zgr123's blog
PARIS - Torontos Daniel Nestor and Serbian partner Nenad Zimonjic were eliminated from the French Open on Monday after dropping a 6-7 (2), 6-3, 7-6 (5) quarter-final decision to Marin Draganja of Croatia and Florin Mergea of Romania. Terrence Ross Raptors Jersey . Nestor and Zimonjic entered the tournament on a roll after winning back-to-back clay titles at Madrid and Rome. However, Draganja and Mergea took the third-set tiebreaker after trailing 4-1 to upset the third-seeded duo. "Its disappointing to lose but especially when you feel you have a chance to win a Slam," said Nestor. "We were prepared for this match. We had also gotten out of danger in previous matches this season and dealt with situations well. "It just didnt work out today." The match lasted two hours 18 minutes. Nestor had been bidding for a seventh Paris semifinal appearance. After Draganja and Mergea tied the match at a set apiece, Zimonjic was broken to start the third. They got the break back to move to 4-4 but were unable to prevent the tiebreaker. The underdogs earned the victory on their first match point to conclude a final set which took just over an hour. "Nobody is a nobody," Nestor said of the relatively unknown winning side. "They returned well, with like 20 clean winners. Its unfortunate we didnt do something with our chances in the tiebreaker. Every match is close from the first round. "We didnt do enough with some returns and should have played better." The 41-year-old Canadian is still alive in the mixed doubles competition with Kristina Mladenovic of France. Nestor and Zimonjic had won their last 11 clay matches and finished the clay campaign with a 16-3 record. DeMarre Carroll Jersey . At times during a solid but not spectacular season, they looked all three. Still the defending AFC champions persevered, riding their top-ranked defence and key contributions from younger players to a 12-4 record and their eighth playoff appearance since 2000, remarkable consistency in a league where change is the only constant. Pascal Siakam Jersey . Hamels threw seven sharp innings to earn his 100th career victory, Domonic Brown had a career-best five RBIs and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Cincinnati Reds 12-1 on Saturday night to end a four-game losing streak.CHICAGO -- A couple of weeks ago, Jeff Samardzija was a symbol of the Chicago Cubs struggles when he was winless despite leading the major leagues in ERA. Now Samardzija has his second win in three starts for a team trying to turn around its season. Samardzija tossed seven solid innings, Junior Lake hit two home runs and Emilio Bonifacio added a two-run shot as the Cubs extended their winning streak to five with a 5-2 victory over the Miami Marlins on Saturday. "The best thing as a starting pitcher you can have is consistency -- that every time you go out there your coach and your teammates know what youre going to give them," Samardzija said. "Thats what I want to do." Saturday certainly was a start. Samardzija (2-5) allowed two runs and five hits in seven innings, striking out eight. Pedro Strop got his second save. Except for his last outing -- eight runs in three innings at Milwaukee last Sunday -- Samardzija has put up similar numbers all season. The Cubs, though, would always come up short in one phase of the game during his outings, whether it was offence or defence. During the winning streak, consistent all-around production has been the norm. "I think everybodys contributing in some shape or form," Chicago manager Rick Renteria said. "Junior adding two solo homers there, those are big runs, obviously. There are a lot of different things, a lot of little things. Theyre just playing the game." Christian Yelich went 2 for 4 with a homer for the Marlins and opened the scoring in the third inning with a solo shot to make it 1-0. "It was a good swing," Marlins manager Mike Redmond said. "He keeps battling. He gives you good at-bats. Hes got power. You see it in there. Its just really just a matter of consistency for him. He keeps having good at-bats. Even though his average is probably not where he would want it, or everyone else would want it, I know hes going to give me a good at-bat." The Cubs wentt in front in the bottom half of the inning when Samardzija singled and Bonifacio hammered a 3-2 pitch from Miami starter Randy Wolf (1-2) into the left-field bleachers for a 2-1 lead. Bismack Biyombo Raptors Jersey. . It was Bonifacios first homer since July 30 last season. "That was great," Samardzija said. "I got to jog around the bases instead of having to score from first." The Cubs stretched the lead to 3-1 in the fifth when Lake hit a long homer into the shrubbery in centre field, connecting with a 79 mph changeup on a 2-1 count. Miami got to 3-2 in the sixth inning when Giancarlo Stanton doubled with one out, moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on Casey McGehees groundout to first base. The Cubs got a run back in the bottom half when Starlin Castro led off with a double, advanced to third on a fly out and scored when Wolf threw a wild pitch with Mike Olt at the plate. Lake bumped the lead to 5-2 an inning later when he went deep for the second time in the game -- the second multihomer game of his career -- on a line drive to left against reliever Chris Hatcher. "I really love how were playing right now as a team in all phases," Samardzija said. "To win big league ballgames you have to have all three or four phases of the game. "I love the way were swinging it right now, and, as a pitcher, it gives you a lot of confidence to go out and pound the zone." NOTES: Cubs LHP Zac Rosscup (left shoulder soreness) began his rehab assignment with Class AAA Iowa Saturday. He has been on the disabled list since May 10. ... Redmond said C Jarrod Saltalamacchia (concussion) has not participated in baseball activities since being hit on his catching mask by a foul tip on May 31 and that it was likely he would be sent to the 15-day disabled list. ... RHP Jake Arrieta (1-1, 3.00 ERA) will face RHP Henderson Alvarez (3-3, 2.62) Sunday in the finale of the three-game series. Alvarezs three wins are all shutouts. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys ChinaNFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
The Montreal Canadiens and Minnesota Wild both took advantage of home-ice. Taurean Prince Jersey . Notes on P.K. Subban, Dale Weise, Erik Haula, Mikael Granlund, Ilya Bryzgalov and more. HABS HOME COOKING Returning home for Game Three of their series against the Boston Bruins, the Montreal Canadiens delivered their best game of the series and took a 4-2 decision, gaining a 2-1 lead in the series. As he has been throughout the postseason, Canadiens D P.K. Subban was front-and-centre for the Habs. He had a goal and an assist, giving him 11 points (3 G, 8 A) in seven games this playoff. He has 27 points in 33 career playoff games and his 0.82 points per game in the playoffs is the best among defencemen to have played at least 30 playoff games since 2000. Subban also played a game-high 27:50, bumping his postseason average to 27:34 per game, most among Eastern Conference skaters still alive in the second round. Montreal got a goal and an assist from Dale Weise, giving him four points in seven playoff games and five goals in 24 (regular season plus playoff games) since he was acquired by Montreal. Lars Eller also contributed a goal and an assist, notching the empty-netter, giving him eight points in seven playoff games to lead Montreals forwards; quite a change in fortune for a player that had six points in his last 35 games of the regular season. Habs veteran defence pairing of Mike Weaver and Douglas Murray was dominated possession-wise, both on for less than 32% of 5-on-5 shot attempts but, to be at least a little bit fair, they also started nearly all of their shifts in the defensive zone. Rookie LW Michael Bournival, skating mostly with Tomas Plekanec and Thomas Vanek as the Canadiens shuffled lines, was the only Hab on for better than 60% of shot attempts for. Patrice Bergeron scored Bostons first goal and had another strong all-around game, generating a game-high 10 shot attempts. Montreals leaders in shot attempts were left wingers Rene Bourque and Max Pacioretty, with seven apiece. For a big rivalry game, the Canadiens took a very disciplined approach -- each team had just one power play -- and it removed some of the emotion from the proceedings, which worked for the Habs. They raced out to a 3-0 lead and, this time, held on to win. With another game in Montreal, suddenly there is some pressure on the favoured Bruins. WILD BACK IN THE SERIES The first couple period of Game Three between the Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild were snooze-worthy, with the two teams combining for 25 shots on goal in a scoreless affair. The Wild, though jumped on the Blackhawks with a couple of goals early in the third period, tacked on a couple more late and skated away with a 4-0 win, cutting the Blackhawks lead in the series to 2-1. Rookie Erik Haula scored the first goal for Minnesota, giving him five points (2 G, 3 A) in 10 playoff games. Haula scored 15 points in 46 games this season, but finished the year with seven points in the last seven games as he filled the second-line centre role for an injured Mikael Granlund. Speaking of Granlund, the second-year centre scored a pair goals, including the empty-netter. He missed time late in the year due to injury, but Granlund had 22 points in his last 24 regular season games and now has seven points (4 G, 3 A) in 10 playoff games. Wild G Ilya Bryzgalov stopped all 19 shots he faced for the shutout. It was Bryzgalovs first playoff shutout since 2006, but he still has an abysmal .860 save percentage in six playoff games this year. Unable to generate offence, the Blackhawks tried shuffling lines part way through the game, putting Patrick Kane with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp, while Marian Hossa skated with Bryan Bickell and Ben Smith, but to no avail; they couldnt beat Bryz. Blackhawks D Nick Leddy, a Minnesota native, was scratched, for Sheldon Brookbank. An interesting choice for coach Joel Quenneville, considering that Leddy has the teams best possession numbers in the playoffs. When a team like the Wild comes into a series as prohibitive underdogs, one way to reduce the advantage of a more skilled club is to reduce the number of shots and hope that increases the role that randomness can play in the proceedings. So far, the Blackhawks are averaging 21.0 shots per game (the Wild at 23.0) through three games, which is decidedly lower than the 33.1 shots per game that the Blackhawks averaged during the regular season and its probably the way it has to be if the Wild are going to build on their Game Three win. Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. For more, check out TSN Fantasy on Facebook.Dominique Wilkins Jersey . The defeat leaves the 41-year-old Nestor to concentrate on the mixed-doubles event after winning 12 straight matches and winning Australian titles in Brisbane and Sydney with two different partners. "This was a little bit of a let down, but all credit to them," said Nestor. Dikembe Mutombo Jersey . "[People] keep asking that question and its not a legit question because we dont have that right, we havent arrived yet," Casey responded. "Weve got to take each game at a time, each possession at a time and look at it that way.The Toronto Raptors are reportedly interested in acquiring four-time all-star Rajon Rondo from the Boston Celtics. According to a report by Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun, the Raptors have been involved in talks with multiple teams, including the Celtics about their point guard. With the NBA trade deadline on Thursday, almost every player on the Celtics roster is believed to be available for the right price. According to Bull.coms Sam Smith, the asking price for Rondo is believed to be two unprotected first rounders. A source told the Sun that the asking price is a combination of at least one lottery pick and talented young player.&nbbsp;The 27-year-old Rondo tore his ACL just over a year ago and played only 10 games this season. Tim Hardaway Jr. Hawks Jersey. Last year, the Louisville, KY native averaged 13.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 11.1 assists and 1.84 steals in 37.4 minutes per game, appearing in only 38 games due to the knee injury. Rondo, who becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2015 season, will earn $12.9 million in the final year of his contract. Rondo was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the first round (21st overall) of the 2006 NBA Draft. The Suns then traded Brian Grant and the rights to Rondo to the Celtics for a future first-round selection. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
MINNEAPOLIS -- Jim Johnson struggled again. Harrison Barnes Mavericks Jersey . The Oakland Athletics picked up their new closer with a strong finish. Derek Norris hit a three-run homer in the 11th inning, and the As bounced back from another blown save by Johnson to beat the Minnesota Twins 7-4 on Wednesday. "When someone doesnt come through the next guy comes up and fills in for him. ... Its a nice chemistry we have here for that to happen," Norris said. Jared Burton (0-1) gave up the one-out drive by the backup catcher Norris, who went deep on Tuesday night, too. Dan Otero (1-0) got the last eight outs for the victory in relief of Johnson, who has given up seven runs, nine hits and six walks in five appearances with the As. Hes simply been falling behind in too many counts. "Whatever hes got to do to change that he will," Norris said, adding: "Hes going to go on a roll, and this isnt going to be a matter any longer I dont think." Minnesota trailed 4-0 after a rocky first inning by Phil Hughes, who needed 40 pitches to get his first out. Jason Kubel homered in the second and Brian Dozier went deep in the eighth. Johnson, who had 50 saves for Baltimore last season, gave up the third of four hits by Kubel to start the ninth. With the bases loaded and one out, Johnson nearly had Eduardo Escobar struck out, but a foul tip was ruled on his two-strike swing. Escobar then poked a single into to left field to cut Oaklands lead to 4-3. A one-hop throw to third baseman Josh Donaldson nearly forced out Kurt Suzuki, who was ruled safe, and a video review ruled the call stood -- meaning there was not "clear and convincing" evidence to overturn it. Donaldson said he closed his glove on the ball before Suzukis foot hit. But As manager Bob Melvin didnt waste time arguing, instead replacing Johnson with Otero. "I just had to go get him. I didnt feel great about it, but I had to do it. Keep working to get him right," Melvin said, declining to speculate on whether Johnsons closer job was in jeopardy. Dozier hit a sacrifice fly to right field, just deep enough for Suzuki to race home and sneak a hand onto the plate in front of the tag by Norris. Another umpire-initiated review confirmed the safe call, and the crowd of 22,973 cheered loudly when the video board provided the proof. There was more drama before Norris came up again. Glen Perkins struck out Donaldson to end the 10th inning, and the Twins closer shouted some obscenities and pointed at Donaldson, who gestured and "started to red line," as Donaldson put it afterward. Donaldsons path to Perkins was cut off by the Twins, and after the dugouts mostly emptied the tension de-escalated. Donaldson nearly homered during that at-bat, but the ball drifted foul. Perkins said he thought Donaldson was admiring his drive too long. "I dont feel like I disrespected him at all. Im up there trying to win a game for our team, and hes trying to win a game for his team. Juices are flowing," Donaldson said. Said Perkins: "There were things that happened in that at-bat that we both could have done differently. So well leave it at that." Donaldson hit an RBI double after Hughes walked the first two batters of the game. Brandon Moss tacked on a two-run single, and Alberto Callaspo added an RBI single. None of the hits were particularly hard, but the damage was done. Hughes walked three and struck out three in five innings, with five hits surrendered. Twins starters have one win in eight turns, with a collective 6.43 ERA. Oakland starter Jesse Chavez pitched seven smooth innings with no walks and nine strikeouts. As starters have allowed three runs or fewer in each of their first eight games, for a 2.02 ERA. NOTES: The As held CF Coco Crisp out again following a cortisone shot he had in his left wrist and likely will do so again on Thursday. ... The Twins honoured Gardenhire before the game for his 1,000th career victory by giving him a hand-crafted humidor filled with, yep, 1,000 cigars. ... Oakland has eight straight wins over Minnesota, all with at least seven runs. ... The As will send RHP Dan Straily (0-1, 4.50 ERA) to the mound for the series finale, and RHP Mike Pelfrey (0-1, 5.06 ERA) is set to pitch for the Twins. Jose Juan Barea Mavericks Jersey .com) - A chant of Zeke reverberated around AT&T Stadium before Ezekiel Elliott powered into the end zone for his fourth and final touchdown. Nerlens Noel Jersey . SIMONS ISLAND, Ga.Layla Guscoth was selected as player of the match after her impressive defensive display in the Hertfordshire Mavericks win over Yorkshire Jets. Mavericks captain Guscoth played a leading role as the Mavericks claimed a 54-34 win over the Jets, sending Hertfordshire to the top of the Vitality Netball Suuperleague. Jose Juan Barea Jersey. Click on the video above to see Guscoth reflect on Hertfordshires win. Also See: Vitality Superleague fixtures Table Live on Sky Sportswomen Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys AuthenticWholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
ASHBURN, Va. Kyrie Irving Cavaliers Jersey . -- The Washington Redskins have re-signed defensive lineman Chris Baker to a three-year contract with $12 million. The deal announced Thursday includes $4 million of guaranteed money. Baker has spent two seasons with the Redskins, playing in 29 games. He started the final three games last season after Stephen Bowen was sidelined with a knee injury. Baker has played both tackle and end on the defensive line, and hell be a possible contender for a regular starting job at end in the teams 3-4 alignment under new coach Jay Gruden, especially with both Bowen and Adam Carriker recovering from major injuries. The 26-year-old Baker was undrafted out of Hampton. He played with Denver and Miami before joining the Redskins in 2012. Richard Jefferson Cavaliers Jersey . You can watch all the action on TSN2 beginning at 7pm et/4pm pt. Pineda won his second straight start last Wednesday against Chicago, as he held the Cubs to just four hits over six scoreless innings to run his record to 2-0, while lowering his ERA to 1. LeBron James Jersey . -- LeBron James warned the Orlando Magic to stop double-teaming him and ignoring James Jones. BARCELONA, Spain -- Ruben "Cani" Gracia set up two goals for Villarreal in a 3-0 win over Granada on Friday as it provisionally rose past Real Madrid and into third place in the Spanish league. Also, Osasuna used an explosive first half to earn a 1-0 win at Malaga, its first away victory and second overall of the season. Cani continued to show his excellent form this campaign by helping the promoted Villarreal ease to the victory at its El Madrigal Stadium. The attacking midfielder first drew Granadas defence in the area before laying off for Bruno Soriano to volley in a left-footed shot at the half-hour mark. And after Giovani Dos Santos toed in Jonathan Pereiras cross in the 49th minute, Cani passed for Tomas Pina to head in the hosts final goal in the 82nd. Villarreal is four points behind co-leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid and one point ahead of Madrid before they play later this weekend. "We had 10 scoring chances alone in the first half and two of our three goals were scored by midfielders," said Villarreal coach Marcelino Garcia. "Its satisfying because it means we dont rely on the scoring form of our strikers. This team is daring and we take aadvantage of that to score a lot of goals. J.R. Smith Cavaliers Jersey. " Granada entered the game tied for the leagues best defence with only five goals allowed through seven rounds. But Villarreals flowing attack had little trouble picking it apart, while Granada was limited to a pair of shots by substitute strikers Ivan "Riki" Rico-Sanchez and Odion Ighalo in the 57th and 58th. Osasuna bossed the match in Malaga early on, arriving in waves and only being kept from a greater winning margin by Malaga goalkeeper Willy Caballero. Caballero couldnt keep out striker Oriol Rieras second effort in the 23rd after he had blocked his first try from a dipping cross launched by Sisinio "Sisi" Gonzalez. Malaga coach Bernd Schuster sent on reinforcements at halftime and his team greatly improved, but Osasuna held on to break Malagas five-game unbeaten streak. This weekend, Barcelona and Atletico both search for their eighth win in as many rounds with matches against Valladolid and Celta Vigo, respectively. Also, its: Levante vs. Real Madrid, Elche vs. Espanyol, Rayo Vallecano vs. Real Sociedad, Sevilla vs. Almeria, Getafe vs. Real Betis, and Athletic Bilbao vs. Valencia. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
Its a case of same again for Vancouver Whitecaps. Mateen Cleaves Pistons Jersey . After a successful switch in formation for last weeks home win over Houston Dynamo, Caps head coach Carl Robinson is expected to keep the same lineup for their match against Colorado Rapids at BC Place (Saturday at 3:30pm pt live on CTV BC). We have seen many good qualities from Robinson in his opening months as a rookie head coach, the latest being just last week when he showed a willingness to change. The Whitecaps had played his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation in the opening three matches, but needed to find a way to get the best out of forward Kenny Miller and also Chilean midfielder Pedro Morales. So Robinson made a switch, and the diamond midfield worked well as the Whitecaps won 2-1 against the Dynamo to keep their unbeaten start to the season alive. Theres little doubt about the star of the show last week - Morales was magnificent, especially in the first half. The Designated Player was everywhere, making the most of the freedom afforded him as a central attacking midfielder, showcasing his full range of ability, highlighted by his sublime passing. A cross-field ball driven between three Houston players was the top moment for me, but his first-time cross to the head of Andy OBrien, who then set up Jordan Harvey for the first goal, was very close behind. Morales is a difference maker that the Whitecaps have been craving for some time. He excites the crowd and makes those around him more effective. His influence on games will be key to deciding how successful the Whitecaps will be this season. Another big factor will be the depth of the Caps squad. They have assembled a quality group of players that gives Robinson plenty of options and will be extremely valuable as the season progresses. It also gives him the flexibility to change both personnel and formation within games, something he has already shown he is not afraid to do. One of the positives of the 4-4-2 diamond is that Darren Mattocks and Kenny Miller are both able to play in their favoured positions up front. Miller was less effective when playing wide as one of the three attacking midfielders in a 4-2-3-1, but his experience alongside the youth of Mattocks is important for the Whitecaps and against Houston, the partnership worked well. Other positives last week included a strong performance from goalkeeper David Ousted, more excellent work from young Argentine Matias Laba in his role as a defensive midfield destroyer, and solid displays from both fullbacks Jordan Harvey and Steven Beitashour. Everything seemed to work against Houston. Now the Whitecaps look for similar success against a Colorado side that is 1-1-1 through its first three matches. They have scored five goals, but all of them have been a result of penalties, four scored by Vincente Sanchez, and one rebound after Deshorn Brown saw his spot kick initially saved. Being awarded five penalties in just three games sets a new MLS record, but finishing chances from the run of play is something the Rapids have been struggling with through the first three matches (1-1 at New York, 2-0 win home to Portland, 3-2 loss home to Kansas City). Colorado are expected to play a 4-2-3-1 formation, but Pablo Mastroenis team will be missing some key pieces in Vancouver. Former Toronto FC defender Marvell Wynne is suspended after a sending off in the loss at home to Sporting Kansas City a week ago, regular left back Chris Klute is injured, and there is also a question mark about whether veteran players such as Sanchez and Edson Buddle will play on the BC Place turf. Colorado finished three points ahead of Vancouver last season, beating the Caps to the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, although the Rapids exited at the first hurdle, losing their Knockout Round match against Seattle, 2-0. The Rapids have kept many of the same players who got them to the postseason. Spanish defensive midfielder Jose Mari is one of the new names likely to play in Vancouver as he returns from a one-match suspension picked up in just his second game in MLS as the Rapids beat Portland 2-0 at home a fortnight ago. Thomas Piermayr could make his MLS debut in defence after signing with the Rapids this week following a trial spell with the club. While most of the players are the same, there is, of course, a new coach. Mastroeni had a long and successful MLS career as a player and is now embarking on a new challenge. With two rookie coaches on the sidelines at BC Place, it will be an interesting tactical battle. The Whitecaps have equaled their best start to a season since joining Major League Soccer with eight points from their opening four matches, a win against Colorado would set a new high standard, and also lay a strong foundation ahead of back-to-back matches against LA Galaxy. Ben Wallace Jersey . -- Golden State Warriors reserve centre Ognjen Kuzmic is expected to miss at least six weeks after undergoing surgery on his fractured right hand. Grant Long Pistons Jersey .J. -- New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is going to start the off-season training program with a surgically repaired left ankle.PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Penguins coach Dan Bylsma wanted to send a message to his team, putting Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin exclusively on the same line. Consider it received. Attacking on offence early and often, the Penguins topped the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1 on Saturday night as Jussi Jokinen scored the go-ahead goal in the third period to help give Pittsburgh a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference playoff series. Pittsburgh peppered Sergei Bobrovsky with 50 shots on goal, keeping the Blue Jackets goalie busy all night. "We competed hard," Crosby said. "We played desperate and really aggressive. Thats the game we have to play. Its not always going to result in 50 shots, but its our style of play." Chris Kunitz had a power-play goal and Kris Letang scored into an empty net for Pittsburgh, which has the upstart Blue Jackets on the verge of elimination with an opportunity to close out the series Monday during Game 6 in Columbus. "Their coach challenged them and they responded," Blue Jackets coach Todd Richards said. "Now, we have to do the same thing on Monday." It hasnt been easy for the Penguins, a team considered by many a Stanley Cup contender. Columbus, which began the series searching for its first playoff win in franchise history, twice rallied to stun the heavily favoured Penguins and outshot Pittsburgh three of the previous four games this series. Boone Jenner scored the lone goal for Columbus, which played its first Game 5 in franchise history. "I dont think anybody in this room would say theyre uncomfortable going into the next game," Blue Jackets forward Ryan Johansen said. "Like weve been saying, all the guys, we believe we can get this done." Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury recovered from a game-changing gaffe in Game 4 for the victory on Saturday, making 23 saves. Fleury is 4-1 in his last five games after a playoff overtime loss. "He was solid," Crosby said. "He showed his experience tonight." Bobrovsky stopped 48 shots for the Blue Jackets. "They were going to the net hard and obviously it was something they talked about, to make it hard on Bobrovsky," Richards said. "Its how they wanted to play the game." Crosby and Malkin, despite playing on the same line and combining for eight shots, still havent scored through five playoff games, but the message was sent. "I think we went into the game with a good idea that we were going to see that," Bylsma said. "With the matchup, we were able to give those guys a good opportunity to play together and be a force." Crosby, who led the league in scoriing with 104 points, hasnt scored in his last 10 playoff games overall, while Malkin has gone nine without a goal. Bill Laimbeer Jersey. Richards hopes to extend the goal-less drought another game. "I have the last change, so its something I can possibly control a little bit better," Richards said. "But it makes for something different when you see (Crosby) and (Malkin) on the same line." The teams were tied at 1 entering the third, but Jokinen touched a backhand rebound past Bobrovsky along the far post 6:16 into the period. Letang scored an empty-netter with 1:01 to play to seal it. A 3-1 lead appeared to be a kiss of death for the team leading in the first four games of the series. Not on Saturday. Both sides endured wild momentum swings through the first four games, all decided by a 4-3 margin where the winning team rallied from a 3-1 deficit every time for the first time in league history. The Penguins twice had an opportunity to take a two-game lead in the series, while Columbus put Pittsburgh in a two-goal hole two times, only to come up short. The Penguins were seconds away from taking a 3-1 lead during the best-of-seven series in Game 5 when Fleury misplayed a puck behind the net, leading to Brandon Dubinskys tying goal that forced overtime and Nick Folignos innocent-looking wrist shot from the blue line that evaded Fleury and evened the series. Fleury, who was benched during Pittsburghs run to the conference finals last year, responded Saturday. "I think dealing with the pressure that he has, he was able to turn the page pretty quickly," Crosby said. "Thats what he needs to do, especially in the playoffs." Jenner helped the Blue Jackets score first Saturday with a power-play goal midway through the opening period. Fleury sprawled to cover a rebound at the top of the crease, but the puck came loose and Jenner jammed a shot home along the near post. Kunitz tied it with a second-period power-play goal, corralling a bouncing rebound in front of the net and backhanding it past Bobrovsky. Jokinens goal in the third put the Blue Jackets on the brink. "I expect nothing other than what theyve done all year, to respond," Richards said. NOTES: The NHL announced a 7 p.m. start for Game 6 in Columbus. ... Penguins D Brooks Orpik missed the game with an undisclosed injury. ... Penguins F Brian Gibbons (undisclosed) was out for a third straight game. ... Marcel Goc returned to the lineup for Pittsburgh after missing four games with a foot injury. ... Blue Jackets D Fedor Tyutin (lower body) played after missing two games, while D Ryan Murray (lower body), who missed Game 4, was also back in the lineup. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
It is coming up to four years since the retirement of Andrew Strauss, but heading into the Test series with Sri Lanka, England are still searching for a dependable long-term opening partner for Alastair Cook. Houston Astros T-shirts . Many have been given the opportunity to prove themselves at the top of the order - Joe Root, Nick Compton, Michael Carberry and Moeen Ali to name but a few - but no one has done enough to make the spot their own.Here we look at five of the potential options to join Cook in the middle when England begin their first innings at Headingley later this month… Alex Hales Hales scored just 136 runs in eight innings for England in South Africa The Nottinghamshire batsman is the man in possession having opened up with Cook during Englands series victory over South Africa during the winter. However, Hales struggled to make an impact, making only one half-century as he managed just 136 runs at an average of 17 in eight innings.Yet having shown his class for England in limited overs cricket, the 27-year-old may well be given the chance to prove himself on home soil in the longest form of the game.Hales was certainly in good touch for Notts last summer, hitting three centuries and two fifties with an average just shy of 50, while his 73 against Middlesex on Sunday could prove very timely.Nick Browne Nick Browne is believed to be among those being considered by England The only player in our list plying his trade in Division Two, Browne has the advantage of having opened the batting with Cook for Essex on a number of occasions. Since making his first-class debut in 2013, the left-hander has scored over 4,000 runs with an average just over 41.At 25, Browne has time on his side and the potential to become a mainstay in the side for years to come. Although, after scoring 1,157 championship runs last summer, he has struggled so far in 2016.There have been two half-centuries but there have also been a number of low scores. An untimely dip in form could see him miss out, though he will be familiar with the Sri Lanka attack from Essexs ongoing match against Angelo Mathews men.Adam Lyth Adam Lyth started the season with a century for Yorkshrie Having been drafted into the England squad at the beginning of last summer, Lyth lasted just seven matches - two against New Zealand and five Ashes games - having scored just 265 runs in 13 innings. The Yorkshireman did manage a Test century in the second Test against the Kiwis but was found wanting outside his off stump by the Australians.He has received backing from one former Aussie bowler, though, in the form of Jason Gillespie, his coach at Yorkshire, who believes Lyth is good enough to thrive at Test level. A century in his first County Championship game of the new season showed his undoubted talent but scores of nought and four in the recent clash with Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, live on Sky Sports, will not have helped his chances of a Test recall.Sam Robson Sam Robson averaged 30.54 in seven Tests for England in 2014 Given the records of those who have followed him, Robson may feel a touch unfortunate to have been dropped from the England side at the end of the summer of 2014 having averaged 30.54 and hit a ton and a half-century against Sri Lanka and India.The 26-year-old struggled on his return to county cricket with Middlesex last summer but began the 2016 season magnificently, making scores of 231 and 106 against Warwickshire at Lords. He has been unable to continue that form in the games that have followed but an international recall should not be ruled out.Mark Stoneman Mark Stoneman has been a consistent performer for Durham in recent years The Durham opener has been a figure of consistency in recent seasons, overcoming seamer-friendly conditions at Chester-le-Street to score over 1,000 first class runs in each of the past three seasons, including a career best 1,131 over the course of the 2015 campaign.Stoneman has also had a superb start to the 2016 season and already looks well on his way to another 1,000-run term. An unbeaten century and two half-centuries in his first four games with an average of 84 will not have gone unnoticed by the selectors - whether it is enough to earn him a place in the squad for the first Test is another matter.Who do you think should open the batting for England in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Headingley? Let us know by commenting below or tweet us @SkyCricket...Then head to Sky Sports News HQ and Sky Sports digital platforms on Thursday morning for first news of Englands Test squad to play Sri Lanka. Also See: Pundits pick England squad WATCH: Skys summer of cricket Sky Ashes coverage wins BAFTA WATCH: Root bowls out Stokes! Jose Cruz Jr. Jersey .ca/CurlingSkins - with the Top 16 curlers earning a ticket to Banff, Alta. to compete in the TRAVELERS ALL-STAR CURLING SKINS GAME Presented by Pintys, running Jan. Carlos Correa Jersey .Y. -- Nothing seems to phase No.Former Leeds Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield reckons Saturdays First Utility Super League Grand Final between Warrington and Wigan is too close to call. Sinfield, who tasted Grand Final success seven times, has predicted a tight battle at Old Trafford as both teams will have additional motivation to lift the trophy.Warrington, who topped the table at the end of the regular Super League season, have not been crowned champions since 1955, while Wigan have lost out to St Helens and Leeds in rugby leagues showpiece in the last two seasons. Sinfield told Sky Sports News HQ: Its interesting looking at both these teams on Saturday because they have both got a cause. They have both got a story thats behind them. Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield is asked to predict the winner between Warrington and Wigan in the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford Warrington, given they have not won this competition since 1955, theres a story, but they also got beat off Wigan in their last Grand Final appearance in 2013, whereas if you look at Wigan they are trying to stop a third successive defeat on Saturday. Grand Final: Key battles We look at three key battles of the Grand Final between Warrington and Wigan, live on Sky Sports So not only do you want to lift the trophy to feel what it is like to lift that after 11 months of hard work, but they also want to do it for a cause, and I think its really important. Kevin Sinfield was a Grand Final winner on seven occasions Sinfield also expects the Wolves, under Tony Smith, and the Warriors, under Shaun Wane, to be well prepared for the challenge. Watch NOW TV Watch Sky Sports for just ￡6.99. No contract. He added: Tony is great at keeping his pllayers relaxed, he will have complete control. Doug Fister Astros Jersey. They will know exactly what they are doing and their preparation this week will have been second to none.I just think they are ready. Some of the players that they have available, attacking-wise, they are the best team in the competition - it makes for a real serious challenge on Saturday. Warrington beat St Helens 18-10 in a fast and furious semi-final to become the first team through to the Grand Final I think Shaun Wane will have ticked as many boxes as he can this week - his team will be prepared and ready.Thats why it is very difficult to pick a winner because both teams have got a cause, both teams have got some players who are in top form and the game is very close to a sell-out, so it will be a terrific occasion. Highlights of the Super League semi-final between Wigan Warriors and Hull FC I think the winner, their name with start with a W! You can watch the Super League Grand Final, Englands tour of Bangladesh, plus Premier League football and the Japan Grand Prix on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy three months at half price! Also See: From ballboy to Grand Finalist Its B-Y-E time for Stevo Grand Final: Key battles Follow us @SkySportsRL Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
ATLANTA -- Tom Watson didnt appear to be kicking himself. Josh Reynolds Womens Jersey . On the day after Billy Horschel posted his 12th straight round in the 60s, won his second straight tournament against a world-class field and picked up an additional $10 million bonus as the FedEx Cup champion, Watson was kicking back in his seat at a Kansas City Royals game. The 65-year-old Ryder Cup captain wore a Royals cap and a constant grin as he watched Omar Infante work the count to 2-0 in the bottom of the fifth inning. These questions will follow Watson and his American team to Gleneagles next week for the Ryder Cup: Does he wish he could have Horschel on his team? Should the deadline to make his selections have been pushed back? It makes for an easy -- if not lazy -- narrative. Hindsight allows for that. Horschel not only won the final two FedEx Cup playoff events, he beat the top qualifier from each Ryder Cup team -- Bubba Watson at Cherry Hills and Rory McIlroy at East Lake. It was McIlroy who said at the Tour Championship, "Im sure Tom Watson is kicking himself at the minute." Adding to the debate is that Horschel was runner-up in the event that preceded his back-to-back wins. Tiger Woods is the only other player to have two wins in a runner-up finish in the FedEx Cup. Then again, Horschel is not Tiger Woods. Watson made his wild-card picks after the Deutsche Bank Championship, where Horschel was in prime position to force a playoff with Chris Kirk until he chunked a 6-iron so badly on the par-5 18th hole that it landed in the front of the hazard protecting the green. No one would have suggested Horschel as a pick the next day. So why was the deadline set so early for the picks? Remember, for years the American captain made his selections the day after the PGA Championship, six weeks before the Ryder Cup matches. Thanks to Paul Azinger, the U.S. captain now gets an extra three weeks to find the hot hands. Why not extend it through the Tour Championship? If thats the case, why not wait until the final week to determine the entire team? This is not about uniforms, programs or any propaganda. This about a team, one that should know who is on the side with ample time to prepare leading to the matches. Four straight playoff events caused enough fatigue as it was. Besides, would anyone be talking about an early deadline if McIlroy, Jim Furyk or Jason Day had won the Tour Championship? And whos to say Watson would have taken Horschel even if he could have waited? Watson said he was looking for the hot hand and still passed over Kirk the day after his victory at the Deutsche Bank Championship. Watson was looking for experience. He wanted Keegan Bradley and Webb Simpson all along. He would have preferred Brandt Snedeker as the third pick, except that Snedeker missed the cut at both playoff events. Hunter Mahan, who has played on two teams, won The Barclays and became an obvious selection, and then Simpson won out over Kirk. As good as Horschel looks now, how can anyone project how he would have played in Scotland? Two years ago, Snedeker looked like a great captains pick when he won the FedEx Cup. He went 1-2 at the Ryder Cup. Snedeker wasnt at his best that week. He blocked a tee shot on the 18th hole that led to bogey in foursomes and cost the Americans at least a half point. On the final day, he bogeyed three straight holes against Paul Lawrie and suffered the worst defeat of any singles match. Woods was a captains pick in 2010. He was coming off the upheaval in his personal life, split with his swing coach and failed to qualify for the Tour Championship. He had gone seven straight tournaments without a top 10, and he failed to break 70 in 19 of his last 25 rounds. Woods went 3-1 at Celtic Manor, his best Ryder Cup performance. Horschel will be cheering from home. His big finish will put even more scrutiny on the captains picks than they already have. And that will lead to another round of hindsight, unless the Americans can find a way to win. Maybe it was a good sign that the Royals rallied with two runs in the bottom of the ninth to win Monday night. As for Infante? He struck out swinging. John Johnson Rams Jersey . - First-timer Chris Harris Jr. Cooper Kupp Womens Jersey . -- Peyton Manning is the only player in this Super Bowl who has won the big game.Philadelphia, PA - Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly on Monday said Nick Foles is still not ready to return from a fractured clavicle, leaving Mark Sanchez as the starting quarterback for Saturdays game against Washington. Foles has been sidelined since suffering his injury in a Week 9 game against Houston. He was expected to be sidelined for 6-to-8 weeks and Kelly on Monday said tests revealed that the bone has not fully healed. Hes not cleeared, hes out this week, Kelly said on Monday. Gerald Everett Rams Jersey. . Sanchez has been the starter for the past six games, during which the Eagles are 3-3 and have fallen into second place in the NFC East with a 9-5 record. The 38-27 loss to Dallas on Sunday night left the Eagles a game behind the Cowboys in the division race. Following Saturdays game at Washington, the Eagles will close the season against the Giants in East Rutherford. Cheap NFL JerseysCheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain -- Barcelona set up another Copa del Rey final against rival Real Madrid on Wednesday after drawing 1-1 at Real Sociedad to win their two-legged semifinal. Amara Darboh Youth Jersey . Reals Antoine Griezmann scored in the waning moments to cancel out Lionel Messis first-half opener but the Spanish champions still reached the domestic cup final 3-1 overall. Goalkeeper Enaut Zubikarai did his part to keep Sociedad alive at the Anoeta with several key saves but the Basque clubs attack just couldnt respond despite Carlos Vela hitting the crossbar in the 55th. Barcelona, the record 26-time cup champion, faces Madrid three years after losing to its bitter foe 1-0 in extra time in a classic final. Barcelona and Madrid go into the April 19th match having split their six previous meetings in the cup final. "Its a clasico, and theres nothing more to say," Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino said. "We were obliged to reach the final after Real Madrid ensured its place." The hosts constantly pressed Barcelona goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto but Messi proved the difference early on. He capped his individual run at goal in the 27th minute by unleashing a shot between three defenders that Zubikarai got a touch to but couldnt keep from creeping over the line. Zubikarai was sensational after that as he denied Pedro Rodriguez, with Pinto called on to deny Vela at the other end as Dani Alves arrived to clear the loose ball at the post. Andres Iniestas outstanding second half began with a near-miss just before Vela found the crossbar. Zubikarai made back-to-back stops on Messi and Cesc Fabregas while Griezmann was unlucky on the hour mark after failing to get a shot away on a break. Barcelona had done well to subdue Reals attacks but could only watch as the hosts executed a perfect counter for French forward Griezmann to equalize with three minutes to play. Martino said Xavi Hernandezs second-half substitution was because of a knock that he hoped would not become an injury. "The fact that these players reach so many finals and still value reaching another final is a great thing," said Martino, who has already led Barcelona to the Spanish Supercup during his first season in charge. Ethan Pocic Youth Jersey . -- Novak Djokovic benefited from an erroneous call and claimed he didnt realize he had broken the rules. Nazair Jones Seahawks Jersey . Louis Blues brought in the premier unrestricted free agent centre, and did it without breaking the bank.With the NHL Draft coming up on June 27 and free agency opening on July 1, discussions between NHL general managers are already heating up towards a busy off-season. Each day, TSN.ca provides the latest rumours, reports and speculation from around the NHL beat. Keeping The Captain? Brian Giontas agent Steve Bartlett told La Presse on Tuesday that the Montreal Canadiens want to keep their captain - an unrestricted free agent on July 1 - in the fold, while sources tell the paper that the two sides will start talks this week. "Well probably make progress in our discussions over the next few days," Bartlett told Richard Labbe of La Presse. "We havent really discussed an amount or length of contract, weve only had a few discussions in very general terms, nothing precise. "But I know that the Canadiens want to bring him back and I must now talk about this possibility with my player." Bartlett added that Gionta is open to signing a new deal with the Habs, a team hes played with for the last five seasons. "He loves Montreal and he loves the team, but needs to know where he fits with their plan of direction - what would be his role," said Bartlett. Gionta, 35, signed a five-year, $25 million contract with the Canadiens in 2009 and tallied 173 points in 303 games. Still Happy In San Jose Joe Thorntons agent and brother John Thornton told the San Jose Mercury News that his client would consider waiving his no-movement clause if he felt the fans in San Jose didnt want him back. "If he felt the fans didnt want him in San Jose, he might re-think things," Thornton explained to Mercury News writer David Pollak. John Thornton added that his Joe is very happy in San Jose and wants to stay and help the team win a championship. "He wants to stay there and win the Cup," he said. "He believes they still have enough ttalent. Ethan Pocic Jersey. " A New Face In Winnipeg? Gary Lawless of TSN Radio 1290 and The Winnipeg Free Press suggests that Mike Richards - if hes bought out at the end of the season by the Los Angeles Kings - would be a great fit with the Jets. "For the Jets, its a no-brainer," Lawless wrote. "Richards would set a standard of competition in the Jets dressing room and on the ice. Itll be easy from the perspective of the coaching staff and management to see who matches up and who doesnt. "The Jets need a player willing to grab the rest of the team by the throat." No Jokin Around Lawless adds that no talks have taken place between the Jets and soon-to-be-free agent Olli Jokinens camp. Jokinen, 35, made $4.5 million last season and tallied 18 goals and 25 assists. "We havent heard a thing from the Jets," Jokinens agent, Ian Pulver told Lawless. "I understood we would talk. But it hasnt transpired. Well see where it goes. I dont know Winnipegs plans." Busy Summer In Pittsburgh? Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch breaks down the Pittsburgh Penguins off-season possibilities and suggests that winger James Neal could be a trade candidate this summer. Neal, 26, will make $20 million over the next four years. Gordon adds that new GM Jim Rutherford might retain former Hurricanes forward Jussi Jokinen, while Martin Brodeur might be a good addition in net alongside Marc-Andre Fleury. Also, Gordon writes that the Blues or Anaheim Ducks could be a good fit for Jason Spezza, with the Ottawa Senators reportedly wanting a prospect, a player and a first-round pick in return. Gordon adds that salary cap concerns could force the Boston Bruins to deal forward Brad Marchand, who has three years and $13.5 million left on his contract and could feee up room to re-sign Jarome Iginla. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
Players left Canadas Olympic orientation camp in Calgary knowing the road to proving they belong in Sochi begins now. Kevin King Jersey . Coach Mike Babcock wanted each player to know what it would take to make the team, but its up to general manager Steve Yzerman and his staff to start evaluating once the regular season gets underway. "The final scouting for the management group to put the final roster together begins immediately," Yzerman said. Thats a lot of pressure all around, when the expectation in Canada is nothing short of a gold medal. Team Canadas management group has a representative from every division -- the Boston Bruins Peter Chiarelli, the Detroit Red Wings Ken Holland, the St. Louis Blues Doug Armstrong and the Edmonton Oilers Kevin Lowe -- so the spotlight will be bright. "I think its going to be on your mind fairly often, whether youre being asked about it or youre playing against guys who were at the camp, its going to come up," Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said. "Its always in the back of your mind, but I think if you just focus on playing well for your own team and making sure you have a good first half, then everything kind of takes care of itself." In the immediate future, players return to their preparations for training camp. Canadas coaches and front-office personnel have jobs to do as well, but theyll stay in touch regularly, mostly on conference calls. "Well arrange our schedule over the next week or so to get ready for the start of the regular season," Yzerman said Tuesday evening. "Well get together as a group early November to narrow things down a little bit and talk about what were seeing and make sure were all in constant communication and get organized from November to mid-December and make our final decisions at that point." The focus will be on monitoring the 47 players invited to camp, even though anyone can work his way into the Olympic conversation with a strong enough start. Yzerman doesnt consider anyone who was in Calgary a "long shot." "Well keep an eye on everybody but focus on particular teams, particular games, particular players that were deciding on," he said. "There was a few guys we dont feel the need to watch. But we know what they can do and theyre going to be on this team, assuming theyre healthy." Yzerman estimated that, conservatively, there were eight or nine locks to make it. Crosby, Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews and defenceman Duncan Keith, Nashville Predators captain Shea Weber, Los Angeles Kings defenceman Drew Doughty, Tampa Bay Lightning centre Steven Stamkos, Boston Bruins centre Patrice Bergeron, New York Islanders centre John Tavares and New York Rangers winger Rick Nash seem to fit that bill. Putting together the rest of the roster could be a painstaking process, considering Canadas depth. Weber wants no part of that. "Thats why Im the player, theres too many tough decisions," he said. "You go down the list and everybody deserves the chance. Thats why theyre here. Theres even guys that arent here that probably will get a good look during the season. Were very fortunate in Canada to have a big selection, but definitely some tough choices." Yzerman expects to have the roster figured out by mid-to-late December. The deadline for all countries to submit is Dec. 31. Between now and then, plenty could change Team Canadas potential makeup. "Theres a lot of could-bes, but I think the first half of the year just has such an impact on whos on the team," Crosby said. "Im sure theres some guys in mind, but therell be guys who have standout first halves, and will make it tough not to be selected. So I think were going to see here in the first half who really shows they want to be part of it." Kevin King Packers Jersey . Ronaldo netted his 14th goal of the season in Europes top competition to give Madrid a clear advantage ahead of next weeks quarterfinal return leg in Germany. But it came at a price as the Portugal forward, who came into the first-leg nursing a sore left knee, came off in the 80th minute. Kevin King Youth Jersey .com) - A pair of programs shooting for their 10th win of the season get together at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, as the NC State Wolfpack tangle with 22nd-ranked West Virginia during the challenge round of the Gotham Classic.AVONDALE, La. -- Ben Martin made his way through most of the TPC Louisiana course with the type of sparse gallery one would expect for a player who had missed seven cuts in his previous nine starts on the PGA Tour. The few who followed him, including his mother, father and wife, were treated to a round never before seen at the current home of the Zurich Classic. Martins 10-under 62 in Thursdays opening round broke the course record by two strokes, highlighted by a chip-in from 55 feet and two birdie putts of 20 feet or more. "It was one of those days you dream about," Martin said. "I started the round with two birdies in a row and they just kept rolling in." Martin birdied 10 holes and made pars on the rest. His final birdie came on his chip with a 54-degree sand wedge on the par-3 17th hole, which hugs a water hazard and was made more difficult by afternoon winds. Martin said the challenges that hole posed led him to take a conservative tee shot with a 5-iron rather than a longer club, and the way the 26-year-old South Carolina native executed his plan exemplified the type of day he had. "That was just managing my game. I knew that hole was into the wind with water left," Martin said. "I felt like short of the green was a pretty easy chip." He certainly made it look that way. "Really, everything was working well," Martin said. "It was just one of those days, just like you draw it up." The previous record at TPC Louisiana was a 64, accomplished many times, including on Thursday, when Andrew Svoboda did it to take a lead that held up until Martin surged past late in the day. Peter Hanson and Sueng-Yul Noh were tied for third at 65. Last weekend, Martin matched his career best with a third-place tie in the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head, S.C. He also finished third in early March in the Puerto Rico Open, but missed four cuts after that. Martin opened the Zurich with a 10-foot birdiee putt, the first of six birdies on the front nine, most set up by approach shots within 10 feet. Montravius Adams Womens Jersey. One exception was his 26-foot birdie putt on No. 5. He opened the back nine with a 14-foot birdie putt, made a 10-footer on 11 and a 20-footer on 13. Svoboda birdied six of his last nine holes. Like Martin, the 34-year-old Svoboda has never won on the PGA Tour. While much can change with three rounds left, New Orleans has seen its share of maiden tour triumphs. It has happened in six of the past nine years, and 10 of the past 16. "Ill take that stat," Svoboda said. Svobodas best career finish on the PGA Tour is a tie for 15th at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas in October. Hansons round was highlighted by an eagle on the par-4 sixth hole, accomplished with a 6-iron from 183 yards. Erik Compton, Chad Collins and Michael Thompson were tied for fifth at 66, and Jeff Overton, Stuart Appleby and Robert Streb followed at 67. Compton, a two-time heart transplant recipient, spent the early part of the week meeting with children at a New Orleans-area hospital and participated in a junior golf clinic. Although that limited his practice time, he thought it helped his mindset. "It seems to really relax me and really puts things in perspective," Compton said. "I seem to play better during the weeks where I have hospital visits." On the par-5 seventh, his 297-yard drive sailed right of the fairway, crossing a cart path. But he belted a 227-yard shot out of the rough to the foot of the green and two-putted for birdie. He ended his round with a 22-foot birdie putt on nine to briefly put him atop the leaderboard. Compton, also winless on the PGA Tour, said he feels "very comfortable" on New Orleans Pete Dye-designed course. "You have to hit a lot of long iron shots and drive it well here, and those are some of the strengths of my game," he said. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
Players left Canadas Olympic orientation camp in Calgary knowing the road to proving they belong in Sochi begins now. Kevin King Jersey . Coach Mike Babcock wanted each player to know what it would take to make the team, but its up to general manager Steve Yzerman and his staff to start evaluating once the regular season gets underway. "The final scouting for the management group to put the final roster together begins immediately," Yzerman said. Thats a lot of pressure all around, when the expectation in Canada is nothing short of a gold medal. Team Canadas management group has a representative from every division -- the Boston Bruins Peter Chiarelli, the Detroit Red Wings Ken Holland, the St. Louis Blues Doug Armstrong and the Edmonton Oilers Kevin Lowe -- so the spotlight will be bright. "I think its going to be on your mind fairly often, whether youre being asked about it or youre playing against guys who were at the camp, its going to come up," Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said. "Its always in the back of your mind, but I think if you just focus on playing well for your own team and making sure you have a good first half, then everything kind of takes care of itself." In the immediate future, players return to their preparations for training camp. Canadas coaches and front-office personnel have jobs to do as well, but theyll stay in touch regularly, mostly on conference calls. "Well arrange our schedule over the next week or so to get ready for the start of the regular season," Yzerman said Tuesday evening. "Well get together as a group early November to narrow things down a little bit and talk about what were seeing and make sure were all in constant communication and get organized from November to mid-December and make our final decisions at that point." The focus will be on monitoring the 47 players invited to camp, even though anyone can work his way into the Olympic conversation with a strong enough start. Yzerman doesnt consider anyone who was in Calgary a "long shot." "Well keep an eye on everybody but focus on particular teams, particular games, particular players that were deciding on," he said. "There was a few guys we dont feel the need to watch. But we know what they can do and theyre going to be on this team, assuming theyre healthy." Yzerman estimated that, conservatively, there were eight or nine locks to make it. Crosby, Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews and defenceman Duncan Keith, Nashville Predators captain Shea Weber, Los Angeles Kings defenceman Drew Doughty, Tampa Bay Lightning centre Steven Stamkos, Boston Bruins centre Patrice Bergeron, New York Islanders centre John Tavares and New York Rangers winger Rick Nash seem to fit that bill. Putting together the rest of the roster could be a painstaking process, considering Canadas depth. Weber wants no part of that. "Thats why Im the player, theres too many tough decisions," he said. "You go down the list and everybody deserves the chance. Thats why theyre here. Theres even guys that arent here that probably will get a good look during the season. Were very fortunate in Canada to have a big selection, but definitely some tough choices." Yzerman expects to have the roster figured out by mid-to-late December. The deadline for all countries to submit is Dec. 31. Between now and then, plenty could change Team Canadas potential makeup. "Theres a lot of could-bes, but I think the first half of the year just has such an impact on whos on the team," Crosby said. "Im sure theres some guys in mind, but therell be guys who have standout first halves, and will make it tough not to be selected. So I think were going to see here in the first half who really shows they want to be part of it." Kevin King Packers Jersey . Ronaldo netted his 14th goal of the season in Europes top competition to give Madrid a clear advantage ahead of next weeks quarterfinal return leg in Germany. But it came at a price as the Portugal forward, who came into the first-leg nursing a sore left knee, came off in the 80th minute. Kevin King Youth Jersey .com) - A pair of programs shooting for their 10th win of the season get together at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, as the NC State Wolfpack tangle with 22nd-ranked West Virginia during the challenge round of the Gotham Classic.AVONDALE, La. -- Ben Martin made his way through most of the TPC Louisiana course with the type of sparse gallery one would expect for a player who had missed seven cuts in his previous nine starts on the PGA Tour. The few who followed him, including his mother, father and wife, were treated to a round never before seen at the current home of the Zurich Classic. Martins 10-under 62 in Thursdays opening round broke the course record by two strokes, highlighted by a chip-in from 55 feet and two birdie putts of 20 feet or more. "It was one of those days you dream about," Martin said. "I started the round with two birdies in a row and they just kept rolling in." Martin birdied 10 holes and made pars on the rest. His final birdie came on his chip with a 54-degree sand wedge on the par-3 17th hole, which hugs a water hazard and was made more difficult by afternoon winds. Martin said the challenges that hole posed led him to take a conservative tee shot with a 5-iron rather than a longer club, and the way the 26-year-old South Carolina native executed his plan exemplified the type of day he had. "That was just managing my game. I knew that hole was into the wind with water left," Martin said. "I felt like short of the green was a pretty easy chip." He certainly made it look that way. "Really, everything was working well," Martin said. "It was just one of those days, just like you draw it up." The previous record at TPC Louisiana was a 64, accomplished many times, including on Thursday, when Andrew Svoboda did it to take a lead that held up until Martin surged past late in the day. Peter Hanson and Sueng-Yul Noh were tied for third at 65. Last weekend, Martin matched his career best with a third-place tie in the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head, S.C. He also finished third in early March in the Puerto Rico Open, but missed four cuts after that. Martin opened the Zurich with a 10-foot birdiee putt, the first of six birdies on the front nine, most set up by approach shots within 10 feet. Montravius Adams Womens Jersey. One exception was his 26-foot birdie putt on No. 5. He opened the back nine with a 14-foot birdie putt, made a 10-footer on 11 and a 20-footer on 13. Svoboda birdied six of his last nine holes. Like Martin, the 34-year-old Svoboda has never won on the PGA Tour. While much can change with three rounds left, New Orleans has seen its share of maiden tour triumphs. It has happened in six of the past nine years, and 10 of the past 16. "Ill take that stat," Svoboda said. Svobodas best career finish on the PGA Tour is a tie for 15th at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas in October. Hansons round was highlighted by an eagle on the par-4 sixth hole, accomplished with a 6-iron from 183 yards. Erik Compton, Chad Collins and Michael Thompson were tied for fifth at 66, and Jeff Overton, Stuart Appleby and Robert Streb followed at 67. Compton, a two-time heart transplant recipient, spent the early part of the week meeting with children at a New Orleans-area hospital and participated in a junior golf clinic. Although that limited his practice time, he thought it helped his mindset. "It seems to really relax me and really puts things in perspective," Compton said. "I seem to play better during the weeks where I have hospital visits." On the par-5 seventh, his 297-yard drive sailed right of the fairway, crossing a cart path. But he belted a 227-yard shot out of the rough to the foot of the green and two-putted for birdie. He ended his round with a 22-foot birdie putt on nine to briefly put him atop the leaderboard. Compton, also winless on the PGA Tour, said he feels "very comfortable" on New Orleans Pete Dye-designed course. "You have to hit a lot of long iron shots and drive it well here, and those are some of the strengths of my game," he said. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '