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    • October 21, 2019 10:44 AM IST
    • MIAMI -- David Beckham will take part in a news conference Wednesday to discuss his progress in trying to bring a Major League Soccer expansion team to Miami. Charles Mann Womens Jersey . MLS Commissioner Don Garber and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez also will attend the session, which was announced Monday. The league has discussed placing its next two expansion teams in Miami and Atlanta. Expansion in Miami is contingent on securing a financing plan and location for a new stadium. Beckham has scouted possible sites and is seeking investors to assist with startup costs such as stadium construction and player acquisitions. Among those who might become involved is Beckhams friend LeBron James, who has had recent conversations with the retired soccer star about bringing a team to Miami. "Its looking very promising," James said Monday. "Hopefully they can go in the right direction as we all planned. Its a great place for soccer." MLSs Miami Fusion played in Fort Lauderdale from 1998-01 before folding because of poor attendance. Terry McLaurin Redskins Jersey . Two weeks after suffering a concussion, Foles will start in place of Michael Vick, who is out for the second time this season with a hamstring injury. Dexter Manley Redskins Jersey . -- Arizona coach Bruce Arians says there "were obviously very, very many problems" with the officiating in the Cardinals 24-21 loss at Philadelphia. MILAN, Italy -- Fiorentina fell to a surprise 1-0 defeat at Cagliari as it lost ground in the race for a Champions League place, while AC Milan coach Clarence Seedorfs winning start in the Italian league ended on Saturday. Milan was held to 1-1 at home by Torino. Cagliari scored six minutes from halftime when Mauricio Pinilla blasted home from the penalty spot after Facundo Roncaglia tripped Marco Sau. The home side could have doubled its tally in stoppage time as first Fiorentina defender Stefan Savic almost scored an own goal then Albin Ekdals shot clipped the top of the upright. Fiorentina new signing Anderson made his first start following a loan move from Manchester United but proved ineffective. The Tuscan team was missing leading strikers Mario Gomez and Giuseppe Rossi, who are out with long-term injuries. Fiorentina remained three points behind third-place Napoli, which visits Atalanta on Sunday. Later, Seedorf was looking to become the first Milan coach since Luigi Bonizzoni in 1958-59 to win his opening three Serie A games. Milan, which was without the suspended Mario Balotelli, dominated but Torino took the lead in the 17th minute thanks to a wonderful solo effort from Ciro Immobile. He ran almost half the length of the pitch before feinting past Daniele Bonera and firing across into the bottom right corner ffor his 11th goal of the season. Landon Collins Jersey. Adil Rami scored his first for Milan since his move from Valencia to level matters four minutes after halftime. The France defender ran onto Sulley Muntaris short pass before unleashing a rocket shot into the left of goal. Robinho thought he gave Milan the lead 10 minutes later when he curled Kakas through ball into the far side of the net, but he was narrowly ruled offside. "Its a really great emotion to score," Rami said. "It was four or five months that I didnt play, it was a difficult moment for me, it wasnt easy in my head. Im lucky to have a strong character." Rami was suspended by Valencia at the beginning of October after insulting his coach and teammates in a radio interview. Elsewhere, Udinese snapped a run of four successive defeats to beat Bologna 2-0 in a relegation fight. Udinese took the lead in the 15th minute when a somewhat soft penalty was awarded against Michele Pazienza for a nudge on Andrea Lazzari, and Antonio Di Natale fired Udinese in front, despite Bologna goalkeeper Gianluca Curci guessing the right way. Nico Lopez sealed the result in stoppage time when he finished off a swift counterattack. Udinese moved provisionally six points clear of the relegation zone. Bologna remained just a point off the bottom three. ' ' '

    • October 21, 2019 10:44 AM IST
    • GOODYEAR, Ariz. Stitched Rangers Jerseys . - The Indians are going down a familiar path with a star pitcher. Cleveland has suspended talks on a contract extension with ace Justin Masterson, agreeing that its time to focus on the upcoming season. Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said Friday that the club made a "very competitive" offer to Masterson, but the sides couldnt find common ground. Negotiations broke down with agent Randy Rowley on Thursday. "I met with Justin this morning," Antonetti said. "At this point we both agreed to table discussions on a multiyear contract and potentially revisit it down the road. But right now the focus will be on preparing for the season." Masterson, who avoided arbitration and agreed to a one-year, $9.726 million salary for 2014, can become a free agent after the season. The right-hander is scheduled to pitch on opening day against Oakland on March 31. Antonetti said the sides may discuss a new deal at a later unspecified time. "We made an earnest effort to find common ground and get something done. In the end we werent able to align," Antonetti said. "We have a profound belief in Justin. He embodies everything we want our players to be. Hes a great teammate, a great person and an exceptional performer. "There remains a desire from our side that he remains here long term. I believe hed like to be here long term." Masterson reportedly gave the Indians proposals on two- and three-year contracts at roughly $17 million per season. The Indians are believed to have offered packages at $14 million per year. The 6-foot-6, 250-pound Masterson is scheduled to pitch on Friday against Colorado. The situation isnt a new one for the Indians, who were unable to reach long-term deals in the past with CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee and were forced to trade the former Cy Young Award winners. Masterson emerged as the staffs No. 1 starter last season, when he went 14-10 with a 3.45 ERA. He made the All-Star team for the first time. Its the Indians preference not to negotiate any player contracts during the season, the team is aware of fan reaction concerning the teams long-term goals. "We are fortunate that Justin is here for this season," Antonetti said. "There will be other junctures where we can explore an extension with him — its just not right now. We dont want any distractions but if there is a right time to talk about it, were open to it." The Indians signed outfielder Michael Brantley to a four-year, $25 million contract last month. Theyve had preliminary talks with All-Star second baseman Jason Kipnis about an extension, and they could be facing a decision with shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, who is in the final year of his contract. Antonetti said the six-year, $105 million contract pitcher Homer Bailey signed with Cincinnati has an influence on the teams talks with Masterson. Bailey is 24-22 the last two seasons while Masterson is 25-25. "Thats one of the contract extensions thats in the marketplace," Antonetti said. "We are very cognizant of that contract but there are others. We made an earnest effort to offer Justin a contract that was fair relative to the marketplace, but we didnt attach it, nor do we ever, attach it to any one contract specifically." Antonetti would not discuss the possibility of a new deal for Kipnis. Manager Terry Francona does not expect the breakdown of negotiations to negatively affect Masterson — or his teammates. "It wont affect his performance," Francona said. "I dont know how it doesnt affect you. Its a big part of your life, but I think Mastys got his act together. Ive never seen someone who had his priorities together as much as Masty." Francona believes there will be discussion in the clubhouse, but believes his team will stay focused. "I bet the guys will be bummed out a little. I think they all like him and Chris (Antonetti) wanted to get it done or he wouldnt have tried but it doesnt carry over," he said. "Thats the way the game is. Thats why they set the deadline, lets not let this go into the season. "Realistically, you cant sign everybody you want to or everybody would be signed. For the Indians to be talking to him about that type of money, shows how much they like him," he added. "Just because you dont get a deal done doesnt mean you dont respect or care about that player. It has to fit into the parameter of the team." Texas Rangers Pro Shop .28 mph. Logano will start on the front row next to Penske Ford teammate Brad Keselowski, who came in second Friday at 193.099. The Penske drivers swept the top two spots for the second straight race, reversing their qualifying finish in Phoenix a week ago. Wholesale Rangers Jerseys . -- With his team down 16 points in the second quarter and headed for another blowout loss at home, Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson yelled out to his players to keep shooting and keep fighting on defence.MINSK, Belarus -- Wanting Team Canada to improve game by game at the world hockey championship, coach Dave Tippett thought the quarter-final effort against Finland was the best yet. It was also the last, as a couple of third-period mistakes led to a 3-2 loss Thursday at Chizhovka Arena and Canadas elimination from the tournament. "I use a phrase all the time that every play counts," Tippett said. "Every play counts and unfortunately we had a couple go against us." The play that counted the most for Canada was a turnover by defenceman Tyler Myers, who tried to pass it off the wall to Kyle Turris. Jori Lehtera got in the way, setting up Iiro Pakarinen for the game-winner with just 3:08 left. A downtrodden Myers said everyone saw what happened and didnt feel he needed to explain. Turris, who scored Canadas first goal, took the blame. "I was yelling at him, Im open in the middle, Im open in the middle, and when he passed to the middle, the guy stepped in between," Turris said. "It was my fault. I was yelling at him to move it to me, and the guy stepped in the way and went the other way. I should have had it." It was a game that Canada felt it should have had. Holding a 2-1 lead after two periods on goals by Turris and Mark Scheifele, the Canadians were in control despite a strong game from Finnish goaltender Pekka Rinne. One bad bounce 28 seconds into the third changed everything. Finlands Juuso Hietanen let a slapshot fly that hit Ben Scrivenss right arm, the back of his blocker, and then the shaft of his stick before trickling over the goal-line. "Its a terrible goal to give up," said Scrivens, who stopped 23 of the 26 shots he faced. "Its deflating for the team. Thats squarely on me. Its really tough to swallow right now." This was the fifth straight year Canada lost in the quarter-finals at this tournament. Making it more difficult to accept was that this squad of NHL third-liners and potential stars of the future bounced back perfectly from an opening shootout loss to France. Six straight victories followed. The Finland game easily could have been one, too. "We still had our shifts in their end, our chances," captain Kevin Bieksa said. "We had a couple breakdowns. We knew going into this game that the Finns were a team that would sit back and capitalize on our mistakes, and they made us pay tonight." Tippett addressed his players after the loss but couldnt offer much in the way of an uplifting sentiment. "Its a tough situation for everybody," Tippett said. "Its not the result you want. We came here to win, we didnt come here to lose in the quarter-ffinals. Rangers Jerseys 2019. Theres not much to say. We didnt accomplish what we wanted to accomplish." All because of a few bad breaks. Finlands first goal 6:06 in, which came on the power play with Myers in the box for roughing, happened after an attempted point shot deflected off penalty-killer Joel Wards stick and right to Olli Palola for his third of the tournament. That didnt deflate Canada, which kept putting pucks on Rinne, who finished with 36 saves on 38 shots. The attempts came from everywhere and almost everyone, as 17 of 20 skaters had at least one on net. "I thought we played some really good hockey throughout the whole game," Myers said. "I think we were right there. It was our game to lose. Its never a good feeling to have it happen like that." One problem was going 0-for-5 on the power play. Had Canada buried a couple of those chances, like Brayden Schenns shot very early that hit the crossbar, it would have been a very different game. Canadas players and Tippett were quick to credit the Finns, who played their brand of hockey well and pounced on mistakes. "We worked extremely hard (for) 60 minutes," Hietanen said. "We knew that we were going to get our chances and now we scored a couple goals." Finland coach Erkka Westerlund was proud of how his team responded and came back from the 2-1 deficit. "In (the) third period we showed the mental strength," Westerlund said. "We call it in Finland sisu." The third period was Canadas weakest of the game. "Its frustrating. I thought we had a great first two periods, we were outshooting them badly, had great opportunities," Turris said. "If we played the way we did in the first two to finish the game, I think we would have come out with a better outcome." Instead, Scrivens lamented Finlands goaltending being better than his and not holding up his end of the bargain to teammates. And Myers was left with the same feelings he had much of this NHL season with the Buffalo Sabres. "Its never fun losing," Myers said. "I did too much of that this year." This wasnt a loss that had Canadas players wondering about their overall play. But that was no consolation. "Its just the way it is," Tippett said. "We played a good game tonight. Unfortunately, we lost." Notes: Alex Burrows returned to Canadas lineup after missing the final two preliminary-round games with a leg injury. Burrows was the 13th forward and played just 4:11 with no shifts in the third period. ... Finlands roster features just three NHL players: Rinne, Olli Jokinen of the Winnipeg Jets and Erik Haula of the Minnesota Wild. ' ' '

    • October 21, 2019 10:44 AM IST
    • TORONTO - Whatever momentum they built up before the 18-day Olympic break is suddenly gone. Cheap Basketball Jerseys . Three straight losses have quieted the Maple Leafs - winners of 11 of 14 before the stoppage - who dropped a 2-1 decision to Columbus at the ACC on Monday night, their third loss in as many games to the Blue Jackets this season. Alongside overtime defeats in Long Island and Montreal, the interim trends in Toronto are subtly veering in the wrong direction, though they still have ownership of the first wild card position in the East. "The three losses hurt because we had points available to us on the road," head coach Randy Carlyle said, referring to overtime defeats against the Islanders and Canadiens. "Thats the hard part is when you lose two overtime games on the road and we had a one-goal lead in both games. That kicks you. That doesnt feel very good." The most recent case saw his team start strong, stall midway through and eventually push back with a charge that was ultimately too late. "I think part of it is somewhat of an Olympic hangover," said James Reimer, making a rare start in place of Jonathan Bernier. "The last three games its been anyones game, its been a one-goal game and two of them have gone into overtime. I think were right there; were just missing it by a little bit. All three games couldve been Ws for us so I dont think its anything to worry about." The Leafs started the evening strongly with a flurry of opportunities and pair of power-plays, but failed to get anything beyond the reach of Sergei Bobrovsky, nor the multiple bodies that stood at his defence. Phil Kessel snuck one shot through the pads, but it spun just above the goal-line before Bobrovsky rushed it to cover. The home foot came off the gas in the middle period with Columbus scoring twice in less than three minutes. The Leafs turned pucks over, lost battles and wandered around hopelessly in the defensive zone. They failed to even record a shot before Dalton Prout scored the games first goal. Cody Franson labeled it a "mediocre" 20 minutes. "We tried to get cute with the puck and turned it over too many times," he said. "When you play a team that has that type of forechecking style and transition ability its not what you want to do ideally." "I think that was more of a mental lapse than anything because we just started wandering around," Carlyle said. "For the first period we had lots of life, we were on our toes and jumping to pucks and we were winning our battles. In the second we just started to stall in the neutral ice." A late third period rally yielded a goal from Mason Raymond, but nothing more as the Blue Jackets swept the season series from their new Eastern Conference counterpart, outscoring them 13-3 in the process. The Toronto dressing room was hardly in a state of panic afterward. Though dismayed with their performance against a mediocre Islanders squad last week, they were generally pleased with their effort in Montreal over the weekend - outside of penalty trouble and another lost third period lead - and pointed to the loss to Columbus as an incomplete effort, but not one that should cause alarm. They cant hide from points left on the table, however, especially against those theyre either chasing (Canadiens) or those chasing them (Blue Jackets) and a difficult schedule ahead. Just behind the Leafs (72 points) in the standings are the likes of Detroit (68), Washington (68) and these very Blue Jackets (67), all with games in hand and opportunity to narrow the gap further. The alarm should not be sounded with three straight losses, but some degree of caution should be taken by those wearing the blue and white. "Were fine," said Joffrey Lupul afterward. "Were certainly not losing perspective, but were not happy about losing two points to a team below us in the standings." Five Points 1. Rare Start James Reimer hadnt made a start for the Leafs since Jan. 25, a long stretch of 37 days that saw Jonathan Bernier gripping tight on the starting job right into the 18-day Olympic break. "Besides an injury I dont know if Ive ever had this much time in between starts," Reimer said. In spite of the long layoff, the 25-year-old looked sharp, stopping 31 of the 33 shots peppered by Columbus, including a Nick Foligno breakaway in the opening five minutes. "There was a little rust there," said Reimer, "but honestly I felt pretty good. I felt like I battled as hard as I could and tried to fight to see the puck and its unfortunate we came up a little short tonight." The two that passed could hardly be pinned his way. The first from Prout sailed through a maze of traffic from the point, the latter from Artem Anisimov coming by way of a laser back-door point pass from Nikita Nikitin. "I dont think you can point to the goaltending as a deficiency, thats for sure," said Carlyle. "He did his part to give us a chance." 2. Rare Night off the Scoresheet Kessel missed his 34th goal of the year by mere inches. The 26-year-old had a rare night off the scoresheet, finishing with two shots in just over 23 minutes of ice. It was just the third time in the past 18 games that the scorching Kessel failed to register a point. Indicative of his value, the Leafs dropped to 4-17-2 this season on such nights, a rarity these days for sure. 3. Power-play Life Unhappy with the state of his clubs special teams, Carlyle directed that the near-entirety of Sundays practice be spent on the matter. Much of the focus a day before the game against Columbus centered on a power-play that was suddenly missing much of its pep. "We stood around," he said of the man advantage in losses to New York and Montreal. "And other teams have made adjustments to our break-out and we havent reacted to what we normally would do in situations. Obviously other coaches in the league do pre-scout. They do work to devise plans against what you do." Though they failed to score in two attempts on this night - now 0-13 in the past six games - they did manage some signs of life, including a good opportunity for Morgan Rielly in the first frame. "At least today our power-play created some momentum for us whereas in the past couple games it seemed like itd been a bit of a momentum killer," said Lupul. The Leafs own the leagues fifth-best power-play this season with much of that success coming on home ice – they sit second in the NHL at 26.5 per cent. Considering their ineffectiveness on the penalty kill its an area theyll want to right soon. 4. Trade Deadline Dave Nonis made a minor move at the trade deadline last season, adding Ryan OByrne from Colorado for a fourth round draft pick. The Leafs general manager and his management team have essentially shunned the idea of adding another such rental this time around. Unlike in years past theres not much in the way of frenzy surrounding the club heading into the Mar. 5 deadline, but in Carlyles eyes - traded himself once at the deadline - it remains a distraction for players. "The trade deadlines always a factor in any hockey players life," said Carlyle, traded to Winnipeg from Pittsburgh for a first round pick on Mar. 5th, 1984. "Having played for a number of years and lived and died in one. It was one of those situations that you remember. Its not a lot of fun being a player at this time of year. In todays Twitter world and blogging and that, theres a lot more rumours floating around so its obviously a lot more to it than when I was moved in 84. I dont think they had Twitter then did they?" 5. Rare Home Ice Defeat Before falling Monday to the Blue Jackets the Leafs hadnt lost in Toronto since Jan. 7, a 5-3 defeat that night to the pesky New York Islanders. They had reeled off seven consecutive wins at home for the first time since the 2006-07 season, Stats-Pack 13-3 - Goal differential between Leafs and Blue Jackets this season, favouring Columbus. 4-17-2 - Leafs record this season when Phil Kessel fails to record a point. 0-13 - Toronto power-play in the past six games. 24:46 - Ice-time for James van Riemsdyk versus Columbus, leading the team. 21-11-1 - Leafs record at home this season. 2:54 - Amount of time it took the Blue Jackets to score twice in the second period on Monday. 37 - Days between starts for James Reimer. Special Teams Capsule PP: 0-2Season: 21.2% (5th) PK: 1-1Season: 77.6% (28th) Quote of the Night "In todays Twitter world and blogging and that, theres a lot more rumours floating around so [theres] obviously a lot more to it than when I was moved in 84. I dont think they had Twitter then did they?" -Randy Carlyle, speaking about Wednesdays trade deadline. Up Next The Leafs head to the Big Apple for a trade deadline day clash with the Rangers. Authentic Basketball Jerseys . Six years of waiting are finally over for the Dallas defenceman. Daley had a goal and an assist, Kari Lehtonen recorded his fifth shutout of the season, and the Stars clinched their first playoff berth since 2008 with a 3-0 victory against the St. Fake Basketball Jerseys China . FIFA said the suspension was requested by ethics prosecutor Michael Garcia, making Beckenbauer the first person to be punished as a result of the case. Beckenbauer refused "repeated requests for his assistance, including requests that he provide information during an in-person interview or in response to written questions provided in both English and German," FIFA said in a statement. TSNs NCAA analyst Jesse Palmer returns with his NCAA Rewind where he looks at Texas big win over Oklahoma as the most impressive upset of the week, South Caroliina QB Connor Shaws big play of late, and the Florida Gators having the best defence in the SEC. Basketball Jerseys China. Watch the full video on TSN.ca/NCAA. ' ' '

    • October 21, 2019 10:44 AM IST
    • SAN JOSE, Calif. Daniel Robertson Jersey . -- San Jose Sharks forward Marty Havlat has undergone surgery to help repair the injured groin that sidelined him during the playoffs and will not be an option to be bought out of the final two years of his contract this summer. General manager Doug Wilson said Monday that Havlat had a bilateral pelvic floor reconstruction earlier this month and will be sidelined indefinitely. "Its not an uncommon injury for hockey players," Wilson said. "The severity, both sides, time will tell. I dont have a crystal ball to it. That was the diagnosis, that was the procedure, and there was not a timeline to the back end of it." With Havlat injured, the Sharks will not be able to use one of the two compliance buyouts in the new collective bargaining agreement to get out of the final two years of his $30 million, six-year contract. Wilson had previously not said whether the team would use a buyout this summer. He said Monday he does not expect that to happen as the team looks to build on a strong finish to the season that ended with a Game 7 loss in the second round to Los Angeles. "The big thing now is just to maintain the momentum that we have from doing our reset on the fly," Wilson said. Wilson would not commit to Havlat being on the team next season, saying no decisions can be made until he is healthy again. Havlat has been mostly a disappointment since being acquired from Minnesota in a deal for Dany Heatley two years ago. Havlat has missed 51 regular season games with various injuries during his two seasons in San Jose, posting 15 goals and 30 assists in 79 games. Known as a strong playoff performer, Havlat played only briefly in the post-season this season because of the groin injury. He got hurt in the first period of the opening game in the first round against Vancouver and tried to come back in Game 3 of the second round against Los Angeles. He left again in the first period with a similar injury and did not play again as San Jose was knocked out in seven games by the Kings. Wilson said Havlat needs to change his game a bit to become more of a "north-south" player to fit the Sharks aggressive style but thought he could have been a valuable contributor against a team like Chicago in the playoffs. "When he played the right way he was a very effective player," Wilson said. "Hes a playoff type player in certain series." Wilson has already been busy this off-season, having agreed to a five-year contract extension with star centre Logan Couture that will keep him off the free-agent market next summer. That contract cant be announced until July 5 when Couture enters the final year of his current deal. The Sharks also signed forward Raffi Torres last week to a three-year, $6 million deal that prevented him from being an unrestricted free agent July 5 and signed a deal with Czech prospect and 2012 first-round pick Tomas Hertl to join the team next season. San Jose also gave a contract extension to coach Todd McLellan, who has led the Sharks to the playoffs all five seasons that hes been at the helm. McLellan has a 220-108-48 record and has guided San Jose to three Pacific Division titles and two trips to the Western Conference finals since taking over before the 2008-09 season. The team still needs to decide what to do with Brent Burns, who was acquired two years ago to be a dominant defenceman but excelled after being moved to forward midway through last season. Wilson said a decision would likely be made next week on where Burns will play next season. The Sharks currently have more depth at defence but there could be a major hole for a power-play defenceman when Dan Boyle is eligible to be an unrestricted free agent next summer. "(Burns) can be a dominant defenceman in this league. Hes proven that in the past," Wilson said. "Its where we need to use him. The timing of that, this year was we needed to use him up front, and he filled a great need for us. We wanted to play an attacking game. Shoot, I dont know how you defend against him because he doesnt know what hes doing so how do they know? But that was part of how we wanted to play. Were coming after you, were attacking, and he fit perfectly." The Sharks also have plenty of picks in what Wilson believes is a very strong draft coming up Sunday following some late-season trades that moved Douglas Murray, Michal Handzus and Ryane Clowe. San Jose has its own first-round pick, three second-round picks, a fourth-rounder, a fifth-rounder and two seventh-round picks. NOTES: D Justin Braun had an operation on his injured left hand, which bothered him all season. ... USA Hockey announced that the San Jose Jr. Sharks program was one of four programs picked as a USA Hockey Model Association Program. Oliver Drake Jersey . There will be no Down Under four-peat for Djokovic, as the eighth-seeded Swiss slugger Wawrinka outlasted the second seed 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 9-7 at Melbourne Parks Rod Laver Arena in yet another five-set thriller in their burgeoning rivalry. Michael Perez Rays Jersey . Pedroia reached the milestone with a little panache, hitting a grand slam in the sixth inning and propelling the Boston Red Sox to a 7-1 win over the Oakland Athletics on Friday night.Bucharest, Romania - Romanian star Simona Halep was an easy first-round winner Wednesday at the inaugural Bucharest Open tennis tournament. The top-seeded French Open runner-up rolled past Dutchwoman Indy De Vroome 6-0, 6-4 on the red clay at Arenele BNR. Halep, who was a Wimbledon semifinalist last week, will face Serb Aleksandra Krunic on Thursday. In second-round action on Day 3, eighth-seeded Slovenian Polona Hercog held off Pole Katarzyna Pitter 6-2, 5-7, 7-6 (7-4); Slovak Kristina Kucova topped Romanian Cristina Dinu 6-2, 6-3; Spaniard Lara Arruabarrena outlasted Turk Cagla Buyukakcay 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (8-6); and Romanian veteran Monica Niculescu bested Bulgarian Elitsa Kostova 7-5, 7-5. Brent Honeywell Rays Jersey. . Another opening-round result on Wednesday saw Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens sneak past Romanian Irina-Camelia Begu 6-0, 3-6, 6-2. The maiden Bucharest champion will pocket $43,000. ' ' '

    • October 21, 2019 10:44 AM IST
    • KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- Fifth-seeded Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay opened the Malaysian Open with a 6-4, 7-6 (1) victory over Jurgen Melzer of Austria on Monday. Kevin Johnson Jersey . The 28-year-old Cuevas, who won two titles in July, will next meet Ivan Dodig of Croatia, who had a 7-6 (6), 6-1 win over Hiroki Moriya of Japan. Filip Krajinovic of Serbia beat Taro Daniel of Japan 6-2, 6-4 in a battle between two wild-card recipients. Kei Nishikori, the runner-up at the U.S. Open, is the No. 1-seeded player at the tournament. Deandre Ayton Jersey . And by all indications, the team is expected to select phenom Connor McDavid with their selection. The Buffalo Sabres, who were knocked down to the second overall pick after finishing with the worst regular season record, are expected to take the other generational player in Jack Eichel. Frank Kaminsky Jersey . Miikka Kiprusoff had just announced his retirement after a decade-long run in Calgary and it would be up to Berra and Ramo to fill the void.The Indiana Pacers struck first in their Eastern Conference Finals series with the Miami Heat and theyll go for a commanding lead tonight when the two sides meet for Game 2 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Watch the action unfold live on TSN and TSN GO at 8:30pm et/5:30pm pt. The Pacers took Game 1, 107-96, Sunday afternoon in Indianapolis in a rematch of last years East Finals. The Pacers made six of their first seven shots from beyond the arc and shot 59.5 percent in the first half en route to a 55-45 cushion at the break. Indiana built its advantage up to as many as 19 in the third quarter and staved off every Heat push down the stretch in the wire-to-wire win. For the game, Indiana shot 51.5 percent from the floor and 42 percent from long range. "We played a pretty good basketball game. I think we can play better," Pacers coach Frank Vogel said after practice Monday. "I think were going to need to play better because I think Miami is going to come back and play a more complete basketball game so we have to elevate our level." The Heat lost only their second postseason game, but are staring in the face of something unprecedented. Since the Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh descended upon South Beach, the Heat have never gone down 0-2 in a series. "We had a couple of breakdowns. In the Eastern Conference Finals, you cant have that many breakdowns," James said after practice. "It wasnt a bad game at all. We scored 97 points, we got 54 points in the paint, we had 23 assists, only 11 turnovers. But we had some breakdowns defensively that allowed them to get some good shots." Paul George led the way for the Pacers with 24 points and seven assists. Indianas entire starting five scored in double figures and it moved to 6-0 this postseason when Roy Hibbert scores 10-or-more points. He finished with 19 points and nine rebounds. David Wesst tallied 19 points and seven boards, Lance Stephenson posted 17 points, eight assists and four rebounds and George Hill added 15 points for the Pacers, who improved to 4-4 at home in the playoffs after going an NBA- best 35-6 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse during the regular season. Isaiah Canaan Jersey. Wade netted 27 points, while James supplied 25 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals for Miami. Chris Andersen finished with 14 off the bench and Ray Allen added 12. Indiana raced out to a quick 7-0 start after Hill hit a quick 3-pointer and sunk a pair of free throws before Stephenson nailed a step-back jumper. The Pacers led 30-24 following a quarter of play. It was their first 30-point opening frame since Feb. 27. James cut Indianas gap to 50-45 following a pair of buckets, but the Pacers netted the final five points of the half. The Pacers piled it on in the third. George capped an 8-0 burst with a layup to extend the margin to 69-52 just before the midway point of the stanza. Two Hibbert free throws made it 81-62, but James layup concluded an 8-0 Miami flurry to get the two-time defending champs within 81-70. Wades layup pulled Miami within 83-74 early in the fourth, but the Pacers responded with six straight and the Heat never got the deficit below double digits again. "We played with a great energy," George said. "Thats been an area where we lacked this postseason. Being consistent with our energy and urgency to start games off. I thought we brought that." Indiana finished the season 7-9 and limped through the playoffs, at times looking brilliant, and other times, inconsistent. Miami has looked generally brilliant during the playoffs, and despite never falling down 0-2, this incarnation of the Heat has won all four series in which they lost Game 1. The home team in this matchup is on a nine-game winning streak. Game 3 will be Saturday night in Miami. ' ' '

    • October 21, 2019 10:44 AM IST
    • NATAL, Brazil -- With torrential rain pouring down and two goals already contentiously disallowed, tens of thousands of soggy but boisterous Mexico fans were getting nervous. Replica Shoes Wholesale China . They had already started chanting for Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, the striker benched in favour of Oribe Peralta, to come on and deliver a game winner. Seconds after the chant began, Peralta scored in the 61st minute to help Mexico to a 1-0 victory Friday and the three points it needed to have any chance of advancing from a tough Group A at the World Cup. Peraltas goal gave Mexico its first win over an African team at the World Cup and justified coach Miguel Herreras faith that he could deliver on the biggest stage in the world. A non-factor most of the first half, Peralta broke the deadlock with his left foot after Cameroon goalkeeper Charles Itandje parried Giovanni Dos Santos attempt from the edge of the area. The goal relieved the pressure that had been building steadily after Dos Santos had two goals disallowed in the first half, frustrating the Mexican team that was controlling the game with its speed and ball possession. "We could have scored more, but unfortunately were not used to these conditions," Herrera said. "Frankly, the refereeing took away two clear goals, but at the end of the day youve got to work for it, and we get to the next match with three points and very high spirits." Tournament host and favourite Brazil leads the group after a 3-1 win over Croatia in the opening game. Mexico plays Brazil on Tuesday in Fortaleza. While the heat was expected to be an issue in this balmy coastal city, rain soaked the field at the new Arena das Dunas starting about four hours before the match and never let up, creating a cool day but a slick surface. Mexico players said the field held up well and the conditions favoured their style of play. "We are ready to play in any type of circumstances," Dos Santos said. "We worked the ball well and it was extraordinary to have the rain." The rain never dampened the spirits of the Mexico fans who arrived hours early, dominated the announced crowd of 39,216 and kept up their cheers and taunts throughout the match. "They made us feel like locals," Herrera said, comparing the atmosphere with Mexicos home stadium. "It felt a little bit like Azteca." Those cheers were sounding nervous as the game remained scoreless deep into the second half. Dos Santos had twice put the ball in the net in the first half only to have both efforts called back. He was ruled offside in the 11th minute and his header from a corner in the 29th was denied when referee Wilmar Roldan apparently called a foul in front of Itandje. His work done, Peralta was taken off in the 74th minute for Hernandez, who nearly doubled Mexicos lead minutes later. But Hernandez misfired a volley and sent it over the net. While a tough shot, the miss punctuated Hernandez scoring drought. Peralta, on the other hand, is growing in confidence and keen to add to the gold medal he picked up with Mexico at the London Olympics. "I want to score as many goals as possible," Peralta said, "to take advantage of every opportunity that I get because I want to be a world champion again." Cameroon seldom tested Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa until forcing him to make a late victory-clinching save with a dive to his left to stop a header by Benjamin Moukandjo. The save was yet another big payoff for Herrera, who started Ochoa after the keeper had been a reserve at the last two World Cups. At the final whistle, Herrera kneeled, crossed himself and pumped his right fist. Cameroon coach Volker Finke stood with his arms crossed, scowling as the rain dripped off his face. For Cameroon, the lacklustre performance will only magnify controversies back home over a player bonus pay dispute that delayed their arrival in Brazil, and will raise more questions about whether theyre a fractured team. The loss also leaves Cameroon needing a victory over group rival Croatia before closing first-round play against Brazil. "We have five days to recover," Finke said. "We will analyze this together because the match against Croatia is very important if we want to stay alive". Shoes Wholesale China Market . Lack made 20 saves for his third shutout of the season as the Canucks blanked the St. Louis Blues 1-0 in the first post-Olympic game for both teams night. Wholesale Shoes Brands . -- The Seattle Seahawks and wide receiver Sidney Rice have agreed to terms on a deal.BOSTON - Tuukka Rask made 21 saves and the Boston Bruins beat the Phoenix Coyotes 2-1 on Thursday night for their seventh consecutive victory. Zdeno Chara and Jarome Iginla scored for Boston. The Bruins took over the top spot in the Eastern Conference with 93 points, one more than Pittsburgh. Mike Smith made 18 saves for the Coyotes, who had won two straight, The Bruins scored twice in the first period, the first coming on Charas wrist shot past Smith, who was screened by Bruins forward Chris Kelly. It was the 16th goal of the season for the Bruins captain — three short of his career high. It was still 1-0 when the Coyotes had their best early scoring chance, getting a puck that got through Rask and trickled behind him. But the goalie reached backk with his stick and swiped it off the goal line for the save. Replica Shoes Wholesale. On the ensuing breakout, the Bruins got the puck to Johnny Boychuk at the blue line and his slap shot was deflected by Iginla into the net. It was his 21st goal of the season. Lauri Korpikoski scored for Phoenix with 12 minutes left in the game to spoil Rasks shutout. Phoenix had a chance to tie with about 2 minutes to play but Rask slid to his left and deflected a shot off his skate and into the post before it rolled harmlessly away. Notes: The teams combined for five shots in the second period. ... Phoenix F Shane Doan played in 1,300th NHL game. ... The Bruins had lost four straight to Phoenix in Boston. ... The victory was coach Claude Juliens 300th on the Boston bench. ' ' '

    • October 21, 2019 10:44 AM IST
    • VANCOUVER -- The Vancouver Canucks have hired Perry Pearn as an assistant coach. Cheap Hockey Jerseys . Pearn joins the new Vancouver staff led by head coach Willie Desjardins. The 63-year-old from Stettler, Alta., has spent over 19 NHL seasons as an assistant coach with Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal and the New York Rangers. His NHL coaching career began in 1995-96 with Winnipeg, and he spent the past two seasons with the Jets. "We are very excited to name Perry to our staff today," Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning said in a statement. "Perry brings a wealth of experience and knowledge at the NHL level to our organization." On the international stage, Pearn coached Canada to gold at the 1993 world junior championship. He also served as an assistant on championship-winning Canadian teams in 1990 and 1991. Custom Hockey Jerseys .com) - Matt Beleskey has helped give the Anaheim Ducks some scoring depth and hell look to stay hot on Wednesday night when his club hosts the struggling Philadelphia Flyers. Cheap Hockey Jerseys China . Off-Season Game Plan examines a team facing some challenging times as GM Bryan Murray tries to put together a roster for next season. Perhaps the first challenge facing Murray is that its expected he will be moving out Jason Spezza, a premier point producer who is about to enter the final year of his contract.The first major event of the Canadian Curling Associations Season of Champions comes from Camrose, Alberta with the Canada Cup of Curling. The top seven mens and womens rinks from across Canada will battle each other from December 3-7 with $140, 000 in prize money on the line. Along with the cash, winners will be granted spots in the 2017 Olympic Pre-Trials Road to the Roar, the 2015 Continental Cup and next years Canada Cup. The tournament is making its return to the curling circuit after taking a year off last season due to the Sochi Olympics. In 2012, Stefanie Lawton won in her home province of Saskatchewan while Manitobas Jeff Stoughton took the mens crown. Stoughton will not be back this time around. The Canada Cup has a round robin format with a semi-final and final round in the playoffs. All the action can be seen on TSN throughout the week. Both the mens and womens side are stacked with notable names that have had success in the past. Lets take a look at which rinks you should keep an eye on. Mens Preview Team Jacobs (Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.) Lead: Ryan Harnden Second: E.J. Harnden Third: Ryan Fry Skip: Brad Jacobs Brad Jacobs - 1x Olympic, 1x Brier Champ Olympic champion Brad Jacobs and his talented rink won the country over last February in Sochi with their hard effort and infectious team personality. The 29-year-old Jacobs has won one tournament so far this year on the World Curling Tour - the AMJ Campbell Shorty Jenkins Classic in September - and sits second on the Money List. Last week, the Jacobs rink lost to Mike McEwens Manitoba foursome in the final of The National in their hometown. The Canada Cup will be a key tournament for Jacobs squad as they begin the defence of their Olympic title. Team Morris (Calgary, AB.) Lead: Nolan Thiessen Second: Carter Rycroft Third: Pat Simmons Skip: John Morris John Morris - 1x Olympic, 1x World, 2x Brier Champ John Morris has played a very limited schedule with his new rink this season, only appearing in the two Grand Slam events. The former Olympic gold medal-winning vice will skip Team Canada at the Brier this year after Kevin Koe left to join a new team. This is the second year in a row that the 35-year-old is in charge of an entirely new rink and has proven he can create chemistry fairly quickly. Morris was able to lead Jim Cotters rink to the Brier final as well as the Canadian Curling Trials final in 2013-14. The Canada Cup could be this teams coming out party. Team Koe (Calgary, AB.) Lead: Ben Hebert Second: Brent Laing Third: Marc Kennedy Skip: Kevin Koe Kevin Koe - 1x World, 2x Brier Champ Kevin Koe left his Brier-winning rink in the off-season and assembled an entirely new one with the hopes it would give him the best chance at Olympic glory in 2018. The foursome has already won a tournament together, taking the Direct Horizontal Drilling Fall Classic in October and are seventh on the WCT Money List. Like any sport, it takes time for a new group of players to become comfortable together, but with the experience of these rock throwers, they might be able to figure things out quicker than most. Team McEwen (Winnipeg, MB.) Lead: Denni Neufeld Second: Matt Wozniak Third: B.J. Neufeld Skip: Mike McEwen Mike McEwen - Five WCT victories this season Mike McEwen has been on fire this season. The 34-year has already won five tournaments, including The National, and is number one by a large margin on the Money List. Coming off a solid 2013-14 campaign, many thought McEwen could break out this season and so far hes lived up to that expectation and then some. His Winnipeg rink has been together since 2007 and they could be ready to join the elite echelon of curlers on the circuit. Winning the Canada Cup would most definitely put them there if they arent there already. Team Gushue (St. Johns N.L.) Lead: Geoff Walker Second: Brett Gallant Third: Mark Nichols Skip: Brad Gushue Brad Gushue - 1x Olympic champ, Brier runner-up Brad Gushues reunion with his former Olympic-winning vice has already paid dividends in 2014-15. Gushue and Mark Nichols, who won Olympic gold back in 2006 in Turin, joined forces once again this season after Nichols left Jeff Stoughtons team in the summer. Alongside a young, powerful sweeping tandem of Geoff Walker and Brett Gallant, the pair won the first Grand Slam of the season, The Masters in Abbotsford, BC and sit in third place on the Money List. The 34-year-old Gushue and his East-coast rink could once again be considered one of the best in the game with the return of his old buddy. Team Howard (Penetanguishene, Ont.) Lead: Craig Savill Second: Jon Mead Third: Richard Hart Skip: Glenn Howard Glenn Howard - 4x Brier, 4x World, 1x Canada Cup champ Fifty-two-year-old Glenn Howard haas had a so-so season to this point. Wholesale Hockey Jerseys. The Beer Store manager brought back Richard Hart out of retirement hoping it could rekindle past success. So far he has yet to make it past a semi-final and sits in 11th place on the Money List this season. Despite being one of the oldest skips in curling, it appears Howard may attempt another run at an Olympic Games and winning the Canada Cup would get the ball rolling in that direction. Team Cotter (Vernon, B.C.) Lead: Rick Sawatsky Second: Tyrel Griffith Third: Ryan Kuhn Skip: Jim Cotter Jim Cotter - Brier runner-up Jim Cotter had a solid year in 2013-14 thanks in large part to John Morris joining the squad as a skip. Morris has now moved on and Cotter is back to throwing fourth stones. The West-coast rink has struggled so far this season, sitting 76th on the Money List. They also went winless at The Masters. Womens Preview Team Jones (Winnipeg, MB.) Lead: Dawn McEwen Second: Jill Officer Third: Kaitlyn Lawes Skip: Jennifer Jones Jennifer Jones - 1x Olympic, 1x World, 4x Scotties, 2x Canada Cup Champ There has been no Olympic hangover for Jennifer Jones and her Manitoba rink. The Jones foursome struck gold in Sochi last winter and they havent missed a beat this season as they lead the WCT Money List with three victories already under their belt. The group has said they will commit four years for a shot at a second appearance at the Games and are plenty good enough to make it happen. Jones should be the favourite at the Canada Cup on the womens side. Team Homan (Ottawa, Ont.) Lead: Lisa Weagle Second: Joanne Courtney Third: Emma Miskew Skip: Rachel Homan Rachel Homan - 2x Scotties champ, World runner-up Twenty-five-year-old Rachel Homan is already a household name in the curling world and should continue to be one for years to come. Homan has won back-to-back Canadian championships and will look to continue her ascent up the ladder at the Canada Cup. The Ottawa rink could be even better this year with their new second, Joanne Courtney, who is one of the better sweepers in the game. They have yet to win a tournament this year, but sit fourth on the Money List. Team Sweeting (Edmonton, AB) Lead: Rachelle Brown Second: Dana Ferguson Third: Lori Olson-Johns Skip: Val Sweeting Val Sweeting - 1x Grand Slam champ, Scotties runner-up Last season, Val Sweeting surprised many people with her success. This season, it might be expected. Despite losing Joanne Courtney in the offseason to Team Homan, Sweeting hasnt missed a step, already winning The Masters and earning enough cash to rank second on the Money List. The 27-year-old almost won the Scotties last season and should continue to be a thorn in the sides of Homan and Jones at the Canada Cup. Team Nedohin (Sherwood Park, AB.) Lead: Laine Peters Second: Jocelyn Peterman Third: Amy Nixon Skip: Heather Nedohin Heather Nedohin - 2x Scotties Champ Heather Nedohin has struggled a little this year, as shes reached only one final on the World Curling Tour, but will still be in the mix at the Canada Cup. The 39-year-old has a new third this season as Amy Nixon has replaced longtime vice Beth Iskiw. Nedohin sits 19th on the Money List. Team Middaugh (Coldwater, Ont.) Lead: Leigh Armstrong Second: Lee Merklinger Third: Jo-Ann Rizzo Skip: Sherry Middaugh Sherry Middaugh - 1x Canada Cup champ, 4x Scotties bronze medalist Sherry Middaugh has won one event on Tour this season, the AMJ Campbell Shorty Jenkins Classic in September, and sits a very respectable sixth on the Money List. The 48-year-old won the Canada Cup back in 2003 and almost represented Canada at the Olympic Games in 2014, but lost to Jones in the finals of the Canadian Curling Trials. Team Anderson (Saskatoon, SK.) Lead: Stephanie Schmidt Second: Marliese Kasner Third: Sherri Singler Skip: Sherry Anderson Sherry Anderson - 1x Scotties runner-up Sherry Anderson, who usually plays third, will be calling the shots for this Saskatoon rink at this event. Stefanie Lawton, the teams regular skip, had a baby boy in October and wont rejoin the team until the New Year. The 50-year-old will need a lot to go right in order to win the Canada Cup, but her years of experience should keep them competitive throughout the week. The rink sits 71st on the Money List. Team Flaxey (Listowel, Ont.) Lead: Morgan Court Second: Kristen Foster Third: Katie Cottrill Skip: Alli Flaxey Alli Flaxey Alli Flaxey, from the small town of Listowel, Ont., will replace Renee Sonnenberg after the Alberta skip declined the invitation to the tournament. The 29-year-old has played in five events this season, but has yet to advance to a playoff round. Flaxey sits 60th on the Money List. ' ' '

    • October 21, 2019 10:43 AM IST
    • TORONTO - No more excuses. Chaep Air Max 200 . This has become the Raptors mantra as they embark on a new era with a new regime and, in the not-so-distant future, a new image. Those three words were echoed again and again by Tim Leiweke, president and CEO of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, during Mondays busy media day proceedings and have been filtered down throughout the organization. The truth is, up to this point, there have been plenty of excuses. The schedule, its been difficult. The injuries, theres been a lot of them. The officials, they havent been kind. All valid excuses, but in the end, theyve amounted to perennial heartbreak to the tune of five straight playoff-less seasons. From the top, Leiweke, down to the general manager, their new global ambassador, the coach and the players, the message is clear; there are to be no more excuses. "None of us have an excuse," insisted returning head coach Dwane Casey, who is entering the final year of his contract. "Theres no out. What is your cop-out? Its right here, its the same team, same group." "Thats why Im saying were past the talking stage. This is our team, our group, so lets go to work." In addition to a punishing stretch to begin last season - 15 of their first 22 games on the road - they had a built-in excuse, getting three rookies and a couple of key additions acclimated on the go. Thats not the case this year. The only rookie on the roster is undrafted signee Dwight Buycks, who doesnt figure to have a significant role out of the gate. Despite the change in management, incoming GM Masai Ujiri has opted to stick with the group that closed out last season in the starting five. For those returning players, the grace period has ended and the pressure is on them to put the excuses aside and perform. "Weve just got to take advantage of every opportunity," knows DeMar DeRozan, the longest tenured Raptor. "Weve got to take advantage this week in training camp of [us] all being together, take advantage of [the] preseason and continue to get better and, as soon as that home opener starts, weve got to take advantage from game one to game 82 and just put it all out there because we have no excuses." For the team, its clear the bar has been set high but intentionally unclear where that bar sits exactly. "Im not even going to talk about playoffs," Casey said, tempering expectations after last seasons failures. "My mentality right now is to get better and all those other things are going to take care of themselves. Im not even going to mention it to our players tonight in our meeting when we talk about getting better. When you do that, good things are going to happen." If things go south in a hurry, this group may not have much time to forge its path, whatever it may be, as the leash on the returnees could be a short one. "We cant make any excuses of [a] tough schedule," Ujiri said. "So yes, how we start the season will be very important and then thats our jobs to make adjustments and the players jobs and coaching." "Chemistry is very key for us," he continued. "A lot of people think its individual talent, at the end of the day, it all has to come together. Were hoping these guys come together quick." Monday was overloaded with optimism for this Raptors franchise. With the addition of Drake to their staff, they will host the 2016 NBA All-Star Game with a brand new look expected to be unveiled that season. The organization, its players, coaches and fan base have experienced the feeling of optimism in the past and, needless to say, it hasnt necessarily translated in the standings. "Were going to find out pretty quickly if we have enough to be a playoff team," Casey said. "If we make continuous growth, we should be going in that direction but were not going to talk about it because talk is cheap. Its about doing it." "I thought we talked about it a little bit last year and we started out 4-19. So I dont want to talk about where we should be, what we could be doing or anything. I want to talk about how hard the guys are going to work to get there." Thats what this season will be about for Casey and his brigade, many of whom - like their coach - are in the hot seat. To the dismay of some fans, they will not be tanking, its simply not in the makeup of anyone currently affiliated with this organization to roll over. The mentality that is being preached, and will continue to be preached, is quite the opposite, in fact. "No more excuses," Leiweke repeated. "I think what Drake helps us do is he sets a tone and I like the tone, which is; were going to get better, were going to get rid of the excuses [and] were going to get rid of all the distractions." "And for our players," he continued, "for the other players in the league and for our fans, now we talk about the positive and we talk about what were going to be. For me, [its about] accountability here, about our brand, our image, our buzz and our potential, thats what Drakes helping us do." "I want accountability. No more excuses." Back on the Defensive It should come as no surprise that Coach Casey has committed to re-emphasizing defence in his third and most crucial season with the Raptors. In his first year with the team, during the lockout shortened 2011-12 campaign, the Casey-led Raptors began to shed the perception that had been haunting them. They were, up until that point, a perennial doormat, a soft team. In 66 mostly hard-fought games, Casey changed all that. He took a team that ranked at the bottom of the league in nearly every defensive category the year prior and made them competitive. The Raptors finished that season as the NBAs most improved team in opponent field goal percentage (from .482, 29th in the NBA to .435, 8th) and opponent scoring (from 105.3 point allowed per game, 26th to 94.0, 9th). Then, just as quickly as the defensive renaissance came to be the year prior, that progress was undone during a turbulent 2012-13 season. "Last year," Casey said, "I dont think it was a mistake, we had to get better offensively, but we tilted the pendulum a little bit too far to the offensive side. This year, its going to be back to the defensive side." "When you emphasize something the way we did offence going into training camp last year, it took [on] a personality of its own. Somewhere down the line, youre going to rest and I thought our guys took a step back with the focus and the spotlight not being on the defensive end." A Refocused Rudy Gay is coming off an emotionally and physically exhausting campaign. He battled injuries and brushed off ongoing trade speculation as a Grizzly, eventually giving way to a midseason shakeup that took him from the only NBA home hes ever known - a winning team in Memphis - to a city over 900 miles away, one that hasnt seen playoff basketball in five years. "Last year was kind of like a whirlwind for me," he admitted. "Not even having any place to stay or even put my clothes." He comes to training camp this year - his first with the Raptors - 100 per cent healthy and refocused after a busy offseason of hard work. In addition to his day-to-day training, Gay worked on his post game with NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon, underwent a procedure to correct ongoing vision problems and added a noticeable 20 pounds of muscle. "My trainer basically lived with me," said the Raptors seemingly invigorated forward. "I worked all but three weeks this whole summer, after my eye surgery." Admittedly, Gay feels underestimated and has his eyes - which now work as theyre supposed to - set on proving his and the teams naysayers wrong. To do that, Casey wants to see his go-to scorer become more efficient offensively while bringing consistent effort on the defensive end. DeMars Shot As last season came to a disappointing close for DeRozan, who has missed the playoffs in each of his four years in the league, the Raptors guard vowed to return an improved three-point shooter. According to DeRozan, who has shot the three-ball at a 24 per cent clip over his career, he spent the bulk of the summer making good on his promise. "Any type of way I could have the ball in my hand[s] and get off a three-point shot, [I did]," DeRozan said. "I definitely feel the most comfortable Ive ever felt from the three-point line and Im going to continue working on it day in and day out." The 24-year-old spent Sunday morning hoisting up jump shots, knocking down 300 triples prior to his mandated physical. Despite this seasons tempered expectations, failure is not an option for the young veteran. "Personally, the way I approach workouts all summer is, this is my fifth year [and] Im tired of going home early, watching everybody else play, watching my friends play," he passionately exclaimed. "Its sickening to me, I get tired of [it]." "Me personally, I work my ass off so we can play in that moment. Be a team in that 8, 7, 6, whatever spot it is, to have the opportunity to play. So thats my goal and Im sure everybody on this team feels the same way." Air Max 180 Australia . This weeks Raptors Report puts a bow on Gays brief, 10-month tenure in Toronto and ponders how his absence will affect the teams offence. Are they a better team without him? In addition to acquiring some valuable cap flexibility, what impact will the four incoming players have this season and beyond? Click here for the Dec. Air Max 270 Australia Womens . It was the start of one nice night for the goalie and the Minnesota Wild. Backstrom made 33 saves in his first win of the season and the Wild defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 5-3 on Saturday in a rematch of their first-round playoff series.ANAHEIM, Calif. - C.J. Wilson pitched two-hit ball over eight innings, Hank Conger hit a go-ahead, two-run homer off Zach McAllister, and the Los Angeles Angels beat Cleveland 7-1 Wednesday to send the Indians to their sixth straight loss. Wilson (4-2) struck out eight, walked one and retired his last 18 batters after a leadoff double in the third by No. 9 hitter Elliot Johnson. Clevelands other hit was an RBI single in the second by David Murphy, who was thrown out trying to steal for the innings final out. Los Angeles has scored seven or more runs each of Wilsons victories, and fewer than four in both losses. David Freese had a two-run single in the fifth against Marc Rzepczynski, and Mike Trout added a two-run double in the sixth off demoted starter Carlos Carrasco. Clevelands bullpen entered having stranded 42 of 46 inherited runners, the best percentage in the majors. McAllister (3-2) threw 101 pitches over 4 1-3 innings and was charged with five runs, four hits and four walks. Pitching on three days rest for the first time in the big leagues after throwing 75 pitches over five innings in a 5-3 loss at San Francisco on Saturday, McAllister was shifted to the rotation after Carrasco went 0-3 with a 6.95 ERA in four starts. Cleveland, which heads home to host the Chicago White Sox, was swept in consecutive series for the first time since last June at the New York Yankees and Detroit. The Indians totalled just 13 runs during the six-game trip, batting .183 and going 6 for 36 with runners in scoring position. Cleveland opened the scoring in the second with David Murphys two-out RBI single. Congers homer put the Angels aheaad in the second, ending McAllisters streak of 37 1-3 homerless innings since Houstons Brandon Laird connected Sept. Air Max 97 Plus Australia. . 20. Albert Pujols made it 3-1 in the third with a sacrifice fly to centre fielder Michael Bourn, who had no chance to make a play on Howie Kendrick at the plate after left fielder Mike Aviles banged into him. Aviles started in left field for the third time this season with Michael Brantley (1 for 14 against Wilson) getting the day off. NOTES: Bourn had a leadoff single in the ninth against RHP Mike Morin, who was making his major league debut. But he was quickly erased on a double-play grounder by Aviles. ... Trouts walkup music was "Trophies" by the group "Young Money." ... Johnson started at 2B for the Indians in place of Jason Kipnis, who left Tuesday nights game because of a strained abdominal muscle. "Theres no rush to put a guy on the DL. We can handle it. Well just kind of see how he responds," manager Terry Francona said. "Weve all seen it and been around it — where during the action of a game, a guy feels like its minimal. Then they wake up in the morning and feel like theyve got a knife stuck in them." ... All 15 big league homers by the switch-hitting Conger have been against right-handed pitchers, and nine of them have come with at least one man on base. ... The Angels didnt fly their 2002 World Series championship banner, their eight division title flags or the California state flag because of fierce Santa Ana winds, which were clocked at 27 mph at gametime. ... Cleveland is the only team in the majors that hasnt played an extra-inning game. ' ' '

    • October 21, 2019 10:42 AM IST
    • FIVE QUICK NBA THOUGHTS 1. Ultra Boost Schweiz . RAPTORS FINAL FULL PRESEASON WEEK: Games vs. Maccabi at the ACC and the New York Knicks in Montreal (Always an awesome trip and atmosphere at the Arena) to close out a solid preseason so far. Opening night vs. Hawks right around the corner - cant wait! Major week in terms of tightening up the offensive and defensive system and adding various looks on both sides of the ball to make sure theyre ready to roll when it really counts. So far the second unit depth and ball movement/chemistry have stood out to me as strengths that are nice to see. This group has the potential to have a good season. Now its about paying the price during the drudgery of preseason practices to get things right for showtime. Once it starts with lots of games at home early - theyve got to come out of the gate ready to make an early statement before the schedule turns the other way on them. 2. 44-MINUTE GAME: Worked out well as a good experiment between the Nets and Celtics. Would like to see this looked at a lot more next preseason. Not sure if it will ever become part of the NBA regular season landscape but any and all attempts to improve the quality of the games is beneficial for all. 3. BLAKE GRIFFIN (Clippers): Hes getting tired of guys committing hard fouls on him and I dont blame him one bit. Hes one of the fabulous young players in this league and we dont need him getting hurt for the referees to do a better job of letting folks know that this wont be accepted or tolerated. There is plenty of room for tough/physical play and Im all for it, yet its got to be clean. The fact that hes big, athletic and talented doesnt mean that folks can take liberties with him. 4. MIRZA TELETOVIC (Nets): You can ask Raptors fans from last years playoff series about this guy. He can play. Great opportunity this season for him with Kevin Garnett fading and Paul Pierce gone. Hes going to have to consistently produce. Hes a wonderful shooter with range and plays with great purpose. His ability to stretch the defence opens up lots of space for the Nets guards to operate. His defensive approach on the perimeter having to guard in space will be tested early and often with the extra minutes hell play - that will be the challenge for coach Lionel Hollins. He gives it to you on the offensive end and now hes just gotta be sound enough to hold his own on the other end. 5. JOEL ANTHONY (Pistons): Didnt look like he was in the plans at all in Boston. Hopefully, this is a solid reserve opportunity for the Montreal native in the Motor City. Obviously with Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond playing major minutes, time and touches will be few and far between. With former Raptor Aaron Gray missing training camp this is a smart fit for both sides. Adidas Gazelle Schweiz . Gomes drove in all three runs, including a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning, and Cleveland rallied for a 3-2 win over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. Adidas Ultra Boost Schweiz . -- Antoine Bibeau bought the Val-dOr Foreurs valuable time at the Memorial Cup with his 51-save shutout Friday.MIAMI -- Dee Gordon was a headache for the Miami Marlins for 11 innings at the plate, on the bases and in the field. Carl Crawford came off the bench to make his impact with a single swing. Crawford snapped a slump with a two-run pinch-hit homer in the 11th, and the Los Angeles Dodgers escaped several late-inning jams to beat the Miami Marlins 9-7 on Saturday night. Gordon drove in two runs, scored twice, contributed a defensive gem at second base and stole three bases to increase his total to 19, most in the majors. Hes 8 for 11 in the series to hike his average to .357. "Hes hitting .350, hes stealing bags, hes playing good defence," manager Don Mattingly said. "You cant really ask a whole lot more." Gordon became the first Dodgers player since at least 1914 to have five or more hits and three or more stolen bases in a game, according to STATS. The last major league player to do it was Jimmy Rollins of the Phillies in 2008. "Im just trying to help us win any way possible," Gordon said. Crawford echoed that sentiment. He was held out of the starting lineup because he was batting .185, and said the chance to circle the bases in the 11th was a "wonderful feeling." "When something like that happens, it uplifts you," he said. "Its a big lift for me, somebody looking for anything positive to get through the next day. To come through with a big hit like that and win the game, its definitely encouraging." Yasiel Puig hit a three-run homer for Los Angeles. The Marlins lost even though they tied a franchise record at Marlins Park with three home runs. They erased a 7-2 sixth-inning deficit but left the bases loaded in the eighth and ninth, and left two on in the 10th. "We get a hit in any of those situations, and its over," manager Mike Redmond said. Juan Uribe walked to start the 11th against Carlos Marmol (0-2), and with one out Crawford hit his first homer. "Hopefully its something that springboards him," Mattingly said. "Thats a big hit." Marmol said he made a mistake by throwing the pitch down the middle. "He hit it far," Marmol said. "I feel bad because the teeam played well. Adidas Nmd Billig Ebay. " The squandered chances doomed the Marlins, however. They went 3 for 14 with runners in scoring position. Paul Maholm allowed three runs in six innings, but the Dodgers endured some wobbly relief pitching. With closer Kenley Jansen unavailable because of a heavy recent workload, Chris Perez took the mound in the ninth inning trying to protect a 7-6 lead. He loaded the bases and then walked pinch-hitter Jarrod Saltalamacchia on a 3-2 pitch with one out to force in the tying run. Perez then retired Christian Yelich and Derek Dietrich to send the game into extra innings. The Marlins had runners at first and second with no outs in the 10th, but Brandon League (1-1) pitched out of the jam. Chris Withrow loaded the bases in the eighth before striking out NL RBI leader Giancarlo Stanton on three pitches to end the threat. "It was seesaw, but you see how the guys battled back," Gordon said. The Marlins Marcell Ozuna hit a three-run homer in the seventh off Brian Wilson, whose ERA rose to 12.91. Jeff Baker, who came into the game 4 for 40 this season, and Jeff Mathis both hit their first home run for Miami. The power surge compensated for a poor outing by Jacob Turner, who was activated from the disabled list before the game. He gave up nine hits and six runs in four innings. Notes: Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw (strained back) threw a bullpen session before the game and is scheduled to come off the disabled list and start Tuesday at Washington. ... The Marlins had a scare during batting practice when ace Jose Fernandez collided in the outfield with strength and conditioning coach Ty Hill and both tumbled to the turf. The right-handed Fernandez took a shot in his left shoulder but said he wasnt hurt. ... Fernandez will try to improve his career home record to 13-0 Sunday in the series finale. RHP Stephen Fife, who started 15 games for the Dodgers in 2012-13, will be recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque to start Sunday for LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu (shoulder). RHP Jose Dominguez will be optioned to Albuquerque. ... Dodgers coach Davey Lopes celebrated his 69th birthday. ' ' '

    • October 21, 2019 10:42 AM IST
    • PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Flyers picked up their defence and their drive to snap their losing streak. Taurean Prince Nets Jersey . Playing the lowly Buffalo Sabres helped, too. Brayden Schenn scored two goals, and the Flyers broke a four-game skid with a 5-2 win over Buffalo on Sunday night. Philadelphia, 0-2-2 in its previous four games, maintained third place in the Metropolitan Division -- two points ahead of Columbus -- by winning for the second time in eight games (2-4-2). With four games remaining, the Flyers trail the second-place New York Rangers by two points, but have a game in hand. "Our intensity was up and guys were skating and working right away in the game," Philadelphia coach Craig Berube said. "It was important for the confidence level just to get guys spirits back up." The Flyers hadnt played poorly during the losing streak, which included two defeats to Boston and one to St. Louis. The Bruins and Blues lead their respective conferences. Schenn, Vincent Lecavalier and Zac Rinaldo scored second-period goals to put Philadelphia ahead 4-0. Matt Read also scored and Mark Streit had three assists. "I thought we played a solid team game, defence-first mentality," Schenn said. "Two points is key. We just have to worry about ourselves and worry about the two points each night." Cory Hodgson and Mike Weber scored third-period goals for Buffalo, which lost its sixth straight road game and fell to 2-13-1 in its last 16 overall. The Sabres, assured of finishing with the fewest points in the NHL, have scored eight goals during their road skid. Buffalo, already missing 10 players due to injuries, might have lost another as Chad Ruhwedel sustained a concussion on a third-period hit by Rinaldo, who was given a match penalty for the blow to Ruhwedels head. "Theres no big brother for them," Buffalo coach Ted Nolan said of his inexperienced players. "They have to sink or swim, and certain games like this, its going to catch up to us." Rinaldo, who entered with a team-high 137 penalty minutes, racked up 16 on Sunday and could face an NHL suspension. "I had a lot of speed going at him. I put my shoulder down, and as he shot the puck my shoulder hit him clearly," Rinaldo said. "Proof is in the pudding right there. I shouldnt have done it. Theres no need for it. Were up 4-0, but its part of the game. "That always happens with me. I get on a good streak and then something bad always happens. I try not to think about it too much." Read got Philadelphia on the board 6 1/2 minutes into the game by scoring on a rebound. After Buffalos Cory Conacher turned the puck over, Streit fired a slap shot that caromed off the post to the slot, where a wide-open Read unleashed a wrister past rookie goalie Nathan Lieuwen. "As soon as (Read) got that goal, it gave us a boost and we started scoring goals," Schenn said. The Flyers turned the game into a rout with three second-period goals. Rinaldo, known more for pesky play than scoring, netted his second goal of the season when his wrist shot went off Lieuwens glove and trickled over the line to make it 2-0 with 12:20 left. Schenn deflected in Streits slap shot on the power play with 5:40 remaining, snapping the Flyers 0-for-12 skid on the man-advantage and stretching the lead to three goals. Lecavalier then put a shot above Lieuwens right shoulder just over 1 1/2 minutes later from the top of the right circle. Mason earned an assist on the goal for his first point of the season and seventh of his eight-year career. Schenn scored his second goal with 4:50 left in the game when he fired a wrist shot past Lieuwens glove. Lieuwen, making his fifth career start, had 32 saves. "When you have an experienced team in front of an inexperienced goaltender, theres positions where you cover up for the mistakes," Nolan said. "They dont have to get shots from all over. Its one of those situations where it is what it is, and theyre getting a lot of work." NOTES: The Sabres were without wingers Drew Stafford (33 points) and Chris Stewart (26), who entered ranked third and fifth in team scoring. Also out were Buffalos top two goalies, Jhonas Enroth and Michal Neuvirth. ... Philadelphia swept the season series 3-0 and won its fifth straight at home against Buffalo and eighth in 10 games overall. ... Flyers RW Steve Downie (lower body) missed his eighth straight game. ... Philadelphia will next play at lowly Florida on Tuesday and then face Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh, which have both clinched post-season berths, on the road before Sundays home finale against Carolina. ... Webers goal was his first in 64 games this season. DeAndre Jordan Jersey . A night later, he was back to help lead a rout of the Detroit Pistons. John Wall had 20 points and 11 assists, and Beal scored 10 of his 15 points during the second quarter as Washington pulled away for a 106-82 victory on Saturday. Spencer Dinwiddie Nets Jersey . It was the most lopsided loss in Lakers history. Darren Collison had a team-high 24 points while starting at shooting guard for the injured Jamal Crawford. Chris Paul added 13 points and 11 assists for the Clippers, who apparently are trying to make up for decades of humiliation at the hands of the Lakers all in one season; theyve won the last two meetings by a combined 84 points.CODY, Wyo. -- Retired college basketball coach Bob Knight escaped injury when his vehicle struck a cow on a dark northern Wyoming highway. The Wyoming Highway Patrol says the accident occurred about 8:45 p.m. on Aug. 22 on a remote section of state road known as the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway. Trooper Brad McConnell says the impact caused the air bag on the 2012 Ford Expedition to deploy and sevverely damaged the front end. Henry Ellenson Jersey. The vehicle was totalled. Knight told McConnell that he never saw the cow, which was among several that wandered onto the roadway in an open range area. Knight was travelling alone after a fishing trip in the Thermopolis area of central Wyoming. Knight won 902 games and three national titles during his coaching career, mostly at Indiana. ' ' '

    • October 21, 2019 10:42 AM IST
    • BEREA, Ohio -- As he discussed the possibility of quarterback Johnny Manziel being picked by Cleveland in the upcoming draft, Browns linebacker Quentin Groves made a small sign of the cross. Gerardo Parra Nationals Jersey . A prayer that hes coming? A plea that he stays away? Groves intentions with his gesture werent clear. Like just about everything around Johnny Football, theres no definite answer. The most polarizing player to enter the NFL in a while, Manziel, is being closely linked to the Browns, who own the No. 4 overall pick in next weeks draft and have been seeking a franchise quarterback for more than a decade. Clevelands inability to land a QB either in the draft or via free agency or blind luck may be the single biggest reason the Browns have only made the playoffs once since 1999 and seem to change coaches every year. There are those who believe Manziel can save the Browns. Others feel the Texas A&M quarterbacks dazzling skills -- and size -- wont translate to the pro game. Hes dynamic. Hes too small. Hes a game-changer. Hes self-absorbed. Hes a hard worker. Hes a head case. Hes charismatic. Everyone has an opinion on Manziel, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner who has been projected as being picked anywhere from the top 5 to the bottom of the first round. "If Johnny Manziel came through, if he beats out the other quarterbacks that are here, its all good," Browns Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden said. "I like Johnny Manziel. I like him a whole lot." Hadens not alone. Sports radio talk shows here are crammed with callers screaming for the Browns to choose Manziel, one of several QBs in this years class expected to go in the early rounds. Cleveland hasnt used a pick higher than No. 22 on a quarterback since taking Tim Couch first overall 15 years ago. The Browns have done their homework on Manziel. The team recently worked him out privately in College Station, Texas, and brought him to Cleveland to visit their training facility and headquarters. As they consider taking him, Browns general manager Ray Farmer and owner Jimmy Haslam wanted to get to better know Manziel, who served a suspension last season for violating an NCAA rule involving signing autographs, as a person. Theyve seen him on film. Nothing beats the real thing. "I dont think I have any reservations with who Johnny is," Farmer said. "Hes a good young man. I think the interesting part about Johnny is that, much like a lot of us, you dont get a handbook for how to operate in certain instances. "When you go from being a kid from Tyler, Texas, to being Johnny Football and winning the Heisman Trophy really quickly, they dont hand you a manual and tell you how to handle the media swarm, how to handle the paparazzi, how to handle people coming up to you at dinners. "He would tell you very candidly that its probably not how he would have written it up now that hes at the end of it or getting towards the end of his college career, but you live and you learn." Manziel would certainly put Cleveland back on the football map and revitalize a flagging franchise. Hed sell tickets and move merchandise. But is that enough? Groves called one of his college coaches now at Texas A&M for a scouting report. "I asked him, How is Johnny? Is he a football guy?" Groves said. "He said, Honestly, hes the most competitive guy youll ever meet. He is a guy that will come in, be the first in, last to leave. thats just him. I know you have the flashy lifestyle (Groves mimics Manziels signature finger rub), (rapper) Drake and all that stuff, and at the end of the day the guy wins ballgames. "He makes plays. He extends drives and wins ballgames." Browns offensive co-ordinator Kyle Shanahan, who coached quarterback Robert Griffin III in Washington, thinks Manziels unorthodox style can win in the pros. "If you can make those plays in college, you can do it in the NFL," he said. "The one thing about the NFL, theres a lot of tape out there. Youve got to be able to do everything. "Whatever you do very good, theyre going to eventually be able to shut that down and youre going to have to do something else. Hes going to be able to make plays in this league. Eventually when they try to contain him, hes going to have to do everything he didnt always have to do in college." The Browns must also consider all that comes along with Manziel. Number 2 brings a three-ring circus. Groves, for one, believes the Browns are suited to add Manziel. "Were a mature enough team to handle it," he said. "Weve had some individual success here and people have handled it well. Josh Gordon and (Alex) Mack going to the Pro Bowl, Joe Thomas going to the Pro Bowl. Joe Haden and Jordan Cameron making their first Pro Bowls, things like that. I think we can handle it." Custom Washington Nationals Jerseys . The CFL club is making the move after holding its camp and regular-season practices at the University of Toronto campus in Mississauga, Ont. Koda Glover Nationals Jersey .A. Happ? Happs seven wins are second on the staff to Mark Buehrles 10. Win-loss record is an antiquated stat, sure, but win total is generally an indication of a pitchers ability to work deep into games, enough to be personally affected by the result.And heres the celebration. Jig for joy!: ' ' '

    • October 21, 2019 10:42 AM IST
    • MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Bucks have rewarded centre Larry Sanders for his breakout season with a multiyear contract extension. Detroit Tigers Shirts . General manager John Hammond announced the deal Tuesday in a statement. Terms were not announced. The 6-foot-11 Sanders had career-highs of 9.8 points and 9.5 rebounds last season. His 2.8 blocks per game ranked second in the NBA, and he had a stretch of 40 straight games with a block. "Larry has developed into one of the top young defensive players in the league," Hammond said. "He is a very important part of what we are doing in Milwaukee." Sanders, the 15th overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft, is considered part of the core for the retooling Bucks, who traded Brandon Jennings (17.5 points) to the Pistons last month for point guard Brandon Knight (13.1 points). Other off-season moves by the busy Bucks included acquiring free-agent guards O.J. Mayo and Gary Neal, and drafting 18-year-old Greek phenom Giannis Antetokounmpo in the first round. The Bucks finished 38-44 last season before being swept in the first round of the playoffs by the eventual reigning two-time champion Miami Heat. Former Hawks coach Larry Drew is now the new boss in Milwaukee. Besides the 24-year-old Sanders, the other few Bucks returnees include John Henson, Ish Smith and Epke Udoh. Detroit Tigers Gear .Martin Caceres marked his return from injury by scoring in the 3-1 win at Napoli and he believes Juventus sent out a warning to the rest of the league with that result.We go out on the pitch every game looking to give our all, Caceres said. Wholesale Tigers Jerseys . Pominville scored in all three of Minnesotas games last week to help the Wild (8-4-3, 19 points) earn four out of a possible six points. His best performance was in a 4-3 win over Montreal on Friday, where he posted a season-high three points (two goals, one assist), including the game-winning goal.TOKYO -- Japans Shinsuke Yamanaka beat Mexicos Alberto Guevara with a knockout in the ninth round Sunday to defend his WBC bantamweight crown. Yamanaka sent Guevara to the canvas with a left after 25 seconds of the ninth round at Ryogoku Kokugikan, forcing referee Hector Afu of Panama to stop the fight. Yamanakaa, who has won four consecutive bouts by knockout since his second title defence in November last year, improved to 20-0 with two draws and 15 knockouts. Tigers Jerseys 2019. Guevara dropped to 18-2, including six KOs. All three judges had scored the bout 79-71 in favour Yamanaka through the eighth round. ' ' '

    • October 21, 2019 10:42 AM IST
    • A year into his stint as ECB chairman, Colin Graves sat down with Sky Sports Michael Atherton to reflect on Englands success in that time and the future of T20 cricket in the country. Air Max 90 Wholesale Cheap . England had been dumped out of the 50-over World Cup prior to Graves appointment but have transformed since then, regaining the Ashes, improving their ODI fortunes, and reaching the final of the World T20.In a wide-ranging interview, Graves explained how the massive appointment of Andrew Strauss as Director of Cricket, and the former opening batsmans closeness to the modern game, has been crucial for Englands development.The Yorkshireman also voiced his intentions to improve the NatWest T20 Blast - but why he is not a fan of adopting a franchise system similar to the Big Bash and the Indian Premier League.Hit the video above to watch Graves interview, in which he also discusses the state of county finances and the Test match bidding process. Also See: Fixtures/results Live cricket on Sky Get Sky Sports Cricket videos Cheap Air Max 720 Uk . I kind of got a taste of being able to pick a suit with the draft lottery, I went with the bow tie. Cheap Air Max 95 Free Shipping . Louis, MO (SportsNetwork.DETROIT -- The Lions re-signed tight end Brandon Pettigrew on Friday, keeping one of Matthew Staffords top targets and a player who can potentially make defences regret focusing too much on Calvin Johnson. "The key is to be able to keep your good players," new Lions coach Jim Caldwell said. "And, I think anytime you can do that in an organization, its great. It doesnt always work out for you, but when you can, and a guys been productive for you, I think its huge." Pettigrew will get a $16 million, four-year contract with half of the money guaranteed, according to a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke Friday to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because terms were not announced. "Obviously, this is certainly a long-term commitment from both sides and were certainly looking forward to that," Caldwell said. The Lions drafted Pettigrew with the 20th overall pick in 2009, the same year they selected Stafford first overall in the NFL draft. The native of Tyler, Texas, has 284 receptions for 2,828 yards and 16 touchdowns in five NFL seasons. Pettigrew said part of the reason he wanted to stay was because hes in "a groove," with teammates such as Stafford. "We got drafted together," he said. "Weve already got that going, and I think thats important. I love the city. Im grateful for being able to be here. The city is going through change, as is the organization. Its just an honour to be a part of that." He tested the market as a free agent before deciding to stay in Detroit. "Of course, the pursuits were real because thats just part of the business," Pettigrew said. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound Pettigrew is yet another weapon for Stafford, who already has Johnson and will now have receiver Golden Tate next season. Detroit, with a solid offensive line, should be able to strike a balance in the running game with Reggie Bush in his second season paired with Joique Bell, who was re-signed with a $9.3 million, three-year deal earlier this week. "He gives you a guuy that really is a dual threat in terms of being able to handle the end-line blocking on the line of scrimmage, which he does very well," Caldwell said. Fake Air Max 97 Uk. "Also, obviously, hes a threat in the passing game. When you look at whats going to happen in most cases with the guys that we have on the outside, our inside receivers are going to certainly become a bigger part of our game." Pettigrew is coming off a relatively disappointing season, which probably cost him some money on the market. He had 41 receptions for 416 yards and two TDs, his lowest numbers in each category since he was a rookie. When Pettigrew was at his best in 2001, he caught 83 passes for 777 yards and five TDs -- all career highs -- and helped the franchise end an 11-year post-season skid. Pettigrew said he spoke to some members of teams new staff, including Caldwell. "Hes already told me he wants me to step up and be in that role of a leader and coming out to accept that," Pettigrew said. "Ive been here long enough, and I agree with him. He seems like a great guy. So, Im looking forward to getting back." The Lions next significant move may be finding a starting safety to play alongside Glover Quin, who was signed last year as a free agent, to replace Louis Delmas. They seem to be interested in adding veteran safety James Ihedigbo, but he left team headquarters without a contract after a visit Thursday. Ihedigbo made 99 tackles last season, ranking second on the Baltimore Ravens, and had three interceptions after not picking off one pass in his first five NFL seasons. He started 16 games last season and 12 games in 2011 for the New England Patriots and ranked fifth on the team in tackles. He spent his first three seasons in the league with the New York Jets after making the team in 2008 as an undrafted rookie. Detroit, desperate for success with only one playoff victory since 1957, also hopes Ndamukong Suh will sign a new contract to avoid having the defensive tackle count more than $20 million against the salary cap in 2014. ' ' '

    • October 21, 2019 10:42 AM IST
    • Delray Beach, FL (SportsNetwork. Bill Bates Youth Jersey .com) - Sixth-seeded Feliciano Lopez was a first-round winner on Monday at the Delray Beach Open tennis event. The 32-year old Spaniard dropped the first set but rallied to a 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 victory over American Sam Querrey on the hardcourts at Delray Beach Tennis Center. Lopez has gotten the better of Querrey in four of six lifetime meetings between the pair. In Mondays only other match, American 21-year-old wild card Jack Sock was humbled by French left-hander Adrian Mannarino in 6-4, 6-2 fashion. This weeks top seeds in Florida are 2006 champion Tommy Haas and towering American John Isner. Two-time champion Ernests Gulbis of Latvia defeated Frances Edouard Roger- Vasselin in last years final. Gulbis, however, is not defending his title this week. Bob Lilly Womens Jersey . The 23-year-old from Thornhill, Ont., defeated Germanys Benjamin Becker 6-3, 6-4 on Tuesday in the fourth round of the Sony Open in just 89 minutes. Trysten Hill Womens Jersey . Heavily-criticized after allowing a dozen goals on 58 shots in two games in Boston, Luongo continued his dominance at home. Hes now allowed two goals in three home games in this series.GREEN BAY, Wis. -- A smattering of boos cascaded down on the Green Bay Packers at the half, trailing by double digits on a bone-chilling afternoon at Lambeau Field. This wasnt a good sign for a team that hasnt played well late in games, especially without injured quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Coach Mike McCarthy went into the locker room wondering how much energy his players had with the teams playoff prospects in jeopardy. Green Bay responded with its most complete performance in weeks. Matt Flynn threw for 258 yards and a maligned defence forced a key fourth-quarter turnover in a 22-21 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday that ended a five-game winless stretch. "Good to win, its been a while. Forgot what it felt like," McCarthy said. "But Ill say this -- I really like the football team, particularly at halftime, coming in, getting booed at home, and just the energy in the locker room. They never blinked, they stayed the course," said the even-keeled coach. It came down to defence in the final few minutes of a nail-biting fourth quarter. Mike Neals sack forced Matt Ryan to fumble, and defensive lineman Johnny Jolly scooped up the loose ball and celebrated with a little belly dance. Four plays later, Flynn found Andrew Quarless for a 2-yard touchdown pass for the 22-21 lead for the Packers (6-6-1) with about 12 minutes left. "We needed to have fun. Thats what we did today," Jolly said. "We went out there and left everything that we had and made plays and had fun." Quarless TD completed a comeback from an 11-point halftime deficit and whipped the bundled-up fans into a frigid frenzy. It was 9 degrees when the game started, with a wind chill of minus-1. The stadium looked as if it was encased in a snow globe at times with much of the game played while light, powdery snowflakes gently fell to the worn turf. Atlanta kicker Matt Bryant missed a 52-yard field goal attempt into the wind with 6:42 left. The Falcons (3-10) got to the 33 with 2 minutes left, but Tony Gonzalez dropped a short pass from Ryan under tight coverage by Jarrett Bush. The Falcons, who play home games at tthe Georgia Dome, didnt think weather was as much of a factor as the missed opportunities. Deion Sanders Youth Jersey. "We cant talk about one specific play that was the difference," coach Mike Smith said. "We had our chances to make some plays in all three phases and we didnt." Flynn finished 24 for 32 with an interception in his second start for Rodgers, who has been out since fracturing his left collarbone during a 27-20 loss to the Bears on Nov. 4. Its been a struggle ever since for Green Bay, which fell from first place in the NFC North to fighting to stay in the playoff chase. "We played our best football in the second half, and as a coach thats what you look for in your football team," McCarthy said. It didnt look so good for Green Bay after linebacker Sean Weatherspoons 71-yard interception return with 23 seconds remaining in the second quarter gave the Falcons a 21-10 lead and prompted some fans to voice their displeasure. A pass from Flynn appeared to carom off linebacker Paul Worrilows shoe and chest and into the hands of Weatherspoon. He slowly trudged his way back up the field past Packers who thought the ball touched the ground. Packers offensive lineman T.J. Lang whiffed on a tackled around the 22. From there, the 6-foot-2, 244-pound Weatherspoon got a slow-motion escort into the end zone. "It was a great play and something that sparked us, but we came out a little bit lackadaisical on defence if you ask me in the second half," Weatherspoon said. Ryan finished 20 of 35 for 206 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, while Steven Jackson had 71 yards rushing on 15 carries. Otherwise, a Green Bay defence that had allowed more than 200 yards rushing in each of its previous two games bounced back. NOTES: Mason Crosby kicked three field goals, including a 25-yarder late in the third quarter to get Green Bay within 21-16. ... Packers RB Eddie Lacy had 65 yards and a 1-yard touchdown run on 20 carries. He returned in the second half after twisting his right ankle. ... Falcons S Thomas DeCoud left with a head injury on Lacys score at the end of the first quarter. ' ' '

    • October 18, 2019 11:21 PM IST
    • historic Casco fresh is once bought and also Arctic ie on the marketa personal Casco clean snowdonia once run due to famed Arctic traveler Robert Peary is on the market, which has two privately owned soft sand beach locations which includes a quiet cheesy.But another user will certainly pay much more than the $800 Peary suggested for it in just 1907.Crab destination is a 10 minute canoe enjoy from the machine southern region Freeport water. this located equally outside the lips together with Harraseeket riv as wholesale elite Jerseys part of Casco clean. LandVest showcased the home very last month suitable for $950,000, The novice it is in stores in about 65 wholesale football jerseys years.The get away on the region enjoys two places, One loo, extreme gemstone flame, Two water wells and one septic technique. the region does not possess electric energy or possibly boat dock. ships use beaches because of see.Freeport overtax captures full it 1 acre in size, still,but unfortunately Karen Reiche, an agent complete with LandVest, informs me the product looks greater. It has settled walking driveways all around the island.Crab tropical island ownership could tracked back in Adm. Peary, The renowned explorer and as a result Bowdowhen it comes to varsity graduate who actually brought an dispatch to its northern border post 1909.experienced probably the a string of of the islands incorrect Freeport have got sold and also Peary and turned out to be labelled as Peary Freeport archipelago.A 2009 bulletin your Freeport historical their communities shows a letter which experts claim Peary explains a co-employee he desired to buy Crab isle along with $800 in 1907, including the furniture, china and regarding the contents of the cottage. adjustment to suit blowing up, where $800 this would definately be good worth pertaining to $22,000 in recent times. the problem unclear if that incopeial was considered took. doing it soon after most likely was showed as within the Peary house, depending on ezine.in order to Reiche, the city was basically among those ordered towards and actually owned all by Peary little princess, marie. the wife was known as reality came to be by the despite Arctic father and mother her getting on dispatch in 1893. your lady tomorrow enjoyed here in Bowdosuitable up until her very own loss of 1978.jessica definitely owned and operated single amongst tea is, strategically placed considering southern region Freeport harbor and Crab region.The Peary domestic provided Crab isle noisy. 1950s.Freeport tax burden information have the current property owners detailed so as va together with Alden Waterhouse along with Thornton, new hampshire. those after tax enjoy is now $297,800, And almost all of that is using the soil actually worth. your current 1960 creation two boudoir team could well of them costing only $16,900.Reiche speaks the fact that Waterhouse household has recently used the area over the past 65 a few years, Passing it cutting outcome variety of many years. Now they need to sell the city because of a found in your life style, Reiche declares.john p Milholland, who owns Seacoast around Freeport, moves shuttles both to and from large eagle isle, in terms of a half hour bass boat enjoy more than Crab isle.large eagle Island seemed to be to one of the numerous islands actually owned among the Peary individual, and so facets the prior warmer domicile of predominantly Adm. Peary. suitable now the island should be a country specific great landmark, there for users not to mention travel.Milholland commonly indicates Crab of the islands around the size of his shuttles, that has tips on the device's link to the Pearys to number of visitors. he admits that he oftentimes sees fishing vessels docked this two shorelines so there. one witnessed a part of the cp, Milholland states, genuinely flag waving https://www.cheapwholesalefootballjerseys.com/tag/wholesale-jerseys-china on top of it.residence is actually cut off as well as to much

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    • October 18, 2019 2:22 PM IST
    • LONDON, Ont. Adidas Nmd Herre Sort Tilbud . - Jake Patterson stopped 39 shots, including all 17 that came his way in the third period, and the London Knights toppled the visiting Kitchener Rangers 6-1 on Saturday in Ontario Hockey League play. Matt Rupert scored once and set up two more for the Knights (31-11-5) while Nikta Zadorov and Bo Horvat had a goal and an assist each. Brett Welychka, Ryan Rupert and Josh Anderson added single goals for London and Dakota Mermis, Gemel Smith and Michael McCarron tacked on two assists apiece. Matia Marcantuoni scored the lone goal for the Rangers (16-29-2) as Matthew Greenfield turned away 41-of-47 shots in a losing cause. --- 67s 3 ICE DOGS 2 ST. CATHARINES, Ont. -- Brendan Bell set up the tying goal and then scored the winner at 18:28 of the third period as Ottawa came from behind to down Niagara. Dante Salituro and Erik Bradford also scored for the 67s (16-27-4), who halted a three-game skid. Hayden McCool and Aaron Haydon scored for the Ice Dogs (17-25-6), who led 2-1 after 40 minutes of action. Ottawas Philippe Trudeau stopped 40 shots for the win while Niagaras Blake Richard made 31 saves in defeat. --- STING 6 WHALERS 2 PLYMOUTH, Mich. -- Jimmy McDowell and Vladislav Kodola each had a goal and two assists as Sarnia snapped a four-game slide by defeating the Whalers. Davis Brown and Jeff King had a goal and an assist apiece for the Sting (15-27-5) while Nickolas Latta and Nikita Korostelev scored the others. Carter Sandlak and Gianluca Curcuruto supplied the offence for Plymouth (17-25-5). Sarnias Taylor Dupuis made 29 saves for the win. Alex Nedeljkovic started in net for the Whalers, but was pulled after allowing four goals on 31 shots. Zack Bowman stopped 7-of-8 shots in 16 minutes of relief. --- Three games were postponed because of weather conditions and have been re-scheduled. Erie at Belleville will be made up Jan. 27, Guelph at Owen Sound is reset for Jan. 29 and North Bay at Barrie is scheduled for Feb. 25. Yeezy Powerphase Danmark . PAUL, Minn. Adidas Nmd R2 Herre Dk . NORRIS COLE (Heat): Its funny, you watch a guy play and now really produce and it just jumps off the page at you - why? You put a young player with potential in a winning environment where there is veteran leadership, outstanding coaching and management and a way that things are done and its a wonderful environment for growth, improvement in a climate of constant accountability and expectation of achievement/production.San Diego, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - The St. Louis Cardinals have signed infielder Mark Reynolds. Although terms of the pact are not known, MLB.com and CBS Sports are reporting that the deal is done pending a physical. Reynolds hit just .196 in 130 games last season for the Milwaukee Brewers and hasnt gone above .225 since 2009. However, he did hit 22 home runs and has averaged 30 home runs per 150 games for his career. Hes also led the league in strikeouts four times. Adidas Nmd r1 Herre Tilbud. . While the 31-year-old Reynolds has spent the majority of his career at third base, he can also play first base and has seen time at both outfield corner positions. Over eight seasons in the majors, Reynolds owns a career .229 average with 224 homers, 613 RBI and 1,398 strikeouts in 1,118 games with Arizona, Baltimore, Cleveland, the New York Yankees and Brewers. ' ' '

    • October 18, 2019 2:22 PM IST
    • @SportsNation lance is not impressed #SNPhotoGame pic. Jeremy Lin Raptors Jersey .twitter.com/G7YEJP7BbR — Jeremy Bingham (@JERBINGdesigns) May 21, 2014 @SportsNation hakuna matata. #SNPhotoGame pic.twitter.com/Ocn8dsC7BJ — Scott Cole (@TheScottCole) May 21, 2014 @SportsNation #SNPhotoGame Down goes Lance pic.twitter.com/Ia7teawiFk — TuanyeWEST™ (@TuanyeWEST) May 21, 2014 Stanley Johnson Jersey . With the final four being arguably the four best – and most complete – teams from the regular season, picking a winner is not as easy as it sounds. Norman Powell Raptors Jersey . With one penalty, Fourcade finished in 24 minutes, 58.2 seconds, just nine-tenths of a second ahead of Timofey Lapshin, who shot clean in the cold.ALAMEDA, Calif. - Two Oakland Raiders cheerleaders have sued the team and the NFL claiming they were subjected to poor working conditions while being paid less than minimum wage. The complaint was filed Tuesday in Alameda Superior Court by Raiderettes identified as Caitlin Y. and Jenny C. on behalf of hundreds of fellow cheerleaders. They claim they were forced to chaange into uniform in public places, were groped by inebriated men and could be benched from games without pay if they did not meet certain weight and fitness requirements. Stanley Johnson Raptors Jersey. . The team declined to comment. The Raiders were also sued earlier this year by current and former cheerleaders claiming wage theft and other unfair employment practices. ' ' '

    • October 18, 2019 2:22 PM IST
    • TSN Baseball Insider Steve Phillips answers three questions each week. Avery Bradley Clippers Jersey . This week, topics cover Ricky Romeros future with the Blue Jays, the quality of Torontos starting rotation, and the value of MLBs games in Australia to start the season. 1) After a very rough outing on Tuesday, the Blue Jays sent Ricky Romero to minor league camp. Does Romero need a change of scenery at this point, or do you think hes lost it? Ricky Romero entered Tuesdays game having pitched well this spring. He had a 1.29 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in seven innings. But his implosion on Tuesday in which he walked five, threw two wild pitches and hit a batter effectively imploded his Blue Jays career. That one inning in which he gave up three runs showed the return of the "thing." What is the "thing" you ask? It is the inability to throw a baseball where one wants to throw it. It is a voice in a pitchers head that says, "You are in trouble. You have no idea how hard to grip the ball or when to release it." It is a voice that forces a pitcher to think about throwing instead of just doing what comes naturally. The pitcher feels like he has to aim the ball.  Romero looked like he had quieted that voice for a while. He was a little better at triple-A last year than he had been in the big leagues in 2012. This spring, before Tuesday, that voice was but a whisper.  Unfortunately once a pitcher hears the voice he is susceptible to it coming back. One wild pitch or one hit batter and boom, there it is again. That voice that can make even the strongest of pitchers start to doubt themselves.  On Tuesday that voice screamed into a megaphone and Romero couldnt quiet it. So he heads back to double-A hoping to plug his ears.  The Jays need to do the merciful thing and trade or release Romero. There are just too many things that can trigger the negative thoughts and the increased volume of the doubts as a member of the Jays. He may find a way to quiet the noise in another organization but it wont happen in a Jays uniform. 2) While most observers agree that the Jays have enough hitting, do you think they can get enough from the back end of their rotation to be competitive for a playoff spot this season? Spring Training is great because every team has hope as they prepare for the upcoming season. Last year is forgotten, as the standings and all of the stats are wiped clean and there is a fresh start. The rosters are changed in large and small ways. Maybe even general managers, managers and coaches have changed.  However, some things never change. Good pitching is the key to success.  Very rarely do great offensive teams win despite their pitching. Far more often teams win with marginal offence and a great pitching staff. We know the Jays are going to score a bunch of runs but their success will be driven by the arms of the pitchers and not by the bats in the lineup. Even though we wipe the slate clean from a year ago and start anew, last season can give us a perspective on what it will take to win this year. There were ten teams that made the playoffs in 2013: Dodgers, Cardinals, Pirates, Braves and Reds in the NL; and Tigers, Red Sox, As, Indians and Rays in the AL. One thing they almost all had in common was successful starting pitching. In fact the average record of their stating rotations last season was 68-47 and 976 innings pitched. Their starters pitched well and deep in the games. The Blue Jays starters had a 46-57 record in 2013 and threw only 899 innings. Clearly, a long way away from a playoff-caliber rotation. So, although it is fair to wonder whether the Jays have enough pitching at the back end of the rotation the greater question is do they have enough at the front end?  There is no doubt that if the Jays are going to be a playoff team they will need J.A. Happ to be healthy and throw strikes and they will need production from all of Todd Redmond, Drew Hutchison, Marcus Stroman, Kyle Drabek and Esmil Rogers. Every team needs anywhere from 16-20 pitchers to contribute during the season. There are certainly questions about what is fair to expect from the pitchers just mentioned but make no mistake about it the bigger question is whether R.A. Dickey, Mark Buehrle and the oft-injured Brandon Morrow can do their part. Most playoff teams have four starters that reach double-digit wins. With the questions at the back end of the rotation the Jays really need close to 50 wins from their Big Three. Last season only Dickey (14 wins) and Buehrle (12 wins) won double-digit games.  Needless to say the Jays rotation has their work cut out for themselves.  3) Dodgers starter Zack Greinke stated he wasnt a fan of the club opening the regular season early (this weekend) in Australia. Do you think the MLB brand really benefits from these games? Not only does the MLB brand benefit from playing regular season games internationally but so does the brand of the teams participating and the brand of the players on the teams.  My 2000 New York Mets team started the season in Japan against the Chicago Cubs. Just like the Dodgers and D-Backs are doing on the trip to Australia we played exhibition games, held clinics and made appearances to promote the games before we took on the Cubs in a two-game series. It was a long flight and we battled jet lag for about a week on the back end of the trip. But it was worth it.  Sure there were challenges but I considered it an honour to represent Major League Baseball. Plus, on international trips, players and executives are treated like royalty. Zack Greinke sounded ignorant and ungrateful.  Almost 50 percent of minor league players are foreign-born players. Over 25 percent of big leaguers are foreign-born and almost 37 percent of the 2013 All-Stars are foreign born. Baseball is an international game. It is critical that MLB continues to develop and grow its brand.  From a clubs perspective I always believed there was an advantage to play in front of international fans. Brand recognition for the team is financially beneficial for potential sponsorship deals as well as merchandising. But most importantly, brand recognition among baseball players in other countries is huge. The more professional and amateur players can recognize and connect with the brand of a team the better the chances of that team in landing talented players in the future.  Individual clubs and players dont only have a responsibility to their own organization but they have a responsibility to the game itself. Many players, teams and executives have gone before those of us benefiting today from this extraordinary way to make a living. Todays players need to pay it forward just like those who paved the trail for them. Opening Day is Saturday at 4am ET. I will be watching. Will you? So you want to be a GM? The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray...what is a general manager to do? I find myself sympathizing with general managers all around the game. There seem to be so many injuries this spring that have the potential to cripple teams even before the season begins. Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy of the Braves, Patrick Corbin of the D-Backs, and Jarrod Parker of the As are all headed for Tommy John surgery and will miss the entire season. The Tigers young shortstop Jose Iglesias, a defensive wizard, is out for months with stress fractures in his shins. Reds closer Aroldis Chapman was drilled in the face by a line drive and needs a plate put in his head and could be out until June. There is no telling how he will be affected mentally by this injury.  The Braves, As, Tigers and Reds all made the playoffs last year. I would have predicted all four to make the playoffs again this year prior to these injuries. The D-Backs were a sleeper team in the NL this year prior to losing their best pitcher in Corbin.  So what should the GMs do? They will just do what they do. Frank Wren, the Braves GM, moved quickly and stole Ervin Santana away from the Jays and Orioles. But that may not be enough.  Kevin Towers, the Diamondbacks general manager, pushed all winter to land an ace starter but came up short settling for veteran Bronson Arroyo. That pushed Patrick Corbin into the role of Opening Day starter for a team built to win now with the highest payroll in franchise history. With Corbin out for the season and no obvious starting pitching available Arizona may have to go with kids in the fifth spot in the rotation. This will not only hurt the rotation but the bullpen as well since Corbin was a guy who would often pitch deep in the game. The Reds could not have foreseen the injury to Chapman. His loss though creates a real problem as the physical status of his two most experienced replacements, Sean Marshall and Jonathan Broxton, is a big issue. The Reds bullpen could be a mess at the start of the season. There are no closers available on the trade market. Saves blown in April and May could cost the Reds an October playoff berth.  The Tigers have been a staple of October baseball the past few years. They were once again favoured to win the AL Central. Last August the Tigers acquired Jose Iglesias to be the shortstop for the next 10 years. But that plan included him to be the shortstop this year that is in a "win now" window for the franchise. Stephen Drew, the Red Sox shortstop a year ago, is still available. Scott Boras has had success getting to owner Mike Illitch in the past and making deals. The Tigers have no good internal option to replace Iglesias and my ultimately save Boras by having to make a deal with Drew. But a Drew signing wont come cheap and will include the Tigers giving up a first round draft pick.  So you want to be a general manger. There is no manual that tells you what to do when you have done everything right but circumstances turn against you. It is a long season and these teams have time to plug their newfound holes but it wont be easy.  In one week that has been full of injuries the playoff races opened up in a very significant way. No one said life was fair. Rodney McGruder Clippers Jersey . -- Josh MacDonalds second goal of the game kept his team alive as the Peterborough Petes edged the host Kingston Frontencas 6-5 in overtime on Friday in Ontario Hockey League playoff action. Johnathan Motley Jersey . His head snapped back from the impact and hit the floor. The All-Star power forward was all right afterward, a relief for the Minnesota Timberwolves.Anna Woolhouse caught up with Tamsin Greenway after Hertfordshire Mavericks defeated Yorkshire Jets. Whats the latest off-the-court gossip? Check out Anna and Tamsins diary in the video at the top of this page. Also See: Vitality Superleague fixtures Table Live on Sky Sportswomen ' ' '

    • October 18, 2019 2:22 PM IST
    • BALTIMORE -- The Baltimore Orioles have been playing baseball since 1954, and never before had they won a game when the lone run came on a leadoff homer. Sony Michel Jersey . Until Sunday. Chris Tillman pitched seven innings of three-hit ball in a duel with Hisashi Iwakuma, Nick Markakis homered and Baltimore beat the Seattle Mariners 1-0 for their fourth straight series win. Early on, it was apparent that runs were going to be tough to come by. Orioles manager Buck Showalter assumed as much, as evidenced by his conversation with head trainer Richie Bancells. "I was telling Richie about the fourth inning, I said, You know, Ive never had a leadoff home run and won the game. But todays going to be the first, hopefully," Showalter said. "Not that I didnt have any confidence in us scoring another run." It never happened. Tillman and Iwakuma were that good. "The first home run, the first hitter in the first inning, cost me the whole game," Iwakuma said through an interpreter. "When (you) look at it at the end, its tough like that." The Mariners had never lost 1-0 when the only run came on a leadoff homer. It was only the ninth time in franchise history they dropped a 1-0 game in which the only run was a home run. Tillman (8-5) struck out six and walked none to earn his first win since June 27. A second-round draft pick by Seattle in 2006, Tillman is 6-0 in six career starts against the Mariners. Newcomer Andrew Miller worked a perfect eighth and Zach Britton got three outs for his 23rd save. Iwakuma (9-6) allowed one run, five hits and two walks in 7 2-3 innings. He struck out seven. "One pitch in his first seven pitches," Seattle catcher Mike Zunino lamented. "Other than that, I thought he was excellent." Iwakuma lost on the road for the first time in 15 starts since July 4, 2013. He was 9-0 over that span. The right-handers most glaring error came against Markakis, who hit a shot to right on a 3-2 pitch. Markakis had three hits and now has 1,501 for his career. He came within a triple of hitting for the cycle. "I hope everybody understands what were watching here," Showalter said. "We talk about some of those guys through the years that were solid Orioles, youve got to mention his name, hopefully for many years. The victory was the ninth in 13 games for the AL East-leading Orioles, who won the season series from Seattle 5-2. Seattle put runners on the corners with one out in the second before Tillman struck out Zunino and Brad Miller. That began a run of 14 straight outs by Tillman, a streak that ended when Kendrys Morales singled leading off the seventh. Kyle Seager then hit into a 4-6-3 double play. TRAINING ROOM Mariners: RF Michael Saunders (left oblique strain) had a light day with no hitting Sunday to get some rest. He will begin throwing in the outfield this week. Orioles: Ubaldo Jimenez (sprained right ankle) was scheduled to pitch for Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday night, his final rehabilitative assignment. He will join the team in Washington on Monday and travel with the squad to Toronto. ON DECK Mariners: After getting Monday off, Seattle sends Felix Hernandez (11-3) to the mound Tuesday at home against Atlanta. Orioles: Baltimore takes a short trip south Monday for a makeup game against the Nationals. Rookie Kevin Gausman faces Washingtons Tanner Roark. NO Offence The Orioles have scored only six runs in their last four games, but are 2-2 in that span. Nelson Cruz, who was 1 for 28 since hitting his 28th homer on July 25, was kept out of the lineup Sunday. Although the bats have been quiet, Showalter remains hopeful. "As many times as we come here after a game knowing the offence picked up the pitching, its kind of evened out," he said. "If we can get both going -- as every team tries to do -- it would be a little more fun. I had fun today watching good pitchers pitch. If Id have known how it was going to end I could enjoy it a lot more, Ill tell you that." Stephon Gilmore Youth Jersey .com) - Ben Lovejoy tallied a goal and an assist as the Anaheim Ducks cruised into the All-Star break with a 6-3 victory against the Calgary Flames. Drew Bledsoe Youth Jersey . The roster changes have been constant and continuous since late last year, but even with their 46-man roster set for the start of the season, the banged-up Bombers will be kicking off Week 1 with a handful of fresh faces and back-ups in the starting lineup. INDIANAPOLIS -- Sunday was just another typical day for Adam Vinatieri. He became the seventh NFL player to score 2,000 points and then passed an NFL Hall of Famer and an old friend to move into fifth on the career list. Yes, the best clutch kicker in league history lived up to his title against Jacksonville, making all three field goals and all three extra points to lead Indianapolis past Jacksonville 30-10. Vinatieri finished the season with 2,006 points. "Before the season I saw that 2,000 points lingering out there, but I didnt really think about it or look at it too much until right here at the end," he said. "Thats a selfish goal, obviously, to get to 2,000, but its a neat thing. There havent been a lot of guys to do it." Vinatieri can now consider himself one of the lucky ones. He joined the club with a 26-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, then passed George Blanda (2,002 points) with an extra point in the third quarter. He passed Stover, who replaced the injured Vinatieri during Indys 2009 AFC championship run, with 39-yard field goal midway through the third quarter. Stover finished his career with 2,004 points. And at age 41, the soon-to-be free agent who most of this season as the oldest player in the league has shown no indication of slowing down. With three more field goals Sunday, Vinatieri extended his career high from 32 to 35. His percentage of made field goals (87.5) was the fifth-best of his 18-year career and he finished 2013 with 139 points, the second most of his career. Yes, Vinatieri would like to come back to the Colts and from the sound off it, theyd like to have him back. Irving Fryar Jersey. "That guy is a warrior. He had a birthday this week. I wont tell you how old he turned. He wont tell you, but I know hes the ageless wonder," coach Chuck Pagano said. "Hes just a tremendous, tremendous player. Just a great human being and a great teammate." Vinatieri made it look easy. After his milestone field goal at the end of the first half, he traded fist bumps with several players and hugged long snapper Matt Overton. He didnt flinch again until the fourth quarter when the big board notified fans that Vinatieri had passed Stover for No. 5. While the crowd roared, Vinatieri simply tipped his baseball cap to the crowd. Perhaps theres a reason for his subdued celebration: Hes been here before. Vinatieri is the only kicker in league history to win four Super Bowl rings, to play in five Super Bowls and be part of six conference championships and hell get another shot starting next week when the AFC South champs open the playoffs at home. His 16 100-point seasons are tied for the most in league history with Jason Elam, and Vinatieri and Morten Andersen also are the only NFL players to top 800 points with two teams. But for Vinatieri, this was just one piece to a much bigger puzzle. "Were building confidence, and guys have a lot of trust in each other knowing that guys are going to make plays," Vinatieri said. "Thats kind of what you want to do when you are going into the playoffs. You want to be climbing. You want to be on all cylinders, and I feel like thats what we are doing right now." ' ' '

    • October 18, 2019 2:22 PM IST
    • WASHINGTON -- The first three times the Washington Wizards reached . Udonis Haslem Heat Jersey .500, they lost their next game. On Wednesday against Boston, the Wizards get their fourth shot at the break-even point, and they hope its the last time. "Its not a magical thing (where) I think all of a sudden fairy dust is going to fall on us if we get over .500 (and) were not going to lose another game," Washington coach Randy Wittman said. The Wizards havent been over .500 since Oct. 31, 2009, when they were 2-1. After their 107-99 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, they were in no mood to admit that it was always on their mind. Players shouted to each other to ignore questions about the mark, but none did. "Were aware of it, but we just have to not even think about it," Bradley Beal said. Beal nearly had his first career triple-double. Two days after he missed 12 of his 14 shots in a loss to Detroit, Beal had 22 points -- 13 of them in the second quarter when Washington built a 10-point halftime lead. He also had nine rebounds, a season high, and eight assists, equaling his career best. Marcin Gortat had 19 points and 11 rebounds. Kevin Seraphin had 16 points for Washington. John Wall added 14. Each time the Wizards reached .500 this season, their next game was at home, and they lost to Milwaukee, Dallas and Detroit. "Were done with that," Gortat said. "Every time we talk about being a .500 team and getting over .500, we have teams coming in here and just punking our butts." Michael Carter-Williams led Philadelphia, which has lost seven of eight, with 31. Thaddeus Young had 18. Spencer Hawes had 11 points and had a season high 16 rebounds. Carter-Williams and Young scored the first 19 Philadelphia points in the third, but the Sixers trailed 70-66 midway through the period. Washington led 86-73 after three. The Wizards were ahead 100-79 with 6:07 to play, but Philadelphia scored 13 straight to trail by eight with 2:26 left. Washington didnt make a field goal for more than eight minutes in the fourth quarter. Wittman substituted for his starters, but after the bench played poorly, the starters came back in to stabilize things. "Youre always on audition," Wittman told his bench. "Those guys got to learn. Guys that want to play or think they should be in rotations better show me out there where it counts." While the Wizards are 20-20 and hope to reach the halfway point of their season a game over .500, the Sixers are 13-28. Expectations were low when the season began, but Philadelphia won its first three over Miami, Washington and Chicago. With more than three weeks until the league pauses for the All-Star game, coach Brett Brown is still hopeful his team can improve. "Youre getting ready for spring break, and everybodys going to Fort Lauderdale, and theres a time where you can dig in pre-All-Star break and finish this middle third of the season with some grunt," Brown said before the game. In his rookie season, Carter-Williams said it was hard to sometimes stay with it. "Ive never played this long of a season so Im learning each and every day and Im going through it a little bit. My body is tired a little bit, mentally Ive got to stay strong," Carter-Williams said. Carter-Williams was 13 for 22 from the field, had six rebounds and five assists as he tried to keep Philadelphia competitive. "He felt the need to take the game and try and put us back in a position where we could inch our way back in it, and he did," Brown said. NOTES: Wizards swingman Glen Rice was assigned to Iowa of the D-League. Rice had right wrist surgery last month, and coach Randy Wittman said that he needs some playing time and could return to the team during its upcoming four-game road trip, which begins on Friday. ... Sixers G Tony Wroten is out with a sprained right ankle. Brown refused to estimate how long he will be sidelined. Wroten sustained the injury on Saturday in Chicago. ... Philadelphia F Brandon Davies missed the game with a dislocated right pinkie. ... Washington F Trevor Booker was out with a sprained left ankle. ... Adam Silver, who will succeed David Stern as NBA commissioner next month, sat with Wizards owner Ted Leonsis. Miami Heat Jerseys . At a news conference Tuesday where it was thought that the fiery Schallibaum may be shown the door after a dismal finish to the Major League Soccer season, team president Joey Saputo said no decision has been made on whether the Swiss Volcano will be back in 2014. Duncan Robinson Jersey . Three days after falling to Hamilton, Abbotsford scored three goals in 53 seconds en route to a convincing 5-1 win over the Bulldogs Saturday in American Hockey League play.ISTANBUL, Turkey -- Caroline Wozniacki overpowered second-seeded Roberta Vinci 6-1, 6-1 Sunday to win the Istanbul Cup final and clinch her first WTA title of the year and 22nd overall. The top-seeded Dane needed only 67 minutes against the 24th-ranked Italian. Wozniacki won 76 per cent of points on her first serve -- compared to just 43 per cent for Vinci -- and also saved all six break points against her at the hard-court Koza World of Sport Complex. "I served well and pushed her around the court," said Wozniacki, who won all seven of her service games. Vinci was broken five times in the match and lost her last tthree service games. Bam Adebayo Heat Jersey. The two players are 2-2 in head-to-heads with Vinci beating Wozniacki when she was the top-ranked player in 2011. The 24-year-old Wozniacki -- runner-up at the 2009 U.S. Open to Kim Clijsters -- has won at least one WTA title every year since 2008. Now ranked 15th, her victory in Istanbul came just hours before golfer Rory McIlroy won the British Open by two strokes at Royal Liverpool. After getting engaged to Wozniacki on New Years Eve, McIlroy broke off the engagement in May with a telephone call. About a week after, Wozniacki exited the French Open in the first round. ' ' '

    • October 18, 2019 2:22 PM IST
    • CINCINNATI, Ohio -- Mike Leake still thinks of himself as a hitter. Los Angeles Angels Pro Shop . Hes even holding a bat on one of his 2014 baseball cards. So far, hes playing like his picture. Leake doubled and hit a two-run homer Tuesday night, ending Gerrit Coles winning streak and leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 7-5 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates that completed two days full of homers and delays. First, the NL Central rivals completed a game that was suspended in the sixth inning because of rain the previous night. Andrew McCutchen doubled and came around on Russell Martins single in the seventh inning, giving the Pirates an 8-7 win. Leake (2-1) gave up three runs and five hits in 6 2-3 innings for a split. The right-hander has won his last four starts against the Pirates. Jonathan Broxton pitched out of a two-on threat in the ninth, converting his first save chance. Leake, who has the most hits by a major league pitcher since 2010, doubled and scored in the third. He hit his third career homer in the sixth off Cole (2-1), who had won his last six starts. His first homer since 2012 showed why the card company decided on a photo of him holding a bat. "And that comes after my worst year hitting," Leake said. "It was bad timing on their part." Reds manager Bryan Price is impressed by how Leake approaches batting practice. Hes not just another pitcher trying to get in a few swings. "He loves the challenge," Price said. "Even when you come out early, hes not just hitting. Hes running the bases and working on little things. "When we give him the green light early in the at-bat, he works on getting a good pitch to hit." Leake got a good one from Cole, who left it up and over the plate. It wasnt the first time that Cole had seen him latch onto a mistake. Cole went to UCLA and faced Leake when he played for Arizona State. "That guys a good hitter as a pitcher," Cole said. "I saw that at Arizona State. He wore us out at the plate. Thats not the first time hes done stuff like that." Todd Frazier hit his second homer in two games, Joey Votto had four hits and Devin Mesoraco had three hits, including a bases-loaded single. Neil Walker hit three of Pittsburghs seven homers in the two games. The teams wore their customary uniforms for the completion of the suspended game, then switched to commemorative No. 42 Jackie Robinson jerseys for the later game, which started 5 minutes later than originally scheduled. Its been a wild series full of downpours, lead changes and home runs. The teams put on a record-setting show Monday night before the game was suspended after six innings tied 7-all. They combined for 10 homers in those six innings, the most for a game in Great American Ball Parks 12 seasons. When play resumed, McCutchen doubled off Sam LeCure (0-1) and came around on a wild pitch and Martins single up the middle, only the second run of the game that didnt come by way of a homer. Bryan Morris (2-0) gave up Mesoracos tying solo homer in the sixth inning Monday night, but was still the pitcher of record. Jason Grilli pitched the ninth for his fourth save in five chances. Pittsburgh had three sets of back-to-back homers before the game was suspended, only the third time thats happened in major league history, according to STATS. The other two times: Cincinnati against the Braves in 1956, and Boston against the Yankees in 1977. Walker and Gaby Sanchez went back-to-back twice, only the second time thats happened in Pirates history. Toby Atwell and Jerry Lynch also went back-to-back twice against the Reds on April 27, 1954, according to STATS. Pittsburgh hit six homers -- all solo shots -- and the Reds had four, all with two outs. NOTES: It was 66 degrees for the first pitch on Monday, 39 degrees when the game resumed. ... Leake has 59 career hits and 12 multihit games. ... Mesoraco is 11 for 22 with three homers and nine RBIs in six games since returning from the DL. ... Pittsburghs six homers in the suspended game were one shy of the club record. The six solo homers were one shy of the major league record. ... The Pirates have 15 homers in their last four games at Great American. They also hit six during an 8-3 win on Sept. 28 that clinched home-field advantage for the NL wild-card playoff, a 6-2 win over Cincinnati at PNC Park. Angels Jerseys 2019 . The kind he has every so often. The kind he has when Dwyane Wade sits. James scored 43 points -- 25 in a bewildering first-quarter shooting display -- and Chris Bosh added 21, leading the Miami Heat to a 100-96 win Tuesday night over the Cleveland Cavaliers, who played their first game without injured All-Star guard Kyrie Irving. Cheap Angels Jerseys . 25 against Miami. Hillis left Browns Stadium about two hours before kickoff, a decision that has led to speculation he was upset over ongoing negotiations with the club on a contract extension.OSAKA, Japan -- Former champion Samantha Stosur moved into the Japan Open semifinals with a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 win against Misaki Doi of Japan on Friday. Third-seeded Stosur, who won the title in 2009, raced away to 5-0 in the opening set but it was far from simple after that as Doi battled back to stir the home crowd and take the second. The pair exchanged breaks of service in the third set before Stosur, the highest remaining seed, held out to wwin. Los Angeles Angels Store. Awaiting Stosur in the last four on Saturday is American teenager Madison Keys, who reached her first WTA semifinals with a 6-3, 6-1 win against Zheng Jie of China. In the other semi, Canadas Eugenie Bouchard faces the last Japanese, Kurumi Nara. Bouchard beat Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 in their last-eight tie while Nara defeated Polona Hercog of Slovenia 7-6 (4), 2-6, 6-1. ' ' '

    • October 18, 2019 2:22 PM IST
    • LOS ANGELES -- Kobe Bryant is swiftly regaining his confidence and timing. Chris Silva Heat Jersey . His conditioning improves daily, and hes already leading the Los Angeles Lakers in scoring again. Yet thanks to Goran Dragic and the exciting Phoenix Suns, Kobe still doesnt have a victory. Dragic scored 12 of his 31 points in the fourth quarter and the Suns beat the Lakers 114-108 Tuesday night, dropping Bryant to 0-2 in his comeback. Bryant scored 20 points while playing 29 mostly sharp minutes in his second game back from nearly eight months out with a torn Achilles tendon. He led a fourth-quarter rally by the Lakers, but they only got within four points with 3 minutes left before Phoenix held on. Bryant gave his performance a "B" grade, but realizes hes got more work to do -- both on his game and his chemistry with the rest of the Lakers. Bryant had just three turnovers against Phoenix after committing eight in his season debut two days ago against Toronto, but contributed just two rebounds and three assists while the Suns comfortably held on. "Its a process," Bryant said. "You just continue to figure out what you can and cant do. Every game, you try to step up and do a little bit more and just go from there." The Suns handled the Lakers with teamwork, shredding Los Angeles lousy defence during a 35-point fourth quarter to earn their first three-game winning streak of the season. Marcus Morris scored 22 points and Eric Bledsoe had 18 points and nine assists for the surprising Suns, who never trailed after the opening minutes. Phoenix held off the Lakers with superb fourth-quarter play from both Morris brothers, who scored nine points apiece down the stretch. Markieff Morris finished with 15 points. "We kept pushing the ball and didnt slow it down too much," Marcus Morris said of the fourth quarter. "We came out with a lot of energy and kind of got them on their toes. They were playing small, so we had a great opportunity to attack the boards. And thats what we did." Pau Gasol scored 19 points while Jodie Meeks, Nick Young and Jordan Hill added 13 apiece for the Lakers, who have lost three of four to fall back below .500. Los Angeles NBA-best bench contributed 43 points while using just four reserves, but Phoenix dominated the boards, outrebounding the Lakers 43-33. Phoenix hadnt beaten the Lakers at Staples Center since November 2010. "I think we have a group of guys who play hard all the time, and theyre not selfish," Phoenix coach Jeff Hornacek said. "They genuinely like each other to do well. If guys take bad shots, well take them out of the game. But for the most part, they run our offence. Weve got two great point guards in Goran -- who had a great game -- and Eric." Dragic hit two 3-pointers and didnt miss any of his 11 free throws, finishing one point shy of his career high in his latest outstanding performance against the Lakers. Phoenixs small, active lineup led by Dragic and Bledsoe was too much for the slower Lakers in the final minutes. "Its there. Weve just got to execute a little better," Bryant said. "The willingness and competitiveness is there. We just have to make sure we come out in the right areas and execute it." The game was another bump in a long road for Bryant, who had nine points in a rocky season debut on Sunday night. But Kobe felt fresher than expected after his first game since April, and coach Mike DAntoni is still limiting Bryants minutes to keep him healthy for the teams stretch of four road games in five nights starting later this week. Bryant started off his night against Phoenix with his first dunk of the season off a two-footed leap in the first quarter. Bryant still emphasized playmaking over shooting, but played a more polished floor game in the first half with 10 points, just one turnover and two assists, including the pass for Gasols buzzer-beating jumper. NOTES: Shawne Williams got a technical foul in the final seconds of the first half for putting a forearm into Dragic, who crashed to the ground. ... DAntoni changed his lineup, putting Meeks and Williams in the starting five and bumping C Robert Sacre to the bench. ... Phoenix C Alex Len didnt play with a sore left ankle. Shaquille ONeal Heat Jersey . Vonn "reopened" the idea of competing in the season-opening World Cup event on Oct. 26-27 in Soelden, Austria after returning to the slopes last month in Portillo, Chile. Tyler Johnson Jersey . Only it wasnt the extended right pad of his old teammate Jonathan Bernier early in the final frame, it was James Reimer, who stole a night that was supposed to belong to the former King.Ronda Rousey needed just one minute and six seconds to dispose of her last opponent, Sara McMann, at UFC 170 on February 23, 2014. Before that, Rousey needed a total 23 minutes and 26 seconds to take care of her last eight opponents - and one of those fights lasted 10 minutes and 58 seconds. So, who is the next worthy contender to take a shot at dethroning the first and only UFC womens bantamweight champion. There are a few names that have floated around as possible opponents but nothing is set in stone. Lets take a closer look at the potential combatants: Cat Zingano The No. 1 contender for the womens title is likely the best female fighter in the UFC not named Rousey. The Broomfield, Colorado native has a perfect 8-0 record with her one fight with the organization being her biggest, a third-round TKO over division stalwart Miesha Tate at "The Ultimate Fighter 17" finale on April 13, 2013. Zingano was scheduled to appear as a coach opposite Rousey on the 18th edition of the reality show and later fight for the womens title at the shows culminating event, but she was forced to withdraw with a knee injury. She underwent stem cell therapy on her left knee last October and has been sidelined since. When she is ready to return UFC president Dana White says Zingano will be the No. 1 contender. Gina Carano These days the public is likely to know Carano more for her starring roles in action films "Haywire" and "Fast and Furious 6" than for her mixed martial arts past, but there was a time when Carano was untouchable. Carano (7-1) spent two years undefeated before a loss in 2009 at the hands of Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos for the Strikeforce womens featherweight championship. She hasnt fought since, however, her contract with four fights remaining on it was absorbed by the UFC when parent company Zuffa, LLC purchased Strikeforce in 2011. In an appearance last week on "The Arsenio Hall Show," Carano said she was meeting with White this week to discuss a potential return. "Theres not a workout that I go through that Im not fighting somebody in my mind," said Carano. "And its never gone away." Holly Holm Holm is the newest name in the hat for a shot at Rousey and her credentials give her every right to be there. She is a former 18-time boxing champion and Legacys first womens bantamweight champion. Holm (7-0 in MMA) captured the inaugural title in decisive fashion on Friday, defeating Juliana Werner via fifth-round TKO at Legacy 30 despite breaking her arm in the first round. Alonzo Mourning Jersey. Holms management met with the UFC in March, but White told UFC Tonights Ariel Helwani the meeting did not go well and the he was "not interested whatsoever" in the fighters service. If Holm does find a way into Whites good books, it could lead straight to Rousey. Cristiane Justino "Cyborg" is coming off a loss in a Muay Thai fight against champion Jorina Baars in March, but her dominant history puts her near the top of the list for a superfight with Rousey. She is the former Strikeforce featherweight champion and inaugural Invicta FC featherweight champion. She is also a two-time jiu-jitsu world champion. Justino also fears no one. This we are sure. After Rouseys win over McMann at UFC 170, Justino (12-1, 1 NC in MMA) was quick to request a meeting in the octagon with the undefeated champ. "Im glad @rondarousey  won- now I can kick her ass in December - make it happen daddy @danawhite," she posted on her Twitter account on Feb. 23. It would likely be the biggest fight in womens MMA history, however, White and Justinos camp have never seen eye to eye. White certainly didnt mince words a few days after UFC 170 and Justinos tweet. "First of all, she does not fight here. Everybody realizes that, right? See weighs 145 pounds and her genius manager, Tito Ortiz, said that she would die if she went to 135 pounds," White told U.K. television station BT Sports. "Shes also coming off a steroid suspension last time she was here. I cant even, it drives me nuts. She [Rousey] will not fight Cyborg. I dont know who shes going to fight." Alexis Davis (Honourable mention) One of the more seasoned fighters in the division, the Canadian has won five fights in a row and all three of her bouts in the UFC. While she is not a favourite to challenge for the belt just yet, Davis (16-5) has forced her way into the conversation with her most recent wins coming over Jessica Eye and former title contender Liz Carmouche. Injuries and contract disputes aside, each of these fighters has an argument when it comes to Rouseys next title defence. If all of these women could agree to a fight tomorrow, who should be the one to step inside the octagon? As always, its Your! Call ' ' '

    • October 18, 2019 2:22 PM IST
    • Gael Monfils has withdrawn from the ATP World Tour Finals in London due to a rib injury. Miami Marlins Shirts . The world No 6 struggled through the last two sets of his round-robin defeat to Dominic Thiem on Tuesday and has been replaced by Belgiums David Goffin.Goffin will fulfill Monfils final match of the tournament, against Novak Djokovic on Thursday. Live Tennis: ATP World Tour Finals November 17, 2016, 12:00pm Live on Get Sky Sports Get a Sky Sports pass Monfils hopes of reaching the last four were already over after he lost in straight sets to Milos Raonic in his first match and then fell to a three-set defeat to Thiem in his second.He said: I cant play for tomorrow because I still feel worse and worse - my ribs, that I had lately. Highlights of Monfils match against Dominic Thiem Yesterday was tough in the game. Today I couldnt be feeling great and couldnt practise, so I just decide that I couldnt play tomorrow. You work so hard for this moment, then not be able play your best - it is a huge disappointment for me.I attempted to play in two matches and I have a couple of stuff I wanted to show. Im disappointed, but, as I say, it will give me more strength for next year. Highlights of Monfils match against Milos Raonic Monfils revealed that he sustained the injury at the Stockholm Open last month and admitted taking part at the O2 Arena this week had been a gamble.He added: I hurt myself in Stockholm tournament. From then, you know, I just start to practice last Monday.You know, I knew its going to be six weeks, they told me, of rest. I try to make it. I couldnt really make it.Upgrade to Sky Sports now to watch Man Utd v Arsenal this Saturday and get the first six months half price! Six months half price Upgrade to Sky Sports to watch Man Utd v Arsenal on Saturday and get the first six months half price Also See: WATCH: How good is Murray? WATCH: Thiem meets Mourinho Murrays service syndrome over? Murray beats Nishikori in epic Marlins Jerseys 2019 . After Andrew Romine served up two monster home runs in the inning, Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said he thought Romine was one of the bright spots on the night, showing just how bad the series opener against the last-place Minnesota Twins went for the Tigers. Miami Marlins Store . A lovely summer day in England with abundant sunshine and minimal wind allowed him to attack Royal Liverpool.OKLAHOMA CITY -- NBA scoring leader Kevin Durant marveled at what Jamal Crawford did to his team. Crawford scored 36 points to help the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 125-117 on Sunday afternoon. Durant scored 42 points, but such performances are almost expected from him. Crawford, on the other hand, averages about 19 points. Hes known to be streaky, and in this game, he was on. He made 5 of 8 three-pointers, many of which were launched from well beyond the line. "Jamal Crawford comes across halfcourt shooting," Durant said. "Youve got confidence once you start seeing the ball go in the rim." Matt Barnes scored 24 points, Chris Paul had 18 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds, Blake Griffin scored 20 points and DeAndre Jordan added 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Clippers, who snapped a two-game skid and beat the team with the leagues best record. "We were on the plane yesterday flying here and we were just talking about how we hadnt beaten any good teams on the road, any really good teams, and this would be a perfect time to start," Paul said. "Doc (Clippers coach Doc Rivers) was on us, telling us that in the playoffs, youre going to lose a home game at some point and youve got to be able to win on the road. Hopefully this is a win for us that gets us moving." Durant also had 10 assists, and Serge Ibaka added 20 points for the Thunder, who lost their second straight. It was the most points the Thunder have allowed this season, and it came on the heels of a 103-81 home loss to Miami on Thursday. "Weve just got to get over this little slow stretch that were in," Durant said. "Wed better. Weve got to play defence. Thats the thing. We cant just let teams come in here and do whatever they want offensively." Oklahoma City overcame a 15-point deficit late in the third quarter to take a 115-112 lead on a three-pointer by Durant with 2:43 to play, but the Clippers controlled the game from there. A three-pointer by Crawford with 1:30 remaining gave Los Angeles a 119-115 lead. Crawford scored again on a floating jumper in the final minute to push the lead to 121-117. "Jamal made timely shots," Paul said. "Every time they made a run and we just needed a bucket, Jamal was our guy." Oklahoma Citys Russell Westbrook missed a three-pointer on the other end, and Paul made two free throws to extend the Clippers lead to six. Paul sprained his right thumb against Memphis on Friday, and he waasnt sure hed play. Fake Marlins Jerseys. "I think the credit goes to our training staff," he said. "I came here to the arena thinking that I wasnt playing, but they found a way." The Clippers shot 66 per cent in the first half to take a 72-66 lead at the break. Barnes made a three-pointer with 9.8 seconds left in the first half, and a loose ball foul was called on Ibaka away from the shot. Griffin made the free throw to give the Clippers a 72-64 lead. Durant closed the half with a long two-pointer. The Clippers scored 44 points in the second quarter, just short of their season high of 46 in a period. The Clippers had 27 fast-break points at halftime. "We really couldnt get ourselves in front of them, and they were beating us down the floor early, and it gave them some confidence and led them to winning the game," Westbrook said. Griffin hit a three-pointer to push the Clippers lead to 91-79 with 3:26 left in the third quarter. Darren Collisons layup pushed the lead to 95-80 late in the third quarter, but Oklahoma City outscored the Clippers 13-4 in the final two minutes of the period to cut its deficit to 99-93. Derek Fisher hit two 3-pointers to start the rally, and then Durant made a 3 with 1.6 seconds left in the quarter. The Thunder trimmed the Clippers edge to a point on a pair of free throws by Jeremy Lamb, and Fisher tied it at 107 on a 3-pointer with just over six minutes to play. The Clippers kept the offence working from there, holding on for a win that they hope launches their playoff push. "Its very important," Crawford said. "Coming down the stretch, we just want to continue to do our game, every single night, no matter who were playing. It doesnt matter. As long as we keep getting better down the stretch, I think well be in good shape." NOTES: The Clippers made their first five shots. ... Thunder centre Kendrick Perkins missed Sundays game against the Los Angeles Clippers with a strained left groin. He was injured during the third quarter of Oklahoma Citys loss to Miami on Thursday night. Steven Adams, a rookie, got his third career start in Perkins place. ... Rivers and Crawford were issued technical fouls in the first quarter. Paul was given one in the second quarter. ... Clippers guard J.J. Redick sat out with a bulging disc in his lower back. He had missed the previous six games. He has played in just 30 games this season while dealing with wrist, hip and back injuries. He averages 15.7 points and 2.2 assists per game. ' ' '

    • October 18, 2019 2:22 PM IST
    • The Calgary Stampeders announced the hiring of Rich Stubler as their new defensive coordinator on Thursday morning. Brian Johnson Red Sox Jersey . Stubler had spent the last two seasons in the same capacity with the BC Lions. "Im pleased to be able to add a coach with such a wealth of experience," said Stampeders coach and general manager John Hufnagel in a release. "Rich has a great track record of success as a coach in this league and I know hell be a tremendous asset to our staff." Stubler made his CFL coaching debut in 1983 as the defensive coordinator for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Hes also spent time in the same role with Edmonton Eskimos and Toronto Argonauts. In 2008, Stubler served as head coach of the Argos. "Im appreciative that the Stampeders and Coach Hufnagel have a little faith in me,” said Stubler in the same release. “Im really excited to come and work for the Red and White.” Stubler had met with new Winnipeg Blue Bombers coach Mike OShea last week about coming aboard in the same capacity with the Bombers. As a CFL coach, Stubler has won four Grey Cups. John Smoltz Jersey . John Albert Elway, 24, was booked into jail early Saturday morning after an incident near a college campus in downtown Denver, according to jail records. Rafael Devers Jersey . A quick first step to get to the hoop for a layup. A rousing dunk on the break off a high outlet pass saved by teammate Ramon Sessions.Rory Best has insisted Ireland must pull off their best ever Test match performance to claim a second win over New Zealand in as many weeks. Ireland ended their 111-year wait for a maiden victory over the All Blacks with the 40-29 win in Chicago on November 5, and are now primed for a furious backlash in Dublin on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 2 HD from 4.45pm.Ireland captain Best knows full well the anger the back-to-back world champions will throw into their Dublin revenge mission - and has challenged his side to scale new heights in their performance to pull off another victory. This week well need a performance thats up there with the best weve ever produced in an Ireland shirt, said Best, who will win his 99th Test cap this weekend.Its about us being consistent with our performance levels, thats the most important element.Big one-off performances and then a drop-off isnt acceptable any more with this group of players. Joe Schmidt rejected Steve Hansens suggestion that Ireland are favourites on Saturday All Blacks boss Steve Hansen has branded New Zealand as underdogs for Saturdays Dublin rematch, and ever since Ireland have desperately battled to fend off any intimation they enter the contest as favourites.Ulster hooker Best has continued that theme, claiming Ireland will not even discuss Hansens pre-match assertions when preparing to face the record-breaking All Blacks for the second time in 14 days. Ireland vs New Zealand November 19, 2016, 4:45pm Live on Get Sky Sports Get a Sky Sports pass That tag is something for the media, for press conferences, said Best of Hansen installing Ireland as favourites.They are the number one team in the world for a reason.There wont be any talk about favourites or underdogs in the changing room before the game.Its about knowing we will really have to perform in order to beat a very, very good All Blacks team. QUIZ: Irelands win over NZ Ireland famously beat the All Blacks in Chicago, but do you remember how they did it? Weve put the pressure on our group of players through the coaches to make sure that the preparation we did two weeks ago wont be enough.Its got to be more, so we put that pressure on ourselves internally and weve made sure that everything we covered two weeks ago, weve covered that and more. Thats how we deal with it.Like I said, that tag of favourites and underdogs doesnt really mean a whole lot to us, because were all about preparing us for this weekend, getting ready mentally for what will be an unbelievably tough challenge. Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock return to the New Zealand second row New Zealand have been able to suummon fit-again lock duo Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock for the Dublin showdown. Luis Tiant Jersey. Retallick has recovered from concussion while Whitelock has finally beaten ankle trouble to allow the All Blacks to restore one of the games most potent double acts.Best accepts that Ireland must raise their set-piece work even higher than in Chicago in order to counter the influence of New Zealands all-new second row pairing. The Jonah Lomu Legacy Trust, in partnership with Dove Men+Care pay tribute and remember the late, great Jonah Lomu. Credit: Dove Men+Care They are going to be hurting a little bit and they will come after us there, in the set-piece, said Best.We looked back on Chicago and we were fairly hard on the defensive elements in our performance.[Defence coach] Andy Farrell expects us to go out and deliver. Hes focused on our systems and how we stop these tries. Liam Neeson narrates Irelands 2023 Rugby World Cup bid promo. Watch it here... Credit: Irish Rugby For us we looked back at some of the scores, some of the breaks, theres a lot of improvements we can make in our systems.Weve had three weeks together now so we should be better than we were in Chicago.Defensively we should be better and we need to be better. Six months half price Upgrade to Sky Sports to watch Man Utd v Arsenal on Saturday and get the first six months half price Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Simon Zebo, 10 Johnny Sexton, 9 Conor Murray; 1 Jack McGrath, 2 Rory Best (c), 3 Tadhg Furlong, 4 Donnacha Ryan, 5 Devin Toner, 6 CJ Stander, 7 Sean OBrien, 8 Jamie Heaslip.Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Josh van der Flier, 21 Kieran Marmion, 22 Paddy Jackson, 23 Garry Ringrose.New Zealand: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Israel Dagg, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith; 1 Joe Moody, 2 Dane Coles, 3 Owen Franks, 4 Brodie Retallick, 5 Sam Whitelock, 6 Liam Squire, 7 Sam Cane, 8 Kieran Read (c).Replacements: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Ardie Savea, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Aaron Cruden, 23 Waisake Naholo.Watch Ireland v New Zealand live on Sky Sports 2 HD on Saturday from 4.45pm. Catch the match for £6.99 with a NOW TV pass. 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    • October 18, 2019 2:22 PM IST
    • TORONTO - Maple Leafs defenceman Jake Gardiner is a healthy scratch tonight as Toronto plays host to the Philadelphia Flyers. Jaylon Smith Womens Jersey . The move comes a day after head coach Randy Carlyle described the 24-year-olds recent play as very erratic.Its the third time this season Gardiner has been left out of the lineup as he was a healthy scratch Oct. 12th and Oct. 14 in games against the New York Rangers and Colorado Avalanche.In 30 games this season Gardiner has two goals and eight points to go along with a team-worst minus-11 rating.Korbinian Holzer, who was a healthy scratch for Thursdays 4-1 loss in Carolina, took Gardiners spot in the lineup and started the game alongside Morgan Rielly.Gardiner signed a new five-year $20.25 million contract in July.Toronto currently has seven healthy defencemen on the active roster. Tony Pollard Jersey . Venus Williams advanced to the ASB Classic final in Auckland on a walkover when fellow American Jamie Hampton withdrew from their semifinal Friday with a right hip injury. Leighton Vander Esch Jersey . Kyle Shanahan was hired as offensive co-ordinator Monday after spending the previous four years in the same role with the Washington Redskins.In the midst of a feel-good season in which they were on the verge of just the second division title in franchise history, the Raptors were forced to deal with the disappointing news that 21-year-old centre Jonas Valanciunas had been arrested annd charged with impaired driving on Monday. Robert Newhouse Womens Jersey. General manager Masai Ujiri joined TSN 1050 Tuesday to address the issue and discuss how the team is planning to handle the situation. Ujiri on JVs arrest, possible punishment ' ' '