Serena reigns again with a hard-fought 6-1 5-7 6-2

Serena Williams claimed her fifth Wimbledon title with a hard fought 5-7 6-2 6-1 win over Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska on Centre Court.

American proves too powerful for Aznieszka Radwanska in Wimbledon final.

The success of the American sixth seed, means that it has drawn level with her sister Venus and British pair of Lottie Dod and Charlotte Cooper Sterry, who also has five victories at the All England Club.

Williams seemed destined to facilitate the last Radwanska, who was making his first grand slam final appearance, when they passed the first set.

However, Radwanska resisted tougher in the second, finally breaking the opponent's service to level at 4-4 before another on the issues raised 12.

However, their efforts to make the conditions seemed to take its toll in the deciding set, allowing his opponent to take control again, Williams hit a record of 102 aces in the tournament as he claimed his fourteenth Grand Slam.

The result also means Victoria Azarenka, who lost in the semifinals to eventual champion SW19, which now regains world number one.
Brutal opening

Radwanska had been severely affected by an upper respiratory tract disease in recent days and showed the kickoff.

The 23 years old, the first Pole to reach a Grand Slam final in 73 years could have wished she was back on his sickbed as Williams burned its way to the first set, dropping just one game and breaking her opponent twice.

Williams became the turning point for the third a 2-0 lead before she broke again in the fourth game and, although sympathetic cries echoed around the center court when Radwanska finally on the scoreboard, it was not long time before Williams closed out the set in just 36 minutes.

However, dark clouds soon closed on center court and a rain delay of 25 minutes Radwanska offered a chance to regroup before the start of the second set.

It seemed that the hopes of a revival had been defeated when Serena broke the love in the third game of the second set.

But Radwanska, kept fighting and eventually deployed a series of subtle strokes that have proven so effective over the last fortnight, and broke twice to level the match.

Polo intelligent changes of pace and nerves seemed to get the better of Williams as she delivered the set with a succession of errors in the 5-6.
Battle

Williams was being forced to fight for every point and looked in trouble at 1-2 in the final set, but regained her composure when she hit four consecutive aces to hold serve and increased the power of the land the decisive break the a 3-2 lead.

Williams, playing his seventh Wimbledon singles final, scored another break in the fifth game when Radwanska sent a backhand long and again two games later with a delicate drop-shot.

He closed the game with backhand winner and fell back on the Centre Court lawn in celebration.

Williams pocketed a check for 1.15milllion pounds, is the first woman over 30 to win Wimbledon since Martina Navratilova in 1990.

The new world No 4 is now sixth on the list of most Grand Slam titles - four away from Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert (18), eight out of Steffi Graf (22) and 10 out of Australia, Margaret Court ( 24).

It also becomes the seventh different winner of a Grand Slam tournament since Kim Clijsters won the U.S. Open Opened in 2010 and in Australia in early 2011.

Have a look of Wimbledon Final highlights:

Michigan Football: Hoke's great foundation should stop last-minute poachers

Although verbal commitments are definitely not binding, the college football coaches hate to lose one or two players on the national signing day. Former Michigan coach, Rich Rodriguez aggravated after Purdue coach Joe Tiller when Michigan "looted" Roy Roundtree away from Purdue.

 

 New Buckeye coach Urban Meyer was the coach Bret Bielema of Wisconsin at Ohio State upset when he "stole" the lineman Kyle Dodson away from badgers.

Even coach Brady Hoke Michigan is guilty. Hoke was able to turn away from Cincinnati Dennis Norfleet to complete the class of 2012.

Some coaches say there is a "gentlemen's agreement" to avoid this kind of trickery, but in reality does not exist.

"From what I've known, has always been a game until just firm," Hoke said WBNS-TV10 in Columbus. "I have so much trouble with that. I hope not too many who are going away from you."

Over the years there has been significant talk about a solution to this problem called, perhaps an early signing period, such as basketball.

"Football Coaches Association made ​​a proposal to the commissioners of the conference three years ago by an early signing period," said Tom D'Angelo of the Palm Beach Post.

There is no question Hoke has already built that kind of program in Michigan. For example, Ohio State recently contacted Tuley Logan-Tillman, a commitment to 2013.

Tillman expressed his loyalty to Michigan by burning the letter.

Do not forget the newfound camaraderie. It starts with commitment Shane Morris 2013, quarterback of 5 stars Warren De La Salle.

When not impressing the national recruiting gurus with their game, which has been acting as a recruiter link between peers. He has been selling the program to the last possibility is also committed to building relationships over the class of 2013.

So Michigan is in danger of losing one or two players on the national day of signature next February? No, whether or Morris Tillman has nothing to do with it.

"I'd love to win": Bullish Hamilton's ready to take on in-form Vettel at Silverstone

The British star known primary driver of Red Bull is "ridiculous" the pace, but says he is ready to take on.

 

 Lewis Hamilton shrugged off fears of Sebastian Vettel could leave the British Grand Prix due to its advantage "ridiculous" speed.

However, the 27-year-old German said was so superior in the last round in Valencia that could dominate the rest of the season.

Vodafone McLaren ace pilot fired a note of caution, as the British train accelerated ahead of Sunday's orgy of motorsport.

Vettel had an amazing advantage in the European Grand Prix was up to two seconds per lap faster than the hunting field in Valencia and was particularly fast with new tires.

And it would have taken his second win of the season at a canter and leads the drivers' championship had his car not break down under the safety car in the scorching heat.

Hamilton wants to curb the rising expectation of British, but his team Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is perfectly suited to the fast straights and sweeping curves of the Northamptonshire track.

"Be careful, because Vettel could dominate the rest of the year," said Hamilton.
 
The pace he had in the last race was ridiculous - he made a 20 seconds in something like 10 laps.

"There is a concern for me because it is what it is." 
It will be Red Bull, Ferrari and us, but maybe some other people at Silverstone.

"I would love to win the race but I have no idea how the cars and tires behave."

"I love to win the British Grand Prix and get that trophy, is the best victory I've seen."

McLaren plan to bring the biggest package of updates however, by his home race to return to the terms of level with Red Bull know your changes much heralded have not always worked.

"We are in a different year and the point where it is a car that can be tuned, but to get that big step is difficult," said Hamilton.

"They have to start bringing all the small fragments, details and everything. And I hope to be.
"I've been to the factory and assured me that we have things that have been tested and have been in the simulator.

"Therefore, it is a matter of pushing to get those things and hoping that they comply with what they are saying."

As for the rappers who have found new voice from his confrontation with Pastor Maldonado, Hamilton had no regrets.

"People love to be with you when you are up, but some people do not like to be with you when you're down," he said.

"To be honest, I have fans who have been with me through thick and thin and empowering way."

Oval and out: England leads the five match series 2-0 against Australia

Bopara and Bell, are working full vulnerable groups Australia, England, dominate proceedings in the second one-day international

 
 England's Ian Bell after reaching his fifty alongside Ravi Bopara

One day the kings of England took a step closer to wrest the crown from Australia after playing with them in the Oval.

Two to zero after two games is the perfect start, but yesterday six wicket victory with 26 balls to spare Australia suggests a victory is not even around the corner.

When Australia were once threatening, in-your-face game animals a day are now much more likely to turn around, enjoy a belly tickling and gladly accept a cookie.

England have men queuing up to take a leading role in the case of Ravi Bopara or Ian Bell, who cracked 82 and 75, respectively, or Steven Finn who was sensational with the ball again.

 
 
90-run partnership Bopara and Bell helped take the sting out of the run chase, but the truth is that England were never under any pressure, because the Australian team are not good enough for your application.

You may feel a little afflict a review of low birth weight by Eoin Morgan, which was canceled less than convincing evidence access point, but that does not change the bare facts.

England were far ahead of the Aussies in every department and with the rhythm player Pat Cummins returned home with a side strain and this tour lurches from bad to worse for them.

With the ball in England, was again first class, and this despite losing James Anderson before the game. It also remains doubtful for the match due to a groin injury on Wednesday.

His replacement, Jade Dernbach had not exert the same kind of pressure on his homeland, but Finn is a cut above again.

Fielding the ball off his own bowling stopped, scrambled, picked up and threw the ball on the stump that he could see while falling to the ground.

He batted and David Hussey missing the frame, run out by a long way and it summed up the difference between the parties.

Australia had limped to 128-4 when Shane Watson was out for 66, caught by the Finnish increasingly reliable the bowling of Graeme Swann, having been almost afraid to play a shot in anger.

Between 20 and 30 overs, Australia added just 24 runs as Watson and George Bailey of land to an end, which left them with too much acceleration to do.

Finn is out of stock, review progress, but even solo shifts "six of Brett Lee could lift Australia score above a disappointing 251-7.

England knew it had to be sensitive to claim victory, preferably with one of its top anchor and launch of three Bell was that man.

Bell and Bopara were good enough to take the heat of persecution and Morgan made ​​the work was done with 43 not out.
COOKING delighted after England WIN

England captain Alastair Cook said: "It is good to overcome the line thought especially Ravi played very well, and Ian obviously too ..
 
A score of 250 is always obtainable here in the oval when you have wickets in hand and the hitters did their job.

"Our players also did well. Say the grip 25 to 35 credits, and it really took 20 to 30 strokes off your score." 


The third one-day international is at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

ENGLAND v AUSTRALIA
The Kia Oval
England beat Australia by 6 wkts

Australia Innings S R Watson c Finn b Swann 66
D A Warner c Bell b Finn 10
P J Forrest c Kieswetter b Broad 12
M J Clarke c Kieswetter b Bopara 10
G J Bailey b Bresnan 65
D J Hussey run out 29
M S Wade c Broad b Bresnan 6
B Lee not out 20
M G Johnson not out 8
Extras lb15 w8 nb2 pens 0 25
 Total 7 wkts Innings Complete (50 overs) 251
Fall: 1-15 2-66 3-101 4-128 5-206 6-222 7-223
Did Not Bat: C J McKay, X J Doherty.
Bowling: Finn 9 0 36 1; Dernbach 10 1 59 0; Bresnan 8 0 50 2; Broad 10 0 48 1; Bopara 5 0 16 1; Swann 8 0 27 1

England Innings
A N Cook lbw b McKay 18
I R Bell b Clarke 75
I J L Trott b Watson 17
R S Bopara run out 82
E J G Morgan not out 43
C Kieswetter not out 0
Extras lb4 w9 nb4 pens 0 17
Total 4 wkts (45.4 overs) 252
Fall: 1-40 2-81 3-171 4-250
Did Not Bat: T T Bresnan, G P Swann, S C J Broad, J W Dernbach S T Finn.
Bowling: Lee 10 0 58 0; Johnson 7 0 43 0; McKay 10 1 42 1; Doherty 7.4 0 41 0; Watson 6 0 34 1; Hussey 3 0 17 0; Clarke 2 0 13 1
 

Chambers eyes return to olympic

Sprinter's last Olympic performance was in 2000

Dwain Chambers is expected to return to the Olympic arena after an absence of 12 years, when the British team for London 2012 Athletics announced on Tuesday.

 

In Sydney in 2000, Chambers finished fourth in the 100 meters, but has not been presented at the Olympic Games since after his two-year ban for drug use and the systematic imposition of the lifetime ban from Olympic Association British.

Earlier this year, however, the BOA ban was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, cleaning 34 years of age to compete in a Indoor games could well mark the end of his career of controversy .

Despite failing to secure its place automatically, victory in the Olympic trials in Birmingham and its background will be enough for Chambers to get the selection.
Selection

Chambers initially wanted to pursue the qualifying period required under the European Championship last week, however, was given the option not to compete in the individual event in Helsinki as head coach of UK Athletics Charles van Commenee felt take "something incredible" of his rivals to deny his case for selection.

These actions never materialized, meaning Chambers will join Adam Gemili teenager in the 100 meters, with the last chance to go to Santiago Dasaolu.

Van Commenee said: "I have confirmation (in Helsinki) was the right decision not to run Chambers and Dasaolu because running did not do much."

Chambers can also join in the selection of another athlete previously excluded due to drug prohibition, with Carl Myerscough impressive Van Commenee by achieving a second 'B' standard in the shot just hours before the deadline. He noticed a minor meeting in Estonia and took a ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn late on Saturday night.

However, the selection of Chambers and Myerscough is unlikely, the most controversial aspect of the selection, with Van Commenee prepare for a "lot of resources" desperate athletes.
Appeals

Van Commenee added: "You can appeal if the facts have been overlooked or the panel has not adhered to the policy that is published so there is not much you can appeal.".

Any appeal must be filed within 24 hours of the announcement of the team and then heard within 48 hours. The appeals panel consists of the President UKA, Ed Warner, Chairman of UKA Lyn Davies and independent lawyer.

The biggest cause for discussion and possible resources is by far the women's 800 meters, where Jenny Meadows, Marilyn Okoro, Emma Jackson, Jemma Simpson and Lynsey Sharp all expected to be selected.

Sharp is definitely the best form after his victory in the trials and silver medal in Helsinki, but also the only athlete without an 'A' qualifying time. Athletes with level "B" can only be selected if no one with the 'A' is chosen. In other words, choose the means of selecting Sharp anyone else.

Meadows, who has not competed once in 2012, but has the most impressive championship pedigree, said in Helsinki that he would appeal if not already selected.

Dwain Chambers ~ 10.26 ~ Swears Live On BBC2 ~ Wins 100m Final ~ GB Trials ~ [23-6-2012]

Morientes published hidden story to Del Bosque's success

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque short in the eyes of many a gloomy presence on the touchline, but the former Real Madrid and Spanish striker Fernando Morientes says it's his intelligence that sets him apart from many other coaches.

 

The 61-year-old can make history on Sunday by becoming the first coach to win a European Championship, World Cup title and the Champions League, if Spain beat Italy in Kiev.

Morientes, author of 27 goals in 47 appearances for Spain from 1998 to 2007, was at Real Del Bosque led to two Champions League titles in 2000 and 2002.

He told the French newspaper L'Equipe that is the intelligence of Forest makes it different from a lot of other coaches.

"A great coach for me to be a smart man and if there is an intelligent man in Spanish football is sure to Del Bosque" he was quoted as saying.
 
Because it is so vain that he will say, 'You won a title playing this way with this guy, and they will win titles playing it my way'.
"Del Bosque is a technical quality that has continued to lead the team forward in small steps while respecting the character of each individual player until the last."

Morientes, who went on to play for Monaco and inspired a surprise appearance at the 2004 Champions League against Real Madrid on the road, said Del Bosque has a human touch.

As a result, was able to maintain a harmonious environment change, even when first-class players are being ignored.

"I do not see, and that stays in costume, is its ability to explain face to face with each player on his election," said the 36-year-old.
 
He has this gift, to choose the right words to reassure all players.
 
He'll explain why you are a substitute and when he shakes your hand at the end of the tete-a-tete that will still leave with the impression that trusts you and you still have the opportunity to join the team.

"I have experienced this at Real Madrid where Ronaldo (Brazil) was there. That's the difference between a good coach and a great one."

Morientes, who also happened to Liverpool, Valencia and Marseille, said Del Bosque is sensitive to the feelings of the players and other similar matters.

"From what I gather everything in the Spanish countryside goes from strength to strength," said Morientes, who played in two World Cups and Euro.

Del Bosque has always had that sense of the so-called 'sacred cow as clothing when players prefer to be alone.

Never apply also a list of dos and don'ts. If you want to drink Coca-Cola instead of water with your lunch, you could. Following the training and know very quickly what he wants from you.

"He is a master of detail and will be repeated 25 times for shooting example, at the near post to get it right."

Go to the grace of established pass masters EURO phase

Two of the most gifted midfielders in the game, Andrea Pirlo and Xavi Hernandez, will go head to head in Kiev on Sunday when Italy will try to dethrone European champion Spain.

 

Andrea Pirlo (left) tracks Xavi Hernández in the the teams' Group C opener in Gdansk 

 

Every two or four years there is a player who usually overshadows all others in the light of the procedures and actions with grace so that individual finals are considered 'the tournament'.

Four years ago in Austria and Switzerland was Xavi Hernandez, who was honored for his metronomic wide move to Spain ended more than four decades of disappointment. Now similar acclaim could be heading to Andrea Pirlo as if Italy beat the starters in the final of the UEFA EURO 2012.

Coming from the back of a stellar season with Juventus - in which he appeared in all but one game during unbeaten Juventus won the Scudetto campaign - Pirlo was the chief orchestrator of the Azzurri in Poland and Ukraine. A classic 'regista', has directed the play of his deep-lying midfield position behind Italy Strait of three.

A sumptuous free-kick against Croatia, a pair of assists and three Carlsberg Awards party - more than any other player - means he is the man his teammates and coach Cesare Prandelli look Sunday night.

"Our midfield has a lot of quality in it, we can run and push the ball a lot there and we have a great player who can raise the level, Andrea Pirlo," said Prandelli in the press conference prior to the final. "Often, the other players just work to get the ball to him, to give space to make things."

He did so in the quarter-final against England last week, completing a record of 117 passes EURO, albeit with the help of extra time. And who can forget that style Panenka penalty in the pressure situation of the penalties?

His head to head with Xavi at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev is undoubtedly one of the purists. The FC Barcelona is part of what Sir Alex Ferguson called the Blaugrana's famous' carousel of death - and with good reason. With club-mate Sergio Busquets alongside him, Xavi has executed more passes in the tournament everyone else, his total of 455 being 101 more than Pirlo.

Both players have won the World Cup, but for the story called Xavi, with any player who has appeared in two finals of the EURO victorious. "We have achieved great things," said Xavi, at 32 years eight months Pirlo junior. "We are fortunate to have a great generation of players."
"We continue to make history and we have another chance. We enjoy it and we are lucky, because it is our second [EUR] final. We want to show everyone that this side is still hungry for success and that our football is good."

For Xavi, the cycle of success began when Spain's predecessor Vicente del Bosque took over. "Luis [Aragonés] was the turning point," said Xavi after UEFA EURO 2008. "He took a small commitment that began with him. Putting players like [Andres] Iniesta, [Santi] Cazorla, Cesc Fabregas, [David] Smith and [David] Villa in the team."
Issue that was returned in the press conference. "I feel fortunate, because for several years, football had a tendency to be more physical," said Xavi. "We want to produce spectacular games. Players like Pirlo and players from Spanish and Italian teams play a similar style, so I'm very happy, happy that the tendency is to play for real and attack more." Few would disagree with that.

 

 

Italy and Spain advance to the memory end

Vicente del Bosque and Cesare Prandelli believes that the methods favored by attacking Spain and parts of Italy are made for a thrilling final of the UEFA EURO 2012 in Kiev
 
 Italy coach Cesare Prandelli during training on the eve of the final

Cesare Prandelli, and Vicente del Bosque anticipate a show which is the time in Italy and Spain team meet in the final of the UEFA EURO 2012 to lower the curtain on a memorable 24 days in Poland and Ukraine.

In contrast to the finalists of fashion have been the two most impressive performers in the tournament and, exactly three weeks after an entertaining 1-1 draw in Gdansk, their paths cross again. On the eve of its third meeting in less than 12 months, there was a lot of mutual respect on the show in Kiev - but no little determination, either like watching Spain for a tournament win third straight and Italy seeking a second European crown.

"We worked very hard for many years and we would win the crown that work," said Del Bosque, whose team could not beat Italy in their last ten games of competition, even though they came through his fourth of the UEFA EURO 2008 final on penalties. "We can not look back Italy won the World Cup four times, winning the European Championship in four years is a little history, but we have to look at this We played tournaments like. We were in the same group and have both things .. won on penalties. Our style of play is also very similar so there is a difference between the teams. "

Prandelli therefore believes the best hope of Italy is a focus of attack, adding: "I really hope we can be positive and take the game to them" the power of Spain is not possession, but also how that back. We must choose our moment "and work on a numerical superiority in certain areas. Not expect to be in charge from the first minute to the last, but we know we can play our own football when the opportunity arises."

Expansive style that has produced impressive displays against England and Germany in the knockout stages in the Azzurri's campaign has gained momentum. "Even in qualifying trying to play to the strengths of our players," said Prandelli. "We've risked a bit in this approach because it is a difficult route to take, but we must continue down the same road, and that over time will pay off."

The claim could come sooner than even Prandelli might have expected, and Del Bosque was full of praise for his courage. "" Italy has changed, but started well against us and keeps improving what they are worthy opponents "to the end," said Spain coach. "There has been a major change in Italian football in recent years and will play as they have for the last few games if a team had played like them, they would in the end also,. I have earned."

The day ended with a draw in Spain streak of 14 successive victories of competition, although they remain unbeaten in 19 and not issued since Antonio Di Natale put Italy in front of 419 minutes, giving plenty of food for thought Prandelli . "I expect the usual Spain: a brave team that keeps the ball, but also press" he said. "They have given the least amount of goals in the tournament and even if they do not play with a striker, you can always create a space."

Spain last lost a fixture of the UEFA European Championship six years and 28 games ago and, while both coaches argued that the extraordinary career of Spanish success is "boring," Prandelli recognizes the size of the challenge. "In recent years, Spain seems to always come out on top. Have proven to be the best team in the world, played his way and kept true to its philosophy. We have always said that they are the team to beat." His side now have the opportunity to do just that.


Take a look of group match between Spain vs Italy-