The Malaysian Insider :: Sports
The Malaysian Insider :: Sports |
| Sharapova names Connors her new coach Posted: 14 Jul 2013 03:44 AM PDT World number two Maria Sharapova, a stunning second-round loser at Wimbledon last month, has taken on eight-time grand slam winner Jimmy Connors as her new coach, she said on Saturday. "I am happy to announce that Jimmy Connors will be my new coach," the 26-year-old Russian, a four-time major winner, posted on her website (www.mariasharapova.com). "I have known Jimmy for many years and we briefly worked together in 2008 just before the Australian Open. I am really excited about our new partnership and am looking forward to the upcoming tournaments." The Russian won the 2008 Australian Open, beating Ana Ivanovic of Serbia in the final in an all-conquering campaign in which she did not lose a set. Sharapova, who was ousted at Wimbledon in straight sets by Michelle Larcher de Brito of Portugal, announced the coaching move two days after officially parting ways with Thomas Hogstedt, who had coached her the past three years. Connors, 60, previously served a 19-month stint as coach for Andy Roddick from 2006 to 2008. Under his guidance, Roddick reached the final of the 2006 U.S. Open and won five ATP titles. Roddick said in announcing the split that Connors had decided to step down and he praised the Hall of Famer for improving his game. "Playing up in the court. I had to adjust my game. He's helped my backhand a ton," Roddick said. "And the fighting spirit. When we got together I was as close to down and out as I've been. I really credit him for that spark and getting me back into the top five and a slam final." Working with Hogstedt, Sharapova won the 2012 French Open for her first grand slam title since 2008, and this year won Indian Wells and Stuttgart and reached three other finals - Miami, Madrid and Roland Garros - losing to world number one Serena Williams in all three. Former world number one Sharapova, a fierce competitor like her new coach, might be hoping to pick the American's brain on a strategy to overcome top rival Williams, who has dominated her on the court 13-0 in head-to-head meetings over the past nine years. "Due to personal issues (Hogstedt) was not able to travel in the near future and we both agreed it was the right time to move our separate ways," Sharapova said. "I am thankful for all of his work and wish him much success in the future." - Reuters, July 14, 2013. |
| Posted: 13 Jul 2013 10:07 PM PDT
A generally flat performance was enlivened by the eye-catching trickery of Belgian teen Adnan Januzaj, before new signing Wilfried Zaha came on and nearly snatched the equaliser. After 27 years and 38 trophies under Alex Ferguson, Moyes admitted losing 1-0 to the Singha All-Star XI - a team pulled together from the best players of the Thai league - "wasn't a brilliant result". But he was sufficiently encouraged by Zaha, the hero of Crystal Palace's promotion to the Premier League, to suggest he is in line for his competitive debut this season. "I thought when Wilf came on he gave us a little lift. He was certainly unlucky not to score with his attempt at goal," said Moyes, adding, "I hope so" when asked if Zaha would get an opportunity this season. "We'll see how he does. We're bringing him here to give him a chance," said the Scot. "It's the first time I've worked with him, first time I've had a chance to see him up close so he'll certainly be part of the squad and we'll see if we can fit him in (to the first team) as often as we can." After coming on in the second half, Zaha missed a header from close range but with eight minutes left, he nearly spared United's blushes when he rattled the far post with a curling shot from inside the box. Januzaj, the top-rated 18-year-old with highlight reels on YouTube, started the game on the right but he impressed all over the pitch with his one-touch control, pace, quick feet and passing. And the slight Belgian, United's reserve team player of the year last season, popped up for their best chance of the first half but disappointingly volleyed Fabio's cross over the bar. "I thought he played well tonight, I thought he was a plus for us," said Moyes of Januzaj. "It's always good when you give a young player a chance and he shows up, and I thought he did tonight. The more he plays like that, the more opportunities he's liable to get." Moyes fielded a side missing Robin van Persie, captain Nemanja Vidic, Shinji Kagawa and Wayne Rooney, who fuelled transfer speculation when he pulled out of the Asian tour on day one with a hamstring injury. England striker Danny Welbeck, the only forward still on tour, played alone up front with Anderson, Tom Cleverley, Ryan Giggs, Januzaj and Michael Carrick in midfield. Whether the team-sheet can one day match the 19,500 pounds ($30,000) fetched recently by a copy of Alex Ferguson's debut line-up - for a 2-0 defeat at Oxford United in 1986 - remains to be seen. But Moyes showed few concerns over the loss. United flew straight to Sydney to continue their tour, with the Premier League title defence not starting until August 17. "I said to (the players), this isn't the one we desperately needed to win. It's the one that we need to get prepared to win games from," said Moyes. "It's a friendly game, you want to win all your games if you can but in relative terms it's not of the biggest importance." - AFP, July 14, 2013 |
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