the match 5-1.
Group H: Vincent Van Der Voort is out of the competition after suffering his second defeat. Martin Phillips took a 4-1 lead before the Dutchman pulled a leg back. But Phillips wasn't going to be denied and will now face Co Stompe in the final game where the winner takes all.
Adrian Lewis booked his place in the last sixteen with a darting master-class against Stompe. Lewis hit countless 180s and had a three dart average of 109 after winning the match 5-1 from 1-1.
Sunday 13 November 2011
2011 World Grand Slam Darts: Groups A-D Game 2
Group A: Tony O'Shea secured his first victory of the campaign against fellow BDO man Scott Waites. Waites almost produced a comeback yesterday against Michael Van Gerwen but this time was on the receiving end of one. Waites had taken a 4-1 lead but O'Shea rescued the match and his tournament by winning it 5-4. This result should see the reigning champion, Waites, get knocked out from this group stage after not winning either of his first two games.
Mark Walsh, on the other hand, sealed his place in the knock-out phase with a win over Van Gerwen. The match went to 3-3 before Walsh took the next two legs to win the match. O'Shea and Van Gerwen meet in the final group game to join Walsh into the next phase.
Group B: Dean Winstanley also booked his place in the last sixteen in a tense win over Ian White. Winstanley had the opposite match to the whitewash against Ted Hankey yesterday. Ian White did lead 3-1 and then 4-3 but ultimately lost the match 5-4.
Ian White will now face Hankey in the final group game with the winner going through with Winstanley. This means that Raymond Van Barneveld has been knocked out after losing to Hankey. Van Barneveld was out of sorts again tonight and Hankey took full advantage and won the game 5-2. Unfortunately his celebrations throughout the match were a little over the top and Barney looked have taken offence.
Group C: Brendan Dolan also looks to have fallen at the group stage after failing to win either of his opening two matches. Gary Anderson has publicly said that his head isn't in the right place at the moment but he still managed to convincingly beat his Irish opponent. Anderson went 3-0 ahead before Dolan avoided the whitewash, but the Scot went onto win 5-1. But Dolan could still qualify if Wayne Jones beats Anderson and he beats Nigel Heydon with convincing scorelines.
The same goes for Wayne Jones who is almost through but could still go out depending on certain results. He secured his second win in two games over Nigel Heydon. The match was level at 3-3 before Jones kicked up a gear and took the match 5-3.
Group D: Dave Chisnall will struggle to qualify after losing his second match of the group against Terry Jenkins. Jenkins took a 3-1 lead and allowed Chisnall to get back to 4-3 before he finally finished the job with one of four three figure checkouts. This gives Jenkins a good chance to qualify but his final game is against James Wade.
Wade should now qualify after winning his second match of the group against Justin Pipe. Wade beat Chisnall 5-4 yesterday and repeated the close scoreline today. Wade did take a 4-3 lead before Pipe levelled but The Machine was able to cross the finish line.
Mark Walsh, on the other hand, sealed his place in the knock-out phase with a win over Van Gerwen. The match went to 3-3 before Walsh took the next two legs to win the match. O'Shea and Van Gerwen meet in the final group game to join Walsh into the next phase.
Group B: Dean Winstanley also booked his place in the last sixteen in a tense win over Ian White. Winstanley had the opposite match to the whitewash against Ted Hankey yesterday. Ian White did lead 3-1 and then 4-3 but ultimately lost the match 5-4.
Ian White will now face Hankey in the final group game with the winner going through with Winstanley. This means that Raymond Van Barneveld has been knocked out after losing to Hankey. Van Barneveld was out of sorts again tonight and Hankey took full advantage and won the game 5-2. Unfortunately his celebrations throughout the match were a little over the top and Barney looked have taken offence.
Group C: Brendan Dolan also looks to have fallen at the group stage after failing to win either of his opening two matches. Gary Anderson has publicly said that his head isn't in the right place at the moment but he still managed to convincingly beat his Irish opponent. Anderson went 3-0 ahead before Dolan avoided the whitewash, but the Scot went onto win 5-1. But Dolan could still qualify if Wayne Jones beats Anderson and he beats Nigel Heydon with convincing scorelines.
The same goes for Wayne Jones who is almost through but could still go out depending on certain results. He secured his second win in two games over Nigel Heydon. The match was level at 3-3 before Jones kicked up a gear and took the match 5-3.
Group D: Dave Chisnall will struggle to qualify after losing his second match of the group against Terry Jenkins. Jenkins took a 3-1 lead and allowed Chisnall to get back to 4-3 before he finally finished the job with one of four three figure checkouts. This gives Jenkins a good chance to qualify but his final game is against James Wade.
Wade should now qualify after winning his second match of the group against Justin Pipe. Wade beat Chisnall 5-4 yesterday and repeated the close scoreline today. Wade did take a 4-3 lead before Pipe levelled but The Machine was able to cross the finish line.
2011 World Grand Slam Darts: Groups E-H Game 1
Group E: Last year's semi-finalist, Steve Beaton, kicked his campaign off with a win against Mervyn King. King took a 3-2 lead before Beaton fought back and took the opening match 5-3.
Phil Taylor kicked off his campaign against nineteen year old James Hubbard who was making his television début. It was relatively easy for Taylor despite Hubbard producing some decent darts, the veteran took a 3-0 lead before Hubbard prevented the whitewash. But Taylor went onto win 5-1.
Group F: Paul Nicholson produced the second whitewash of the tournament. Dispatching Welshman Barrie Bates 5-0.
Wes Newton recovered from 2-0 down to get his campaign off to the start he desired. Sweden's Magnus Caris took the ealry lead before Newton showed his class to win 5-2.
Group G: Mark Webster got off to a shaky start against PDC's rank 84, 21 year old Aaron Monk. Webster took a 3-1 lead before being pegged back. It then went to 4-4 before Webster took the deciding leg to win the game 5-4.
John Part secured victory against a nervous Jan Dekker. Dekkker, a 21 year old from Holland and currently a BDO representative soon found himself 3-0 down to the three time World Champion. Dekker managed to fight back to 3-2 but Part kicked on and finished with a 115 checkout to win the match 5-2.
Group H: There was an all Dutch affair as Vincent Van Der Voort took on Co Stompe. Despite taking the first leg, Van Der Voort soon found himself 3-1 and was unable to close the deficit. Stompe went onto win the game 5-3.
Adrian Lewis was fought tooth and nail by BDO's Martin Phllips. Phillips did beat Lewis in this tournament last year and took a 3-2 lead after going behind. The World Champion was a little it and miss throughout and Phillips almost took advantage. It went to a deciding leg, but Lewis had the throw and made it count to secure the 5-4 win.
Phil Taylor kicked off his campaign against nineteen year old James Hubbard who was making his television début. It was relatively easy for Taylor despite Hubbard producing some decent darts, the veteran took a 3-0 lead before Hubbard prevented the whitewash. But Taylor went onto win 5-1.
Group F: Paul Nicholson produced the second whitewash of the tournament. Dispatching Welshman Barrie Bates 5-0.
Wes Newton recovered from 2-0 down to get his campaign off to the start he desired. Sweden's Magnus Caris took the ealry lead before Newton showed his class to win 5-2.
Group G: Mark Webster got off to a shaky start against PDC's rank 84, 21 year old Aaron Monk. Webster took a 3-1 lead before being pegged back. It then went to 4-4 before Webster took the deciding leg to win the game 5-4.
John Part secured victory against a nervous Jan Dekker. Dekkker, a 21 year old from Holland and currently a BDO representative soon found himself 3-0 down to the three time World Champion. Dekker managed to fight back to 3-2 but Part kicked on and finished with a 115 checkout to win the match 5-2.
Group H: There was an all Dutch affair as Vincent Van Der Voort took on Co Stompe. Despite taking the first leg, Van Der Voort soon found himself 3-1 and was unable to close the deficit. Stompe went onto win the game 5-3.
Adrian Lewis was fought tooth and nail by BDO's Martin Phllips. Phillips did beat Lewis in this tournament last year and took a 3-2 lead after going behind. The World Champion was a little it and miss throughout and Phillips almost took advantage. It went to a deciding leg, but Lewis had the throw and made it count to secure the 5-4 win.
It Wasn't An Abu Dhabi Ding Dong
As many of the drivers expected, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix didn't deliver much overtaking and the main drama took place on the first corner. For the first time this season, Sebastian Vettel didn't finish on the podium or finish the race. The Pole sitter made a good start, maintaining his lead but suffered a right rear puncture after the first corner and his wheel was too damaged to continue out of the pits. Fernando Alonso had also made a good start, overtaking both Mark Webber and Jenson Button to fit neatly into second place behind Lewis Hamilton.
There was a recurring theme throughout the race, people overtaking but then losing that place almost instantly on the DRS zone. It started on lap four with Webber overtaking Button before the activation point and Button easily regained his place with his rear wing open. Webber's race got worse as a poor pit stop on lap eighteen allowed Felipe Massa into fourth place.
Sebastian Buemi became the second retirement on lap twenty with a rear suspension failure and Jerome D'Ambrosio followed him three laps later to make it three retirements. As the race progressed, the only 'racing' incidents that were inquired were drivers ignoring blue flags. Pastor Maldonado was the first culprit as he was redeeming himself after his engine penalty on lap 30. Webber overtook Massa on the same lap but again Massa immediately regained the place in the DRS zone. Bruno Senna was also guilty of ignoring blue flags seven laps later and was also issued a drive through penalty.
Massa slipped to fifth during the pit stops and Webber was also finally able to overtake Button into fourth on lap 42, Nico Rosberg hadn't pitted at that point. Webber was the only one not to have pitted onto the compulsory hard tyre and needed a sufficient time gap to be able to keep his place. He was guaranteed fourth place on lap 49 when Massa span out but was able to continue despite losing a lot of time. Daniel Ricciardo was the fourth retirement on lap 52 when found himself beached in the gravel. Webber left it until the final lap to come onto the harder tyre but he didn't gain a big enough gap to retain third, allowing Button to stand on the podium. Race result:
1.Hamilton (McLaren), 2.Alonso (Ferrari), 3.Button (McLaren), 4.Webber (Red Bull), 5.Massa (Ferrari), 6.Rosberg (Mercedes), 7.Schumacher (Mercedes), 8.Sutil (Force India), 9.Di Resta (Force India), 10.Kobayashi (Sauber), 11.Perez (Sauber), 12.Barrichello (Williams), 13.Petrov (Renault), 14.Maldonado (Williams), 15.Alguersuari (Toro Rosso), 16.Senna (Renault), 17.Kovalainen (Lotus), 18.Trulli (Lotus), 19.Glock (Virgin), 20.Liuzzi (Hispania) DNF: Vettel (Red Bull), Buemi (Toro Rosso), D'Ambrosio (Virgin), Ricciardo (Hispania).
There was a recurring theme throughout the race, people overtaking but then losing that place almost instantly on the DRS zone. It started on lap four with Webber overtaking Button before the activation point and Button easily regained his place with his rear wing open. Webber's race got worse as a poor pit stop on lap eighteen allowed Felipe Massa into fourth place.
Sebastian Buemi became the second retirement on lap twenty with a rear suspension failure and Jerome D'Ambrosio followed him three laps later to make it three retirements. As the race progressed, the only 'racing' incidents that were inquired were drivers ignoring blue flags. Pastor Maldonado was the first culprit as he was redeeming himself after his engine penalty on lap 30. Webber overtook Massa on the same lap but again Massa immediately regained the place in the DRS zone. Bruno Senna was also guilty of ignoring blue flags seven laps later and was also issued a drive through penalty.
Massa slipped to fifth during the pit stops and Webber was also finally able to overtake Button into fourth on lap 42, Nico Rosberg hadn't pitted at that point. Webber was the only one not to have pitted onto the compulsory hard tyre and needed a sufficient time gap to be able to keep his place. He was guaranteed fourth place on lap 49 when Massa span out but was able to continue despite losing a lot of time. Daniel Ricciardo was the fourth retirement on lap 52 when found himself beached in the gravel. Webber left it until the final lap to come onto the harder tyre but he didn't gain a big enough gap to retain third, allowing Button to stand on the podium. Race result:
1.Hamilton (McLaren), 2.Alonso (Ferrari), 3.Button (McLaren), 4.Webber (Red Bull), 5.Massa (Ferrari), 6.Rosberg (Mercedes), 7.Schumacher (Mercedes), 8.Sutil (Force India), 9.Di Resta (Force India), 10.Kobayashi (Sauber), 11.Perez (Sauber), 12.Barrichello (Williams), 13.Petrov (Renault), 14.Maldonado (Williams), 15.Alguersuari (Toro Rosso), 16.Senna (Renault), 17.Kovalainen (Lotus), 18.Trulli (Lotus), 19.Glock (Virgin), 20.Liuzzi (Hispania) DNF: Vettel (Red Bull), Buemi (Toro Rosso), D'Ambrosio (Virgin), Ricciardo (Hispania).
Saturday 12 November 2011
2011 Grand Slam of Darts Begins
The dartboard and oche returned to the TV screens as the 2012 Grand Slam of Darts kicked off in Wolverhampton. 32 of the biggest darting names from both the PDC and BDO are split into eight groups for the first round, with each player playing one other throughout the phase. Groups A-D kicked-off their campaigns tonight:
Group A: PDC's Mark Walsh earned his first Grand Slam victory over BDO's Tony O'Shea. The match was finely balanced at 2-2 but Walsh then went onto win 5-2.
PDC's Michael Van Gerwen cruised to a 4-0 lead over BDO's Scott Waites. But Waites managed to fight back to 4-3 before the Dutchman secured the victory.
Group B: The first whitewash of the tournament came between two BDO counterparts. Second ranked Dean Winstanley recorded the 5-0 victory over fourteenth ranked Ted Hankey.
The biggest shock of the night saw PDC's rank 71 Ian White record victory over Raymond Van Barneveld. White finished third in the wilcard qualifiers and only made into the tournament after Simon Whitlock's withdrawal. The match went to 4-4 before the rookie took the final leg to secure the biggest win in his career to date.
Group C: Wayne Jones is in his home town and he kicked off his tournament with a win over Grand Prix runner-up Brendan Dolan. Dolan took the opening leg but Jones went onto take the match 5-2.
PDC's 49th ranked player, Nigel Heydon, secured the second biggest shock of the night with a win over Gary Anderson. Anderson has flopped in recent televised tournaments but looked to make amends by taking the first two legs. But Heydon came back to win 5-3.
Group D: James Wade was pushed to the limit in his first match against Dave Chisnall. Wade found himself 4-3 down before managing to recover and win the match 5-4.
The other shock of the night saw Terry Jenkins lose out to Justin Pipe. Pipe stormed into a 4-0 lead before Jenkins earned a consolation with Pipe finishing the thrashing at 5-1.
Group A: PDC's Mark Walsh earned his first Grand Slam victory over BDO's Tony O'Shea. The match was finely balanced at 2-2 but Walsh then went onto win 5-2.
PDC's Michael Van Gerwen cruised to a 4-0 lead over BDO's Scott Waites. But Waites managed to fight back to 4-3 before the Dutchman secured the victory.
Group B: The first whitewash of the tournament came between two BDO counterparts. Second ranked Dean Winstanley recorded the 5-0 victory over fourteenth ranked Ted Hankey.
The biggest shock of the night saw PDC's rank 71 Ian White record victory over Raymond Van Barneveld. White finished third in the wilcard qualifiers and only made into the tournament after Simon Whitlock's withdrawal. The match went to 4-4 before the rookie took the final leg to secure the biggest win in his career to date.
Group C: Wayne Jones is in his home town and he kicked off his tournament with a win over Grand Prix runner-up Brendan Dolan. Dolan took the opening leg but Jones went onto take the match 5-2.
PDC's 49th ranked player, Nigel Heydon, secured the second biggest shock of the night with a win over Gary Anderson. Anderson has flopped in recent televised tournaments but looked to make amends by taking the first two legs. But Heydon came back to win 5-3.
Group D: James Wade was pushed to the limit in his first match against Dave Chisnall. Wade found himself 4-3 down before managing to recover and win the match 5-4.
The other shock of the night saw Terry Jenkins lose out to Justin Pipe. Pipe stormed into a 4-0 lead before Jenkins earned a consolation with Pipe finishing the thrashing at 5-1.
Non-League Sides in Second Round
With the FA Cup first round having taken place this weekend, it's good to see how many non-league teams are now just one game away from a possible huge third round tie:
AFC Totton are currently fourth in the Evostik Southern Premier division but they smashed eight past nine man Bradford Park Avenue to progress. Jonathan Davies and Mike Gosney both scored twice, Michael Charles also found the net with substitute Stefan Brown scoring a hat-trick in fifteen minutes. Adam Clayton did pull a goal back to make it 2-1 for Bradford but Totton, based in Hampshire, steam through. They will now host Bristol Rovers in the next round.
Gateshead are currently sixth in the Blue Square Premier and they saw off fellow non-leaguers Blyth Spartans. Goals from Jon Shaw and Michael Cummins secured the win. Gateshead have been rewarded with another all non-league tie at home to either Hinckley or Tamworth, a fantastic opportunity to reach the third round.
Chelmsford City sit fifth in the Blue Square south and beat struggling Blue Square Premier AFC Telford. Aiden Palmer and substitute Craig Parker made it 2-0 before David Rainford scored a brace to secure the crushing victory. They will now face Macclesfield at home in the second round.
Bath City are struggling at the bottom of the Blue Square Premier but they will bring Dagenham and Redbridge back to Twerton Park for a replay. Sean Canham got the possible upset up and running but Brian Woodall equalising to set up the replay. If they win it, they will earn a home tie against either Exeter City or Walsall.
Fleetwood Town are producing great results, sitting second in the Blue Square Premier, they secured the scalp of Wycombe to progress. Andy Mangan broke the deadlock before Richard Brodie was sent off, but it didn't matter as Jamie Vardy secured the win ten minutes from the end. They have a home tie in the next round against Yeovil Town.
Hinckley United (eighteenth in the Blue Square North) and Tamworth (eleventh in the Blue Square Premier) will meet again after a 2-2 draw. Hinckley's keeper was sent off five minutes before half-time but all four goals game within the last twelve minutes. Andre Gray put Hinckley ahead before Iyseden Christie equalised from the spot. Lloyd Kerry though he'd won the game for Hinckley two minutes from time but Tamworth equalised in injury time through Kyle Patterson. The winners will earn another all non-league tie, away to Gateshead.
Luton Town, once a mainstay in the Football League now seventh in the Blue Square Premier saw off Northampton to progress. Substitute Adam Watkins won the game with the only goal ten minutes from time. Luton will face Cheltenham at home in the second round.
Maidenhead United sit eighteenth in the Blue Square south but get the chance to travel to Aldershot after holding them to a 1-1 draw. Anthony Thomas started the possible upset after just seven minutes but substitute Michael Rankine equalised twelve minutes from time. If they win the replay they will travel to face the winners of Morecambe or Sheffield Wednesday who play today.
Stourbridge are seventh in the Evostik Southern Premier and bring struggling Plymouth back to the War Memorial Athletic Ground after a six goal thriller. Warren Feeney gave Plymouth the lead before Aaron Drake and Ryan Rowe made it 2-1 to the visitors. Carl Fletcher equalised before Sean Gebbis made it 3-2 from the spot, a decision that saw Robbie Williams sent off. Onismor Bhasera made it 3-3 with two minutes left before Conor Hourihane was also sent off in injury time.
Grimsby Town were also mainstays in the Football League once upon town, now sit sixteenth in the Blue Sqaure Premier held Port Vale to a goalless draw, if they win they'll face fellow non-leaguers Salisbury away in the second round. Redbridge (eighteenth in the Ryman Isthmian Division One North) and Oxford City (first in the Evostik Southern Premier) also played out a goalless draw and will reconvene for a replay. The winner will face an away trip to Crawley.
Salisbury City sit sixteenth since being promoted into the Blue Square South. They beat fellow non-leaguers Arlesey to progress. Dan Fitchett's opener was cancelled out by Arlesey's Stuart Sinclair. But a penalty from Jake Reid and a third from substitute Adam Kelly earned the win. They will face either Port Vale or Grimsby at home.
Sutton United currently sit second since also being promoted into the Blue Sqaure South. An only goal from Craig Watkins was enough to see off Kettering. They have been given a home tie in the second and need to see of Notts County to progress to the third round.
Cambridge United (third in the Blue Square Premier) and Wrexham (first in the Blue Square Premier) played out a 2-2 draw on Friday night. Andy Morrell's opener was cancelled out by Josh Coulson. Morrell then made it 2-1 Wrexham on the hour before Coulson equalised again in injury time to take it to a replay. The winners will face Brentford away.
Cambridge United (third in the Blue Square Premier) and Wrexham (first in the Blue Square Premier) played out a 2-2 draw on Friday night. Andy Morrell's opener was cancelled out by Josh Coulson. Morrell then made it 2-1 Wrexham on the hour before Coulson equalised again in injury time to take it to a replay. The winners will face Brentford away.
England Conquer Champions
Another star studded side played England in what looked to have been a lucrative match, yet it was just a disappointing the 'big' friendlies which have preceded it. World and European Champions Spain arrived at Wembley and, for most of it, didn't look like they were interested.
With nine of their World Cup winning starting line-up on the field and with England playing an unusual side, it seemed that Capello's men were there for the taking. But throughout the first half Spain gave away possession far too easily and too often, almost always failing to find that killer final ball. England, to their credit, defended well to keep Spain at bay but the first half just petered out.
The second half was more of the same barring a few more guilt edged chances. But the unthinkable happened as James Milner took a free-kick. Darren Bent's seemingly first touch of the game, he had started, was to head the ball onto the post, completely beating substitute keeper Pepe Reina. The ball looked to have spinning back into the goal but captain Frank Lampard made sure with his head just four minutes after the restart. From there, Spain looked to create more meaningful chances the best chance fell to Villa who smashed a clever volley onto the post. Spain were unusually modest when attacking, balls that were flashed across goal or rebounds just weren't followed up by a red shirt. England managed to hold onto the win but whether they'll gain anything other can confidence from this is hard to say.
With nine of their World Cup winning starting line-up on the field and with England playing an unusual side, it seemed that Capello's men were there for the taking. But throughout the first half Spain gave away possession far too easily and too often, almost always failing to find that killer final ball. England, to their credit, defended well to keep Spain at bay but the first half just petered out.
The second half was more of the same barring a few more guilt edged chances. But the unthinkable happened as James Milner took a free-kick. Darren Bent's seemingly first touch of the game, he had started, was to head the ball onto the post, completely beating substitute keeper Pepe Reina. The ball looked to have spinning back into the goal but captain Frank Lampard made sure with his head just four minutes after the restart. From there, Spain looked to create more meaningful chances the best chance fell to Villa who smashed a clever volley onto the post. Spain were unusually modest when attacking, balls that were flashed across goal or rebounds just weren't followed up by a red shirt. England managed to hold onto the win but whether they'll gain anything other can confidence from this is hard to say.
Will They Recover?
With the F1 Championships already decided, it gives everyone else a chance to watch the 'lower' cars. The penultimate race weekend of the season is hosted by Abu Dhabi and Williams were the biggest losers in today's qualifying session, locking out the bottom of the grid.
This has to be the lowest point in what has been a harsh season for he veteran constructor. They currently sit ninth in the Constructors' Championship with a fleeting five points and it will be almost impossible to gain any more on a track with limited overtaking.
There are increasing fears that Rubens Barrichello will be out of Formula One next season, facing a damaging prospect of racing in the final race of the season (his home GP) without knowledge of a seat for next season. He really needs a positive couple of races but his weekend was curtailed early on as an engine leak prevented him from qualifying. But he will not start 24th as that spot is taken by his team mate Pastor Maldonado who received a ten place grid penalty for having a ninth engine, regulations state drivers are only allowed eight during one season.
However, at the other end of the grid, Sebastian Vettel equals Nigel Mansell's record of fourteen Pole positions in a season, preventing a McLaren one-two on the final lap. Hamilton was strong throughout the session and starts second ahead of Button. Webber is ahead of the Ferraris with Alonso placing himself above Massa again in the inter-team battle. The two Mercedes will line-up alongside each other with Schumacher in Rosberg's mirrors. The two Force Indias round off the top ten with Sutil out-qualifying Di Resta.
Q2 saw Perez put a good shift in for Sauber, starting eleventh. Buemi sits between Petrov and Senna in a Renault sandwich in thirteenth with Alguersuari squeezing Senna in fifteenth. Kobayashi will start sixteenth and Maldonado had qualified in seventeenth put his penalty sees Kovalainen promoted to that place.
Trulli joins Kovalainen in eighteenth. But Ricciardo managed to get himself ahead of D'Ambrosio in 21st behind the other Virgin, Timo Glock. Liuzzi will start 22nd with both Williams cars breathing down his neck from the start.
This has to be the lowest point in what has been a harsh season for he veteran constructor. They currently sit ninth in the Constructors' Championship with a fleeting five points and it will be almost impossible to gain any more on a track with limited overtaking.
There are increasing fears that Rubens Barrichello will be out of Formula One next season, facing a damaging prospect of racing in the final race of the season (his home GP) without knowledge of a seat for next season. He really needs a positive couple of races but his weekend was curtailed early on as an engine leak prevented him from qualifying. But he will not start 24th as that spot is taken by his team mate Pastor Maldonado who received a ten place grid penalty for having a ninth engine, regulations state drivers are only allowed eight during one season.
However, at the other end of the grid, Sebastian Vettel equals Nigel Mansell's record of fourteen Pole positions in a season, preventing a McLaren one-two on the final lap. Hamilton was strong throughout the session and starts second ahead of Button. Webber is ahead of the Ferraris with Alonso placing himself above Massa again in the inter-team battle. The two Mercedes will line-up alongside each other with Schumacher in Rosberg's mirrors. The two Force Indias round off the top ten with Sutil out-qualifying Di Resta.
Q2 saw Perez put a good shift in for Sauber, starting eleventh. Buemi sits between Petrov and Senna in a Renault sandwich in thirteenth with Alguersuari squeezing Senna in fifteenth. Kobayashi will start sixteenth and Maldonado had qualified in seventeenth put his penalty sees Kovalainen promoted to that place.
Trulli joins Kovalainen in eighteenth. But Ricciardo managed to get himself ahead of D'Ambrosio in 21st behind the other Virgin, Timo Glock. Liuzzi will start 22nd with both Williams cars breathing down his neck from the start.
Sunday 6 November 2011
Bolton, Spurs and Wolves Secure Wins
Bolton 5-0 Stoke: Bolton sought retribution from their 5-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat last season. The hosts got off to a flyer with Kevin Davies finding the net after just two minutes after a dubious back pass decision and fast thinking from Ivan Klasnic. Chris Eagles doubled the score after 23 minutes before Klasnic made it three just after the hour mark both with clinical finishing. Eagles was put through to score his second and Bolton's fourth with seventeen minutes left. Klasnic then scored his second to finish their revenge with a header eight minutes from the game. Stoke's woes after European matches continue, Bolton win their first home game this season.
Fulham 1-3 Tottenham: Tottenham go level with Chelsea after another victory, making it seven wins in eight games. Spurs played without Harry Redknapp who was recovering after recent heart surgery. Tottenham took the lead when Gareth Bale's cross was turned into his own net by Chris Baird after just ten minutes. It was 2-0 in first half injury time when Aaron Lennon was able to finish off a mazy run with a great finish. Fulham earned a fortuitous goal back when a corner pinballed off defenders and went in off Younes Kaboul twelve minutes after the restart. From there Fulham were all over Tottenham and Spurs were lucky not have a conceded a second before securing the win in injury time with Defoe putting past Schwarzer.
Wolves 3-1 Wigan: Wigan remain bottom of the table with their eighth consecutive defeat. Wigan had chances to take the lead with Rodallega missing an absolute sitter. This was quickly followed by Wolves taking the lead with Jamie O'Hara finding the net just after the half hour mark. Wigan then received a penalty when Stephen Hunt blocked Emmerson Boyce, Ben Watson stepped up and his penalty was saved but Watson was able to convert the rebound three minutes before half-time. Wolves re-took the lead despite Ali Al-Habsi's best efforts, with David Edwards making it third time lucky ten minutes into the second half. It was deja vu as Wolves went 3-1 up as Al-Habsi made more great saves before Stephen Ward tapped home after 66 minutes.
Fulham 1-3 Tottenham: Tottenham go level with Chelsea after another victory, making it seven wins in eight games. Spurs played without Harry Redknapp who was recovering after recent heart surgery. Tottenham took the lead when Gareth Bale's cross was turned into his own net by Chris Baird after just ten minutes. It was 2-0 in first half injury time when Aaron Lennon was able to finish off a mazy run with a great finish. Fulham earned a fortuitous goal back when a corner pinballed off defenders and went in off Younes Kaboul twelve minutes after the restart. From there Fulham were all over Tottenham and Spurs were lucky not have a conceded a second before securing the win in injury time with Defoe putting past Schwarzer.
Wolves 3-1 Wigan: Wigan remain bottom of the table with their eighth consecutive defeat. Wigan had chances to take the lead with Rodallega missing an absolute sitter. This was quickly followed by Wolves taking the lead with Jamie O'Hara finding the net just after the half hour mark. Wigan then received a penalty when Stephen Hunt blocked Emmerson Boyce, Ben Watson stepped up and his penalty was saved but Watson was able to convert the rebound three minutes before half-time. Wolves re-took the lead despite Ali Al-Habsi's best efforts, with David Edwards making it third time lucky ten minutes into the second half. It was deja vu as Wolves went 3-1 up as Al-Habsi made more great saves before Stephen Ward tapped home after 66 minutes.
25 Years and Counting
Sir Alex Ferguson celebrated his 25th anniversary
at Manchester United this week and although the years have produced 37
trophies, it hasn’t always been easy for the longest serving manager at Old
Trafford. Manchester United’s previous great Scottish manager, Sir Matt Busby,
was given a road in his honour – Sir Matt Busby Way- and Ferguson has been
given Old Trafford’s North Stand. The newly named stand was unveiled as the Sir
Alex Ferguson stand before the Sunderland game at the weekend after a guard of
honour.
Despite his fantastic success, Alex Ferguson was on the
brink of being sacked after failing to bring silverware instantly to the Old
Trafford faithful. After being appointed in 1986, Ferguson’s first piece of
silverware came in the 1989/90 season; the FA Cup with a 1-0 replay victory over
Crystal Palace. From that moment, the rest, as they say, is history.
There have been many controversial moments during his
on-going reign and many questionable ideas but all have been answered. The
famous Alan Hansen quote: ‘You’ll never win anything with kids’ was directed at
Ferguson’s class of ’92 with the fresh faces of the Nevilles, Giggs, Scholes
and Beckham. But Manchester United went onto the win the first FA Premiership
in 1992/93.
Arguably his biggest achievement was the historic treble
winning season of 1998/99. United won their fifth league title in seven seasons
by a solitary point over Arsenal with a 2-1 win over Tottenham on the last day
of the season. They recorded the highest victory that year with an 8-1 victory
over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, they had the highest attendance and
Dwight Yorke was joint top goal scorer with eighteen that season. United then
won the FA Cup with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle, Sheringham and Scholes
scoring the goals. But the best was yet to come and when they travelled to Camp
Nou to play Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, no one expected the
outcome. United were 1-0 down in injury time before Sheringham and then
Solskjaer scored from corners to win the game 2-1 and complete the famous and unmatched
treble.
Then there was the ‘boot incident’ in 2003 when Ferguson
allegedly kicked a football boot in anger and hit Beckham with it. This caused
a power struggle in which one had to leave and it wasn’t going to be Alex
Ferguson. His reign continued and last season he rewrote history again by
winning Manchester United’s nineteenth League title, the most in English
history overtaking their fiercest rivals Liverpool.
There are so many historic moments in Alex Ferguson’s 25
years and with no hint of stopping, there will be a lot more to come. The most
immediate will be how he combats the noisy neighbours, Manchester City and this
will make great viewing as the rivalry intensifies.
Saturday 5 November 2011
PL Round-Up 5/11/11
Manchester United 1-0 Sunderland: Sir Alex Ferguson celebrated his 25th anniversary at Old Trafford and received a guard of honour. The North Stand has now been changed to the Sir Alex Ferguson in a way of saying thanks for his achievements. The spectators in this newly named stand were able to witness United keep their fourth clean sheet in a row since, in all competitions, conceding six against City. Sunderland were dealt a blow early on as Connor Wickham was forced off with an injury. It was Wickham's injury time that gave United the winning goal, it came from a header by former United player Wes Brown to give United the three points.
QPR 2-3 Manchester City: City kept their gap at the top but were fought hard by their hosts. QPR started the better and were rewarded with the opening goal of the game, a dubious free-kick headed home by Jay Bothroyd after 28 minutes. City weathered the storm throughout the first half and managed to grab an equaliser two minutes before the break with Edin Dzeko finishing clinically. QPR were quickest out of the blocks in the second half but found themselves 2-1 down when David Silva finished off a counter attack, seven minutes into the half. QPR weren't finished and they found an equaliser of their own when a Bothroyd header came off the back of Heidar Helguson after 69 minutes. But City managed to hold their nerve with Yaya Toure winning the game with a header sixteen minutes from the end.
Newcastle 2-1 Everton: Newcastle did go second until United's win as they continued their remarkable start to the season. Newcastle got the lead through an own goal by Johnny Heitinga after twelve minutes and Ryan Taylor made it 2-0 with a wonder goal just before the half hour mark. Everton pulled one back just before half-time with Jack Rodwell heading a Royston Drenthe corner home, but the visitors couldn't get themselves level despite a decent shout for a handball on Dan Gosling in the box.
Aston Villa 3-2 Norwich: Paul Lambert failed to get a win in his 100th game in charge of Norwich, but they did take the lead through a Anthony Pilkington free-kick after 25 minutes. Villa levelled after Darren Bent poked a Gabriel Agbonlahor cross home five minutes later. Villa then took the lead when Agbonlahor took advantage of a poor back pass to round John Ruddy just three minutes into the second half. Villa then went 3-1 with the same combination as the first goal after 62 minutes, Bent's fifth goal of the season. Norwich had the final word with Steve Morison scoring with thirteen minutes left, but it wasn't enough as Villa got themselves a much needed win.
Blackburn 0-1 Chelsea: Chelsea recovered from that eight goal thriller with a close fought victory over struggling Blackburn. The only goal of the game came six minutes into the second half with Frank Lampard steering a Branislav Ivanovic cross home.
Arsenal 3-0 West Brom: Arsenal took the lead with Robin Van Persie scoring his 13th goal of the season after 22 minutes. Thomas Vermaelen doubled their lead on his return to the squad after 39 minutes before Arteta rounded it off eleven minutes from the end after a great attacking move.
Liverpool 0-0 Swansea: Liverpool had the best chance of the first half with Andy Carroll hitting the bar. But Swansea also had decent chance that required decent saves from Pepe Reina. Swansea had the better of it in the second half with Reina not covering himself in masses of glory, but was able to redeem himself. Liverpool thought they had won game late on when Dirk Kuyt turned the ball in, but he was correctly flagged offside as Liverpool began to pepper the Swansea goal. But the game somehow finished goalless as Swansea earn an impressive point.
QPR 2-3 Manchester City: City kept their gap at the top but were fought hard by their hosts. QPR started the better and were rewarded with the opening goal of the game, a dubious free-kick headed home by Jay Bothroyd after 28 minutes. City weathered the storm throughout the first half and managed to grab an equaliser two minutes before the break with Edin Dzeko finishing clinically. QPR were quickest out of the blocks in the second half but found themselves 2-1 down when David Silva finished off a counter attack, seven minutes into the half. QPR weren't finished and they found an equaliser of their own when a Bothroyd header came off the back of Heidar Helguson after 69 minutes. But City managed to hold their nerve with Yaya Toure winning the game with a header sixteen minutes from the end.
Newcastle 2-1 Everton: Newcastle did go second until United's win as they continued their remarkable start to the season. Newcastle got the lead through an own goal by Johnny Heitinga after twelve minutes and Ryan Taylor made it 2-0 with a wonder goal just before the half hour mark. Everton pulled one back just before half-time with Jack Rodwell heading a Royston Drenthe corner home, but the visitors couldn't get themselves level despite a decent shout for a handball on Dan Gosling in the box.
Aston Villa 3-2 Norwich: Paul Lambert failed to get a win in his 100th game in charge of Norwich, but they did take the lead through a Anthony Pilkington free-kick after 25 minutes. Villa levelled after Darren Bent poked a Gabriel Agbonlahor cross home five minutes later. Villa then took the lead when Agbonlahor took advantage of a poor back pass to round John Ruddy just three minutes into the second half. Villa then went 3-1 with the same combination as the first goal after 62 minutes, Bent's fifth goal of the season. Norwich had the final word with Steve Morison scoring with thirteen minutes left, but it wasn't enough as Villa got themselves a much needed win.
Blackburn 0-1 Chelsea: Chelsea recovered from that eight goal thriller with a close fought victory over struggling Blackburn. The only goal of the game came six minutes into the second half with Frank Lampard steering a Branislav Ivanovic cross home.
Arsenal 3-0 West Brom: Arsenal took the lead with Robin Van Persie scoring his 13th goal of the season after 22 minutes. Thomas Vermaelen doubled their lead on his return to the squad after 39 minutes before Arteta rounded it off eleven minutes from the end after a great attacking move.
Liverpool 0-0 Swansea: Liverpool had the best chance of the first half with Andy Carroll hitting the bar. But Swansea also had decent chance that required decent saves from Pepe Reina. Swansea had the better of it in the second half with Reina not covering himself in masses of glory, but was able to redeem himself. Liverpool thought they had won game late on when Dirk Kuyt turned the ball in, but he was correctly flagged offside as Liverpool began to pepper the Swansea goal. But the game somehow finished goalless as Swansea earn an impressive point.
Wednesday 2 November 2011
2011/2012 CL Round-Up: Matchday 4 Groups A-D
Group A: Bayern Munich manage to hold off a spirited Napoli fightback to remain at the top. Mario Gomez wowed the crowd with a first-half hat-trick, opening the scoring after seventeen minutes, following it up six minutes before making it 3-0 three minutes before half-time. Federico Fernandez pulled one back right on half-time but were dealt a blow when Juan Zuniga received his second yellow with nineteen minutes left. Holger Badstuber then levelled the playing field by receiving his second yellow card after 77 minutes, Napoli then made it 2-0 two minutes later through Fernandez again. Napoli remain on five points whereas Munich are on ten.
Villarreal remain pointless and are almost guaranteed fourth after defeat to Man City. Yaya Toure put City ahead on the half hour mark before Balotelli made it 2-0 from the spot on half-time. Yaya Toure then scored his second nineteen minutes from time to ensure City moved up to seven points and second in the table.
Group B: Trabzonspor and CSKA Moscow played out a goalless draw in Turkey to move both teams to five points. Inter now top the group on nine after beating Lille. Samuel gave Inter the lead after eighteen minutes before Diego Milito doubled the score after 65. Lille pulled a goal back through substitute Tulio de Melo seven minutes from time but it wasn't enough to move them off two points.
Group C: Basle prevented Benfica from qualifying by holding them to a 1-1 draw in Portugal. Rodrigo Machado put Benfica ahead after four minutes but Huggel equalised after 64 minutes. Benfica are now on eight points with Basle on five.
Man United join Benfica on eight points after squeezing past Otelul Galati at Old Trafford. United did take the lead after eight minutes through Valencia but the rest of the game was not easy viewing for United fans. But they got their rest bite when a Rooney shot took a wild deflection off Sarghi, three minutes from time to leave Galati without a point and almost certainly with fourth place.
Group D: Ajax moved three points ahead of Lyon in second place after thrashing pointless Zagreb. Van der Wiel got the ball rolling after twenty minutes before Miralem Sulejmani doubled the score five minutes later. Siem de Jong made it three after 65 minutes with Nicolas Lodeiro coming off the bench to finish the rout in injury time.
Real Madrid, like Barcelona, have progressed through the knock-out phase with a 2-0 win over Lyon. A double from Ronaldo, first after 24 minutes and a penalty after 69 minutes, sees both Spanish giants ease into the second round.
Villarreal remain pointless and are almost guaranteed fourth after defeat to Man City. Yaya Toure put City ahead on the half hour mark before Balotelli made it 2-0 from the spot on half-time. Yaya Toure then scored his second nineteen minutes from time to ensure City moved up to seven points and second in the table.
Group B: Trabzonspor and CSKA Moscow played out a goalless draw in Turkey to move both teams to five points. Inter now top the group on nine after beating Lille. Samuel gave Inter the lead after eighteen minutes before Diego Milito doubled the score after 65. Lille pulled a goal back through substitute Tulio de Melo seven minutes from time but it wasn't enough to move them off two points.
Group C: Basle prevented Benfica from qualifying by holding them to a 1-1 draw in Portugal. Rodrigo Machado put Benfica ahead after four minutes but Huggel equalised after 64 minutes. Benfica are now on eight points with Basle on five.
Man United join Benfica on eight points after squeezing past Otelul Galati at Old Trafford. United did take the lead after eight minutes through Valencia but the rest of the game was not easy viewing for United fans. But they got their rest bite when a Rooney shot took a wild deflection off Sarghi, three minutes from time to leave Galati without a point and almost certainly with fourth place.
Group D: Ajax moved three points ahead of Lyon in second place after thrashing pointless Zagreb. Van der Wiel got the ball rolling after twenty minutes before Miralem Sulejmani doubled the score five minutes later. Siem de Jong made it three after 65 minutes with Nicolas Lodeiro coming off the bench to finish the rout in injury time.
Real Madrid, like Barcelona, have progressed through the knock-out phase with a 2-0 win over Lyon. A double from Ronaldo, first after 24 minutes and a penalty after 69 minutes, sees both Spanish giants ease into the second round.
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