SPORTS DAILY THURSDAY MARCH 22, 2007 23

TOPSHOT Skaters show elegance `Big Baby’ ready to follow Shaq’s footsteps into NBA BATON ROUGE, Louisiana: Glen Davis, the bulky big man better known as “Big Baby” to college bas- despite world of pain ketball rivals, announced on Tuesday he will skip his fi nal season to join and Maxim Staviski of Bulgaria, the National Basketball Association. Top fi gure skaters still scoring high who were second with 37.42. Fifteen years after Shaquille O’Neal Behind them, Oksana Domina announced he was skipping his sen- despite suffering through injury, illness and of Rus- ior season at Louisiana State Univer- sia, and Olivier sity, Davis followed in the footsteps : Skating with scars, injuries They were seventh in the pairs. Schoenfelder of and US of the Miami Heat superstar who and illnesses and playing hurt may Dube wears some makeup to champions Tanith Belbin and Ben has won four NBA titles. sound like hockey but that’s what the hide her scar. of China Agosto were all in a bunch – the Davis has career totals of 1,587 leaders had to contend with on the uses a headband to hide one on Russians had 37.29 points, the points, 916 rebounds and 110 blocks, fi rst day of the World his forehead from when his head French had 37.20 and Belbin and joining “Shaq” as the only Louisiana Championships. banged the windshield of his car Agosto had 37.17. State players with such lofty num- Two-time world champions Shen in a January 1 accident and he The , to be con- bers in all three categories. Xue and of China won received stitches. tested today, is the next portion of “This is a move I want to do and am the pairs event last night, despite His partner has a kidney ailment the competition. ready to do,” Davis said. “This is a Zhao tearing an Achilles tendon that kept them out of competition The men’s short program started dream of mine and one that I have two years ago. last fall. yesterday with Frenchman Brian given a great deal of thought. I feel I “It is still hard to do jumps be- “I was sick and had injuries, but Joubert taking the lead. grew a lot this season and I know in cause of my Achilles injury, but I am I started to practice regularly two Skating to a James Bond theme, my heart the time is right.” very happy to achieve our personal weeks ago,’’ Pang said. European champion Joubert nailed Davis, a wide 2.04m center with quick best today,’’ Zhao said. Pang and Tong fi nished third with a quadruple toeloop-triple toeloop moves, averages 17.7 points and 10.4 Shen and Zhao scored 71.07, an in- a 66.75 points in the short program combination at the start of his pro- rebounds in 29 games this season. ternational best, in the short program and went on to win the silver medal gramme on the way to a score of on Tuesday. Their previous best was in pairs. German pair of Aliona 83.64 points. Tyson not planning on May trip 70.52 points, which they scored at the Savchenko and took “I’m very happy that I did well on to South Africa 2004 Grand Prix Final in . the bronze. the opening combination jump,” said LOS ANGELES: Former world heavy- and Marie-France American skaters had their trou- Joubert. weight champion Mike Tyson will not Dubreuil of took the lead in bles as well. “I was a little disappointed today be traveling to South Africa for an the ice dancing competition after , who partners Ben that not many of the other skaters appearance in May despite reports he the compulsory rhumba. Okolski, battled a stomach fl u, fe- tried a . I thought I made a great planned to attend a boxing tourna- Dubreuil and Lauzon were world ver and lack of sleep but she gritted combination jump and I hope to do it ment, his agent said on Tuesday. silver medalists last year but were her way in their debut at the world again tomorrow.” Harlan Werner said Tyson would not forced to withdraw from the Olym- championships. Canadian national champion Jef- appear at Emperors Palace on May pics when she fell heavily on her hip “I have the stomach fl u pretty bad frey Buttle, who fi nished third in 12, adding that a South African fi rm during the original dance. and a fever, but it was my goal to get the 2006 Olympics, skated a clean approached him about securing Canadian pair skater Jessica Dube through that program and compete, program to sit second with 79.90 Tyson but nothing came of the one carries a scar on the left side of her especially since it being our fi rst points. conversation on the matter. face after partner worlds and it was important we get national champion Daisuke “Mike never had a deal in place sliced it on a spin at the Four Conti- seen,’’ Castile said. Takahashi was in third place at 74.51 with any South African company nents competition last month. In the , Dubreuil and after what he called his “worst perfor- to appear on their behalf,” Werner “It’s healing very well, so I’m not Lauzon scored 38.96 points, more mance of the season.” said. “These were unfounded China’s Pang Qing (left) and Tong Jian perform at the World Figure Skating shy at all,’’ she said. “I’m feeling than 1{ points more than last year’s rumors, and it is unfortunate that Championships in Tokyo on Tuesday. AP really good.’’ world champions, Albena Denkova Agencies these types of rumors get started.” Tyson did not want supporters to be disappointed or misled by rumors he would be appearing. “Mike does have a very loyal follow- ing in Africa and he wants all his Australia hit by turbulence as World Cup approaches fans to know he looks forward to going there some day in the future,” RUGBY John Connolly, who replaced Ed- If rugby administrators were they know the laws back and front so lier this year. Werner said. die Jones as coach after eight defeats hoping for a turnaround in fortunes they stand a chance of getting a gig at “How the Wallabies go is critical MELBOURNE: Fears that rugby in nine internationals in 2005, has this year they have been disap- the World Cup is not entertainment,” to our business. In any organisation Donadoni fears stop may have union is in decline in Australia his critics over his strait-jacket pointed with only the newest rugby he wrote to a newspaper. people are accountable for perform- negative effect on have gathered pace in this World game plan and the Wallabies have franchise Western Force making an A leading rugby writer opined ance and we are no different,” Flowers ROME: Italy coach Roberto Do- Cup year amid wretched Super 14 won seven of the 13 matches in his impression in the Super 14 provincial recently: “Another week of Super 14 said recently. nadoni said on Tuesday that the performances, an indecisive rugby charge. series, while the more established has passed and yet again the word “I certainly accept that, to a large four-month gap without playing administration and public agitation Wallaby winger , ACT Brumbies, New South Wales popping up in rugby conversations is degree, the public currency of my an international match may have over a lack of running rugby. currently serving a drugs ban, Waratahs and have ‘crisis’. And it seems to apply across performance is how the team per- a negative effect on his Azzurri side. Generally there is a heightened blames Connolly’s “old school” tac- languished. the entire spectrum of the game in forms. There is an element of that in The world champions, whose last anticipation as teams prepare for tics of grinding the opposition into Not one Australian side has earned Australia. the criticism.” game was against Turkey last the World Cup. Not so in Australia, submission as well as leaving star a four-try bonus point approaching “Australia’s four teams are not only Flowers has also been wrestling November, host Scotland in Bari a where there is a forboding of an early winger Lote Tuqiri and his fellow halfway in the tournament, which struggling on the scoreboard but are with the playing future of recal- week on Wednesday in a crucial Wallaby exit in France in September- outside-backs on the outer. has unleashed a torrent of discon- conceding valuable points in the bat- citrant winger Lote Tuqiri, widely Group B Euro 2008 qualifi er. October. “Blokes like , Clyde tent from the media and frustrated tle to keep an increasingly cynical regarded as the most charismatic Italy should have played Romania Australia have twice lifted the Rathbone and Lote Tuqiri are suffer- fans. rugby fraternity from switching off Wallaby player. in February but the match was Webb Ellis Trophy, in 1991 and 1999, ing,” Sailor said recently. “They’re not Barry Want, who was a Wallabies altogether.” After months of impasse with the cancelled after a brief ban on all more than any other rugby nation, getting the opportunities they have Test selector during the successful The Australian has ARU, Tuqiri decided not to return to domestic and international matches and lost in extra time to England in had over the last few years.” 1991 World Cup campaign, is one of been under increasing pressure, and re-signed a new following crowd trouble at a league the last World Cup fi nal in Sydney Rugby Union is under attack at many who is frustrated with what he particularly Gary Flowers, who in- fi ve-year deal taking effect after the match in Catania where a policeman four years ago. home with dominant football codes is seeing in Super 14 matches. herited the chief executive’s job off World Cup. was killed. But the signs of a competitive Wal- Australian Rules and rugby league “Watching unlimited collapsing his immensely successful predeces- Another dual international Wallaby “I don’t want to make excuses, but laby team are not apparent six months garnering larger crowds and media scrums, rucks, mauls and tiny little sor John O’Neill. quit union to rejoin the it’s worth pointing out that the na- out from France ‘07 with the national interest, while football has been re- contests all over the paddock with- Flowers’ performance has been league ranks earlier this year. tional team has not played for four team winning just six of their last 20 surgent since last year’s World Cup out sighting of the ball, plus referees questioned and even the Queensland months and that’s a big disadvan- overseas internationals. in . trying to prove to their superiors that Rugby Union called for his head ear- AFP tage,” said Donadoni at Italy’s train- ing camp in Coverciano, Florence. “The decision to stop matches was the right one, but not playing against Romania has been a real Tiger looks favorite Lamps ready to light up handicap for us.” in key Euro clash ONTV to tame Blue Monster STAR SPORTS ASIA SOCCER points and we have to be positive.” 10:00 English GOLF “It’s a very exciting golf course,” England go into the match with- 12:00 Extreme Sports the Irishman said before playing his LONDON: Frank Lampard has in- out the suspended Ashley Cole and 13:00 Golf Focus MIAMI: Holder Tiger Woods goes fi rst practice round of the week here sisted there will be no repeat of the injured strikers Michael Owen and 13:30 The Top Corner into this week’s WGC-CA Champion- on Tuesday. mistakes which condemned England Darren Bent, which could provide 14:00 Table Tennis ship as red-hot favourite to win his to a Euro 2008 qualifying defeat in Everton’s Andy Johnson a chance to 14:30 Bodybuilding World’s second tournament of the year and Good scores Croatia when they take on Israel this line up alongside Wayne Rooney. Strongest Man 13th WGC title. “I think this is a good golf course weekend. But Lampard, who has hit 20 goals 15:30 English Premier League Although the world number one for this type of event. There is a good The Chelsea midfi elder is expecting for his club already this season, could 17:30 The Football Quiz faded with a 76 in the fi nal round bit of trouble out there but some good a tough match in Tel Aviv as England, also prove to be a source of goals. 18:00 Wrestling TNA Impact of last week’s Arnold Palmer Invi- scores can still be made, as we have who sit third in Group E, attempt to “I always try to take that on my 18:55 Auto Racing Production Car tational at Bay Hill he has made a seen in the past.” reignite their qualifying campaign. shoulders and try and get goals for the World Rally Championship habit of rising to the occasion in the Woods, 44 under par in his last And memories of October’s 2-0 team from midfi eld,” he said. “I haven’t 19:25 CBA Playoff Finals biggest events. two appearances at the event, set a defeat against group leaders Croatia been able to do that in the qualifi ers 21:30 Asian Tour Magazine Show Woods, who clinched his 55th PGA tournament record with a 72-hole are motivating Steve McClaren’s side lately so it would be a nice time to do 23:00 Australian Open Highlights Tour title at the Buick Invitational in aggregate of 24-under 264 in 2005 ahead of the match. it. But we have other creative players January, romped to victory by eight after outduelling Mickelson in an Lampard, speaking at an England who can do that as well.” ESPN China shots last October when this tourna- epic tussle with a closing 66. training session at Arsenal’s London He will come up against fellow 10:00 Rugby Powergen Cup ment was played as the WGC-Ameri- “The thing that made it special was Colney training ground, said: “I hope Chelsea striker Ben Sahar, a youth Powergen Cup 2005/2006 can Express Championship at The that we both played well,” Woods re- we have learned the lessons from team player at Stamford Bridge who 11:59 Sport News Grove in Hertfordshire, England. called. “Win or lose, we both played Croatia. We lost that game and it was has been called into the Israel squad 12:00 GOALS! That was his fi fth success in the well.” It’s a wonderful golf a big minus for us. and is expected to play at least some 12:30 Tiger FC Locker Room elite-fi eld event and the change in The second World Golf Champion- course but, any time “We are experienced players who part in the tie. 13:00 English Premier League venue to the Doral Golf Resort & Spa ships (WGC) event of the year, the $8 have played in these big atmospheres “I have trained with him all sea- 17:01 Winter X-Games would appear to play even further into million CA Championship has a lim- you get a golf course before, in Champions League for in- son and he’s improved this year,” said 18:30 GOALS! his hands. ited fi eld of 73 with no halfway cut and that allows a bunch of stance. So there are no excuses. The Lampard. 19:00 Tiger FC Locker Room Woods has tamed the infamous $1.35 million going to the winner. birdies, it allows more atmosphere will be tough in Israel but “He’s a good goalscorer who doesn’t 20:00 Nokia Football Crazy Blue Monster twice in the last two “With a strong but small fi eld here, it’s part of football and you have to look out of place when he trains with 21:00 Tiger FC Locker Room years, holding off Phil Mickelson these are very pleasant weeks to play guys to come into the cope with it.” us at Chelsea. He has all the attributes 21:30 GOALS! to claim the 2005 Doral Champion- for all of the guys,” said Britain’s Dav- tournament with a It has been suggested that England to be a very top player and if he plays 22:00 Sport News ship by a shot and winning last year id Howell, who tied for 12th at Doral must win the game in Tel Aviv to have he will be a danger.” 22:30 English Premier League by a stroke from fellow American last year and shared 13th place at The chance to win any chance of reaching the fi nals in Like Lampard, England head coach David Toms and Colombia’s Camilo Grove in October. TIGER WOODS Austria and , but it’s a Steve McClaren says his team have CCTV 5 “ Villegas. I have had a good pretty good run World No 1 golfer suggestion that Lampard is quick to moved on from their defeat in Croatia 10:25 World Figure Skating Doral’s par-72 Blue Course, which in them over the last three or four play down. and believes that, despite injuries, he Championships measures a daunting 7,266 yards, years and I’m looking forward to this He added: “Israel are a good foot- has picked a squad that can get his 12:00 Sports News favours the bigger hitters but is also week,” added the Englishman, who weekend, clinched the title in its balling team and we have to give team’s qualifying campaign back 12:32 World Swimming Champi- renowned for offering more than its came third at the 2004 American inaugural year in 1999 and again in them the utmost respect. So I don’t on track. onships fair share of birdies. Express Championship and tied for 2002, 2003 and 2005. think we should put that pressure on He said: “Ultimately, there is a hell 13:30 ABA league “It’s a wonderful golf course but, sixth the following year. The event’s only other winners ourselves to say it’s a must-win game. of a lot of experience in this squad 14:55 2nd round of Table Tennis any time you get a golf course that Forty-nine of the world’s top 50 are were Canada’s Mike Weir, in 2000 But we will go into the match wanting up front, defensively and in midfi eld World Championships Qualifying allows a bunch of birdies, it allows competing this week, following the at Valderrama in Spain, and South to win it. for us to take into this game. We have 18:00 Sports News more guys to come into the tourna- late withdrawal on Tuesday of 31st- Africa’s Ernie Els, in 2004 at Mount “That’s how we approach any game. moved on from Croatia. Now we know 18:35 Beijing 2008 -- Olympic City ment with a chance to win,” Woods ranked Briton Justin Rose because of Juliet in Ireland. The tournament was Of course I understand we have that we have eight qualifying games 19:30 CBA Playoff Finals told reporters. a back problem. not held in 2001. dropped points in this campaign but to qualify.” 21:30 Sports World Ireland’s Padraig Harrington, who Woods, who sealed victory at The there are plenty of games to go. This 22:06 My Olympics tied for 26th last year at Doral, agreed. Grove with successive 67s over the Agencies is where we want to start picking up AFP 22:15 Night of Soccer