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| Van Barneveld hits nine-dart finish • Dutchman claims £25,000 bonus for feat• Van Barneveld cruises into third roundRaymond van Barneveld nailed a nine-dart finish for the second year running on the way to a 4-0 win over Brendan Dolan in the second round of the Ladbrokes.com PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace.The Dutchman produced a perfect opening leg to the third set, hitting two 180s followed by a treble 20, treble 19 and double 12, to claim a £25,000 bonus as he sealed a 3-0, 3-2, 3-1, 3-0 victory.It was a far from faultless performance from the 42-year-old, though, who had a three-dart average of less than 90.It is the second year in a row Van Barneveld has hit a nine-darter at the world championship, having done so in last year's quarter-final against fellow countryman Jelle Klaasen."To hit a nine-darter was wonderful and the crowd really showed their appreciation," Van Barneveld said.Dartsguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Venter faces charge for referee tirade • RFU applies scrutiny after comments• Criticisms followed defeat by LeicesterThe Rugby Football Union has confirmed it is to investigate whether the Saracens director of rugby, Brendan Venter, should face charges of bringing the game into disrepute for his comments about referees after yesterday's Guinness Premiership match against Leicester.Venter launched an extraordinary attack on the performance of the referee, David Rose, and the standard of officiating in general following his side's 22-15 defeat at Vicarage Road.The former Springbok centre said the "lottery" of referees' decision-making was killing attacking rugby and effectively accused officials of lacking the professionalism of players and coaches.Regarding Rose's performance, Venter was furious with the number of times Saracens were penalised in the second half against Leicester and seemed to imply that the referee had been influenced during the half-time break.Venter also said he had received an apology from the RFU for the performance of the referee Dean Richards in Saracens' defeat by London Irish last weekend.The RFU said Venter's remarks were "highly inappropriate" and said an investigation would be launched.A statement read: "It is the RFU's view that such negative public commentary on the performance of referees, either individually or collectively, and the disclosure of confidential discussions held between the RFU and Mr Venter are highly inappropriate and do not enhance the image of the game."The RFU legal officer will be investigating the matter to decide if there is a case to answer under Rule 5.12 for bringing the game into disrepute and if there is will refer that to the disciplinary officer."In addition this behaviour and those comments are also a clear contravention of the Code of Conduct established between the RFU and Premier Rugby Limited and personally signed by the directors of rugby."The RFU will be working with PRL to ensure that discussions are had with Mr Venter to remind him of his responsibilities under that code of conduct and take appropriate disciplinary action."SaracensLeicester TigersRugby unionGuinness Premiershipguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Wigan sign Gary Caldwell on four-and-a-half year deal Gary Caldwell has joined Wigan Athletic from Celtic on a four-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee. feeds.timesonline.co.uk |
Tom Croft injury a blow for England TOM CROFT, England's first-choice blindside flanker, suffered an injury to his left knee 26 minutes into this lopsided Leicester bonus-point procession which puts his participation in the Six Nations in serious doubt. feeds.timesonline.co.uk |
British ski federation faces financial crisis LONDON (AP) -- British Olympic officials are preparing a contingency plan in case the national ski and snowboard federation goes bankrupt before next month's Winter Games in Vancouver.... hosted.ap.org |