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Yanga yaipiga AFC 6

Imeandikwa na Evance Ng'ingo; Tarehe: 22nd January 2011 @ 08:08

TIMU ya Yanga imeanza vema mzunguko wa pili wa Ligi Kuu Tanzania Bara baada ya kuwashushia kipigo cha mabao 6-1 AFC ya Arusha na kupanda kileleni mwa msimamo wa ligi.

Ushindi huo kwenye Uwanja wa Uhuru, Dar es Salaam jana umewawezesha Yanga, kuwashusha mahasimu wao wakubwa Simba wakifikisha pointi 28 ambazo ni moja zaidi ya wapinzani wao ambao watashuka dimbani kesho kuvaana na Azam FC inayoshika nafasi ya nne ikiwa na pointi 20.

Vibonde AFC ambao wanashika mkia kwenye msimamo wa Ligi Kuu wakiwa na pointi 5 katika mechi 13 walizocheza, balaa lilianza dakika ya 24 ambapo mchezaji Iddi Mbaga alimalizia mpira uliopigwa na Davies Mwape.

Yanga waliongeza bao la pili kwa njia ya penalti iliyojazwa kimiani na nahodha Shadrack Nsajigwa dakika ya 28 baada ya Mwape kuchezewa rafu kwenye boksi.

Mwampe aliongeza bao la tatu kwa kichwa dakika ya 43 kufuatia krosi ya Nurdin Hamad na hivyo, kwenda mapumziko wakiwa mbele kwa mabao 3-0.

Kipindi cha pili Yanga walianza kwa kasi ambapo mnamo dakika ya 50 Mbaga alifunga bao la nne akimalizia mpira uliotemwa na kipa wa AFC kutokana na shuti la Mwape.

Arusha FC walipata bao la kufutia machozi dakika ya 65 mchezaji wake Daudi Mgige alipopiga shuti la mbali lililokwenda moja kwa moja wavuni.

Dakika ya 84 Mwape alifunga bao la tano kwa kichwa baada ya kumalizia krosi ya Juma Seif, kabla ya Mwape kufunga bao lake la tatu na kukamilisha kikapu cha mabao baada ya kufunga la sita dakika ya 88.

Baada ya kumalizika mchezo mashabiki wa Yanga walikusanyika nje ya geti na kuwafanyia fujo baadhi ya viongozi wao na kuimba na kusisitiza kuwa hawamtaki Meneja wa timu Emmanuel Mpangala na kumfuata Mwenyekiti wa klabu hiyo, Lyod Nchunga ambaye alijisogeza kwa Polisi ambao waliwatawanya.

Katika mchezo wa kesho Kocha Mkuu wa Simba, Patrick Phiri alisema baada ya sare ya bao 1-1 na Atletico Paranaense ya Brazil wamejifunza mengi na sasa kazi kwa Azam FC.


 

Nchunga anguruma, akataa kung'oka

Imeandikwa na Evance Ng'ingo; Tarehe: 22nd January 2011 @ 08:08

MWENYEKITI wa Yanga, Lyod Nchunga, amesema kikao kilichoitishwa na matawi ya klabu hiyo na kutaka ang'olewe madarakani hakikuwa halali.

Nchunga alisema hayo Dar es Salaam jana wakati akizungumza na waandishi wa habari kuhusu sakata la kutakiwa kuachia madaraka kama ilivyoamriwa na matawi ya klabu hiyo.

Nchunga alisema, kikao hicho kilichofanyika makao makuu ya klabu hiyo Mtaa wa Twiga na Jangwani juzi, kilikiuka katiba ya klabu kwa kuwa hakiwezi kuiagiza kamati ya utendaji kutenda jambo lolote kama ambavyo kilifanya.

Pia alisema kuwa suala ambalo lilikuwa likijadiliwa katika kikao hicho si la kimsingi kwa kuwa tayari lilijadiliwa na Kamati ya Utendaji.

Akifafanua zaidi hoja za kumng'oa madarakani zilizotiliwa mkazo na kikao hicho cha matawi, alisema kuwa kilipotosha.

Ilidaiwa kwenye kikao hicho cha matawi kuwa alimwandikia barua mdhamini wa klabu hiyo Francis Kifukwe akimuagiza kuandaa mchakato wa kuiuza klabu ya Yanga.

Lakini alifafanua zaidi akisema kuwa lengo lake lilikuwa ni kuanzisha kampuni ya kuuza nguo na vifaa vyenye lebo ya Yanga na kuongeza hata hivyo, kamati ya utendaji ilikuwa haijabariki suala hilo.

Rais huyo pia alifafanua kuhusu uteuzi wa Mbunge wa Temeke, Abbas Mtemvu kuwa mdhamini wa klabu nalo lilikuwa halijabarikiwa na kamati ya utendaji pia.

Aliongeza kuwa kikao hicho kiliitishwa na wanachama wachache wasiopenda maendeleo ya klabu hiyo na ambao wanatumiwa na wanachama wachache waliokuwa wakijinufaisha na vyanzo vya mapato kutoka klabuni hapo.

Alisema, kwa sasa utaratibu wa ukaguzi wa fedha za klabu hiyo unaendelea na aliahidi kuwachukulia hatua kali wale watakaobainika kuwa walifuja fedha za klabu hiyo.

Pia alikanusha uvumi kuwa anatumiwa na mdhamini wa klabu hiyo Yusuph Manji kwa manufaa yake binafsi ambapo alisema awali aliwahi kuwa mwanasheria wa Manji, lakini kwa sasa hahusiki na mfanyabiashara.

Alisema, uhusiano wao ni katika klabu ya Yanga akiwa mdhamini. Pia alisema bado hajapewa barua na kamati ya utendaji ya kumtaka aachie madaraka na kuongeza kuwa akipata ataamua cha kufanya.

Juzi klabuni hapo kulikuwa na mkutano uliohudhuriwa na matawi 84 ya klabu hiyo, mkutano huo uliongozwa na mwenyekiti wa matawi hayo Mohamed Msumi na kuitaka kamati ya utendaji kumwachisha kazi mara moja Nchunga.


 
Dalglish won't discuss targets




6 comments »

Updated Jan 22, 2011 3:14 PM ET
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish remained tight-lipped about possible transfer targets after he 3-0 win over Wolves.
The Reds dispatched their opponents with one of their most accomplished and confident performances of the season at Molineux, with Fernando Torres grabbing a brace and Raul Meireles capping a star display with a stunning effort.
Sat., Jan. 22
Wolves 0-3 Liverpool |Recap
Arsenal 3-0 Wigan | Recap
Everton 2-2 West Ham | Recap
Man Utd 5-0 Birmingham | Recap
Newcastle 1-1 Tottenham | Recap
Fulham 2-0 Stoke City | Recap
Blackpool 1-2 Sunderland | Recap
Aston Villa 1-0 Man City | Recap
Sun., Jan. 23
Blackburn vs. West Brom
Mon., Jan. 24
Bolton vs. Chelsea
Tue., Jan. 25
Blackpool vs. Man Utd
Wigan vs. Aston Villa
Wed., Jan. 26
Liverpool vs. Fulham BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

It was the Reds boss' first victory on his return to the Merseysiders, also sealing only their third away win in the Premier League in 13 months.
Liverpool have been linked with several players, including Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam and Ajax striker Luis Suarez, but the Scot was coy on his targets, stating that he had nothing to tell.
"If we've got business to do we'll do it behind closed doors," he told Sky Sports.
"Once there's a story to tell about anybody we'll let you know, but we have no stories to tell about anything.
"I know what's going on, but that doesn't mean I have to tell you."
The result came as a huge boost to the club to lift the mounting gloom around what has been a disastrous campaign so far.
Dalglish praised the efforts of his side, commending them on their work ethic and felt it was a fully deserved win.
"I think if you come to Molineux and you don't put in a performance, there's no way you're going to get a result.
"As I said before they've been on a great run and were unlucky to lose at Man City, so if we didn't compete then we'd never have got anywhere.
"The way the lads competed was fantastic and it was a reflection of what they'd been like since we've come in.
"I think it's nothing short of what we deserve."
"They'll always be competitive, they might not be smashing people across the nose with their elbows but they'll always be competitive.
"We are one unit, there's no division at this football club. So we need to stick together, and if we stick together then we've always got a chance."
 
Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-3 Liverpool


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6 comments »

Updated Jan 22, 2011 10:22 AM ET
Liverpool's revival under Kenny Dalglish is officially under way after Fernando Torres scored twice in a comfortable 3-0 win at Wolves.
Having seen improvements on the pitch if not in results in his three previous matches in charge after taking over from Roy Hodgson the Scot finally got the victory he was craving.
Sat., Jan. 22
Wolves 0-3 Liverpool |Recap
Arsenal 3-0 Wigan | Recap
Everton 2-2 West Ham | Recap
Man Utd 5-0 Birmingham | Recap
Newcastle 1-1 Tottenham | Recap
Fulham 2-0 Stoke City | Recap
Blackpool 1-2 Sunderland | Recap
Aston Villa 1-0 Man City | Recap
Sun., Jan. 23
Blackburn vs. West Brom
Mon., Jan. 24
Bolton vs. Chelsea
Tue., Jan. 25
Blackpool vs. Man Utd
Wigan vs. Aston Villa
Wed., Jan. 26
Liverpool vs. Fulham BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

Torres scored his eighth and ninth Premier League goals of the season either side of Raul Meireles capping a fine individual performance with a brilliantly-taken second-half volley.
It was only Liverpool's third away win in the league in 13 months and their first point outside Anfield since the 1-1 draw at Wigan on November 10.
The result does not paper over the obvious deficiencies in the squad - which Dalglish is trying to rectify with moves for Ajax forward Luis Suarez and Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam - but reinforces the belief among the current players given to them by the appointment of the club legend.
Such has been the 59-year-old's influence he is even starting to get performances out of players who have failed to live up to their potential, with Christian Poulsen and Meireles in particular displaying that in this game.
Meireles, playing in the attacking midfield role given to him by Dalglish in the absence of Steven Gerrard, serving the final game of a three-match suspension, has now scored in his last two matches and his form presents his manager with a conundrum for the midweek visit of Fulham when the captain will be available again.
Poulsen's restoration to the starting line-up began badly with a fourth-minute booking but his day was to improve with the defence-splitting pass which created the goal.
It was a rare moment of quality in a first half which was spoiled partly by the poor state of the pitch and partly by the teams, neither of whom really got into their rhythm.
The Denmark international is intrinsically associated with Roy Hodgson's six-month reign of failure at Anfield but Dalglish believes he has more to offer - which is more than can be said for the former Fulham boss's other maligned signing Paul Konchesky who failed to make the squad.
Poulsen's repertoire is not renowned for having many creative interventions but the pass he picked out Meireles with was perfectly-executed through the inside-right channel.
The Portugal midfielder, played onside by full-back Ronald Zubar on the other side of the pitch, seized on the opportunity and raced into the penalty area before cutting the ball back to Torres who side-footed home one of his most straightforward chances of the season.
Meireles had a decent half without being dominant, certainly in the physical midfield battle with Wolves, but showed his class prior to setting up the goal with a brilliant 40-yard diagonal pass to pick out Torres only for the striker to cut inside and shoot straight at Wayne Hennessey.
He also flashed a half-volley wide of the goalkeeper's right-hand post as he continued his improvement in the advanced midfield role he prefers.
Wolves' two best efforts of the first half were Kevin Doyle's mis-hit cross from wide on the right which almost caught out Jose Reina, who did well to smother Steven Fletcher's close-range shot at the far post in added time.
Dirk Kuyt should have doubled the advantage early in the second half when put through one-on-one by Maxi Rodriguez but he delayed his shot and Hennessey charged out to block.
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The Wolves goalkeeper was powerless, however, to do anything about the second when it came in the 50th minute.
Daniel Agger's long punt forward was only partially headed clear by Christophe Berra, under pressure from Kuyt, and Meireles lashed a brilliant dipping 25-yard volley inside Hennessey's left-hand post.
The Portugal international had been threatening to do something similar all season and the confidence from his maiden Liverpool goal in last weekend's Merseyside derby showed in the quality of that right-footed strike.
Wolves responded with a brief spell of pressure but although Liverpool have the league's worst record for squandering points from winning positions they held out.
Jonjo Shelvey, on as a substitute for Poulsen, should have put the game beyond doubt with only his second touch - his first having set up his chance from Meireles' pass - but blazed wide with only Hennessey to beat.
Torres continued to pose a threat on the counter-attack and in added time fired into the roof of the net after Kuyt's strong run into the area.
Victory has Liverpool looking up the table with more optimism under Dalglish than they had under Hodgson.
 
Mourinho to test Chelsea resolve with Drogba bid

Published 23:00 22/01/11 By Paul Smith

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Jose Mourinho has targeted Didier Drogba to ease his striker crisis at Real Madrid.
The former Chelsea boss wants to be reunited with 32- year-old Drogba after *initial negotiations to recruit Manchester City's Emmanuel Adebayor broke down.
Chelsea will be unwilling to trade their goal-scoring hero even though Drogba has *endured a miserable winter since contracting *malaria.
But Mourinho is at war with Real's general *director Jorge Valdano and demanded the recruitment of at least one new *striker.

Real asked *Manchester City to loan Adebayor.
While City were *prepared to loan their £165,000 a-week misfit in the Premier League the Madrid *interest saw them demand a £15million transfer fee – and block any loan to the *Bernabeu.
At that price *Mourinho has told Real to move for Drogba and test Chelsea's valuation of a player who *arrived in a £24m deal in 2004 – the same summer that Mourinho took over as Stamford Bridge boss.


 
Kuyt would welcome Suarez signing for Liverpool

Published 23:00 22/01/11 By Bill Mills

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Dirk Kuyt says *Liverpool must buy Luis Suarez to give the frontline more quality.
The Holland international knows that Suarez is the prime target for manager Kenny *Dalglish and believes the Ajax and Uruguay star will solve the Reds' goal-scoring problems.
Kuyt said: "In our attack we really need a quality injection. Only then I can see us climbing up again.
"We don't have enough power and options up front right now."

Kuyt has revealed that the new training methods and style of Kenny Dalglish and new head coach Steve Clarke are loved by the players.
Kuyt: "It comes close to the Dutch style. *Playing with early pressure on the opponents and a passing game with the ball low on the ground. Not all those long balls anymore.
"Dalglish and Clarke have this *vision: if you have Torres and Gerrard in the team, we will be stronger against 80 per cent of the *opponents when we put the *pressure on them in their own half."
The combination of *Dalglish and Clarke is a *really good one. Clarke has come in from outside the club.
He has the same role as he had earlier with Mourinho at Chelsea. Under Clarke we now do totally different training sessions. We do a lot of positional play in small spaces.
"And while Clarke is *doing sessions with us, Dalglish will talk all the stress away from the players.
"He is a living legend here. He has the charisma, the experience and the *confidence to create peace. He also has a fabulous *connection with the fans. They love him here.
"I could not believe it the first time he went out on the pitch against Everton, eleven years since he last coached a team.
"The noise at Anfield was incredible. With Dalglish the atmosphere at the club is changing." And Kuyt, who could have forced a move to Inter *Milan last summer, is *committed to the Anfield cause.
He ended: "I intend to stay now. In the summer Inter came to me to find out if I wanted to move.
"The board of Liverpool took a strong attitude *towards them. They did not want me to go because I was one of the five most *important players for the team.''
"In my talks with the new board I feel the same kind of trust in me.
"So in return I want to show my loyalty to the club in these difficult times."


 
Reds using power agent to lure N'Zogbia from Wigan

Published 23:05 22/01/11 By David Kidd

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A full version of this story appears in today's People. Read it online at People.co.uk
Liverpool are trying to persuade Wigan to part with Charles N'Zogbia – as the influence of agent Paul Stretford grows at Anfield.
Wigan have slapped a £15million price on the French winger, with Liverpool only willing to pay half of that fee but still hopeful of finding a compromise.



 
Reds using power agent to lure N'Zogbia from Wigan

Published 23:05 22/01/11 By David Kidd
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A full version of this story appears in today's People. Read it online at People.co.uk
Liverpool are trying to persuade Wigan to part with Charles N’Zogbia – as the influence of agent Paul Stretford grows at Anfield.
Wigan have slapped a £15million price on the French winger, with Liverpool only willing to pay half of that fee but still hopeful of finding a compromise.



 
Arsenal 3-0 Wigan Athletic




1 comments »

Updated Jan 22, 2011 6:22 PM ET
Robin van Persie hit a hat-trick as Arsenal kept up their Premier League title challenge with a 3-0 win over 10-man Wigan at Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners should have been out of sight by half-time, but had only van Persie's 21st-minute strike to show for their dominance as Latics keeper Ali Al Habsi made a string of fine saves.
Sat., Jan. 22
Wolves 0-3 Liverpool |Recap
Arsenal 3-0 Wigan | Recap
Everton 2-2 West Ham | Recap
Man Utd 5-0 Birmingham | Recap
Newcastle 1-1 Tottenham | Recap
Fulham 2-0 Stoke City | Recap
Blackpool 1-2 Sunderland | Recap
Aston Villa 1-0 Man City | Recap
Sun., Jan. 23
Blackburn vs. West Brom
Mon., Jan. 24
Bolton vs. Chelsea
Tue., Jan. 25
Blackpool vs. Man Utd
Wigan vs. Aston Villa
Wed., Jan. 26
Liverpool vs. Fulham BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

The in-form Dutchman eventually fired in a second just before the hour, but then blasted a penalty over the bar after Gary Caldwell had been sent off for pulling back Cesc Fabregas.
However, van Persie duly completed his hat-trick with five minutes left to make it six in the last three games.
Arsenal - with five changes from the starting XI which beat Leeds in their FA Cup third-round replay on Wednesday night - started brightly.
Wigan keeper Al Habsi had to be alert as he got down quickly to save Samir Nasri's shot on the turn.
The Omani then produced a simply stunning one-handed block to palm away a point-blank shot from van Persie.
Wigan were in danger of being overrun, but to their credit the visitors continued to try to go on the offensive themselves.
Walcott dashed to the goalline and pulled the ball back for Fabregas, who looked set to open the scoring, only for Caldwell to produce a superb block.
Arsenal eventually took the lead on 21 minutes after more patient build-up.
Alex Song released van Persie, who was just onside, into the left of the penalty area - and the Dutchman fired in his fourth goal in three games.
Wigan continued to be pressed back in their own half. However, Arsenal could not make the most of possession.
Al Habsi denied Fabregas with another fine save before Maynor Figueroa made a last-gasp tackle just as the skipper looked set to slot the ball in at the near post.
Arsenal should have been 2-0 ahead when Walcott raced clear down the centre, but squared to Fabregas rather than try to round the keeper. Mohamed Diame made a saving tackle before Steven Caldwell threw himself of Walcott's follow-up shot from the loose ball.
Al Habsi tipped over a 20-yard drive from Nasri, then kept out Fabregas' low shot as the Gunners cut Wigan open time and again.
However, much to the frustration of the home fans, Arsenal were once again unable to turn their dominance into goals before the interval.
Wigan were much more competitive at the start of the second half following the introduction of Franco Di Santo, replacing Diame.
Slowly, though, the Gunners regained dominance as Walcott nipped into the right channel, but the angle was too high and his shot flew wide.
When the second Arsenal goal finally came on 58 minutes, it was simple, yet breathtaking.

Fabregas chipped a 30-yard ball over the defence, and van Persie got ahead of Gary Caldwell to crash a left-foot volley past Al Habsi at the far post.
Jack Wilshere charged forwards, but then drilled a low shot wide from 20 yards.
Arsenal were awarded a penalty on 69 minutes when Gary Caldwell pulled back Fabregas in the six-yard box, and was shown a red card.
Van Persie stepped up for his hat-trick, but uncharacteristically blasted the spot-kick high over the crossbar.
The Dutchman almost made amends with a curling effort from 20 yards which struck the post.
Song's low shot from 20 yards flew just wide before van Persie finally secured the matchball when he smashed home from a tight angle after Walcott had held the ball up in the penalty area.
Arsenal moved above Manchester City, who play later this evening, and continued their momentum ahead of the Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Ipswich here on Tuesday night, when you feel a slender one-goal lead for the npower Championship side is unlikely to be enough to keep the Gunners from Wembley.
 
Everton 2-2 West Ham United






Updated Jan 22, 2011 6:21 PM ET
Marouane Fellaini hit an injury-time equaliser as Everton twice came from behind against struggling West Ham in a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.
The Hammers and their beleaguered manager Avram Grant seemed on course for victory as Frederic Piquionne headed them in front for the second time six minutes from time.
Sat., Jan. 22
Wolves 0-3 Liverpool |Recap
Arsenal 3-0 Wigan | Recap
Everton 2-2 West Ham | Recap
Man Utd 5-0 Birmingham | Recap
Newcastle 1-1 Tottenham | Recap
Fulham 2-0 Stoke City | Recap
Blackpool 1-2 Sunderland | Recap
Aston Villa 1-0 Man City | Recap
Sun., Jan. 23
Blackburn vs. West Brom
Mon., Jan. 24
Bolton vs. Chelsea
Tue., Jan. 25
Blackpool vs. Man Utd
Wigan vs. Aston Villa
Wed., Jan. 26
Liverpool vs. Fulham BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

But Piquionne was sent off for celebrating with fans and the Hammers, who remain bottom of the Premier League, were denied as Fellaini struck.
The visitors had taken the lead after 27 minutes as the once goal-shy Jonathan Spector found the net for the fourth time in two months but Diniyar Bilyaletdinov came off the Everton bench to level.
The result was yet another blow for Grant, whose position has again been the subject of heavy speculation over the past week.
Yet for most of the game his team, with the returning Scott Parker driving them forward, the visitors acquitted themselves superbly.
The Hammers gave their fans early encouragement as top scorer Piquionne, back in the side after recovering from dental surgery, burst into the area and fired over from a tight angle.
Mark Noble went even closer moments later as he was picked out by Parker on the 18-yard line but his chip just dipped over the bar.
Everton toughened up after those early scares and began to assert themselves more in midfield.
Fellaini exposed the Hammers defence when he played in Jermaine Beckford but the striker's flick back was cleared.
Beckford had an opportunity himself as he raced onto a through-ball from Mikel Arteta but Matthew Upson just did enough to break his stride and Robert Green blocked.
West Ham responded well and snatched the lead as Luis Boa Morte latched onto a Noble pass and squared for the inrushing Spector to slide home from the penalty spot.
It was a goal that lifted the Hammers and, with Parker instrumental, they dictated play for the rest of the first half.
Piquionne was inches away from adding a second as he rose to meet a Spector cross with a firm header that struck the far post and rolled across goal to safety.
Everton survived another scare before the interval as Boa Morte poked the ball past Tim Howard but was adjudged offside.
Everton boss David Moyes decided to change his attack by sending on Saha, fit again after a thigh strain, for Beckford at half-time.
The hosts enjoyed prolonged spells of possession as the second half got under way but were unable to prise open West Ham's hard-working defence.
Wayne Bridge, after a much-criticised debut last week following his loan move from Manchester City, seemed assured up against the threat of Seamus Coleman on the Everton right.
Saha appealed for a penalty after a challenge from James Tomkins but referee Peter Walton gave nothing.
West Ham caught Everton on the counter-attack as Parker charged through midfield but Howard comfortably dealt with his long-range shot.
Zavon Hines also went close with an acrobatic attempt to turn in a Spector cross but his volley flashed wide.
At the other Saha threatened after being picked out by Leon Osman but the Frenchman got the ball caught under his feet and was unable to shoot.

Everton pulled level 13 minutes from time as Bilyaletdinov, sent on for the ineffective Victor Anichebe eight minutes earlier, beat Green with a fierce drive.
Fellaini rose the highest to meet Phil Neville's cross and his nod down was helped into the Russian's path by Piquionne.
Bilyaletdinov, who has been challenged to fill the boots of the departed Steven Pienaar, made no mistake as he caught the ball with a sweet half-volley into the bottom corner.
Coleman could have added a second moments later as he cut inside from the right but shot narrowly over.
Green then produced a brilliant save to deny Saha from close range and Coleman put the rebound over the bar.
But as the Toffees pressed for a winner, they were caught by a sucker punch.
Bridge found room on the left to swing in a cross and Piquionne jumped to place a looping header over Howard and into the top corner.
The downside for Piquionne - who had been booked four minutes earlier - was that in his jubilation he jumped the advertising hoardings and was shown a second yellow card.
West Ham attempted to play safe by substituting substitute Freddie Sears, who had been on the field just nine minutes, and sending on defender Winston Reid.
It proved to no avail as Fellaini jinked his way into the area in injury time to secure a point for Everton.
 
United will turn to £22m Portugueezer if Evra jumps ship

Published 23:05 22/01/11 By Tom Hopkinson and Alan Nixon

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A full version of this story appears in today's People. Read it online at People.co.uk
Manchester United have put *£22million-rated Benfica full-back Fabio Coentrao on their hit list – should they lose Patrice Evra in the summer.
United fear their French left-back wants a move abroad, with Real Madrid ready to land him.


 
United will turn to £22m Portugueezer if Evra jumps ship

Published 23:05 22/01/11 By Tom Hopkinson and Alan Nixon

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A full version of this story appears in today's People. Read it online at People.co.uk
Manchester United have put *£22million-rated Benfica full-back Fabio Coentrao on their hit list – should they lose Patrice Evra in the summer.
United fear their French left-back wants a move abroad, with Real Madrid ready to land him.


 
Manchester United 5-0 Birmingham City









Updated Jan 22, 2011 6:21 PM ET
Dimitar Berbatov scored his third hat-trick of the season as Manchester United demolished sorry Birmingham 5-0 at Old Trafford.
The prolific Bulgarian now has 18 goals this season and yet another match ball to go alongside those he collected against Liverpool and Blackburn earlier in the campaign.
Sat., Jan. 22
Wolves 0-3 Liverpool |Recap
Arsenal 3-0 Wigan | Recap
Everton 2-2 West Ham | Recap
Man Utd 5-0 Birmingham | Recap
Newcastle 1-1 Tottenham | Recap
Fulham 2-0 Stoke City | Recap
Blackpool 1-2 Sunderland | Recap
Aston Villa 1-0 Man City | Recap
Sun., Jan. 23
Blackburn vs. West Brom
Mon., Jan. 24
Bolton vs. Chelsea
Tue., Jan. 25
Blackpool vs. Man Utd
Wigan vs. Aston Villa
Wed., Jan. 26
Liverpool vs. Fulham BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

More importantly for Sir Alex Ferguson, his side tightened their grip on top spot, with Ryan Giggs and Nani also finding the net as the leaders extended their unbeaten run this season to 22 games ahead of Tuesday's trip to Blackpool, the first of their matches in hand.
Berbatov for one will be looking forward to his first outing at Bloomfield Road, knowing just how much damage he is capable of inflicting.
It has been said so often United are way below their best this season that it is almost accepted truth.
Yet a three-goal first-half salvo gave lie to the theory as the visitors were pummelled from every angle.
There were less than two minutes on the clock when Ryan Giggs chipped a corner to the near post.
John O'Shea, making his first appearance since the end of November, stooped to flick on and Berbatov, two yards out, could not miss.
Berbatov was denied a second virtually straight away as he strode onto Rooney's pass and fired a fierce shot at the Birmingham goal that former Red Devil Ben Foster kept out with his feet.
It may not be quite the swashbuckling manner of Cristiano Ronaldo, or Eric Cantona before him, but United now appear to strangle the life out of opponents, tightening their grip mercilessly once an advantage has been established.
The method is not foolproof, as Birmingham proved with their late equaliser at St Andrew's three weeks ago.
But United are pretty good at exerting their power and once Birmingham had not profited from an enterprising flurry of attacks, it was no surprise when they scored again.
If this is a season to forget, goalscoring wise, for Rooney, Berbatov is having the time of his life.
Driving through the heart of Birmingham's defence, the England star rolled a precise pass to his left, offering Berbatov the space to step inside Roger Johnson and beat Foster low at his near post.
Berbatov was close to completing his latest hat-trick on United's next attack.
He did not know it at the time, but as he watched his curling effort fly inches wide of Foster's goal, the wait was not going to be too long.
United did score again before the break, a move that proved Berbatov can do little wrong at present.
The former Tottenham star actually slipped as he tried to retrieve possession just outside the Birmingham box.
Yet somehow he still managed to rob Alexander Hleb despite being in the prone position. A couple of passes to Rooney later and his strike partner was crossing for Giggs, who rammed home at the far post.
Goal difference may yet become a factor later in the season and United had started the day better off in that regard than Mancunian rivals City. Berbatov, though, remained keen to help the cause yet further.

Yet another industrious piece of work from Rooney set his side in forward motion again.
Giggs was aware enough to know where Berbatov was and, once found in a central position barely six yards out, the rest was academic.
Not even Ronaldo claimed three hat-tricks in one season for all his scoring feats. And to think, there were plenty who felt Ferguson would jettison his club record signing last summer.
United kept going and Nani's repeated attempts to find the net finally paid off 13 minutes from time, when he cut in from the right and beat Foster from 20 yards.
More chances came and went. Rooney must wonder exactly what he has to do to get goals these days, whilst Nani and substitute Michael Owen also came close to a sixth.
It did not come. But after such an amazing season for his own team, Blackpool boss Ian Holloway's smile might turn into a frown when he considers how to stop Berbatov at Bloomfield Road on Tuesday.
 
Newcastle 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur






Updated Jan 22, 2011 6:23 PM ET
Aaron Lennon broke Newcastle's hearts at the death once again as Tottenham fought back to snatch a 1-1 draw at St James' Park.
Sat., Jan. 22
Wolves 0-3 Liverpool |Recap
Arsenal 3-0 Wigan | Recap
Everton 2-2 West Ham | Recap
Man Utd 5-0 Birmingham | Recap
Newcastle 1-1 Tottenham | Recap
Fulham 2-0 Stoke City | Recap
Blackpool 1-2 Sunderland | Recap
Aston Villa 1-0 Man City | Recap
Sun., Jan. 23
Blackburn vs. West Brom
Mon., Jan. 24
Bolton vs. Chelsea
Tue., Jan. 25
Blackpool vs. Man Utd
Wigan vs. Aston Villa
Wed., Jan. 26
Liverpool vs. Fulham BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

Lennon struck a minute into injury time just when it looked as though Fabricio Coloccini's 59th-minute winner had handed the Magpies all three points.
However, just as they had done last Sunday at Sunderland, Alan Pardew's men conceded in stoppage time to let two points slip from their grasp.
Spurs would argue that they deserved at least a point after dominating for long periods, but they left it desperately late to get their reward.
Leon Best and Luka Modric both it the bar and the Magpies were indebted to goalkeeper Steve Harper for two fines saves.
Newcastle went into the game once again shorn of key players Andy Carroll, Cheik Tiote and Steven Taylor and with Alan Smith ruled out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury.
Spurs had lost on each of their previous four visits to St James' Park, but the two clubs have enjoyed contrasting fortunes since their last encounter on Tyneside.
The visitors started at a high tempo and lone striker Jermain Defoe whipped a third-minute shot across Harper's goal after keeper Carlo Cudicini, deputising for the injured Heurelho Gomes, sparked a lightning attack with an early throw to Lennon.
Defoe was to prove a thorn in the Newcastle side for much of the opening 45 minutes, although without troubling Harper unduly until the dying seconds of injury time.
Spurs dominated possession, but as the Magpies got men behind the ball, they struggled to break their hosts down.
Man-of-the moment Gareth Bale, who lined up at left-back with new signing Steven Pienaar taking over ahead of him, lasted just 11 minutes before limping off to be replaced by Tyneside old boy Sebastien Bassong, and that removed one potential problem for Pardew's men.
There were plenty of others, however, although the Newcastle boss will have been reasonably satisfied with the way those challenges were met by his players.
Indeed, they started to make an impression themselves and after Shola Ameobi had failed to hit the target with two half-chances, they almost took the lead with 28 minutes gone.
Jose Enrique, who was largely occupied by Lennon, got forward well to send an inviting cross to the far post, where Best slid in to divert the ball on to the crossbar.
Spurs finished the half with a flurry, and almost went in front in injury time when they put together their best move of the half.
Rafael van der Vaart flicked Pienaar's pass into the path of Defoe, who seemed certain to score before Harper spread himself to make a vital block.
Newcastle returned in determined mood with Best proving a handful in the opening minutes of the second half, heading wide from a Jonas Gutierrez cross and seeing a shot blocked as he caused problems on the edge of the box.

But as the home side pushed men forward, the visitors started to exploit the space they left behind, although Pienaar in particular was unable to make the most of several promising openings.
However, it was the home side who took the lead in stunning fashion with 59 minutes gone when Coloccini controlled Danny Guthrie's cross on his chest before smashing a shot past Cudicini.
Tottenham would have been level within six minutes had it not been for another crucial intervention by Harper, who turned Lennon's well-struck shot around the post with the visitors responding.
Harry Redknapp sent on striker Peter Crouch for midfielder Jermaine Jenas with 19 minutes remaining, but Newcastle could have been 2-0 up within seconds when Joey Barton split the Spurs defence and substitute Peter Lovenkrands saw his first-time shot blocked by Cudicini.
Harper had his crossbar to thank for denying Luka Modric a 76th-minute equaliser with a fine right-foot drive, but substitute Nile Ranger wasted a glorious opportunity to secure victory in the final minute of normal time.
The miss proved costly in injury time when Lennon cut inside and blasted a right-foot shot past Harper to snatch a point.
 
Fulham 2-0 Stoke City






Updated Jan 22, 2011 6:26 PM ET
Clint Dempsey scored twice as Fulham comfortably beat 10-man Stoke 2-0 at Craven Cottage to edge closer to Premier League safety.
Sat., Jan. 22
Wolves 0-3 Liverpool |Recap
Arsenal 3-0 Wigan | Recap
Everton 2-2 West Ham | Recap
Man Utd 5-0 Birmingham | Recap
Newcastle 1-1 Tottenham | Recap
Fulham 2-0 Stoke City | Recap
Blackpool 1-2 Sunderland | Recap
Aston Villa 1-0 Man City | Recap
Sun., Jan. 23
Blackburn vs. West Brom
Mon., Jan. 24
Bolton vs. Chelsea
Tue., Jan. 25
Blackpool vs. Man Utd
Wigan vs. Aston Villa
Wed., Jan. 26
Liverpool vs. Fulham BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

Dempsey netted his eighth and ninth goals of the season as the Cottagers made it three wins in five to put daylight between themselves and the drop zone.
The game was the third tempestuous affair between the sides this season and Potters captain Ryan Shawcross was sent off after bundling over Dempsey in the box.
The American, who had already given his side a half-time lead, stepped up to convert the resulting penalty and seal a comfortable victory.
The opposing managers had refused to shake hands following their two previous meetings this season but Mark Hughes was happy to greet Tony Pulis after this one.
The home fans were not so generous, repeatedly jeering Andy Wilkinson for the September tackle on Moussa Dembele that initally sparked the bad blood between the sides.
Pulses were racing from the off, with Shawcross nodding Matthew Etherington's free-kick inches wide inside five minutes and Damien Duff crashing a terrific 30-yard strike against the crossbar two minutes later.
Danny Murphy was narrowly off target after being invited to shoot from 20 yards before David Stockdale saved Tuncay's low strike from the tightest of angles.
Both sides then began to toil until Duff tried a 22nd-minute curling shot which an unsighted Asmir Begovic palmed behind, before Murphy was booked for a tackle from behind on Dean Whitehead.
Stoke almost scored from the resulting free-kick, with Chris Baird's mistimed clearance falling to Kenwyne Jones, who blasted the ball against the near post.
The febrile home fans were incensed by a number of decisions that went against their side but they were celebrating in the 33rd minute when Dempsey gave them the lead.
Duff pounced on a loose ball as Stoke went to sleep, allowing Andy Johnson to get to the byline and cross for Dempsey to slide home his eighth goal of the season ahead of Wilkinson.
A frustrated Wilkinson was booked two minutes later after needlessly clattering into Johnson on the byline.
Fulham enjoyed the better of the early moments in the second half without really threatening.
Then, in the 55th minute, Dempsey produced a wondrous Dennis Bergkamp-esque piece of control to take Murphy's long ball around Shawcross, who bundled him over to concede a penalty.

Referee Stuart Attwell brandished a red card and Dempsey blasted the penalty straight down the middle.
The 10 men quickly saw a double change, with new signing John Carew and Abdoulaye Faye on for Tuncay and Danny Collins.
Fulham then lost Dickson Etuhu to injury, meaning a debut for Steve Sidwell, with Stoke responding by withdrawing Etherington for Glenn Whelan.
Wilkinson's speculative strike deflected behind off Rory Delap, while Sidwell's more measured effort also took a nick at the other end.
Johnson should have made it 3-0 18 minutes from time but shot straight at Begovic under pressure from Faye, before Delap nearly deflected a mis-hit clearance into his own net.
Zoltan Gera and Rafik Halliche then replaced Dembele - who had been impressive on his first start for more than two months - and Aaron Hughes for the final 15 minutes.
Jones nodded Delap's corner over the top as the visitors made a token effort to set up a tense finish, but they were long since beaten.
 
Blackpool 1-2 Sunderland






Updated Jan 22, 2011 6:24 PM ET
Kieran Richardson rose to the challenge after Darren Bent's move to Aston Villa by scoring a brace as Sunderland won 2-1 at Blackpool.
Sat., Jan. 22
Wolves 0-3 Liverpool |Recap
Arsenal 3-0 Wigan | Recap
Everton 2-2 West Ham | Recap
Man Utd 5-0 Birmingham | Recap
Newcastle 1-1 Tottenham | Recap
Fulham 2-0 Stoke City | Recap
Blackpool 1-2 Sunderland | Recap
Aston Villa 1-0 Man City | Recap
Sun., Jan. 23
Blackburn vs. West Brom
Mon., Jan. 24
Bolton vs. Chelsea
Tue., Jan. 25
Blackpool vs. Man Utd
Wigan vs. Aston Villa
Wed., Jan. 26
Liverpool vs. Fulham BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

Richardson's first goals of the season could not have come at a better time for manager Steve Bruce as his attacking options were limited.
However, Bruce had to endure a nervous last few minutes with Charlie Adam pulling a goal back from the penalty spot in the 86th minute.
Richardson's goals put Sunderland in the driving seat in the first half but they were also grateful to goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who made three magnificent saves in that period.
Bruce's side made a flying start and Blackpool were pinned back again in the seventh minute when Jordan Henderson swung in a cross from the right.
Steed Malbranque peeled away from his marker but saw his header clear the bar by some distance.
Sunderland made the breakthrough in the 15th minute following a swift counter-attack.
Asamoah Gyan released Richardson with a delightful through ball and he swept a shot into the net for his first goal this season.
Blackpool were stung and Adam floated in a free-kick seven minutes later but Elliot Grandin's header was easily taken by Gordon.
Sunderland almost added a second in the 26th minute when Henderson clipped the ball to Ahmed El Mahamady on the right flank.
He delivered a deep cross and Richardson was handily placed but just failed to get a vital touch.
Blackpool suddenly broke out of their shell and Gordon made two superb saves in the space of two minutes.
He turned away a close-range shot from Luke Varney in the 28th minute after he was set up by the influential Adam, who is apparently on Liverpool's radar.
Then Adam almost equalised, his effort from the edge of the area being turned over the bar by the Scotland international.
The Black Cats extended their lead in the 35th minute with Richardson's second goal of the game.
Richardson showed good movement to get on the end of a pass from Malbranque and his effort beat Richard Kingson at the goalkeeper's near post.
Sunderland, however, were again grateful to Gordon in the 42nd minute when he pushed over a superb 20-yard free-kick from Adam.
Blackpool were forced to make a change in the 49th minute, Brett Ormerod replacing Stephen Crainey after he limped off.

Five minutes later Kingson was left with a cut on his head following a brave block from Zenden, who had been put through by Richardson. He was unable to continue and was replaced by Paul Rachubka between the posts.
It was another blow for manager Ian Holloway, with his side trailing by two goals.
Blackpool responded, though, and almost pulled a goal back in the 59th minute when Varney set up Adam in the six-yard box but Gordon was equal to his effort and turned it over the bar.
Holloway decided to go for broke three minutes later and brought on fit-again striker Marlon Harewood for Grandin.
Harewood was quickly into the action and got the better of Titus Bramble in the 66th minute but dragged his shot the wrong side of the post.
Blackpool were anxious to get back in the game and Adam curled a shot wide from an acute angle in the 77th minute after being picked out by Matt Phillips.
They eventually pulled a goal back in the 85th minute with Adam scoring from the penalty spot after David Vaughan was nudged by Bramble. However, it was too little too late.
 
Aston Villa 1-0 Manchester City






Updated Jan 22, 2011 6:20 PM ET
Darren Bent scored on his Aston Villa debut to dent Manchester City's Premier League title hopes in a 1-0 defeat at Villa Park.
Bent tapped home in the 18th minute after Joe Hart could only parry Ashley Young's effort, and his strike proved to be enough for the Villans.
Sat., Jan. 22
Wolves 0-3 Liverpool |Recap
Arsenal 3-0 Wigan | Recap
Everton 2-2 West Ham | Recap
Man Utd 5-0 Birmingham | Recap
Newcastle 1-1 Tottenham | Recap
Fulham 2-0 Stoke City | Recap
Blackpool 1-2 Sunderland | Recap
Aston Villa 1-0 Man City | Recap
Sun., Jan. 23
Blackburn vs. West Brom
Mon., Jan. 24
Bolton vs. Chelsea
Tue., Jan. 25
Blackpool vs. Man Utd
Wigan vs. Aston Villa
Wed., Jan. 26
Liverpool vs. Fulham BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

With their £59million strike force of Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko, the visitors struggled to find a way past Villa's rock-solid defence in which James Collins and former City centre-back Richard Dunne were outstanding.
And the result means City are now three points behind leaders Manchester United having played two games more. Villa, meanwhile, are three points above the bottom three after holding on for only their second win in 11 league games. It also gave them revenge for a 4-0 mauling at Eastlands last month.
Villa had a let-off after 16 minutes when an inswinging corner from Aleksandar Kolarov caused problems but neither Dzeko nor Tevez could apply the decisive touch from close range.
And Villa Park erupted after 18 minutes when Bent converted his first chance for his new club. Gabriel Agbonlahor found Ashley Young in space and his curling effort was parried aside by Joe Hart but Bent was quickly onto the rebound to slot in.
City tried to retaliate and Brad Friedel produced a fine save to tip Vincent Kompany's header over the bar from Kolarov's corner.
Ciaran Clark then became the first player to be yellow-carded after bringing down Dzeko.
Young almost picked out the late run of Bent with a fine pass shortly after but the ball skidded off the surface. Hart was also alert to cut out a similar ball from Agbonlahor aimed at the former Sunderland player.
Former Villa captain Gareth Barry went close to bringing City level after 37 minutes when his glancing header slid past the far post from Jerome Boateng's threatening ball into the box.
Young got plenty of power behind a low 20-yard drive in the last minute of the half but Hart had his body behind the ball.
City continued to press at the start of the second period and Collins blocked a shot from Dzeko after the striker had cut inside following good play by David Silva.
Dzeko then got on the end of a corner from Kolarov but could not keep his header down.
Mancini made his first change after 57 minutes with Adam Johnson replacing Barry who was jeered by home fans as he left the pitch. Soon after Collins again did well to block a drive from Tevez.
But Friedel knew little about keeping out a powerful low drive from Boateng which bounced off him and away to safety.

Dzeko looped a header past the post and the pressure increased from the visitors while Hart was called into action at the other end to turn a dipping drive from Young away for a corner.
Kolarov was booked after 69 minutes for bringing down Marc Albrighton.
Cuellar threw his body in front of a drive from Dzeko to typify Villa's fighting spirit, while Collins produced another superb block to deny a Tevez volley as the game entered the final 10 minutes.
Clark deflected a 25-yard shot from De Jong against a post with Friedel stranded, and then Dzeko headed wide from close range when it seemed easier to score.
In a rare Villa attack Young poked the ball wide at the near post from Albrighton's cross, but one goal was enough.

 
Villas-Boas admits Prem lure




Updated Jan 22, 2011 9:49 AM ET
Porto manager Andre Villas-Boas admits he has a strong desire to coach in the Premier League at some point in the future.
The 33-year-old tactician is regarded as one of the most talented young coaches on the continent and has guided Porto to their longest unbeaten record, previously set under Jose Mourinho.
Sat., Jan. 22
Wolves 0-3 Liverpool |Recap
Arsenal 3-0 Wigan | Recap
Everton 2-2 West Ham | Recap
Man Utd 5-0 Birmingham | Recap
Newcastle 1-1 Tottenham | Recap
Fulham 2-0 Stoke City | Recap
Blackpool 1-2 Sunderland | Recap
Aston Villa 1-0 Man City | Recap
Sun., Jan. 23
Blackburn vs. West Brom
Mon., Jan. 24
Bolton vs. Chelsea
Tue., Jan. 25
Blackpool vs. Man Utd
Wigan vs. Aston Villa
Wed., Jan. 26
Liverpool vs. Fulham BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures

Villas-Boas emerged as a potential star of the future under the tutelage of Bobby Robson at the Portuguese club, and worked as an assistant to Mourinho at Chelsea and Inter Milan, before leaving for his first club job at Academica.
His success this term with Porto saw him linked with the vacancy at Liverpool before the Reds appointed Kenny Dalglish, and he reveals an ambition to return to England in the future.
"I want to win this (Portuguese) championship, I want to win more competitive leagues, but I also want to explore different leagues," he said in The Times.
"I like other types of social and cultural behaviour, and am looking for that kind of stimulus.
"The Premier League is one of the most exciting leagues in the world. It's not new for me what the Premier League means as I was there before.
"To get a job in the Premier League you have to show you have quality, and I feel I still have to learn and evolve to get that kind of job.
"I want to work in other leagues, but this is a position I always wanted in my life and am not ready to give it away easily.
"I know I'm lucky that I got my dream job so quickly."
Villas-Boas has often been dubbed 'the next Mourinho', but this is a tag he wants to avoid.
"I'm associated with Jose, naturally, because I worked with him, but it's not something I promote," he added.
"We have different personalities and different views towards the game. I respect Jose, but don't want to be a Mourinho clone.
"I want to be able to work freely, without restraint, without worrying what he thinks.
"I love creativity in my players and the unpredictable part of the game. I believe that for the players to express themselves to their full potential, they must be able to take choices during the game.
"I'm not a dictator. I give them freedom of choice, bearing in mind the foundations of our organisation. I believe that with freedom the players can achieve their potential and make better decisions."
 
Federer, Wozniacki in Aussie quarters


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Updated Jan 23, 2011 1:50 AM ET
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)

Defending champion Roger Federer added another record to his vast collection Sunday, matching Jimmy Connors' mark for consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinals appearances when he beat Tommy Robredo 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 at the Australian Open.

More from Down Under


Stay on top of all the news and commentary from Melbourne during the Australian Open. Keep tabs on who's playing by following the Men's singles draw and Women's singles draw.

See the best pictures from Melbourne with the daily photo gallery and check out what the on-court styles with the Australian Open fashion gallery.

Get the latest courtside chatter from our friends at FOX Sports Australia with a daily interactive blog.



Federer has reached the quarterfinals for 27 consecutive majors since his third-round exit in the 2004 French Open, equaling Connors' Open-era record.
The 16-time Grand Slam winner didn't concede a point on his serve in the first set, but had a lapse in the second when Robredo's serve was dominant and he took a set off Federer for only the third time in 10 matches.
''I was struggling with my return - I couldn't get the balls into play I wanted to,'' Federer said. ''I didn't have the best of games at 4-3 down - we don't have much margin at the very top and it shows.''
Federer regained control in the third set and dominated after getting an early break to lead 2-0.
''It's a lot of hard work. I'm sweating bullets right now,'' he said. ''I'm excited to be in the next round.''
Federer, aiming to be only the second man to win five Australian Open titles, will play either Andy Roddick or 19th-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland in the quarterfinals. Roddick and Wawrinka play their fourth-round match Sunday night.
No. 3-ranked Djokovic is aiming for his second Australian crown. The 2008 champion advanced to the quarterfinals for the 13th time in the last 15 majors with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 win over No. 14 Nicolas Almagro and will next play 2010 Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych, who beat Fernando Verdasco 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.

FOX SPORTS POLL


  • Which top men's seed looks the best so far?
    • No. 1 Rafael Nadal
    • No. 2 Roger Federer
    • No. 3 Novak Djokovic
    • No. 4 Robin Soderling
    • No. 5 Andy Murray

Caroline Wozniacki moved into the Australian Open quarterfinals for the first time with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Anastasija Sevastova and is just one victory from ensuring she'll retain the top ranking.
The 20-year-old Dane, playing her first major as world No. 1, reached the quarterfinals at Melbourne Park for the first time. She can keep her top ranking with an appearance in the semis.
The questions about Wozniacki's worthiness of the top ranking are starting to diminish. Asked which player she feared most, she said: ''I don't fear anyone actually.''
''I'm feeling confident. I feel like I can beat anyone on a good day. I think they have to fear me when they're playing me,'' she said. ''I just go out there and do my best. If they're better than me that day, it's just too good.''
Wozniacki lost three of the first four games of the match before reeling off six in a row, including a break in the first game of the second set. Sevastova, ranked No. 46, rallied and the pair traded breaks until Wozniacki regained control.
Wozniacki now has reached the quarterfinals at all four majors, and she's navigated some troublesome ground. According to the WTA, only one of the last five women to be ranked No. 1 went beyond the first round in the first major they played with the top ranking.
Li Na, already China's most successful player, reached the quarterfinals with a 6-3, 6-3 win over eighth-seeded Victoria Azarenka of Belarus.

VERA CRUISE


A more experienced Zvonareva sails through the draw. Richard Evans



The ninth-seeded Li was one of two Chinese players to reach the semifinals at Melbourne Park last year, her run ending with a loss to eventual champion Serena Williams in two tiebreak sets.
While Wozniacki says she's not frightened of any of her fellow players, she did use part of her post-match press conference to describe an up-close encounter with a baby kangaroo that had scarred her.
She said she tried to pet the kangaroo and it scratched her, and noted she had seen a doctor and rejected advice to get stitches.
But she later tweeted: ''Round 2 with the media🙂 hope you enjoyed my kangaroo story, hope you know i was just kidding🙂 see you on tuesday for round 3!''
The WTA confirmed Wozniacki had told them the kangaroo story wasn't true. Perhaps she hasn't heard the fable about the shepherd boy and the wolf.
 
Federer, Wozniacki in Aussie quarters


storypage_APlogo_01.png




PRINT RSS



Updated Jan 23, 2011 1:50 AM ET
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)

Defending champion Roger Federer added another record to his vast collection Sunday, matching Jimmy Connors' mark for consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinals appearances when he beat Tommy Robredo 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 at the Australian Open.

More from Down Under


Stay on top of all the news and commentary from Melbourne during the Australian Open. Keep tabs on who's playing by following the Men's singles draw and Women's singles draw.

See the best pictures from Melbourne with the daily photo gallery and check out what the on-court styles with the Australian Open fashion gallery.

Get the latest courtside chatter from our friends at FOX Sports Australia with a daily interactive blog.



Federer has reached the quarterfinals for 27 consecutive majors since his third-round exit in the 2004 French Open, equaling Connors' Open-era record.
The 16-time Grand Slam winner didn't concede a point on his serve in the first set, but had a lapse in the second when Robredo's serve was dominant and he took a set off Federer for only the third time in 10 matches.
''I was struggling with my return — I couldn't get the balls into play I wanted to,'' Federer said. ''I didn't have the best of games at 4-3 down — we don't have much margin at the very top and it shows.''
Federer regained control in the third set and dominated after getting an early break to lead 2-0.
''It's a lot of hard work. I'm sweating bullets right now,'' he said. ''I'm excited to be in the next round.''
Federer, aiming to be only the second man to win five Australian Open titles, will play either Andy Roddick or 19th-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland in the quarterfinals. Roddick and Wawrinka play their fourth-round match Sunday night.
No. 3-ranked Djokovic is aiming for his second Australian crown. The 2008 champion advanced to the quarterfinals for the 13th time in the last 15 majors with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 win over No. 14 Nicolas Almagro and will next play 2010 Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych, who beat Fernando Verdasco 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.

FOX SPORTS POLL


  • Which top men's seed looks the best so far?
    • No. 1 Rafael Nadal
    • No. 2 Roger Federer
    • No. 3 Novak Djokovic
    • No. 4 Robin Soderling
    • No. 5 Andy Murray

Caroline Wozniacki moved into the Australian Open quarterfinals for the first time with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Anastasija Sevastova and is just one victory from ensuring she'll retain the top ranking.
The 20-year-old Dane, playing her first major as world No. 1, reached the quarterfinals at Melbourne Park for the first time. She can keep her top ranking with an appearance in the semis.
The questions about Wozniacki's worthiness of the top ranking are starting to diminish. Asked which player she feared most, she said: ''I don't fear anyone actually.''
''I'm feeling confident. I feel like I can beat anyone on a good day. I think they have to fear me when they're playing me,'' she said. ''I just go out there and do my best. If they're better than me that day, it's just too good.''
Wozniacki lost three of the first four games of the match before reeling off six in a row, including a break in the first game of the second set. Sevastova, ranked No. 46, rallied and the pair traded breaks until Wozniacki regained control.
Wozniacki now has reached the quarterfinals at all four majors, and she's navigated some troublesome ground. According to the WTA, only one of the last five women to be ranked No. 1 went beyond the first round in the first major they played with the top ranking.
Li Na, already China's most successful player, reached the quarterfinals with a 6-3, 6-3 win over eighth-seeded Victoria Azarenka of Belarus.

VERA CRUISE


A more experienced Zvonareva sails through the draw. Richard Evans



The ninth-seeded Li was one of two Chinese players to reach the semifinals at Melbourne Park last year, her run ending with a loss to eventual champion Serena Williams in two tiebreak sets.
While Wozniacki says she's not frightened of any of her fellow players, she did use part of her post-match press conference to describe an up-close encounter with a baby kangaroo that had scarred her.
She said she tried to pet the kangaroo and it scratched her, and noted she had seen a doctor and rejected advice to get stitches.
But she later tweeted: ''Round 2 with the media🙂 hope you enjoyed my kangaroo story, hope you know i was just kidding🙂 see you on tuesday for round 3!''
The WTA confirmed Wozniacki had told them the kangaroo story wasn't true. Perhaps she hasn't heard the fable about the shepherd boy and the wolf.
 
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