Serena Williams lets big lead slip at French Open

PARIS (AP) — Even after 13 Grand Slam championships and dozens of other titles, Serena Williams is capable of throwing away a big lead.

Williams led 5-1 in the second-set tiebreaker and was two points from victory nine times but still lost to Virginie Razzano of France 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-3 Tuesday at the French Open — the first time she has ever lost in the first round of a Grand Slam tournament.

"I definitely was nervous. I'm always a little nervous in every match I play, which I think is a little bit healthy," said the fifth-seeded Williams, who had been 46-0 in the first round of majors. "I was definitely a little nervous."

Williams entered the tournament with a 17-0 record on clay this year. And it looked like No. 18 was in the bag late in the second set.

But Razzano won six straight points to take the set and then won five straight games in the third set.

"I just felt I couldn't get a ball in play," Williams said. "You know, when I did, I just felt like I was hitting late and, I mean, how can you hit late on a clay court? It was kind of odd."

Defending men's champion Rafael Nodal had no such trouble, starting his quest for a record seventh French Open title by beating Simone Borelli of Italy 6-2, 6-2, 6-1. Maria Sharapova had an even easier time, scoring a "double bagel" in her 6-0, 6-0 win over Alexandra Cadantu of Romania.

On Wednesday, both Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer will play in the second round. On the women's side, top-seeded Victoria Azarenka will be first up in the main stadium.

Williams and Razzano were last up in the main stadium on Tuesday, and they gave the fans a show.

After Williams failed to close out the match in straight sets, Razzano jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the third. The American then reeled off the next three games, and nearly got back on serve.

In the final, 23-minute game of the match, Williams saved seven match points but wasted five break points before losing.

"I just was thinking, 'OK, if I could break here, then we'll be back on serve.' You know, those are the kind of things that are going through your head," Williams said.

For Razzano, the win was one of the biggest of her career. Ranked 111th, the Frenchwoman has never been past the fourth round at a Grand Slam tournament.

And it was made even more special considering the personal loss she experienced when her fiance died about a week before last year's French Open.

"Honestly, the past is the past," said Razzano, who lost in the first round last year. "I think now I did my mourning. I feel good today. It took time."

Just before Razzano and Williams walked out onto the clay on Court Philippe Chatrier, Nadal played in the stadium where he has won six of his 10 Grand Slam titles.

One more will break the French Open record he shares with Bjorn Borg.

Nadal was asked whether he expects Borg to make an appearance this year.

"We are in the second round," Nadal said. "I have enough work to do thinking about the next round, and not think about if Bjorn will be here or if I'm going to play the final. That's day-by-day and we'll see."

Nadal improved his record to 46-1 at Roland Garros. His only loss came in the fourth round in 2009, against Robin Soderling.

Sharapova's record on clay is not as impressive. Although she has won three major titles, she still needs a victory at the French Open to complete a career Grand Slam.

Last year, she lost in the semifinals.

"I feel like with every year I have improved," Sharapova said, "and I enjoy it much more."

Stanley Cup finals faceoff: Devils vs. Kings

The Stanley Cup finals are here at last, after 82 regular-season games and three rounds of playoffs, and the matchup is as unlikely they come. The sixth-seeded New Jersey Devils will take on the eighth-seeded Los Angeles Kings.

Here's a look at how the series breaks down.

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No. 6 (East) NEW JERSEY DEVILS (48-28-6) vs. No. 8 (West) LOS ANGELES KINGS (40-27-15)

HOW THEY GOT HERE: New Jersey beat No. 3 Florida 4-3, No. 5 Philadelphia 4-1, and No. 1 New York Rangers 4-2. Los Angeles beat No. 1 Vancouver 4-1, No. 2 St. Louis 4-0, and No. 3 Phoenix 4-1.

2011-12 SERIES RECORD: Devils 2-0 (one win in shootout).

PLAYOFF HISTORY: None. This is the teams' first meeting in the playoffs.

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NEW JERSEY: The Devils are in the Stanley Cup finals for the fifth time and are looking for their fourth title. New Jersey captured the Cup in 1995, 2000 and 2003, with its only finals loss to Colorado in 2001. ... Martin Brodeur has been there for all the finals appearances, and could call it a career at age 40 once this series is over — win or lose. Forward Patrik Elias has been in all of New Jersey's trips to the finals, except for the first in 1995. ... Brodeur injured his right shoulder against the Kings on Oct. 13 and missed six games. He didn't earn his first win of the season until Nov. 5. Backup goalie Johan Hedberg earned both of New Jersey's wins over the Kings. ... Captain Zach Parise leads the Devils with seven playoff goals and is second with 14 points. He led the way in the conference finals against the Rangers when he had six points (3 goals, 3 assists) in the series. This could be the last hurrah for Parise with New Jersey as he is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

THREE DEVILS TO WATCH: All of these guys have broken out in the playoffs.

Defenseman Bryce Salvador. After scoring no goals and posting nine assists in 82 regular-season games, Salvador has three goals and eight assists in 18 postseason contests.

Fourth-line center Ryan Carter. Carter has scored four goals in 17 playoff games, including first-period tallies in Games 5 and 6 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Rangers. New Jersey won the final three games of the series.

Center Travis Zajac. Limited to only 15 regular-season games because of a torn Achilles tendon, the Devils' No. 1 center returned to action in late March. He has found his game in the playoffs, and has excelled by tying for the team lead with seven goals. He also has five assists in 18 games.

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LOS ANGELES: The Kings have reached the finals for just the second time in team history. Los Angeles is still looking for its first Stanley Cup championship, having lost in five games to Montreal in 1993. ... The Kings have won an NHL-record eight straight road playoff games — the first team to do it in one playoff year — including three at Phoenix in the Western Conference finals. Los Angeles, which has outscored opponents 30-13 in its road games, has won 10 straight away from home — a record for multiple years. The Kings are the first team to take an undefeated road record into the finals since the conference format started in 1994. ... The Kings are the second No. 8 seed to get to the finals under the current postseason format and the first to eliminate the top three seeded teams in the conference in succession. ... Los Angeles has excelled behind Vezina Trophy finalist Jonathan Quick, who is 12-2 with a 1.54 goals-against average and .946 save percentage in the playoffs. ... On offense, the Kings are paced by their top line of captain Dustin Brown, Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams.

THREE KINGS TO WATCH: This trio could make a difference for the Kings.

Left wing Simon Gagne. Gagne could be a Kings wild card, having been medically cleared to play for the first time since a concussion sidelined him on Dec. 26. It might take another injury for a lineup spot to open up for Gagne, who made it to the Cup finals two years ago with Philadelphia.

Dwight King. The rookie forward has five goals, including two game-winners in the Western Conference finals. King, the 109th pick in the 2007 draft, was recalled from the minors on Feb. 10 and had five goals and nine assists in 27 regular-season games.

Willie Mitchell. The 35-year-old defenseman, who is the Kings' oldest player, is in the Stanley Cup finals for the first time.

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THE PLAYERS' TAKE:

"Well, I've got five kids now. So, I need to be here." — 40-year-old Devils goalie Martin Brodeur on why he is still playing.

"Most of his ribs at us are more of the sarcastic type than the stern force, yelling at us. He will just say, 'Is this game too hard for you tonight?' or something like that, just to get you angry. He knows what makes hockey players angry." — Kings forward Justin Williams on Darryl Sutter's coaching style.

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CELEBRITY WATCH:

In New Jersey, while Garden State rocker Bruce Springsteen will be on tour in Germany, Spain, Portugal and Italy during the finals, there's always a chance Jersey's other legend, Jon Bon Jovi, shows. He made an appearance in Round 3 vs. the Rangers.

In Los Angeles, expect to see plenty of stars in what they're now calling "Hockeywood." Already, Zac Efron, Matthew Perry, Colin Hanks, David Beckham, Rachel McAdams, Alyssa Milano, and Kurt Russell have been bit by Kings Fever, and took in games at Staples Center. Who's left?

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OUTLOOK: The Kings show how they got this far in a highly competitive series, but Brodeur and Devils get the best of Quick and capture the Cup in California. Devils in 6.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Tony Parker and the San Antonio Spurs are making this look way too easy.

Parker had 34 points and eight assists, Manu Ginobili added 20 points and the Spurs stayed perfect in the playoffs with a 120-111 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals Tuesday night.

So far, the Spurs have turned a hotly anticipated matchup between the league's top two scoring teams into a lopsided mismatch more befitting of an early round.

Game 3 is Thursday night in Oklahoma City, and the Thunder can only hope that a change of venue throws San Antonio out of its groove. The Spurs put on an offensive clinic for three quarters on Tuesday night, shooting 60 percent and building a 22-point lead.

"We like to play like that," said Parker, who hit 16 of 21 shots. "That's the way we play."

The Spurs set an NBA record with their 20th consecutive victory bridging the regular season and the playoffs. They came in sharing the longest such streak with the 2000-01 Lakers, who won 19 straight before losing to Philadelphia in the first game of the finals.

Those Lakers went on to win the championship and Parker's performance is yet another reason to think the Spurs will do the same.

"It's great and it is a great run," said Tim Duncan, who had 11 points and 12 rebounds. "But we are only worried about the next two wins in this series. That is all that matters, at this point."

The Thunder made a late surge to get within six points, but Parker, Ginobili and Duncan helped San Antonio finish them off. Oklahoma City is 5-0 at home in the playoffs, but only 14 teams have come back from 2-0 deficits to win a series in NBA playoff history.

"First, we've got to worry about Game 3," Thunder guard Russell Westbrook said. "Regardless of what's going on with this last game or the next game, we've got to worry about Game 3 and come in with the same mindset and try to get a win."

Kevin Durant had 31 points, Westbrook had 27 points and eight assists and James Harden rebounded from a rough Game 1 to score 30 for the Thunder, who have lost two straight for the first time since early April. Oklahoma City dropped to 15-4 in games after losses this season.

"There are no moral victories for us," Durant said. "We were down. We dug ourselves a hole. We did what we normally do, which is fight all game, and we lost."

San Antonio picked up where it left off from the 39-point fourth quarter that turned Game 1 on Sunday. With sharp passes and hot shooting, the Spurs jumped to a 19-9 lead after the Thunder missed six of their first seven shots and had three turnovers in the first 4 minutes.

Durant was on the bench at the start of the second quarter, and Parker and the Spurs put together a 14-4 spurt to stretch the gap to 13 points. Westbrook hammered Parker's arm on a drive and he crumpled to the court. That didn't faze Parker, who scored the Spurs' next seven points to keep San Antonio rolling.

The Spurs shot 58 percent (22 of 38) and had 13 assists in the first half. They also cut down their turnovers, committing only six in the first half after giving away 14 in the first two quarters of Game 1.

"You never go out and say, 'We're going to start out fast,'" San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said. "You don't know what is going to happen. You just want your team to be aggressive."

After the break, the Spurs resumed picking apart Oklahoma City's defense with precision passes, scoring on five straight possessions. The biggest cheer from the crowd came after Ginobili flipped a behind-the-back pass to Parker in the corner for another 3 and the lead ballooned to 78-58.

Late in the third quarter, the Thunder began intentionally fouling Tiago Splitter, a 32 percent free-throw shooter during the playoffs.

That backfired, too. Splitter went 5 for 10 over a 54-second span before Popovich replaced him with Duncan, and Oklahoma City trailed by the same margin — 16 — that it did when Brooks called for the "Hack-a-Splitter" strategy.

It may not have showed on the scoreboard, but the Spurs seemed to lose their edge after that.

"There's a reason why you do it, to kill the rhythm," Parker said. "I think it got us out of our rhythm."

Parker, Ginobili and Duncan were on the court together at the 8-minute mark, after the Thunder cut the deficit to eight. Ginobili's floater in the lane was only the Spurs' third field goal of the fourth quarter and put San Antonio up 99-89.

The Thunder had the deficit down to six with just over 5 minutes remaining. The Spurs missed 12 of 15 shots during one stretch, but Parker hit an off-balance, high-arcing jumper with 3:39 left for a 107-96 lead and San Antonio controlled the game from there.

Notes: The Spurs' winning streak is the longest in the NBA overall since the Houston Rockets won 22 straight between Jan. 29-March 18, 2008, all in the regular season. ... The Thunder are the first team to reach 100 points against San Antonio in the postseason. ... Kawhi Leonard scored 18 points, including three 3-pointers for the Spurs. ... Duncan blocked four shots to tie Hakeem Olajuwon for second in career blocks in the postseason (472). Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the leader (476). ... Oklahoma City's Derek Fisher went 2 for 11 from the field after scoring 13 points in Game 1.

NEW YORK (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies ace Roy Halladay is expected to miss six to eight weeks because of a strained right shoulder, the latest major setback for the five-time NL East champions.

Halladay was put on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, two days after he was hit hard and pulled from a start in St. Louis after just two innings because of shoulder soreness.

The two-time Cy Young winner will be shut down for a minimum of three weeks, then work toward rejoining the rotation, Phillies assistant general manager Scott Proefrock said.

Proefrock said tests done in Philadelphia indicated Halladay doesn't need surgery to recover and that the injury doesn't affect his rotator cuff.

"We hate to have him down, but it's nothing that requires anything other than rest," Proefrock said.

Halladay is 4-5 with a 3.98 ERA in 11 starts. He has pitched at least 220 innings in each of the past six seasons, and four times led the league in innings. His 72 1-3 innings this year tied Houston's Wandy Rodriguez for the NL lead.

The move with Halladay, which came two years to the day since he pitched a perfect game in Florida, was made retroactive to Monday. Catcher Erik Kratz was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Minutes before the injury was announced as a Grade I/Grade II strain of the latissimus dorsi, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said he thought Halladay needed a break.

Halladay has "thrown a lot of bullets over his career," Manuel said, suggesting the 35-year-old pitcher could step back for a bit and still be dominant. The durable Halladay had not been on the DL because of shoulder trouble since 2004.

"He's got to get well," Manuel said.

The injury came with the Phillies at 26-24 and tied with Atlanta for last in the division, four games behind Washington.

Philadelphia has managed to stay close minus All-Star hitters Ryan Howard (Achilles tendon) and Chase Utley (knee), who haven't played at all this season. Manuel said he harbored hope that his slugging first baseman and smooth-fielding second baseman would be back at some point this year.

As for Halladay's absence, "it would hurt us," Manuel said. "How much, I really don't know."

The Phillies have relied on their pitching, particularly their rotation, to stick solidly in contention. Vance Worley, who is on the DL and hasn't started since May 11 because of elbow trouble, threw his first bullpen session since the injury before Tuesday's game.

Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee, Joe Blanton and Kyle Kendrick remain in the rotation, and there are a few potential replacements at Triple-A, including former big leaguers Dave Bush and Scott Elarton.

Any chance for Philadelphia to sign former Phillies star Roy Oswalt as a possible addition ended when the free agent reached a deal with Texas later Tuesday.

"Yeah, we can always use pitching," Manuel said, while adding, "I'm not telling (GM) Ruben Amaro to get another."

Halladay initially felt discomfort in his shoulder last Tuesday in a start against Washington but worked through it. He cut back on his throwing regimen before his next outing, but was tagged by Yadier Molina's grand slam in St. Louis.

Halladay began the season by throwing eight strong innings in a 1-0 win at Pittsburgh on opening day and seemed fine until blowing a 6-0 lead against Atlanta on May 2. He's 1-3 since then and the Phillies have lost four of his five starts.

The eight-time All-Star came to the Phillies in a trade with Toronto before the 2010 season and got a $60 million, three-year contract. Halladay pitched a perfect game against the Marlins in that first season with Philadelphia, and later that year threw a no-hitter against Cincinnati in his first career postseason outing.

The Phillies won the 2008 World Series and hoped to capture another crown after adding Halladay. But Philadelphia lost to the eventual champion San Francisco Giants in the 2010 NL championship series, then Halladay lost to Chris Carpenter and St. Louis 1-0 in the deciding Game 5 of the 2011 division series.

Texas Rangers ink Oswalt to one-year deal

Roy Oswalt, a three-time Major League Baseball All-Star pitcher, has signed a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers, according to a posting on the team's website.

The 34-year-old right-hander is expected to make several starts with developmental-league teams before joining the Rangers, who lost starter Neftali Feliz with a sprained right elbow.

The deal, reportedly worth as much as $5 million, could help the Rangers reach the World Series for the third year in a row. The two-time defending American League champions lost to San Francisco in 2010 and St. Louis in 2011.

Several clubs had shown interest in Oswalt, including the Philadelphia Phillies, for whom he went 9-10 last season with a 3.69 earned-run average in 139 innings over 23 starts.

In 11 major league seasons with the Phillies and Houston, Oswalt is 159-93 with a 3.21 earned-run average.

Kings goaltender Quick to dodge the spotlight

NEWARK, New Jersey (Reuters) - With a baseball cap pushed low over his brow and a hoodie pulled up over his head, Los Angeles Kings' Jonathan Quick looked more like a Hollywood celebrity trying to dodge paparazzi than a seasoned netminder preparing to meet NHL media on Tuesday.

Focused on the New Jersey Devils and Game One of the best-of-seven Stanley Cup finals on Wednesday, Quick admitted that fulfilling his team's media day obligations was not part of his rich playoff experience.

A man of few words, the soft-spoken Quick is about as forthcoming as New York Rangers' tight-lipped coach John Tortorella, deflecting questions like opposition slapshots.

"Well I don't, to be honest, really enjoy this," mumbled Quick. "When I think of the final I don't think of being here in front of you guys (media).

"I think of going and playing a hockey game at the highest level. That's all I think about."

Playing in one of hockey's non-traditional markets, Quick has been able to go about his business in relative anonymity, happily evading the spotlight.

Hidden behind a mask and the traditional playoff beard, the 26-year-old American's face is familiar only to the most dedicated Kings fans.

"On the West Coast we have a little less media coverage," said Kings forward Justin Williams. "It's just the way it works.

LOW KEY

"If Quick was on the East Coast, people would know him a little bit more.

"His demeanor is very low-key. He is not a guy that will come in and say, 'Look at me'. It's more about the team but I think people are starting to find out how good he is."

Quick has made fans and his peers take notice.

He has been the best puck-stopper in the playoffs with a miniscule 1.54 goals-against average, conceding two or fewer goals in 12 of 14 post-season contests.

He had 10 shutouts during the regular season and added two more in the playoffs.

"I wouldn't say I was stealing games," said Quick. "I think it was a team effort.

"We are a great defensive club. We've done that well for years, so I wouldn't look at it as stealing games.

"My job is the same as it was in October, stop the puck. That's it."

Unlike Martin Brodeur, his opposite number in the New Jersey net who has embraced the spotlight as he savors what could be his final playoff appearance, Quick prefers his play on the ice to do most of the talking.

A Vezina Trophy finalist as the NHL's top netminder and a top candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs, Quick has been instrumental in driving the eighth-seeded Kings into the finals for just the second time in the franchise's 45-year history.

"He's a really good goalie, he's played at a high level for a few years now," said Brodeur. "He got himself in a great position with a team and the system they play in. What I like about him is he's an athlete.

"He's a goalie who is going to make saves and not move. The puck is just not going to hit him, he's going to go out and compete like crazy. He's pretty spectacular to watch."

(Editing by Ian Ransom)

Cycling: Cavendish wins stage five of Giro d'Italia

World champion Mark Cavendish of Britain won stage five of the Giro d'Italia from Modena to Fano in a bunch sprint on Thursday.Second behind the Sky rider, who claimed the ninth Giro d'Italia stage of his career, was Australian Matt Goss with Italian Daniele Bennati in third.Lithuanian Ramunas Navardauskas continued to lead the race overall for a second day.The Giro d'Italia finishes on May 27 in Milan.

UAE hold off Kazakhstan in A5N Top 5 battle Hosts bounce back after two consecutive losses

The United Arab Emirates staved a frenzied second-half assault to beat Kazakhstan 46-31 and keep alive their hopes of remaining in the Top 5 of the HSBC Asian Five Nations (A5N) rugby clash at The Sevens on Friday.
After trailing 29-nil at half time, Kazakhstan posted 31 points in the second half to close the gap to 10 points in the final 10 minutes before UAE dashed their hopes of an inspirational comeback.

It was a great comeback by the hosts after the battering they received at the hands of Hong Kong and Japan.

The win by UAE is key to their hopes of staying in the HSBC A5N Top 5 in 2013. Kazakhstan will be ruing a chance to take vital away match points and will now face their second must-win match in two weeks when they host Korea next Saturday in Almaty, before closing out their campaign in Hong Kong on May 26.

UAE performance manager Duncan Hall said: “It’s a relief for the guys definitely. We talked that this was definitely a winnable match and we are very luck we kept our noses in front. Kazakhstan is a proud country. They never let down and they showed that today.”


UAE captain Alistair Thompson said: “Today was a winner take all match in terms of staying up in the Top 5, so there was a lot of pressure on us. The last couple of weeks we have played teams (Hong Kong and Japan) that play expansive and want to play wide, but today it was a completely different game style where guys wanted to take us on up front. We went to sleep for the first 15 minutes of the second half and we ended up needing to score tries and luckily we did that.

“I’m proud of the lads. I think we have done enough to stay up in the Top 5 and if so, we have moulded UAE Rugby for the year ahead. The profile of staying up is vital for continuing to develop the game in the UAE and in the region.”

UAE jumped out to a fiery start in the desert sun as Sevens captain Tim Fletcher crossed over for the first try at the five-minute marker. The tries followed thick and fast as the UAE dominated territory throughout the opening 40.

Flanker Brett Williams, fullback Imad Reyal and scrum-half Pat Hegarty all added tries in the opening half. Flyhalf Murray Strang accounted for nine points in the same half with three conversions and a penalty to send the home side into the changing sheds 29-points to the good.

UAE was poised to be in a controlling position for the final 40, but it was Kazakhstan who struck first in just the second minute through a try to flanker Nikita Trofimov, who finally put the Nomads on the board at 29-5.

Moments later, UAE lock Greg Thompson helped his team regain last ground with a try to extend the lead to 34-5.

Undaunted, Kazakhstan exhibited its famed never-say-die rugby attitude with a second try through Dmitriy Tronin. The conversion by captain and centre Ildar Abdrazhakov narrowed the margin to 12-34.

Less than two minutes later, the Kazakh forward pack had worked the ball back deep into UAE territory, when flanker Nikita Trofimov scored his second try of the match. Abdrazhakov’s conversion brought the score to 34-19, with the Nomads having scored 19 points to UAE’s five in a rampaging second half. With 20 minutes remaining the game seemed to hang in the balance.

Kazakhstan seemed to tilt the match further in their favour as lock Anton Makarenko went over again from close range to bring the visitors within 10 points of an incredible comeback win at 34-24. Makarenko’s try saw Kazakhstan gain its first point of the 2012 HSBC A5N Top 5 as they earned a matching bonus point to that of the UAE for scoring four or more tries in a match.

With 10 minutes remaining, the atmosphere was tense as the UAE faithful pondered the thought of letting a 29-point lead slip through their fingers.

Earlier in the week Hall had lauded his charges saying they “had a lot of heart” and they repaid his faith by scoring a brilliant 50 metre handling try with some great interplay between backs and forwards.

The try was perfectly finished by slippery fullback Imad Reyal who collected a brace for his efforts.

Murray Strang’s boot was again on the mark with the conversion as UAE pulled comfortably back in front at 41-24 with eight minutes remaining on the clock.

Kazakh heads naturally dropped and the UAE again capitalised, this time through captain and No 8 Alistair Thompson giving the UAE a 46-24 lead with five minutes remaining.

As testament to the spirit in the Kazakhstan team, the visitors struck for the final time on the night as reserve scrum-half Evgeniy Romanov scooted over before the final whistle. Abdrazhakov’s conversion brought a thrilling 48-point second half to a close as Kazakhstan bowed out with heads held high at 46-31.

The crucial home win for UAE may have done enough to retain their spot in the HSBC A5N Top 5 in 2013. UAE captured five points for the win on the series table and a sixth (bonus) point for scoring four tries or more. Kazakhstan also earned a bonus point for its scoring spree in the second half. They trail the competition with one point from three matches and now face another must-win match as they host South Korea next weekend in Almaty.

South Korea are the promoted team in this year’s HSBC A5N Top 5 and have shown every indication of sticking in the top flight after a come from behind win against Hong Kong last weekend. Korea currently lie third in the standings on six points and face top-ranked Japan on Saturday in Seoul’s Seongnam Stadium (kick-off at 13.00 local time).

That game will be televised across Asia on ESPN Star Sports as well as into North Africa, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and North America on other international broadcasters. All HSBC A5N Top 5 games are also available for live streaming or video on demand at http://www.ustream.tv/A5NRugby.

F1: Hamilton stripped of Spanish pole Williams' Venezuelan driver Maldonado promoted

Lewis Hamilton's spectacular but often controversial career suffered a new twist on Saturday when he was stripped of pole for the Spanish Grand Prix because his McLaren team failed to give him enough fuel.
As a result, Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado of Williams will start from pole position for the first time after being promoted from second on the grid while Hamilton, the 2008 world champion, will start from the back.


The 27-year-old Briton was excluded from the qualifying results because he did not return to the pits with his McLaren car after setting his fastest lap.

Instead, he followed urgent orders transmitted by the team and stopped out on the track. He required assistance to return to the pits where a one litre fuel sample was to be taken.

A stewards meeting later decided that this was in breach of the regulations and excluded Hamilton, dismissing his team's argument that this had happened under circumstances of 'force majeure'.

"This is such a disappointment. Today's qualifying session was one of the best I've ever driven - the whole car was just rolling so smoothly, it felt fantastic," said Hamilton.

"On my slowing-down lap, my engineers told me to stop on the track, and I didn't know why. Later, to hear that I'd been excluded from qualifying, was of course extremely disappointing.

"It's clear that it's going to be an incredibly tough race. But as I always say, and as I always do, whatever grid position I start a Grand Prix from, I'll always race my heart out."

The race stewards rejected McLaren's argument that the incident was a case of force majeure.

"The stewards heard from the team representative Sam Michael who stated that the car stopped on the circuit for reasons of force majeure," said a statement.

"A team member had put an insufficient quantity of fuel into the car thereby resulting in the car having to be stopped on the circuit in order to be able to provide the required amount for sampling purposes.

"As the amount of fuel put into the car is under the complete control of the competitor the stewards cannot accept this as a case of force majeure."

McLaren accepted the stewards' decision.

"We accept that the stewards did not agree with our interpretation of force majeure. Our aim is now to maximise the points we can score," said a spokesman.

McLaren team chief Martin Whitmarsh declined to explain precisely why Hamilton had been asked to stop.

"There was enough fuel to take a fuel sample, but we stopped the car. There was 1.3 litres of fuel taken out of the car," insisted Whitmarsh.

Hamilton and McLaren were given a reprimand and a $10,000 fine at the 2010 Canadian Grand Prix in similar circumstances.

Whitmarsh said Saturday's drama was due to a problem in the McLaren garage.

"It is a technical problem that happened in the garage that didn't impede the performance of the car in any way and we stopped when it had 1.3 litres of fuel in the car," he added.

He was adamant that Hamilton had enough fuel to complete his lap back to the pit lane and also to supply a one litre sample.

Hamilton had a best lap of 1min 21.707sec to finish half a second clear of Maldonado.

Fernando Alonso was next fastest in a Ferrari ahead of Romain Grosjean and his Lotus team-mate Kimi Raikkonen.

They were followed by Sergio Perez of Sauber, Nico Rosberg of Mercedes and defending champion Sebastian Vettel in a Red Bull.

Maldonado's promotion was a great present for team founder Sir Frank Williams, who was celebrating his 70th birthday in the team garage.

"We have worked so hard to understand these tyres and develop our car around them and this is a great step forward for the team. We have such a good spirit and the car feels fantastic," said Maldonado.

Williams have their first pole since Nico Hulkenberg secured his maiden and sole pole position at the 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix.

It is also the first ever for a Venezuelan driver.

NBA: Miami's James named MVP winner again Beat Durant, Paul and Bryant in voting

Miami Heat forward LeBron James was named on Saturday as the National Basketball Association's Most Valuable Player for the 2011-12 season, cementing his place among the game's greatest players.
It was the third time in four years that 'King' James has won the game's most prestigious individual award, elevating him alongside the sport's biggest names.
Only seven other players - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Moses Malone - have won the trophy at least three times.

Abdul-Jabbar holds the record for six MVP wins, one ahead of Jordan and Russell but James, still just 27 years old, has plenty of time on his side.


"I never dreamt about being an NBA Most Valuable Player," an emotional James said in a presentation in Miami broadcast live on national television.

"I never dreamt about doing the things that I do now at a high level.

"Now that it's in me now, and it's happening, it's overwhelming."

James, who twice won the award with the Cleveland Cavaliers before moving to Miami last season, averaged 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists during the 2011-12 regular season, which was shortened to 66 games because of a labor dispute.

He totaled 1,074 points, including 85 first-place votes, from a panel of 121 voters that decided the award.

"We do not take LeBron James for granted, not here in this organization," Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

"He's as committed as ever... and we all respond to his energy on the court."

Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant, the leading scorer for the third season in a row, finished second in the vote, followed by Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers and Kobe Bryant from the Los Angeles Lakers.

Chicago's Derrick Rose, who won the MVP award last year, finished 11th in the voting after missing more than a third of the season because of injury.

James, despite his individual success, has yet to win an NBA title, but has perhaps his best chance this season with Miami.

"This is very overwhelming to me as an individual award," James said.

"But this is not the award I want, ultimately. I want that championship. That's all that matters to me."

The Heat, who finished runners-up to Dallas last year after James left Cleveland to link up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, cruised through the opening round of the playoffs.

They now face the Indiana Pacers in a best-of-seven series, starting in Florida on Sunday, for a place in the Eastern Conference final.

James is sure to feature in the star-studded United States team at this year's London Olympics after being a member of the team that won the gold medal in Beijing four years ago.

RugbyU: New Zealand clinch world sevens crown

New Zealand clinched their 10th IRB world sevens series crown in 13 years on Sunday after downing South Africa 36-0 to advance to the semi-finals of the final leg of the championship at Twickenham.The New Zealanders needed only one more win to be assured of clinching the crown after victories over Russia, Kenya and Argentina on Saturday.

The men in black had looked vulnerable during their win over Argentina, trailing 10-0 before recovering to win 15-10.


But the New Zealanders came roaring back on Sunday morning against South Africa, romping home in style to reach the last four after the opening quarter-final in the cup competition.

"It's an awesome feeling," New Zealand's long-serving coach Gordon Tietjens said.

"I was worried last night because we played very sketchily against Argentina. I woke up at four o'clock this morning and didn't get back to sleep but we played very well today. We're very happy."

Donald surrenders No. 1 spot to McIlroy

England's Luke Donald will surrender golf's World No. 1 ranking to Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy on Monday after a poor showing at the US PGA Heritage tournament.

Donald fired a level-par 71 on Sunday to finish on two-over par 286 for 72 holes, sharing 37th place, 16 strokes behind winner Carl Pettersson of Sweden.

Donald needed to share eighth place or better this week to keep his razor-thin margin ahead of McIlroy in the rankings. He finished six strokes adrift of that mark after matching his highest score in seven Heritage starts.

Once eight players reached the clubhouse ahead of him, Donald was ensured of giving the top spot back to McIlroy, whom he passed last month for the honour.

"Is it a concern? No," Donald said. "I would have liked to have played a bit more consistently this year. I built it up nicely last year through tournaments and winning a bunch.

"As a result there's a little bit of fluctuation in the world rankings now."

Donald, still seeking his first Major title, first claimed the top ranking after winning last year's BMW PGA Championship on the European Tour.

"It's a lot more the focus the first time around," Donald said. "Now my focus is on winning tournaments."

Reigning US Open champion McIlroy, who turns 23 on May 4, claimed the top spot for the first time in his young career last month when he won the US PGA Honda Classic, ending a 40-week run by Donald.

But Donald moved past McIlroy two weeks later, reclaiming the top spot by winning the US PGA Transitions Championship.

McIlroy, who was off this week, is not expected to play again until the US PGA Wells Fargo Championship in May at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Donald will return to PGA play in two weeks at New Orleans starting April 26.

Mena Golf Tour provides platform for emerging talent Second edition will have regional flavour

Shaikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Arab Golf Federation and the Emirates Golf Federation, Mohamed Juma Buamaim, Chairman of the Mena Golf Tour, and Khalfan Al Kaabi, a board member of the Emirates Golf Federation, with the Mena Golf Tour trophy. (FILE)

The Mena Golf Tour fits perfectly into the larger scheme of things if the region’s players, including the UAE, are to realise their ambitions of competing on the bigger stage, especially the Asian Games or even the 2016 Olympics where the sport is making a comeback after a 112-year absence.


The tour, now in its second edition, has assumed a special significance with the UAE National Olympic Committee officially endorsing golf in its portfolio of sports, thus clearing the way for the country’s leading players to start dreaming about the biggest moments of their careers.

"There are hundreds of young golfers in the region who would be proud to represent their country and it would be an honour for anyone who plays this game to be part of the Asian Games and Olympic Games,” said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, chairman of the MENA Golf Tour.

“Hard work and exposure to high-intensity competitions are vital ingredients to preparing the players for top flight golf, and the Mena Golf Tour has the strength in depth to provide competition that would challenge the players and fine tune their skills required to compete at this level.

“Our intention is to develop amateurs who represent their country through this Tour because we feel they are the ones who will encourage more people to take up golf – and not Woods and Westwoods,” he said. “The added incentives, of course, are the spots that we offer to top golfers on the Order of Merit - three professionals and one leading amateur - to compete in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

“We have created a springboard for the players to benefit from it and, hopefully, they will set new standards,” said Buamaim, who thanked the UAE NOC for its initiative to recognise golf, which is fast becoming popular among the Emiratis.

The Tour, he explained, is not UAE specific. “It is meant to create playing opportunities for all those keen on playing at the top level or planning on making a career out of golf. It’s a stepping stone to the exciting world of international golf.”

The second edition of the Mena Tour, which is scheduled to kick off in September this year, will have a true regional flavour with stops in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and possibly, Morocco. With more tournaments, more prize money on offer, the tour is expected to attract a strong field with players who have featured on the Challenge Tour and Asian Tour events adding to its strength.

If a Mena Golf Tour player goes on to establish his credentials on the international circuit, it will just be a sign of the times in an ever-changing world. “This calls us to join hands, group our efforts and set off to make this dream come true,” he said.

Westwood retains Indonesian Masters title World number three secured his 38th career victory

Lee Westwood played an "exhausting" 32 holes on Sunday to successfully defend his Indonesian Masters title and pick up his first win of the year.The world number three secured his 38th career victory after he returned early in the morning to complete his third round before closing with a final round two-over-par 74 at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.Englishman Westwood's winning total of 16-under-par 272 meant he finished two shots ahead of Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant, with the Indian duo of Gaganjeet Bhullar and Shiv Kapur tied in third place.

The 38-year-old, who finished tied third at the Masters two weeks ago, held an eight-shot lead going into the final round but tiredness began to kick in on his homeward nine as he shot three bogeys.

Play at the Asian Tour event had been abandoned on Saturday due to lightning.

"It was draining out there and I was really feeling it on the back nine. When you are in contention and under pressure, it seems to zap your energy faster," said Westwood.


"You never know how to play with such a big lead. You don't know if you should attack or defend. It is quite hard to get your mental attitude around it.

"It was a case of staying patient and calm and playing the holes correctly. It was exhausting."

Westwood, who collected a winner's cheque of ê118,875, said he hoped the win would kick-start this year's attempt at winning an elusive Major championship.

"I've played well without any wins so hopefully I can go on and win other tournaments.

"It is tough when you are the favourite because if you don't win then it will be disappointing. There was a lot of pressure so I'm glad I did it."

Thaworn, winner of the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2005, birdied the last two holes to claim his best finish of the season.

"I felt tired after the 12th hole but I held on. I couldn't really hit my shots properly so I'm quite surprised with the way I finished.

"I haven't won in a while but I've come close this season so I hope to keep the momentum going."

Leading final scores (par 72)
272 - Lee Westwood (ENG) 65-68-65-74
274 - Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 72-69-66-67
276 - Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 72-70-65-69, Shiv Kapur(IND) 68-71-70-67
277 - Anirban Lahiri (IND) 74-68-66-69
278 - Seuk-hyun Baek (KOR) 72-70-68-68
279 - Angelo Que (PHI) 69-73-68-69, Lee Sung (KOR) 68-71-67-73, Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) 70-68-72-69
281 - Berry Henson (USA) 69-73-69-70, Wade Ormsby (AUS) 71-73-66-71, Masanori Kobayashi(JPN) 69-68-74-70, Zaw Moe (MYN) 68-67-75-71

Meydan launches the Track for golf enthusiasts No membership fees and a real challenge guaranteed for all players

Meydan Golf today launches The Track - a unique new pay-and-play golf course at the world famous Dubai racecourse.Challenging enough for even the best players, it is also extremely welcoming for novices looking to take up the sport and those with limited experience.There is no membership fee at The Track with players simply booking a tee time to take on the brilliant nine-hole course.Bookings for preview play rounds are now being taken, at Dh300 per player. Players in this introductory period can choose to play nine holes or double up to 18 holes at no extra charge.

Permanent rates for 9 and 18 holes will be announced following the preview period.

Tuition packages and one-off lessons will also be available from professional instructors who will tailor sessions to the individual’s needs.


From the summer, The Track will be floodlit and open until midnight so golfers can beat the heat and keep their game sharp.

Developed by Meydan Golf and run by leading golf management company Troon Golf, The Track is nestled alongside Meydan racecourse, home of the Dubai World Cup.

Just a ten minute drive out of the city, the facility makes the most of the natural contours and lakes in the area and is home to a variety of wildlife.

The Track, which is open from 6.30am, was designed by renowned golf course architect Peter Harradine, with every hole posing a unique challenge.

“Water is a predominant feature of the course thanks to the natural lakes we have here,” said Paul Dennis, The Track’s general manager.

“These make sure the course is a challenge for better players off the back tees with the forward tees also allowing it to be really enjoyable for the novice golfer.”

The course can be played as 9 or 18 holes, with a challenging 18 hole yardage of 7,416. The course offers something for players of all ages and abilities, as distances from the tees vary from 633 yards on the 1st hole at the toughest level, down to 100 yards for novices on the 6th.

Stunning views across Meydan and towards the Burj Khalifa add to an unforgettable golfing experience for everyone.

“The Track opens up the sport to those who are a little intimidated by traditional golf clubs or who cannot commit to becoming a member,” added Dennis.

“It gives people somewhere to play where they receive five-star service but without the fees which usually accompany being a member of a golf club.

“It is really all about getting everyone out and enjoying golf at The Track.”

At the heart of the stunning two-tier clubhouse is The Track Restaurant.
A light and modern space, it is open daily between 6.30am and 10.30pm and offers a variety of food - from classic full breakfasts through to gourmet sandwiches, salads, steaks and curry.

A family room and children’s play-area will open later in the year.

Upstairs is Qube – a revolutionary sports lounge whose sleek design offers an airy and sophisticated setting without compromising on all the fun elements of a sports lounge.

Four giant screens are suspended in a cube at the centre of the vibrant venue with a further 16 big screen televisions around the perimeter. A range of games including pool tables, shuffleboard, darts and fussball will keep guests entertained all evening.

For more information on The Track or for golf bookings and enquiries, please visit www.meydangolf.com

For more information on Qube sports lounge, programming and events please visit www.qubesportsbar.com

Haya extends patronage of Dubai Ladies Masters Dh2.45m European Tour event is growing in stature

Her Royal Highness Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has extended her patronage to the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters (ODLM) for another two years, reaffirming her support of the premier women’s golfing event in the region.Promoted and organised by 'golf in DUBAi', the euro 500,000 (Dh2.45 million) Ladies European Tour’s season-ending event has grown in stature and popularity since its inception in 2006, showcasing the talent of the world’s leading players in what is billed as the ‘Ladies Major of the Middle East.’

Princess Haya’s kind gesture of extending her patronage to the 2012 and 2013 Omega Dubai Ladies Masters is a fitting recognition to the role played by the event in promoting women’s golf in the region and is part of a long-term Dubai goal to become a solid foothold for sports in the world.


“It is indeed a great honour and privilege for all of us at golf in Dubai to have HRH Princess Haya extend her patronage to the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters," said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, Vice-Chairman and CEO of golf in Dubai.

“A former Olympic athlete, humanitarian, member of the International Olympic Committee, UN Messenger of Peace and President of the International Equestrian Federation, HRH Princess Haya is a woman of substance who has inspired many people with her strong values and forceful conviction," he said.

“Her patronage has certainly raised the profile of our event and we will strive and do everything possible to raise the bar for future events befitting Dubai’s image as the region’s sporting capital. Every international sporting event hosted in Dubai has its own appeal and aura, reflecting on the Emirate’s dynamic and innovative sporting culture,” he added.

The 2011 Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, the first event to be held under patronage, generated tremendous media coverage around the world. The independent facts provided by the Ladies European Tour show the event, won by US teenage prodigy Alexis Thompson, generated international media exposure worth Dh383 million via 380 broadcasts.

Tiger ready for Quail Hollow with 'fixed' swing Woods has spent past fortnight working on his game

Tiger Woods returns to PGA Tour action at this week's Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina, confident he has solved the ball-striking problems which plagued him at this month's Masters.
The former world number one failed to break 72 in any of his four rounds at the year's opening Major, completing his worst performance at Augusta National since he turned professional.
He battled his way to a closing two-over-par 74 for a five-over total of 293, ruing his tendency to allow old habits to creep back into a swing he has grooved with coach Sean Foley over the last two years.

"At the Masters, I was kind of struggling with my ball-striking a little bit," Woods said during a question and answer video session with his fans posted on his website on Monday.

"Sean and I fixed it. It had to do with my posture. My setup wasn't quite right, as well as my takeaway so we worked on that. I just needed to do hundreds of (repetitions). I'm getting dialed in."



Woods, a 14-times Major champion, took a week off after the April 5-8 Masters and has since spent the past fortnight working on his game.

Asked if he liked his chances of winning a 73rd PGA Tour title in this week's event at Quail Hollow, he replied: "I feel like I do, yes.

"I feel like if I can do the things that we've been working on, and get my posture and my takeaway dialed in, then yes, I have a good chance.

"I'm going to a golf course I like in Charlotte. I've won there before. The very next week is a tournament that I've also won at," the 36-year-old American added, referring to the May 10-13 Players Championship at Sawgrass.

Woods triumphed at Quail Hollow in 2007 and won his only Players title in 2001 at the event regarded by many as the unofficial 'fifth' Major.

Monday's video session, based on questions sent in by fans via Facebook and Twitter, was an interesting choice by Woods who will not be giving his customary pre-tournament news conference ahead of the Wells Fargo Championship.

The world number seven typically addresses the media before every event in which he plays but is not scheduled to speak to reporters until after he completes Thursday's opening round at Quail Hollow.

Woods fielded 19 questions from fans in the video session, among them a query as to the best putt he has ever sunk on the PGA Tour.

In reply, he cited the par putt he knocked in from just inside four feet on the 72nd hole of the 1997 Masters, his first Major title which he clinched by a staggering 12 strokes with a record low total of 270.

"To set the record, all the history it meant at the time, to have my dad there at the back of the green," Woods added. "By far it was the biggest."

As for his favourite Major trophy, Woods did not hesitate in selecting the cherished Claret Jug awarded to winners of the British Open.

"The history and what it represents," he said. "Every single great champion has played in the British Open."

Fowler wins maiden PGA title in playoff McIlroy reclaims number one world ranking from Donald

Rickie Fowler delivered on his vast potential by claiming his first PGA Tour win at the Wells Fargo championship with a birdie on the first hole of a playoff against Briton Rory McIlroy and fellow American D.A. Points at Quail Hollow on Sunday.
The 23-year-old Fowler finally justified his billing as one of the game's top young players when he sank a four-footer for birdie at the 18th hole to claim victory at the Charlotte, North Carolina course.
"It's a good feeling right now," Fowler told reporters after winning in his 67th professional start. "Definitely some relief, satisfaction.

"I definitely knew I was good enough, and it was just getting everything to come together and stay patient."

Despite losing out in the playoff, the finish ensured US Open champion McIlroy, who is also 23, would reclaim the number one world ranking from Luke Donald.



Fowler fired a three-under-par 69 to join McIlroy (70) and Points (71) in the sudden-death playoff after tying at 14-under-par 274 after the regulation 72 holes.
Fowler, who had made the last US Ryder Cup team despite lacking a tour victory, saw the pressure lift off his shoulders when both Points and McIlroy missed their long birdie putts and had to settle for par.

McIlroy had left himself 34 feet from the cup after his approach shot, and Points was 41 feet away.

Home-town favorite Webb Simpson, the third-round leader who lives about a mile from the course, finished one stroke out of the playoff at 275 after posting a 73 for fourth place.

Two shots further back on 277 were Briton Lee Westwood (66) and Americans Ben Curtis (67) and Ryan Moore (74).

The Wells Fargo finish could presage a dynamic rivalry between the young Fowler and McIlroy, who two years ago fired a sensational, course-record 62 to win this tournament.

"I'm looking forward to playing with Rory for a long time," said Fowler, whose colourful outfits and all-orange Sunday get-up had brought him more attention than his tour results.

"We've always had a great camaraderie, been good buddies," Fowler said about the Northern Irishman.

"I've had a lot of fun playing against him. We first played against each other at the Walker Cup in '07, and I look forward to playing against him and hopefully having plenty more tournaments like this where we're battling back and forth."

After all three players found the fairway with their playoff drives, Fowler set up victory with his brilliant approach.

All three golfers had the chance to clinch victory during the final holes.

Points had a one-shot lead going to the final hole of regulation but knocked his approach shot into a bunker and took a bogey.

McIlroy had a shot at winning in regulation but missed a 15-foot birdie putt at the last.

Fowler had the outright lead until he drove into a fairway bunker at the 16th and then hit to a greenside bunker. He two-putted from 10 feet for bogey to slide back.

Dubai Ladies Masters raises global media value Alexis Thompson's triumph contributed to phenomenal success

The 2011 Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, won by US teenage sensation Alexis Thompson, generated a massive global media exposure giving ‘golf in Dubai’ and ‘Brand Dubai,’ in particular, a massive boost.
Held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Haya bint Al Hussein - wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai - the season-ending event of the Ladies European Tour played from December 14 to 17, reached millions of homes of worldwide, producing Global Media Value worth Dh382.5 million – a whopping 466 per cent increase in value since the inaugural edition in 2006.



In addition, commercials produced by CNN International in the run up to the event, reached over 170 million households and hotel rooms across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, bringing an unprecedented level of promotion to the euro 500,000 (Dh2.5 million) tournament, which has become the torch-bearers for ladies golf in the region.

The independent statistics, provided by Ladies European Tour, clearly shows ladies golf, once considered alien to the sporting fabric of the nation, has become very much part of Dubai’s vision in putting the Emirate on the sporting map, thus enhancing the Emirate’s image as an Arab city with “an international spirit and sensibility.”

Promoted and organised by ‘golf in Dubai,’ an event management company that operates under the umbrella of the Dubai Investment Corporation, the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters has grown in stature and popularity over the years, thanks to the regular participation of the world’s leading players, making it the 'Ladies Major of the Middle East'.

The tournament website (www.dubailadiesmasters.com) also recorded a new high with 27,737 visits from 120 countries, an increase of 22.46 per cent. Also, a total of 11,119 spectators turned up at the Emirates Golf Club to watch the proceedings, a healthy figure considering ladies golf is still new to the region.

The stunning victory of Thompson, who at age 16 years, 10 months and seven days, became the youngest professional to win tournaments on both sides of the Atlantic, greatly contributed to the phenomenal success of the tournament as the “breaking news” was splashed all over the newspapers and news sites in the United States of America.

Also included in the field were a slew of other LPGA stars, led by Michelle Wie and Christina Kim who joined Britian’s all-time great and golf in Dubai ambassador Laura Davies, Melissa Reid and Sophie Gustafson and a host of other top-draw from the Ladies European Tour, giving the tournament truly a global look.

The action on the course was equally thrilling with the strong 108-player field, representing 28 countries, producing six eagles (all on par-3, fifth hole), 995 birdies, 4,160 pars and 997 bogeys over the four days.

“The facts provided by the Ladies European Tour amply confirm the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters was well received on the international circuit and contributed immensely in showcasing Dubai’s attractions to the world,” said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in Dubai.

“We strive and assemble a top quality field that creates new storylines every year. The success of an event of this magnitude would not be possible without the generous support of key sponsors and I would like to especially thank the title sponsor, Omega, for their association. In fact, we have a great family of partners and patrons, and we value their support in raising the profile of the event.

“We feel proud and privileged to be part of a tradition that began in 2006 with the winner’s trophy serving as ladies golf’s one of the most valued treasures that holds significance to the players. Very soon we will announcing some big names who will be competing in the 2012 event.”

Donald hopes for duel for top spot with McIlroy

Luke Donald believes golf fans could be in for a treat in the coming months as he and world number one Rory McIlroy battle it out head-to-head for top spot in the world rankings.

Donald and McIlroy have exchanged the position throughout the season but the sense of drama has been lost given the way the rankings changes have come about, with the two players taking advantage of each other's off-weeks.

McIlroy is enjoying his third spell as number one after first climbing to the peak with victory in the Honda Classic at Palm Beach Gardens in March.

"I kind of enjoy the going back and forth. I think the fans enjoy it," Donald told reporters on Wednesday, ahead of this week's Players Championship in which both are competing.

"I think the last couple of months it probably has not been as exciting because Rory and I really haven't been playing in the same events. I think that will change a little bit and hopefully there will be some situations coming up in the next few months where we'll be playing in the same tournament and both having a chance to win the tournament.

"And that's more exciting rather than me one week playing okay and getting in when he's having an off week and vice versa. I think the fact that I think coming up, we'll be playing a lot more of the same tournaments that will make it a bit more relevant," he said.

Donald gained the number one position when he came third in New Orleans two week ago as McIlroy rested.

The Northern Irishman lost in a playoff for the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow on Sunday and leap-frogged Donald, who had sat the week out.

Top spot could change again this week if Donald, or third-ranked Lee Westwood win or have a good finish well ahead of McIlroy.

Donald is grouped with Westwood for the first two rounds of a tournament which the Englishman says would be his biggest win yet.

"It's probably sometimes talked as the fifth major, because of the strength of field. It doesn't have quite that feel of a major, but because of the strength of field, it's just a small step down."

Opposition grows to… fingerprinting illegals?

Most of the stories I cover involving my home stomping grounds of New York are uniformly negative, I’m sorry to say. (And yes, that includes the New York Jets.) But the state is what it is. What’s a guy to do? This fact makes it all the more pleasant for me, though, when I come across something positive to report, and it seemed as if I’d found just such a story this weekend. Next week the Empire State will finish rolling out a program called Secure Communities.

A program that gives federal immigration officials access to the fingerprints of undocumented immigrants booked into local jails will start Tuesday across New York state despite staunch opposition from advocates and lawmakers, including Gov. Andrew Cuomo.



A law-enforcement official familiar with the program, called Secure Communities, confirmed that New York City and 30 other jurisdictions would join the 31 communities that already have the program in place. Suffolk, Nassau and Westchester counties, among others, have participated in Secure Communities for more than a year.

Right off the bat, this one should ring up significant support – or so you might think – because it’s actually nothing new. We’re not talking about some program where cops are cruising the parking lot at Home Depot asking people for “their papers” every morning. This is simply taking the fingerprints of illegal immigrants who are already in jail and charged with a crime and getting them into the right database. The prints were already being sent to the FBI, so shipping them over to ICE shouldn’t be much of a leap.

A representative of the immigration enforcement agency is quoted as saying that the program has already delivered results, and “has helped ICE remove more than 135,000 convicted criminal aliens, including more than 49,000 convicted of major violent offenses like murder, rape and the sexual abuse of children.” So what could possibly go wrong?

Asked about the program at a Friday news conference, New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said “we prefer that they not do that here.”

…

Speaking on the radio Friday, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn said there will be a rally on City Hall’s steps on Monday to urge the federal government to refrain from forcing the city’s hand.

She also said the police were being put in a “terrible position.”

“It’s just so counter to what New York is about as an immigrant city,” she added. “And I’m real proud of our mayor and our governor, who have all spoken out…. The police can’t disregard the law at the end of the day, but it’s a terrible thing to put them in when they should be focusing on real crime.”

New York – particularly the Big Apple – does have a great tradition of welcoming immigrants. Legal immigrants. They built the city and the harbor and made New York a focal point of the economic development of an emerging nation. Unfortunately, its vast size and compressed population also eventually made it a haven for gang activity and illegal trade, including illegal immigration. Contrary to what Ms. Quinn may feel, a program such as Secure Communities is not contrary to “what New York is about.” It’s precisely what New York was and should always have been about. A safe haven and open door for those who follow the legal process we have in place and wish to join America as citizens.

But now we have everyone from the Governor and the Chief of Police carping about it along with every advocacy group in the state. So I suppose there’s no such thing as a good story in New York without at least one worm in the apple.

Julia: A paean to subservience in the Hubby State?

You’ve come a long way, baby. The old advertising motto that targeted women who thought of themselves as liberated in the 1970s came with no small measure of irony, since the point of the ad was to get women hooked on Virginia Slims cigarettes. Jessica Gavora sees a similar kind of irony in the Barack Obama campaign’s rollout of “Julia,” their composite woman who lives her 67-year life under the beneficence of the Obama presidency. Gavora argues that Obama wants to create not just a nanny state but a Hubby State, in which women marry the federal government — a far from liberating existence:

“The Life of Julia,” the Obama campaign’s new interactive Web ad, follows a cartoon everywoman, Julia, through the milestones of a middle-class American life: education, work, motherhood, retirement. One milestone is pointedly missing: marriage.

But, then again, why should Julia get married? She doesn’t need to. Like a growing number of single women with children, Julia is married to the state.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in this rather creepy slide from the Life of Julia presentation:

Note that there is no mention of a husband, or even a father, biological or involved. In the entire slide series, Julia never gets married, and indeed except for one single reference to having sex, is never shown as being with a man at all. Her son shows up in just one slide, and is never mentioned again after the slide shows Julia handing Zachary off to the Nanny State:

Zachary then disappears from Julia’s life. Meanwhile, Julia continues her lifelong reliance on the Hubby State, through to her 67th year, at which the Life of Julia comes to an abrupt end.

Gavora warns that women are selling themselves into bondage, and this time on the cheap:

Julia is just the latest makeover. She is the Democrats’ answer to Romney’s family Christmas card. A nation of women on their own, after all, doesn’t relate very well to fecund portraits of smiling white moms and dads with kids and golden retrievers underfoot. With her spare, faceless affect, Julia is meant to evoke a more modern, independent sensibility — with the exception of her life of endless government dependency, that is.

Julia is Mary Tyler Moore on the government’s dime. You’re gonna make it after all, Julia! Just remember who’s responsible on Election Day.

The problem is, like so much of our political rhetoric, Julia is not a composite; she’s a myth. Some of the nation’s single moms may be successful Web designers, but many are poor — fully half have incomes of less than $30,000 a year, compared with just 15 percent of married women. It’s not Pell grants and SBA loans these women rely on but Medicaid and food stamps. And it’s not comfortable retirements in community gardens they contemplate but bleak old age.

Whereas government benefits were once the state’s compassionate response to women who had lost their husbands, in Julia’s world they are the unquestionable entitlement of women who never married. The decline of marriage and Democratic political opportunism have combined to transform what used to be a situation to be avoided — single motherhood — into a new and proud American demographic, citizens of Obama’s Hubby State.

Gone is any acknowledgment that remaining single is a less than ideal situation for women — or for men, for that matter — or that raising children outside of marriage is anything less than these women’s inalienable personal choice.

The bleak, lonely existence of Julia is a warning to voters. This is the Brave New World that Obama envisions for all of us — dependent on government instead of real families, children who all but become wards of the state and are nothing more than optional accessories that are easily discarded when appropriate. This could be the bleakest political vision ever deliberately constructed as an argument to vote for someone.