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FOOTBALL

Verbeek continues the Guus work

Pim Verbeek OLYROOS skipper Mark Milligan and teammate Michael Thwaite yesterday said the tactical template laid down by Guus Hiddink - high-tempo possession football, plenty of movement and playing the ball out from defence - was one that his countryman, Pim Verbeek, was happy to follow as he sought to fast-track his squad's preparation for Wednesday night's World Cup qualifier against Qatar.

LEAGUE

Gasnier named sole Dragons skipper

Centre Mark Gasnier has been appointed St George Illawarra's sole captain for the 2008 NRL season.

GOLF

Teenager takes the lead at Australian Open

The round that took West Australian teenager Kristie Smith to the top of the Australian Open leaderboard today had as its inspiration one of the best-loved characters of Australian golf.

A-LEAGUE

Fyfe goes on the defensive over muscle tactics claim

SYDNEY FC defender Iain Fyfe rejects suggestions Queensland Roar's young guns have been targeted as part of the game plan to win the minor semi-final, and he believes Football Federation Australia's decision not to sanction him for an off-the-ball challenge on Michael Zullo backs his view.

MOTOGP

Stoner takes down Island record

Casey Stoner AFTER breaking the Phillip Island lap record yesterday, world MotoGP champion Casey Stoner laid down the gauntlet in his bid for back-to-back crowns.

A1 GRAND PRIX

Jones puts faith in rookie driver to revive Australia's ailing season

TEAM Australia boss Alan Jones expects new driver John Martin to raise some eyebrows at this weekend's A1GP round at Sydney's Eastern Creek Raceway.

TENNIS

Federer is out of this world, says Rocket

Roger Federer LOS ANGELES: Rod Laver says his greatest pleasure as a tennis spectator has come from watching world No.1 Roger Federer.

AFL

AFL's Gold Coast team set for 2011

The AFL's plan to have a team playing on the Gold Coast has been pushed back until 2011.

HORSERACING

$12m colt destroyed

Gai Waterhouse HALL of Fame trainer Gai Waterhouse endured her "saddest day" in racing on Thursday when star colt Meurice had to be euthanased after fracturing a shoulder in morning trackwork.

WIZARD OF ODDS

India's champion status amounts to little

PUNTERS have baulked at backing Twenty20 world champions India against Australia at the MCG tonight. "The biggest bet on the match has been $8000 at $1.45 on the Aussies while India are unwanted at $2.60," said TAB Sportsbet's Glenn Munsie.