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| Sad Flintoff finally calls time on his injury-plagued career • Former England all-rounder calls time on illustrious career• Full statement: 'The decision to end my career came yesterday'• Interactive: How injuries blighted Flintoff's careerAndrew Flintoff has confirmed his retirement from cricket. Flintoff, now 32, has finally conceded defeat in his battle to recover from the major surgery he had after the 2009 Ashes series."It is with both disappointment and sadness that I am today announcing my retirement from all forms of cricket," Flintoff said. " The decision to end my career came yesterday after consultation with medical advisers."I was told that the problems I have been trying to overcome in rehab for the last year following the latest in a series of operations would not recover sufficiently to allow a comeback. Having been told that my body would no longer stand up to the rigours of cricket, I had no alternative but to retire."He had initially been hoping to return in the spring, but recently admitted that was always optimistic. Further surgery put back his comeback date until July, and he conceded there would be a further delay several weeks ago.At that stage, he remained hopeful of being fit to play some cricket this winter, floating the possibility of signing up for the Twenty20 Big Bash in Australia in an effort to earn a contract in next year's Indian Premier League.But the explosive all-rounder, one of the most popular in the history of English cricket who will always be best remembered for his performances in the 2005 Ashes triumph, has played his last match.He has at least have gone out in style, helping England to regain the Ashes at the Oval last August. "I would like to thank my family, Lancashire Cricket Club, England, all my sponsors, friends and advisers for all the help and support they have given me throughout my career," said Flintoff. "Last, but by no means least, I am indebted to the encouragement and support I have always received from England's magnificent supporters."I will now be taking a break before deciding which future direction to take."Andrew FlintoffCricketAndy Wilsonguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Krumm defeats Hantuchova in Tokyo • Japanese veteran Kimiko Date Krumm takes win in Tokyo• Second victory after first round win over Maria SharapovaJapan's Kimiko Date Krumm celebrated her 40th birthday by beating Daniela Hantuchova to reach the third round of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.The former world No4 won 2-6, 6-0, 4-0 after her Slovakian opponent retired with a shoulder injury. "It's a miracle I was able to stand up after yesterday's match," said Date Krumm, who defeated the defending champion Maria Sharapova in the opening round. "Maybe some luck rubbed off on me because it was my birthday," added the Japanese veteran, who won the title in 1995.The second seed Vera Zvonareva, who reached this year's Wimbledon and US Open finals, overpowered the Italian Sara Errani 6-3, 6-3 to underline her title credentials at the $2m (£1.26m) tournament. "I always believe if I play my best tennis I can beat anyone," said the Russian. "I can't wait for what's next."The top seed Caroline Wozniacki beat Hungary's Greta Arn 6-1, 6-3. "Every time I go into a tournament I want to win it. That is my main goal. I am not thinking about the rankings," said Wozniacki.Samantha Stosur, the No4 seed, was eliminated 7-5, 6-3 by Germany's Julia Goerges and Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova lost 6-3, 7-5 to the German Andrea Petkovic. However, 11th-seeded Marion Bartoli avoided a potential upset by crushing Ana Ivanovic 6-2, 6-1.Tennisguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Ravens' rally dooms Steelers, takes command of AFC North With a flick of his wrist in the waning seconds, Joe Flacco coolly put the Baltimore Ravens in command in the AFC North. The Pittsburgh Steelers ... rssfeeds.usatoday.com |
Phillies lose — at Phila. Hispanic Choice Awards Philadelphia Union midfielder Roger Torres beat out Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher J.C. Romero and catcher Carlos Ruiz to win the “Best Hispanic Professional Athlete†award at the Hispanic Choice Awards Ceremony Thursday night. feeds.bizjournals.com |
I still have a shot at title, says Vettel • Vettel not giving up despite failing to finish on Sunday• 'We all saw in Korea how quickly things can change'Sebastian Vettel is convinced he is still in with a chance of becoming Formula One world champion despite failing to finish the Korean grand prix when his engine blew nine laps from home.Instead of leading the championship for what would have been the first time this year, Vettel now finds himself 25 points down on Fernando Alonso, who has won four of the last seven races. The title lead has swapped nine times between five drivers over the course of 17 races.With just the grands prix in Brazil and Abu Dhabi to come, Vettel knows his chances are slim, but the 23-year-old is far from despondent. "I am the last person to give up," he said. My chances? They are how they are. I cannot change anything."Of course, it is even harder and more interesting to try to go for the title, but as long as I have a tiny chance ... We still have two races to go, and we all saw in Korea how quickly things can change."The race for the title is not over yet so let's wait to see what the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi brings."The engine failure was a particularly bitter for Vettel, adding to Red Bull Racing's misery after Mark Webber crashed out earlier in the race."It was such a hard moment," Vettel said. "With Mark's crash it was hard for us as a team." Red Bull do still lead the constructors' championship, though, by 27 points from McLaren. "But when I look at myself I know the reason for the failure was not my fault, was nothing to do with my performance or speed."At the time there was no sign of the engine defect. In turn 17 I suddenly lost a row of cylinders and had strong vibrations. Only half the engine was working."I could then count down to the moment when the engine would break. It would have been the last race for that engine anyway. We still have engines with little mileage, so at least I'll be fine for the remaining two races."Sebastian VettelFormula OneMotor sportguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |