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Lebron makes triumphant homecoming by ripping Cavs

Cleveland, Ohio - LeBron James, a former hero booed as a villain in a long-awaited return to the city he spurned, scored 24 of his 38 points in the third quarter Thursday to spark Miami`s 118-90 rout of Cleveland.

The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player gave a display of the form that once drew cheers from sellout crowds at Cleveland, hitting 15-of-25 shots while dealing eight assists and grabbing five rebounds in a triumphant homecoming.

"I know this court. I made a lot of shots on this court," James said of his 10-for-12 shooting effort in the third quarter. "I just wanted to be aggressive and keep them out of the game."

Cavaliers fans, who began by booing James when he walked on the court, when he was introduced and every time he touched the ball were eventually rendered silent by a virtuoso performance, one they knew well when it favored them.

"We know everywhere will be a hostile crowd," James said. "Seven great years, loved every part, loved every moment. As a team we tried our best to bring a championship to the city. I have the utmost respect for this team and these fans."

A city that has not had a major team sports champion since American football`s 1964 Cleveland Browns, and that put its hopes and hearts in the hands of James, watched in pain as he signed with the Heat last July.

James, born and raised in nearby Akron, made no apologies to Cleveland supporters after taking their best taunts and delivering one of his most electric efforts before being benched for the entire fourth quarter.

"I don`t want to apologize," James said. "My intentions were not to hurt anyone. The decisions I make I live with. There are always ways you could do to make them better."

Miami improved to 12-8, still far short of the dominating form many expected when James left the Cavaliers for what he considered a better chance to win an NBA title alongside fellow superstars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

"We came here with one goal and that was to win a basketball game," James said. "This was the most complete game we had this year from start to finish."

Wade added 22 points, nine rebounds and nine assists while Bosh had 15 points for Miami, which had lost five times in a row at Cleveland against James-led Cavaliers squads.

In the seconds after the game, James walked off the bench and hugged former Cavaliers teammate Mo Williams after inflicting the worst loss the Cavaliers have suffered this season, in which they have a 7-11 record.

A chorus of boos from a sellout crowd of more than 20,000 spectators greeted James but neither hecklers nor former teammates could do much to stop the playmaker.

James and Wade each scored 14 points in the first half to power Miami to a 59-39 half-time lead, helping diminish the decibel level of the jeers by the second half.

Fans displayed such signs as "Lyin` King" for the man nicknamed "King James" and "Witless" instead of "Witness," echoing Nike`s ad campaign that "We Are All Witnesses" to James` greatness.

In an atmosphere typically reserved for the NBA Finals, fans booed every time their former hero touched the basketball.

"I understand it. I have a lot of love for these fans but I`m playing for the Miami Heat now," James said. "We used the adversity of this game and tried to build off it."

One fan was ejected after screaming in the face of James as security, which routinely features metal detectors, was tightened at Quicken Loans Arena.

James did receive hugs from some former teammates and the fans did cheer for the introduction of Lithuanian center Zydrunas Ilgauskas, another former Cavalier who joined the Heat in the off-season.

Fans chanted "Akron Hates You," a reference to his nearby Ohio hometown, and a group of fans sitting together wore shirts that spelled out "BETRAYED."

Yet another compared James to famed US 18th Century traitor Benedict Arnold. (*)

Source: http://www.antaranews.com

Malaysia's Squash Champs Bask in Asian Games Glory

Guangzhou - World No. 1 Nicol Ann David dismissed Hong Kong's Annie Au Wing Chi 3-1 to clinch the women''s squash single''s title in Guangzhou on Sunday to continue her amazing runs this while fellow Malaysian Mohamad Azlan Iskandar followed suit in the men''s section. David said she felt like she was on another planet after winning the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi in October, and her feet have barely touched the ground since, a report on the official site of the 16th Asian Games said today. "I''m still hanging around (up there) somewhere," said the five-time world champion after cruising to her second Asiad title. "This gold medal means a lot to me, because I''m fighting for my country and I''ve got the whole of Malaysia behind me." Meeting world No. 17 Au in the final seemed predestined for David, who has been matched with a Hong Kong player in all four of her Asiad finals over the last 12 years. The first three were against Rebecca Chiu, who traded titles with her after Chiu claimed their first encounter in Bangkok in 1998. David''s loss in Doha Asian Games four years ago led to a period of introspection for the then teenager, who was so put out that she needed four months away from the sport to get her head right - a period of self-healing that won''t be necessary this time. Her recent surge made her the overwhelming favourite in Guangzhou, where she arrived fresh after claiming her 50th tour title at the Qatar Classic and with the confidence of having spent the last 56 months as the world''s best. She said she was expecting a tougher ride to the final, but in the end only dropped one game, against Dipika Rebecca Pallikai of India in the second round, before squaring up against Au. "She is a great player," said David, 27. "She has made a lot of progress and now has a much higher ranking. She is a strong opponent and it wasn''t easy to win the final."

The Asian title adds another glittering laurel to David''s fine collection which includes the World Open, Asian Championships and Commonwealth titles. But she is still hungry for more gold medals. "The Team event is coming up now, so I just want to focus on that and do my best to keep the level up," she said. Au said she would have been shocked if she had managed to upset David and reprise Chiu''s success at the Asian Games. "I''m surprised, because I never thought I''d perform as well as I did. Now my goal is to get my ranking up a bit and hopefully break into the top 10," she said. In the Men''s Final, top seed Iskandar won a resounding three-game victory against close friend and third seed Aamir Atlas Kham of Pakistan. Iskandar, silver medallist at Doha Asian Games 2006 and bronze medallist four years before that in Busan, was in total control before he wrapped up the match in 39 minutes with a score of 11-6, 11-7, 11-6. "We''ve known each other for 12 years and he''s just like my older brother," said Iskandar, who is based in London and is of Scottish-Malay parentage. "Winning and losing between us is sometimes like a flip of a coin. I just got lucky this time," he said. (QNA)

Source: http://www.qnaol.net

"Irfan Bachdim" New Talents Indonesian Football

Irfan Bachdim is a footballer who played in the Indonesian National Team and has become a new idol in Indonesia. He is a naturalized player of Dutch descent who was born in Amsterdam. His father, Noval Bachdim, is an Indonesian while his mother is Dutch.

Irfan Bachdim prefer to defend the Indonesian National Team and has proved his ability when Indonesia against Malaysia in the opening match of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 with the victory 5-1 to Indonesia. He has become the hope of the people of Indonesia to win every match and become a champion of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010.

The quality and ability Irfan Bachdim actually not much different from other Indonesian players, such as Bambang Pamungkas, Oktovianus Maniani and Christian Gonzalez is a player other naturalized Uruguayan origin. But Irfan Bachdim opportunities as the new idol and star player football is very open compared to other players.

Viva Indonesia, we hope that Indonesian National Team will be the champion of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 and became a new force in Southeast Asia, Asia and the World. We await the appearance of the Indonesian National Team that scintillating and surprising world of football.

Source: http://www.allvoices.com

Ducati 'must improve' for Rossi to be Rossi

Ducati has pledged to improve its MotoGP machine after superstar signing Valentino Rossi was left just 15th fastest at the end of his Desmosedici debut at the Valencia MotoGP test.

Tenth out of the 17 riders after day one, the seven time MotoGP champion improved by only 0.121sec during his next 70 laps on Wednesday's second and final day.

Rossi's best time was 1.695sec slower than the rider he has replaced at Ducati, Casey Stoner, who was fastest for Honda.

The Italian even came within 0.032sec of being outpaced by MotoGP rookie Karel Abraham, also riding a Ducati.

With Rossi unable to discuss the test due to the terms of his early release from Yamaha, it was left to Ducati Corse general manager Filippo Preziosi to face the press.

The first decision to make is in terms of the 2011 engine - stick with the 'big bang' or switch back to the 'screamer'. Preziosi is leaning towards the more user-friendly 'big bang', which Rossi used throughout day two.

"After these two days of tests we will go back to Ducati for a meeting, where we will decide which path to take between the two engines, the 'big bang' and the 'screamer', although the information we have is pointing towards the former," said Preziosi.

"It will be a decision we will make by analysing the data in depth as well as planning the way forward around all the other things we learnt at the test."

Preziosi then admitted he'd have liked Rossi to have gone faster, and that work needs to be done on the front end of the bike.

Stoner and Nicky Hayden crashed out of eight races this season. All those falls are believed to have been triggered by front end problems.

"The objective is clearly to allow Valentino to ride like Valentino!" said Preziosi.

"We know we have to improve the bike in order to achieve this, especially the front end. He has given us some very precise information and now it is down to us to use it.

"We would obviously have liked to give him the opportunity to go faster today, but even though that wasn't the case he has impressed everybody over the last two days with the way he works, his calm approach and his positive attitude towards everything.

"Nicky also worked very hard, as usual, and set a good lap time on the new Bridgestones as well as the ones we were already using, which is another big positive.

"Now we have to work to give them both a more competitive bike for the next test.”

The fastest Ducati rider at the test was Hayden, who used both the 'big bang' and 'screamer' engine on day two, setting his best time with the 'big bang'.

Hayden lapped 1.178sec quicker than Rossi for sixth on the timesheets.

"Today was a positive day for us," said the American. "We tried the 'screamer' and it wasn't easy to switch between engines but it was important to do a proper test on them both and get the data we need to make an important decision. I am leaning towards sticking with the 'big bang' but we will make the decision together."

Of the other Desmosedici riders, new Pramac signing Randy de Puniet was an impressive eighth on his Ducati debut, with team-mate Loris Capirossi one place in front of Rossi on his return to a manufacturer he won seven races with from 2003-2007.

The new sixth Ducati, ridden by Valencia Moto2 winner Abraham, was 16th.

Rossi will now head for surgery on his troublesome shoulder, which he damaged in a motocross accident in April, before making his debut in full Ducati colours at Sepang next February.

Source: http://www.crash.net

Rossi updates on condition, still eyeing Sepang

Valentino Rossi says he has made a good start to his rehabilitation process having eased himself back into training following his shoulder operation.

'The Doctor' went under the knife to correct the damage in his shoulder earlier this month [November], but with the stitches having now been removed, he is now able to begin some training on the rest of his body.

While surgeons initially raised concern that Rossi wouldn't quite be fully fit to participate in the next MotoGP test at Sepang in February – a crucial outing for the Italian as he looks to adapt to his new Ducati steed -, the seven-time world champion is more optimistic about the outcome.

“I'm undergoing rehabilition on my shoulder and the situation is improving,” he said on his personal website. “It's been two weeks since the operation and Doctor Porcellini has removed the stitches: I can now go back to the gym to workout - at least on the rest of my body - and continue to work on the shoulder, even if it's just passive rehab, to make sure we don't lose any mobility.

“In two weeks' time, I'll start actively working out, in the pool and in the gym, to be ready for the three day test at the start of February. We will have to move as fast as we can, but I hope to be in pretty good shape for the first test of 2011 with the Ducati at Sepang.”

Source: http://www.crash.net

Lorenzo: Spies relationship will be easier than Rossi

by Russell Atkins

Recently-crowned 2010 MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo has suggested that his relationship with new team-mate Ben Spies will likely be 'a little easier' than the sometimes rocky rapport he endured with Valentino Rossi over the past three seasons.

The frosty partnership between Lorenzo and Rossi was perhaps best evinced by the fact that a wall was erected in the FIAT Yamaha garage at the beginning of 2010 to divide the warring pair on race weekends, with no data passing from one side to the other. The move is understood to have pleased the Italian rather more than the Spaniard.

Lorenzo's burgeoning speed and potential and increasing stature inside the team has similarly posed problems. There were alleged ultimatums from Rossi this year and last – fervently denied by Yamaha management – that the team would have to choose between the pair for 2011, arguing that there was insufficient room at the inn for both of them. When it became apparent that Jorge was going nowhere, 'The Doctor' made his decision to jump ship to Ducati.

There was also, finally, the brutal, no-holds barred scrap over third place between the duo at Motegi in October – the very day after Lorenzo was reconfirmed for next year – with Rossi seemingly paying little heed to his team-mate's status as world champion-elect and subsequently being chided by Yamaha for having been 'not correct' and 'too aggressive'.

Boosted now by his title success and indisputably the number one at FIAT Yamaha heading into 2011, Lorenzo hopes he will enjoy a happier of time of things alongside Spies – a rider who, although highly-rated and tipped for a bright future in the sport off the back of an outstanding debut campaign in the premier class this year, will likely not pose too great a threat to the former double 250cc World Champion, initially at least.

“Ben seems like a nice guy,” Lorenzo told Crash.net Radio in an exclusive interview. “Our relationship is good. We share some jokes together, and I think it's going to be a little bit easier than with Valentino. We are rivals, we are competitors and we are going to fight to try to beat each other – that's the reality – but our relationship is going to be okay. Ben pushed me this year already! Next year with a factory bike and with more experience, for sure he is going to fight for wins – and maybe for the world title.”

The 23-year-old is also quick to downplay suggestions that as one of the few top MotoGP riders to be benefitting from continuity in 2011 – with chief rivals Rossi and Casey Stoner having switched to Ducati and Honda respectively – he is in pole position to lift the laurels for a second consecutive season.

“It depends,” he mused. “On the one hand, it's true that Valentino and Casey for example will be on new bikes that they don't have so much experience of, but they both have really high motivation, and this for sure will help them to be faster. Valentino is Italian and Ducati is Italian, so it's a big challenge for them – but I think they are going to fight to win from the first race. I think it's a really interesting change for MotoGP and all the people who watch it.”

Source: http://www.crash.net

Australia's Webber Defends Silence Over Shoulder Break

London. Australian Mark Webber has defended his silence over his broken shoulder while chasing this year’s Formula One title, saying his Red Bull team had no need to know about it.

The 34-year-old revealed in a book published in Australia this month that he fractured his shoulder falling off a mountain bike just before the Japanese Grand Prix while he was leading the standings.

The driver, who ended up third overall, said he had told only his physio and the FIA doctor about the injury that he carried through the final four races.

“A little bit of information can be a dangerous thing,” he said on his personal Web site in response to media reports this week.

“I came off a mountain bike while training between the races in Singapore and Japan, and an X-ray revealed a small fracture to my right shoulder. I was very confident it wouldn’t affect my performance in the car, which is why I didn’t tell anyone.

“There was no need. The shoulder wasn’t causing me a problem, so there was no need to talk about it to anyone,” added the Australian, who finished second in two of the last four races behind teammate and eventual champion Sebastian Vettel.

“If I’d had any issues with it in the car, then of course I would have told the team.

“But that wasn’t the case. I’ve never missed a Grand Prix but of course if I couldn’t drive the car safely and on the limit, I would have notified the team.”

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said on Monday he would have wanted to know.

“It is obviously disappointing Mark said nothing,” he said at an awards ceremony.

“It was an injury that did not appear to have any effect on his performance, but all the same it would have been nice to know about it.”

It was not the first time Webber has hidden an injury from the team.

In 2008, when he broke his leg in another mountain bike accident, he failed to tell the team that he had also broken his shoulder.

The Australian complained several times this season that he felt the team was emotionally favoring Vettel, describing himself as a No. 2 and his title challenge as “inconvenient” for the Austrian-owned team.

The latest injury came at a crucial part of the season and at a time when Webber was urging Red Bull to put its weight behind him rather than Vettel, who was behind him in the standings.

Webber said he had not undergone any operation since the end of the season, and the shoulder break was not the reason why he had missed the postseason tire test in Abu Dhabi. (Alan Baldwin)

Reuters

Source: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com