Hull 20 Huddersfield 34: Danny Brough sends England reminder

Danny Brough gave England coach Steve McNamara another nudge with a superb display just days before the national squad to face the Exiles is revealed as Huddersfield won 34-20 at Hull.

The Giants scrum-half kicked brilliantly, scored the decisive try and dictated play as his side kept up with Warrington at the top of the engage Super League.

Huddersfield boss Nathan Brown said: 'On form, Danny should be in the England team. He's earned his chance because he's playing consistently well.'

David Hodgson's  hat-trick ensured the Giants led for most of the afternoon. Even when the hosts did threaten an upset, having clawed their way back to within two points late on, Jordan Turner fumbled Sam Obst's pass and Brough went over for the match-winning try.

Tries from Michael Lawrence and Hodgson had sandwiched Ewan Dowes' first-half effort for Hull.

Hodgson got his second soon after the interval. Then Mark O'Meley and Willie Manu crossed for the hosts, before Hodgson's third, Brough's interception and Lee Gilmour's try completed the scoring.

Stand-off Ben Jeffries scored three of Bradford's five tries in their 28-14 win over Salford.

Catalan Dragons returned to winning ways with a 42-22 win at Wakefield.

Castleford revived their play-off challenge by ending a four-match run of defeats with a 56-24 win over Harlequins.

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England beaten by Barbarians

The Barbarians conjured a superb last-minute try to condemn a youthful England side to defeat in a non-cap international at Twickenham.

Tries from Henry Trinder, Ugo Monye and James Simpson-Daniel helped the hosts into a 24-7 lead after 26 minutes.

But the Baa-Baas hit back with four unanswered tries to lead 31-24 before England responded with a penalty from Charlie Hodgson and a Tom Johnson try.

But Baa-Baas wing Tim Visser finished off a flowing move to win it late on.

It was a second try for the Edinburgh-based Dutchman, as the invitational side out-scored England six-to-four on the try count.

The hosts also had to contend with worrying-looking injuries to Harlequins duo Ugo Monye and Joe Marler.

Monye, a contender for the final wing spot in England's World Cup squad, limped off with damaged knee ligments while 20-year-old prop Marler was carried off on a stretcher with mild concussion. Matt Banahan also suffered a soft tissue injury.

Of the players hoping to boost their prospects of getting on the plane to New Zealand, captain Luke Narraway probably advanced his cause the most, while Banahan confirmed his versatility with a powerful display and fly-half Charlie Hodgson showed touches of class.

Hodgson's array of passing was in evidence from the off as he created the opening try inside three minutes.

Twice sending Banahan - playing at inside centre - on short bursts up the middle, the Saracens-bound number 10 then checked his pass superbly to put Narraway in space, who in turn sent Trinder over.

If the young Gloucester centre, one of five players making their senior debuts, enjoyed his start to life at international level, he was swiftly exposed to its harsher realities.

Paul Sackey, England's top try-scorer at the last World Cup, left him clutching at thin air as hared round him in the lead-up to the Barbarians' first try.

Prop Marler, another debutant, drifted to the right in the defensive line and Frederic Michalak seized the opportunity, delaying his short pass perfectly to fellow Frenchman Benoit Baby, who danced through the gap and sprinted to the line.

Michalak's conversion levelled matters at 7-7 before England reasserted themselves.

The giant Banahan ploughed straight through Michalak and Exeter flanker Johnson - another debutant - just failed to ground a bouncing ball in the left corner.

A strong drive from Marler, bouncing off Springboks flanker Joe van Niekerk, earned England a penalty that Hodgson - to the sound of mild booing from the crowd - kicked to nudge the hosts 10-7 ahead.

Their second try arrived in the 19th minute as Banahan sucked in the Baa-Baas midfield on a dummy run, Hodgson released Simpson-Daniel and he and Mike Brown put Monye into space.

The Harlequins wing chipped inside and when Nicolas Jeanjean failed to secure the ball, Monye stooped over the full-back and dabbed the ball down, Hodgson adding a second conversion for a 17-7 lead.

Simpson-Daniel then profited from Narraway's good work in collecting a Michalak kick and leaving his opposite number Sergio Parisse for dead with a dummy before feeding his Gloucester team-mate.

Simpson-Daniel, who made his reputation when he embarrassed the great Jonah Lomu in the same fixture nine years ago, stepped inside Ruan Pienaar to finish in dazzling style.

That proved to be the high-point of England's afternoon, as the Barbarians got on top in the scrum and started to dominate at the breakdown.

The hosts lost Bath-bound flanker Carl Fearns to the sin-bin for killing the ball at a ruck six minutes before half-time and the Barbarians should have immediately capitalised.

With a man advantage at the scrum, they worked a perfect opening only for Van Niekerk to waste the scoring chance with a forward pass to Sackey, released by Toulon and sporting the pink socks of Stade Francais, a sign perhaps of where he will be playing next season.

But after a break-out from Brown, Paul Hodgson's pass was intercepted by Michalak, who raced away to score, the maverick Frenchman adding the conversion for good measure.

That brought the Barbarians to within 10 points at the interval, and they halved that deficit nine minutes into the second period.

For all the positives from Simpson-Daniel in attack, the watching Martin Johnson would not have been too impressed with the way the wing allowed his opposite number Visser to collect Michalak's cross-kick, step past him and race away up the left touchline to score.

Michalak missed the conversion to leave it at 24-19, and did so again when the Baa-Baas drew level in the 57th minute, replacement Joe Tekori showing soft hands to put George Smith over in the right corner.

But the momentum was with the invitational side, and Van Niekerk swiftly plundered a fifth try from close range, Michalak converting for a 31-24 lead.

England took stock while Marler, after a lengthy spell of on-pitch treatment, was carried off.

Hodgson kicked a penalty - to more boos - to reduce the deficit to four points, and reinforced with several replacements, they regained the lead with eight minutes left, Johnson capping his debut with a dummy before accelerating over.

But the Barbarians, who introduced rugby league convert Willie Mason for his union debut for the last 15 minutes, had the last word with a try befitting their tradition.

Fijian Tekori outstripped the England midfield before releasing the charging Van Niekerk.

The powerful South African was stopped just short, but still conjured an off-load off the floor for Visser to finish, Pienaar converting with the last kick of the match.

England: Brown (Harlequins), Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester), Trinder (Gloucester), Banahan (Bath), U Monye (Harlequins), Hodgson (Sale), Hodgson (London Irish); Marler (Harlequins), Paice (London Irish), Doran-Jones (Gloucester), Kitchener (Worcester), Attwood (Gloucester), Johnson (Exeter), Fearns (Sale), Narraway (Gloucester, capt)

Replacements: Brookes (Newcastle, for Doran-Jones, 58, Doran-Jones for Marler, 62), Gaskell (Sale, for Fearns, 52), Gibson (London Irish, for Kitchener, 58), Young (Newcastle, for P Hodgson, 58), Myler (Northampton, for Brown, 66), Turner-Hall (Harlequins, for Monye 43). Not used: Gray (Harlequins)

Sin Bin: Fearns (35).

Barbarians: Jeanjean (Brive); Sackey (Toulon), Baby (Clermont Auvergne), Bastareaud (Stade Francais), Visser (Edinburgh); Michalak (Toulouse), Pienaar (Ulster); Perugini (Aironi), Ghiraldini (Benetton Treviso), Kubriashvili (Toulon), Lund (Biarritz), Geldenhuys (Aironi), Van Niekerk (Toulon), Smith (Toulon), Parisse (Stade Francais, capt).

Replacements: Bruno (Toulon, for Ghiraldini, 50), Hayman (Toulon, for Kubriashvili, 50), Tekori (Castres, for Geldenhuys, 55), Williams (Cardiff Blues, for Smith, 65), Mason (Toulon, for Sackey, 65), Rabini (La Rochelle, for Baby, 50). Not used: Tillous-Borde (Castres).

Referee: Christophe Berdos (France)

Attendance: 38,680

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Vettel seals dramatic Monaco win

Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel won his first Monaco Grand Prix and pulled further ahead in the championship.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso and McLaren's Jenson Button, who briefly led the race, had closed in on Vettel but a late safety car helped the German.

Alonso finished second for the first time in 2011, with Button third and Red Bull's Mark Webber fourth.

Lewis Hamilton became embroiled in a row over critical comments about stewards after finishing sixth.

The Englishman was called before officials for two separate incidents and, asked why he had been to see stewards five times in six races this year, he said, apparently in jest: "Maybe it's because I'm black. That's what Ali G says."

The race was poised for a thrilling finish as Vettel, Alonso and Button were covered by less than a second and chasing each other hard.

But with just seven laps to go, Renault's Vitaly Petrov got caught in a pile-up and plunged his Renault into the barriers at the Swimming Pool.

After complaining of pain in his left ankle the Russian was taken to hospital for a body scan, but Renault subsequently released a statement confirming there was no swelling or broken bone.

The reappearance of the safety car released the pressure on Vettel, and when the race resumed 20 minutes later with the three leaders all having changed their tyres, Vettel comfortably held off Alonso and Button to add the Monaco title to his growing collection.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said it had been particularly pleasing to win after the team had experienced a series of unexpected problems during the race.

"We had problems at Sebastian's first stop, we had radio issues and didn't get the tyres on that we wanted, so we had to change our strategy," said Horner.

"The main thing was that we didn't panic. We tried something a bit different, which was very aggressive, but Seb was making it work - that was what won him the race today.

"He was pretty confident, kept talking to his engineers, focusing on areas he could be quick."

BBC F1 chief analyst Eddie Jordan praised Vettel.

"Since he became world champion he has been supreme," said Jordan.

"He is always in the right place - but he also had luck on his side."

Monaco is regarded as the most challenging circuit on the calendar because the narrow, twisting streets push the drivers to the limit.

And Vettel had taken his first pole in Monte Carlo during a qualifying session which had been overshadowed by Sergio Perez's heavy crash which kept him out of the race.

Button, who started alongside Vettel on the front row, tried to play a decisive card in the race when he triggered the pit stops on lap 15.

Vettel had no choice but to respond and came in for his first stop on the following lap, but his crew of mechanics in the Red Bull garage did not have the tyres ready. The resulting delay saw Vettel return to the track in second place.

With a clear track ahead of him, Button quickly built a lead over the world champion.

But while a clever strategy call helped McLaren and Hamilton win in China, this time their attempt to out-think Red Bull backfired.

Button was on a three-stop strategy and when he came in for a second time Vettel regained the lead, and Button dropped to third after his final stop.

The Englishman refused to blame his team's strategy for failing to deliver him his first win of the season.

"We had to take the risk and go for more stops so we shouldn't be upset with what we did," said Button.

"The team did a great job this weekend and I was happy with our strategy. We had to try to do something different to beat Vettel, it was working but it didn't work in the end."

Alonso had muscled his way past Webber and up to third with a typically aggressive start and the Spaniard gained another place thanks to a two-stop strategy.

Vettel looked in real danger as his one-stop strategy meant he had to nurse his tyres for more than 60 laps.

But the restart after the second safety car meant the three leading cars were able to change their tyres and Vettel comfortably cruised to the line.

Alonso said: "Seven days ago we were two minutes behind the leaders and now we are fighting for victory.

"The car is identical to Barcelona so [this result] is just related to Monaco's unique circuit.

"It is also true that the car is working well on the supersoft tyres. They will be available for the next two races so hopefully we can repeat this performance."

Hamilton had a rollercoaster of an afternoon and was constantly in the thick of the action.

After a tussle with Michael Schumacher's Mercedes, Hamilton received a drive-through penalty after he bumped Massa in a three-way battle with Webber at the hairpin.

It's not too late [to win the world championship] but it's not looking great

The Englishman was ninth with seven laps to go, before Jaime Alguersuari's Toro Rosso rode over his McLaren, breaking the rear wing.

The team repaired Hamilton's car before the restart but Hamilton was soon back in trouble with the stewards when he collided with Pastor Maldonado's Williams at Sainte Devote - an incident for which he was subsequently penalised with the addition of 20 seconds to his finishing time, although the punishment which left his finishing position unchanged.

The battle at the hairpin also had repercussions for Massa as Hamilton hustled him again in the tunnel, and as the McLaren sailed safely through, Massa lost control on the tyre debris in the tunnel and hit the barriers.

It is the second race in a row that Massa has retired.

"I was quite a lot quicker than Massa, I went up the inside - and he turned in," said Hamilton in a fiery interview after the race.

"I get the penalty [though], which is usual. He held me up in qualification, I got the penalty. He turned in to me, I got the penalty.

"But you get done trying to put on a show, trying to make a move. Fair play, if I feel I've gone too late I'd hold my hand up to admit I've caused an incident.

"It's not too late [to win the world championship] but it's not looking great."

Schumacher, a five time Monaco winner, conjured up memories of former glories in the opening stages of the race when he brilliantly passed Hamilton at the hairpin.

"That's something I thought you'd never see," said BBC F1 co-commentator David Coulthard. "Hamilton, one of the best racers in the world, caught napping by Schumacher - an inspired move."

But Schumacher fell back as his tyres quickly deteriorated, a problem with which his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg also struggled, before Schumacher eventually retired with a fire in his airbox. Rosberg went on to finish 11th.

There was some much-needed positive news for Sauber as Kamui Kobayashi finished fifth on a one-stop strategy. It was very nearly fourth, the Japanese driver only being passed by the charging Webber on the penultimate lap.

Kobayashi called it a "great achievement" after a difficult weekend with his team-mate Perez still recovering in hospital after a qualifying crash which left him with concussion and a bruised thigh.

Adrian Sutil collected sixth for Force India, but his team-mate Paul di Resta was 15th after receiving a drive-through penalty for a mis-timed pass on Alguersuari.

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Posh secure Championship return

Peterborough hit three late goals to beat Huddersfield at Old Trafford and win promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking.

The League One play-off final looked to be heading for extra time before Posh hit three goals in seven minutes.

Tommy Rowe headed them ahead from Grant McCann's free-kick before top scorer Craig Mackail-Smith's shot deflected in off Antony Kay's knee.

McCann curled in a free-kick to inflict Town's first league defeat of 2011.

For Huddersfield, who had not lost in 27 league and play-off games, the scoreline was wildly unfair.

But, for Posh boss Darren Ferguson, victory proved a happy end to a mixed weekend for his family, his father's Manchester United having lost to Barcelona in Saturday's Champions League final.

Posh have effectively swapped leagues with Preston North End, who sacked Ferguson in December, only for the Scot to return to Peterborough for a second spell two weeks later.

Peterborough, who have now been promoted in all the three play-off campaigns they have participated in, were the better side in the first half.

They almost took the lead within five minutes, only for Mackail-Smith's shot to be deflected onto the outside of the post by a last-gasp tackle from Kay.

George Boyd then showed good trickery in forcing an Ian Bennett save from 30 yards out as Posh, relegated from the Championship a year ago, threatened to run riot.

Huddersfield looked like their chances would be more likely to come from set-pieces and crosses, and Lee Peltier headed over from Gary Roberts' ball.

Posh keeper Paul Jones then plucked Peter Clarke's goalbound header out of the air.

Huddersfield boss Lee Clark had decided to play Benik Afobe as his only out-and-out striker, his usual policy for away games.

But, when the on-loan Arsenal youngster received the ball in the box, he failed to control it and the chance was gone.

Mackail-Smith was then put through, denied by another brilliant last-ditch Kay tackle.

And, from another Terriers cross, Afobe took the ball off Daniel Ward's foot when he was ready to shoot from inside the box.

The game was going from end to end and Boyd put Mackail-Smith through, but he was denied by yet another fine saving tackle, denying him the chance to shoot.

Roberts saw his free-kick tipped wide by Jones and then his corner found Afobe, who turned in the box but fired wide from eight yards out.

And, with the final chance of the first half, Mackail-Smith fired wide unmarked in the box after Boyd poked him through.

In the first major incident of the second half, McCann hit a curling free-kick from 20 yards out just over.

Then came Huddersfield's big chance, Ward running down the right wing, cutting inside and smashing the ball against the bar.

The Terriers were growing in confidence, causing Posh plenty of problems from crosses. But they could have been down to 10 men, when Kay brought down the effervescent Mackail-Smith, who was through on goal.

He was saved by the fact that defensive partner Clarke was still in with a chance of catching him and was only shown a yellow card.

But, moments later came the opener, Rowe's header finding the centre of the goal from McCann's whipped free-kick.

Clark decided to go to two up front and brought on Danny Cadamarteri. But the momentum was all Peterborough's by now, Mackail-Smith's shot hitting Kay before finding the corner of the net.

Mackail-Smith's strike, his 35th of the season and 99th for the club, is likely to be his last, the Scotland international having been targeted by Premier League-bound QPR and Norwich amongst others.

And McCann, whose set-pieces had caused problems for the Terriers, put an unreflective gloss on the scoreline from 25 yards out.

Lee Tomlin then fired over late on from Boyd's pass as Posh threatened to add a fourth.

But the whistle ended the heartbreak for Huddersfield, who, having finished third in the league, eight points clear of Posh, had been in the chase for automatic promotion until the penultimate day of the league campaign.

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PGA win sees Donald top rankings

Luke Donald beat Lee Westwood in a play-off to win the PGA Championship at Wentworth and overtake his countryman as the world number one.

The 33-year-old Donald won at the first play-off hole when Westwood found the water in front of the 18th green.

Donald hit 70 to Westwood's 68 to tie on six under, while Englishman Simon Dyson (69) was third at four under.

On climbing one spot to the top of the rankings, England's Donald said: "Sounds pretty good, doesn't it?"

The American-based golfer added: "It's something I'll be very proud of. Obviously, there's a lot of work still to do and hopefully there'll be much more to come, but I'll savour this.

"It's a lot of responsibility and I'm looking forward to the challenge of being number one and hopefully I can hold onto it for a few more weeks. I know Lee and Martin [Kaymer] will be chasing me hard.

"To come through in these circumstances in one of the biggest tournaments in the world, going head-to-head with Lee is pretty special. It doesn't get much better.

"To win here with the top three in the world, top six out of seven, all of the Ryder Cuppers, all four major champions, and to beat them in stroke play feels pretty good."

The second-ranked Donald, who has been vying for top spot for a number of weeks, only needed to finish above Westwood to take the reins, as long as world number three Martin Kaymer finished outside the top two.

But with Kaymer struggling down the field, the final day was set up for a duel between the world's two best-rated players.

Donald, who was second at Wentworth last year and won the WGC Match Play in February, began tied for the lead with 18-year-old Italian Matteo Manassero, with Westwood two back in the penultimate group.

But Donald, who fought back from a messy outward 40 with an inward 32 on Saturday to bring back memories of his first-round 64, was soon in trouble again. His opening drive went deep into the trees on the right and he could only hack out sideways, eventually running up a bogey, followed by another at the short second after a poor chip.

Manassero's challenge was effectively over after a double bogey on the third and Westwood joined Donald in a share of the lead with a birdie at the fourth.

From then on the lead was virtually a two-horse race. Westwood finally went clear on his own with a birdie on the 12th to reach six under and he forged a two-shot cushion with another birdie on 15. But the 38-year-old handed a shot straight back on the 16th when he raced his first putt 10ft past and missed the one coming back.

Donald, who had recovered with birdies at the fourth and 10th, hit his approach on 16 to a few inches and tapped in for another birdie to draw level again. Both players escaped with par fives on the 17th, and although Donald recovered to make par after driving into a fairway bunker, Westwood missed a birdie chance that would have proved decisive.

"I played lovely all day," said Westwood. "The reason I finished second was because I didn't take my chances on 17 and 18, not because I lost the play-off."

Playing the long 18th again, Donald's third shot to the green span back to about 10ft from the pin, while Westwood's effort screwed into the water guarding the front of the green, the controversial change to the famous finishing hole which was instigated in 2010. The Worksop star chipped on but could only make seven and Donald holed his putt first time for the title - his fifth of the year to continue a remarkable run that has seen him finish in the top 10 in his last nine events.

Of the man he beat, Donald added: "I felt a bit bad for Lee. I knew it would be a tough play-off. Lee's a hell of a player and doesn't back down."

Ireland's Shane Lowry finished birdie, birdie, eagle to shoot 67 and finish tied for fourth at two under alongside Australian Marcus Fraser (67) and Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin (71).

Three-time PGA champion and eight-time European number one Colin Montgomerie carded 68 to end in the group sharing seventh at one under for his best finish since a tie for second in the 2008 French Open.

Manassero, already a two-time winner on Tour after turning pro in 2010, ended with a 75 to also finish one under alongside England's David Horsey (71), Wales' Jamie Donaldson (69), Scot Peter Whiteford (70) and Sweden's Johan Edfors (71).

PGA final round - Shots of the day

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GB men win two golds in Lithuania

Hull bantamweight Luke Campbell claimed his third gold of the year with a convincing 11-7 victory over Dennis Ceylan of Denmark.

London lightweight Martin Ward also won gold with an 11-4 destruction of Armenian Garnik Haratyunan.

Lightweight Tom Stalker; middleweight Anthony Ogogo and heavyweight Simon Vallily earned bronze medals.

The medal count at the 13-nation contest in Vilnius brings the GB men's team total to nine golds, four silvers and 13 bronzes in the seven tournaments held so far this year.

Campbell, 24, has not been beaten in three years and used his speed to dominate against the Dane.

Campbell was named Best Boxer of the Tournament.

Meanwhile Ward, who is regarded as a hot prospect for the 2012 Olympics, turned in an accomplished performance against an opponent who had recently moved up weight categories.

The 23-year-old scored six points in the final round with some powerful body shots to win his first international gold.

The men's European Championships are scheduled to begin in Turkey on 16 June.

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Fifa to press ahead with presidential election despite Mohamed Bin Hammam's suspension

He was particularly angered by Valcke’s revelation during a press briefing, in an apparently clear breach of process, that he had received an email from the Puerto Rican FA backing the allegations and claiming that they had been given $40,000. Valcke said that he thought more nations might come forward to back the claims.

“I have been given the impression that the Ethics Committee is absolutely an independent committee, but in the press conference we have seen today, the General Secretary made clear that he is the one who has the influence in this committee,” Bin Hammam said.

The descent into civil war between Fifa’s senior figures came after the ethics committee announced that Warner and Bin Hammam will face a protracted investigation, and Valcke insisted there was nothing to stop the election proceeding.

Blatter was cleared by the ethics committee of any wrongdoing after being accused by Bin Hammam of knowing about the Trinidad payments and not reporting them.

Announcing the decision ethics committee deputy chairman Petrus Damaseb of Namibia said that as no payments had been made at the time Blatter was warned he had no case to answer.

Referring to Warner and Bin Hammam, Damaseb said: “We are assuming they are innocent until proven guilty but we are satisfied that there is a case to answer.” Damaseb said they would face a full investigation with independent investigators and legal counsel assisting the ethics commission.

He said it hoped to report within 30 days, but that the bans to Warner and Bin Hammam could be extended if required. With Blatter clearly having benefited politically from the allegations against Bin Hammam there a case for postponing the election while the investigation is completed.

A delay to allow an independent review might restore some confidence in Fifa’s reputation, but Blatter and Valcke are determined to press ahead, with the president expected to present his fourth term as a mandate for reform. Many will doubt his sincerity given a previous reluctance to tackle allegations of corruption.

The danger for Fifa is that with recriminations rife there is no knowing what allegations may surface.

Valcke acknowledged that the severity and timing of the allegations represented a “watershed moment” for Fifa, but insisted that there was no reason to delay the election.

“Maybe [Fifa’s reputation] is not at the highest, that is clear, and it is sad,” Valcke said. “I am not the Fifa president, it is for him to decide what to do, but I am clear we want to put systems in place to ensure that this does not happen again.

“The most important thing is a commitment from all the members of executive committee and president to ensure change at Fifa, so that in his last mandate Fifa is stronger and cleaner than it was. But if you are asking me am I happy that Blatter is elected president, the answer is yes.” Valcke also revealed that an FA inquiry into allegations of corruption in the 2018 World Cup bidding process made by former chairman Lord Triesman had found no supporting evidence from other bid members.

Blatter said in a statement that he regretted the damaging impact of recent events.

Meanwhile Chuck Blazer, the Fifa executive committee member who launched the investigation into Warner and Bin Hammam said he felt obliged to act after being presented with firm evidence of bribes.

“Of course it was difficult,” he said. “But what is more difficult is to ignore the fact that attempts were made to suborn members — it really wasn’t a choice.

“I said to Jack [Warner]: ‘What are you doing? In 21 years we have never bought a vote.’ Once you have done that you have let the genie out of the bottle and for any issue, people will say: ‘OK, how much are you putting on the table?”’

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The accused: how ethics committee ruled on embattled executives

Sepp Blatter

What was he accused of? Knowing about the proposed $40,000 payments to Caribbean Football Union (CFU) officials allegedly made by Mohamed Bin Hammam, but not reporting them.

What was the verdict? The claim was rejected by the ethics committee and Blatter is free to stand in Wednesday’s presidential election.

What happens next? As things stand, Blatter will be re-elected as Fifa president for another four years.

What he said “Fifa’s image has suffered a great deal.”

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Mohamed bin Hammam

What was he accused of? Offering $40,000 each to 25 CFU associations earlier this month as 'gifts’, in return for votes in the presidential election.

What was the verdict? The ethics committee decided there was enough evidence for Bin Hammam, who withdrew from the election on Saturday night, to be suspended from “all football-related activity”.

What happens next? Fifa will launch a 'full inquiry’ into the allegations.

What he said Bin Hammam denies the charges of vote-buying.

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Jack Warner

What was he accused of? Helping facilitate the $40,000 payments to CFU associations for Bin Hammam.

What was the verdict? Warner was also suspended from all football-related activity by the ethics committee, while a full inquiry is launched into the allegations.

What happens next? The inquiry, involving independent external investigators, should take around 30 days.

What he said Warner denies any wrongdoing.

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French Open 2011: Andy Murray set to play on at the French Open after scan reveals no major damage to ankle

Whether the Scot will be able to slide around the clay with anything like his usual freedom and confidence, so giving himself every opportunity of beating the world No15 from Serbia, remains rather more uncertain.

Murray, who damaged his right ankle while running to reach a drop-shot from Germany’s Michael Berrer on Saturday afternoon, was able to have a light practice session yesterday, in addition to being treated by a tournament doctor. Since Murray’s encounter with Troicki has been scheduled as the third match of the day on Court Suzanne Lenglen, he would have had around 48 hours of rest and recuperation before playing the Eastern European for a place in the quarter-finals.

Troicki, the second best Serbian tennis player after Novak Djokovic, has had food poisoning during the tournament, though it is not believed there is any danger he will be too weak to play Murray.

A commentator remarked on French television over the weekend that Murray has what amounts to “a virtual boulevard” through the tournament towards a semi-final against Rafael Nadal, though whether the fourth seed’s draw is kind or not hardly matters when there are concerns about his fitness.

If Murray is to beat Troicki, he will need to move around the court with much greater freedom than he did against Berrer. For the best part of two sets, he was inconvenienced by the injury, though he got away with it because he was striking some brilliant winners, and because Berrer felt sorry for his opponent and so did not play with the ruthlessness that he should have done. Troicki is unlikely to be so accommodating.

Without Troicki’s influence, this season could have turned out very differently. If he had lost the decisive fifth rubber of last December’s Davis Cup final against France, it is doubtful Djokovic would have launched himself at this season with such gusto.

Though no one has benefited as much from Troicki’s victory over Michaël Llodra in Belgrade as Djokovic, the Serbian No?2 is plainly a more assured presence on a tennis court now than he ever was before. He started this tournament at a career-high ranking and this is the first time he has made the last 16 of a slam.

Murray has beaten Troicki in straight sets in their three previous meetings, including in the third round of the 2009 Wimbledon Championships. However, this will be the first time they have played on clay, as well as the first time they have played when Murray has a sore ankle.

This has been the second medical drama of Murray’s clay-court season as at last month’s tournament in Monaco he required a cortisone injection into his elbow before losing his semi-final against Nadal.

If Murray beats Troicki, he will play either Juan Ignacio Chela, an Argentine ranked 34, or Alejandro Falla, a Colombian qualifier ranked 120 who is best known for having scared the heebie-jeebies out of Roger Federer in the first round of last summer’s Wimbledon. There was nothing frightening for Federer about his all-Swiss fourth-round match with Stanislas Wawrinka here, and he beat his friend 6-3, 6-2, 7-5. There were some fine shots from Federer, especially on the backhand wing. “Honestly,” said Federer, who has reached the quarter-finals without dropping a set, “I can’t believe how good my backhand has become.”

The brilliance of Djokovic’s tennis was such that he took all the tension out of the air on Court Philippe Chatrier, with his 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Frenchman Richard Gasquet extending his undefeated run to 43 matches, 41 of them this year.

Should Djokovic beat Italian Fabio Fognini, who won a 11-9 fifth set against Spaniard Albert Montanes, he would put himself level with John McEnroe’s record for the best start to a year, the 42-match run he assembled in 1984.

Vera Zvonareva’s defeat to fellow Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova meant the top three women’s seeds have all failed to make the quarter-finals, as the departure of the world No3 followed that of Kim Clijsters, the Belgian world No2, who was eliminated in the second round, and Caroline Wozniacki, the Danish world No?1, who lost in the third round.

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Monaco Grand Prix 2011: Renault driver Vitaly Petrov given all-clear after crashing in chaos-hit race

Petrov was involved in an incident with Jaime Alguersuari in his Toro Rosso on lap 69 just as the three leaders in winner Sebastian Vettel, runner-up Fernando Alonso and third-placed Jenson Button were poised to lap a gaggle of cars.

Alguersuari ran over a kerb and into the back of Lewis Hamilton's McLaren, his momentum carrying him into a barrier coming out of the swimming pool complex, with Petrov unable to avoid ploughing into the back of the Toro Rosso.

Initial reports suggested Petrov was knocked unconscious, but the Russian has confirmed that was not the case.

However, an ambulance was still required and Petrov explained: ''It was quite a big impact and I could not feel my legs very well after the crash.

''I thought it was best for the medical team to assist with removing me from the car as it was difficult for me to move and my legs were trapped in the cockpit.

''I did not lose consciousness, but I was in quite a lot of pain when I was inside the car.''

Following a series of scans and tests, Petrov has been given the all-clear, and was tonight back in his hotel.

Expressing his gratitude for the attention he received, Petrov added: ''I would like to thank all my fans for all their well wishes, the medical teams at the circuit, the hospital for their efficient and friendly assistance, and the team for their concern.''

Team principal Eric Boullier was naturally relieved Petrov had escaped without injury.

''I'm glad to report Vitaly is okay, he has no fractures, just a sore ankle, but he is already joking,'' said Boullier.

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Luke Wells enhances growing status with unbeaten 143 for Sussex against Yorkshire

Wells, the son of former Sussex batsman Alan, made 143 and put on an unbeaten 217 with Murray Goodwin, who also made a century as Sussex closed on 295 for two.

Yorkshire began well with the wickets of Chris Nash and Joe Gatting, but they failed to take a wicket in the final two sessions as captain Andrew Gale was made to regret his decision to field first.

Gale probably felt a pitch with an even covering of grass would assist his seam attack and Ajmal Shahzad, one of the contenders to replace James Anderson in the England squad for the Lord’s Test, did take the scalp of the in-form Nash in the ninth over with a ball that nipped back - but the Yorkshire skipper’s call soon looked to have backfired.

Wells was only opening because Nash’s regular partner Ed Joyce is playing for Ireland.

Kent’s batsmen enjoyed a fine start to their game against Leicestershire at Tunbridge Wells, with Joe Denly scoring his first Championship century for two years.

They closed on 376 for three, with Rob Key making 91 and Sam Northeast 99 before agonisingly being out off the last ball of the day.

Northeast, going for three figures before the close, attempted to flick a ball from Andrew McDonald wide of mid-on and was lbw to the fifth delivery of the 96th over.

There were also plenty of runs at Wantage Road, as Division Two leaders Northamptonshire closed on 325 for three against Glamorgan. Stephen Peters and Rob White both made centuries.

Glamorgan, who started the day three points behind their opponents in the table, struggled with the ball throughout, although Chris Ashling did take two for 74.

Chesney Hughes scored 124 to lead Derbyshire to 375 for seven on day one of their game against Surrey at Derby. The Anguillan rode his luck during the early overcast conditions but hung on to record his first century of the season.

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Donald and Manassero share lead

Luke Donald and Matteo Manassero will take a two-shot lead into the final round of the PGA Championship at Wentworth on Sunday.

The pair carded very different rounds of 72 to end an absorbing third day tied at five under.

World number one Lee Westwood (69) and Fabrizio Zanotti (69) are poised in second, with Bradley Dredge, Simon Dyson and Raphael Jacquelin two under.

Donald dropped five shots in his first six holes but fought back tenaciously.

With world number three Martin Kaymer at four over and unlikely to finish in the top two, the 33-year-old Donald only needs to finish above Westwood to overtake him in the rankings.

But Donald, who said he felt "invincible" in shooting 64 on Thursday, was soon in trouble as his round threatened to unravel.

He began his downward spiral at the short second when he chipped through the green and then saw the one back roll off the other side en route to a double bogey.

He dropped another shot after catching a bunker at the third, escaped with 'only' a par after finding trees again on the long fourth and amassed a double-bogey after carving it deep into the woods on the sixth.

But the US-based Englishman held his nerve to make four straight pars before clawing his way back with birdies on 11 and 12.

Donald's revival gathered pace with another birdie on 16 to get back to within one of the lead and he drained a long birdie at the 17th to once again tie with Manassero. Despite another drive into the trees on 18, Donald salvaged a par five to book a spot in the last group with the young Italian on Sunday.

"I need to figure out how I can keep it on the short stuff and keep it out of the trees," said Donald. "I felt like Seve [Ballesteros] out there, I was in trees with leaves all over my back. I was dropping balls in high grass and escaping from everywhere and I don't think you can do that two days in a row."

But he added: "I'm very proud, it was a great fight-back. It would have been easy to shoot myself out of the tournament. I certainly didn't feel nervous, I just felt a bit anxious because I didn't quite have the control I'd have liked. I kept persevering and trying things and getting that first birdie was important to right the ship. It wasn't pretty but I'm in with a great chance."

Manassero, already a two-time winner after only turning pro last year, had three bogeys and two birdies on the way out and then came home with nine straight pars.

"I played well. It was probably the most difficult day today," said Manassero, who finished tied 13th in the 2009 Open as a 16-year-old amateur.

"I enjoy courses like this when they play firm and when you don't score so low you can gain shots making pars and saving pars. You have to fight and I think I did it well. It's a special event and it's fantastic to be in this position. It's something you dream of."

Westwood also inched into contention after trailing Donald by eight shots following the first round.

Manaserro relishing tricky conditions at Wentworth

"I'm edging my way in there and this is the kind of golf course where you have to do that," he said. "It's a tough test. It has that feel of a major championship where you have to hang around, trying not to make too many mistakes. I've been out here quite a while now and I know how to get in the right positions."

Asked whether losing the number one spot was a concern, he said: "Not at all. I'm trying to win the PGA Championship."

Donald's playing partner and co second-round leader Quiros also had an adventurous day, amassing a triple-bogey seven on the ninth and a triple-bogey eight on the 17th to record a 76 and slide back to level par.

The lowest round of the day belonged to Rory McIlroy, who birdied 16 and 17 but gambled on reaching the 18th green in two and dropped a shot at the last to finish with a 68 for one over.

Paul Casey and Ernie Els, who on Friday were involved in a spat over the South African's course redesigns, were paired together for the third round and both carded 72 to end two over.

Donald relieved to survive wayward round

Casey, the 2009 PGA champion, had added to Ian Poulter's criticism and described the new layout - overseen by Els in 2010 and tweaked again for this year - as a "grind".

But asked after his round on Saturday whether the atmosphere with Els had been frosty, the Englishman said he actually agrees with Els' vision.

And Els added: "I feel comfortable with the changes. I'm 98% there. Maybe 15, the front right is a bit too severe. But guys must play now. This is not easy anymore. It's a change of mindset. It's a better course, a better test. The margin of error is like you get at a major."

Both agreed that the course set-up by tournament officials made it too penal in this week's windy conditions, though Westwood said later: "If it's a big tournament, that's how it is. You don't have to birdie every hole and go at every flag. Sometimes par is a good score. I have no problem with hard flags."

Colin Montgomerie went around in level-par 71 to stay two over, Ian Poulter had 73 for two over and Darren Clarke had an eight and a seven in a 74 to end also end two over.

Germany's Kaymer, the defending USPGA champion, slipped back after a one-over 72 took him to four over.

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Stevenage promoted to League One

John Mousinho scored the only goal, firing a powerful shot home from the edge of the box.

Stevenage dominated the first half at Old Trafford, with the lively Darius Charles heading over and wide.

Torquay improved after the break and Jake Robinson came close, hitting the bar from 20 yards.

The fact that the two teams were Blue Square Premier rivals two years ago demonstrated the ever-narrowing gap between the top non-league teams and the bottom tier of the Football League.

And Graham Westley's side, in their first season of being a league team following last season's promotion from the Blue Square Bet Premier, repeated Exeter's feat of double promotions to the third tier in 2008 and 2009.

Stevenage, who dropped the Borough from their name last summer following their Blue Square Premier title win, could have taken the lead within four minutes.

Craig Reid saw his shot blocked by a diving combination of Guy Branston and Damon Lathrope after a good cutback from Charles.

Charles, a defender by trade who was converted to a striker this season, was causing the Gulls defence all kinds of problems and another cutback gave Mousinho a chance but he fired into Scott Bevan's hands from 18 yards out.

And it was the former Ebbsfleet player's chance to have a go at goal next but his header from Ronnie Henry's cross went wide.

He had another chance but fired just over from the edge of the box after Bevan parried Lawrie Wilson's cross and Eunan O'Kane was caught in possession.

Stevenage, who had not beaten Torquay in six previous games, had a penalty claim when Chris Robertson appeared to shove Charles over in the box but referee Darren Deadman was not interested.

Torquay were struggling to create anything and it was telling that Billy Kee's shot from distance, which was high and wide, was probably their best chance in the opening 35 minutes.

And Stevenage captain Mark Roberts had to make a brilliant last-ditch tackle on Gavin Tomlin, who would have been through on goal.

Charles saw his towering header bounce off the ground and just over from Stacy Long's cross before Jake Robinson saw a carbon copy of Kee's effort finish in a similar vein - nowhere near the target.

But the goal was coming for Stevenage and Mousinho picked the ball up 40 yards out from the net and charged towards goal before firing past Bevan from 20 yards out.

However, Torquay had a chance to level moments later as Ronnie Henry put Tomlin's cross out for a corner with Chris Zebroski lurking just behind him and from Kevin Nicholson's corner, Guy Branston headed just over.

Chris Zebroski had Torquay's final two chances of the first half, curling well wide from inside the box and then squandering a good opportunity to shoot by trying to get the ball onto his right foot and seeing the ball deflected out for a goal kick.

Torquay boss Paul Buckle would have been glad to get his side in for half-time and they looked more purposeful in the second half.

Robinson shot an effort wide, then got the ball stuck in his feet and lost possession when he was in a good position.

Graham Westley

Billy Kee had a major chance for the Gulls when he was put through on goal by Nicholson's incisive long ball but Chris Day was able to make a comfortable save from his disappointing shot.

Kee then had another chance when Tomlin's ball was blocked in the box but he was inches away from making connection with the ball just six yards out.

Charles, who was not as influential after the break as he had been in the first half, could have killed the game off but his first touch was terrible after being found in acres of space and Bevan kept out his shot after he did well to keep his chance alive.

Buckle in no rush to decide future

Roberts made another brilliant saving tackle when Zebroski was set to pull the trigger, although minutes later the striker hit the side-netting after the same centre-back lost possession.

Robinson forced a save from Day after being picked out by Tomlin but Lawrie Wilson could have double Boro's lead soon afterwards, however he headed wide.

And next came Torquay's closest effort, Robinson's drive skimming the woodwork from just outside the area.

Branston had a good double chance for the Gulls, first seeing his effort blocked by Charles and then blazing the follow-up over the bar.

The Gulls never really had another chance as Stevenage, who were struggling in 17th in mid-January, saw it out for a famous double promotion.

And Torquay will be left nervously waiting on the future of manager Paul Buckle, who had refused to rule out taking over managerless Bristol Rovers, and will make a decision on Monday.

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Barcelona 3 Manchester United 1: match report

Beneath the soaring Wembley arch, Barcelona ascended to new heights. Inspired by an exhilarating Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola’s team swept past Manchester United in a thrilling performance and, with their third Champions League title in the last six seasons, they earned the right to be called one of the very greatest club sides in the history of the game.

United had their moments of sporadic resistance and Wayne Rooney, who fought defiantly, scored a superb equaliser in the first half but ultimately Barcelona were simply too good. There might have been parity in the half-time scoreline but, as Messi and David Villa scored in the second half, the gap in class was impossible to deny.

This 90 minutes of excellence was the consummation of the Dutch philosophy imported to the club by Johan Cruyff two decades ago, refined by Frank Rijkaard and now perfected by Guardiola. The Barcelona manager was on this pitch when his club won their first European Cup back in 1992 but not even Cruyff’s Dream Team are a match for this gifted group.

The statistics cannot convey the style in which Barcelona played but they can give you an indication of their dominance. They had 19 attempts on goal to United’s four, had 67 per cent of the possession and completed 667 passes to United’s 301. They imposed themselves with near total authority.

Sir Alex Ferguson was gracious in defeat, quick to congratulate Barcelona. He had spent the last fortnight on the training ground trying to concoct a way of disrupting the mesmeric passing of this team, trying to find a way to stop this being a repeat of the 2009 defeat.

Where he had tried to contain them in Rome, this time he decided to be bold, sending out a team with two strikers and two wingers.

For the first 10 minutes it looked like it was working. United started with intensity and aggression, giving Barcelona a taste of their own full-court press. Ji-sung Park made three superb tackles in the first five minutes alone, including one on Messi. Without the leadership of Carles Puyol, not fit enough to start, the Barcelona defence looked rattled. Victor Valdes had to come racing off his line to punch the ball away from Rooney and then Gerard Pique almost passed the ball beyond the Barcelona goalkeeper under pressure from Javier Hernández.

Once that initial burst of energy waned, Barcelona found their composure. Xavi took control and Messi made his first darting run of the game, finishing it with a pass to Pedro - Nemanja Vidic had to be alert to close him down.

Villa hit one crisp shot wide and had another saved by Edwin Van der Sar and first Vidic and then Rio Ferdinand tackled Messi brilliantly but, having started with a high defensive line, United were being pushed deeper and deeper. They were struggling to hold on to the ball when they won it back, and there was an edge of desperation about their passing. Hernández, nervous, struggled and was repeatedly offside.

It was little surprise when Barcelona took the lead. Andres Iniesta exchanged passes with Sergio Busquets before poking the ball through to Xavi. Ryan Giggs was not close enough and the Barcelona captain, head up, eyes darting, closed on the United box, flicking an exquisite pass with the outside of his boot to Pedro. The Barcelona forward had discreetly evaded Patrice Evra and Vidic could not get across in time to prevent him from passing the ball past Van der Sar at the near post.

Ferguson was becoming animated on the touchline, clearly frustrated at the way his team were surrendering possession. Yet United were not going to roll over, equalising with a goal in the style of their opponents.

Rooney picked up a loose ball on the right and played a quick one-two with Michael Carrick before surging towards the Barcelona box. He then flicked the ball to Giggs with the outside of his boot and the Welshman, who replays showed was just offside, cushioned it with his thigh before teeing up Rooney again. The England striker crashed his powerful shot past Valdes.

Not that Barcelona appeared shaken. A brilliant free-kick routine between Xavi and Busquets almost found Pedro and then Messi set off on one of his incredible runs, skipping clear of Vidic, sprinting away from Carrick before finding Villa on the right with a perfect pass. Villa’s return cross was just ahead of the Argentina forward.

United could not keep Barcelona out for long, though, not sitting that deep and with that little of the ball. Iniesta and Xavi were almost at walking pace in the last third when they worked the ball to Messi, who drove to the ‘D’ and shot low and into the net. He should have been closed down more effectively but the shot was almost in the middle of the goal and it was a concession way below Van der Sar’s usual standards.

The Dutchman did his best to make up for it, saving first from Messi with his legs and then brilliantly from Xavi’s curving shot from range. There was, though, nothing he could do to stop Barcelona’s third.

Messi again went shimmying into the United area and the ball broke to Busquets. He rolled it to the edge of the area where Villa had taken up position, rolling his studs over the ball before striking an accurate, dipping shot into the top corner.

There were sporadic efforts on United’s part to get back into the game. Rooney hit a shot on to the roof of the net from outside the area and Giggs was convinced his team should have had a late penalty. It showed the mental strength of those two players that they refused to give up — even against all the evidence of Barcelona’s superiority.

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Leicester Tigers v Saracens: Owen Farrell tipped for greatness by Shalk Brits following faultless kicking display

Farrell outshone his opposite number and England incumbent Toby Flood, who surprisingly missed two penalties from in front of the posts during the second half, by kicking five penalties as well as converting a try by James Short.

Saracens hooker Schalk Brits, who put himself back in the frame for a further caps for the Springboks with a stunning man-of-the-match performance, said Farrell was destined for a long career with England.

“Farrell is a kid who played like a man today,” said Brits. “He will just get better with age and will, as he gets old, dominate more in attack and organizing the backline even more.

“For a kid of 19 to play rugby like that is a phenomenal feat. He’ll get better and better and is a great player. He’ll definitely play international rugby, it is just a question of when, without a doubt.”

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall also hailed Farrell’s performance.

“Every time that a new challenge has been presented to Owen this year, he has risen to that challenge,” he said. “For a guy who is in his first year out of school, to play with that kind of composure and that kind of control against opposition is a remarkable performance.”

McCall also paid tribute to his side’s heroic defensive display as Saracens withstood 32 phases on their line to prevent Leicester scoring what would have been a match-winning try.

“It would have been very difficult for us to have lost at the end but it was a fitting end to the match because it tells you a lot about Leicester; the fact that they were 19-9 down but refused to give up,” added McCall. “But it hopefully tells you something about our squad and our team as well. We refused to yield and fought and fought at the end. We hope that today is the start of something, not the end of something.”

Richard Cockerill, the Leicester director of rugby, conceded that Saracens “probably deserved their victory” but once again pointed a finger at England for Flood’s drop in kicking accuracy.

“He (Toby) went to England with a certain kicking percentage and came back with a different one that was lower,” said Cockerill. “He was not responsible for the result today but that whole issue with his kicking has been a problem ever since the autumn Tests. We lost today but the season was not a disaster.”

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Giovanni Trapattoni to make changes for Republic of Ireland's game against Scotland

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni plans to make four changes to his side for Sunday's Carling Nations Cup match against Scotland.  

The Italian named his intended Republic of Ireland team for the final match of the four nations tournament in Dublin but said he may review his line-up after another training session.

Damien Delaney, Kevin Foley, Seamus Coleman and Keith Treacy are the players to make way following Tuesday’s 5-0 thrashing of Northern Ireland.

Defender Darren O’Dea has won his battle for fitness after an ankle injury while Birmingham’s Keith Fahey, who joined up with the squad after the Northern Ireland game, slots into midfield.

Wolves winger Stephen Hunt comes off the bench to play on the left while Portsmouth’s Liam Lawrence replaces Coleman on the right.

Record goalscorer Robbie Keane, who took his international tally to 48 with a double strike four days ago, again captains the side and will partner Simon Cox.

West Brom striker Cox and Wolves utility man Stephen Ward, who will play at left-back, are rewarded for their goalscoring debuts against Northern Ireland with second caps.

Both Ireland and Scotland have won their opening two matches of the competition and the winner at the Aviva Stadium will claim the trophy.

Trapattoni’s priority is next week’s Euro 2012 qualifier in Macedonia but hopes to finish the competition well in front of a home crowd likely to be around 25,000.

“Obviously we will play for a good result but we do have one or two injured players.

“It is a game like a derby. Many of the Scotland players, like ours, play in the Championship or the Premier League.

“I hope and I think it can be a beautiful game.”

Provisional Ireland team: Given, McShane, O’Dea, Kelly, Ward, Lawrence, Andrews, Fahey, Hunt, Keane, Cox.

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Monaco Grand Prix: Jenson Button hits out at safety following Sergio Perez's horrific crash

Perez was taken to Princesse Grace hospital after his 130mph crash into the safety barriers at the Chicane during qualifying on Saturday.

Sauber’s Mexican rookie escaped with concussion and a sprained thigh but will definitely not race on Sunday as he is kept under observation.

On a day when Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg was lucky to walk away from a similar accident, safety was uppermost in drivers’ minds.

For Button, both incidents prompted memories of his crash at the same spot eight years ago which also left him with concussion and out of the race.

David Coulthard also had a memorable accident after losing control at one of the fastest, bumpiest points of the track - a downhill stretch following the exit to the tunnel - while many recalled Karl Wendlinger’s near fatal crash there in 1994, just days after Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger had been killed.

Wendlinger recovered after being placed in an induced coma although his career never did. Former team owner Eddie Jordan believes organisers should now look at that section of the track.

“It’s a tough place to crash,” agreed Button, who will start Sunday’s race from second on the grid.

“Safety has improved a little bit but there’s more work needed. If you have an issue there you are a passenger.

“It’s downhill, it’s bumpy, you lock the rear wheels and you’re in the sidewall.

"You then lose wheels, which loses the braking and you’re running on the car’s belly.

“You’re a sled and the car always aims straight for the barrier. You come off the wall and it pushes you in that direction.”

“Wendlinger had a horrific accident there. When I had my accident they moved the barrier back but we need to take action now and make a big push.

"We love racing and this is a special place but there’s no reason we can’t help safety in that area. “We’ll see what we can do. It’s not over yet.

"We need to look to see what has to be done for the future.”

Button added that his start on Sunday would be crucial to his chances of repeating his memorable win in 2009 after which he parked his car in the wrong place and ran down the start-finish straight to collect his trophy.

“We still have a very good chance of victory here,” Button said. “I need to get a good start and that side [of the grid] a bit tricky because it’s a bit off camber.”

“If I win I’m still parking it in the wrong place and running down the pit lane even if I get told off. That way you can enjoy it with everyone.”

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New Web Site

Just a wee post to let you know I've got a new site Learn Guitar 365.

Monaco Grand Prix guide 2011

The expectation is for a very different Monaco Grand Prix compared to what we have become accustomed to over the years.

When the sun shines on this Mediterranean jewel, there is no doubt Monte Carlo is the most glamorous venue on the calendar, but then it produces processional races given the tight nature of the street circuit.

On this occasion, throw Pirelli's highly degradable tyres into the mix plus a potential handful of pit stops per driver, and there is every chance of a crazy race.

Venue: Monte Carlo
Circuit length: 3.340km/2.075 miles
Laps: 78
Race distance: 260.520km/161.879miles
Lap record: 1min 14.439secs (Michael Schumacher, 2004)
2010 winner: Mark Webber (Red Bull)
2010 pole position: Mark Webber (Red Bull) 1min 13.826secs
2010 fastest lap: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) 1min 15.192secs
Tyre compounds to be used: Soft/super soft
Bumpiness: Medium
Overtaking chance: Very low
Engine severity: Very low
Brake severity: Medium/high
Average speed: 182kph (113mph)
Full throttle per lap: 53%
Gear changes per lap: 55
Number of corners: 19 (8 Left/11 Right)
No of safety cars deployed since 2001: 11

Reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel has started from the front row at every race since last year's Singapore GP, a run of 10 overall, including seven times from pole.

Sunday's win in Spain was the 14th of Vettel's career, moving him up to equal 14th on the all-time list alongside Graham Hill, Jack Brabham and Emerson Fittipaldi.

Vettel is now on a run of seven consecutive podium finishes, the best since Jenson Button at the start of the 2009 season.

The 23-year-old has won 10 of his races from pole, joining Mika Hakkinen in eighth place on the all-time list.

The late Ayrton Senna holds the record for most number of wins in Monaco with six, followed by Graham Hill and Michael Schumacher with five.

McLaren are streets ahead in terms of constructors' success as they have 15 victories between 1984 and 2008. Ferrari have nine, albeit their last was now 10 years ago in 2001.

As you would expect given the nature of the track, pole has resulted in victory in six of the last seven races. However, in the five seasons prior to that pole did not even result in a podium.

The highest winning grid position was 14th set by Olivier Panis in 1996 in a Ligier.

Last year there were just 20 pit stops, this year there could be four times that amount.

This year's grid boasts six former winners: Red Bull's Mark Webber (2010); McLaren's Jenson Button (2009) and Lewis Hamilton (2008); Ferrari's Fernando Alonso (2006-07); Lotus' Jarno Trulli (2004) and Mercedes' Michael Schumacher (1994, 1995, 1997, 1999 and 2001).

It takes approximately six weeks to prepare the public streets for the grand prix, and three weeks to return them to their normal configuration.

The circuit has 33km of safety rails, 5000 tyres in the tyre barriers, 554m of Tecpro barriers and 20,000 square metres of protective wire netting.

Circuit safety features include: 650 race marshals in 22 marshal sectors, seven fire vehicles and three extraction vehicles, along with 120 professional fire fighters and 500 fire extinguishers - equivalent to one every 15m.

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Sluggish Bolt wins on Rome return

World 100m record holder, Usain Bolt, returned to the track after a near 10-month absence with victory at the Diamond League meeting in Rome.

But it was a rather lacklustre display by the colourful Jamaican's own standards, winning in 9.91 seconds.

Bolt was slow out of the blocks but found his rhythm in the second 50m to edge past compatriot Asafa Powell, who ran 9.93, in the final few metres.

French European champion Christophe Lemaitre crossed third, in 10.00.

The race was Bolt's first since 6 August last year, when he was beaten by Tyson Gay in Stockholm, after which back and Achilles tendon problems brought an early end to the triple Olympic and World champion's season.

"I am not sure Bolt will be too happy with that," said BBC Sport commentator Steve Cram. "He was poor out of the blocks even if he did pick up towards the finish.

"He is definitely going to have to go away and work hard on that. By his very high standards you could almost call it average. I have no doubt there is more to come from him."

"But if Tyson Gay was watching, he would be pretty pleased and thinking 'Bring it on'."

Bolt, who is the fastest man ever in 9.58, a time he set at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, has now beaten former world record holder Powell in nine of their 10 meetings.

"Asafa Powell froze again when it looked like a great victory was his to be had," added Cram. "He has done that before when the field starts coming towards him, and you could see him tie up."

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Alonso leads Hamilton in practice

Fernando Alonso was in impressive form as he set a stunning practice pace for Ferrari ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix.

Alonso edged out Lewis Hamilton's McLaren by 0.105 seconds with Nico Rosberg third fastest for Mercedes ahead of Jenson Button's McLaren.

Sebastian Vettel had bettered Alonso in the morning but was half a second behind when the cars fitted the softer tyres in the afternoon.

Michael Schumacher was seventh fastest ahead of Red Bull's Mark Webber.

Alonso, a two-time winner in Monaco, seemed determined to bend the track to his will and hurtled his Ferrari round in one minute and 15.1234 seconds.

At last Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix, he had led for 18 laps but in the closing stages found himself lapped by the Red Bulls and McLarens because of Ferrari's dwindling race pace, especially on the hard tyres.

Alonso was confident he could deliver a consistent challenge in Monaco because this is a track that demands mechanical grip and precise driving rather than aerodynamic efficiency - an area where Adrian Newey's Red Bull excels.

"He's magic round here," said Team Lotus reserve Karun Chandhok. "His hands are a blur at the wheel.

Chandhok, who was working for BBC Radio 5 Live as an analyst on Thursday, added: "Fernando is a real street fighter on the ultimate street circuit on the calendar. He is a master of controlled aggression behind the wheel."

Alonso was not able to take part in qualifying in Monaco last year after a heavy crash during practice but he still managed to cross the line in sixth despite starting in the pit lane.

Alonso backs Ferrari restructure

"I'm confident with the car," Alonso told BBC Sport.

"I'm happy to push and I'm pushing more and more every lap with no big surprises from the car.

"Monaco is about confidence in the car and having a good set-up which enables you to brake later, to go into the corners quicker and to go closer to the wall with no big risk. At the moment the car is offering me that possibility so I'm happy."

The Spaniard did, however, admit that he was expecting a fight back from Red Bull over the weekend.

"It's only Thursday and we know that on Saturday the pressure will increase," he said.

"Red Bull always test different things on Fridays and then on Saturday they are very strong so I expect them to be competitive in qualifying. This is a very unique venue so anything can happen here."

Alonso's team-mate Felipe Massa also looked lively around Monaco, although the Brazilian's enthusiasm led to several scary moments as he almost sailed his Ferrari into the barriers at the Swimming Pool section and the final corner.

Massa, who lives in the principality, finished 0.6secs behind Alonso in sixth place.

There were no major changes to the McLaren cars that Hamilton and Button raced to second and third last time out in Barcelona.

Hamilton and Button both claimed victory in Monte Carlo in their championship-winning seasons and were bullish about their chances of returning to the top step of the podium on Sunday.

It was Hamilton who led the fight, setting the best overall time in the first and third sectors of the circuit to finish the day as Alonso's closest challenger. Button was 0.325secs slower than the leading Ferrari.

Hamilton said: "It is fantastic, I love this track. I've just been so excited all day.

Racing at Monaco's as good as it gets - Hamilton

"I kept it out of trouble and I'm happy with the balance of the car and our high-fuel run. It is going to be close, though, as the Red Bull is fast and the Ferrari looks fast too. But I'm pushing and pushing, I want to win this grand prix."

Vettel had set the fastest time in the morning, bettering Alonso by 0.113secs, but finished the later session fifth fastest.

The world champion is targeting his first win in Monaco but often chooses not to show his hand until qualifying and he appeared to spend much of second practice focusing on longer runs on the track.

Webber took a pole-to-flag win in Monaco last season but his running was hampered by an electrical issue with his gearbox and only intermittent use of his power-boost Kers system.

The Australian, who snatched pole from Vettel in Barcelona, was cut adrift from the leading contenders and a worrying 1.5secs off the pace.

Mercedes underlined their ability over one lap with Rosberg third fastest and Schumacher, who took his car sideways into the tyre wall at St Devote in first practice, a second shy of Vettel's benchmark.

The question for the German team will be whether they can produce consistent pace in qualifying and then over 78 racing laps.

"We have a real fight on for pole as Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull all look very competitive as does Nico Rosberg's Mercedes," added Chandhok.

"The emphasis this weekend has suddenly gone back towards qualifying and we could see six guys fighting it out for pole position."

It was a busy day throughout the field around Monte Carlo's winding streets and bunching traffic led to rising frustrations and mistakes, particularly at the first corner.

Adrian Sutil was even told by his Force India's team radio to "hold it together" as he vented his frustration.

His Scottish team-mate Paul di Resta had to retire from the session with a gear selection problem after setting the 15th fastest time.

The drivers had another problem to literally get to grips with as Pirelli threw another curveball into the mix by introducing the 'supersoft' tyres for the first time this season, with the softs acting as the more resilient 'prime' tyres.

There was generally a positive reaction to the supersofts but Alonso said it was too early to judge whether they would undermine Pirelli's hopes for just a two-stop race by degrading quickly.

Highlights - Monaco GP first practice

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Adam future in doubt despite deal

Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam has expressed his desire to leave the club even though he was offered a 12-month contract extension.

The club unilaterally decided to take up the option of prolonging his deal despite Premier League relegation.

But Adam, 25, said: "My future is that I want to play in the Premier League. I want to play at the top and hopefully the opportunity comes.

"My future will get sorted. It's not me who makes that decision."

The club turned down offers for Adam from Tottenham and Liverpool in January but may find it difficult to hold on to him in the Championship.

The Scotsman spoke warmly about his present employers though, saying: "The club have been fantastic with me and since I went there, since day one, I've thoroughly enjoyed it.

"It's important that, whatever happens, I will always remember my time at Blackpool."

Meanwhile, Matt Gilks, Stephen Crainey, David Vaughan and Brett Ormerod have been offered new contracts.

But the club are preparing for their campaign outside the top flight by releasing 11 squad players.

Paul Rachubka, Richard Kingson, Rob Edwards, Danny Coid, Malaury Martin, Marlon Harewood, Jason Euell, David Carney, Andy Reid, Salaheddine Sbai and Ishmel Demontagnac have all been told to find new clubs.

"Blackpool Football Club would like to thank all of those players departing for their efforts and wishes them all the very best for the future," said a club statement.

As well as Adam, Keith Southern, Neal Eardley, Ian Evatt, Billy Clarke, Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Louis Almond have all had 12-month extensions activated by the Seasiders.

Young players Mark Halstead and Ash Eastham have also been handed new contracts.

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GB basketballers win gold

Great Britain's women's wheelchair basketball team beat Germany 63-52 to win gold at the Paralympic World Cup in Manchester.

The team, who had also defeated the Germans in the round-robin stages, were outstanding as they claimed a first international title.

Helen Freeman, who is currently based in the University of Illinois on a sports scholarship, continued her superb form in the tournament, top-scoring on 22 points.

There was also an impressive performance by teenager Amy Conroy, who hit 16 in a strong team display.

After an edgy opening quarter, GB pulled ahead in the second quarter with Freeman and Conroy leading the way despite Conroy picking up some early fouls.

The GB team out-rebounded their German opponents and the depth on their bench, which has been a common theme throughout this tournament, saw them storm to a commanding 36-21 lead by half-time.

Louise Sugden, Laurie Williams and Helen Turner also contributed to the scoring and rebounding and never allowed the Germans back into the game.

The home side played some strong defence and their shooting, which has improved over recent tournaments, kept them well ahead of their opponents as they celebrated a famous win.

"We hit our shots and believed we could win," said Freeman afterwards. "We've been working on our shooting a lot and it is now finally paying off.

"We have a lot of young players in this squad and it is perfect timing as they are all coming through now.

"I've no doubt that Germany will be back, as they are always strong, but we now feel like we can beat anyone."

The win is a boost for head coach Garry Peel with the European Championships to come later this year in Israel, along with the World Under-25 Championship, which will feature six members of the squad that played in Manchester.

"After last night's performance where we lost to Japan, this feels great. I said to the girls 'Just be in control of the game'," he said.

"We started attacking the basket and seemed to be happy with that, but I told them to keep going.

"There is a lot more confidence and belief within the squad now. Our goal is top four in 2012 but that's still so far away, for now we just have to take it one step at a time."

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Tanni Grey-Thompson: Paralympic World Cup can help London 2012 be catalyst for greater success

The lure of 2012, and the development and legacy potential that it could bring to change the face of disability sport, still felt a long way off and it should be recognised that the World Cup as an event has delivered many positive things in the interim.

Because of the media profile and the sponsors, it continues to attract athletes like Oscar Pistorius who benefit from strong British support. And let’s face it, the media and public love him.

It has also given a number of up-and-coming athletes the chance to compete against the world’s best. Young athlete Jonny Peacock competed at the PWC as he built his career and he has been fast tracked to GB representation.

It was also the event that I chose to retire at.

In terms of audiences the event has worked hard to generate a wider base of spectators who were willing to do more than switch over on their TV remote control, but who would come out and watch the event in real life. This has become even more important as we move towards 2012 and want people to turn out and watch Paralympic events.

But after seven years, the question has to be: does the Paralympic World Cup still have any relevance to the athletes? The timing of the event has always been an acknowledged challenge for the organisers. Trying to get the best athletes in a variety of sports, who all have different competition calendars has not been easy.

Generally most athletes and sports have tried to work around it for the greater good of the movement. Athletics, whose event programme is busy at this time of the year, has found it hard though.

This year is the first time that there won’t be any wheelchair racing at the event due to a clash on the calendar. There are two major track meets and a marathon in Switzerland this week (all on lightning fast tracks) and virtually all of the world’s best have chosen to go there.

For those with 2012 at the back of their minds, they have little choice as the qualifying marks they need to achieve are tough and they can’t afford to not reach them. Although I am a little disappointed, you can't argue with athletes choosing other events.

It is also a shame that we aren’t going to see a head- to-head just yet with Pistorius and Jerome Singleton, after blistering races at the World Championships earlier this year.

But as with all sprinters, there will probably be a fair amount of avoiding each other as much as they can this year. What would be exciting is if the event could attract the likes of Jason Smith (the visually impaired Irish runner) who like Pistorius has aspirations, and not a little chance, of qualifying for the Olympics next year.

One thing that was talked about in earlier years was the possibility of the Paralympic World Cup becoming part of a world wide series.

This has not happened yet, and to be honest, in this format seems unlikely, as coordinating the calendar across a number of countries would be impossible. Far better to work on a series of integrated events on the mainstream calendar, which will do more to develop the sports around the world.

What has been great to see is the rotation of sports introducing boccia and sitting volleyball for the first time. Boccia, despite previous strong Paralympic successes, has struggled to get the media attention that it deserves. Inclusion should help provide that, giving the athletes access to wider spectators.

Sitting volleyball, as a sport, has been developed from virtually scratch in the last couple of years and this has been brought about because of 2012. While, historically, standing volleyball (for amputees) has been successful, having a games on home soil has forced this development.

It has been strongly supported by the mainstream governing body who want to build a reputable team and it also seems to have caught the imagination of the public.

One or two years ago I thought that the PWC might struggle to sustain itself through to the Paralympics. If it continues to look at putting on the best sporting competition though, then 2012 might be a catalyst for greater success.

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French Open 2011: Kim Clijsters crashes of Roland Garros following defeat to Dutch world No 118 Arantxa Rus

The world No 2 was playing her first tournament after two months out with an ankle injury and looked rusty in her first-round win over Anastasiya Yakimova.

She seemed to be playing better in the early stages on Thursday but her level dropped midway through the second set and the decider was a horror show from Clijsters, whose first appearance at Roland Garros since 2006 was expected to see her challenge for the title.

Rus, ranked 114th in the world, must have feared the worst when Clijsters raced through the first three games but he dug in and began to trouble her opponent off the ground.

The second seed always had the edge though despite the windy conditions and a run of five hard-fought games in a row gave her the first set, and a 3-0 lead in the second.

Again Rus battled back, and the errors continued to come frequently from the Clijsters racquet, but it always seemed only a matter of time before the 27-year-old strung enough points together to finish things off.

However, after failing to take advantage of a match point at 5-2, she lost six of the next seven points to give her opponent a sniff of a chance, and Rus then saved another match point before levelling proceedings at 5-5.

The 20-year-old was now playing extremely well and she broke Clijsters - whose dream of a third grand slam title in a row was fast fading - for a second successive time before taking the second set with her fifth game in a row.

The Belgian, who did not appear to be moving particularly well, stopped the rot with a gutsy hold at the start of the third set but then let three break points slip away on the Rus serve.

When the Dutchwoman followed up by breaking again, the prospect of an early exit for Clijsters began to look a distinct probability.

The second seed had an outrageous slice of luck when a ball hit the top of the net and then the net post before dropping back into play but any thoughts that might indicate it was her day after all were swiftly dispelled.

A double fault handed Rus a 4-1 lead and she clinched a famous victory and a place in the third round of a grand slam for the first time on her second match point with a backhand winner.

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Alberto Contador may be free to ride Tour de France

Contador had originally been due to face a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing in the first week of June after the International Cycling Union (UCI) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) had appealed the decision by the Spanish National Cycling Federation (RFEC) to clear the rider of doping at last year's Tour.

The 28 year-old, who won his third Tour in July 2010, tested positive for the banned anabolic agent clenbuterol during a rest day at last year's three-week stage race before claiming he had ingested contaminated meat brought over the border from his homeland.

The news that Contador had tested positive was not released for over two months after the race had finished and the ongoing saga, now, appears likely to overshadow this year's race.

CAS originally said the hearing would take place before the world's biggest bike race starts in the Vendée region on July 2.

"CAS envisages to hold a hearing in June," they said. "Which would allow the settlement of the dispute before the end of June," the court said.

However, a spokesman for Cantador has said the hearing may not take place before the race and so allow the Saxo Bank-SunGard rider to compete.

"What is clear is that the dates of June 6, 7, 8 for the hearing are no longer applicable," said Jacinto Vidarte. "It's not at all clear whether the hearing will even take place before the Tour de France.

"Next week, there will be a meeting to provisionally set up possible dates for the hearing."

Contador is currently racing in Italy where he leads the Giro d'Italia.

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Mike Dickson: The changing face of tennis... America and Australia are not producing the greats of old

There is no better way to see how the balance of power in world tennis has changed over recent decades than to look at the draw sheets for Grand Slams from 25 to 30 years ago. There you will see dozens and dozens of names from America and Australia and, depending on how far back you go, they often represent well over the half the names present.

And now we come to early May, 2011, which might come to be looked upon as a seminal moment in the history of the sport, for there is not a single player this week in the top ten from the United States for the first time since rankings were introduced, in whatever guise. Give or take a few, the Australians have long gone in any significant numbers, but this is proof that the other traditional powerhouse of the game is really struggling to produce elite players.

It has to be a considerable worry for the sport, because America remains such a vital market for it and the centre of the game's gravity is still there in many ways. The ATP Tour is based in Florida and so is the WTA, and both of them have (North) American Chief Executives (Stacey Allaster is Canadian) who talk in very much in the language of corporate America. There are still 13 events on the main men's tour and 11 events for the women (including the U.S Open in both cases) plus many more of a smaller nature that take place in the States aside from Davis Cup and Fed Cup matches.

Three of the seven Masters series happen in the US - sadly I'm no longer including Monte Carlo as a real Masters - plus one in Canada, while the likes of Germany and whole of South America go without. How much longer can this be the case when a country that so loves winners is simply failing to produce them in tennis?

There is no chippy European triumphalism in pointing this out - indeed this writer finds himself admiring America and its people more the older he gets. And there can be no doubt that professional tennis needs America to be buoyant to be in rude health overall, but as with golf it is failing to cope with the globalised upsurge from other places. Unlike in golf, the corporate support for the game is not so vast and solid when it comes to tennis.

What's to be done? A bit like Britain on a larger scale, there does not appear to be that much of a problem with the sheer numbers playing Stateside, it is just that elite perfomers seem so hard to find. The situation is particularly acute when it comes to the women, especially as the lesser-spotted Williams sisters will soon both be the wrong side of thirty. A country as large as America will always produce some players but there do not appear to be large stocks coming through. Ryan Harrison, 18, is touted as the great hope but does not yet look good enough to be nailed on. Sloane Stephens is among a handy crop of girls, but there is nothing spectacular on the horizon.

Lots of people are looking for the answers but the time is coming when tennis is going to have to confront the fact that the West's greatest nation is losing its grip on tennis, and this week in May 2011 will be looked back upon as a major watershed.

One reason tennis is losing traction in the USA is a lack of an edge to the rivalries at the top of the game. Pure tennis lovers will always swoon over Roger and Rafa but the cordial - and very admirable - way they have conducted their relationship is not the stuff that forces its way onto the backpages - or prominent web pages in modern parlance - in the way that the likes of Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe once did.

If you want a reminder of edginess you have to look to the old days, and that is just what has been happening, again, between Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras. Well-sourced reports in America tell of how Agassi was angered by Sampras giving him a coating when they met recently at Madison Square Garden, the Las Vegan believing that his old rival was not entering into the spirit of the event. The result is that when they were due to feature in a long-scheduled follow-up in Buenos Aires Agassi did not want to play his old foe, so the promoters had to draft in Jim Courier and Mardy Fish to play the pair separately and keep them apart. Apparently the atmosphere was frosty between the two greats during the 48 hour trip to the South American capital and they stayed away from each other.

The strains in their relationship relating to Agassi's autobiography have been well-documented, but it is a reminder that the human connections between top tennis players are rarely straightforward, regardless of the sheen that is on the surface. The insecurity and ego that drives players on, perhaps most obvious in Agassi when it comes to recent champions, makes genuine friendship difficult, and it all the more remarkable that Federer and Nadal have remained on such good terms. It is the Spaniard who amazes me - he simply does not appear to have much edge to his character. It is more apparent in Djokovic, Federer and Murray. Nadal seems to be a one-off in so many ways.

It never does to complain to people about where you find yourself on the tennis tour. Not only do the general public rightly consider people like me to be extremely lucky, but as someone who has spent months and months continuously touring with the England cricket team around South Asia in the not-too-distant-past it is something I am very aware of.

Yet it has to be said that Madrid's Caja Magica remains the ugliest of venues, and each time I go there I wonder just what the architects must have been on when they designed it. Situated in a non-descript part of the city's south, its exterior is a grotesquely ugly metal (not magic) box that does not get a great deal better when you are inside it. Think of a high-tech maximum security jail or a nuclear energy plant and you are along the right lines.

There have been less complaints from the players this year because an effort has been made to improve their facilities, although some were unhappy at the lack of clay on the courts. The attempted green surroundings, which look like some ghastly New Town, have still not bedded in. Things may improve over time, but there will always been an element of folly about the place.

Something else that might concern the tournament was the very small amount of media present beyond those involved on the television side or working for agencies. This appears to be a result of the switch in dates with the Italian Open, which has clearly given the Rome tournament the upper hand. While Madrid matters the same on paper, what goes on at the Foro Italico this week - not at altitude - has more relevance to the French Open. In these straitened times quite a few media outlets seem to have taken the decision that, given a choice between the two, it is now Rome more worthy of greater coverage.

You knew Darren Cahill - decent bloke, highly respected coach - had become a member of Team Murray when he very politely declined to give an interview this week about his work with Andy. In informal situations everyone in the Murray camp, including the man himself, is friendly and good company but when it comes to saying something 'on the record', however uncontroversial, the shutters still come down quicker than an Andy Roddick serve.

It is somewhat tiring and depressing to keep raking over the subject of what is going on at the Lawn Tennis Association, especially with the plentfiul number of good people there doing their best to improve the sport in our country. But it is unavoidable at times, and you have to ask where the recent announcement of Bruce Phillips leaves the increasingly isolated Chief Executive Roger Draper.

Phillips is little-known outside the sport but had wielded enormous influence at Roehampton as effectively Draper's right hand man in charge of communication and commercial matters. In fact, some there will tell you that he was actually more powerful than the hapless Draper himself. Anyway, hot on the heels of Draper's other right hand man departing - Steven Martens, in charge of the pure tennis side - Phillips has signalled that he will go after Wimbledon in order to pursue his dream of setting up his own sports consultancy business.

As someone who did some good work on the commercial side and was not afraid of getting involved in the messier side of things, such as the many departures from the LTA, Draper is going to miss him hugely. Apparently there are no plans to replace Belgian Martens at present, fingers having been burned so often when employing foreigners in recent years, so Draper is up the creek now without his two most trusted paddles.

The two men with most influence left in the national training department are now long-term LTA veterans, Leon Smith on the men's side, Nigel Sears on the women's, and they are going to report directly to the Chief Executive. It is a desperate situation for Draper to find himself in, having invested so much in big name foreigners who have all come and gone, and now following them out is his closest confidant Philipps.

The question now is whether the main LTA Board is perturbed by what is going on, and if they are prepared to act upon the position of the Chief Executive, his credibility now so questioned and position so isolated. Main sponsors AEGON are bound to be unimpressed, and the hierarchy of the All England Club are most definitely unamused. Politicians with an eye on the game - and I am not just talking about Baroness Billingham - are looking on with interest. One thing for sure is that Draper will be praying for some favourable draws for Britain's handful of international class players in the next eight weeks, because serial defeats are going to mean some blow torch scrutiny.

Spent a fascinating morning last weekend watching talent identification in action at Wimbledon under the eye of irrepressible All England Club head coach and tennis evangelist Dan Bloxham. One of the eye-opening things was how much, beyond the obvious seeking of hand/eye co-ordination, the natural movement tendencies of a talented youngster are put under the microscope. It was a reminder of just how essential this aspect is in the modern game.

The All England's Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative, which is approaching its tenth birthday, is a relatively simple idea which sees coaches go into local primary schools to assess potential talent. Free coaching every weekend over a period of years is then offered, with those who show unusual ability fast-tracked into programmes that give more intensive support. Working across just two London boroughs with children mostly from what might be described as non-typical tennis backgrounds, it has already unearthed (in addition to the thousands who will have developed a love of the game) a host of nationally ranked players, and a few who are playing on the international stage.

By my calculations it would cost little more than ?2m annually for the Lawn Tennis Association to roll out 20 similar programmes in our cities across the country. The LTA find all sorts of ways to spend their copious funds, and it would be interesting to know if there could be anything more cost-effective in growing the sport than this.

This is where we salute the best performance of the week by a British player of any description who, as mentioned above, is not Andy Murray.

Elena Baltacha takes the honours by virtue of reaching her first clay court semi-final, at the $100k women's event in France at Cagnes-Sur-Mer, where she beat top seed Kristina Barrois.

Supplementary mention for Laura Robson, who made the semis of the $50k tournament at Indian Harbour in Florida.

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