Pennetta: Change the heat rules

Flavia Pennetta of Italy celebrates a point against Mona Barthel of Germany. Source: PAUL CROCK / AFP

I COULD feel the heat coming through the court and into my feet.

When I stepped out to play at 2.45pm yesterday it was just crazy.

After beating Mona Barthel 6-1 7-5 in the morning to advance to the fourth round in the singles, I then backed up in the doubles and was fortunate enough to win that, too.

12 WAYS SAM HAS LET US DOWN

GALLERY: THE HOTTEST BODS AT THE OPEN

RAFTER SHOULD STAY IN RETIREMENT

When it's this hot you want to play in the morning. The first hour from 11am is the easiest, because sometimes it's too tough for the body.

By 2pm it starts to get really, really hot and yesterday was really tough - not only for the players but for the crowds.

I think for the health of both we need a simple heat rule and just one which is easy to follow.

It's hard mentally, but mostly physically and there is a moment when you really feel it.

I've come to Australia many times and so I am used to the heat, although I've played in even hotter conditions in South America.

The best thing to do is to sleep lots. That's how I'll recover for my match against No. 9 seed Angelique Kerber tomorrow.

After my doubles I had an ice bath and then physio treatment and a lot of sleep.

My coaches will cook pasta for me in our apartment and during my matches I like to drink as much as I can and take a tablet and (energy) gel with me.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

But I don't like using ice on the court. The difference in temperature when you go back out to play from when you put ice on your body is too great, making it harder to adjust.

This is the second time I have made the last 16 at Melbourne Park (the first in 2011) and this is my favourite of the four grand slams.

Flavia Pennetta of Italy returns to Mona Barthel of Germany during their women's singles match on day five. Source: AFP

I am not sure how I will beat Kerber as most of the times I have lost against her! It's going to be a really tough match and we always fight a lot when we play against each other.

She plays a really good forehand and backhand and while here serve is tough to break, sometimes she has issues with it so I hope she has a few tomorrow.

I think my serve is working really well and while sometimes when I get tired I lose power, I'm playing well and looking forward to the challenge.

Log on to www.wtatennis.com and keep up-to-date with all the WTA stars as they compete on the Road to Singapore.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Heat ends Strikers' finals hopes

Brisbaen Heat players, including man of the match Daniel Vettori, celebrate the stumping of Adelaide batsman Jono Dean. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: Sarah Reed / News Limited

BRISBANE ended the Adelaide Strikers' fading Big Bash League finals hopes - and kept its own slim chances alive - with a 32-run victory at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

The reigning champions defended a modest 129, rolling the Strikers for just 97 in front of 20,533 fans to kill off Adelaide's Twenty20 season in the do-or-die clash.

The Heat's brilliant bowling resistance was led by veteran Kiwi spinner Dan Vettori, whose 2/10 from four overs was the fourth-most economical return in Big Bash League history.

Ryan Harris, fresh off his Ashes heroics, finished with 2/14 from 3.2 overs, including the final wicket, while Cam Gannon's 3/11 in two overs mopped up the Strikers' lower order.

The Heat's effort with the ball was the perfect response to a Strikers attack that racked up 52 dot balls in Brisbane's innings - a record for BBL3.

Set 130 to win, the Strikers' run chase suffered an early setback when opening pair Alex Hales (three off seven balls) and Michael Klinger (17 from 19) fell inside the first five overs.

Adelaide was puzzled from the start by Vettori's tweakers and never recovered. The Heat dried up the Strikers' scoring options and when Jono Dean (two off four) was stumped trying to hit out against the left-armer the home side was struggling at 3/24 after six.

Adelaide Strikers captain Johan Botha celebrates a wicket. Picture: Sarah Reed.

Phil Hughes edged behind off James Hopes in the eighth over and Adelaide was suddenly in a deep hole at 4/31.

It took until midway through the 11th over for the Strikers to limp to 50 as Nathan Reardon and Tim Ludeman fought to resurrect Adelaide's innings.

The pair put on 46 in 39 balls before Ludeman was caught behind trying to drive James Hopes and skipper Johan Botha (0) was gone after just two uncomfortable deliveries from Harris.

When Michael Neser (five off five) was caught on the square leg boundary to leave the Strikers at 7/87 Adelaide still needed 43 from 24 balls.

The equation drifted from difficult to beyond reach seven balls later when Reardon (33 from 35) drove an easy catch to Mark Steketee in the deep.

Adelaide had given itself a chance by holding Brisbane to a below-par 129, dousing the visitors' batting firepower through the spin of Botha.

The off-spinner removed danger pair Luke Pomersbach (20 off 16 balls) and Chris Lynn (three off six) - bowling both as they looked to lift the run rate.

Botha finished with a superb 2/11 from his four overs - overshadowed only by Vettori's damaging spell later in the afternoon.

Debutant Ben McDermott did well to survive a Shaun Tait bouncer that left a crater in the side of his helmet. The son of former Test quick Craig not only stayed upright, he barely even flinched as he called for a new lid.

The 19-year-old should have departed on 18 after skying Kane Richardson in the infield but Jon Holland, looking into the sun, grassed the chance.

Craig Kieswetter was the best of the batsman with 51 off 46, including three sixes, but eventually fell to Tait in the 17th over when wicketkeeper Ludeman gloved a brilliant catch at full stretch from a soaring top edge.

A steady stream of late wickets denied the Heat any chance of pushing past 130. But in the end, Brisbane's bowling performance ensured it didn't matter.

McDermott's dogged innings ended in the 18th over when he holed out in the deep for 30. Ben Cutting fell the next over after when he was beaten by Tait's pace and Vettori lasted just two balls before he played across a Kane Richardson delivery in the final over.

Relive all the action in our live blog below!

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sydney FC cool on Rogic pursuit

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

SOCCEROOS midfielder Tom Rogic looks set to become a Melbourne Victory player with Sydney FC declaring itself not interested and Celtic having sanctioned an offer.

Victory submitted a formal offer to the Scottish giants for a season-long loan after talks with Japanese side Velgata Sendai collapsed.

Sydney FC and Central Coast, Rogic's original A-League club, had hoped to scupper the deal but both were resigned to him joining Victory.

Sydney FC CEO Tony Pignata virtually confirmed his side was out of the running in a tweet on Friday afternoon, saying, in response to a question over our earlier story linking Rogic to Victory, that the club was interested in Rogic but only on a full time deal, not a loan.

Victory coach Kevin Muscat is keen to add Rogic to his Asian Champions League squad and has until February 8 - a week before Victory's qualifier - to add up to five players. Victory's original squad was submitted to the Asian Football Confederation on January 2.

It's understood the pursuit of Rogic, 21, and potentially a Japanese midfielder, played a part in Victory accepting Cerezo Osaka's $400,000 bid for Mitch Nichols.

The midfielder wasn't part of Victory's squad that departed left for Wellington for Saturday's game, believed to have been omitted by Muscat despite being fit.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Nichols will leave on the weekend to complete a medical after initially planning on leaving after the Phoenix game.

It's believed Muscat has spoken to Celtic manager Neil Lennon, with the pair having struck up a relationship when the latter managed Celtic during the 2011 friendly against Victory in Melbourne.

Rogic's A-League return is believed to have received the blessing of Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou, who may have been aware of the interest last week when he spoke of his desire for Rogic to play regularly minutes.

"I'll get my message across (to Celtic manager Neil Lennon), yeah. I'm hoping over the coming weeks that a ­decision is made (on Rogic)," Postecoglou said.

"He is at a fantastic football club but the reality of it is in a World Cup year he needs to be playing so if that means going somewhere else, as a national team manager I'd be much happier with that.

"If they're playing well, whether that's in the A-League, whether that's in Europe, Asia, wherever that may be, I'll be looking at individuals' form, how they're going and their fitness and they're the key things I'll be looking at. To me, that's more important than the competition they're playing in."

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The Nichols sale will spark the busiest January to date in terms of A-League transfers.

Perth Glory is understood to be negotiating to bring its former striker Nikita Rukavytsya on loan from German club Mainz. Rukavytsya, who's scored one goal in 13 games for the Socceroos, has been on loan to FSV Frankfurt in the Bundesliga 2 this season.

Every club bar Melbourne Heart is actively seeking signings and replacements ahead of the transfer frenzy.

* MEANWHILE Melbourne Victory confirmed on Thursday that its February 15 Asian Champions League qualifier will be played at Geelong's Simonds Stadium.

Victory will now in early February whether it will host Muangthong United (Thailand), Pune FC (India), Hanoi T & T (Vietnam), Tampines Rovers (Singapore) or South China (Hong Kong).

The winner of the one-legged game advances to Group G to tale on defending champions Guangzhou Evergrande, Yokohama Marinos (Japan) and Korea's Jeonbuk.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Panther Roberts wounded at training

James Roberts of the Panthers scores a try. Source: Michael Dodge / Getty Images

PENRITH have been dealt a potentially cruel pre-season blow after young flyer James Roberts suffered a lower leg injury at training on Friday.

A Panthers spokesperson confirmed Roberts suffered an injury during Friday's training session but could not confirm how serious it is.

Roberst was taken to the doctors after he went down and is expected to have scans on Saturday morning.

The 20-year-old suffered a broken ankle at the start of last season.

A versatile outside back, Roberts joined the Panthers in 2013 after spending two seasons at South Sydney.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Idris ends spending spree: Cleary

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

COACH Ivan Cleary says Penrith's extensive recruiting campaign of the past two NRL seasons has ended with the key signing of Jamal Idris and the Panthers will now focus on fostering local talent.

Under Cleary and club supremo Phil Gould the Panthers have been one of the busiest off season recruiters of the last two years. Last season's acquisitions which included Lewis Brown, Dean Whare, Sika Manu, James Segeyaro, Wes Naiqama, James Roberts and Isaac John will be joined by the likes of Idris, Jamie Soward, Peter Wallace, Brent Kite, Elijah Taylor and Tyrone Peachey for 2014 in a squad capable of playing finals football.

Ahead of his third season in charge of the Panthers, Cleary has now assembled a squad he can call his own.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The Panthers have one of the biggest junior catchment areas in the NRL and Cleary said the club will now focus on developing their young talent.

"We have been very active over the last couple of years and we are probably in the position now where we can sit back and develop instead of recruiting," Cleary told the Big Sports Breakfast on Tuesday.

"That is definitely our mandate here.

"With our NYC team winning the Holden Cup last year we have a few players there we have high hopes for. We have pretty much got it together and are looking to the future." Idris' signing last week from the Gold Coast was a significant coup for the Panthers and the former NSW and Australia representative joined the club for training for the first time on Monday.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Despite a horror injury run, which included a broken leg last year and cleanout knee surgery last month Cleary said he is happy with Idris' level of fitness and expects him to be ready for round one.

"It's be fair to be say he is not in peak condition but you know what he is not that far off either," Cleary said.

"We are not going to rush him. We expect him to be ready by round one and I'm sure he will be.

"He looks pretty good. He is happy. One thing he is certainly going to add to our side is size which we could certainly do with in the backline.

"There is no doubt he has a bit of work to do. He has had a few of these injuries before and he understands where he has to be and what his weight has to be.

"Like most players when they move clubs there is a bit of pressure on them and everyone has their eyes on them. He understand that and he is willing to take up that challenge." AAP jms/wf

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

LIVE: Australian Open Day 2

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

AUSSIE teenager Nick Kyrgios announced his arrival as a future star with an impressive four-set win over Benjamin Becker in the first round of the Australian Open.

Kyrgios battled shoulder problems throughout the latter stages of the match but was still too good for Becker, winning the fourth set in a tiebreak to record a 6-3 6-7 6-2 7-6 result.

Earlier, fellow Aussie Marinko Matosevic has lost out after an epic five-set struggle in sweltering heat at Melbourne Park.

The Melburnian went down to Japan's Kei Nishikori 6-3 5-7 6-2 4-6 6-2 on Show Court 2 in temperatures exceeding 40C.

Storm Sanders and James Duckworth also suffered early exits, Sanders in three sets at the hands of Italy's Camila Giorgi and Duckworth in three to Roger Federer.

Other Aussies in action today include Lleyton Hewitt facing Andreas Seppi and Bernard Tomic playing world No 1 Rafael Nadal in the most mouth-watering clash tonight.

Defending champ Victoria Azarenka won her opening match in straight sets.

Follow all the action in our live blog below.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR LIVE COVERAGE ON A MOBILE DEVICE

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Van Berlo to miss three months

Adelaide captain Nathan van Berlo won Adelaide's first time-trial of the new year but will now miss three months with an Achilles injury. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: Sarah Reed / News Limited

ADELAIDE could be without captain Nathan van Berlo for the whole 2014 season after he ruptured his achilles tendon at training today.

Van Berlo, 27, ruptured his right achilles in a speed drill and has already had surgery.

"Nathan suffered an injury to his right achilles tendon at training today,'' club doctor Andrew Potter said.

"At exploratory surgery, the achilles tendon was found to be completely ruptured and has been surgically repaired.

"The recovery time for the injury will be at least three months."

List manager David Noble said van Berlo had been tearing up the track and it was a blow for the club.

"It's an unfortunate setback for Nathan, but he's an extremely professional athlete and we know he'll leave no stone unturned in his recovery," Noble said.

"We'll work with Nathan to ensure he's back on the park as soon as possible."

Van Berlo has played 182 games in nine seasons for Adelaide and has been captain since 2011.

Attention will now turn to who will captain the Crows this year, with Patrick Dangerfield an obvious favourite,

Veteran Scott Thompson was Van Berlo's vice-captain last season with star midfielder Dangerfield deputy vice-captain.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Why Pardew bad-mouthed Pellegrini

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

THE Barclays Premier League lead changes hands again but its Manchester City who holds it at the moment after another topsy turvy weekend of action in England.

Here's the Good, Bad and Ugly for round 21, which could see Arsenal re-claim the lead again tomorrow should it beat Aston Villa on the road.

GOOD

SAS BACK IN BUSINESS

What a contest at the Britannia Stadium, pure entertainment as Liverpool gave up a 2-0 lead as Stoke clawed its way back, only for the Reds to claim their first win at Stoke in 29 years.

Daniel Sturridge has been absent since November 23, and in that time Luis Suarez won the player of the month in December.

Normal business resumes for this dream partnership. Source: Getty Images

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

But it was normal business resuming upon his return, with Suarez's brace taking his tally to an extraordinary 22 in 16 EPL games, while Sturridge marked his return with his 12th of the campaign.

Stoke will have nightmares over the two goals - an own goal and a long ball to Suarez - and Brendan Rodgers was happy to admit Liverpool got lucky with a penalty awarded -but Liverpool showed its own defensive frailties allowing the hosts back into the contest.

"We made mistakes defensively which wasn't so good and we'll assess that," Rodgers said.

"But to come here and score five goals - I think it's the first time Liverpool have won here in the Premier League - is fantastic. I'm delighted for the players. We were really offensive in our play. We lost our concentration and it's back to 2-2 but that's when we showed the character of the team."

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Sturridge's return and a bright contribution from Raheem Sterling were highlights, and it was interesting to see Steven Gerrard deployed in a deeper role in midfield.

"The manager told me that moving forward I'll be playing this role a lot more," he said afterwards.

"It's going to take a bit of getting used to it. I'll be comfortable in there once I get used to it."

MOYES'S RELIEF

It's was a strange week for Manchester United manager David Moyes. Despite leading the Red Devils to their first three-game losing streak in more than a decade, the Scot has shown he can withstand the pressure and been given the support of both media and fans.

Can we be friends again? Source: AFP

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

But even Mores must have breathed a sigh of relief after the whistle blew on United's 2-0 defeat of Swansea, with teenage winger Adnan Januzaj again looking like Old Trafford's brightest young prospect in some years.

"Adnan played very well behind the striker in midweek but he can play in all the positions around the front and I wanted to see if he could give us any more creativity and more chances," Moyes said of the 18-year-old.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

SHARP SPURS

After the stifling boredom of the Andre Villas-Boas reign, Tim Sherwood looks to have done a Darren Lehmann-style management turnaround for Tottenham, bringing back the fun and encouraging his players to enjoy themselves.

Spurs have now won six of their last 10 games - not a bad record for the rookie - who has been giving all of Tottenham's expansive and expensive squad a chance to prove themselves, including Jermaine Defoe, set to leave London for MLS club Toronto.

"It was a typical Jermaine Defoe finish," Sherwood said of his striker's goal to give his side a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.

"He's pounced on it and struck. I'll be sorry to lose Jermaine. Toronto are getting a fine goalscorer."

Eden Hazard is turning himself into one of the EPL's hottest commodities. Source: AFP

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

JOSE'S EDEN

Eden Hazard could be the player to lead Chelsea into the promised land. After a slow start to his Stamford Bridge career, the Belgian is arguably the most improved player of the season, and after another stunning display in the 2-0 victory over Hull, Jose Mourinho is well aware of his importance to the Blues' title hopes.

Hazard has been linked with a possible move to France but Mourinho isn't about to let his star man go.

"The club doesn't want to sell him. Obviously the manager has that decision. Every manager wants players like him.

"Last year you saw a talented Hazard; this year he is a much more mature player. He deserves more than man of the match, probably player of the month. Not many are doing what he is doing."

Welcome relief for Sam Allardyce. Source: Getty Images

IRONS HIT BACK

West Ham fans finally had a reason to smile - they finally had a recognised striker, as Andy Carroll returned from injury, and the Hammers nailed down a much-needed 2-0 win over Cardiff.

Assistant coach Neil McDonald said the recent embarrassing defeats and media criticism finally brought some fighting spirit out of Sam Allardyce's relegation-battling side.

"I think the whole squad has galvanised together, probably because of the criticism we've received," McDonald said. "They showed they were willing to put their bodies on the line."

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

BLUE HEAVEN

How long can this Everton run go on? And if it does, will Roberto Martinez win manager of the year? The Toffees just can't stop winning and are playing the sort of football Goodison Park hasn't witnessed in 20 years.

Up to fourth after dispatching Norwich, Martinez was right to praise his team yet again, although they will be without rising star Ross Barkley, out for a few weeks with a suspected broken toe - although the 20-year-old will still be on the club's training camp in Spain.

"Knowing Ross, being a young man, hopefully with the sun - a bit of vitamin D intake, it will accelerate the healing process," Martinez said.

Alan Pardew and Manuel Pellegrini kissed and made up. Source: Getty Images

BAD

F*** OLD c***

MANCHESTER City goes back to the top of the summit but that's the least of the talking points after Manuel Pellegrini's side returned from St James's Park with three points.

Edin Dzeko put City up 1-0, but all the focus is on Cheick Tiote disallowed 34th minute effort - a superb drive disallowed by referee Mike Jones, who judged that Yoan Gouffran, lingering in an off-side position, interfered with Joe Hart.

Yoan Gouffran looks a fair way from Joe Hart. Source: Getty Images

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Technically, Jones might have got it correct. But in reality, it was a really tough call, one that has split the debate in England and prompted Alan Pardew to lose his cool and Pellegrini a "f*** old c***", which he apologised for later.

"Cheik's scored a goal that Joe Hart's not going to reach," Pardew claimed. "It was such a clean hit it was going in the top corner. Hart's vision was not impaired by Yoan. He [Mike Jones] got that wrong and it's a massive call. He's gone on a real tiny technicality here and I think he's wrong. To make a call like that, a player has to be clearly interfering.

"When I spoke to the referee he actually thought it had got deflected, which it hadn't - it was a clean strike. It's hard, it all happened so quickly, but a call like that is going to affect the game. It was all getting a little bit heated. It affected the players."

Of course, Pellegrini thought it was correct - but James Milner revealed even Joe Hart wasn't sure.

Cheik Ismael Tiote was angered by Mike Jones's decision. Source: Getty Images

"Harty also said he wasn't sure if he would have got it anyway, but Gouffran was in his way. If someone is in your way you are not going to dive on them. Maybe he wasn't interfering, but it is such a hard one to get right. I can see both sides. It was an amazing strike and it was unfortunate for them, but it's the grey area of the off-side rule."

City's win was a classic example of a title challenger winning when not playing well, and Pardew's ability to nullify Yaya Toure and Fernadinho went a long way to that, with David Silva the most lively.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The major concern for City is the injury to Samir Nasri, stretchered off after Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa hacked him down late in the game.

"It was very unfair and I don't understand why it wasn't a sending-off," he said.

COTTAGE NEEDS WORK

The battle at the bottom of the Premier League is getting ridiculous. Getting thrashed 4-1 at home by the last-placed team and your relegation rivals Sunderland is as bad as it gets.

Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen was brought in to stop the rot under former boss Martin Jol, but the Cottagers have lost seven of their last 10 games.

"It is a massive blow for us," Meulensteen admitted. "We know how important it is to win your home games, especially against the teams near you in the table, but it's a massive opportunity missed for us to move up the league.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

UGLY

THIS MAKES McBREEN LOOK GOOD

Tony Pulis was mortified that Crystal Palace was not rewarded for its first-half endeavour against Tottenham - and a fair bit had to do with Jason Puncheon's penalty effort.

"He took a penalty the other week and scored.

"He's changed his mind last minute, if you do that it causes you problems, you can't do that taking penalties."

The timing was even worse given Sunderland and West Ham both won, leaving the Eagles consigned to the foot of the ladder again.

Jason Puncheon of Crystal Palace looking for somewhere to hide. Source: Getty Images

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Live: Australia chasing 270 for win

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

AUSTRALIA has been set 270 runs for victory after a late flurry helped England post a competitive total in the first one-day international of the summer at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The tourists finished their 50 overs on 7-269, thanks mainly to a steady knock of 79 off 96 balls by Zimbabwe-born batsman Gary Ballance.

FOLLOW THE GAME LIVE IN OUR MATCH CENTRE, FEATURING BALL-BY-BALL COMMENTARY, LIVE STATS, PITCH MAPS AND MORE.

He received good support from classy Irishman Eoin Morgan (50 off 47) before some lusty blows struck by lower-order batsmen Jos Buttler (34 off 24) and Tim Bresnan (16 off 9) took England hit 86 runs off the last 10 overs.

Alastair Cook's men got off to the worst possible start, with the skipper himself out in the first over, caught behind off the bowling of Clint McKay.

The Victorian paceman soon had his second wicket, dismissing Joe Root lbw despite the Englishman's decision to call for a review.

Opener Ian Bell then combined with Ballance to steady the ship before the makeshift opener was clean bowled by spinner Xavier Doherty (1-29).

The spin duo of Doherty and Glenn Maxwell (1-40) were effective for Australia, but McKay was the pick of the bowlers for Australia after finishing with figures of 3-44 from his 10 overs.

Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch, Shane Watsonm Michael Clarke (c), George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell, Brad Haddin, James Faulkner, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Clint McKay, Xavier Doherty.

England: Alastair Cook (c), Ian Bell, Joe Root, Gary Ballance, Eoin Morgan, Ravi Bopara, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Tim Bresnan, Chris Jordan, Boyd Rankin.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR MATCH CENTRE!

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Brown arrested after race win

Campbell Brown celebrates at the Magic Millions. Picture: Adam Head Source: Adam Head / News Limited

SACKED Gold Coast Suns footballer Campbell Brown is in trouble again, arrested while celebrating his big win at yesterday's Magic Millions races.<image-web-group channel="Web" group="SpecialElement"> <image-web dtxInsert="Gallery Portrait (366x488)" fileref="/NewsLimited/Content/MET/Images/NWK/News/General/Cropped/2014-01-12/NEWSMMGLPICT000048506416-kyIG-GalleryPortrait366x488-366x488.jpg?uuid=45563518-7b57-11e3-aa70-9a80df579e56" height="488" id="GalleryPortrait366x488" tmx="366 488 366 488" width="366" xtransform="1 0 0 1 0 0"></image-web> <image-web-caption> <p>Campbell Brown celebrates his win. Picture: Instragram</p> </image-web-caption> </image-web-group>

Brown, sacked in disgrace in August after shattering the jaw of teammate Steven May after a pre-season training camp in the US, was in a brighter mood yesterday when Sweet Idea, the horse he co-owns with real estate kings the Henderson brothers, won the prestigious Magic Millions Guineas for three-year-olds.

However, the night took a turn for the worse, with the former Suns hard man arrested after a scuffle with police at a Broadbeach nightclub.

Police say officers were walking through the nightclub when Brown and another man refused a police directive to move out of the way.

The men allegedly made contact with the officers.

They were taken to Surfers Paradise Police Station and charged with assault/obstruct police.

Both men were released from the Southport watchhouse early today and will face court in February.

Brown, who retired from AFL following the LA disgrace, is an avid horse racing fan, enjoying previous success with Sweet Idea as a two-year-old at last year's Magic Millions.

It is believed Brown will relocate to Melbourne.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More