The Malaysian Insider :: Sports
The Malaysian Insider :: Sports |
| Federer still the main attraction as Wimbledon begins Posted: 24 Jun 2013 05:31 AM PDT  Seven-times champion Roger Federer is only fourth favourite to win Wimbledon this year but the Swiss maestro still topped the bill as the All England Club opened its gates for a two-week feast of tennis today.Federer, home favourite Andy Murray and French Open champion Rafael Nadal were all scheduled to begin their campaigns on a cool, grey day in south west London while Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka were the leading ladies in action. The annual stampede to join the queues was already under way at the crack of dawn with latecomers already being advised to turn around and go home at local railway stations. With dry conditions forecast for the first of 13 days, those lucky enough to hold showcourt tickets were set to be royally entertained with defending champion Federer opening play on Centre Court against Romania's Victor Hanescu. Third seed Federer, rated at 8-1 by some bookmakers to hold on to his crown and become the first man to win Wimbledon eight times, sharpened his grasscourt skills by winning the Halle title in the build-up to the championships. "It's a special moment," Federer said of striding out on to the lush green grass on Centre Court. "It doesn't really change. You feel very unique because you are the one opening the court." Most of the chatter in the queues and around the flower-lined walkways was about Murray's chances of becoming the first British man to win the men's singles since Fred Perry in 1936. His every footstep will be analysed as he begins his challenge against Germany's Benjamin Becker who he beat on his way to winning the Queen's Club title earlier this month. Federer, who reduced Murray to tears in last year's final, tipped the Scot, who he could face in the semi-final this time, as the pre-tournament favourite. "He seems the most natural on this surface of the other guys," Federer said. "To me, Andy sort of stands out a little bit over the others." Nadal, whose fifth seeding has skewed the draw and loaded the bottom half with quality, begins against Belgium's Steve Darcis having never lost in the first round of a slam. Russia's Sharapova has been involved in a pre-tournament spat with defending champion Serena Williams over off-court matters but will be fully focused as usual when she takes on first round opponent Kristina Mladenovic of France. - Reuters, June 24, 2013. |
| Balotelli to miss Italy’s semifinal against Spain Posted: 24 Jun 2013 12:41 AM PDT  Italy striker Mario Balotelli has been ruled out of his side's Confederations Cup semifinal against Spain on Thursday with a thigh injury, the Italian Football Federation said on Sunday. "The examinations carried out this afternoon in Fortaleza on Mario Balotelli showed a grade-one tear in the quadriceps muscle of the left leg," it said in a statement. "The player will not be available for the semifinal against Spain on Thursday and in the coming days his condition will be evaluated for the match on June 30 (either the final or third-place play-off)." Balotelli, who left Manchester City for AC Milan earlier this year, has scored twice for Italy in the tournament,and would have been expected to once again lead his side's attack in Fortaleza against the world and European champions. Italy coach Cesare Prandelli hopes to have playmaker Andrea Pirlo available after he missed Saturday's 4-2 defeat to hosts Brazil in the final Group A game with a sore calf. Brazil take on Uruguay in the other semifinal on Wednesday. – Reuter, June 24, 2013. |
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