Doha—Serena Williams heads for 2010 as world
number one, WTA Championships, Australian Open
and Wimbledon champion, but there’s a worrying
storm gathering over women’s tennis. The new
year should spark a celebration of marquee
match-ups where the Williams sisters renew their
epic rivalry with the returning Kim Clijsters
and Justine Henin.
Abu Dhabi—New Zealand and Pakistan will both
be hoping they can overcome a series of setbacks
when they clash in the first of three one-day
internationals here on Tuesday. Since finishing
runners-up to Australia in the Champions Trophy
last month, New Zealand’s problems have
multiplied, following injuries to key players
and the sudden departure of coach Andy Moles.
Mohali—Four
batsmen went past 40 but none carried on for a
big innings as Australia reached 250 on a good
batting wicket in Mohali. The Indian bowling,
led by the crafty Ashish Nehra, was very
disciplined without ever looking too
threatening, and it was enough to restrict
Australia to total that India will fancy chasing
down.
Casares
(Spain)—Ross Fisher beat Anthony Kim 4 and 3 on
Monday to win the 36-hole World Match Play
Championship final. Fisher eagled the 22nd hole
and birdied the next to take a 3-up lead at the
Finca Cortesin golf course. Kim won the next
hole before missing short putts at the next two,
then squandering several chances to win holes
down the stretch.
Rome—Diego Milito and
Maicon each scored to give Inter Milan a 2-0
victory over Livorno in the Italian League.
Since Serie A started awarding three points for
wins in 1994-95, Inter Milan’s seven-point lead
is the largest established after 11 rounds.
“This is the result of all the great work that
the guys have done every day, although there is
still a long way to go,” said Inter coach Jose
Mourinho.
