Tigers maul Vikings to reach Challenge Cup final

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/rugby/2014/8/10/595359header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/rugby/2014/8/10/595359header.jpg" /></a>Castleford Tigers ran in five tries as they demolished Widnes Vikings 28-6 to reach the Challenge Cup final on Sunday.<br /> <br /> Daryl Powell's men started the stronger and never looked like giving an inch as they scored three without reply before half-time.<br /> <br /> Two more tries from Jamie Ellis and Jake Webster followed after the interval, while Widnes were restricted to a late consolation from Jack Owens.<br /> <br /> Victory earns Castleford - the surprise package of the season - a place in their first Wembley showpiece since 1992 where they will meet local rivals Leeds Rhinos, who disposed of Warrington Wolves on Saturday.<br /> <br /> Having initially picked up the ball on the halfway line, Liam Finn sprinted under the posts to score the sixth-minute opener, before Daryl Clark, who played a pivotal role in setting up the first, added his own name to the scoresheet three minutes later by bundling over the line from close range.<br /> <br /> Widnes were offered some reprieve in the 15th minute when Kirk Dixon had a try ruled out for a knock on by Webster.<br /> <br /> And Castleford did not have things all their own way. Craig Huby left the field with a dislocated elbow midway through the half and was taken to hospital after doctors at the ground failed to repair the joint.<br /> <br /> But the sun was soon shining on the Tigers once again on a gloomy day in Leigh - Dixon capping an excellent passing move by stepping inside to beat the challenge of Rhys Hanbury on the touchline and touch down seven minutes before the break.<br /> <br /> The 14-0 scoreline at half-time mirrored that in Saturday's first semi-final between Leeds and Warrington.<br /> <br /> But while Leeds allowed Warrington back into the match in the second half, there was no let-up from Castleford in front of a fervent travelling contingent in the stands.<br /> <br /> Ellis powered over eight minutes into the second half before Sneyd added two points from a penalty.<br /> <br /> The Castleford fans were already celebrating a trip to Wembley when Webster put the icing on the cake 10 minutes from time, before Owens picked up a late consolation for Widnes - converting his own try to take his side's tally to six points.<br /> <br /> The day belonged to Castleford, who will face Leeds in the final on August 23, while Widnes could face repercussions following a pitch invasion on the final whistle.

Castleford Tigers Challenge Cup Hiccup Series rugby Vikings Tigers maul Vikings to reach Challenge Cup final

Castleford Tigers ran in five tries as they demolished Widnes Vikings 28-6 to reach the Challenge Cup final on Sunday. Daryl Powell's men started the stronger and never looked like giving an inch as they scored three without reply before half-time. T…

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Toews, Kane agree to eight-year extensions

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/hockey/2014/7/10/561233header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/hockey/2014/7/10/561233header.jpg" /></a>Chicago Blackhawks stars Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane agreed to eight-year contract extensions on Wednesday.<br /> <br /> The NHL franchise announced the deals, which are believed to be worth $84million each, and will hold a news conference next week.<br /> <br /> Captain Toews, 26, and Kane, 25, are both two-time Stanley Cup champions, having helped the Blackhawks to the title in 2010 and 2013.<br /> <br /> Toews became the youngest captain in the Blackhawks' history in 2008 and third-youngest in NHL history.<br /> <br /> He was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy for being the play-off MVP in 2010, while Kane claimed that prize in 2013.<br /> <br /> Toews is also a two-time Olympic champion after helping Canada win back-to-back gold medals in 2010 and 2014.

Blackhawks Chicago Hockey Jonathan Toews NHL Patrick Kane Toews, Kane agree to eight-year extensions

Chicago Blackhawks stars Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane agreed to eight-year contract extensions on Wednesday. The NHL franchise announced the deals, which are believed to be worth $84million each, and will hold a news conference next week. Captain …

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Marquez focused on staying ahead

Marc Marquez is determined to stay ahead of the pack after making it 10 straight race wins in 2014 with victory in Indianapolis on Sunday.<br /> <br /> The 21-year-old Spanish sensation became the first rider since Mick Doohan in 1997 to record a double-figure winning streak, with the Repsol Honda star prevailing by just under two seconds from Movistar Yamaha duo Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi.<br /> <br /> Marquez will now seek to extend his sequence in the Czech Republic on Sunday, having narrowly won at the Brno circuit last year.<br /> <br /> "The race was very hard, especially as the track temperature was very high," Marquez said.<br /> <br /> "I struggled a little with the front tyre so I stayed behind Rossi to try to keep the front tyre cool.<br /> <br /> "I tried to push but then the rear started sliding. Eventually I was able to open the gap and take 25 points.<br /> <br /> "We will try to fight for the victory in Brno. The test we had went well but it was very slippery so we don't have too much data.<br /> <br /> "I have never gone great there and Jorge and Vale are very strong there.”<br /> <br /> Lorenzo, meanwhile, had to settle for second best for the second time this season, but was happy to see some light at the end of the tunnel just over halfway through a frustrating campaign.<br /> <br /> "It has been a long road, but we are getting better and better," said the 2010 and 2012 champion.<br /> <br /> "This is the closest race, other than Mugello, we have had to the front.<br /> <br /> "I needed one or two tenths to catch Marquez, hopefully it will come at the next race. The bike was working very well and I was able to get faster and faster.<br /> <br /> "Maybe on more of a Yamaha track and a track that is better for my style, we can challenge him. Brno is luckily a track that I really like and our bike works well at.”<br /> <br /> Rossi, who became the first rider to reach 4,000 career points, said: "I knew it would be difficult, as Marc and Jorge were faster than me in practice. I would have hoped to have a bit of a better battle with Lorenzo, but I am satisfied as this is one of my worst tracks, with no podium since 2008."

Marquez Motorsports news SPORTS Marquez focused on staying ahead

Marc Marquez is determined to stay ahead of the pack after making it 10 straight race wins in 2014 with victory in Indianapolis on Sunday. The 21-year-old Spanish sensation became the first rider since Mick Doohan in 1997 to record a double-figure wi…

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MK Dons host AFC Wimbledon, managerless Huddersfield at Chesterfield

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/11/595677header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/11/595677header.jpg" /></a>MK Dons hosts AFC Wimbledon in an emotionally charged League Cup round one clash on Tuesday.<br /> <br /> League Two AFC Wimbledon were formed when their League One opponents relocated from London to Milton Keynes in 2002.<br /> <br /> It will be the second meeting between the two sides, with MK Dons coming out on top in a December 2012 FA Cup clash.<br /> <br /> MK Dons started the season in emphatic fashion with a 4-2 comeback win at home to Gillingham on Saturday, while AFC Wimbledon shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw with Shrewsbury Town<br /> <br /> Huddersfield Town begin life without Mark Robins with a trip to Chesterfield.<br /> <br /> Robins parted company with Town after their 4-0 opening day defeat to Bournemouth - who travel to face League Two Exeter City - and Chesterfield will hold hopes of claiming a Championship scalp, having begun life back in League One with a 2-1 win over last season's beaten play-off finalists Leyton Orient.<br /> <br /> Orient's Wembley conquerors from last May Rotherham United host League Two play-off final winners Fleetwood Town, while the 2013 finalists in the competition, Bradford City, are in another trans-Pennine clash as they make the trip to the Lancashire coast to face Morecambe.<br /> <br /> There are all-Lancashire clashes between Bolton Wanderers and Bury and Rochdale and Preston North End, while York and Doncaster Rovers will contest Yorkshire bragging rights.<br /> <br /> Leeds United will be dearly hoping to avoid any slip ups against Accrington Stanley after Dave Hockaday's unlikely reign as manager got off to a lacklustre start with a 2-0 loss at Millwall, who also entertain League Two opposition in the form of Wycombe Wanderers.<br /> <br /> Cambridge United and Luton Town sealed their returns to the Football League last term and look to build on opening day wins with ties against Birmingham City and Swindon Town respectively.<br /> <br /> Shrewsbury Town will have designs on a Championship scalp when crisis club Blackpool travel to Greenhous Meadow, while the latter's 2-0 weekend conquerors Nottingham Forest head to Merseyside to take on Tranmere Rovers.<br /> <br /> Forest’s local rivals Derby County get the 2014-15 competition under way at Carlisle United on Monday night, while the two other teams that fell short in the Championship play-offs last season - Brighton and Wigan Athletic - face Cheltenham Town and Burton Albion respectively.<br /> <br /> Ipswich Town and Watford are on the road at Crawley Town and Stevenage following impressive weekend showings in the second tier, with Middlesbrough and Cardiff City also travelling Oldham Athletic and Coventry City.<br /> <br /> The remaining Championship sides in the draw are Blackburn Rovers, Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton Athletic and Reading and the quartet will enjoy home advantage against Scunthorpe United, Notts County, Colchester United and Newport County respectively.<br /> <br /> Elsewhere, Barnsley host Crewe Alexandra, Bristol City face Oxford United, Dagenham and Redbridge welcome Brentford, Plymouth Argyle entertain Leyton Orient, Hartlepool United travel to Port Vale, Portsmouth tackle Peterborough United, Wolves host Northampton Town, Gillingham head to Yeovil Town and Sheffield United play Mansfield Town.

AFC Champions League FA Cup football MK Dons news news sports MK Dons host AFC Wimbledon, managerless Huddersfield at Chesterfield

MK Dons hosts AFC Wimbledon in an emotionally charged League Cup round one clash on Tuesday. League Two AFC Wimbledon were formed when their League One opponents relocated from London to Milton Keynes in 2002. It will be the second meeting between th…

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Tsonga clinches Toronto title

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga completed his impressive Rogers Cup by claiming the title with a straight-sets win over Roger Federer on Sunday.<br /> <br /> The Frenchman battled to a 7-5 7-6 (7-3) victory over Swiss maestro Federer in the final in Toronto.<br /> <br /> It marked the 13th-seeded Tsonga's 11th ATP World Tour title and first since February 2013.<br /> <br /> On his way to the title, Tsonga claimed the scalps of four of the world's top 10 - Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Grigor Dimitrov and Federer.<br /> <br /> The 29-year-old will return to the top 10 for the first time since March after becoming the first Frenchman to win on Canadian soil.<br /> <br /> Tsonga served 11 aces and gave second seed Federer no break-point opportunities during the 107-minute battle at the ATP 1000 hard-court event.<br /> <br /> Both players were comfortable on serve in the first set, until Tsonga broke to 30 in the 12th game.<br /> <br /> Tsonga wasted chances in the second, squandering break points in the sixth and eight games.<br /> <br /> His next missed opportunity was a match point in the 10th, but he made no mistake from 3-3 in the tie-break as he ran away to claim the title.

Federer Grigor Dimitrov Jo-Wilfried Tsonga news sports Rogers Cup Toronto Tsonga clinches Toronto title

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga completed his impressive Rogers Cup by claiming the title with a straight-sets win over Roger Federer on Sunday. The Frenchman battled to a 7-5 7-6 (7-3) victory over Swiss maestro Federer in the final in Toronto. It marked the 13t…

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Tsonga to meet Federer in Rogers Cup final

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/10/594807header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/10/594807header.jpg" /></a>Jo-Wilfried Tsonga made it through to his first final in three years after disposing of Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets at the Rogers Cup.<br /> <br /> Tsonga - seeded 13th - was too strong for Bulgarian seventh seed Dimitrov in the semi-finals, easing to a 6-4 6-3 win after an hour and 24 minutes in Toronto.<br /> <br /> The Frenchman won three break points, saved all four presented to Dimitrov and won 88 per cent of his first service points as he reached his first ATP Tour final since finishing runner-up at the BNP Paribas Masters in 2011.<br /> <br /> Tsonga - coincidently - lost that match-up to Roger Federer, who he will face in Sunday's decider after the Swiss second seed accounted for Spaniard Feliciano Lopez 6-3 6-4.<br /> <br /> "I'm feeling good," said Tsonga.<br /> <br /> "I have been waiting for this moment for a couple of years now.<br /> <br /> "It's good because I have always believed in myself during all these years.<br /> <br /> "It will for sure make me stronger and keep my motivation at the highest level."<br /> <br /> A day after eliminating Andy Murray, Tsonga continued where he left off against Dimitrov, taking the opening set.<br /> <br /> Tsonga, though, did not have it all his own way in the first stanza after being forced to save four break points as he attempted to serve for the set with a 5-4 lead.<br /> <br /> The 29-year-old Frenchman ramped up the pressure in the second set, breaking twice as progressed to his third ATP World Tour Masters 1000 final.<br /> <br /> Standing in Tsonga's way is Federer, who leads the head-to-head record 11-4.<br /> <br /> Federer - Rogers Cup champion in 2004 and 2006 and runner-up in 2007 and 2010 - made light work of Lopez as he wrapped up proceedings in straight sets.<br /> <br /> The 33-year-old sent down 13 aces and won 86 per cent of his first services points.<br /> <br /> Federer also broke twice throughout the encounter, while he did not face a break point against Lopez.

Federer Grigor Dimitrov Jo-Wilfried Tsonga news sports Rogers Cup tennis Tsonga to meet Federer in Rogers Cup final

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga made it through to his first final in three years after disposing of Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets at the Rogers Cup. Tsonga - seeded 13th - was too strong for Bulgarian seventh seed Dimitrov in the semi-finals, easing to a 6-4 …

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Radwanska beats Williams in Montreal for first title of 2014

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/10/595523header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/10/595523header.jpg" /></a></div> Agnieszka Radwanska claimed her first silverware of 2014 as she beat Venus Williams 6-4 6-2 in the Rogers Cup final on Sunday.<br /> <br /> The Pole, who has 13 career titles to her name, has struggled to make too much of an impact this season, but was convincing in disposing of Williams at the WTA Premier hard court event in Montreal.<br /> <br /> Third seed Radwanska won four games in a row in the first to storm into a 4-1 lead after Williams had claimed the opener.<br /> <br /> Williams battled hard to break back in a tight game six, but was unable to complete a comeback after seeing two break points come and go at 4-3 down.<br /> <br /> The American struggled on her first service throughout and that fact was emphasised by a second set in which she mustered only a 42 per cent success rate.<br /> <br /> Combined with an inability to win points on her second serve - Williams won just one out of 12 in the second set - it proved to be a recipe for disaster.<br /> ews<br /> Radwanska claimed the opening game of the second on Williams' serve to put the former world number one on the back foot from the off.<br /> <br /> Williams broke back to level matters at 2-2, but Radwanska won the next game to love as the seven-time grand slam winner's chances of coming away with the win grew ever slimmer.<br /> <br /> As it turned out, Williams would not win another game, leaving Radwanska to emphatically serve for the title.

Agnieszka Radwanska news sports Rogers Cup SPORTS tennis Venus Williams Radwanska beats Williams in Montreal for first title of 2014

Agnieszka Radwanska claimed her first silverware of 2014 as she beat Venus Williams 6-4 6-2 in the Rogers Cup final on Sunday. The Pole, who has 13 career titles to her name, has struggled to make too much of an impact this season, but was convincin…

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Venus through to Montreal final

<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J5AOauiV6bs/U-fQ6Pmz3AI/AAAAAAAAAFA/YAf00Vjt1rQ/s1600/594795header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Venus through to Montreal final" border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J5AOauiV6bs/U-fQ6Pmz3AI/AAAAAAAAAFA/YAf00Vjt1rQ/s1600/594795header.jpg" title="Venus through to Montreal final" width="320" /></a>Venus Williams booked her spot in the Rogers Cup final, at the expense of her top-seeded sister Serena on Saturday.<br /> <br /> In the 25th career meeting between the Williams sisters, it was Venus who earned bragging rights with a shock 6-7 (2-7) 6-2 6-3 win after just over an hour in Montreal.<br /> <br /> Venus' triumph - her 11th against Serena - was her first over a reigning world number one since upstaging Dinara Safina in the 2009 Wimbledon semi-finals.<br /> <br /> The 34-year-old fended off 19 aces from Serena to advance to Sunday's decider, where she will face Agnieszka Radwanska after the third-seeded Pole overcame Russian Ekaterina Makarova 7-6 (7-1) 7-6 (7-3).<br /> <br /> "The level of game we played was pretty high," said Venus<br /> <br /> "We're both serving well, returning well, moving well - everything is happening so well that all of our matches seem to be very competitive."<br /> <br /> Venus stormed out of the blocks to take a 3-1 lead only for Serena to hit back, levelling the match at 3-3, before eventually closing out the opening set in a tie-break.<br /> <br /> Two breaks of serve in the second stanza - the first coming in the opening game - set the tone as Venus forced a third set.<br /> <br /> It was a similar story in the deciding set, with Venus breaking Serena's serve in the sixth game to reach her second final of 2014, having won the Dubai Tennis Championships in February.<br /> <br /> Following Venus into the final was Radwanska, who finally got the better of Makarova in straight sets after two hours and four minutes on court.<br /> <br /> Radwanska had lost her past two meetings against Makarova, slipping up at the US Open in 2013 and Wimbledon in June.<br /> <br /> But the 2012 Wimbledon finalist exacted revenge, making the most of Makarova's 43 unforced errors.<br /> <br /> Radwanska finished the match with 28 winners and just 14 unforced errors.<br /> <br /> "I think it was a great match," Radwanska said.<br /> <br /> "Two hours of fighting and long rallies and tight games - I had to really run a lot to win that match because she's so good. I had to give 100 per cent today.<br /> <br /> "I think I was just better on a few points today. I'm really happy with the win."

2014 Championships news news sports Rogers Cup SPORTS tennis Venus Williams Venus through to Montreal final

Venus Williams booked her spot in the Rogers Cup final, at the expense of her top-seeded sister Serena on Saturday. In the 25th career meeting between the Williams sisters, it was Venus who earned bragging rights with a shock 6-7 (2-7) 6-2 6-3 win af…

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Radwanska beats Williams in Montreal for first title of 2014

Agnieszka Radwanska claimed her first silverware of 2014 as she beat Venus Williams 6-4 6-2 in the Rogers Cup final on Sunday.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHcqRx3mxYk/U-fQPQu0q3I/AAAAAAAAAE4/lGcW1fEHR5s/s1600/595523header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Radwanska beats Williams in Montreal for first title of 2014" border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHcqRx3mxYk/U-fQPQu0q3I/AAAAAAAAAE4/lGcW1fEHR5s/s1600/595523header.jpg" title="Radwanska beats Williams in Montreal for first title of 2014" width="320" /></a>The Pole, who has 13 career titles to her name, has struggled to make too much of an impact this season, but was convincing in disposing of Williams at the WTA Premier hard court event in Montreal.<br /> <br /> Third seed Radwanska won four games in a row in the first to storm into a 4-1 lead after Williams had claimed the opener.<br /> <br /> Williams battled hard to break back in a tight game six, but was unable to complete a comeback after seeing two break points come and go at 4-3 down.<br /> <br /> The American struggled on her first service throughout and that fact was emphasised by a second set in which she mustered only a 42 per cent success rate.<br /> <br /> Combined with an inability to win points on her second serve - Williams won just one out of 12 in the second set - it proved to be a recipe for disaster.<br /> <br /> Radwanska claimed the opening game of the second on Williams' serve to put the former world number one on the back foot from the off.<br /> <br /> Williams broke back to level matters at 2-2, but Radwanska won the next game to love as the seven-time grand slam winner's chances of coming away with the win grew ever slimmer.<br /> <br /> As it turned out, Williams would not win another game, leaving Radwanska to emphatically serve for the title.

2014 Agnieszka Radwanska news sports Rogers Cup tennis Venus Williams Radwanska beats Williams in Montreal for first title of 2014

Agnieszka Radwanska claimed her first silverware of 2014 as she beat Venus Williams 6-4 6-2 in the Rogers Cup final on Sunday. The Pole, who has 13 career titles to her name, has struggled to make too much of an impact this season, but was convincing…

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Rain halts play at Valhalla

The final round of the US PGA Championship has been suspended due to heavy rainfall at Valhalla.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-27cTW9y522Q/U-fPLM2vG5I/AAAAAAAAAEw/rXU6hG8_zoA/s1600/595431header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Rain halts play at Valhalla" border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-27cTW9y522Q/U-fPLM2vG5I/AAAAAAAAAEw/rXU6hG8_zoA/s1600/595431header.jpg" title="Rain halts play at Valhalla" width="320" /></a>With the heavens opening over the Kentucky course, officials had no choice but to bring a halt to the fourth round of golf's final major of the year, with huge puddles forming.<br /> <br /> The PGA of America subsequently confirmed that play would be halted for at least one hour, although continued rainfall puts Sunday's play at jeopardy.<br /> <br /> Bad weather also affected the second day of the tournament, where the inclement conditions saw several players have their tee time put back.<br /> <br /> The delay in play is likely to affect players at the top of the leaderboard, leader Rory McIlroy was due to tee off with Bernd Wiesberger - who sits second - at approximately 15:00 local time (20:00 GMT).<br /> <br /> McIlroy - who is 13 under par for the tournament - is targeting a hat-trick of victories after triumphing at The Open Championship last month and at last week's WGC Bridgestone Invitational.<br /> <br /> That run has helped the Northern Irishman reclaim top spot in the world rankings, but he faces stiff competition from the likes of Rickie Fowler who is two shots adrift, while Phil Mickelson and Jason Day are a further stroke off the pace.<br /> <br /> Despite the poor weather, Denmark's Thorbjorn Olesen showed that low scoring remained a possibility - he was four under par through 11 holes before the break in play.<br /> <br /> Shane Lowry also carded four under in his final round, a score which took him to one under par for the tournament.<br /> <br /> However, Spain's Rafael Cabrera-Bello will act as a warning to the leaders, he shot a nine-over-par 80, including double-bogeys at the seventh and the 12th, to end his tournament at 10 over par.

America america's cup finals championship golf news sports Rain halts SPORTS US PGA US PGA Championship Rain halts play at Valhalla

The final round of the US PGA Championship has been suspended due to heavy rainfall at Valhalla. With the heavens opening over the Kentucky course, officials had no choice but to bring a halt to the fourth round of golf's final major of the year, wit…

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Suarez suffers brain injury in friendly victory

<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p6wFb90a8SM/U-fL_rT9WaI/AAAAAAAAAEk/jnPavYGTXdw/s1600/595491header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Suarez suffers brain injury in friendly victory" border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p6wFb90a8SM/U-fL_rT9WaI/AAAAAAAAAEk/jnPavYGTXdw/s1600/595491header.jpg" title="Suarez suffers brain injury in friendly victory" width="320" /></a>Mario Suarez suffered a "traumatic brain injury" in Atletico Madrid's 5-1 friendly win over Wolfsburg on Sunday.<br /> <br /> The midfielder was left unconscious following a first-half collision with team-mate Cristian Ansaldi, who was challenging Wolfsburg's Ivica Olic for an aerial ball.<br /> <br /> Suarez required lengthy treatment on the pitch before being replaced by Tiago, with Atletico later confirming details of the injury.<br /> <br /> "Mario Suarez suffers a traumatic brain injury," they tweeted. "He's regained consciousness. He's being taken to the hospital for tests."<br /> <br /> Raul Garcia had already headed Atletico in front by the time Suarez was stretchered from the field, and added his second nine minutes after the interval.<br /> <br /> A Mario Mandzukic penalty made it three before Naldo reduced the deficit, but further goals from Koke and Hector put Atleti out of sight.<br /> <br /> Diego Simeone's men started well and Mandzukic tested goalkeeper Diego Benaglio inside the opening minute as the Liga champions looked to end a run of three matches without a goal.<br /> <br /> And it was not long before they were in front, with Garcia rising well to power home a header from Gabi's corner in the 13th minute.<br /> <br /> Kevin De Bruyne started to cause problems in the Atleti penalty area, but the visitors had an even bigger issue to deal with when Suarez was felled in the 21st minute.<br /> <br /> That injury cast something of a shadow over the remainder of the match, but Garcia did his bit to lift Spanish spirits when he capped a flowing Atleti move to double the advantage in the 54th minute.<br /> <br /> And the visitors were three up eight minutes later when Mandzukic was clumsily brought down in the penalty area by Naldo - the referee showing no hesitation in pointing to the spot.<br /> <br /> The Croatian dusted himself down to drive the ball straight down the middle and into the back of the net.<br /> <br /> Naldo atoned for his earlier mishap by drilling into the bottom left-hand corner from a 67th-minute free-kick, but Koke's curling effort ensured the German club's joy was short-lived.<br /> <br /> Hector put the gloss on the result seven minutes from time after being teed up by debutant Antoine Griezmann.<br /> <br /> Despite the serious injury to Suarez, who later underwent a CT scan and was kept in hospital for observation, the nature of the result and a debut for Griezmann should send the men from the Spanish capital home with at least some cheer.

Atletico Madrid football Mario Suarez midfielder news news sports The Players Wolfsburg Suarez suffers brain injury in friendly victory

Mario Suarez suffered a "traumatic brain injury" in Atletico Madrid's 5-1 friendly win over Wolfsburg on Sunday. The midfielder was left unconscious following a first-half collision with team-mate Cristian Ansaldi, who was challenging Wolfsburg's Ivi…

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Mazzarri blames defeat on heavy workload

<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUQXSQXvNoc/U-fKwZ8yYlI/AAAAAAAAAEc/XvKaUjwoXGQ/s1600/595469header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Mazzarri blames defeat on heavy workload" border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUQXSQXvNoc/U-fKwZ8yYlI/AAAAAAAAAEc/XvKaUjwoXGQ/s1600/595469header.jpg" title="Mazzarri blames defeat on heavy workload" width="320" /></a>Inter coach Walter Mazzarri put Inter's 3-1 friendly defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday down to a challenging week of training.<br /> <br /> The Serie A outfit had gone in front at the Commerzbank-Arena through Ruben Botta, but on-loan Chelsea man Lucas Piazon levelled for Frankfurt.<br /> <br /> Haris Seferovic then netted twice before half-time as Inter succumbed to defeat in their penultimate friendly before their return to competitive action in the UEFA Europa League play-offs in 10 days' time.<br /> <br /> Mazzarri, while disappointed with the result, felt the hard work put in by his players during the week had been detrimental to their short-term cause.<br /> <br /> "Was this down to the heavy workload during the week? I don't want any excuses," he told Inter Channel.<br /> <br /> "My fitness coach told me we needed to work on strength right now, as otherwise we'd lack sharpness later on in the season. I think the lads paid that price and they looked pretty heavy-legged.<br /> <br /> "We weren't sharp and I hope that is only down to the fitness work. At this stage of the season it's easy to do well in one game and badly the next. If you lack just a tiny bit of sharpness and focus, then you can trip up.<br /> <br /> "Up until our goal Eintracht hadn't created any chances, but we have to be more concentrated in some situations. Perhaps we subconsciously let go after taking the lead.<br /> <br /> "In the second half we focused on damage limitation."

Chelsea coach Eintracht Frankfurt Europa League football Haris Seferovic Inter news news sports Serie A UEFA Walter Mazzarri Mazzarri blames defeat on heavy workload

Inter coach Walter Mazzarri put Inter's 3-1 friendly defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday down to a challenging week of training. The Serie A outfit had gone in front at the Commerzbank-Arena through Ruben Botta, but on-loan Chelsea man Lucas Piaz…

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Stewart speaks of sadness following fatal collision

<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-21KtQ9-QF2U/U-fKIbF2AMI/AAAAAAAAAEI/B_yickdCZak/s1600/595467header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Stewart speaks of sadness following fatal collision" border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-21KtQ9-QF2U/U-fKIbF2AMI/AAAAAAAAAEI/B_yickdCZak/s1600/595467header.jpg" title="Stewart speaks of sadness following fatal collision" width="320" /></a>Tony Stewart has spoken of his sadness after being involved in a collision that took the life of fellow driver Kevin Ward Jr. on Saturday.<br /> <br /> According to authorities and eye-witness accounts, the three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion hit and killed Ward Jr. who had walked towards Stewart's car after the two had an altercation during a race at Canandaigua Motorsports Park.<br /> <br /> The Ontario County (N.Y.) Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a news release that Ward Jr. had been declared dead 45 minutes after the incident upon arrival at Thompson Hospital.<br /> <br /> Some reports suggested that Stewart would still take part in Sunday's Cheez-It 355 Sprint Cup Series event in Watkins Glen, New York, but Stewart-Haas Racing vice president of competition Greg Zipadelli confirmed the 43-year-old's withdrawal earlier in the day.<br /> <br /> And Stewart has now released his own brief statement.<br /> <br /> "There aren't words to describe the sadness I feel about the accident that took the life of Kevin Ward Jr.," it read.<br /> <br /> "It's a very emotional time for all involved, and it is the reason I've decided not to participate in today's race at Watkins Glen.<br /> <br /> "My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and everyon affected by this tragedy."<br /> <br /> In relation to Saturday's tragedy, Sheriff Philip C. Povero had earlier told reporters: "Right now, this is an on-track crash investigation.<br /> <br /> "There are no criminal charges pending at this time. We are not making any inferences of any criminal conduct at all.<br /> <br /> "He [Stewart] was visibly shaken by this incident and promised his continuing cooperation of this investigation."

Kevin Ward Motorsports NASCAR New York Daily News Sprint Cup Tony Stewart Stewart speaks of sadness following fatal collision

Tony Stewart has spoken of his sadness after being involved in a collision that took the life of fellow driver Kevin Ward Jr. on Saturday. According to authorities and eye-witness accounts, the three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion hit and kil…

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Wenger gives Arsenal captaincy to Arteta

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JuI6h-jdHkc/U-fIjCXhoCI/AAAAAAAAAD8/tmwyCbWuPi4/s1600/IMG_20140727_061819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Wenger gives Arsenal captaincy to Arteta" border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JuI6h-jdHkc/U-fIjCXhoCI/AAAAAAAAAD8/tmwyCbWuPi4/s1600/IMG_20140727_061819.jpg" title="Wenger gives Arsenal captaincy to Arteta" width="320" /></a></div> Arsene Wenger confirmed Mikel Arteta as Arsenal's new captain after watching his side beat Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield.<br /> <br /> Hours after the sale of former skip<br /> per Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona, Arsenal dispatched the Premier League champions at Wembley on Sunday as Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud found the net in an impressive performance.<br /> <br /> Arteta featured alongside Jack Wilshere as the FA Cup holders dominated central midfield and Wenger named the former Everton player as his new captain, with Per Mertesacker to serve as vice-captain.<br /> <br /> Wenger said: "One, Arteta and two, Mertesacker. Arteta will be captain and Mertesacker vice-captain."<br /> <br /> Mertesacker was absent against City due to an extended break after being part of Germany's triumphant World Cup squad.<br /> <br /> It opened the way for close-season signing Calum Chambers to partner Laurent Koscielny at centre-back and the 19-year-old produced as assured display, despite playing the majority of his senior football to date at right-back.<br /> <br /> "For a 19-year-old he had an outstanding performance," Wenger said. "The kind of performance he delivered is very promising.<br /> <br /> "It's impressive because he hasn't got a long history in this position because he was a right-back and I think if all goes well he has a good career in front of him.<br /> <br /> "He can challenge both centre-backs and that's what you want. You cannot play with two centre-backs the whole season; that means he will play."<br /> <br /> At the other end of the field, an Arsenal attack featuring showpiece new signing Alexis Sanchez caused City no end of problems and Wenger is pleased with the talent at his disposal for the new campaign.<br /> <br /> "I have more attacking options than I had for a long time - that's for sure," he said.<br /> <br /> "Three, four, five years ago, every year we lost a big player. In the last two years, we added players like [Mesut] Ozil and this season like Alexis so of course that strengthens the squad.<br /> <br /> "I am, of course, very ambitious but I'm a bit cautious because I have quite a good experience. I look around and see the other teams have strengthened as well so it will be interesting to watch the Premier League because it looks like all the big teams will be very strong."<br /> <br /> Arsenal's title bid last term was undermined by heavy defeats at the hands of fellow Premier League heavyweights.<br /> <br /> "That's why it was important for us not to lose the game," Wenger added.<br /> <br /> "On that front we know that last year we were very consistent against the teams outside the top six and not consistent against the top six teams.<br /> <br /> "The year before it was reversed so let's hope that this year it will be right on both sides."

Arsenal Arsene Wenger football Manchester City Mikel Arteta news news sports Wenger gives Arsenal captaincy to Arteta

Arsene Wenger confirmed Mikel Arteta as Arsenal's new captain after watching his side beat Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield. Hours after the sale of former skip per Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona, Arsenal dispatched the Premier League cham…

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