So the 1st round of the Golf Challenge is a thing of the past. Henrick Stenson of Sweden leads by one stroke over defending champion, Jim Furyk. The best placed South African is Retief Goosen who is lying 3 strokes back.
If only I had put my money where my mouth was. Yesterday I was saying that Charl Schwartzel would beat Ernie Els in thier 2 ball today and I was right. Ernie collapsed on the back nine and was beaten by young Charl by 2 strokes.
I saw Charl birdie the 1st and he is looking good. The field is tightly packed and tomorrow will be slightly cooler, so look for Jim to come through.
67 Henrik Stenson SWE
68 Jim Furyk USA
69 David Howell ENG; Padraig Harrington IRE
70 Retief Goosen RSA; Charl Schwartzel RSA
71 Trevor Immelman RSA; Jose Maria Olazabal SPA
72 Ernie Els RSA; Sergio Garcia SPA
74 Chris DiMarco USA
75 Colin Montgomerie SCO
Second Round Draw:
11h10 Colin Montgomerie SCO and Chris DiMarco USA
11h22 Sergio Garcia ESP and Ernie Els RSA
11h34 Jose Maria Olazabal ESP and Trevor Immelman RSA
11h46 Retief Goosen RSA and Charl Schwartzel RSA
11h58 David Howell ENG and Padraig Harrington IRE
12h10 Jim Furyk USA and Henrik Stenson SWE
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Lunch at the Nedbank
Lunch at the golf is famous. If you are a vegetarian then forget even coming out the city of the sun. If you are on a low protien diet, then also take a drop. (See my clever use of golf terms?)
The main meal at the media centre is lunch time. There are plenty of snacks and drinks to keep you sustained through the day, but the highlight is certainly lunch. And what, you ask, is this famous lunch?
RIBS. Lots and lots of pork ribs. You get chops, some other type of braai'd meat, but the main meal HAS to be ribs. Soft, juicy, tomato flavoured ribs.
Don't get me wrong, on day 1 at the Nedbank Golf Challenge, the ribs are fantastic. Day 2 they are still good but from then on, they do get a little much. Last year I didnn't even have a main meal on the Sunday. I think that I just had pudding.
Well, lunch is a thing of the past on this Thursday and the golf is going well. The leaders are through 13 and Padraig Harrington is on 5 under.
I put R50 on CharlSchwartzel and also R50 on last year's winner, Jim Furyk. Charl is 2nd last and Jim is 3 off the lead on -2. Wish me luck.
The main meal at the media centre is lunch time. There are plenty of snacks and drinks to keep you sustained through the day, but the highlight is certainly lunch. And what, you ask, is this famous lunch?
RIBS. Lots and lots of pork ribs. You get chops, some other type of braai'd meat, but the main meal HAS to be ribs. Soft, juicy, tomato flavoured ribs.
Don't get me wrong, on day 1 at the Nedbank Golf Challenge, the ribs are fantastic. Day 2 they are still good but from then on, they do get a little much. Last year I didnn't even have a main meal on the Sunday. I think that I just had pudding.
Well, lunch is a thing of the past on this Thursday and the golf is going well. The leaders are through 13 and Padraig Harrington is on 5 under.
I put R50 on CharlSchwartzel and also R50 on last year's winner, Jim Furyk. Charl is 2nd last and Jim is 3 off the lead on -2. Wish me luck.
Heat, Sun and 12 of the World's Best Golfer
It's day one of the Nedbank Golf Challenge. I have just come back from the 2nd fairway on the Gary Player Country Club. Water bottle in hand, I strode out to the 1st tee and enjoyed the drive of Colin Montgomerie, who put it a little right. Not the greatest start for the big Scot. One of the cool things about being in the press corps is being given an "inside the ropes" armband. It allows be to get so close to the golfers that I could actually reach out and touch them.
Ernie and Charl walked past a little later and were forced to hit thier little white balls onto the 1st green and i waled with them to that green. Charl put his 15 foot putt in the hole for a birdie but has since dropped back down to even par through 5 holes.
The heat is going to be tough today with a breeze to cool things off. But if you have ever played the Country Club, you will know that there are spots where the wind will never reach. The wind WILL pick up later and should keep the scores under control.
At time of writing Padraig Harrington is leading on 4 under par.
Ernie and Charl walked past a little later and were forced to hit thier little white balls onto the 1st green and i waled with them to that green. Charl put his 15 foot putt in the hole for a birdie but has since dropped back down to even par through 5 holes.
The heat is going to be tough today with a breeze to cool things off. But if you have ever played the Country Club, you will know that there are spots where the wind will never reach. The wind WILL pick up later and should keep the scores under control.
At time of writing Padraig Harrington is leading on 4 under par.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
VOSLOO INTO QUARTER-FINALS OF SAA TENNIS NATIONALS
Only one seeded player Louis Vosloo showed on Wednesday he had not lost his touch as the former ATP Tour player moved into the last eight of the SAA National Championships played at the Wanderers Tennis Club.
The unseeded Vosloo defeated one of the country’s stalwarts, Michael de Jongh, 6-4 3-6 6-3 to set up a quarter-final contest with top seed Izak van der Merwe. Van der Merwe proved far too good for talented junior Hendrik Coertzen, winning through 6-3 6-0.
“I know Michael very well. I know his type of play because I have played with and against him a couple of times so I knew what to expect from him,” said Vosloo.” It was pretty difficult for me out there because my fitness level is low but I want to play well and hopefully go further in the competition.”
The 28-year-old Vosloo retired somewhat prematurely from the tour and was ranked as high as 170 in the world. Whatever he may have lacked in size and power he certainly made up for in craftiness and agility and if his fitness does not impede him too much, the encounter with Van der Merwe should be quite absorbing.
The 22-year-old Van der Merwe is currently ranked 442, his best so far, but he is on the incline and is pretty talented. He has already been included in South Africa’s Davis Cup team.
The only seed to bow out in the men’s draw Wednesday was highly regarded junior Rikus de Villiers, who was forced to retire early in the second during his match against Jean Andersen. “I am pretty disappointed to go out of the competition so early because I know I can beat Jean,” said De Villiers. “The physiotherapist said I pulled a muscle between the ribs. It was unlucky that I had to pull out and had it not been for the injury, I think I would have gone further.”
By way of contrast the women’s draw lost all but its top two seeds – Lizaan du Plessis and Kim Rudman respectively – on Wednesday. Third seed Dennett Rachelle fell to Lara van Rooyen 6-0 6-4, Chane Hines put out fourth seed Debbie van Aswegen 6-4 6-1, Bronwyn Davidson beat sixth seed Annelie van der Heever 3-6 6-2 6-2, while Megan Sporndli ousted seventh seeded Lisa Wade 6-4 7-6 (7-4).
Despite her victory Hines felt she did not play very well. “However, I am very happy that I managed to pull a win against Debbie. She is a very good player but I have beaten her before, which is why I was not afraid going into the match. I am feeling very much confident going into the next round of the tournament.”
Her next opponent will be Davidson, who just missed out on a seeding.
Play in the quarter-finals begins at 9.30am on Thursday.
The unseeded Vosloo defeated one of the country’s stalwarts, Michael de Jongh, 6-4 3-6 6-3 to set up a quarter-final contest with top seed Izak van der Merwe. Van der Merwe proved far too good for talented junior Hendrik Coertzen, winning through 6-3 6-0.
“I know Michael very well. I know his type of play because I have played with and against him a couple of times so I knew what to expect from him,” said Vosloo.” It was pretty difficult for me out there because my fitness level is low but I want to play well and hopefully go further in the competition.”
The 28-year-old Vosloo retired somewhat prematurely from the tour and was ranked as high as 170 in the world. Whatever he may have lacked in size and power he certainly made up for in craftiness and agility and if his fitness does not impede him too much, the encounter with Van der Merwe should be quite absorbing.
The 22-year-old Van der Merwe is currently ranked 442, his best so far, but he is on the incline and is pretty talented. He has already been included in South Africa’s Davis Cup team.
The only seed to bow out in the men’s draw Wednesday was highly regarded junior Rikus de Villiers, who was forced to retire early in the second during his match against Jean Andersen. “I am pretty disappointed to go out of the competition so early because I know I can beat Jean,” said De Villiers. “The physiotherapist said I pulled a muscle between the ribs. It was unlucky that I had to pull out and had it not been for the injury, I think I would have gone further.”
By way of contrast the women’s draw lost all but its top two seeds – Lizaan du Plessis and Kim Rudman respectively – on Wednesday. Third seed Dennett Rachelle fell to Lara van Rooyen 6-0 6-4, Chane Hines put out fourth seed Debbie van Aswegen 6-4 6-1, Bronwyn Davidson beat sixth seed Annelie van der Heever 3-6 6-2 6-2, while Megan Sporndli ousted seventh seeded Lisa Wade 6-4 7-6 (7-4).
Despite her victory Hines felt she did not play very well. “However, I am very happy that I managed to pull a win against Debbie. She is a very good player but I have beaten her before, which is why I was not afraid going into the match. I am feeling very much confident going into the next round of the tournament.”
Her next opponent will be Davidson, who just missed out on a seeding.
Play in the quarter-finals begins at 9.30am on Thursday.
Nedbank Golf Challenge Draw
The draw for the 2006 Nedbank Golf Challenge was made at Sun City this afternoon. Now that I am here, without having paid accomodation, I can bring that to you. Remember to check back often to get updates on "South Africa's Major"...
11h10 Colin Montgomerie SCO and Padraig Harrington IRE
11h22 Trevor Immelman RSA and David Howell ENG
11h34 Henrik Stenson SWE and Jose Maria Olazabal ESP
11h46 Charl Schwartzel RSA and Ernie Els RSA
11h58 Chris DiMarco USA and Sergio Garcia ESP
12h10 Retief Goosen RSA and Jim Furyk USA
Betting on those pairings should be fun. Go for the Goose against Jim and Charl to beat Ernie.
11h10 Colin Montgomerie SCO and Padraig Harrington IRE
11h22 Trevor Immelman RSA and David Howell ENG
11h34 Henrik Stenson SWE and Jose Maria Olazabal ESP
11h46 Charl Schwartzel RSA and Ernie Els RSA
11h58 Chris DiMarco USA and Sergio Garcia ESP
12h10 Retief Goosen RSA and Jim Furyk USA
Betting on those pairings should be fun. Go for the Goose against Jim and Charl to beat Ernie.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
T IMMELMAN FEELS THE HEAT AT SUN CITY
The Pro-Am at the Nedbank Golf Challenge gets underway tomorrow and BBJSportGuy's coverage will start then with results and behind the scenes news and reviews. Look for hotspots, cool drinking holes and all the news you can use!
Today we start by looking ahead to one of the men I will be backing this weekend....
South Africa's Trevor Immelman arrived at Sun City for this week's Nedbank Golf Challenge feeling the kind of pressure reserved especially for the local stars competing in this lucrative 12-man invitation tournament.
Immelman is one of four South Africans, including Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Charl Schwartzel, who will tee it up at the Gary Player Country Club course in Thursday's first round of an event offering $1.2-million to the winner.
In recent years Els has carried the hopes of South African fans against the world's best available golfers drawn from that year's Major winners and the world rankings.
Goosen's two US Open victories saw him share this burden with Els.
Now Immelman, the rising star of South African golf who claimed his maiden victory on the US PGA Tour this year and climbed to a career high 13 on the world rankings to secure a place in the field, admits to feeling the intense pressure placed on the country's golfers to win this event.
"I've been feeling it since I got back to South Africa. Everyone tells you that you can win. On the other hand, it's a great compliment that people think I can win this," Immelman said on Tuesday.
And the young star, who is never short of confidence, believes he has a good chance at victory on his debut in the tournament.
"I won here before on the Sunshine Tour in the 2003 Dimension Data Pro-Am and I am comfortable on this course.
"Accurate tee shots and putting are the two most important factors. If you can keep the ball in play, you can give yourself a chance. The greens here are pretty fast, but I play on greens like this in America, so I should do okay here."
With four South Africans in the field - the most in the 25-year history of the tournament - Immelman is confident the $1.2-milliion will find its way into a local bank account.
"I think South Africa has a great chance to win this year. Four out of 12 is not a bad number. We are all seasoned campaigners on this course, with Ernie, Retief and myself having won here."
Els makes a record 15th consecutive appearance at Sun City with three wins to his name, while Goosen returns as the champion in 2004 and loser in a four-man playoff to defending champion Jim Furyk last year.
Schwartzel makes his debut as the winner of the Sunshine Tour's Order of Merit last season.
"I'm very excited to be playing. It's a lifelong dream of mine. But it's a tournament like any other and that's how I've got to approach it," said Schwartzel.
"I like my status as the underdog and I think all four of us South Africans have a good chance of winning."
Today we start by looking ahead to one of the men I will be backing this weekend....
South Africa's Trevor Immelman arrived at Sun City for this week's Nedbank Golf Challenge feeling the kind of pressure reserved especially for the local stars competing in this lucrative 12-man invitation tournament.
Immelman is one of four South Africans, including Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Charl Schwartzel, who will tee it up at the Gary Player Country Club course in Thursday's first round of an event offering $1.2-million to the winner.
In recent years Els has carried the hopes of South African fans against the world's best available golfers drawn from that year's Major winners and the world rankings.
Goosen's two US Open victories saw him share this burden with Els.
Now Immelman, the rising star of South African golf who claimed his maiden victory on the US PGA Tour this year and climbed to a career high 13 on the world rankings to secure a place in the field, admits to feeling the intense pressure placed on the country's golfers to win this event.
"I've been feeling it since I got back to South Africa. Everyone tells you that you can win. On the other hand, it's a great compliment that people think I can win this," Immelman said on Tuesday.
And the young star, who is never short of confidence, believes he has a good chance at victory on his debut in the tournament.
"I won here before on the Sunshine Tour in the 2003 Dimension Data Pro-Am and I am comfortable on this course.
"Accurate tee shots and putting are the two most important factors. If you can keep the ball in play, you can give yourself a chance. The greens here are pretty fast, but I play on greens like this in America, so I should do okay here."
With four South Africans in the field - the most in the 25-year history of the tournament - Immelman is confident the $1.2-milliion will find its way into a local bank account.
"I think South Africa has a great chance to win this year. Four out of 12 is not a bad number. We are all seasoned campaigners on this course, with Ernie, Retief and myself having won here."
Els makes a record 15th consecutive appearance at Sun City with three wins to his name, while Goosen returns as the champion in 2004 and loser in a four-man playoff to defending champion Jim Furyk last year.
Schwartzel makes his debut as the winner of the Sunshine Tour's Order of Merit last season.
"I'm very excited to be playing. It's a lifelong dream of mine. But it's a tournament like any other and that's how I've got to approach it," said Schwartzel.
"I like my status as the underdog and I think all four of us South Africans have a good chance of winning."
NO SWEAT FOR TOP SEEDS AT SAA NATIONAL TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Both the men’s and women’s top seeds lost just two games apiece as they stormed into the second round of the SAA National Championships played at the Wanderers Tennis Club on Tuesday. Izak van der Merwe defeated Michael Hills of Gauteng North 6-1 6-1 while Lizaan du Plessis accounted for Veronique Luksich of Gauteng Central by the same score. Van der Merwe, who has represented South Africa at Davis Cup level, said despite the comfortable score line, it had not been easy for him on court. “I have not had much practice at high altitude but I hope to get better and improve as the tournament goes on. I want to take it one match at a time, cut down on unforced errors and maintain consistency throughout.”
Du Plessis was very happy with her performance as she was coming back from a three-month layoff but did express her concern about the weather. “I still need to work on my fitness level which is not up to scratch at the moment. I hope to go all the way in the tournament but it is going to be tough since I struggle in the heat.”
Men’s second seed Pieter Calitz was also not too hard pressed to oust Daneel Mathinus 6-3 6-1, a player he has beaten every time they have met. “Obviously knowing that he has never beaten me gave me a lot of confidence. He is a very good player with a big serve but what worked in my favour was how well I played the return ball,” said Calitz. “The courts are fast and if I can manage to settle well, get the shot going and the points coming, then I have a very good chance of progressing in the tournament.”
Michael de Jongh caused the first upset when he put out fifth seeded Rikus Becker of Gauteng North 6-3 6-3, while fourth seed Heinrich Heyl had to battle in the opening set before overcoming Andre Grobler from Eastern Province 7-5 6-1. Although unseeded, one player who could make them all gallop if he produces his best form is former Tour player Louis Vosloo. He certainly started off well enough, scoring a 6-2 6-0 victory over qualifier Gavin Smith of Western Province.
In the women’s draw there were also good wins for third seed Dennett Rachelle, fifth seeded Chantal Simpson and sixth seed Annelie van der Heever. Wednesday has some interesting matches with top seed Van der Merwe taking on highly regarded junior Hendrik Coertzen, Rikus de Villiers facing Jean Anderson, as well as the battle of the “old timers” as Vosloo faces his doubles partner De Jongh.
Play on Wednesday starts at 09h30.
Du Plessis was very happy with her performance as she was coming back from a three-month layoff but did express her concern about the weather. “I still need to work on my fitness level which is not up to scratch at the moment. I hope to go all the way in the tournament but it is going to be tough since I struggle in the heat.”
Men’s second seed Pieter Calitz was also not too hard pressed to oust Daneel Mathinus 6-3 6-1, a player he has beaten every time they have met. “Obviously knowing that he has never beaten me gave me a lot of confidence. He is a very good player with a big serve but what worked in my favour was how well I played the return ball,” said Calitz. “The courts are fast and if I can manage to settle well, get the shot going and the points coming, then I have a very good chance of progressing in the tournament.”
Michael de Jongh caused the first upset when he put out fifth seeded Rikus Becker of Gauteng North 6-3 6-3, while fourth seed Heinrich Heyl had to battle in the opening set before overcoming Andre Grobler from Eastern Province 7-5 6-1. Although unseeded, one player who could make them all gallop if he produces his best form is former Tour player Louis Vosloo. He certainly started off well enough, scoring a 6-2 6-0 victory over qualifier Gavin Smith of Western Province.
In the women’s draw there were also good wins for third seed Dennett Rachelle, fifth seeded Chantal Simpson and sixth seed Annelie van der Heever. Wednesday has some interesting matches with top seed Van der Merwe taking on highly regarded junior Hendrik Coertzen, Rikus de Villiers facing Jean Anderson, as well as the battle of the “old timers” as Vosloo faces his doubles partner De Jongh.
Play on Wednesday starts at 09h30.
MAN UNITED GETS ANOTHER CHANCE TO MOVE SIX POINTS AHEAD OF CHELSEA
Three days after squandering a great chance to go six points ahead of Chelsea in the Premier League title race, Manchester United has another opportunity on Wednesday.
The Red Devils host Everton while the Blues have a tough game at third-place Bolton.
Eight of the top nine clubs are in action - No. 4 Portsmouth is at No. 9 Liverpool, No. 5 Aston Villa is at home against erratic Manchester City, and No. 6 Arsenal travels to Fulham.
Man United, which has 35 points to lead Chelsea by three, hasn't lost in 13 home league games against Everton, which looks certain to be without England striker Andy Johnson because of a hamstring injury.
"He did it in the Bolton game and tried to play on with it," Everton manager David Moyes said Tuesday. "We don't think it's too bad, but it doesn't look as if he will play at United."
Moyes will also be without American goalkeeper Tim Howard, who is on loan from United and ineligible to play.
United is hoping that winger Cristiano Ronaldo and striker Louis Saha will play after being injured in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Old Trafford.
South Korean winger Park Ji-sung has resumed training after tearing ankle ligaments in September and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is recovering from a hamstring problem - but neither will play.
"Ji-sung and Ole will begin training this week, which is great news for us," said Ferguson, who also has one eye on next week's crucial Champions League game at home to Benfica. "With the hectic December period coming up, it is great we will have those players available."
Quinton Fortune is unlikely to face Chelsea at the Reebok Stadium after limping out of Bolton's 3-1 victory over Arsenal on Saturday. But the Blues will face Nicolas Anelka, who scored twice against former club Arsenal as the Trotters stayed third.
Chelsea has no new injury worries, but the form of striker Andriy Shevchenko is still a problem.
Hired from AC Milan for 30 million pounds (US$58.2 million; Ç44.4 million), the Ukraine striker has failed to find the form that resulted in 173 goals for the Italian club in seven seasons at the San Siro.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho may be tempted to start wingers Joe Cole and Arjen Robben alongside Didier Drogba and drop Shevchenko. He may also start midfielder Michael Essien at right back where he was so successful in the second half comeback against United.
Arsenal, which is 13 points behind Man United and needs to bounce back at Craven Cottage, hopes that Thierry Henry will be fit to return.
The France striker missed Saturday's loss with a neck injury and manager Arsene Wenger, who has Robin van Persie back after a one-game ban, also hopes that creative midfielder Tomas Rosicky will return from a hamstring problem.
Liverpool, which is back in ninth with 14 points to make up on the Red Devils, also has injury problems, especially in midfield.
The Red Devils host Everton while the Blues have a tough game at third-place Bolton.
Eight of the top nine clubs are in action - No. 4 Portsmouth is at No. 9 Liverpool, No. 5 Aston Villa is at home against erratic Manchester City, and No. 6 Arsenal travels to Fulham.
Man United, which has 35 points to lead Chelsea by three, hasn't lost in 13 home league games against Everton, which looks certain to be without England striker Andy Johnson because of a hamstring injury.
"He did it in the Bolton game and tried to play on with it," Everton manager David Moyes said Tuesday. "We don't think it's too bad, but it doesn't look as if he will play at United."
Moyes will also be without American goalkeeper Tim Howard, who is on loan from United and ineligible to play.
United is hoping that winger Cristiano Ronaldo and striker Louis Saha will play after being injured in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Old Trafford.
South Korean winger Park Ji-sung has resumed training after tearing ankle ligaments in September and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is recovering from a hamstring problem - but neither will play.
"Ji-sung and Ole will begin training this week, which is great news for us," said Ferguson, who also has one eye on next week's crucial Champions League game at home to Benfica. "With the hectic December period coming up, it is great we will have those players available."
Quinton Fortune is unlikely to face Chelsea at the Reebok Stadium after limping out of Bolton's 3-1 victory over Arsenal on Saturday. But the Blues will face Nicolas Anelka, who scored twice against former club Arsenal as the Trotters stayed third.
Chelsea has no new injury worries, but the form of striker Andriy Shevchenko is still a problem.
Hired from AC Milan for 30 million pounds (US$58.2 million; Ç44.4 million), the Ukraine striker has failed to find the form that resulted in 173 goals for the Italian club in seven seasons at the San Siro.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho may be tempted to start wingers Joe Cole and Arjen Robben alongside Didier Drogba and drop Shevchenko. He may also start midfielder Michael Essien at right back where he was so successful in the second half comeback against United.
Arsenal, which is 13 points behind Man United and needs to bounce back at Craven Cottage, hopes that Thierry Henry will be fit to return.
The France striker missed Saturday's loss with a neck injury and manager Arsene Wenger, who has Robin van Persie back after a one-game ban, also hopes that creative midfielder Tomas Rosicky will return from a hamstring problem.
Liverpool, which is back in ninth with 14 points to make up on the Red Devils, also has injury problems, especially in midfield.
Monday, November 27, 2006
SAA National Championships
Only one seeded player crashed out of the SAA National Championships on the opening day’s play at the Wanderers Tennis Club in Johannesburg on Monday. Eighth seeded Jenn Mari Potgieter of Gauteng North lost to Hedda Wolmarans 2-6 3-6 in the only upset of the day.
Second seed Kim Rudman of Gauteng Central had no trouble in beating Elsje Hendriks of Gauteng North 6-2 6-3 whilst fourth seed Debbie van Aswegen(Gauteng East) joined Rudman in the second round by beating Jessica Khats (Gauteng Central) 6-2 6-1.
The only other seed today in the women singles was Lisa Wade, the seventh seed from Gauteng East who lost only one game in a straight set win over Madri Potgieter of Gauteng North.
In the men singles only two seeds were in action on Monday. Third seed Benjamin Janse van Rensburg (Gauteng North) overcame a second set scare but beat compatriot Marcel Du Coudray 6-4 7-6 (7-3)
In the last match of the day fifth seed Rikus de Villiers of Kwazulu Natal fought hard to beat Petrus Janse van Rensburg of Gauteng North 6-4 6-3.
On Tuesday the remaining first round matches will be completed with the top seeds in action. Izak van der Merwe from Tshwane, the men’s number one will play against Michael Hills of Johannesburg on centre court at 10:30am and following that match women’s top seed Lizaan du Plessis of Eastern Province will play Veronique Luksich of Gauteng Central.
Second seed Kim Rudman of Gauteng Central had no trouble in beating Elsje Hendriks of Gauteng North 6-2 6-3 whilst fourth seed Debbie van Aswegen(Gauteng East) joined Rudman in the second round by beating Jessica Khats (Gauteng Central) 6-2 6-1.
The only other seed today in the women singles was Lisa Wade, the seventh seed from Gauteng East who lost only one game in a straight set win over Madri Potgieter of Gauteng North.
In the men singles only two seeds were in action on Monday. Third seed Benjamin Janse van Rensburg (Gauteng North) overcame a second set scare but beat compatriot Marcel Du Coudray 6-4 7-6 (7-3)
In the last match of the day fifth seed Rikus de Villiers of Kwazulu Natal fought hard to beat Petrus Janse van Rensburg of Gauteng North 6-4 6-3.
On Tuesday the remaining first round matches will be completed with the top seeds in action. Izak van der Merwe from Tshwane, the men’s number one will play against Michael Hills of Johannesburg on centre court at 10:30am and following that match women’s top seed Lizaan du Plessis of Eastern Province will play Veronique Luksich of Gauteng Central.
Formula One revs up for first tests of new era
Formula One teams return to the racetrack on Tuesday for the first tests of a new "post war" era, as well as one without Michael Schumacher.
The "tyre war" that has raged between Bridgestone and Michelin for the past six years ended with the final race of the season in Brazil last month, with the French manufacturer leaving the battleground.
For the first time since 2000, when Bridgestone was last the single supplier, the teams will all be shod by the Japanese company when testing starts up again after a five-week post-season ban.
"No amount of mathematical data can explain the subtleties of the tyres, and especially of the tyre compounds," said Pat Symonds, the Renault director of engineering whose team have won the last two championships with Michelin.
"We need to run on track in order to understand how to best use the tyres over a stint, what driving style they require, and their general strengths and weaknesses," he told the team Web site (www.renaultf1.com).
"The majority of our nine days will be spent trying to get a handle on these characteristics."
Renault, who have lost double champion Fernando Alonso to McLaren, will be testing in Barcelona with the Spaniard's replacement Heikki Kovalainen and Brazilian test driver Nelson Piquet Junior.
Italian Giancarlo Fisichella, the Finnish rookie's experienced team mate at Renault, hits the track a week later at the southern Jerez circuit.
"I don't think the move to Bridgestone can be understated, but it is also important not to overstate its importance," said Symonds. "On a technical level, the transition is one of the normal engineering challenges an F1 team faces."
FOUR BRITS
McLaren, without Alonso until January, will be in Barcelona with new signing Lewis Hamilton eager to get as much experience under his belt as possible before the season starts in Australia in March.
Kimi Raikkonen will not step into the retired Michael Schumacher's shoes at Ferrari until the New Year, with the Italian team in Barcelona with Brazilian Felipe Massa and testers Luca Badoer and Marc Gene.
Honda's Jenson Button would have joined compatriots Hamilton, Anthony Davidson and David Coulthard -- the biggest British contingent in Formula One since 2002 -- there but withdrew after cracking two ribs while karting.
Davidson will turn out for the first time as a Super Aguri race driver.
Mark Webber should slot in well enough for his first session with Red Bull, having worked with many of the personnel in the team's former existence as Jaguar.
The Australian, who is in the car on Tuesday and Wednesday before handing over to young German Michael Ammermueller on Thursday, will drive in unmarked overalls because he remains under contract to Williams until the end of the year.
Red Bull, who are switching to Renault power for 2007, will test with their existing Ferrari V8 engines.
Only three test sessions are scheduled between now and the New Year under a gentleman's agreement between the teams.
The "tyre war" that has raged between Bridgestone and Michelin for the past six years ended with the final race of the season in Brazil last month, with the French manufacturer leaving the battleground.
For the first time since 2000, when Bridgestone was last the single supplier, the teams will all be shod by the Japanese company when testing starts up again after a five-week post-season ban.
"No amount of mathematical data can explain the subtleties of the tyres, and especially of the tyre compounds," said Pat Symonds, the Renault director of engineering whose team have won the last two championships with Michelin.
"We need to run on track in order to understand how to best use the tyres over a stint, what driving style they require, and their general strengths and weaknesses," he told the team Web site (www.renaultf1.com).
"The majority of our nine days will be spent trying to get a handle on these characteristics."
Renault, who have lost double champion Fernando Alonso to McLaren, will be testing in Barcelona with the Spaniard's replacement Heikki Kovalainen and Brazilian test driver Nelson Piquet Junior.
Italian Giancarlo Fisichella, the Finnish rookie's experienced team mate at Renault, hits the track a week later at the southern Jerez circuit.
"I don't think the move to Bridgestone can be understated, but it is also important not to overstate its importance," said Symonds. "On a technical level, the transition is one of the normal engineering challenges an F1 team faces."
FOUR BRITS
McLaren, without Alonso until January, will be in Barcelona with new signing Lewis Hamilton eager to get as much experience under his belt as possible before the season starts in Australia in March.
Kimi Raikkonen will not step into the retired Michael Schumacher's shoes at Ferrari until the New Year, with the Italian team in Barcelona with Brazilian Felipe Massa and testers Luca Badoer and Marc Gene.
Honda's Jenson Button would have joined compatriots Hamilton, Anthony Davidson and David Coulthard -- the biggest British contingent in Formula One since 2002 -- there but withdrew after cracking two ribs while karting.
Davidson will turn out for the first time as a Super Aguri race driver.
Mark Webber should slot in well enough for his first session with Red Bull, having worked with many of the personnel in the team's former existence as Jaguar.
The Australian, who is in the car on Tuesday and Wednesday before handing over to young German Michael Ammermueller on Thursday, will drive in unmarked overalls because he remains under contract to Williams until the end of the year.
Red Bull, who are switching to Renault power for 2007, will test with their existing Ferrari V8 engines.
Only three test sessions are scheduled between now and the New Year under a gentleman's agreement between the teams.
Richie McCaw named IRB Player of the Year
The International Rugby Board today announced that Richie McCaw has been named IRB Player of the Year. The All Blacks captain scooped the top individual accolade at the IRB Awards in association with Emirates Airline, held this year at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, Scotland.
On an evening of celebration and reflection, New Zealand Rugby won a hat-trick of awards with the All Blacks named IRB Team of the Year for the second consecutive year and head coach Graham Henry winning the IRB Coach of the Year award.
The All Blacks have been the outstanding team in 2006 and will finish the year at number one in the IRB World Rankings – a position they have occupied since June 2004. Last year’s IRB Player of the Year Daniel Carter was again instrumental in the All Blacks’ success and was short-listed for the top prize again this time, however, the outstanding leadership and inspirational performances of skipper Richie McCaw was a key feature of New Zealand’s supremacy during the year.
The IRB Player of the Year award was considered by a panel of former rugby legends with 503 caps between them including Jonathan Davies, Keith Wood, Will Greenwood and Fabien Galthie, chaired by double Rugby World Cup winner John Eales. All major Test matches during 2006 were considered with Australia's Chris Latham, South Africa's Fourie du Preez and Ireland lock Paul O'Connell all short-listed alongside McCaw and Carter for the prestigious award.
The IRB Awards also recognise the future stars of the Game and France's outstanding young fly half Lionel Beauxis was named IRB Under 21 Player of the Year after starring in his country's triumph in the Under 21 World Championship on home soil this year, while Australia’s Josh Holmes was named IRB Under 19 Player of the Year after a string of outstanding performances for his country on the way to the Under 19 World Championship title in Dubai.
The award for IRB Sevens Team of the Year went to 2005/06 IRB Sevens Series winners and current Rugby World Cup Sevens champions Fiji, while Samoa's captain Uale Mai was named Sevens Player of the Year.
The IRB International Women's Personality of the Year was awarded to England flanker Margaret Alphonsi and the IRB Referee Award for Distinguished Service went to recently retired test official Peter Marshall.
The Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished service went to former All Black captain Brian Lochore, the IRB Development Award was given to Mike Luke, the Spirit of Rugby Award was presented to Bali bombings victim Polly Miller in recognition of her charity work for other burns victims since the atrocities.
IRB Hall of Fame
The glittering ceremony also saw the announcement of the inaugural inductees into the IRB Hall of Fame that was launched during the Awards ceremony. The IRB Hall of Fame has been established to chronicle the achievements and the special contribution of Rugby’s players, coaches, administrators, match of?cials, institutions and individuals. Inductees will be announced annually at the IRB Awards.
To commemorate the establishment of the IRB Hall of Fame and to recognise the proud history and traditions of the Game, including its origins, William Webb Ellis and Rugby School were enrolled into the Hall of Fame. Accepting the Award on behalf of the school and its most famous pupil was Headmaster Patrick Derham. Visit the IRB Hall of Fame website HERE.
IRB Awards in association with Emirates Airline – 2006 winners
IRB International Player of the Year: Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
IRB International Team of the Year: New Zealand
IRB International Coach of the Year: Graham Henry (New Zealand)
IRB International U19 Player of the Year: Josh Holmes (Australia)
IRB International U21 Player of the Year: Lionel Beauxis (France)
IRB International Sevens Team of the Year: Fiji
IRB International Sevens Player of the Year: Uale Mai (Samoa)
Spirit of Rugby Award: Polly Miller
Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service: Brian Lochore
IRB Referee Award for Distinguished Service: Peter Marshall
IRB International Women's Personality of the Year: Margaret Alphonsi
IRB Development Award: Mike Luke
IRB Hall of Fame inductees: William Webb Ellis and Rugby School
On an evening of celebration and reflection, New Zealand Rugby won a hat-trick of awards with the All Blacks named IRB Team of the Year for the second consecutive year and head coach Graham Henry winning the IRB Coach of the Year award.
The All Blacks have been the outstanding team in 2006 and will finish the year at number one in the IRB World Rankings – a position they have occupied since June 2004. Last year’s IRB Player of the Year Daniel Carter was again instrumental in the All Blacks’ success and was short-listed for the top prize again this time, however, the outstanding leadership and inspirational performances of skipper Richie McCaw was a key feature of New Zealand’s supremacy during the year.
The IRB Player of the Year award was considered by a panel of former rugby legends with 503 caps between them including Jonathan Davies, Keith Wood, Will Greenwood and Fabien Galthie, chaired by double Rugby World Cup winner John Eales. All major Test matches during 2006 were considered with Australia's Chris Latham, South Africa's Fourie du Preez and Ireland lock Paul O'Connell all short-listed alongside McCaw and Carter for the prestigious award.
The IRB Awards also recognise the future stars of the Game and France's outstanding young fly half Lionel Beauxis was named IRB Under 21 Player of the Year after starring in his country's triumph in the Under 21 World Championship on home soil this year, while Australia’s Josh Holmes was named IRB Under 19 Player of the Year after a string of outstanding performances for his country on the way to the Under 19 World Championship title in Dubai.
The award for IRB Sevens Team of the Year went to 2005/06 IRB Sevens Series winners and current Rugby World Cup Sevens champions Fiji, while Samoa's captain Uale Mai was named Sevens Player of the Year.
The IRB International Women's Personality of the Year was awarded to England flanker Margaret Alphonsi and the IRB Referee Award for Distinguished Service went to recently retired test official Peter Marshall.
The Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished service went to former All Black captain Brian Lochore, the IRB Development Award was given to Mike Luke, the Spirit of Rugby Award was presented to Bali bombings victim Polly Miller in recognition of her charity work for other burns victims since the atrocities.
IRB Hall of Fame
The glittering ceremony also saw the announcement of the inaugural inductees into the IRB Hall of Fame that was launched during the Awards ceremony. The IRB Hall of Fame has been established to chronicle the achievements and the special contribution of Rugby’s players, coaches, administrators, match of?cials, institutions and individuals. Inductees will be announced annually at the IRB Awards.
To commemorate the establishment of the IRB Hall of Fame and to recognise the proud history and traditions of the Game, including its origins, William Webb Ellis and Rugby School were enrolled into the Hall of Fame. Accepting the Award on behalf of the school and its most famous pupil was Headmaster Patrick Derham. Visit the IRB Hall of Fame website HERE.
IRB Awards in association with Emirates Airline – 2006 winners
IRB International Player of the Year: Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
IRB International Team of the Year: New Zealand
IRB International Coach of the Year: Graham Henry (New Zealand)
IRB International U19 Player of the Year: Josh Holmes (Australia)
IRB International U21 Player of the Year: Lionel Beauxis (France)
IRB International Sevens Team of the Year: Fiji
IRB International Sevens Player of the Year: Uale Mai (Samoa)
Spirit of Rugby Award: Polly Miller
Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service: Brian Lochore
IRB Referee Award for Distinguished Service: Peter Marshall
IRB International Women's Personality of the Year: Margaret Alphonsi
IRB Development Award: Mike Luke
IRB Hall of Fame inductees: William Webb Ellis and Rugby School
Sunday, November 26, 2006
IRB Awards
The IRB Awards in association with Emirates Airline take place in Glasgow, Scotland on Sunday night when the winner of the prestigious IRB Player of the Year will be announced.
New Zealand fly half and previous winner Dan Carter, Australia full back Chris Latham, New Zealand captain Richie McCaw, Ireland second row Paul O’Connell and South Africa scrum half Fourie du Preez are all nominated for the top individual accolade at the Awards, being held this year at the historic Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in the heart of Glasgow city centre.
The IRB Player of the Year is one of 12 categories of awards that include the IRB Coach of the Year, IRB Team of the Year, IRB Sevens Player of the Year, IRB Sevens Team of the Year and IRB Women’s Personality of the Year. The event also recognises Age Grade Rugby and there is a special Spirit of Rugby award which honours outstanding contribution to the Game.
The glittering ceremony will also see the announcement of the inaugural inductees into the IRB Hall of Fame.
New Zealand fly half and previous winner Dan Carter, Australia full back Chris Latham, New Zealand captain Richie McCaw, Ireland second row Paul O’Connell and South Africa scrum half Fourie du Preez are all nominated for the top individual accolade at the Awards, being held this year at the historic Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in the heart of Glasgow city centre.
The IRB Player of the Year is one of 12 categories of awards that include the IRB Coach of the Year, IRB Team of the Year, IRB Sevens Player of the Year, IRB Sevens Team of the Year and IRB Women’s Personality of the Year. The event also recognises Age Grade Rugby and there is a special Spirit of Rugby award which honours outstanding contribution to the Game.
The glittering ceremony will also see the announcement of the inaugural inductees into the IRB Hall of Fame.
Paddler assaulted in home
A paddler in the Hansa Powerade 50 Miler became another crime statistic which stopped him from taking the start line for the second day of the event at Inanda Dam today.
Dusi star, Loveday Zondi, who made Dusi history when he finished 3rd in the last k1 (singles) Dusi in 2005 was assaulted in his home near Inanda Dam and ended up in hospital.
According to a member of a TV crew that was filming the star at his home during the night, a man who appeared to be drunk was asked to leave the Zondi residence. The man threw a rock at Zondi which dislocated his shoulder. The crew who are filming a documentary for international TV networks captured some of the drama on video.
“It is such a shame that this happened to one of South Africa’s top sportsman. Not only did this stop his race dead in it’s tracks, I think this puts his chances of a victory in the Hansa Powerade Dusi in January in jeopardy” said Ray de Vries spokesman for the event.
“When Loveday didn’t arrive at the start of the second day of the Hansa Powerade 50 Miler, we became really worried. A member of the TV crew informed me as to what had happened and I alerted race officials.
Zondi was admitted to Greys Hospital where it was confirmed that he had dislocated his left shoulder. He was discharged from the hospital after midnight last night (Saturday).
“I spoke to Loveday earlier today and he was sad that his race had ended, but was overwhelmed by the messages of support he had received from his fellow paddlers and others in the canoeing fraternity” said de Vries
Dusi star, Loveday Zondi, who made Dusi history when he finished 3rd in the last k1 (singles) Dusi in 2005 was assaulted in his home near Inanda Dam and ended up in hospital.
According to a member of a TV crew that was filming the star at his home during the night, a man who appeared to be drunk was asked to leave the Zondi residence. The man threw a rock at Zondi which dislocated his shoulder. The crew who are filming a documentary for international TV networks captured some of the drama on video.
“It is such a shame that this happened to one of South Africa’s top sportsman. Not only did this stop his race dead in it’s tracks, I think this puts his chances of a victory in the Hansa Powerade Dusi in January in jeopardy” said Ray de Vries spokesman for the event.
“When Loveday didn’t arrive at the start of the second day of the Hansa Powerade 50 Miler, we became really worried. A member of the TV crew informed me as to what had happened and I alerted race officials.
Zondi was admitted to Greys Hospital where it was confirmed that he had dislocated his left shoulder. He was discharged from the hospital after midnight last night (Saturday).
“I spoke to Loveday earlier today and he was sad that his race had ended, but was overwhelmed by the messages of support he had received from his fellow paddlers and others in the canoeing fraternity” said de Vries
Friday, November 24, 2006
Rugby Rankings this weekend
With nine of the top 10 teams playing this weekend, the results could bring about a number of changes to the IRB World Rankings, as detailed below.
New Zealand, currently 1st
Win or lose against Wales at the Millennium Stadium, New Zealand will remain at the top of the IRB World Rankings.
France, currently 2nd
If France defeat Argentina at Stade de France, they will remain in second in the IRB World Rankings. If they lose, they could end up as low as fourth, depending on other results.
Ireland, currently 3rd
As they are playing the Pacific Islands, the result of this match will not count towards the IRB World Rankings. However, Ireland could drop below Australia and South Africa if either record wins this weekend.
Australia, currently 4th
If Australia defeat Scotland, they will remain at least in third in the rankings. If Argentina also defeat France, Australia will go up to second. If Australia lose to Scotland, they could end up as low as fifth in the rankings.
South Africa, currently 5th
South Africa could reclaim third place in the IRB World Rankings, if they defeat England and Scotland beat Australia. Defeat against England will not affect the Springboks' fifth place ranking.
Argentina, currently 6th
Even if they defeat France, Argentina will remain in sixth place in the IRB World Rankings. If they lose, they will only drop to seventh if England see off South Africa.
England, currently 7th
England will go up to sixth if they defeat South Africa and France overcome Argentina in Paris. Should Argentina win, however, then they will remain ahead of England in the rankings. Should England lose and Scotland defeat Australia, they will drop to eighth in the rankings.
Scotland, currently 8th
Scotland could move up one place in the IRB World Rankings to seventh if they can get the better of Australia, and South Africa defeat England. If they lose and Wales can overcome New Zealand, they will drop to ninth.
Wales, currently 9th
Wales could move up to seventh if they can beat the number one-ranked team in the world and other results go in their favour. A defeat will not have any effect on their position in the rankings.
Italy, currently 12th
Italy will remain in 12th, even if they defeat Canada by more than 15 points. They will, however, move to within 0.4 rating points of Fiji in 11th. If they lose to Canada, the Italians will fall to 13th in the rankings.
Canada, currently 13th
If Canada defeat Italy, they will replace the Azzurri in 12th. If they lose, they will drop to 14th, 0.01 rating points behind USA.
A full explanation of the IRB World Rankings system can be found at irb.com.
New Zealand, currently 1st
Win or lose against Wales at the Millennium Stadium, New Zealand will remain at the top of the IRB World Rankings.
France, currently 2nd
If France defeat Argentina at Stade de France, they will remain in second in the IRB World Rankings. If they lose, they could end up as low as fourth, depending on other results.
Ireland, currently 3rd
As they are playing the Pacific Islands, the result of this match will not count towards the IRB World Rankings. However, Ireland could drop below Australia and South Africa if either record wins this weekend.
Australia, currently 4th
If Australia defeat Scotland, they will remain at least in third in the rankings. If Argentina also defeat France, Australia will go up to second. If Australia lose to Scotland, they could end up as low as fifth in the rankings.
South Africa, currently 5th
South Africa could reclaim third place in the IRB World Rankings, if they defeat England and Scotland beat Australia. Defeat against England will not affect the Springboks' fifth place ranking.
Argentina, currently 6th
Even if they defeat France, Argentina will remain in sixth place in the IRB World Rankings. If they lose, they will only drop to seventh if England see off South Africa.
England, currently 7th
England will go up to sixth if they defeat South Africa and France overcome Argentina in Paris. Should Argentina win, however, then they will remain ahead of England in the rankings. Should England lose and Scotland defeat Australia, they will drop to eighth in the rankings.
Scotland, currently 8th
Scotland could move up one place in the IRB World Rankings to seventh if they can get the better of Australia, and South Africa defeat England. If they lose and Wales can overcome New Zealand, they will drop to ninth.
Wales, currently 9th
Wales could move up to seventh if they can beat the number one-ranked team in the world and other results go in their favour. A defeat will not have any effect on their position in the rankings.
Italy, currently 12th
Italy will remain in 12th, even if they defeat Canada by more than 15 points. They will, however, move to within 0.4 rating points of Fiji in 11th. If they lose to Canada, the Italians will fall to 13th in the rankings.
Canada, currently 13th
If Canada defeat Italy, they will replace the Azzurri in 12th. If they lose, they will drop to 14th, 0.01 rating points behind USA.
A full explanation of the IRB World Rankings system can be found at irb.com.
RACE ORGANISERS TO CONSULT EC OVER "UNFAIR" PROTOUR
Organisers of some of the world's biggest cycle races are to call upon the European Commission over the running of cycling's elite calendar, the Pro Tour.
The Pro Tour was introduced two years ago by former International Cycling Union (UCI) president Hein Verbruggen.
However its introduction was met by a lot of resistance from race organisers, some of whom have since been marginalised.
The biggest current gripe of race organisers is that the current format of the Pro Tour - which consists of having the biggest teams racing in an elite calendar of over 20 races per seasons - is too restrictive.
In a statement issued here Friday, the AIOCC, the international association of cycling race organisers, voted 81 percent in favour of appealing to the European Commission.
"We have decided to consult the European Commission to show our opposition to what we believe is a closed system of competition in the ProTour," said the statement.
Eighty-seven race organisers from 12 countries participated in the meeting in Paris.
Among its many roles the European Commission regulates competition in the European Union. It vets all mergers with Community-wide effects and initiates proceedings against companies which violate EU competition laws.
The Pro Tour was introduced two years ago by former International Cycling Union (UCI) president Hein Verbruggen.
However its introduction was met by a lot of resistance from race organisers, some of whom have since been marginalised.
The biggest current gripe of race organisers is that the current format of the Pro Tour - which consists of having the biggest teams racing in an elite calendar of over 20 races per seasons - is too restrictive.
In a statement issued here Friday, the AIOCC, the international association of cycling race organisers, voted 81 percent in favour of appealing to the European Commission.
"We have decided to consult the European Commission to show our opposition to what we believe is a closed system of competition in the ProTour," said the statement.
Eighty-seven race organisers from 12 countries participated in the meeting in Paris.
Among its many roles the European Commission regulates competition in the European Union. It vets all mergers with Community-wide effects and initiates proceedings against companies which violate EU competition laws.
Hansa Powerade 50 Miler canoe marathon
An air of intrigue surrounds the weekend’s Hansa Powerade 50 Miler canoe marathon, as the season unashamedly shifts to preparations for the Dusi in mid January.
The 50 Miler course embraces the second half of the Dusi first day and the first half of the Dusi second day, while the second stage is identical to the Dusi final stage into Blue Lagoon in Durban.
A strong field has been assembled for the race which includes most of the paddlers that will be shortlisted as potential Dusi winners, bar the Dusi defending champion Hank McGregor, who has opted instead to head for the SA double ski championships in Knysna instead.
That leaves Len Jenkins as the clear favourite to take the two day race, and with it the tactical high ground in the crucial build-up to the Dusi in January.
Also in A batch are a number of potent K1 paddlers, all capable of winning the race and seriously contesting a podium place in the Dusi. Sven Bruss has been in excellent form, and he will start alongside his older brother Deon, and good friend Shaun Biggs.
Biggs, whose career in the SA K4 team has been truncated by commitments to his family’s nursery, is arguably the best river paddler in the country, and is coming off the training base that earned him a silver medal at the world marathon championships with Shaun Rubenstein.
Now paddling for Gauteng clubs Michael Mbanjwa and Loveday Zondi are both fixated on winning a Dusi K1 title and have both been preparing for this season with great determination. Both were raised in the Valley of a Thousand Hills and learnt to paddle at Robert Lembethes club at Nagle Dam, very close to the first stage of the 50 Miler course.
Also in contention are fellow Gauteng stars Jacques Theron, Piers Cruikshanks, Stu Rawlinson, Mike Stewart and Mike Harris, and local speedsters Brett Bartho, Jason Graham an Scott Rutherfoord, who is on the comeback trail.
The undisputed “Dusi Duke” Martin Dreyer is also in the field. While the 38 year old downplays his chances in the January showcase, he has a deep seated competitive streak that will make him a factor in virtually every race he takes part in. he has enjoyed a stellar year adventure racing, but has admitted to being lured back to the Dusi once again.
In the women’s race Alexa Lombard and Abbey Miedema line up alongside each other for what promises to be an intriguing race between two women who have both won the Dusi title. Carol Joyce is another top paddler who has opted to travel to Knysna instead of racing the 50 Miler.
The 50 Miler is also synonymous with cat-and-mouse tactics, as many paddlers with serious intentions of winning the Dusi title in January will be reluctant to show their hand in late November, and many opt to play a low key part in the 50 Miler and use it as part of their training and planning for the three day race in January,
The 50 Miler is sharply different to the Dusi, despite the fact that it shares the same two rivers. While the Dusi is blatantly designed around portages that either take short cuts or eliminate rough sections of river, the 50 Miler is intended to be a paddling race, and forces the paddlers to negotiate the rough water by outlawing most of the Dusi portages.
The first day starts just above Mission rapid and ends some distance below Ngumeni hill, with the second day starting at Nagle Dam and ending at Blue Lagoon in Durban.
The 50 Miler course embraces the second half of the Dusi first day and the first half of the Dusi second day, while the second stage is identical to the Dusi final stage into Blue Lagoon in Durban.
A strong field has been assembled for the race which includes most of the paddlers that will be shortlisted as potential Dusi winners, bar the Dusi defending champion Hank McGregor, who has opted instead to head for the SA double ski championships in Knysna instead.
That leaves Len Jenkins as the clear favourite to take the two day race, and with it the tactical high ground in the crucial build-up to the Dusi in January.
Also in A batch are a number of potent K1 paddlers, all capable of winning the race and seriously contesting a podium place in the Dusi. Sven Bruss has been in excellent form, and he will start alongside his older brother Deon, and good friend Shaun Biggs.
Biggs, whose career in the SA K4 team has been truncated by commitments to his family’s nursery, is arguably the best river paddler in the country, and is coming off the training base that earned him a silver medal at the world marathon championships with Shaun Rubenstein.
Now paddling for Gauteng clubs Michael Mbanjwa and Loveday Zondi are both fixated on winning a Dusi K1 title and have both been preparing for this season with great determination. Both were raised in the Valley of a Thousand Hills and learnt to paddle at Robert Lembethes club at Nagle Dam, very close to the first stage of the 50 Miler course.
Also in contention are fellow Gauteng stars Jacques Theron, Piers Cruikshanks, Stu Rawlinson, Mike Stewart and Mike Harris, and local speedsters Brett Bartho, Jason Graham an Scott Rutherfoord, who is on the comeback trail.
The undisputed “Dusi Duke” Martin Dreyer is also in the field. While the 38 year old downplays his chances in the January showcase, he has a deep seated competitive streak that will make him a factor in virtually every race he takes part in. he has enjoyed a stellar year adventure racing, but has admitted to being lured back to the Dusi once again.
In the women’s race Alexa Lombard and Abbey Miedema line up alongside each other for what promises to be an intriguing race between two women who have both won the Dusi title. Carol Joyce is another top paddler who has opted to travel to Knysna instead of racing the 50 Miler.
The 50 Miler is also synonymous with cat-and-mouse tactics, as many paddlers with serious intentions of winning the Dusi title in January will be reluctant to show their hand in late November, and many opt to play a low key part in the 50 Miler and use it as part of their training and planning for the three day race in January,
The 50 Miler is sharply different to the Dusi, despite the fact that it shares the same two rivers. While the Dusi is blatantly designed around portages that either take short cuts or eliminate rough sections of river, the 50 Miler is intended to be a paddling race, and forces the paddlers to negotiate the rough water by outlawing most of the Dusi portages.
The first day starts just above Mission rapid and ends some distance below Ngumeni hill, with the second day starting at Nagle Dam and ending at Blue Lagoon in Durban.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
American Hall of Famer Inkster confirmed for Women’s World Cup of Golf
The third Women’s World Cup of Golf will feature a mix of established stars and new talent on the fairways of the Gary Player Country Club in January.
All 22 countries have finalised their teams for the 19-21 January event at Sun City. American LPGA Tour and World Golf Halls of Famer Juli Inkster, English legend Laura Davies and the talented Carin Koch from Sweden have confirmed their participation.
South Africa will once again be represented by the experienced Laurette Maritz and teenager Ashleigh Simon, with the latter fresh from leading her country to victory in the world Amateur Teams Championships.
Inkster is one of the most respected players in the women’s game and will team up with Pat Hurst, who has made over $1-million in earnings this season.
Inkster’s career began in 1983, six years before South African Simon was born, when she was named Rookie of the Year.
Inkster, a mother of two teenage daughters, has multiple LPGA Tour victories to her name, adding another this season at the Safeway International. Renowned for her consistency and resilience, Inkster has also managed 12 top tens from 21 events in 2006.
Hurst’s consistency has been as impressive, and she earned her way on to the American team with 15 top 20 finishes.
The Americans finished fourth at the 2006 Women’s World Cup of Golf and will again be challenged by defending champions Sweden and inaugural winners Japan.
Sweden has selected Koch and Helen Alfredsson to defend the title they won at Sun City last year, while Japan will be represented by Momoko Ueda and Shinobu Moromizato.
Of the other countries taking part, Jennifer Rosales returns as the most experienced campaigner in the team from the Philippines.
The veteran English pair of Davies and Trish Johnson also bring a wealth of experience with them. Davies is ranked first on the Ladies European Tour, while Johnson, a Solheim Cup teammate of Davies, has accumulated an astonishing 101 top tens in her career.
Becky Brewerton and Becky Morgan, two highly accomplished players, have confirmed their participation for Wales, who ended third in 2006.
From an African perspective, Kenya will make their debut in the tournament in 2007. As part of the vision of the organisers to grow the game in Africa, the Kenyans were invited as official observers to the 2006 event.
Another first in 2007 will be the four development players who will take part in the official Pro-Am preceding the tournament.
Telecommunications giant Telkom has also confirmed a three-year sponsorship of the Women’s World Cup of Golf, which will play a key role in assisting the tournament to meet its charity objectives.
As part of several projects set up by the organisers, a craft market will be housed in the public village at next year’s event, where local crafters can sell their wares.
Another project encouraging youth involvement will see school choirs in the province hold a provincial “sing off” to win the right to sing at the opening ceremony.
And in partnership with Avis, rural woman in the North West province have been paid to grow 500 hanging baskets of flowers for the tee boxes at the course. These flowers will be sold off during the tournament to raise money for several worthwhile charities.
The funds from the tournament will also be used to build five houses in the province to house families suffering from HIV and AIDS.
The tournament is also fast becoming one of the biggest social events on the South African corporate calendar, and in 2007 official sponsor in Jenna Clifford is harnessing her association in joining with Olympic gold-medal-winning swimmer Ryk Neethling who will be amongst the celebrities attending.
All 22 countries have finalised their teams for the 19-21 January event at Sun City. American LPGA Tour and World Golf Halls of Famer Juli Inkster, English legend Laura Davies and the talented Carin Koch from Sweden have confirmed their participation.
South Africa will once again be represented by the experienced Laurette Maritz and teenager Ashleigh Simon, with the latter fresh from leading her country to victory in the world Amateur Teams Championships.
Inkster is one of the most respected players in the women’s game and will team up with Pat Hurst, who has made over $1-million in earnings this season.
Inkster’s career began in 1983, six years before South African Simon was born, when she was named Rookie of the Year.
Inkster, a mother of two teenage daughters, has multiple LPGA Tour victories to her name, adding another this season at the Safeway International. Renowned for her consistency and resilience, Inkster has also managed 12 top tens from 21 events in 2006.
Hurst’s consistency has been as impressive, and she earned her way on to the American team with 15 top 20 finishes.
The Americans finished fourth at the 2006 Women’s World Cup of Golf and will again be challenged by defending champions Sweden and inaugural winners Japan.
Sweden has selected Koch and Helen Alfredsson to defend the title they won at Sun City last year, while Japan will be represented by Momoko Ueda and Shinobu Moromizato.
Of the other countries taking part, Jennifer Rosales returns as the most experienced campaigner in the team from the Philippines.
The veteran English pair of Davies and Trish Johnson also bring a wealth of experience with them. Davies is ranked first on the Ladies European Tour, while Johnson, a Solheim Cup teammate of Davies, has accumulated an astonishing 101 top tens in her career.
Becky Brewerton and Becky Morgan, two highly accomplished players, have confirmed their participation for Wales, who ended third in 2006.
From an African perspective, Kenya will make their debut in the tournament in 2007. As part of the vision of the organisers to grow the game in Africa, the Kenyans were invited as official observers to the 2006 event.
Another first in 2007 will be the four development players who will take part in the official Pro-Am preceding the tournament.
Telecommunications giant Telkom has also confirmed a three-year sponsorship of the Women’s World Cup of Golf, which will play a key role in assisting the tournament to meet its charity objectives.
As part of several projects set up by the organisers, a craft market will be housed in the public village at next year’s event, where local crafters can sell their wares.
Another project encouraging youth involvement will see school choirs in the province hold a provincial “sing off” to win the right to sing at the opening ceremony.
And in partnership with Avis, rural woman in the North West province have been paid to grow 500 hanging baskets of flowers for the tee boxes at the course. These flowers will be sold off during the tournament to raise money for several worthwhile charities.
The funds from the tournament will also be used to build five houses in the province to house families suffering from HIV and AIDS.
The tournament is also fast becoming one of the biggest social events on the South African corporate calendar, and in 2007 official sponsor in Jenna Clifford is harnessing her association in joining with Olympic gold-medal-winning swimmer Ryk Neethling who will be amongst the celebrities attending.
Torrance out, but Sandy Lyle joins NMI field
Former Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance has been forced to withdraw just three days before the start of the seventh annual Nelson Mandela Invitational presented by Coca-Cola and hosted by Gary Player because of a hand injury.
The Scot, who is a past visitor to the tournament staged at the Arabella Country Estate, injured his hand two weeks ago. The injury forced him to pull out of the Arcapital Seniors Tour Championship in Bahrain after only nine holes and his hand has not responded to treatment.
“I am very disappointed to be missing the NMI,” Torrance said. “Suzanne and I had been looking forward to the event for ages but when I tried hitting a few balls yesterday for the first time since Bahrain I knew that I wouldn't be able to play.
“I am so sorry to let the tournament organisers down but I do hope that all concerned have a great event and I'd love to come back another year.”
His place among the Champions Tour participants will be taken by fellow Scot and former Masters champion Sandy Lyle. Speaking from Arabella, tournament host Gary Player said: “We are very sorry that Sam will not be able to make it, but are delighted that Sandy Lyle has agreed to join us at such short notice. It is wonderful to have another Major winner in the field supporting our event, which has as its focus the needy children of South Africa.”
Three-time Winter Tour Order of Merit winner Thomas Aiken was another late withdrawal after making it through to the final stage of PGA Tour School in America. While it is disappointing for the NMI to lose a player of Aiken’s calibre, it is a fantastic opportunity for the youngster to secure playing privileges in the United States.
Aiken will be replaced by the runner-up at the Coca-Cola Charity Championship, currently being played at Arabella. The winner of this Sunshine Tour event has already been guaranteed a place in the NMI.
Kelli Shean, who was a member of the victorious South African Women’s team that won the recent World Amateur Team Championship, has also been added to the field.
Shean, a member of the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation, joins SA teammate Ashleigh Simon, 2007 European team Solheim Cup captain Helen Alfredsson and LPGA veteran Sally Little in what will be a strong showing of top women’s golf in this year’s event.
The tournament features a host of professional golfers, celebrities and businesspeople in a 36-hole fourball alliance competition.
The professionals also play in a separate 36-hole betterball medal competition.
The Gary Player-hosted Nelson Mandela Invitational will be played at Arabella Golf club near Hermanus in the Western Cape on 25 and 26 November. Acknowledged as South Africa’s premier sports charity event, the NMI has raised more than R15 million for its beneficiary charities, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and Gary Player Foundation. Daily entrance tickets at R70 per adult (children under 18 free) are available through Computicket.
Cycling's night of stars
South African cycling's stars and personalities gathered last night for the sixth edition of the Go Banking Cyclist of the Year Awards Banquet, and for the first time the top honour in the men's road category was shared between two cyclists.
David George and Robert Hunter were jointly named as South African Cyclist of the Year for 2006. George had his best year in a professional career spanning more than ten years with victory in the Tour de Langkawi, a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games as well as strong rides in some of Europe's toughest events, including an 11th spot overall in the Tour of Bourgos.
Hunter was the right hand man of Floyd Landis during his victory in this year's Tour de France and produced the best ever ride by a South African in a Grand Tour.
The almost 300 guests at the black tie affair at Nedbank's Africa headquarters in Sandton were entertained by hosts Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwin, universally regarded as the voices of cycling in the English speaking world, and the duo certainly didn't disappoint.
In between awarding the accolades they astonished the venerable who's who of the cycling world with their knowledge - not only of international affairs, but also of the South African cycling scene.
They were on the spot with correct pronunciations of so many uniquely South African names and places and Sherwin, who lives in Uganda, showed a very good grasp of what it takes to make a living in Africa. Although born in England, he has been living in Africa for almost ten years now and regards himself as an African!
Proline's Marissa van der Merwe walked away with the top honour among the women's road cyclists for the second consecutive year while talented young Cherise Taylor received the nod for most promising women's road cyclist.
On the mountain-bike scene Greg Minnaar won the award for Overall Mountain-biker of the Year for the fifth consecutive year and is becoming as consistent as winner of the award as he is on the international downhill circuit. Greg has stepped onto the world championship podium in 5 out of the last six years.
Burry Stander received the award for men's cross country rider of the year while Yolanda de Villiers, who won the award for most promising mountain-biker last year, claimed overall honours in the women's cross country category.
On the race front the two events that won awards last year successfully defended their titles in 2006. The Colorpress Crater Cruise won the award for mountain-bike race of the year while the Pick 'n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge was announced as road race of the year for the third time.
David George and Robert Hunter were jointly named as South African Cyclist of the Year for 2006. George had his best year in a professional career spanning more than ten years with victory in the Tour de Langkawi, a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games as well as strong rides in some of Europe's toughest events, including an 11th spot overall in the Tour of Bourgos.
Hunter was the right hand man of Floyd Landis during his victory in this year's Tour de France and produced the best ever ride by a South African in a Grand Tour.
The almost 300 guests at the black tie affair at Nedbank's Africa headquarters in Sandton were entertained by hosts Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwin, universally regarded as the voices of cycling in the English speaking world, and the duo certainly didn't disappoint.
In between awarding the accolades they astonished the venerable who's who of the cycling world with their knowledge - not only of international affairs, but also of the South African cycling scene.
They were on the spot with correct pronunciations of so many uniquely South African names and places and Sherwin, who lives in Uganda, showed a very good grasp of what it takes to make a living in Africa. Although born in England, he has been living in Africa for almost ten years now and regards himself as an African!
Proline's Marissa van der Merwe walked away with the top honour among the women's road cyclists for the second consecutive year while talented young Cherise Taylor received the nod for most promising women's road cyclist.
On the mountain-bike scene Greg Minnaar won the award for Overall Mountain-biker of the Year for the fifth consecutive year and is becoming as consistent as winner of the award as he is on the international downhill circuit. Greg has stepped onto the world championship podium in 5 out of the last six years.
Burry Stander received the award for men's cross country rider of the year while Yolanda de Villiers, who won the award for most promising mountain-biker last year, claimed overall honours in the women's cross country category.
On the race front the two events that won awards last year successfully defended their titles in 2006. The Colorpress Crater Cruise won the award for mountain-bike race of the year while the Pick 'n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge was announced as road race of the year for the third time.
Monday, November 20, 2006
EASTERN CAPE TO SCRUMDOWN ON FUTURE STRATEGIES
Good news at last for troubled rugby in the Eastern Cape – a confirmed Indaba called “The Scrumdown” which is endorsed by all rugby structures and stakeholders, including South African Rugby, the three Eastern Cape Unions and the provincial government structures.
The Indaba follows a period of turbulence ranging from leadership battles, financial problems, to home-bred stars being attracted to other unions and dwindling spectator numbers at key venues.
The objective of the Indaba, say organizers, is to formulate a blueprint to revive and develop rugby in the Eastern Cape and to ensure that it is run in accordance with good governance principles and practice. Role players expect the Indaba to give rise to a renaissance for rugby in the region, which will set the tone for the country’s transformation in rugby.
The “Scrumdown” Indaba will be all-inclusive, with representatives from national, provincial and local government, community and business leaders, rugby administrators, Union officials and representatives involved in developmental initiatives at schools, rural and regional rugby level.
The Indaba follows a period of turbulence ranging from leadership battles, financial problems, to home-bred stars being attracted to other unions and dwindling spectator numbers at key venues.
The objective of the Indaba, say organizers, is to formulate a blueprint to revive and develop rugby in the Eastern Cape and to ensure that it is run in accordance with good governance principles and practice. Role players expect the Indaba to give rise to a renaissance for rugby in the region, which will set the tone for the country’s transformation in rugby.
The “Scrumdown” Indaba will be all-inclusive, with representatives from national, provincial and local government, community and business leaders, rugby administrators, Union officials and representatives involved in developmental initiatives at schools, rural and regional rugby level.
VULINDLELA TO FLY THE SA FLAG IN MALAYSIA
A1 Team South Africa travels to Malaysia this week to join 22 other nations in contesting the fourth round of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport at the ultra-modern Sepang International Circuit 60 km south of Kuala Lumpur.
Twenty-year-old Adrian Zaugg, who got A1 Team South Africa off to the best possible start by convincingly winning the season-opening sprint race at Zandvoort in the Netherlands in October, will be at the wheel of Vulindlela (which means 'clear the way') and looking for his country's second win in this unique motor racing series that pits nation against nation in identical 550 bhp V8 A1GP formula cars.
Two weeks ago in Beijing, China the Red Bull Junior Team driver was the unofficial driver of the day in round three when he came from the back of the 22-car grid to finish a remarkable fifth in the feature race. It was a stunning drive, during which he held off a strong challenge from A1 Team Czech Republic's Tomas Enge in the closing stages to finish four tenths of a second ahead of the former Formula One driver and A1GP winner and three tenths of a second behind A1 Team France (Nicolas Lapierre).
"Vulindlela has proved to be one of the quickest cars so far this season and the two races at Sepang (a 20-minute sprint race on Sunday morning and a 70-minute feature race on Sunday afternoon) provide us with an opportunity to put more points on the board and improve our position in the championship," said Zaugg.
Zaugg has been one of the 'rookie' finds in a second season of A1 that has been marked by strong performances by rookie drivers. He was unfortunate to be knocked out of the feature race in the Netherlands in a first lap incident and was again disappointed in the sprint race in China after clipping a wall on the Beijing street circuit and then being hit by another car.
Problems with the brand new Beijing circuit (it was the first motor race ever held in Beijing) resulted in the only official practice session being used to determine the starting grid for the feature race. Zaugg, who was still settling in to the practice session when it ended prematurely, had to settle for an unexpected seventh place on the grid.
"We didn't really have any time to test the car before the Beijing sprint race," said Zaugg. "I'm sure we would have done a lot better than seventh. There were few overtaking opportunities on the narrow street circuit, with the result that the finishing order was pretty much unchanged from the starting order, with the exception of my retirement."
The young South Africa marginally misjudged a turn on lap three and barely touched the wall with his right rear wheel. His car was tipped into a spun and was narrowly missed by three cars before being hit by a fourth.
"It was my fault," said Zaugg. "It was difficult concentrating on the car in front and the car behind while keeping the right line during the opening laps. I got too close to the wall in turn nine and there was contact with my rear wheel. This kind of thing happens in street races, where there are no curbs. I'm just sorry for the team and our supporters that it was me.
"We'll be doing our very best to make up for it with two good results in Malaysia," he promised.
Sepang International Circuit is a clockwise 5,54-km circuit featuring 15 turns and eight straights and is located 60 km south of Kuala Lumpur. The circuit is covered by 27 closed circuit television cameras via fibre optic cabling and includes on-line, real time tracking of race cars, combined with electronic marshal posts that flash coloured warning lights to the drivers instead of flags.
Its architecture is unique and blends modern technology with the Malaysian culture. It can accommodate some 130 000 spectators with 30 000 alone in the unique double-fronted main grandstand whose roof resembles a banana leaf. The Canopy Tower, nestling at the tip of the V-shaped double grandstand, has a roof resembling the Malaysian national flower, the hibiscus.
Twenty-year-old Adrian Zaugg, who got A1 Team South Africa off to the best possible start by convincingly winning the season-opening sprint race at Zandvoort in the Netherlands in October, will be at the wheel of Vulindlela (which means 'clear the way') and looking for his country's second win in this unique motor racing series that pits nation against nation in identical 550 bhp V8 A1GP formula cars.
Two weeks ago in Beijing, China the Red Bull Junior Team driver was the unofficial driver of the day in round three when he came from the back of the 22-car grid to finish a remarkable fifth in the feature race. It was a stunning drive, during which he held off a strong challenge from A1 Team Czech Republic's Tomas Enge in the closing stages to finish four tenths of a second ahead of the former Formula One driver and A1GP winner and three tenths of a second behind A1 Team France (Nicolas Lapierre).
"Vulindlela has proved to be one of the quickest cars so far this season and the two races at Sepang (a 20-minute sprint race on Sunday morning and a 70-minute feature race on Sunday afternoon) provide us with an opportunity to put more points on the board and improve our position in the championship," said Zaugg.
Zaugg has been one of the 'rookie' finds in a second season of A1 that has been marked by strong performances by rookie drivers. He was unfortunate to be knocked out of the feature race in the Netherlands in a first lap incident and was again disappointed in the sprint race in China after clipping a wall on the Beijing street circuit and then being hit by another car.
Problems with the brand new Beijing circuit (it was the first motor race ever held in Beijing) resulted in the only official practice session being used to determine the starting grid for the feature race. Zaugg, who was still settling in to the practice session when it ended prematurely, had to settle for an unexpected seventh place on the grid.
"We didn't really have any time to test the car before the Beijing sprint race," said Zaugg. "I'm sure we would have done a lot better than seventh. There were few overtaking opportunities on the narrow street circuit, with the result that the finishing order was pretty much unchanged from the starting order, with the exception of my retirement."
The young South Africa marginally misjudged a turn on lap three and barely touched the wall with his right rear wheel. His car was tipped into a spun and was narrowly missed by three cars before being hit by a fourth.
"It was my fault," said Zaugg. "It was difficult concentrating on the car in front and the car behind while keeping the right line during the opening laps. I got too close to the wall in turn nine and there was contact with my rear wheel. This kind of thing happens in street races, where there are no curbs. I'm just sorry for the team and our supporters that it was me.
"We'll be doing our very best to make up for it with two good results in Malaysia," he promised.
Sepang International Circuit is a clockwise 5,54-km circuit featuring 15 turns and eight straights and is located 60 km south of Kuala Lumpur. The circuit is covered by 27 closed circuit television cameras via fibre optic cabling and includes on-line, real time tracking of race cars, combined with electronic marshal posts that flash coloured warning lights to the drivers instead of flags.
Its architecture is unique and blends modern technology with the Malaysian culture. It can accommodate some 130 000 spectators with 30 000 alone in the unique double-fronted main grandstand whose roof resembles a banana leaf. The Canopy Tower, nestling at the tip of the V-shaped double grandstand, has a roof resembling the Malaysian national flower, the hibiscus.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Possible IRB World Rankings changes this weekend
With eight of the top 10 teams playing in matches that count towards the IRB World Rankings this weekend, the results could bring about a number of changes, as detailed below.
New Zealand, currently 1st
Win or lose against France at the Stade de France, New Zealand will remain at the top of the IRB World Rankings.
France, currently 2nd
If France defeat New Zealand, they will remain in second behind the All Blacks. If they lose, they could end up as low as fourth, depending on the results of the matches between England and South Africa, and Ireland v Australia.
Australia, currently 3rd
If Australia defeat Ireland by more than 15 points at Lansdowne Road in Dublin on Sunday, they will move up to second, assuming New Zealand beat France. If Australia lose and South Africa defeat England, Australia will drop to fourth behind South Africa.
South Africa, currently 4th
If South Africa inflict England's eighth successive defeat at Twickenham on Saturday, they will go up to third in the IRB World Rankings. If they win by more than 15 points, they could go up to second, depending on results elsewhere. South Africa will remain in fourth, unless they lose by more than 15 points and Ireland defeat Australia.
Ireland, currently 5th
Ireland could move up to fourth, if they defeat Australia and England beat South Africa by more than 15 points. Any other scenario, including an Irish loss in Dublin, will see them remain in fifth in the rankings.
Argentina, currently 6th
Argentina will remain in sixth place in the IRB World Rankings if they defeat Italy at the Stadio Flaminio. If they lose, they could end up as low as eighth, whilst Italy will move up to 11th.
England, currently 7th
England will remain in seventh if they defeat South Africa by less than 16 points. If they win by more than 15 points, they will go up to sixth. If England lose, they will go down to eighth in the rankings.
Scotland, currently 8th
As they are playing the Pacific Islands, the result of this match will not count towards the IRB World Rankings.
Wales, currently 9th
Whatever the result in Cardiff, neither Wales nor Canada will change positions in the rankings. If Canada win, however, they will move to within one rating point of Italy in 12th. Wales will be less than one rating point ahead of Samoa.
The latest IRB World Rankings will be available on irb.com on Monday 20 November at 12 midday UK time.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Tennis in SA
South Africa’s leading tennis player Wesley Moodie is among the entries for the South African Airways National Championships to be played at the Wanderers Tennis Club from November 27 to December 2. Last year’s Wimbledon doubles champion Moodie, who is currently ranked 125 in the world, is one of two players at the event to have represented the country at Davis Cup level, the other being Izak van der Merwe.
The sponsorship by SAA sees this tournament return to the local calendar after a number of years absence. It was formerly known as the South African Closed Championships and has been won in the past by the likes of Wayne Ferreira and Amanda Coetzer. The event carries total prize money of R80000, which will be split equally between the men and the women. “An event of this nature is vital for the development of tennis in South Africa.
In the past all the top players in the country participated in the tournament and it gave them the opportunity to be called the national champion,” said Ian Smith CEO of the SA Tennis Association (SATA). “I would like to thank South African Airways for once again supporting tennis in the country.”
Other players participating in the men’s draw include Pieter Calitz and Benjamin Janse van Rensburg, who represented SA at the African Cup of Nations in Tunisia two weeks ago. Calitz, who lost in the final of that event, was also the runner-up last month at the SA Airways Men’s ITF Futures event in Pretoria. Among the younger players are the talented pair of Rikus de Villiers and Hendrik Coertzen while a few of the old stalwarts of SA tennis, such as Louis Vosloo and Michael de Jongh, who also coached the likes of Coetzer and Mary Pierce, are in the line-up.
Lizaan du Plessis, who has played on the international tour, heads up the women’s entry. The wild cards for the men’s event are Eric Fisher, Duncan Krisjan, Hendrik Coertzen, Dean O’Brien, Karabo Maloka and Jean Anderson. There will also be a qualifying event that takes place on the weekend of November 25 and 26.
The sponsorship by SAA sees this tournament return to the local calendar after a number of years absence. It was formerly known as the South African Closed Championships and has been won in the past by the likes of Wayne Ferreira and Amanda Coetzer. The event carries total prize money of R80000, which will be split equally between the men and the women. “An event of this nature is vital for the development of tennis in South Africa.
In the past all the top players in the country participated in the tournament and it gave them the opportunity to be called the national champion,” said Ian Smith CEO of the SA Tennis Association (SATA). “I would like to thank South African Airways for once again supporting tennis in the country.”
Other players participating in the men’s draw include Pieter Calitz and Benjamin Janse van Rensburg, who represented SA at the African Cup of Nations in Tunisia two weeks ago. Calitz, who lost in the final of that event, was also the runner-up last month at the SA Airways Men’s ITF Futures event in Pretoria. Among the younger players are the talented pair of Rikus de Villiers and Hendrik Coertzen while a few of the old stalwarts of SA tennis, such as Louis Vosloo and Michael de Jongh, who also coached the likes of Coetzer and Mary Pierce, are in the line-up.
Lizaan du Plessis, who has played on the international tour, heads up the women’s entry. The wild cards for the men’s event are Eric Fisher, Duncan Krisjan, Hendrik Coertzen, Dean O’Brien, Karabo Maloka and Jean Anderson. There will also be a qualifying event that takes place on the weekend of November 25 and 26.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
TEAM BARLOWORLD GEARED TO DEFEND 94.7 TITLE FOR THIRD YEAR
South African-sponsored professional cycling outfit, Team Barloworld today confirmed a strong contingent of riders who will defend the team’s title at the tenth Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge on Sunday, November 19.
Team Barloworld have always been represented by a diverse group of skilled sprinters, climbers and all-rounders, who secured the team their Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge wins in 2004 and 2005.
This year is no different as the team includes South African’s Ryan Cox, James Perry and Jock Green, while the international riders comprise of Hugo Sabido (Por), Gianpaolo Cheula (Ita) and Felix Cardenas (Col).
Team Barloworld will be led by the highly respected Italian team manager Claudio Corti and directeur sportif Valerio Tebaldi, an ex-professional cyclist who won a stage of the Tour de France in 1988 and 1989.
The team has secured 15 wins this season and the most noteworthy wins are by Felix ‘the mountain cat’ Cardenas who bagged three victories within a month in the latter part of the year, while Italian Gianpaolo Cheula was the overall general classification winner on the eight day Peace Race (Course de la Paix) in the Czech Republic earlier this season.
Cox, Perry and Green, who returned to home soil in October, have been familiarizing themselves with the change in climate and adapting to South African roads through the local races they competed in.
Italian sprinter Giosué Bonomi who was to also feature in the 94.7 Cycle Challenge, has returned to Italy with a fractured wrist sustained after crashing during the Bakwena Cycle Challenge in Pretoria on Sunday.
Hugo Sabido has also sustained an injury to his wrist following an accident early this morning caused by a car which skipped a red traffic light. Sabido was taken to hospital for x-rays , the results of which are not conclusive at this stage, however the rider will be monitored over the next 48 hours and an official statement will be released.
Barloworld have confirmed a number of events leading up to the 94.7 Cycle Challenge and these include a team signing session at the 94.7 Expo at the Sandton Convention Centre on Friday, November 17 from 16h30 to 17h30.
Team Barloworld will also be giving away a Cannondale bike to a lucky rider spotted wearing the Team Barloworld kit during the race on Sunday.
Team Barloworld have always been represented by a diverse group of skilled sprinters, climbers and all-rounders, who secured the team their Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge wins in 2004 and 2005.
This year is no different as the team includes South African’s Ryan Cox, James Perry and Jock Green, while the international riders comprise of Hugo Sabido (Por), Gianpaolo Cheula (Ita) and Felix Cardenas (Col).
Team Barloworld will be led by the highly respected Italian team manager Claudio Corti and directeur sportif Valerio Tebaldi, an ex-professional cyclist who won a stage of the Tour de France in 1988 and 1989.
The team has secured 15 wins this season and the most noteworthy wins are by Felix ‘the mountain cat’ Cardenas who bagged three victories within a month in the latter part of the year, while Italian Gianpaolo Cheula was the overall general classification winner on the eight day Peace Race (Course de la Paix) in the Czech Republic earlier this season.
Cox, Perry and Green, who returned to home soil in October, have been familiarizing themselves with the change in climate and adapting to South African roads through the local races they competed in.
Italian sprinter Giosué Bonomi who was to also feature in the 94.7 Cycle Challenge, has returned to Italy with a fractured wrist sustained after crashing during the Bakwena Cycle Challenge in Pretoria on Sunday.
Hugo Sabido has also sustained an injury to his wrist following an accident early this morning caused by a car which skipped a red traffic light. Sabido was taken to hospital for x-rays , the results of which are not conclusive at this stage, however the rider will be monitored over the next 48 hours and an official statement will be released.
Barloworld have confirmed a number of events leading up to the 94.7 Cycle Challenge and these include a team signing session at the 94.7 Expo at the Sandton Convention Centre on Friday, November 17 from 16h30 to 17h30.
Team Barloworld will also be giving away a Cannondale bike to a lucky rider spotted wearing the Team Barloworld kit during the race on Sunday.
Cyclist of the Year nominees announced
The nominees have been released for the 2006 Go Banking Cyclist of the Year Banquet which takes place in Sandton next Wednesday (22 November).
In the category for Men's Road Cyclist of the Year the six nominations represent a good mix of youth and experience with youngsters John Lee Augustyn (Konica Minolta) and Nolan Hoffman (Exel) making a first appearance on the star studded nominee list. The other nominees in this category are David George (Relax), Robert Hunter (Phonak), Ian McLeod (Fdejeux) and Malcolm Lange (Microsoft).
In the category for Women's Road Cyclist of the Year it's no surprise that junior Cherise Taylor finds herself among South Africa's elite ladies after two stunning top ten rides at the World Championships.
There are seven nominees in the Women's category with Elsa Karsten, who is back racing this year following her recovery from cancer, also making the grade. The nominees are Karsten (CBIST), Taylor (Mr Price Gauteng Youth Cycling Academy), Anriette Schoeman (Proline), Marissa van der Merwe (Proline), Lynette Burger (Harmony), Chrissie Viljoen (Harmony) and Cassandra Slingerland (Proline).
The top three in the category for Overall Men's Mountain-biker of the Year are multiple World Championship downhill medallist Greg Minnaar (G Cross Honda), Kevin Evans (Raleigh) and bright young star Burry Stander (GT) while in the women's category Yolande Speedy, Tania Raats and Yolanda de Villiers are the chosen three.
The Cyclist of the Year Awards are taking place for the sixth time this year and is again shaping up to be a glamorous affair in the company of hosts, Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwin.
In the category for Men's Road Cyclist of the Year the six nominations represent a good mix of youth and experience with youngsters John Lee Augustyn (Konica Minolta) and Nolan Hoffman (Exel) making a first appearance on the star studded nominee list. The other nominees in this category are David George (Relax), Robert Hunter (Phonak), Ian McLeod (Fdejeux) and Malcolm Lange (Microsoft).
In the category for Women's Road Cyclist of the Year it's no surprise that junior Cherise Taylor finds herself among South Africa's elite ladies after two stunning top ten rides at the World Championships.
There are seven nominees in the Women's category with Elsa Karsten, who is back racing this year following her recovery from cancer, also making the grade. The nominees are Karsten (CBIST), Taylor (Mr Price Gauteng Youth Cycling Academy), Anriette Schoeman (Proline), Marissa van der Merwe (Proline), Lynette Burger (Harmony), Chrissie Viljoen (Harmony) and Cassandra Slingerland (Proline).
The top three in the category for Overall Men's Mountain-biker of the Year are multiple World Championship downhill medallist Greg Minnaar (G Cross Honda), Kevin Evans (Raleigh) and bright young star Burry Stander (GT) while in the women's category Yolande Speedy, Tania Raats and Yolanda de Villiers are the chosen three.
The Cyclist of the Year Awards are taking place for the sixth time this year and is again shaping up to be a glamorous affair in the company of hosts, Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwin.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Blatter confirms SA as venue for 2010, AGAIN!
FIFA president Sepp Blatter once again dismissed fears that the next World Cup could be moved from South Africa and said the 2010 hosts were further along at this point than Germany was four years ago.
"They'll get it done," Blatter was quoted as telling German magazine Sport Bild on Tuesday. "It can and will take place in South Africa -- I'm convinced of that. And that's what we're working for."
Rumours have circulated in the media for months that FIFA was looking for an alternative host country -- possibly the United States or Germany -- because of concerns that South Africa had fallen far behind in its preparations.
"I've seen more at this point than I did in Germany," Blatter said of South Africa's preparations.
"There were still a lot of uncertainties in Germany four years before the World Cup there," he said. "Down there, they only have to build five stadiums and renovate one more. Four are already there."
Blatter also dismissed fears of high levels of crime in South Africa.
"There is crime everywhere around the world. But when you know where it is you can take the necessary precautions."
He also said transport infrastructure in the country should not pose problems.
"They have a good infrastructure of technology, communications and transport," Blatter said. "Of course they don't have the same number of rails as in Europe. But they are improving and renovating their transport infrastructure."
"They'll get it done," Blatter was quoted as telling German magazine Sport Bild on Tuesday. "It can and will take place in South Africa -- I'm convinced of that. And that's what we're working for."
Rumours have circulated in the media for months that FIFA was looking for an alternative host country -- possibly the United States or Germany -- because of concerns that South Africa had fallen far behind in its preparations.
"I've seen more at this point than I did in Germany," Blatter said of South Africa's preparations.
"There were still a lot of uncertainties in Germany four years before the World Cup there," he said. "Down there, they only have to build five stadiums and renovate one more. Four are already there."
Blatter also dismissed fears of high levels of crime in South Africa.
"There is crime everywhere around the world. But when you know where it is you can take the necessary precautions."
He also said transport infrastructure in the country should not pose problems.
"They have a good infrastructure of technology, communications and transport," Blatter said. "Of course they don't have the same number of rails as in Europe. But they are improving and renovating their transport infrastructure."
2006 World Golf Championships
Let's hope the rest of the world is prepared for total onslaught when a double dose of R&S - or rather RS Squared - arrive in Barbados for the 2006 World Golf Championship - Barbados World Cup next month.
Rory Sabbatini and Richard Sterne will be representing South African among the 28 countries who have combined for 21 wins around the world over the course of the past season the 52nd playing of the World Cup from 7 to 10 December.
Under the World Cup criteria, the leading 18 available players of different nationalities in the world rankings automatically qualified their countries for this year's event at one of the most desirable holiday destinations in the world.
Each of those players can select their partner, as long as they are also ranked in the world's top 100 and, should that not be possible, the next highest-ranked golfer will be offered the spot.
This year the mantle fell on Sabbatini, who chose Sterne after Retief Goosen (6th), Ernie Els (7th), Trevor Immelman (13th), Tim Clark (21st) and Charl Schwartzel, ranked 72nd in the world, had to decline due to commitments in the Nelson Mandela Invitational, Nedbank Golf Challenge and Alfred Dunhill Championship back home.
You can bet your bottom dollar, RS Squared are going to be a dangerous combination to beat.
Both men are relatively small in stature, but huge on grit. They are tenacious competitors with never-say-die attitudes. Combining a similar style of game, Sabbatini and Sterne will compliment each other perfectly in the Foursomes and Fourball formats.
Sabbatini is an old hand at the pressure, having represented South Africa from 2002 to 2004. In 2003, he triumphed alongside Trevor Immelman at Kiawah Island in South Carolina.
He has enjoyed one of his best seasons on the PGA Tour this year, finishing 12th on the final money list and taking his winning tally to three with victory at the 2006 Nissan Open.
The 25-year old Sterne was long hailed South Africa's next golfing prodigy, having established his credentials by dominating South Africa's amateur scene. He became the first South African to win both the junior and senior national Strokeplay and Matchplay titles, came second in the 1999 World Junior Championships and won the 2001 Indian Amateur.
Sterne debuts in Barbados owning victories on three Tours, his first at the age of 20 in the Rye Hill Championship on the PGA Europro Tour.
He confirmed his potential by winning his maiden European Tour title at the
2004 Open de Madrid and capped a superb season with his first victory in home soil when he claimed the 2004 Nashua Masters title on the Sunshine Tour.
Barbados annually attracts the rich and famous, but when the South African flag is hoisted at the Sandy Lane's Resort Country Club in St. James, RS Squared will care less about the glitz, celebrities, the cuisine or the hotspots.
Their only aim: to bring home World Cup Title Number Six.
Rory Sabbatini and Richard Sterne will be representing South African among the 28 countries who have combined for 21 wins around the world over the course of the past season the 52nd playing of the World Cup from 7 to 10 December.
Under the World Cup criteria, the leading 18 available players of different nationalities in the world rankings automatically qualified their countries for this year's event at one of the most desirable holiday destinations in the world.
Each of those players can select their partner, as long as they are also ranked in the world's top 100 and, should that not be possible, the next highest-ranked golfer will be offered the spot.
This year the mantle fell on Sabbatini, who chose Sterne after Retief Goosen (6th), Ernie Els (7th), Trevor Immelman (13th), Tim Clark (21st) and Charl Schwartzel, ranked 72nd in the world, had to decline due to commitments in the Nelson Mandela Invitational, Nedbank Golf Challenge and Alfred Dunhill Championship back home.
You can bet your bottom dollar, RS Squared are going to be a dangerous combination to beat.
Both men are relatively small in stature, but huge on grit. They are tenacious competitors with never-say-die attitudes. Combining a similar style of game, Sabbatini and Sterne will compliment each other perfectly in the Foursomes and Fourball formats.
Sabbatini is an old hand at the pressure, having represented South Africa from 2002 to 2004. In 2003, he triumphed alongside Trevor Immelman at Kiawah Island in South Carolina.
He has enjoyed one of his best seasons on the PGA Tour this year, finishing 12th on the final money list and taking his winning tally to three with victory at the 2006 Nissan Open.
The 25-year old Sterne was long hailed South Africa's next golfing prodigy, having established his credentials by dominating South Africa's amateur scene. He became the first South African to win both the junior and senior national Strokeplay and Matchplay titles, came second in the 1999 World Junior Championships and won the 2001 Indian Amateur.
Sterne debuts in Barbados owning victories on three Tours, his first at the age of 20 in the Rye Hill Championship on the PGA Europro Tour.
He confirmed his potential by winning his maiden European Tour title at the
2004 Open de Madrid and capped a superb season with his first victory in home soil when he claimed the 2004 Nashua Masters title on the Sunshine Tour.
Barbados annually attracts the rich and famous, but when the South African flag is hoisted at the Sandy Lane's Resort Country Club in St. James, RS Squared will care less about the glitz, celebrities, the cuisine or the hotspots.
Their only aim: to bring home World Cup Title Number Six.
It's Green for Go as Jock continues his career
Jock Green will be riding his last race in the colours of Barloworld on Sunday, but it certainly won't be his last Pick 'n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge.
While starting a full time job at a vehicle dealership next year, Green has been convinced by Konica Minolta manager, John Robertson, to also sign up with his team for the year.
"I actually made the decision in July to stop racing at the end of the year. I've always had the goal in my life to race as a full-time professional for a trade team in Europe. After my two year stint with Barloworld I achieved that, so for me there wasn't more that I would have liked to do as a professional," said Green.
"But when I got back to South Africa John contacted me with a proposal for next year. He has a host of good youngsters in his team and wanted me to come on board as a mentor for the guys," said Green.
"So while I'll be racing with the team, the big focus for me will be to guide these youngsters and helping them to gain experience from my knowledge. It's quite exciting, and that's the reason why I agreed to sign on for the year.
Konica Minolta will again embark on an extensive European programme next year, but Green won't be travelling overseas with the team. "I am fortunate that Warren Banfield (dealer principle of Tommy Martin GM in Krugersdorp) has agreed to the deal and will afford me enough time to train in between my work commitments," he said.
Banfield is a huge benefactor of cycling in South Africa, sponsoring the likes of HSBC in the past and he still sponsor's Gary Beneke's Di-Data veterans outfit.
After a professional career spanning more than 15 years, Green certainly has a wealth of experience and knowledge. Besides a talented racer, he has always been renowned for his immense dedication and disciplined approach to cycling, and these are the two single biggest factors in shaping a successful pro cyclist.
"I know it would have been very difficult for me to stop racing all together, so in a way the Konica Minolta deal can almost be regarded as a way to wean me off the racing side slowly," said Green.
Without their sprinter, Jock and his Barloworld teammates will have their work cut out for them in Sunday's Cycle Challenge. Giosue Bonomi broke his wrist in a crash at the weekend, which has left Barloworld with possibly the best talent in the race, but without a sprinter to finish things off for them.
Jock was also left nursing bruises after the big crash at the Bakwena Post Office Classic on Sunday, but received the all-clear on Tuesday to race.
He has taken part in every edition of the Cycle Challenge since the inception nine years ago, "so I'm very happy that I'm not missing out on the tenth anniversary edition," he said.
While starting a full time job at a vehicle dealership next year, Green has been convinced by Konica Minolta manager, John Robertson, to also sign up with his team for the year.
"I actually made the decision in July to stop racing at the end of the year. I've always had the goal in my life to race as a full-time professional for a trade team in Europe. After my two year stint with Barloworld I achieved that, so for me there wasn't more that I would have liked to do as a professional," said Green.
"But when I got back to South Africa John contacted me with a proposal for next year. He has a host of good youngsters in his team and wanted me to come on board as a mentor for the guys," said Green.
"So while I'll be racing with the team, the big focus for me will be to guide these youngsters and helping them to gain experience from my knowledge. It's quite exciting, and that's the reason why I agreed to sign on for the year.
Konica Minolta will again embark on an extensive European programme next year, but Green won't be travelling overseas with the team. "I am fortunate that Warren Banfield (dealer principle of Tommy Martin GM in Krugersdorp) has agreed to the deal and will afford me enough time to train in between my work commitments," he said.
Banfield is a huge benefactor of cycling in South Africa, sponsoring the likes of HSBC in the past and he still sponsor's Gary Beneke's Di-Data veterans outfit.
After a professional career spanning more than 15 years, Green certainly has a wealth of experience and knowledge. Besides a talented racer, he has always been renowned for his immense dedication and disciplined approach to cycling, and these are the two single biggest factors in shaping a successful pro cyclist.
"I know it would have been very difficult for me to stop racing all together, so in a way the Konica Minolta deal can almost be regarded as a way to wean me off the racing side slowly," said Green.
Without their sprinter, Jock and his Barloworld teammates will have their work cut out for them in Sunday's Cycle Challenge. Giosue Bonomi broke his wrist in a crash at the weekend, which has left Barloworld with possibly the best talent in the race, but without a sprinter to finish things off for them.
Jock was also left nursing bruises after the big crash at the Bakwena Post Office Classic on Sunday, but received the all-clear on Tuesday to race.
He has taken part in every edition of the Cycle Challenge since the inception nine years ago, "so I'm very happy that I'm not missing out on the tenth anniversary edition," he said.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Battle Line in the Football Sex War have been drawn
Battle lines have been drawn in a war of the sexes in English football after a disgruntled coach described the use of women match officials as "tokenism for politically-correct idiots."
Luton Town manager Mike Newell apologised on Monday for comments he made about lineswoman Amy Rayner after his side were denied a penalty in their 3-2 defeat by Queens Park Rangers at the weekend.
"She should not be here," Newell had been quoted as saying in the British media. "I know that sounds sexist but I am sexist.
"It is bad enough with the incapable referees and linesmen we have but if you start bringing in women, you have a big problem.
"This is Championship (second division) football. This is not park football. It is tokenism for the politically-correct idiots."
However, interviewed by Sky Sports News before training on Monday, a contrite Newell said: "I want to publicly apologise to Amy Rayner and anybody else that I've offended.
"The comments that were made after the game were ill-timed and out of order."
Though he said: "I very rarely say things I don't mean," the Luton manager stressed he had been wrong to let his frustration get the better of him "in the heat of the moment."
Newell's earlier comments have raised the hackles of women involved in the English game.
Heather Rabbatts, who is executive chairman of second division Millwall, told BBC radio on Monday: "It was a slightly staggering comment to be made.
"It's ludicrous to suggest that women are somehow genetically incapable of being good referees.
"As with many other areas in which women have gradually over the years clawed their way into being treated equally they've done it by huge amounts of hard work and often having to be, as we all know, probably twice as good as men."
Calling for action, Rabbatts added: "We have to tackle sexism in football just as we tackle racism in football."
Rachel Yankey, an England women's international told the BBC: "Amy is a role model."
She added: "If the decision was wrong he might attack the assistant referee but he should not say she should not be in the game simply because she is a woman.
The comments could spell trouble with the Football Association, who are fully behind Rayner.
FA chief executive Brian Barwick said on the ruling body's Web site that "officials like Amy Rayner get to where they are on merit, dedication and ability.
"They get the vast majority of their decisions right. Of course they make the odd mistake but so too do players and managers."
An FA spokesman said on Monday that Newell's comments were "under consideration."
Newell is also in hot water with his club for his post-match comments, which included a tirade at chairman Bill Tomlins.
The club said on its Web site on Monday that it had called an emergency board meeting for 4.00pm (1600 GMT) later that day to discuss the comments.
Luton Town manager Mike Newell apologised on Monday for comments he made about lineswoman Amy Rayner after his side were denied a penalty in their 3-2 defeat by Queens Park Rangers at the weekend.
"She should not be here," Newell had been quoted as saying in the British media. "I know that sounds sexist but I am sexist.
"It is bad enough with the incapable referees and linesmen we have but if you start bringing in women, you have a big problem.
"This is Championship (second division) football. This is not park football. It is tokenism for the politically-correct idiots."
However, interviewed by Sky Sports News before training on Monday, a contrite Newell said: "I want to publicly apologise to Amy Rayner and anybody else that I've offended.
"The comments that were made after the game were ill-timed and out of order."
Though he said: "I very rarely say things I don't mean," the Luton manager stressed he had been wrong to let his frustration get the better of him "in the heat of the moment."
Newell's earlier comments have raised the hackles of women involved in the English game.
Heather Rabbatts, who is executive chairman of second division Millwall, told BBC radio on Monday: "It was a slightly staggering comment to be made.
"It's ludicrous to suggest that women are somehow genetically incapable of being good referees.
"As with many other areas in which women have gradually over the years clawed their way into being treated equally they've done it by huge amounts of hard work and often having to be, as we all know, probably twice as good as men."
Calling for action, Rabbatts added: "We have to tackle sexism in football just as we tackle racism in football."
Rachel Yankey, an England women's international told the BBC: "Amy is a role model."
She added: "If the decision was wrong he might attack the assistant referee but he should not say she should not be in the game simply because she is a woman.
The comments could spell trouble with the Football Association, who are fully behind Rayner.
FA chief executive Brian Barwick said on the ruling body's Web site that "officials like Amy Rayner get to where they are on merit, dedication and ability.
"They get the vast majority of their decisions right. Of course they make the odd mistake but so too do players and managers."
An FA spokesman said on Monday that Newell's comments were "under consideration."
Newell is also in hot water with his club for his post-match comments, which included a tirade at chairman Bill Tomlins.
The club said on its Web site on Monday that it had called an emergency board meeting for 4.00pm (1600 GMT) later that day to discuss the comments.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Spears, Eastern Cape Rugy and Politics
Following a hastily convened meeting in Port Elizabeth yesterday, between the incumbent Eastern Province Rugby executives, SA Rugby’s Hoskins, Stofile and Prinsloo, as well as interested members from the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee of Sport, the Metro, Provincial government and representatives from the local business community, it was decided to establish an ad hoc committee and advisory panel, to contribute towards developing rugby administration in the Eastern Province.
This latest meeting and establishment of this ad hoc committee, follows the desperate siren call by SA Rugby last month, to unilaterally disband the EP rugby Executive and replace it with one of their choosing.
The executive committee of Eastern Province rugby responded in a democratic and consultative move, by calling an extra ordinary special meeting for all their clubs on Wednesday the 18th October, at which, two unanimous resolutions, were taken by all the Eastern Province rugby clubs.
As the Eastern Province Rugby elections are scheduled for the 18th November, the clubs resolved that the Eastern Province rugby Executives will remain in place till then and in particular, the Eastern Province rugby executive elections scheduled for the 18th November, will provide a constitutional and democratic forum, for all 102 Eastern province rugby clubs, to elect a leadership of their choosing, who will act in the best interests of Eastern Province rugby.
Many of the clubs representatives who attended the 18th October special general meeting, voiced their concerns of SA Rugby, openly hijacking Eastern Province and its elections, with scant regard for the EP rugby constitution, as well as that of the SA Rugby Constitution, with wanting to unilaterally overthrow the current Eastern Province rugby executive, in a move that violates the very fundamental principles of democracy and sportsmanship, articulated in the IRB constitution, which clauses are also incorporated in the SA Rugby and Eastern Province rugby constitutions.
The ad hoc committee or advisory group, hastily cobbled together by SA Rugby yesterday, has no mandate to act for and on behalf of the 102 rugby clubs in the Eastern Province, nor have any of the members been elected or appointed with any authority or accountability. Of great concern to the Eastern Province rugby clubs is that SA Rugby has tabled neither a strategic business plan or timetable and is instead intent on being prescriptive to the EP region, to merely derail the Spears from participating in the 2007 Super 14 competition. SA Rugby must submit the 5 franchise team sheets to SANZAR on the 1st December 2006.
The EP rugby clubs are adamant that the Eastern Province rugby executive remain till the 18th December and that all 102 clubs are not denied their democratic and constitutional right to have free and fair elections on the 18th November 2007.
This move is seen by all 102 Eastern Province as a desperate last ditch attempt by SA Rugby, to oust the Spears from the 2007 Super 14 competition and not abide by the Cape High Court order of the 4th August, in which Judge Dennis Davis ordered that the Spears play in the 2007 and 2008 Super 14 competitions
This latest meeting and establishment of this ad hoc committee, follows the desperate siren call by SA Rugby last month, to unilaterally disband the EP rugby Executive and replace it with one of their choosing.
The executive committee of Eastern Province rugby responded in a democratic and consultative move, by calling an extra ordinary special meeting for all their clubs on Wednesday the 18th October, at which, two unanimous resolutions, were taken by all the Eastern Province rugby clubs.
As the Eastern Province Rugby elections are scheduled for the 18th November, the clubs resolved that the Eastern Province rugby Executives will remain in place till then and in particular, the Eastern Province rugby executive elections scheduled for the 18th November, will provide a constitutional and democratic forum, for all 102 Eastern province rugby clubs, to elect a leadership of their choosing, who will act in the best interests of Eastern Province rugby.
Many of the clubs representatives who attended the 18th October special general meeting, voiced their concerns of SA Rugby, openly hijacking Eastern Province and its elections, with scant regard for the EP rugby constitution, as well as that of the SA Rugby Constitution, with wanting to unilaterally overthrow the current Eastern Province rugby executive, in a move that violates the very fundamental principles of democracy and sportsmanship, articulated in the IRB constitution, which clauses are also incorporated in the SA Rugby and Eastern Province rugby constitutions.
The ad hoc committee or advisory group, hastily cobbled together by SA Rugby yesterday, has no mandate to act for and on behalf of the 102 rugby clubs in the Eastern Province, nor have any of the members been elected or appointed with any authority or accountability. Of great concern to the Eastern Province rugby clubs is that SA Rugby has tabled neither a strategic business plan or timetable and is instead intent on being prescriptive to the EP region, to merely derail the Spears from participating in the 2007 Super 14 competition. SA Rugby must submit the 5 franchise team sheets to SANZAR on the 1st December 2006.
The EP rugby clubs are adamant that the Eastern Province rugby executive remain till the 18th December and that all 102 clubs are not denied their democratic and constitutional right to have free and fair elections on the 18th November 2007.
This move is seen by all 102 Eastern Province as a desperate last ditch attempt by SA Rugby, to oust the Spears from the 2007 Super 14 competition and not abide by the Cape High Court order of the 4th August, in which Judge Dennis Davis ordered that the Spears play in the 2007 and 2008 Super 14 competitions
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