The Star Online: Sports
The Star Online: Sports |
- Australia to ban shoulder charge in rugby
- Azarenka to join Sharapova, Williams in Brisbane
- Kevin is richer for the experience after competing with Sun Yang
| Australia to ban shoulder charge in rugby Posted: 20 Nov 2012 06:15 PM PST SYDNEY: Australian rugby league authorities said they are outlawing the shoulder charge because of the "unacceptable risk of injury", with work under way to extend the move internationally. The decision, due to take effect from next year, came after the Australian Rugby League Commission (ALRC) assessed a report by Sydney Roosters chief executive Brian Canavan following a spate of incidents. The ALRC accepted that the increased size of players was creating a situation where the shoulder charge could lead to an unacceptable risk of injury. The review found that shoulder charges made up just 0.05 percent of the 142,355 tackles made in 2012. Less than four percent of these resulted in injury to the attacking player and less than one percent to the defensive player but 17 percent involved contact with the head of the attacking player. "This is about reducing a potential risk of serious injury to our players," said National Rugby League interim chief executive Shane Mattiske. "The commission has gone through a thorough review process and been public in warning players about the risks of illegal play. "The report shows that the shoulder charge is not a significant part of the game and its removal is not likely to impact on the way the game is played. "With the increase in size and strength of the players, we believe this is the time to eliminate a potential risk." Work has started with authorities in England and other members of the Rugby League International Federation to extend the move to all levels of the game on a global basis, the commission added on its website. New Zealand already has a domestic ban in place. - AFP |
| Azarenka to join Sharapova, Williams in Brisbane Posted: 20 Nov 2012 06:11 PM PST BRISBANE, Australia: The Brisbane International starting next month will feature the world's top three women players with confirmation on Wednesday that top-ranked Victoria Azarenka will take part. Azarenka, of Belarus, joins Russian world number two Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams of the United States in the main lead-up tournament to January's Australian Open in Melbourne, the season's first Grand Slam. Tournament organisers said the field would feature eight of the top 10 women. Other players confirmed include Germany's Angelique Kerber, Sara Errani of Italy, Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic and Australia's Samantha Stosur. "I am really looking forward to returning to Brisbane where I won the inaugural title in 2009," Azarenka said. "I am very proud to have ended the year as world number one and I am excited to start my 2013 campaign in Brisbane where I know I will get some tough matches against the world's best there." Azarenka, 23, said it was the perfect preparation leading into the Australian Open, where she will defend the title she won this year. The Brisbane International, which also features US Open champion Andy Murray in the men's draw, takes place from December 30 to January 6. - AFP |
| Kevin is richer for the experience after competing with Sun Yang Posted: 20 Nov 2012 03:59 PM PST PETALING JAYA: How many swimmers can say they have competed against an Olympic champion and world record holder? Not many, right? That is why Kevin Yeap was glowing with pride when he returned home from the Asian Swimming Championships in Dubai yesterday. Kevin had the chance to swim not once, but three times, in the same pool with London Olympic double gold medallist Sun Yang of China. Sun Yang, who trains in Gold Coast, Australia, is currently the most marketable athlete in his home country after winning two Olympic gold medals in world record times. And he lived up to his billing at the Asian meet by winning three gold medals – in the 200m, 400m and 1,500m freestyle – in new meet record times. Sun Yang never flaunted his star status in Dubai, leaving Kevin humbled by the experienced. "He was humble despite his giant status. He was not arrogant and easily approachable. I managed to chat with him in Dubai. I took part in the same events as him (200m, 400m and 1,500m freestyle) and managed to make the finals in all three. "I've raced with him at the Guangzhou Asian Games two years ago. But it was different this time as he wasn't the world and Olympic champion then," said Kevin, the Indonesia SEA Games gold medallist in the 1,500m freestyle. Asked what he can take from his meeting with Sun Yang, Kevin said "it's his rapid rise to greatness. "It gives me great inspiration to become like him. His positive and humble attitude makes people respect him even more," said Kevin, who narrowly missed out on the bronze for the 1,500m freestyle by 0.15sec to Takumi Komatsu of Japan. Kevin can certainly do with a little inspiration as he has Jeffrey Ong's long-standing record of 15:23.61 in the 1,500m freestyle since 1991 in his sights. Kevin has a personal best of 15:32.51, which he did at the Malaysian Open in Bukit Jalil this year, and is without doubt the best candidate to erase the longest existing swimming record in the country. The 23-year-old could do just that at the World Aquatics Championships in Barcelona next July, having booked his ticket for the 400m and 1,500m freestyle events. Besides Kevin, Khoo Cai Lin has also qualified for two quota spots in the women's 400m and 800m freestyle for the world meet. Tomorrow will be the divers' turn to see action in the Asian meet, which is held every four years. Malaysia have two men (Ooi Tze Liang and Chew Yiwei) and three women (Wendy Ng Yan Yee, Cheong Jun Hoong and Loh Zhiayi) in the fray. |
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