March 27, 2011

Djokovic crushes Nadal to win Miami Masters

Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates by holding the trophy after defeating Spain's Rafael Nadal in a tiebreaker in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Florida, April 3, 2011.

MIAMI, April 3 -- Novak Djokovic grabbed his 24th straight victory on Sunday by defeating world number one Rafael Nadal 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) to lift the trophy at the ATP Miami Masters and remain unbeaten in 2011.

Djokovic has now won all 24 matches he has played this year, the best start to a season since Ivan Lendl began 1986 25-0.

The Serbian, ranked second in the world, has captured four titles, including the Australian Open, Dubai and, now, back-to- back elite Masters titles at Indian Wells and Miami, both with victories over Nadal in the finals.

As in the championship match at Indian Wells a fortnight earlier, Djokovic surrendered the first set to Nadal.

The game lasted almost 3 1/2 hours on a steamy stadium court it was Djokovic who became the victor, blasting a forehand cross court for the victory on his third match point.

Djokovic added a second Miami title to the one he captured in 2007. And he joined Roger Federer Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras as the only players to win the Australian Open, Indian Wells and Miami -- the three most important early-season events -- in the same year.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts after defeating Spain's Rafael Nadal in a tiebreaker in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Florida, April 3, 2011.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts after defeating Spain's Rafael Nadal in a tiebreaker in the finals of the 2011 Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Florida, April 3, 2011.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts by throwing his shirt to the crowd after defeating Spain's Rafael Nadal in a tiebreaker in the finals of the 2011 Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Florida, April 3, 2011.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts after defeating Spain's Rafael Nadal in a tiebreaker in the finals of the 2011 Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Florida, April 3, 2011.

(Reuters)

AC Milan's Pato (C) celebrates beside teammate Robinho after scoring against Inter Milan during their Italian Serie A soccer match at the San Siro stadium in Milan April 2, 2011.

MILAN, April 2 -- Alexandre Pato scored a brace to hand AC Milan a 3-0 win over cross-city rivals Inter in a potentially title-deciding derby on Saturday.

Pato opened the scoring in the first minute with a tap-in before Cristian Chivu blew off his sides' chances of a comeback on 53 minutes when he was sent off for tripping Milan's goalscorer.

Pato wrapped the win on 62 minutes when he headed a pass from Ignazio Abate. Substitute Antonio Cassano completed the rout on 89 minutes when he converted a penalty he won himself before receiving his marching orders in the 92 minute for a second-yellow card.

Inter's best chance came in the 38th minute when Wesley Sneijder delivered an inviting corner which was met by the head of Thiago Motta on the six-yard line. It looked as if an equalizer was inevitable only for Abbiati to somehow claw the ball to safety off the line, a wonderful save celebrated by the keeper as if he had just scored the winning goal.

The result sees Milan increase their lead over Inter at the summit of Serie A to five points with only seven games to go.

AC Milan's Mark Van Bommel consoles Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder at the end of their Italian Serie A soccer match at the San Siro stadium in Milan April 2, 2011.

AC Milan's Antonio Cassano reacts after scoring a penalty kick against Inter Milan during their Italian Serie A soccer match at the San Siro stadium in Milan April 2, 2011.

AC Milan's Pato (L) challenges Inter Milan's Esteban Cambiasso during their Italian Serie A soccer match at the San Siro stadium in Milan April 2, 2011.

(Reuters)

Victoria Azarenka of Belarus (L) celebrates with the trophy after defeating Russia's Maria Sharapova (R) in the women's final of the 2011 Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Florida, April 2, 2011.

Victoria Azarenka of Belarus celebrates after defeating Russia's Maria Sharapova in the women's final of the 2011 Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Florida, April 2, 2011.

Victoria Azarenka of Belarus reacts after defeating Maria Sharapova of Russia during the final of the Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Florida, April 2, 2011.

Maria Sharapova, of Russia, reacts during her match against Victoria Zaarenka, of Belarus, in the women's final at the Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Saturday, April 2, 2011. Azarenka won 6-1, 6-4.

(Reuters)

Miami Heat forward LeBron James (L) and guard Dwayne Wade smile during a timeout during the second half of their NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis April 1, 2011. Miami won 111-92. Wade finished with 32 points. James finished with 27 points.

Miami Heat forward LeBron James gestures to a fan in the crowd during the second half of their NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis April 1, 2011. Heat won 111-92.

Miami Heat forward LeBron James (R) drives past Minnesota Timberwolves Martell Webster during the first half of their NBA basketball game at Target Center in Minneapolis, April 1, 2011.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (R) drives past Utah Jazz forward Jeremy Evans for a shot during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Salt Lake City, Utah, April 1, 2011. Lakers won 96-85.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol L of Spain defends a pass by Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Salt Lake City, Utah, April 1, 2011.

(Reuters)

Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce reacts after a foul is called in the first half of their NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta, Georgia April 1, 2011. Celtics lost 83-88.

Atlanta Hawks center Zaza Pachulia (L) gets into a scuffle with Boston Celtics center Jermaine O'Neal in the first half of their NBA basketball game in Atlanta, Georgia April 1, 2011.

Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford celebrates the Hawks' come-from-behind win over the Boston Celtics in their NBA basketball game in Atlanta, Georgia April 1, 2011.

(Reuters)

New York Yankees catcher Russell Martin celebrates with shortstop Derek Jeter (R) after they beat the Detroit Tigers in their MLB American League opening day baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York, March 31, 2011.

Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (L) applies the tag as New York Yankees runner Nick Swisher reacts after he was caught in a rundown and was out at first base in the eighth inning of their MLB American League opening day baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York, March 31, 2011.

New York Yankees' catcher Russell Martin reacts after stealing third base against the Detroit Tigers during the third inning of their MLB American League opening day baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York, March 31, 2011.

New York Yankees' catcher Russell Martin (L) confers with starting pitcher CC Sabathia on the mound during a break in the action against the Detroit Tigers during the fourth inning of their MLB American League opening day baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York, March 31, 2011.

New York Yankees' third baseman Alex Rodriguez (C) throws over pitcher C.C. Sabathia (L) to get out Detroit Tigers' Will Rhymes on a ground ball for the final out of the fifth inning of their MLB American League opening day baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York March 31, 2011.

New York Yankees' Mark Teixeira hits a three run home run against the Detroit Tigers during the third inning of their MLB American League opening day baseball game in Yankee Stadium in New York, March 31, 2011.

New York Yankees' catcher Russell Martin hits a single in his first at bat as a Yankee against the Detroit Tigers during the third inning of their MLB American League opening day baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York, March 31, 2011.

New York Yankees Russel Martin (L) and Derek Jeter (C) greet teammate Mark Teixeira at home plate after Teixeira's three run home run against the Detroit Tigers during third inning of their MLB American League baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York, March 31, 2011.

(Reuters)

China's Ding Junhui (L) shakes hands with Stephen Hendry after their second round match at the World Snooker China Open in Beijing, March 31, 2011. Ding cruised into last eight of the 2011 China Open tounament after defeating the Scottish 5-2 on Thursday.

China's Ding Junhui is pictured during his second round match against Stephen Hendry of Scotland at the World Snooker China Open in Beijing, March 31, 2011.

(china daily)

A computer-generated file image shows the Olympic stadium after completion, after it was unveiled in London.

LONDON - The security firm protecting London's Olympic Park ordered an internal investigation and began disciplinary procedures on Thursday after two guards were arrested on suspicion of possessing explosives.

The probe followed the arrest of a 40-year-old woman, also charged with suspected possession of drugs, near the Olympic complex on Tuesday and a 43-year-old man at his home in Wales a day later.

Police said in a statement that the woman, a dog handler for private security firm G4S whose car was stopped and searched, had been bailed to return to an east London police station in late April.

The man was being held at an east London police station but police said the arrests were "not terrorist related".

Media reports said the explosives were believed to be Semtex.

G4S, who have signed a contract worth at least 100 million pounds ($161 million) as the Games' official security services provider, said in a statement they were assisting police with enquiries.

"G4S take breach of operational processes very seriously," said the company, which is listed in the FTSE 100.

Officer Suspended

It has said it will recruit, train and manage the 10,000 guards needed for the Games.

"An internal investigation has been launched and disciplinary procedures instigated, which has resulted in the suspension of one officer, pending the outcome of a police investigation.

"An investigation has also been launched into the alleged conduct of a second officer."

The security firm said its dog handling team were licensed to hold small samples of explosives and controlled substances for training purposes but were required to follow "strict operational processes".

"All dog handlers are fully vetted and operate to the highest industry standards," it added.

The Olympic Delivery Authority responsible for building the facilities said there had been no change in the level of security at the Park after the arrests.

"Robust measures are in place to ensure the safety and security of the Olympic Park including person and vehicle screening," a spokesman said.

"Work has continued as normal and there has been no risk to the safety or security of the Olympic Park."

Britain plans an intensive security operation to guard the Olympics. The country's role in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has increased the threat posed by Islamic militants.

(Agencies)

olympic spirit

Djokovic crushes Nadal to win Miami Masters

AC Milan beat Inter 3-0 thanks to Pato's double

Azarenka defeats Sharapova for second Miami title

NBA: Heat crushes Timberwolves 111-92, Lakers beat Jazz 96-85

NBA: Atlanta Hawks beat Boston Celtics 88-83

Yankees defeats Tigers on MLB opening day

Chinese ace Ding advances into China Open quarterfinals

London launches probe after guards arrested

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