Sunday, January 23, 2011

WWE John Cena Movie Release

John Cena and Triple H will be starring in two new WWE Studios films, set to be released later this year. Blood Brothers starring John Cena and Inside Out starring Triple H are both scheduled to be released between September and November. It will be a tough competition between these two WWE Superstars. John Cena got a thousand of fans and will be hoping for a big hit at the Box Office.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Murray Considers Break

Andy Murray has hinted he could take a break from tennis following his latest Grand Slam near-miss in the Australian Open final.

The out-of-sorts British number one saw his best chance yet to win a major slip through his grasp on Sunday, as Novak Djokovic posted an emphatic straight-sets triumph to land his second Melbourne crown.

The 23-year-old Serb, who came up through the ranks with his same-aged opponent, had too much for the fifth seed as he romped to a 6-4 6-2 6-3 success on Rod Laver Arena.

And Murray put a brave face on his most recent set-back after admitting the defeat was easier to swallow than last year's heartache against Roger Federer, when he broke down in tears at the presentation ceremony.

"It's better than it was last year," said the conquered Scot, who has now lost three major finals as he bids to become the first British male champion since Fred Perry in 1936.

"You know, it was obviously tough, disappointing. I thought Novak played unbelievably well and yeah, it's tough, but I've got to deal with it.

"I was in a much worse state last year than I was this year. I don't know why.

"I'll see what I do from here, you know. I don't know, I might not play for a few months, I might feel like playing in a week's time. It depends - see how I feel."

Improvements

The languid 23-year-old has now failed to muster a set in three Grand Slam final appearances. But the Dunblane right-hander insisted he will not lose any sleep over his failure to land a big title.

"I want to keep working hard, try and improve, but I said before the final, it's not something that I lose sleep over at night," he said.

"It's going to be tough for sure for a few days but I want to try and win one, of course.

"But if it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen. I'm just working as hard as I can. I train very hard, I take tennis very seriously.

"But I love my life away from tennis, as well. That's why maybe this year, compared with last, I'm very, very happy off the court.

"I'm enjoying myself. There's other things to look forward to, too."

Unbelievable

Murray claimed he had no fitness problems heading into the match, despite looking ponderous at times around the court. Instead the Briton, who had a punishing semi-final against David Ferrer on Friday, praised Djokovic for being at the top of his game.

"He played great. I would have liked to have played better but I think he would have beaten every other player on the tour if he played like that tonight," added the world number five.

"He served well, he didn't make many mistakes from the back of the court, he moved really, really well, he hit the ball very clean. That was it.

"He defended unbelievably well tonight so when I got ahead in some games, and even just in points, he was sticking up lobs that were landing on the baseline, passing shots that were very close to the lines.

"So it was quite difficult to find parts of the court where I was getting free points from.

"I think I broke his serve maybe twice in the third set and still lost it 6-3. I was trying to find a way - I just wasn't able to put enough good points together."

Friday, January 14, 2011

Mickelson Excited

Phil Mickelson heads into this week's Waste Management Open in Phoenix still looking for his first victory in almost a year.

The four-time major champion's last win was at the Masters in April, but he insists he is close to a return to the winner's enclosure.

Mickelson was runner-up by a shot to Bubba Watson at last week's Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego and heads to Phoenix in upbeat mood.

"I'm excited because I can tell that my game's coming around," he said.

"I'm kind of done making changes. I'm trying to hit shots now - I'm trying to hit draws, hooks, slices, fades and see if I can get it close."

Mickelson will play alongside his fellow left-hander Watson this week in the tournament that is traditionally the best-attended - and noisiest - on the PGA Tour.

The Tour's new sensation Jhonattan Vegas is also in action this week, in the group behind Mickelson and Watson that also includes fellow South Americans Camilo Villegas and Angel Cabrera.

Dream

Rookie Vegas, the first Venezuelan to earn a PGA Tour card, has finished first and third the past two weeks and in his first-ever round with Tiger Woods, beat the 14-time major champion by five shots.

The 26-year-old is top of the money list with over $1.2million, first on the FedEx Cup points standings and up from 187th in the world to 69th. As he says himself; "it's been a dream come true - I'm just loving it."

There could be lengthy frost delays at the start of the tournament with ground and air temperatures plummeting to extreme levels in the desert.

Wednesday's pro-am had to be cancelled and PGA Tour referee Slugger White said: "It doesn't look good tomorrow morning - it's supposed to be colder - and it might be even colder on Friday.

"I've talked to people that grew up here and they've never seen it like this. Obviously we've had frost delays before, but usually that's an hour or so.

"We've got 20 to 30-mph winds out there with a wind chill factor of about 30 right now."

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Hammers Delay Obinna Decision

West Ham boss Avram Grant will wait until the end of the season before deciding whether to sign Victor Obinna on a permanent deal.

The 23-year-old forward joined the Hammers on a season-long loan from Inter Milan at the start of the campaign.

He has performed well for Grant and has really come to light in his last two games with five goals, including a hat-trick against Nottingham Forest.

West Ham have an option to sign him, but they are still in the middle of a relegation battle and will not be making a decision on his future until they know how the season has gone.

"He is a big player with big talent and we like him. I think he wants to stay here," said Grant.

"We like him but we will have to wait until the end of the season."

Obinna's somersault celebration is now being seen on a much more regular basis and Grant has no issues.

"I love his somersaults, I hope he will have a lot of reasons to do them again this season," he said.

"It took him time to adjust this season because he didn't play much in Italy, but he is playing well now."

Confident

Obinna himself is confident West Ham will stay up, saying: "In December we were out of the relegation zone and then we lost at Newcastle which brought us back. It's not an easy process.

"We're getting the confidence back. We just have to continue this way.

"We started very badly, losing four games in a row and lacking confidence but I believe now everything has changed.

"Last Saturday, when we beat Nottingham Forest, I noticed there was a fantastic atmosphere in the dressing room before the game.

"It was special and even better with leaders like Robbie Keane in the team.

"At this point I think West Ham are too good to go down."

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Mickie James on Monsters in the Morning

TNA's Mickie James and Jeremy Borash were on the Monsters in the Morning show in Orlando (XM 152).

She talked about this being her first country album, Strangers & Angels. The hosts asked her how we can get more people into country music. She said there's a misconception about the music and now it can be a little bit of southern rock with pop too, so people should be open to the crossover that's there. The hosts talked about how that Country Strong movie did poorly at the theaters in its opening weekend because some people get turned off by country music.

They asked about celebrities in TNA. Borash mentioned that Toby Keith shows up once in a while and Snoop Dogg has showed up. They talked about J-Woww from Jersey Shore showing up saying they got exposure on TMZ with it. Then the hosts talked about J-Woww's features, but Jeremy quickly moved off topic.

- They asked Mickie how the other girls treated her. Mickie said they welcomed her with open arms. They all realize that the bigger names that people have, the better it is for the company in terms of exposure.

- Mickie said that there's a mix in the company from TNA originals, to former WWE people and wrestlers from all over the world, which makes it a cool place to work in.

Borash talked about how he and other TNA wrestlers like Jeff Hardy & Beer Money went to Japan last week and how it helps the exposure of the company.

They plugged Impact tapings for the next two nights at Universal in Orlando starting at around 5:30pm with free entry as always. Borash mentioned the Hardy brothers being together at the tapings last night. Mickie mentions they don't really know what they will do on the day of the taping until you get to the building.

- The hosts asked Mickie if she's single. She said yes. Madison Rayne said on the show yesterday she doesn't date wrestlers and Mickie mentioned that you're around many wrestlers all the time, so sometimes stuff happens, but she's been single for a couple of years because she's so busy. Borash mentioned a lot of the guys on the roster have crushes on Mickie.

Mickie plugs the TNA theme song "Hardcore Country." She mentions the song "Don't Apologize" from her Strangers & Angels CD being her favorite. Then she talks about "Are You With Me?" being her first single and "Hollywood Movie Moment" being another favorite on the album. Then they started playing "Are You With Me?" She mentioned Tim McGraw being a favorite artist. She mentioned the songs will be on iTunes again soon. (I should also note the whole CD will be available again on mickiejames.com very soon.)

The hosts plugged the Impact tapings one more time and mentioned their close association with the the TNA brand.

Bubba Breaks Top- 20

Bubba Watson has broken into the world's top-20 on the back of his one-stroke success at the Farmers Insurance Open over the weekend.

The big-hitting left-hander has climbed 15 spots to number 18 in the world rankings after holding off Phil Mickelson to triumph by a single stroke at Torrey Pines.

Watson's nerveless 12-foot breaking putt for birdie at 18 was enough to seal victory, leaving Mickelson the improbable prospect of having to hole out from some 72 yards to force a play-off.

Despite a wonderful attempt, he was unable to do so, but there was some consolation for Mickelson who moved back above Steve Stricker and Graeme McDowell to reclaim the No.4 spot.

Paul Casey's triumph at the Volvo Golf Champions event in Bahrain has seen edge up three spots to six in the world, behind Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer, Tiger Woods, Mickelson and McDowell.

Neither Westwood or Kaymer were in action last weekend, Woods was but could only manage tied 44th at Torrey Pines and could soon slide further down the rankings if his results don't improve.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Toon Keen on Brazilian

The 29-year-old left Palmeiras by mutual consent early in January and now a host of clubs in Europe are chasing his signature.

Top-flight clubs cannot sign players at the moment unless they are emergency loans or free transfers, so Ewerthon is now attracting a great deal of interest.

The former Borussia Dortmund and Real Zaragoza star has offers to return to Germany and Spain, but he is understood to be keen on testing himself in England.

West Brom were understood to be leading the chase in the Premier League, with up to half-a-dozen clubs now thought to be keen.

But now Newcastle, who failed to sign a replacement for Andy Carroll on transfer deadline day after he joined Liverpool, are stepping up their interest.

Toon chief Alan Pardew is keen to bolster his striking options with Shola Ameobi also facing up to six months on the sidelines, and signing a player of Ewerthon's calibre on a free transfer is an obvious attraction.

Talks

The player's agent Barry McIntosh admitted talks with a number of clubs were ongoing.

"A number of clubs like Ewerthon, he is a free agent and is looking to seal his next move," McIntosh told skysports.com.

"It is no secret that a number of Premier League clubs are keen on him.

"I am not going to go into details about who we are talking with, but if you're asking me about whether he would move to Newcastle? Then yes, obviously they are a calibre of club he would very much consider playing for."

Monday, January 10, 2011

Morgan Edged out by Vesely

British teenager George Morgan bowed out of the Australian Open boys' singles with a 6-3 6-4 defeat to top seed Jiri Vesely.

The 17-year-old was denied his chance of reaching the final after he was broken once in each set by the Czech junior.

Vesely will now go on to play unseeded Australian Luke Saville in the final.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Calzaghe Backing Cleverly

Joe Calzaghe believes his fellow Welshman Nathan Cleverly will "win in style" when he gets his world title shot in 2011.

Light-heavyweight Cleverly looks set to face Jurgen Braehmer after the WBO ordered the German to take on the 23-year-old in his next defence.

Calzaghe, who hung up his gloves in 2009 after 46 straight wins, knows plenty about his compatriot as they used to train together in south Wales.

The 38-year-old also had Cleverly on his under card when he fought Mikkel Kessler in 2007 and then again the following year in Las Vegas, when Calzaghe defeated Bernard Hopkins in his first fight on American soil.

Experience

"I really fancy him to win in style given the opportunity to win a world title," said Calzaghe. "I have been sparring with him for a couple of years.

"It was a great experience for him and it's so helpful when you have boxed on a world-title bill, when you've fought on my undercard, when you've fought at the Millennium Stadium and in Vegas.

"You can't buy that kind of experience so I know he will blend straight in when he's fighting for a world title because he's been in the ring with the best and he has nothing to be over-awed by."

Cleverly has a perfect 21-0 record so far and claimed the interim WBO strap last time out with a unanimous points win over Nadjib Mohammedi.

While the 23-year-old may have failed to fire in the victory, Calzaghe insists the only thing that really mattered was making sure he came out on top.

Stinkers

"I went for a run with Nathan recently. That brought back good memories for me because I used to run with him all the time," he added.

"He lives about two miles where I'm from so whenever I'm back in Wales I give him a shout and we train. He was a bit disappointed with his last performance but I told him: 'All that matters is a win'.

"You can't always win great as I have shown. I have been in quite a lot of stinkers over my time.

"He came out with a win and I'm sure he will be 100% focused and will win a title within a few months."

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Walker Gets England Call

Kyle Walker and David Stockdale have won their first call-ups to the England squad for next week's friendly with Denmark.

There are also recalls for Tottenham defender Michael Dawson, West Ham midfielder Scott Parker, Everton full-back Leighton Baines and Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing.

John Terry, Ashley Cole, Wayne Rooney, Darren Bent, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Jermain Defoe all return to the squad after injury forced them to miss the defeat to France in November.

England captain Rio Ferdinand is missing after picking up a calf injury in the warm-up before Manchester United's shock defeat at Wolves.

It means Liverpool ace Steven Gerrard will captain Fabio Capello's side in Copenhagen.

Manchester City striker Adam Johnson and Liverpool new boy Andy Carroll are both missing through injury.

Former Sheffield United defender Walker has been rewarded for his fine form on loan at Aston Villa with his first call-up.

The full-back, who scored in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Fulham, will battle Glen Johnson for the right-back spot.

Fulham goalkeeper Stockdale takes the place of West Ham keeper Robert Green in the squad after impressing for the Cottagers last month in the absence of Mark Schwarzer during his involvement with Australia in the Asian Cup.

There is no place in the squad for Cardiff striker Jay Bothroyd after he made his debut against France.

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling and Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson are also left out.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Casey Makes His Move

England's Paul Casey shot a third-round 66 to join Swede Peter Hanson at the top of the leaderboard in the Volvo Golf Champions tournament in Bahrain.

The world number nine trailed Hanson by three until he came to the two par fives on the back nine.

Casey made the green in two on both of them, eagled the 13th and birdied the next, then parred his way in to finish on 16 under par.

"It was fun," said Casey. "I had good control of the ball for the first time this week and drove it very nicely.

"It was only one shot lower than the first two days, but a lot more comfortable and probably should have been lower." He missed from under six feet on the last.

Casey failed to win in either Europe or America last season despite a series of near-misses. "It's difficult. I'm playing in the best events in the world and I do need to step it up, but I'm not worried about it," he added.

Hanson, one of four halfway leaders, had made his move around the turn. After birdies at the seventh and eighth he eagled the ninth for the second day running and then added a 35-foot putt for another birdie at the 11th on his way to a 67.

The leaders go into the closing 18 holes a stroke in front of Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke and South African James Kingston, who both shot 67.

Clarke got to the top of the leaderboard after going out in 32, but then had eight pars in a row before boosting his hopes of a 13th European Tour title with a closing 14-foot birdie putt.

Putting tip

The 42-year-old is trying to make use of a putting tip from Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal and commented: "It's definitely been an awful lot better.

"Even the ones I miss have been quality strokes, which is a pleasant change. Jose Maria told me it would take a while."

Miguel Angel Jimenez, back using a putter after breaking his previous one in two pieces during his second round, slipped back to fifth spot with a 69.

Earlier, former Open champion Todd Hamilton - back on the European Tour after losing his PGA card - equalled the course record of 64 set by Swede Johan Edfors and then matched by Scot Stephen Gallacher.

The American had made the cut with just a shot to spare and is still five shots off the pace

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Gers Complete Diouf Deal

Rangers have announced the last-minute signing of El Hadji Diouf on loan from Blackburn until the end of the season.

The Scottish Premier League giants finalised the short-term deal in the final stages of the transfer window on Monday.

The 30-year-old, who can play out wide or as a central striker, joined Arsenal defender Kyle Bartley in moving to Ibrox late on deadline day.

Diouf has declared himself ready to face Hearts in the league on Wednesday evening.

He told Sky Sports News: "I know this is one of the biggest clubs in the world, that's why I'm here.

"I want to score goals and make the fans happy. I'm ready to win the title."

When asked whether he would be keen to extend his stay at Ibrox beyond the summer, Diouf said: "It's up to me to do the job and then we'll see."

Introduction

Diouf could also be in line for a swift introduction to the Old Firm derby, where he is sure to experience a hostile reception from the Celtic fans.

The former Senegal international was fined £5,000 at Glasgow Sheriff Court in 2003 when he admitted spitting at a Celtic fan while playing for Liverpool in a UEFA Cup tie at Parkhead.

Rangers face Celtic in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup at Ibrox on Sunday.

Former Bolton and Sunderland man Diouf has appeared 21 times for Rovers this season, but manager Steve Kean was willing to offload him after snapping up Argentinian midfielder Mauro Formica on Monday.

The forward's arrival follows Rangers' signing of striker David Healy from Sunderland last week.

Meanwhile, Rangers have announced that Andy Webster has left the club after making three appearances in four injury-hit years.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Terminated Federer: I'll Be Back

Roger Federer dismissed suggestions his career was winding down after being beaten in straight sets by Novak Djokovic in the semi-final of the Australian Open.

Defending champion Federer slipped to a 7-6 (7/3) 7-5 6-4 defeat and is now without one of the four grand slam championships in his possession for the first time since 2003.

The Swiss, winner of an open-era record 16 major titles, admitted he was beaten by the better man on Thursday as Djokovic moved on to a final against either Andy Murray or David Ferrer, but scoffed at suggestions he was finished.

"It's not the end in any way," said the 29-year-old. "It's a start for many other tournaments after this.

"Sure, it is disappointing and it hurts at this moment. I wish I could have won here for a fifth time but it wasn't possible tonight."

Snapped

When it was put to him that his and Rafael Nadal's failure to reach the final was the first time that has happened at a major since here in 2008, Federer snapped: "They say that very quickly.

"Let's talk again in six months' time."

The world number two felt he had simply ran into an inspired Djokovic, who preyed on his opponent's misfiring backhand.

"I thought he played a great match," added Federer.

"I didn't think I played badly myself and it was a match played at a very high intensity for a long period of time.

"We had long, tough rallies and played at a very high speed."

Djokovic, meanwhile, was delighted to advance to his fourth grand slam final - of which he has lost two, one each against Federer and Nadal - since his solitary victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the 2008 Australian Open.

"Overall it was a great performance," said Djokovic.

"I am very happy with the way I played. I have been serving well under pressure even though I got tight and made some double faults in the third set when I was up a break.

"That's normal under the circumstances in the late stages of the tournament against Roger."

Premature

Djokovic, the third seed, agreed it was premature to say there was a changing of the guard in the men's game, adding: "It's much too early to say that.

"Roger is still very much motivated to reclaim the top spot in the rankings and he's playing great.

"Tonight I think I played a better match but he's still up there and in extraordinary form.

"And then you have Nadal who has been a very, very dominant player.

"We are still behind them and you can't say there is a new era coming up.

"But there are more players who are able to win majors which is good."