Brown fitness worry

Scotland are waiting for news on Kelly Brown's leg injury after the squad gathered at St Andrews to begin their Six Nations preparations in earnest.

The Saracens flanker was hurt during Sunday's Heineken Cup win over Benetton Treviso.
Team doctor James Robson said: "We are liaising closely with the Saracens medics and we await the outcome of two scans that Kelly has undergone today.
"At this juncture, Kelly remains part of our Six Nations squad."

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It's great to be back in camp and there's a real buzz among the players as we look forward to the England game

Andy Robinson Scotland head coach

Stand-off Ruaridh Jackson continues with his rehabilitation from a hamstring problem, while centre Joe Ansbro hopes to overcome back problems in time to face England at Murrayfield on 4 February.
Full-back Rory Lamont is being treated for deep bruising to his lower leg.
In addition to those concerns, props Alasdair Dickinson, who has a shoulder problem, and Ed Kalman, who has a calf injury, have been receiving treatment.
Meanwhile, lock Alastair Kellock is suffering from a respiratory tract infection and back-row forward David Denton has mild hamstring discomfort.
"It's great to be back in camp," said head coach Andy Robinson. "There's a real buzz among the players as we look forward to the England game."

HSBC Sevens World Series

Pull on your platforms, dust off your flares and join us at the fab London Sevens! Groovy Group Discounts for groups of 10+ can be booked by calling us now on 0871 222 2017, details below.
Twickenham Stadium opens its doors to the world’s finest rugby talent for the London Sevens on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 May 2012.
Last year’s beach themed event saw more than 100,000 fans head through the gates over the two days including a record breaking 54,612 crowd on the Saturday. The 2012 event promises to be bigger and better with the London leg being the final event of the HSBC Sevens World Series.
The party atmosphere generated by the fans in the stands is almost unrivalled in the Twickenham calendar and with fancy dress galore, coupled with exclusive competitions and unique entertainment. View the entertainment page to see what else you can expect from a day at the London Sevens. For a bit of inspiration, or to find out what other fans are up to, take a look at the fan photos in the London Sevens Facebook page.
The tournament is part of the HSBC Sevens World Series, a competition that pits the finest national sevens sides against each other across nine different tournaments. Each nation scores points based on their performances in these competitions until the season ends in London and one team is crowned as the World Series champions.

Ross Ford handed Scotland captaincy

Ross Ford will captain Scotland for the Six Nations campaign.

The 27-year-old Edinburgh hooker started all four of Scotland's games at last year's World Cup in New Zealand.
Head coach Andy Robinson revealed that his original intention had been to give the captaincy duty to back-row forward Kelly Brown.
However, Brown was injured playing for Saracens in the Heineken Cup at the weekend and will not be available for the tournament.
Ford made his first international appearance against Australia in 2004 and won his 53rd cap against England in the World Cup loss in Auckland.

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For me, the big thing is leading from the front and actually showing a good example to the boys as well as backing it up with words

Ross Ford Scotland captain

England are once again the opponents when Scotland begin their Six Nations tilt at Murrayfield on 4 February.
"This is a special day for Ross, who has been a key figure in our leadership group and our most consistent performer for some time," said Robinson.
"I firmly believe he is the man who will step up and lead from the front.
"That said, I'm really disappointed for Kelly Brown.
"I had asked him to be the captain late last week but unfortunately injury will deprive him of that honour and the chance to lead out his country for his 50th cap."
On Brown's leg injury, team doctor James Robson said: "Following the scans that Kelly underwent yesterday and consultation with a knee specialist, Kelly will require a small operation to stabilise the fibula head in his leg - which he dislocated. The surgery will facilitate his recovery.

Rugby Union tickets

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Six Nations Championship tickets

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The 2012 Six Nations championship kicks off on February 4th. Guardian Tickets lists thousands of rugby tickets for the 2012 RBS 6 Nations.

The opening weekend includes Scotland v England at Murrayfield and France v Italy at Stade de France on February 4th, while Ireland v Wales takes place at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday February 5th. Tickets are also available to compare for England v Ireland, France v England, Ireland v Scotland, England v Wales and Italy v England. Find tickets for the match you are looking for by browsing the full Six Nations fixture list.

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Andy Murray races past Edouard Roger-Vasselin

Andy Murray keeps his eye on a very pleasing boulevard leading to the semi-finals of the Australian Open after disposing of his first French opponent, Edouard Roger-Vasselin, in straight sets in a little under two hours in the second round.

The next Frenchman for him is Michael Llodra on Saturday. After that it should be Gaël Monfils and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, with the world No1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic almost certainly joining him in the semi-finals. "I've played French guys a lot," Murray said. "[Michael] Llodra in the next round is tough. He's a leftie and has a lot of flair so it'll be a good match. I served well today. I didn't give him too many opportunities on my serve, which was important as he played well in the second and third sets."

Llodra had to come through five tough sets in three hours and 13 minutes against Russian agent provocateur Alex Bogomolov on Thursdayand, despite the Scot's natural caution, the Frenchman's elegant tennis is made for him.

Murray has won both of their matches, both on hard courts, in Metz in 2007 and the second round of the 2008 US Open. This was Ivan Lendl's second major match watching his new charge from the players' box and he will have been impressed with Murray's composure as well as increased hitting power. Several times, the world No4 loaded up with muscled forehands from the baseline, forcing his opponent deeper as the rally lengthened. It was a departure from his familiar grinding game and he is still adjusting to taking the extra risk to finish the point, although 19 unforced errors, nine of them on the forehand, hardly constitutes a crisis.

A few hours after Djokovic had given up just six games in disposing of Santiago Giraldo, Murray kept pace with him on that side of the draw with a high-class performance against Roger-Vasselin, an opponent with a low ranking, few weapons and a lot of fight. What started as a stroll finished as an extended jog in pleasant conditions on the shaded, windless Hisense Arena, where the Scot has prospered before. Murray was untroubled winning 6-1, 6-4, 6-4.

As against the American teenager Ryan Harrison on the same court on Tuesday, he gave up his first service point. But, unlike the first-round match, he quickly found his rhythm and at one point threatened to steamroller Roger-Vasselin.

He took just 23 minutes over the first set, hitting cleanly and with precision. Roger-Vasselin dug in at the start of the second, though, taking 11 minutes and six deuce points to hold serve. Murray held to love, and that was the pattern for much of the set, before the Frenchman hit long after a lengthy rally. Murray flexed his muscles again in the third and, once he broke serve, played within himself to wrap up the win.

The rapport between Murray and Lendl seems healthy. "It's been good," he said. "He's one of the greatest players ever, he's got so much experience and he's a very funny guy, which you probably wouldn't expect with the way he was on the court, but he's fun off the court. We'll work on a lot of stuff after the tournament's done. He's been pretty much on the golf course every single day but he's not invited me along! I don't think I'm good enough to be honest."

Step Forward : Hingis calls on Wozniacki

It's been 15 years since Martina Hingis savoured the first of her three Melbourne triumphs. And for the first time in five years, the former No.1 has returned to Melbourne Park.

"It's great to be back.  I mean, the city where you had success, it's always nice to be back.  You know, it's been five years, so it's nice to have played on these courts where I used to [play],” beamed Hingis.

The 31-year-old looks fit enough to challenge once again for the top spot, but that won't be happening any time soon. For now she's content taking part in the women's legends event along with Martina Navratilova, Tracy Austin, Barbara Schett, Iva Majoli and Australian Nicole Bradtke.

"Getting [Martina Hingis] back is great," said Legends Tournament Director Todd Woodbridge. "She's still playing a great brand of tennis.”

Not surprisingly, with the defeat yesterday of top seed Caroline Wozniacki, the debate surrounding power versus strategy was brought up. Hingis was revered for her deftness of touch, court smarts and coverage, and she had the ability to nullify big hitters including Seles, Graf, Capriati, Lindsay Davenport and, early on, the Williams sisters.

“I think they didn't control their power yet at that time, because we had great matches.  At that time I still had the strategy and everything was just, it was different,” smiled Hingis.

As far as Hingis is concerned, there is still room for power players and those who prefer to defend. But, she concedes, the game has certainly changed.

"Now it's the power and the control and the racquet’s speed, the balls, the court.  Everything has made progress.  It's normal.  The sport evolves, and so did tennis, women's tennis.

"At that time I still was able to sneak in [a] few drop shots and angles.  It's still nice to see when girls do it today, but you just have less time.  Then it was still probably the right point and the right time to do it."

And Hingis's advice for Caroline Wozniacki? Step up.

"Today you just can't let yourself get pushed back.  That's what she has to do.  She has to try to move in, step forward, otherwise there is always going to be somebody coming on top of her at a Grand Slam.

"She's a great player.  I wish I would see her come in a little bit more … But you just can't let yourself push back today, not against [Maria] Sharapova, [Kim] Clijsters, Serena [Williams], not somebody like that."

Hingis still holds the record as the youngest Australian Open women's champion at 16 years and four months, an achievement that is likely to stand the test of time thanks to the WTA putting limits on the amount of tournaments teenagers can contest. It’s a change that Hingis believes impedes player development.

"I think it's a shame, but I always said that.  I think, okay, we all started very young, at 14, 15 years of age, but that's the time when you learn most.  [Jennifer] Capriati was young, Steffi [Graf] was young, Arantxa [Sanchez Vicario], we all were 14, 15 when we got on tour, [also Monica] Seles.

"We all became No.1 in the world, so it's not a matter of where your point is.  Okay it's gotten more physical, so probably it'll be pushed back for two years."

Of the current crop, Hingis believes that Petra Kvitova is the player to beat.

“I really love game she plays, the fluency she has on her strokes and the serve, and also now more confidence when I saw the finals at Wimbledon.

“She's a true champion.  Sooner or later I think we'll see her at the top spot probably.  If it's not going to happen here, I think it's a question of time.”

Hewitt d. Raonic

Yesterday a young Australian player gave us a glimpse of the country’s tennis future. Tonight an aging Grand Slam champ reminded us of its recent past.

The consensus here was that Lleyton Hewitt’s opponent, 21-year-old Milos Raonic, would have too much pop for the man known as Rusty's 30-year-old legs to handle. It started just that way, as the 6-foot-5 Raonic, one of the game’s biggest servers, rained bombs as expected—he finished the match with 23 aces, and at one point had hit the five of the six fastest serves in the tournament so far. Hewitt, on the other hand, double-faulted at break point at 3-3. Raonic, backpedaling nimbly and turning on inside-in forehand winners, ran the first set out 6-4.

Just as he had against Andy Roddick in the last round, Hewitt regrouped in the second set and began to take subtle control of the proceedings. He snuck into the net, he kept the ball low, he mixed deep and short balls, he moved the big man across the baseline. Without going for broke or changing his game radically, Hewitt began to assert himself. Most important was how he mixed up his serve—“pitched a great game,” in the words of American Jim Courier afterward. The wide slider in the deuce court was especially effective, despite being hit a good 50 m.p.h. slower than Raonic’s typical first serve. Hewitt would mix it up so well that he finished with nearly as high a winning percentage on first-serve points as his flame-throwing opponent (77 percent for Raonic; 74 for Hewitt).

When Hewitt needed a point, though, he scrapped the slider and brought, as they say, the heat. His serve helped get  him through the most crucial 12 points of the night, those in the third-set tiebreaker. Hewitt hit two service winners and an ace to go up 6-3. Then, in a rare lapse, he squandered two set points on his serve by dumping easy ground strokes into the net. One more set point was left. Raonic served up the T, Hewitt dug out a forehand, Raonic came in and eventually ended up with a high forehand volley that, as Hewitt said later, “he would normally make 99 times out of hundred.” This time, Raonic, off balance, put it into the tape. He never recovered. The 21-year-old rising star hit 58 winners on the night, but more important were his 54 unforced errors and first-serve percentage of 53. Raonic gave away chances on returns of second serves, and wasn’t able to create openings or construct rallies that let him move forward. Too often he settled for an all-or-nothing stroke from the baseline; too often he ended up with nothing.


There was a buzz in Laver Arena and on the grounds outside. The famous fanatics played their part, call and response style; a group of yellow-hatted loons chanted from inside the arena, and their friends—I mean, their mates—answered from outside. Rusty hasn’t always been beloved here, but all was forgiven tonight. It was an evening to appreciate the proverbial wily veteran’s genius for simplicity—the stiff-armed backhand, the dead-on passing shots, the serve he varies widely from point to point, and the grinder’s grit that’s seen him through so many matches against bigger hitters over the years. It was all on display in the last three sets of his 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3 win.

Hewitt d. Raonic

Yesterday a young Australian player gave us a glimpse of the country’s tennis future. Tonight an aging Grand Slam champ reminded us of its recent past.

The consensus here was that Lleyton Hewitt’s opponent, 21-year-old Milos Raonic, would have too much pop for the man known as Rusty's 30-year-old legs to handle. It started just that way, as the 6-foot-5 Raonic, one of the game’s biggest servers, rained bombs as expected—he finished the match with 23 aces, and at one point had hit the five of the six fastest serves in the tournament so far. Hewitt, on the other hand, double-faulted at break point at 3-3. Raonic, backpedaling nimbly and turning on inside-in forehand winners, ran the first set out 6-4.

Just as he had against Andy Roddick in the last round, Hewitt regrouped in the second set and began to take subtle control of the proceedings. He snuck into the net, he kept the ball low, he mixed deep and short balls, he moved the big man across the baseline. Without going for broke or changing his game radically, Hewitt began to assert himself. Most important was how he mixed up his serve—“pitched a great game,” in the words of American Jim Courier afterward. The wide slider in the deuce court was especially effective, despite being hit a good 50 m.p.h. slower than Raonic’s typical first serve. Hewitt would mix it up so well that he finished with nearly as high a winning percentage on first-serve points as his flame-throwing opponent (77 percent for Raonic; 74 for Hewitt).

When Hewitt needed a point, though, he scrapped the slider and brought, as they say, the heat. His serve helped get  him through the most crucial 12 points of the night, those in the third-set tiebreaker. Hewitt hit two service winners and an ace to go up 6-3. Then, in a rare lapse, he squandered two set points on his serve by dumping easy ground strokes into the net. One more set point was left. Raonic served up the T, Hewitt dug out a forehand, Raonic came in and eventually ended up with a high forehand volley that, as Hewitt said later, “he would normally make 99 times out of hundred.” This time, Raonic, off balance, put it into the tape. He never recovered. The 21-year-old rising star hit 58 winners on the night, but more important were his 54 unforced errors and first-serve percentage of 53. Raonic gave away chances on returns of second serves, and wasn’t able to create openings or construct rallies that let him move forward. Too often he settled for an all-or-nothing stroke from the baseline; too often he ended up with nothing.


There was a buzz in Laver Arena and on the grounds outside. The famous fanatics played their part, call and response style; a group of yellow-hatted loons chanted from inside the arena, and their friends—I mean, their mates—answered from outside. Rusty hasn’t always been beloved here, but all was forgiven tonight. It was an evening to appreciate the proverbial wily veteran’s genius for simplicity—the stiff-armed backhand, the dead-on passing shots, the serve he varies widely from point to point, and the grinder’s grit that’s seen him through so many matches against bigger hitters over the years. It was all on display in the last three sets of his 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3 win.

Hewitt d. Raonic

Yesterday a young Australian player gave us a glimpse of the country’s tennis future. Tonight an aging Grand Slam champ reminded us of its recent past.

The consensus here was that Lleyton Hewitt’s opponent, 21-year-old Milos Raonic, would have too much pop for the man known as Rusty's 30-year-old legs to handle. It started just that way, as the 6-foot-5 Raonic, one of the game’s biggest servers, rained bombs as expected—he finished the match with 23 aces, and at one point had hit the five of the six fastest serves in the tournament so far. Hewitt, on the other hand, double-faulted at break point at 3-3. Raonic, backpedaling nimbly and turning on inside-in forehand winners, ran the first set out 6-4.

Just as he had against Andy Roddick in the last round, Hewitt regrouped in the second set and began to take subtle control of the proceedings. He snuck into the net, he kept the ball low, he mixed deep and short balls, he moved the big man across the baseline. Without going for broke or changing his game radically, Hewitt began to assert himself. Most important was how he mixed up his serve—“pitched a great game,” in the words of American Jim Courier afterward. The wide slider in the deuce court was especially effective, despite being hit a good 50 m.p.h. slower than Raonic’s typical first serve. Hewitt would mix it up so well that he finished with nearly as high a winning percentage on first-serve points as his flame-throwing opponent (77 percent for Raonic; 74 for Hewitt).

When Hewitt needed a point, though, he scrapped the slider and brought, as they say, the heat. His serve helped get  him through the most crucial 12 points of the night, those in the third-set tiebreaker. Hewitt hit two service winners and an ace to go up 6-3. Then, in a rare lapse, he squandered two set points on his serve by dumping easy ground strokes into the net. One more set point was left. Raonic served up the T, Hewitt dug out a forehand, Raonic came in and eventually ended up with a high forehand volley that, as Hewitt said later, “he would normally make 99 times out of hundred.” This time, Raonic, off balance, put it into the tape. He never recovered. The 21-year-old rising star hit 58 winners on the night, but more important were his 54 unforced errors and first-serve percentage of 53. Raonic gave away chances on returns of second serves, and wasn’t able to create openings or construct rallies that let him move forward. Too often he settled for an all-or-nothing stroke from the baseline; too often he ended up with nothing.


There was a buzz in Laver Arena and on the grounds outside. The famous fanatics played their part, call and response style; a group of yellow-hatted loons chanted from inside the arena, and their friends—I mean, their mates—answered from outside. Rusty hasn’t always been beloved here, but all was forgiven tonight. It was an evening to appreciate the proverbial wily veteran’s genius for simplicity—the stiff-armed backhand, the dead-on passing shots, the serve he varies widely from point to point, and the grinder’s grit that’s seen him through so many matches against bigger hitters over the years. It was all on display in the last three sets of his 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3 win.

Azarenka d. Benesova

Wearing headphones, a hoodie that hid her blond braid, and a pair of white shorts as she bounced on her toes in the hallway of Rod Laver Arena, Victoria Azarenka could have passed for a college kid on her way to class. A plugged-in Azarenka continued to school the opposition, winning five of the first six games to power past Iveta Benesova, 6-2, 6-2. She warmed up for Melbourne by winning Sydney, and today Azarenka extended her winning streak to nine matches in becoming the first woman to advance to the Australian Open quarterfinals.

In four matches, Azarenka has surrendered just 12 games. She stumbled a bit finding the finish line at the end of both sets, but Azarenka never seemed too stressed and the outcome never really in doubt.

After an exchange of love holds, Azarenka took charge of the match in a taut fifth game. The loopy back swing Benesova takes on her forehand requires time to execute, which Azarenka knew. She smartly tested the lefty's timing with a series of sharp backhands at her feet. When Benesova knocked a forehand into net to end a seven-minute test of wills, Azarenka had her second break and a 4-1 lead. Her only obstacles were self-imposed—she double faulted twice to fall to 30-30 serving for the set—but spun a high forehand into the corner to earn set point, and benefited from another Benesova forehand into net to collect the opening in 34 minutes.

Perhaps there was an emotional hangover from Lleyton Hewitt's Saturday night heroics, or the mid 80-degree heat, or the fact that it was Sunday morning, but both the crowd and the 46th-ranked Czech seemed disengaged for stretches of the match. Benesova is a talented player who can do a little bit of everything, but lacks one imposing shot, which is one reason why she's 4-36 lifetime against Top 10 opponents.

The third-seeded Azarenka was overwhelming in building a 4-0 second-set lead that she stretched to 5-1 before a brief Benesova rally.

Azarenka will face either eighth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska or No. 22 seed Julia Goerges for a spot in the semis. She’s won two of three meetings with Goerges. Continuing her quest for her first major final, the Belarusian baseliner is one of four women with a shot to seize the No. 1 ranking when the tournament ends, and concedes the possible trip to the top occupies her thoughts.

"Of course I would be a liar if I say I don't care about it: It's a little bit in the back of my head," Azarenka said afterward. "I try to take it day by day and we'll see in one week."

Azarenka d. Benesova

Wearing headphones, a hoodie that hid her blond braid, and a pair of white shorts as she bounced on her toes in the hallway of Rod Laver Arena, Victoria Azarenka could have passed for a college kid on her way to class. A plugged-in Azarenka continued to school the opposition, winning five of the first six games to power past Iveta Benesova, 6-2, 6-2. She warmed up for Melbourne by winning Sydney, and today Azarenka extended her winning streak to nine matches in becoming the first woman to advance to the Australian Open quarterfinals.

In four matches, Azarenka has surrendered just 12 games. She stumbled a bit finding the finish line at the end of both sets, but Azarenka never seemed too stressed and the outcome never really in doubt.

After an exchange of love holds, Azarenka took charge of the match in a taut fifth game. The loopy back swing Benesova takes on her forehand requires time to execute, which Azarenka knew. She smartly tested the lefty's timing with a series of sharp backhands at her feet. When Benesova knocked a forehand into net to end a seven-minute test of wills, Azarenka had her second break and a 4-1 lead. Her only obstacles were self-imposed—she double faulted twice to fall to 30-30 serving for the set—but spun a high forehand into the corner to earn set point, and benefited from another Benesova forehand into net to collect the opening in 34 minutes.

Perhaps there was an emotional hangover from Lleyton Hewitt's Saturday night heroics, or the mid 80-degree heat, or the fact that it was Sunday morning, but both the crowd and the 46th-ranked Czech seemed disengaged for stretches of the match. Benesova is a talented player who can do a little bit of everything, but lacks one imposing shot, which is one reason why she's 4-36 lifetime against Top 10 opponents.

The third-seeded Azarenka was overwhelming in building a 4-0 second-set lead that she stretched to 5-1 before a brief Benesova rally.

Azarenka will face either eighth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska or No. 22 seed Julia Goerges for a spot in the semis. She’s won two of three meetings with Goerges. Continuing her quest for her first major final, the Belarusian baseliner is one of four women with a shot to seize the No. 1 ranking when the tournament ends, and concedes the possible trip to the top occupies her thoughts.

"Of course I would be a liar if I say I don't care about it: It's a little bit in the back of my head," Azarenka said afterward. "I try to take it day by day and we'll see in one week."

Azarenka d. Benesova

Wearing headphones, a hoodie that hid her blond braid, and a pair of white shorts as she bounced on her toes in the hallway of Rod Laver Arena, Victoria Azarenka could have passed for a college kid on her way to class. A plugged-in Azarenka continued to school the opposition, winning five of the first six games to power past Iveta Benesova, 6-2, 6-2. She warmed up for Melbourne by winning Sydney, and today Azarenka extended her winning streak to nine matches in becoming the first woman to advance to the Australian Open quarterfinals.

In four matches, Azarenka has surrendered just 12 games. She stumbled a bit finding the finish line at the end of both sets, but Azarenka never seemed too stressed and the outcome never really in doubt.

After an exchange of love holds, Azarenka took charge of the match in a taut fifth game. The loopy back swing Benesova takes on her forehand requires time to execute, which Azarenka knew. She smartly tested the lefty's timing with a series of sharp backhands at her feet. When Benesova knocked a forehand into net to end a seven-minute test of wills, Azarenka had her second break and a 4-1 lead. Her only obstacles were self-imposed—she double faulted twice to fall to 30-30 serving for the set—but spun a high forehand into the corner to earn set point, and benefited from another Benesova forehand into net to collect the opening in 34 minutes.

Perhaps there was an emotional hangover from Lleyton Hewitt's Saturday night heroics, or the mid 80-degree heat, or the fact that it was Sunday morning, but both the crowd and the 46th-ranked Czech seemed disengaged for stretches of the match. Benesova is a talented player who can do a little bit of everything, but lacks one imposing shot, which is one reason why she's 4-36 lifetime against Top 10 opponents.

The third-seeded Azarenka was overwhelming in building a 4-0 second-set lead that she stretched to 5-1 before a brief Benesova rally.

Azarenka will face either eighth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska or No. 22 seed Julia Goerges for a spot in the semis. She’s won two of three meetings with Goerges. Continuing her quest for her first major final, the Belarusian baseliner is one of four women with a shot to seize the No. 1 ranking when the tournament ends, and concedes the possible trip to the top occupies her thoughts.

"Of course I would be a liar if I say I don't care about it: It's a little bit in the back of my head," Azarenka said afterward. "I try to take it day by day and we'll see in one week."

Nadal d. Lopez

Feliciano Lopez holds the distinction of being the only left-handed player to have beaten Rafael Nadal twice, but he came up some distance short of his best form today as Nadal eased into the quarterfinals, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.

Lopez has never managed to take a set off Nadal on hard courts and showed no signs of upsetting that trend today. The writing was really on the wall for the world No. 19 when, in his first service game, he backpedalled fast around his backhand and attempted to rip a cross-court forehand inside-out winner, a play we have seen Nadal make so many times. It went wide, the first of many tactical missteps from Lopez, and although he held serve, he was broken in the next game to put Nadal ahead after just 20 minutes. Lopez made the strange decision to stay behind the baseline, attempting to out-rally Nadal—he came to net just six times in the first set—and although he managed to keep the deficit to one break, listless execution peppered with unforced errors saw Lopez looking shell-shocked in his chair after Nadal served out the set.

It looked like more of the same after Lopez was broken again in the first game of the second set. But with Nadal serving at 2-1, Lopez pulled himself together and started using his backhand slice judiciously to earn three break points. The whole complexion of the match changed briefly as Lopez started standing up on the baseline and charging into net,earning a break back when a short.

Nadal d. Lopez

Feliciano Lopez holds the distinction of being the only left-handed player to have beaten Rafael Nadal twice, but he came up some distance short of his best form today as Nadal eased into the quarterfinals, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.

Lopez has never managed to take a set off Nadal on hard courts and showed no signs of upsetting that trend today. The writing was really on the wall for the world No. 19 when, in his first service game, he backpedalled fast around his backhand and attempted to rip a cross-court forehand inside-out winner, a play we have seen Nadal make so many times. It went wide, the first of many tactical missteps from Lopez, and although he held serve, he was broken in the next game to put Nadal ahead after just 20 minutes. Lopez made the strange decision to stay behind the baseline, attempting to out-rally Nadal—he came to net just six times in the first set—and although he managed to keep the deficit to one break, listless execution peppered with unforced errors saw Lopez looking shell-shocked in his chair after Nadal served out the set.

It looked like more of the same after Lopez was broken again in the first game of the second set. But with Nadal serving at 2-1, Lopez pulled himself together and started using his backhand slice judiciously to earn three break points. The whole complexion of the match changed briefly as Lopez started standing up on the baseline and charging into net,earning a break back when a short.

Nadal d. Lopez

Feliciano Lopez holds the distinction of being the only left-handed player to have beaten Rafael Nadal twice, but he came up some distance short of his best form today as Nadal eased into the quarterfinals, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.

Lopez has never managed to take a set off Nadal on hard courts and showed no signs of upsetting that trend today. The writing was really on the wall for the world No. 19 when, in his first service game, he backpedalled fast around his backhand and attempted to rip a cross-court forehand inside-out winner, a play we have seen Nadal make so many times. It went wide, the first of many tactical missteps from Lopez, and although he held serve, he was broken in the next game to put Nadal ahead after just 20 minutes. Lopez made the strange decision to stay behind the baseline, attempting to out-rally Nadal—he came to net just six times in the first set—and although he managed to keep the deficit to one break, listless execution peppered with unforced errors saw Lopez looking shell-shocked in his chair after Nadal served out the set.

It looked like more of the same after Lopez was broken again in the first game of the second set. But with Nadal serving at 2-1, Lopez pulled himself together and started using his backhand slice judiciously to earn three break points. The whole complexion of the match changed briefly as Lopez started standing up on the baseline and charging into net,earning a break back when a short.

Nadal defeats Lopez in straights

Rafael Nadal’s right knee was taped. Ditto for his left ankle. His strokes looked just fine.

Nadal cruised past countryman Feliciano Lopez on Sunday, winning 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.

Nadal, who hurt his knee while sitting in a chair the day before the tournament began, is one win away from a possible semifinal against old rival Roger Federer after beating his fellow Spaniard for the ninth time in 11 matches.

On a sunny day with the temperature rising to 89 degrees, both players sat with ice towels around their necks during the changeovers.

Nadal needed treatment from the trainer for a left ankle problem after three games of the first set. By that time, he had already broken serve.

It was more of the same the next two sets as Nadal maintained control against his “very good friend” Lopez.

“I am fine,” Nadal said. “It was a very, very hot day. I think it’s positive to keep winning in straight sets.”

Federer was up against 19-year-old Australian Bernard Tomic in the first match of the night session later Sunday. The 16-time Grand Slam champion hasn’t lost to a teenager since 2006 against Andy Murray at the Cincinnati Masters.

Also Sunday, defending champion Kim Clijsters was to face Li Na in a repeat of the 2011 final. Clijsters beat Li 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 to win her fourth major title a year ago.

Victoria Azarenka was the first player to reach the quarterfinals when she beat Iveta Benesova 6-2, 6-2.

The third-seeded Belarusian is yet to drop a set at the tournament and will next meet eighth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska, who beat Julia Goerges of Germany 6-1, 6-1.

With the win, 22-year-old Azarenka stayed in the hunt for the No. 1 ranking. Petra Kvitova and Maria Sharapova can also claim the top spot from Caroline Wozniacki.

“I would be a liar if I said I didn’t care about it,” Azarenka said. “It’s in the back of my head and we’ll take it day by day, I guess.”

Azarenka, like Wozniacki, is aiming for her first Grand Slam title. She has never gone past the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, but is 6-3 against Radwanska. The last of those victories came at the Sydney International, which Azarenka won before coming to Melbourne.

Nadal defeats Lopez in straights

Rafael Nadal’s right knee was taped. Ditto for his left ankle. His strokes looked just fine.

Nadal cruised past countryman Feliciano Lopez on Sunday, winning 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.

Nadal, who hurt his knee while sitting in a chair the day before the tournament began, is one win away from a possible semifinal against old rival Roger Federer after beating his fellow Spaniard for the ninth time in 11 matches.

On a sunny day with the temperature rising to 89 degrees, both players sat with ice towels around their necks during the changeovers.

Nadal needed treatment from the trainer for a left ankle problem after three games of the first set. By that time, he had already broken serve.

It was more of the same the next two sets as Nadal maintained control against his “very good friend” Lopez.

“I am fine,” Nadal said. “It was a very, very hot day. I think it’s positive to keep winning in straight sets.”

Federer was up against 19-year-old Australian Bernard Tomic in the first match of the night session later Sunday. The 16-time Grand Slam champion hasn’t lost to a teenager since 2006 against Andy Murray at the Cincinnati Masters.

Also Sunday, defending champion Kim Clijsters was to face Li Na in a repeat of the 2011 final. Clijsters beat Li 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 to win her fourth major title a year ago.

Victoria Azarenka was the first player to reach the quarterfinals when she beat Iveta Benesova 6-2, 6-2.

The third-seeded Belarusian is yet to drop a set at the tournament and will next meet eighth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska, who beat Julia Goerges of Germany 6-1, 6-1.

With the win, 22-year-old Azarenka stayed in the hunt for the No. 1 ranking. Petra Kvitova and Maria Sharapova can also claim the top spot from Caroline Wozniacki.

“I would be a liar if I said I didn’t care about it,” Azarenka said. “It’s in the back of my head and we’ll take it day by day, I guess.”

Azarenka, like Wozniacki, is aiming for her first Grand Slam title. She has never gone past the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, but is 6-3 against Radwanska. The last of those victories came at the Sydney International, which Azarenka won before coming to Melbourne.

Nadal defeats Lopez in straights

Rafael Nadal’s right knee was taped. Ditto for his left ankle. His strokes looked just fine.

Nadal cruised past countryman Feliciano Lopez on Sunday, winning 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.

Nadal, who hurt his knee while sitting in a chair the day before the tournament began, is one win away from a possible semifinal against old rival Roger Federer after beating his fellow Spaniard for the ninth time in 11 matches.

On a sunny day with the temperature rising to 89 degrees, both players sat with ice towels around their necks during the changeovers.

Nadal needed treatment from the trainer for a left ankle problem after three games of the first set. By that time, he had already broken serve.

It was more of the same the next two sets as Nadal maintained control against his “very good friend” Lopez.

“I am fine,” Nadal said. “It was a very, very hot day. I think it’s positive to keep winning in straight sets.”

Federer was up against 19-year-old Australian Bernard Tomic in the first match of the night session later Sunday. The 16-time Grand Slam champion hasn’t lost to a teenager since 2006 against Andy Murray at the Cincinnati Masters.

Also Sunday, defending champion Kim Clijsters was to face Li Na in a repeat of the 2011 final. Clijsters beat Li 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 to win her fourth major title a year ago.

Victoria Azarenka was the first player to reach the quarterfinals when she beat Iveta Benesova 6-2, 6-2.

The third-seeded Belarusian is yet to drop a set at the tournament and will next meet eighth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska, who beat Julia Goerges of Germany 6-1, 6-1.

With the win, 22-year-old Azarenka stayed in the hunt for the No. 1 ranking. Petra Kvitova and Maria Sharapova can also claim the top spot from Caroline Wozniacki.

“I would be a liar if I said I didn’t care about it,” Azarenka said. “It’s in the back of my head and we’ll take it day by day, I guess.”

Azarenka, like Wozniacki, is aiming for her first Grand Slam title. She has never gone past the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, but is 6-3 against Radwanska. The last of those victories came at the Sydney International, which Azarenka won before coming to Melbourne.

New York Giants at San Francisco

Eli Manning is continuing his quest to become one of the elite NFL quarterbacks. On the flip side, Alex Smith is proving all his doubters wrong by showing that he deserves to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. As quarterbacks always do, both Manning and Smith will play critical roles in Sunday’s matchup, but they will go about it in different ways.

 

For Manning, he has found a natural fit with Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz. What is often lost in the art of completing a pass is the trust a quarterback must have in his receivers. For example, Manning must trust that either Nicks or Cruz will read the defense in the same way he sees it and either throttle down in zone coverage or run past man coverage. The Giants have mastered this art and rarely will you see Manning and his receivers on a different page.

For the 49ers, they will also rely on the passing game, but in a much more controlled fashion. The Niners will create confusion in the play-action game or set up mismatches with pre-snap alignments and motions. Last week we saw them isolating Vernon Davis on either a linebacker of a safety by using a 3x1 formation. With trips to one side, Smith is able to read just that side of the field rather than having to scan sideline to sideline. If the safety is pulled out by the outside two receivers, he can find Davis in a one-on-one matchup in the deep middle of the field.

Defensive line: The 49ers' defense has been praised all season, but the Giants’ defense is finally healthy and playing at its highest level of the season. For both, the defensive lines play an integral part in both stopping the run and applying pressure on the opposing quarterback.

Now fully healthy, the Giants are able to benefit from the front four rotation that has been so successful for them in years past. Cycling in fresh players to apply continuous pressure with only four down lineman allows them to drop seven into coverage, which is a nightmare combination for opposing quarterbacks. In Sunday’s game they will want to do the same thing, but can’t be compromised in the trap running game of the 49ers. The Niners do an excellent job of cracking down on the last man on the line of scrimmage, or in some alignments, the edge rush defender at the second level, and then pull around an offensive tackle to kick out the next defender that shows. This is a simple off-tackle running play, but the crack-back and kick-out blocks create leverage for the offense, especially against a team that likes to rush up-field quickly.

The 49ers' defense is similar to the Giants in strategy, but they utilize a 3-4 defensive front and often can create pressure with only three rushers. We saw that last week with Justin Smith completely dominating the Saints' offensive line. The 49ers know that Smith will be the key, and he will most likely shift all over the line of scrimmage and line up anywhere from the A gap all the way to a 7-technique defensive end. With that versatility, it will be hard for the Giants to draw up a blocking scheme that can anticipate where they will double-team Smith. Conversely, the 49ers often use Smith to pull the offensive line one way and then stunt on the backside rush to free-up Aldon Smith on the other side. Keep an eye out for this chess match as the game plays out on Sunday.

New York Giants at San Francisco

Eli Manning is continuing his quest to become one of the elite NFL quarterbacks. On the flip side, Alex Smith is proving all his doubters wrong by showing that he deserves to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. As quarterbacks always do, both Manning and Smith will play critical roles in Sunday’s matchup, but they will go about it in different ways.

 

For Manning, he has found a natural fit with Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz. What is often lost in the art of completing a pass is the trust a quarterback must have in his receivers. For example, Manning must trust that either Nicks or Cruz will read the defense in the same way he sees it and either throttle down in zone coverage or run past man coverage. The Giants have mastered this art and rarely will you see Manning and his receivers on a different page.

For the 49ers, they will also rely on the passing game, but in a much more controlled fashion. The Niners will create confusion in the play-action game or set up mismatches with pre-snap alignments and motions. Last week we saw them isolating Vernon Davis on either a linebacker of a safety by using a 3x1 formation. With trips to one side, Smith is able to read just that side of the field rather than having to scan sideline to sideline. If the safety is pulled out by the outside two receivers, he can find Davis in a one-on-one matchup in the deep middle of the field.

Defensive line: The 49ers' defense has been praised all season, but the Giants’ defense is finally healthy and playing at its highest level of the season. For both, the defensive lines play an integral part in both stopping the run and applying pressure on the opposing quarterback.

Now fully healthy, the Giants are able to benefit from the front four rotation that has been so successful for them in years past. Cycling in fresh players to apply continuous pressure with only four down lineman allows them to drop seven into coverage, which is a nightmare combination for opposing quarterbacks. In Sunday’s game they will want to do the same thing, but can’t be compromised in the trap running game of the 49ers. The Niners do an excellent job of cracking down on the last man on the line of scrimmage, or in some alignments, the edge rush defender at the second level, and then pull around an offensive tackle to kick out the next defender that shows. This is a simple off-tackle running play, but the crack-back and kick-out blocks create leverage for the offense, especially against a team that likes to rush up-field quickly.

The 49ers' defense is similar to the Giants in strategy, but they utilize a 3-4 defensive front and often can create pressure with only three rushers. We saw that last week with Justin Smith completely dominating the Saints' offensive line. The 49ers know that Smith will be the key, and he will most likely shift all over the line of scrimmage and line up anywhere from the A gap all the way to a 7-technique defensive end. With that versatility, it will be hard for the Giants to draw up a blocking scheme that can anticipate where they will double-team Smith. Conversely, the 49ers often use Smith to pull the offensive line one way and then stunt on the backside rush to free-up Aldon Smith on the other side. Keep an eye out for this chess match as the game plays out on Sunday.

New York Giants at San Francisco

Eli Manning is continuing his quest to become one of the elite NFL quarterbacks. On the flip side, Alex Smith is proving all his doubters wrong by showing that he deserves to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. As quarterbacks always do, both Manning and Smith will play critical roles in Sunday’s matchup, but they will go about it in different ways.

 

For Manning, he has found a natural fit with Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz. What is often lost in the art of completing a pass is the trust a quarterback must have in his receivers. For example, Manning must trust that either Nicks or Cruz will read the defense in the same way he sees it and either throttle down in zone coverage or run past man coverage. The Giants have mastered this art and rarely will you see Manning and his receivers on a different page.

For the 49ers, they will also rely on the passing game, but in a much more controlled fashion. The Niners will create confusion in the play-action game or set up mismatches with pre-snap alignments and motions. Last week we saw them isolating Vernon Davis on either a linebacker of a safety by using a 3x1 formation. With trips to one side, Smith is able to read just that side of the field rather than having to scan sideline to sideline. If the safety is pulled out by the outside two receivers, he can find Davis in a one-on-one matchup in the deep middle of the field.

Defensive line: The 49ers' defense has been praised all season, but the Giants’ defense is finally healthy and playing at its highest level of the season. For both, the defensive lines play an integral part in both stopping the run and applying pressure on the opposing quarterback.

Now fully healthy, the Giants are able to benefit from the front four rotation that has been so successful for them in years past. Cycling in fresh players to apply continuous pressure with only four down lineman allows them to drop seven into coverage, which is a nightmare combination for opposing quarterbacks. In Sunday’s game they will want to do the same thing, but can’t be compromised in the trap running game of the 49ers. The Niners do an excellent job of cracking down on the last man on the line of scrimmage, or in some alignments, the edge rush defender at the second level, and then pull around an offensive tackle to kick out the next defender that shows. This is a simple off-tackle running play, but the crack-back and kick-out blocks create leverage for the offense, especially against a team that likes to rush up-field quickly.

The 49ers' defense is similar to the Giants in strategy, but they utilize a 3-4 defensive front and often can create pressure with only three rushers. We saw that last week with Justin Smith completely dominating the Saints' offensive line. The 49ers know that Smith will be the key, and he will most likely shift all over the line of scrimmage and line up anywhere from the A gap all the way to a 7-technique defensive end. With that versatility, it will be hard for the Giants to draw up a blocking scheme that can anticipate where they will double-team Smith. Conversely, the 49ers often use Smith to pull the offensive line one way and then stunt on the backside rush to free-up Aldon Smith on the other side. Keep an eye out for this chess match as the game plays out on Sunday.

Tunisia celebrating the Olympic Qualifications

Tunisia men’s volleyball team secured a ticket to 2012 London Olympic Games after the efficiently won the African Olympic Qualification tournament after winning all their matches, the last was against the hosts Cameroon 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-21) in the fifth and final day at the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Yaoundé, Cameroon on Saturday in front of full house attendance of 4000 spectators.

 With the victory, Tunisia will represent the African continent in the prestigious Olympic Games for the sixth time after Munich 1972, Los Angeles 1984, Seoul 1988, Atlanta 1996 and  Athens 2004.

 The final day showed also Algeria achieving their first and only victory over the winless Ghana 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-18).
 Tunisia top the 5 nation tournament in the final day with a win- loss ratio of 4-0 followed by Egypt second (3-1), Cameroon third (2-2), Algeria fourth (1-3) and Ghana at the bottom of the table (0-4).

 Tunisia beat Cameroon 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-21)

 Tunisia rebounded back after losing the first set to win three successive sets in their way to see off the hosts Cameroon 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-21). Both teams started very consistent with Cameroon becoming ahead 8-5 and 12-16 at technical timeouts till they won the set 25-21. In the second set won Tunisia imposed their rhythm leading 8-4 and 16-13 till winning the set 25-20. The same rule is observed in the third set won by Tunisia 25-23. In the fourth set the Cameroonians lost 25-21 after great fought but Tunisia was there with their tight block and disciplined defense.
 Cameroon coach Peter Nonnenbroich stated that Tunisia was in their best performance. He praised the determination of his players who were willing to be second to play the World Olympic qualifications. “Cameroon is preparing for upcoming competitions and it was a chance here to prepare for future.” He added
 The Tunisian coach Fethi Mkaouer said he was admiring the Fair Play of Cameroon team. He acknowledged that Cameroon have a sense of hospitality. “Despite the observed errors in the match against Egypt, they remained dignified.” He concluded.

Algeria beat Ghana 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-18)
 Algeria recorded their only victory in the tournament against Ghana in straight sets 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-18). Although the Algerian players were depressed after losing against the big three Cameroon, Tunisia and Egypt, they succeeded to dominate their match against Ghana to finish fourth.

Match Schedule and results
Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 :

 - 1600 h : TUN v EGY 3-1 (25-23, 16-25, 29-27, 25-23)

 - 1800 h : CMR v GHA 3-0 (25-18, 25-16, 25-12)

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012:

 - 1600 h : GHA v EGY 0-3 (21-25, 8-25, 17-25)

 - 1800 h : ALG v CMR 2-3 (24-26, 25-19, 22-25, 27-25, 18-20)

Thursday, January 19th, 2012:

 - 1600 h : EGY v ALG 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 26-24)

 - 1800 h : TUN v GHA 3-0 (25-22, 25-13, 25-21)

Friday, January 20th, 2012 :

 - 1600 h : TUN v ALG 3-0 (25-17, 25-16, 25-21

 - 1800 h : EGY v CMR 3-2 (27-25, 23-25, 23-25, 25-20, 15-7)

Saturday, January 21st, 2012 :

 - 1400 h : ALG v GHA 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-18)

 - 1800 h : TUN v CMR 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-21)

Tunisia celebrating the Olympic Qualifications

Tunisia men’s volleyball team secured a ticket to 2012 London Olympic Games after the efficiently won the African Olympic Qualification tournament after winning all their matches, the last was against the hosts Cameroon 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-21) in the fifth and final day at the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Yaoundé, Cameroon on Saturday in front of full house attendance of 4000 spectators.

 With the victory, Tunisia will represent the African continent in the prestigious Olympic Games for the sixth time after Munich 1972, Los Angeles 1984, Seoul 1988, Atlanta 1996 and  Athens 2004.

 The final day showed also Algeria achieving their first and only victory over the winless Ghana 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-18).
 Tunisia top the 5 nation tournament in the final day with a win- loss ratio of 4-0 followed by Egypt second (3-1), Cameroon third (2-2), Algeria fourth (1-3) and Ghana at the bottom of the table (0-4).

 Tunisia beat Cameroon 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-21)

 Tunisia rebounded back after losing the first set to win three successive sets in their way to see off the hosts Cameroon 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-21). Both teams started very consistent with Cameroon becoming ahead 8-5 and 12-16 at technical timeouts till they won the set 25-21. In the second set won Tunisia imposed their rhythm leading 8-4 and 16-13 till winning the set 25-20. The same rule is observed in the third set won by Tunisia 25-23. In the fourth set the Cameroonians lost 25-21 after great fought but Tunisia was there with their tight block and disciplined defense.
 Cameroon coach Peter Nonnenbroich stated that Tunisia was in their best performance. He praised the determination of his players who were willing to be second to play the World Olympic qualifications. “Cameroon is preparing for upcoming competitions and it was a chance here to prepare for future.” He added
 The Tunisian coach Fethi Mkaouer said he was admiring the Fair Play of Cameroon team. He acknowledged that Cameroon have a sense of hospitality. “Despite the observed errors in the match against Egypt, they remained dignified.” He concluded.

Algeria beat Ghana 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-18)
 Algeria recorded their only victory in the tournament against Ghana in straight sets 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-18). Although the Algerian players were depressed after losing against the big three Cameroon, Tunisia and Egypt, they succeeded to dominate their match against Ghana to finish fourth.

Match Schedule and results
Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 :

 - 1600 h : TUN v EGY 3-1 (25-23, 16-25, 29-27, 25-23)

 - 1800 h : CMR v GHA 3-0 (25-18, 25-16, 25-12)

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012:

 - 1600 h : GHA v EGY 0-3 (21-25, 8-25, 17-25)

 - 1800 h : ALG v CMR 2-3 (24-26, 25-19, 22-25, 27-25, 18-20)

Thursday, January 19th, 2012:

 - 1600 h : EGY v ALG 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 26-24)

 - 1800 h : TUN v GHA 3-0 (25-22, 25-13, 25-21)

Friday, January 20th, 2012 :

 - 1600 h : TUN v ALG 3-0 (25-17, 25-16, 25-21

 - 1800 h : EGY v CMR 3-2 (27-25, 23-25, 23-25, 25-20, 15-7)

Saturday, January 21st, 2012 :

 - 1400 h : ALG v GHA 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-18)

 - 1800 h : TUN v CMR 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-21)

Tunisia celebrating the Olympic Qualifications

Tunisia men’s volleyball team secured a ticket to 2012 London Olympic Games after the efficiently won the African Olympic Qualification tournament after winning all their matches, the last was against the hosts Cameroon 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-21) in the fifth and final day at the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Yaoundé, Cameroon on Saturday in front of full house attendance of 4000 spectators.

 With the victory, Tunisia will represent the African continent in the prestigious Olympic Games for the sixth time after Munich 1972, Los Angeles 1984, Seoul 1988, Atlanta 1996 and  Athens 2004.

 The final day showed also Algeria achieving their first and only victory over the winless Ghana 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-18).
 Tunisia top the 5 nation tournament in the final day with a win- loss ratio of 4-0 followed by Egypt second (3-1), Cameroon third (2-2), Algeria fourth (1-3) and Ghana at the bottom of the table (0-4).

 Tunisia beat Cameroon 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-21)

 Tunisia rebounded back after losing the first set to win three successive sets in their way to see off the hosts Cameroon 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-21). Both teams started very consistent with Cameroon becoming ahead 8-5 and 12-16 at technical timeouts till they won the set 25-21. In the second set won Tunisia imposed their rhythm leading 8-4 and 16-13 till winning the set 25-20. The same rule is observed in the third set won by Tunisia 25-23. In the fourth set the Cameroonians lost 25-21 after great fought but Tunisia was there with their tight block and disciplined defense.
 Cameroon coach Peter Nonnenbroich stated that Tunisia was in their best performance. He praised the determination of his players who were willing to be second to play the World Olympic qualifications. “Cameroon is preparing for upcoming competitions and it was a chance here to prepare for future.” He added
 The Tunisian coach Fethi Mkaouer said he was admiring the Fair Play of Cameroon team. He acknowledged that Cameroon have a sense of hospitality. “Despite the observed errors in the match against Egypt, they remained dignified.” He concluded.

Algeria beat Ghana 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-18)
 Algeria recorded their only victory in the tournament against Ghana in straight sets 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-18). Although the Algerian players were depressed after losing against the big three Cameroon, Tunisia and Egypt, they succeeded to dominate their match against Ghana to finish fourth.

Match Schedule and results
Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 :

 - 1600 h : TUN v EGY 3-1 (25-23, 16-25, 29-27, 25-23)

 - 1800 h : CMR v GHA 3-0 (25-18, 25-16, 25-12)

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012:

 - 1600 h : GHA v EGY 0-3 (21-25, 8-25, 17-25)

 - 1800 h : ALG v CMR 2-3 (24-26, 25-19, 22-25, 27-25, 18-20)

Thursday, January 19th, 2012:

 - 1600 h : EGY v ALG 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 26-24)

 - 1800 h : TUN v GHA 3-0 (25-22, 25-13, 25-21)

Friday, January 20th, 2012 :

 - 1600 h : TUN v ALG 3-0 (25-17, 25-16, 25-21

 - 1800 h : EGY v CMR 3-2 (27-25, 23-25, 23-25, 25-20, 15-7)

Saturday, January 21st, 2012 :

 - 1400 h : ALG v GHA 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-18)

 - 1800 h : TUN v CMR 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-21)

FIVB provides warning

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) is once more warning its athletes to carefully consider their use of supplements following a number of positive test results for the prohibited stimulant methylhexaneamine. Methylhexaneamine has been the subject of a number of recent international doping cases with some athletes involved reporting that they unknowingly ingested the banned substance when using supplements or other products.

 

Methylhexaneamine, also referred to as dimethylamylamine and dimethylpentylamine, is classed as an S6 stimulant on the World Anti-Doping Agency's Prohibited List and is prohibited In-competition. Athletes must be very careful when using any supplement because, under the World Anti-Doping Code's policy of strict liability, they are responsible for any substance found in their body.

In addition, the Manfred Donike Institute for Doping Analysis (MDI) and the Centre for Preventive Doping Research of the German Sport University Cologne are warning athletes of the risks of inadvertent doping with the β2-agonist clenbuterol when travelling to China. Results of an investigation show the following: "An investigation, presented on 14 February 2011 at the Cologne Workshop on Doping Analysis, showed that the analyses of the urine samples of 28 travellers, returning from China to Germany, resulted in findings of low concentrations of the doping substance clenbuterol in 22 out of the 28 urine samples.

"The results were obtained between 15 September and 15 January 2011. The findings are most probably due to a food contamination problem, potentially caused by misuse of clenbuterol as growth promoter in stock-breeding."

FIVB provides warning

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) is once more warning its athletes to carefully consider their use of supplements following a number of positive test results for the prohibited stimulant methylhexaneamine. Methylhexaneamine has been the subject of a number of recent international doping cases with some athletes involved reporting that they unknowingly ingested the banned substance when using supplements or other products.

 

Methylhexaneamine, also referred to as dimethylamylamine and dimethylpentylamine, is classed as an S6 stimulant on the World Anti-Doping Agency's Prohibited List and is prohibited In-competition. Athletes must be very careful when using any supplement because, under the World Anti-Doping Code's policy of strict liability, they are responsible for any substance found in their body.

In addition, the Manfred Donike Institute for Doping Analysis (MDI) and the Centre for Preventive Doping Research of the German Sport University Cologne are warning athletes of the risks of inadvertent doping with the β2-agonist clenbuterol when travelling to China. Results of an investigation show the following: "An investigation, presented on 14 February 2011 at the Cologne Workshop on Doping Analysis, showed that the analyses of the urine samples of 28 travellers, returning from China to Germany, resulted in findings of low concentrations of the doping substance clenbuterol in 22 out of the 28 urine samples.

"The results were obtained between 15 September and 15 January 2011. The findings are most probably due to a food contamination problem, potentially caused by misuse of clenbuterol as growth promoter in stock-breeding."

FIVB provides warning

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) is once more warning its athletes to carefully consider their use of supplements following a number of positive test results for the prohibited stimulant methylhexaneamine. Methylhexaneamine has been the subject of a number of recent international doping cases with some athletes involved reporting that they unknowingly ingested the banned substance when using supplements or other products.

 

Methylhexaneamine, also referred to as dimethylamylamine and dimethylpentylamine, is classed as an S6 stimulant on the World Anti-Doping Agency's Prohibited List and is prohibited In-competition. Athletes must be very careful when using any supplement because, under the World Anti-Doping Code's policy of strict liability, they are responsible for any substance found in their body.

In addition, the Manfred Donike Institute for Doping Analysis (MDI) and the Centre for Preventive Doping Research of the German Sport University Cologne are warning athletes of the risks of inadvertent doping with the β2-agonist clenbuterol when travelling to China. Results of an investigation show the following: "An investigation, presented on 14 February 2011 at the Cologne Workshop on Doping Analysis, showed that the analyses of the urine samples of 28 travellers, returning from China to Germany, resulted in findings of low concentrations of the doping substance clenbuterol in 22 out of the 28 urine samples.

"The results were obtained between 15 September and 15 January 2011. The findings are most probably due to a food contamination problem, potentially caused by misuse of clenbuterol as growth promoter in stock-breeding."

Long Beach Falls

Long Beach State suffered the biggest drop in the AVCA rankings this week after losing in four sets to UCI. Neither team played particularly well, but UCI was able to pull out the win despite just a .258 hitting percentage for the match to Long Beach's .192.

Jordan DuFault was a bright spot for the Anteaters with 17 kills and a .467 hitting percentage. Carson Clark led UCI with 24 kills. UCI moves up just one spot to No. 7 this week while Long Beach drops three spots to No. 6. Long Beach will have to re-group quickly for two tough matches this weekend against No. 1 USC and No. 9 Pepperdine.

The No. 1 Trojans rolled over both Stanford and Pacific last week in three sets each. While the Trojans were expected to win, the ease of the wins was unexpected. The Trojans never allowed Stanford to get anything going in the match which lasted just over an hour. USC out-hit, out-blocked and out-served the Cardinal by large margins.

Stanford managed to bounce back in time to beat Pepperdine the next night in three sets. The Cardinal rose one spot in the rankings to No. 4 and will take on No. 8 UCLA and No. 3 UCSB this week.

Here are the rest of your matches to watch this week:

Wednesday, Feb. 23
USC @ CSUN
Pepperdine @ Long Beach

Long Beach Falls

Long Beach State suffered the biggest drop in the AVCA rankings this week after losing in four sets to UCI. Neither team played particularly well, but UCI was able to pull out the win despite just a .258 hitting percentage for the match to Long Beach's .192.

Jordan DuFault was a bright spot for the Anteaters with 17 kills and a .467 hitting percentage. Carson Clark led UCI with 24 kills. UCI moves up just one spot to No. 7 this week while Long Beach drops three spots to No. 6. Long Beach will have to re-group quickly for two tough matches this weekend against No. 1 USC and No. 9 Pepperdine.

The No. 1 Trojans rolled over both Stanford and Pacific last week in three sets each. While the Trojans were expected to win, the ease of the wins was unexpected. The Trojans never allowed Stanford to get anything going in the match which lasted just over an hour. USC out-hit, out-blocked and out-served the Cardinal by large margins.

Stanford managed to bounce back in time to beat Pepperdine the next night in three sets. The Cardinal rose one spot in the rankings to No. 4 and will take on No. 8 UCLA and No. 3 UCSB this week.

Here are the rest of your matches to watch this week:

Wednesday, Feb. 23
USC @ CSUN
Pepperdine @ Long Beach