The News Sport

23rd Quebec University Athletic Gala

sport — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:23:04 +0000

23rd Quebec University Athletic Gala

Montreal, November 19, 2008 – Mr. Claude Chagnon, President of the Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence is pleased to invite all media representatives to a press conference next Tuesday November 25th for the unveiling of the 2008 best Quebec university student-athletes and winners in the following 11 categories for the 2007-2008 seasons:

1. Athlete of the Year for– Best Academic Achievement – Women’s category
2. Athlete of the Year for– Best Academic Achievement – Men’s category
3. Athlete of the Year for– Individual Sport – Women’s category
4. Athlete of the Year for– Individual sport – Men’s category
5. Athlete of the Year for– Team Sport – Women’s category
6. Athlete of the Year for - Team Sport– Men’s category
7. Leadership category
8. Coach of the Year for the season - Women’s team category
9. Coach of the Year for the season - Men’s team category
10. Women’s Team of the Year
11. Men’s Team of the Year

REMINDER

WHAT? Press conference for the 23rd Quebec University Athletic Gala.

WHEN? Tuesday November 25th 2008, at 4:30 pm.

WHERE? Mortagne Hotel, Boucherville, room Iles Percées.
1228, Nobel Street, Boucherville, 450-665-9966.
Louis-Hippolyte-Lafontaine tunnel. Highway 25 South becomes 20 East.

Take exit 93 until Nobel Street. Turn left and the hotel is on your right.

WHO? Best student-athletes and coaches from the Quebec University Network.

Please RSVP at anniepelletier.faeq@videotron.ca

Information : Annie Pelletier
Communications Coordinator
Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence
4545 Pierre-De Coubertin Avenue
P.O. Box 1000, Station M
Montreal (Quebec), H1V 3R2
(514) 252-3171 extension 3538
(514) 254-3292 (fax)
www.faeq.com

McGill duo named Quebec athletes of the week

sport — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:59:42 +0000

McGill duo named Quebec athletes of the week

MONTREAL – McGill hockey players Ann-Sophie Bettez of Sept Iles, Que., and Danny Mireault of Notre Dame des Prairies, Que., are the Quebec University athletes of the week for the period ending Nov. 16, 2008.

Bettez, a 5-foot-4 forward with the women’s hockey team, established single-game school records for assists and points in a 16-1 victory over Concordia last Saturday. She tallied two markers and set up five others to earn points on seven of the team’s 16 goals. The 21-year-old management sophomore, who was voted CIS rookie of the year last season, leads the nation in scoring with 22 points, including eight goals, in just six games. Bettez is a product of Dawson College.

Mireault, a 6-foot-1, 191-pound goaltender on the men’s hockey team, led McGill to a pair of road victories in Kingston and Ottawa last weekend. The 20-year-old science freshman saved 39 of 42 shots faced for a.929 save percentage and a 1.55 goal-against average. On Saturday, Mireault was called on cold to replace injured starter Hubert Morin only four minutes into the game and made 16 saves en route to McGill’s 3-0 shutout over Queen’s. The next day, he kicked aside 23 shots in a 4-3 win at Carleton. Mireault played Jr. AAA for Joliette last year while attending College Lanaudiere.

SOURCE:

Earl Zukerman
Communications Officer & Webmaster
Dept. of Athletics
McGill University
475 Pine Avenue W.
Montreal, QC
H2W IS4
514-398-7012
earl.zukerman@mcgill.ca
www.athletics.mcgill.ca

Tennis Fans Miss Out on Sampras, McEnroe at Blackrock Masters

sport — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:12:41 +0000

U.S. and non-British viewers will be left in the dark when The Blackrock Masters Tennis, the year-end championships of the ATP’s senior tour, will be played Dec. 2-7 at The Royal Albert Hall in London.

Britain’s ITV will provide daily coverage of the event, but there is no announced coverage in the U.S. ITV has announced “two matches will be broadcast exclusively live on ITV.com and via a new red button interactive service,” but provided no further information.

The Blackrock Masters Tennis will feature Pete Sampras, John McEnroe, Jeremy Bates and Cedric Pioline in round robin Group A, and Stefan Edberg, Goran Ivanisevic, Greg Rusedski and Guy Forget in Group B. Sampras vs. McEnroe will be the main event in round robin play.

“This is a message for Pete Sampras, Stefan Edberg, Goran Ivanisevic and all of you other guys,” McEnroe delivered in a warning. “I’m not coming to London to lose.”

The top two players from each round robin group will face off in the final.

Unlike other world sports, tennis continues its unique marketing effort of denying worldwide viewing audiences for its most interesting events — in this case, showing the Blackrock Masters only in Britain.

“I’m thrilled that we are bringing the BlackRock Masters Tennis exclusively to ITV4 viewers,” said Dave Fewings, ITV4 controller. “The event offers a great opportunity to watch some of the game’s great legends.”

It certainly does. Enjoy the event, Britain.

Tennis Fans Miss Out on Sampras, McEnroe at Blackrock Masters

sport — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:07:00 +0000

“This is a message for Pete Sampras, Stefan Edberg, Goran Ivanisevic and all of you other guys,” McEnroe delivered in a warning. “I’m not coming to London to lose.”

The top two players from each round robin group will face off in the final.

It certainly does. Enjoy the event, Britain.

HATTON PROMISES ‘BARNSTORMING FIGHT’

sport — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:04:40 +0000

Hatton - faces Malignaggi on Saturday.
HATTON PROMISES 'BARNSTORMING FIGHT'

Ricky Hatton has vowed to put on a "barnstorming" show when he locks horns with Paulie Malignaggi for the IBO light-welterweight title on Saturday.

Hatton will take to the ring against Malignaggi at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, the same venue where he suffered the first defeat of his professional career against Floyd Mayweather last December.

Hordes of Hatton fans have travelled to Vegas to lend their support, and the Manchester fighter has promised not to disappoint them.

"It will be just the usual Ricky Hatton barnstorming fight," Hatton said.

"I'm going to be all over him like a rash. I won't be taking any backward steps.

"The day Ricky Hatton fans leave a fight without being entertained is the day I hang up my gloves. That's certainly not what is going to happen on Saturday."

Hatton stepped down a division after Mayweather stopped him in the 10th round of their WBC welterweight bout last year.

He admits it will be hard to put that defeat to the back of his mind on Saturday, but believes a strict new training regime has enabled him to get into perfect shape.

Hatton split from long-standing coach Billy Graham earlier this year and replaced him with Mayweather's father, Floyd Mayweather Snr, who has been putting him through his paces at a training camp in Nevada ahead of the fight.

"Whenever I walk through the MGM Grand the first thing that will go through my mind will be Floyd Mayweather knocking me out but there is no shame in that," said Hatton.

"He was the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, possibly of all time, but this training camp has made my confidence go right through the roof and I am not thinking about the Mayweather fight.

"I can understand why people have maybe said Ricky Hatton is past his best but I think they might be writing a new script come Saturday.

"The new training camp has made me into a better fighter."

He added: "I'm still going to be the same old aggressive Ricky Hatton but I have polished my performance a bit in some areas and I expect that to be the difference come Saturday."

Hatton knows a re-match with Mayweather could be on the cards if he defeats Malignaggi in style.

"I wouldn't mind another crack at Floyd," he said. "I don't want to be an old man moaning in a few years' time about that fight, I'd rather he knock me out another time.

"If I have another cracking performance on Saturday then I will put myself in the shop window for another fight with Floyd.

"I'd like to fight either him, Oscar de la Hoya, Manny Pacquiao or Juan Manuel Marquez. He (Marquez) is one of the best fighters in the world and he has said he would like to move up a weight.

"But I will only be in the firing line for these fights if I put in a big performance on Saturday."

NO TEST START SWITCH

sport — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:21:22 +0000

Dhoni - may be needed by Chennai.
NO TEST START SWITCH

England's Test series against India will start on schedule next month.

The England and Wales Cricket Board on Tuesday confirmed the two-match series will begin in Ahmedabad on December 11, contrary to previous suggestions that it might be shifted back 24 hours.

India were understood to have proposed the match start late to ensure their captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni did not end up with an uncomfortable rush, should his IPL team Chennai Super Kings reach the Champions League final.

That day-night showpiece event is to take place on December 10 in Chennai, with the first Test set to start only hours later.

But IPL boss Lalit Modi made it clear there would be no switch after all - an assurance subsequently confirmed by an ECB spokesman on tour in India.

"No such thing will happen," Modi, also vice-president of the Indian board, told BBC Sport.

"We looked at rationalising the schedule, but it's not possible."

Dhoni is the only player from either side involved in the inaugural Champions League.

Modi added: "We don't even know if Chennai will be in the final, because the Champions League is yet to start.

"But whatever happens, Dhoni will definitely play in the first Test, starting as scheduled on December 11."

Had the Ahmedabad fixture been shunted back, there would have had to be either a very short turnaround before the second Test in Mumbai or another late start - raising the prospect of a Christmas Eve finish to the tour, which would have found little favour with England's players.

The possibility of a delayed start to the series was reportedly suggested during a weekend meeting between the Indian administrators and ECB top brass Giles Clarke and David Collier.

That summit was convened primarily to resolve England players' availability for next spring's IPL, despite a clash with the start of a scheduled Test series in England.

Many observers were beginning to interpret the situation as a 'test case' in the battle for supremacy between Test cricket and the threat posed to it by Twenty20.

The five-day game, it seems, has won this particular skirmish, a fact acknowledged by Professional Cricketers' Association chief executive Sean Morris.

"This preserves the sanctity of Test cricket," he said.

SAME AGAIN AS KIWI DUO AVOID BANS

sport — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:08:51 +0000

Cayless - available to play.
SAME AGAIN AS KIWI DUO AVOID BANS

New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney has named an unchanged team for Saturday's World Cup final against Australia after skipper Nathan Cayless and second-rower Sika Manu both avoided disciplinary action.

Cayless has been cautioned for a high tackle on Warrington forward Adrian Morley during the Kiwis' 32-22 semi-final win over England last Saturday while Manu received a similar warning for a foul on Gareth Ellis.

Players are allowed one caution in the tournament, leaving both men free to line up against the Kangaroos at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.

Wigan scrum-half Thomas Leuluai will keep the hooking role after impressing on his switch for the semi-final and there is another starting role for second-rower Bronson Harrison, the suprise packet of the tournament.

"The Kangaroos have some wonderful players and they've played some fantastic football during the tournament so far," said Kearney.

"While we know we'll need to be a lot better against Australia, we're excited with the opportunity we have. We don't want to have any regrets on Saturday night."

The Kiwis will make their third World Cup final appearance aiming to complete their first-ever victory.

Full team: Lance Hohaia; Sam Perrett (Sydney Roosters), Simon Mannering, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei (NZ Warriors); Benji Marshall (Wests Tigers), Nathan Fien; Nathan Cayless (Parramatta, capt), Thomas Leuluai (Wigan), Adam Blair (Melbourne), Daivd Fa'alogo (South Sydney), Bronson Harrison (South Sydney), Jeremy Smith (Melbourne).

Subs: Issac Luke (South Sydney), Greg Eastwood (Brisbane), Sam Rapira (NZ Warriors), Sika Manu (Melbourne)

SUPER SUB FIGHTING FIT

sport — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:12:49 +0000

Sublimity - Champion Hurdler in 2007.
SUPER SUB FIGHTING FIT

Sublimity is "all systems go" for the wbx.com 'Fighting Fifth' Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday week.

New trainer Robbie Hennessy is pleased with the progress of his eight-year-old, who will be the first runner for the fledgling handler.

The 2007 Champion Hurdle hero finished fourth in this year's renewal at the Cheltenham Festival, before finding only Punjabi too good in the ACCBank Champion Hurdle at Punchestown in April.

Hennessy said: "Barring accidents he'll be at Newcastle on Saturday week.

"We were going to take him to Fairyhouse this morning (Tuesday) as they were having gallops there, but because the weather has been so bad they called them off.

"So we schooled him on the all-weather and Philip Carberry rode. He was very happy with him, he jumped brilliant.

"He worked alongside a couple of other horses and went really well, so we're all systems go."

Hennessy is happy with ground conditions at Newcastle ahead of Sublimity's run.

"I watched the racing at Newcastle on Saturday and it was good, with softer places. The long-range forecast is fairly good, so if we get the same ground as on Saturday, I'll be happy," he added.

"Sublimity will be my first runner, and in a 100,000 Grade One Hurdle - we certainly don't do things by half!"

SLAP ON THE WRIST FOR BROAD

sport — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:04:03 +0000

Broad (centre) clashed with Tiffin (right) on Monday.
SLAP ON THE WRIST FOR BROAD

Stuart Broad has been given a lecture about his behaviour by the match referee after showing disappointment at an umpiring decision during England's defeat in the second one-day international against India.

The Nottinghamshire seamer questioned the verdict of umpire Russell Tiffin to award a wide for a bouncer as England slumped to a 54-run defeat at Indore to give India a 2-0 lead in the seven-match series.

ICC match referee Roshan Mahanama subsequently summoned 22-year-old Broad, whose father Chris is also a match referee, into his office to lecture him on his reaction.

Mahanama did not believe the offence deserved a fine, but it is the second time in the series he has reacted to players' behaviour, having also lectured Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh for giving Samit Patel a send-off during the opening match in Rajkot.

"I'd have probably been fined my whole match fee if my Dad had been the ref," said Broad.

"I got called into the match referee's office for dissent, but it was just a talking to, nothing more than that.

"He didn't say a lot to me, really. He said that on television I shouldn't be showing my disappointment whichever way the decision goes.

"I explained it was a heat-of-the-moment thing and I didn't think I had done anything particularly wrong. I have just got to smile instead of being disappointed."

Mahanama's stance indicates his determination to stamp down on any misbehaviour and prevent the series deteriorating in a similar way to India's 2007 tour to England, when they became enraged at England placing jelly beans on the pitch while they were batting.

As match referee during that series and also England's one-day series in India in 2006, Mahanama is well aware of the history between the two sides and has decided to act early to set the ground rules.

"The umpire felt it was borderline to showing dissent and with him being a young lad I thought it best to have him in for a talk and nip it in the bud," confirmed Mahanama.

"I don't want to see players reacting like that, they need to show respect to umpires at all times. We encourage players to work with the umpires and ask them to explain why any decisions have been given. That can overcome a lot of problems.

"In a long series like this tensions can build up so it's important the players show respect for each other and the officials from the start."

The summons to Mahanama's office capped another disappointing day for Broad and England, who appeared to be making progress as a one-day side after beating South Africa 4-0 last summer but have come to a shuddering halt against an outstanding India side.

Beaten by an emphatic 158 runs in the opening match, England at least got closer in the second match but were again beaten by a stunning performance from Yuvraj Singh, who hit his second successive century and also claimed four for 28 with his part-time left-arm spin.

England have struggled to inhibit Yuvraj before, most notably during the ICC World Twenty20 tournament in South Africa last year when the Indian left-hander became only the third man in history to hit six sixes in an over.

As Broad was the bowler at the time, it is fair to say he is sick of the sight of Yuvraj and his and England's ability to limit his effectiveness could hold the key to the remainder of the series.

"He's obviously in very good form," said Broad. "In Indian conditions he's known to be one of the best around, he's got a high back-lift and doesn't hold much back.

"On these slow wickets it's quite hard to get it around his nose, but you've just got to keep him guessing and hopefully he'll nick one.

"We've tried to mix it up as much as we can, but the man is in fantastic form at the moment and that can happen, but hopefully he's coming to the end of that little patch for our sakes."

Far from becoming shell-shocked by his experience in Durban last year, Broad has learnt quickly from the battering and has since claimed 40 wickets in his last 23 one-day internationals, including four for 55 on Monday.

It has established him as one of the leading young bowlers in international cricket and Broad admitted: "That's helped my development massively.

"I certainly haven't stood still. I've had to learn different balls and I realised how tough international cricket was and I do think it has helped me."

WAITING GAME FOR KIDNEY

sport — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:52:49 +0000

Best (right) - dead leg against New Zealand.
WAITING GAME FOR KIDNEY

Ireland forwards Paul O'Connell, Rory Best and Alan Quinlan have been included in an extended squad for their vital clash with Argentina at Croke Park.

Munster second row O'Connell and Ulster hooker Best suffered dead legs in the 22-3 defeat by New Zealand and are battling to prove their fitness for Saturday.

With crucial ranking points on the line against Argentina, head coach Declan Kidney has chosen to delay his team announcement until Thursday morning.

Quinlan's citing for stamping against the All Blacks has further complicated matters, although the combative Munster back row still features in the 28.

His disciplinary hearing will take place in Dublin on Wednesday night.

"Paul and Rory are doing OK as they continue rehab on their dead legs. They took a limited part in training today," said Kidney.

"Alan is involved in a disciplinary hearing, so we are just trying to give as much time possible for these matters to be cleared up before we confirm the team.

"All three of them have been named in the squad, and the fact that we decided on 28 members shows how competitive the battle for places is heading into this game.

"It also allows us to cover several combinations if anybody is ruled out of the game.

"While we would normally name our team today, the circumstances and importance of the game meant we needed to give ourselves that extra couple of days to consider all the options."

The showdown with Argentina has taken on a thrilling new dimension following the publication of the latest world rankings.

Ireland must topple the Pumas if they are to retain eighth place in the International Rugby Board standings.

Scotland - expected to dispatch Canada this weekend - are breathing down their necks in ninth, with both teams having one influential match remaining.

The rankings determine the seedings for the 2011 World Cup, to be announced on December 1, and Ireland are desperate to avoid the type of group that contributed to their early elimination last autumn.

Should they drop to ninth, they will be drawn in a pool featuring two top-tier nations - possibly hosts New Zealand and France or England.

Argentina, who have their own agenda as they seek to hold on to fourth place at the expense of England, have beaten Ireland in their last three meetings.

The most significant of these was their 30-15 triumph in Paris last September, a result that concluded Ireland's pitiful World Cup campaign.

"Nobody is doubting the challenge that faces us this Saturday against another team that is above us in the IRB rankings," said Kidney.

"The fact that both teams have something to play for in terms of those world rankings gives this game even more of a competitive edge.

"Argentina are a team that work and play extremely hard for each other, so they'll no doubt give their best performance of the autumn against us."

Ireland squad:

Forwards: R Best (Ulster), T Buckley (Munster), B Casey (London Irish), T Court (Munster), S Ferris (Ulster), J Flannery (Munster), J Hayes (Munster), J Heaslip (Leinster), M Horan (Munster), B Jackman (Leinster), S Jennings (Leinster), D O'Callaghan (Munster), P O'Connell (Munster), M O'Kelly (Leinster), A Quinlan (Munster), D Wallace (Munster).

Backs: T Bowe (Ospreys), G Dempsey (Leinster), K Earls (Munster), L Fitzgerald (Leinster), S Horgan (Leinster), R Kearney (Leinster), G Murphy (Leicester), B O'Driscoll (Leinster, captain), R O'Gara (Munster), T O'Leary (Munster), E Reddan (Wasps), P Wallace (Ulster).