Euro Basket: Belgium surprisingly, France already qualified

Montpellier - Belgium has offered the scalp of Lithuania, outgoing runner Monday at the 3rd day of the first round of Euro-2015 gentlemen, marked by a third success of France qualified for the first knockout round .

The "Lions" Belgian imposed themselves with a tap of Matt Lojeski at the buzzer. The back of Olympiakos, excellent (20 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists), has enjoyed a remission of his partner Pierre-Antoine Gillet to offer a second success to his clan.

Hitherto unbeaten in Group D, the Baltic selection started walking the floor (20-12) under the leadership of Jonas Valanciunas (10 pts in 9 minutes, 25 pts in total and 12 rebounds). But then suffered his poor defense and long-range address (1/13) was prohibitive.

In this sector, the Belgians assured them (11/26) back to their disability and style their opponents over the bar.

In Group A, France, defending champion defeated Poland (69-66) despite a severe lack of address 3 points (15%) but a good defense, to take only the first place in the group and validate his ticket to the knockout stages.

It will attempt to keep the pole position to avoid too big opponent in the next round which will cross one of the teams in Group B, the toughest.

Russia has made it one step closer to the exit, bowing against Finland (79-81). A shot of fireworks Petteri Koponen (12 pts) to 3 seconds of ringing sealed the first success of the Nordic selection, discount plumbing after defeats against France (97-87 AD) and against Israel (66 -79).

With this third setback, Russia's Vitaly Fridzon (22 pts) is last. Undermined by the absences, selection led by Evgeny Pashutin has very little to do with the team that won the bronze medal at the London Games in 2012.

She will have no choice but to react Wednesday during a perilous game against France. "We try to do our best. Today, I have nothing to reproach my players in terms of fighting spirit. We controlled the game until the fourth quarter. But then we made unnecessary mistakes that caused free throws and relaunched the Finns, "said Russian coach.

Bosnia and Herzegovina for its part stuck his head out of the water by defeating Israel (86-84 AD). The hero of the game is called Elmedin Kikanovic (17 pts), who snatched the award-winning overtime on a basket at the buzzer before offering the winning touchdown with one second remaining.

World Volleyball: Russia and Poland favorite for 2 tickets to Rio

The Russian volleyball team at the world championship, September 18, 2015 to Losz

afp.com/Janek Skarzynski
Paris - Russia and Poland will be the logical favorites for the World Cup men's volleyball, until September 23, with a bonus for the first two Rio their ticket to the Olympics.

Russians Sergei Tetyukhin, seeking his sixth Olympics, and Poles of French coach Stéphane Antiga should also be wary of the United States, bronze medalists at the recent World League, and Italians, bronze medalists at the Olympic Games London.

This competition organized as usual in Japan welcomes 12 teams, with host country around the two representatives per continent and the world champions title, then Poland.

The two European representatives were Italy and Russia, the two best teams in the standings of the Old Continent at 1 January 2015. Hence the absence of France, yet the winner of the World League in July.

To qualify for the Olympics in Rio, El Tri will have them go through a European qualifying tournament in January. A World Cup would crown two European teams would be a bonus for the French because it would remove two big teams in their road to Rio.

The principle of this World Cup is simple: each of the twelve teams faces the other eleven or 66 games in total, from Tuesday to a verdict on September 23.

Note that the ranking is based on the number of victories in the first place, the number of points in the second place. A 3-0 or 3-1 victory is worth 3 points, a 3-2 win is worth 2, 2-3 defeat is worth 1 point and a defeat 1-3 or 0-3 is zero

Euro Basket: confirm the Blues against Poland

Montpellier - The French basketball players, despite a somewhat cagey end of the match because of a lack of address, dominated a strong and valiant Polish selection (69-66) thanks to their defense during their third game of the Euro-2015 on Monday in Montpellier.

With this third win in three days, the Blues have already qualified for the knockout while they still have two games left against Russia Wednesday and Thursday against Israel (2100 for both).

The objective will be to reap new successes to keep the first place in Group A and avoid too tough opponent in the next round.

For, in Villeneuve d'Ascq, the Blues will cross a resident of the terrible Group B (Spain, Serbia, Germany, Italy, Turkey ...) in a meeting, what is more crucial on the road of the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Russia, with its three consecutive failures, is on the precipice. Israel, after its two success seemed to show its limits against Bosnia (84-86 AD) that El Tri have swept Sunday (81-54).

These two games are on the ropes of the Blues who have confirmed their status as favorites against Poland, a husky team, especially in the paint with giant NBA Marcin Gortat (2.11 m).

- Record broken for "TP" -

The "Polish Hammer" (10 pts, 11 rebounds), his nickname, set the tone early with against muscular on Nando de Colo, before Tony Parker (16 pts) will bat on his first basket the points record (1030, now 1046) in the history of the Euro, which he co-owned since yesterday with the legendary Greek Nikos Galis.

It was the rare moment of joy offered in the first quarter-time to the public, who cheered the leader of the San Antonio Spurs. Then, the Blues have suffered from big physical volume of Poles and hardness they put in defense.

The spectators at the Arena of Pérols had to wait 17 minutes before you see the Blues finally take advantage of a feat in two of Rudy Gobert.

The Utah Jazz pivot was initially repulsed an offensive Gortat before concluding against the attack of his own with a tap (25-23). The Blues were then in a proper sequence, with 12 consecutive points, including two award-winning baskets gunner De Colo who was finishing this series (28-23).

- Gobert and De Colo are the job -

In advance halftime (30-26), the French have been able to rely on the strength and talent of Gobert after the break. "The Wall" (the wall), one of whose nicknames affublent American commentators, has made life difficult for Gortat its cons.

One interception and two dunks of former Choletais have enabled France to distance (38-30). Poland appeared to become dangerous when the shooter Adam Waczynski ignited by scoring three award-winning baskets in just two minutes (48-44).

At the end of the third quarter (52-47), the Blues still led but their serious lack of success behind the arc (2/13) prevented them to kill the game.

"Even if we do not want to abuse the three-point shots, it must still be more. Thirteen shots tempted, it is not enough," said the coach Vincent Collet, pleased that his players had lost some balls ( 9).

The metronome De Colo has given the margin of his clan with two consecutive baskets (58-51). But the Poles are again close (65-62).

Parker missed a password could be expensive but the leader of France caught up in the aftermath (67-62) before missing two free throws at the wrong time. Fortunately for the Blues, Gortat missed the basket of equalization in any end game (69-66).

US Open: Gasquet qualified for the final and Federer regain quarterfinals

Richard Gasquet was snatched from the hands of Tomas Berdych to spin in the quarterfinals of the US Open in 2015.

Reuters / USA Today Sports

TENNIS - The French number two won in four sets against the Czech and world number six Tomas Berdych. For the first time since 1999 there will be two French in the quarterfinals of the men's table.

This is a first since 1999: two French will contest the quarter-finals of the US Open Grand Slam last trick of the season. After Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Richard Gasquet has also approved accession in the top 8. He beat tonight Czech Tomas Berdych 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-1. To this picture blue-white-red, add Kristina Mladenovic, qualified for the women's draw quarterfinals.

4th quarter finals for Gasquet

In the next round, Gasquet, 12th in the world, will face the Swiss Roger Federer, World No. 2 and five-time winner of the US Open. Biterrois aged 29 will play the fourth quarter-final Grand Slam of his career, his second at the US Open. He won his three previous quarter-finals, but then sloped semi-final (Wimbledon 2007, US Open 2013, Wimbledon 2015).

Gasquet had a bad start his match against Berdych, sixth in the ATP rankings, but after losing the first set, he took over and was no longer worried. "I started the match badly, I really do not feel confident," he said. "Then I better served and everything became easier. I'm really happy to beat Tomas, one of the best players on the circuit."

Murray magnifying glass (for once)

The surprise of the night comes the victory of the South African Kevin Anderson against the world number three Andy Murray. For four years, the British subscribed at least the quarterfinals in major events.

Champions League: galloping inflation revenues

Paris - Commercial revenues, including television rights to the Champions League in recent years have recorded a historical growth, to the point that UEFA has increased this season, 30% of the share redistributed to the participants, 1,257 MoE.

Q: Where does the income from the Champions League '

A: The revenue of the Champions League are composed for most television rights negotiated country by country, on tender.

In some European countries historically linked by their clubs in the competition, these rights have exploded in recent years because of competition between broadcasters and new historic channels. Thus in France, the competition between Canal + and Bein Sport has increased the market from 58 to 111 million euros. In England, BT Sport doubled the BSkyB to 358 ME.

Meanwhile, UEFA pockets the premiums paid by sponsoring seven major partners for which the admission ticket is $ 75 million (about 67 ME) for a total of 470 ME. In total, after the last renegotiations, UEFA now pocketed over $ 1.6 billion in commercial revenue alone Champions League.

Q: How are the rights revert to the clubs'

A: The increase in revenue from UEFA will be passed on to the clubs for the current season with a handover of 1.257 billion euros against 910 million last season.

The twenty teams participating in the preliminary round share 50 ME. From the group stage prevails another method of calculation based on a fixed part (60% or 724 ME) and another variable (40%) according to the broadcasting rights paid by each country.

The 32 qualified clubs in the group stage each receive 12 ME and 1.5 ME per win and € 500,000 for a draw. The sixteen teams reaching the finals of the 8th receive 5.5 ME and ME for six quarters, halves and 7 for the last 15 if they win.

The variability of market share sometimes has strange effects. In 2013 for example, Juventus, only quarter-finalist, had received 67.1 56.5 ME premiums against Bayern winner but from a country, Germany, where TVs rights remain modest compared to Italy. Ditto in 2014 when PSG, quarter-finalist, had pocketed 57.2 ME is slightly less than Real, winner (60) but more than Atletico, runner (52).

Q: What are the clubs that have historically benefited most from the Champions League '

A: C1 classification of gains, Manchester United remains unequaled. Since 1992, when the creation of the competition under its current format, the English have pocketed 522.8 ME, closely followed by Bayern (494), Real (468), Barcelona (453) and Chelsea (419). Over a period reduced to 2006-2014, ranking slightly changing.

ManU remains dominant (ME 335) but Bayern back to 4th place, yielding the second in Chelsea (321 ME), proof of the investment of English broadcasters.

As for the French clubs PSG only advanced third place in this historical ranking with a total of 151ME collected since 1992 behind the OL (269.5) and OM (174).

Q: In addition to the premiums paid by UEFA, earned by clubs involved '

A: ancillary revenues of European clubs mainly from the ticket office. OL for example, which is one of the French clubs at the most irregular path C1 in recent years, has recorded 24% of ticket revenue between 2010, the year of its accession in the semifinals, and 2011 (eighth only). Either a shortfall of 6 ME which however is nothing compared to that of UEFA premiums.

If one believes the balance sheets of the OL still, less European performance has hardly any impact on sales of derivatives.

Q: Who benefits (also) the Champions League 'A: European Cups, the most prestigious in particular, are a boon for tourism. The only Champions League, with 215 matches, moves nearly 800,000 fans each season and produces nearly 237 million of revenue for cities and carriers according to a study of the site GoEuro specializes in sports tourism.

A match Atletico-Real or Inter-AC Milan is losing and 1.8 ME in the city concerned. As for Berlin, hosted the last final, its tourism sector have benefited from 36 ME revenue for 90 minutes of the match

Rugby World Cup 2015 schedule of games of Argentina

POOL C - who defeated the XV of France last November at the Stade de France, the Pumas designed a new qualification in the quarterfinals this year. Schedules and game schedule, opponents, broadcast TV channels ... Everything you need to know about Argentina.

It was eight years ago, Argentina beating the Blues at home in the "small final", and finished third in the World Cup. His best result to date. Since then, the Albiceleste is recessed in the world rankings, but his last shots of sparkle reminiscent she can beat almost everyone, such as France and South Africa, fell at home (13-18, respectively and 25-37) in the last twelve months. In this competition, the Pumas will seek a qualification in the quarterfinals, provided aside Tonga, and why not disrupt the All Blacks, who they face begin. In the next round, they could regain France.

Athletics: Zurich, Beijing heroes were tired

Paris - Four days after the closing of the Worlds, the Zurich meeting could deliver great performance, and the Beijing heroes were tired on Thursday for the 13th stage of the Diamond League Athletics.

This first major tour final of meetings - the second being scheduled for 11 September in Brussels - has led to no capital letters performance.

It was not the fault of the athletes, who, besides six hours time difference that does not disappear with a magic wand, logically had reached their peak shape in China.

We must welcome Greg Rutherford of the British victory at the length (8.32 m), which now holds all possible titles simultaneously: Olympic champion, world champion, European champion, Commonwealth champion and winner of the League diamond.

The hand-Ethiopian duel Ayana Dibaba, lecture at the Beijing 5000 m where Ayana had detonated the world champion and record holder in the 1500m in the world, gave birth to a beautiful battle on 3000 m.

Almaz Ayana has again got the better of her compatriot Genzebe Dibaba, countering his attack 300m from the line (8: 22.34 against 8: 26.54). Dibaba will console himself with the Diamond League and its accompanying $ 40,000.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the + Bolt feminine + has honored its status in the 100m (10.93) but Rudisha has missed its stroke (fourth in 1: 45.91), all round to five seconds of sound record world.

400m, the race that, in Beijing, was the most impressive on the chronometer plane, American LaShawn Merritt took his revenge (44.18) before the Grenadian Kirani James (44.28), which grants League diamond, and the champion of the South African World Wayde Van Niekerk (44.35).

As expected, the German Christina Schwanitz sealed his success in the weight of the Diamond League with a victory more finals (19.91 m).

- Without the King Bolt -

The American Tianna Bartoletta only had to participate to clinch the length (second with 6.97 m behind the Serbian Ivana Spanovic, 7.02 m national record), like the Kenyan Eunice Sum 800m (1: 59.14, 1st).

In this race, the French RENELLE Lamote took 6th place in 2 min 00 sec 75 / 100e.

200 m, in the absence of the king Usain Bolt, the Panamanian Alonso Edward took advantage of the opportunity to clinch the race (20.03) and diamond.

At gentlemen drive, Piotr Malachowski Polish was hot, rebuked by his compatriot Robert Urbanek, meeting the winner (65.78 m). But Malachowski wins his fourth Diamond League by finishing second (65.04 m).

Even cases in the 3,000 steeplechase, the Kenyan Jairus Kipchoge Birech, winner of the Diamond League, but second Thursday (8: 15.64), behind his compatriot Paul Koech (8: 10.24).

Czech Zuzana Hejnová triumphed in the 400m hurdles (54.74), as the Russian world champion Sergey Shubenkov 110m hurdles (13.14), technically masterful.

The French Pascal Martinot-Lagarde (7th in 13.70), Garfield Darien (cancel) and Dimitri Bascou (8th in 14.07), the three finalists of Beijing, have done anything. The American David Oliver (second in 13.30), is still wins the Diamond League.

In ladies javelin, Czech Barbora Spotavoka, even medalist in Beijing, has offered its 4th Diamond League and victory (64.31 m).

Greek Nikoleta Kiriakopoulou dominated the pole (4.72 m) to cap his season with a Diamond League.

At the height gentlemen, Qatari Mutaz Essa is a moment believe that he had found his legs early season. It certainly wins with 2.32 m and new pockets the Diamond League, but not close to his ERA (2.41 m).

Euro 2016: beaten by Iceland, the Netherlands in danger

Amsterdam - Netherlands coach Danny Blind's new, third in the last World Cup, are in danger in qualifying for Euro-2016 to Thursday after their home defeat against Iceland (0-1), which it is almost qualified.

What a surprise ! Preceded by eight and six points by Iceland and the Czech Republic in the group A, Wesley Sneijder and his teammates will see profile a dangerous trip Sunday in Turkey, fourth with one point less and could if they win their chiper 3rd place play-off two days of the verdict. The third place of the World-2014 is far.

For his baptism of fire as coach Danny Blind has lived a complicated evening. Even nightmarish. The successor of Guus Hiddink (sacked in July after five defeats in ten matches) was served for his debut as No.1.

Back to the wall, almost obliged to win, the Oranje have logically took the game to their account but are immediately exposed to attacks against their opponents, including the 7th minute when Bodvarson failed narrowly.

Things have not turned to the better half hour for the Dutch after the injury of their captain, Arjen Robben, out due to groin pain, left, and replaced by Luciano Narsingh.

Worse, the defender Bruno Martins Indi was sent off in the 33rd for a blow to the neck Nantes striker Kolbeinn Sigthórsson.

The nightmare was accentuated after the break on 51 minutes after a penalty converted by Gylfi Sigurdsson following a fault tackle from Gregory van der Wiel on Bjarnason (0-1).

Blind, former emblematic captain of Ajax who wanted to infuse "new momentum" to a qualified team of aging by the local press, it remains three games to save the essential: the qualification.

But his 4-3-3 has clearly revolutionized anything and offensive combinations were very rare. The Oranje are in crisis. Icelanders themselves are nearly in France.

US Open: "Grandpa Hewitt" bows out in style

New York - Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt made his last appearance at the US Open Thursday after losing to 2nd round against his compatriot Bernard Tomic.

The Australian 34 year old was defeated in five sets 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 5-7, 7-5, but came close to surprise her younger than 12 years, the world 24th.

He not only equalized at two sets all after losing the first two sets, but he did lead the race in the fifth and final round.

Hewitt, who will retire after the Australian Open in January 2016, even led 5-4, but did not manage to realize his advantage and to concede the last three games.

The Australian, winner in his career of 30 ATP titles including two Grand Slam tournaments, won the US Open in 2001 and had reached and lost the final in 2004.

Now ranked in the 355th place worldwide, he had received an invitation to enter the main draw.

He had booked their 2nd round after abandoning his opponent the first round, the Kazakh Aleksandr Nedovyesov.

He played in only 13 games in 2015, with a total of four wins.

His last major objective is the Davis Cup: Australia faces indeed mid-September in Glasgow (Scotland) Britain's Andy Murray for a place in the final.

On leaving the court, Hewitt was warmly applauded and winner of the day, with whom he trains regularly, honored him.

"It was hard for me to prepare for this game. I have great admiration for him, he again proved tonight why he was a legend in our sport," said Tomic.

US Open: the former world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki already eliminated

New York - Former world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki, finalist of the US Open in 2009 and 2014, was eliminated in the second round of the 2015 edition by Czech Petra Cetkovska the Thursday.

Cetkovska, 149th worldwide, has become 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (7/1), while Danish has had four match points in his favor.

Wozniacki was led 4-1 in the second set, but she gradually gained the upper hand by finding particular its first serve.

The Dane, who has ever imposed in a Grand Slam tournament, tied at one set all and has missed his chance in the third inning.

At 5-4 and 6-5, it has in fact had the opportunity to win the game, but his opponent, more aggressive, has turned the situation in his favor on the ball with the game winning shots.

"I do not know how I managed to win this game, I just said 'It's now or never," said the Czech 30 years, back after a serious knee injury.

Wozniacki has addressed the US Open without reference its results after the 2nd round eliminations at Stanford, Toronto and Cincinnati.

Danish, best friend on the circuit of world No.1 Serena Williams, thought he had found the colors by moving up in the semifinals in New Haven, one of his favorite tournaments she won four times.

3rd round Cetkovska will face the Italian Flavia Pennetta, a semifinalist at Flushing Meadows in 2013 and advanced to 26th in

Italian GP: Hamilton in the lair of the prancing horse in Monza

Monza (Italy) - Lewis Hamilton, comfortable leader F1 World Championship arrives in the cave of the Prancing Horse: Monza, Sebastian Vettel will attempt Sunday to shake the certainties and meet the fans who have been waiting for five years a victory Ferrari at the legendary circuit.

Leading the championship with 28 points ahead of teammate Nico Rosberg at Mercedes - now father of a little girl - Hamilton is still leading by leaving Monza Sunday night. This is one of the few certainties of this racing weekend on the old Italian racing circuit on the outskirts of Milan.

Because you can count on Ferrari, at home, to maintain the suspense with two other fathers, Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen.

Vettel has already won three times at Monza, one for his first victory in F1. That was in 2008, in a modest Toro Rosso motor Ferrari, the only victory is an engine of the Scuderia in another car.

A historic victory in the rain for a pilot certainly promising but nobody could imagine that he would succeed the great Michael Schumacher, his childhood idol, on global tablets (four times) and then in the legendary Italian team .

- Vettel 'would choose Monza' -

"If I could still win this season, I would choose Monza," Vettel smiled at the beginning of summer, a few months after his victory in Malaysia in March. Since then he has established himself once again in fine style in Hungary in late July. It is therefore even stronger in his mind when approaching this weekend with old, on a track where modern F1, with minimum downforce, sometimes traveling at 360 km / h.

As every year in the shady grounds of the old racetrack, the fans will have eyes only for the red cars at the famous prancing horse. The last two victories of a Ferrari at the Italian GP date back to 2010 (Fernando Alonso) and 2006 (Michael Schumacher).

To create the event, it will of course fight the stables Mercedes-AMG, the reigning world champion, the best army plateau engines. Engines that rose further this summer and will be, once again, of the master asset to Hamilton on + + serial winner (six wins in 11 races in 2015) and Rosberg, the new dad.

- 'Mad!' -

Hamilton remains on two victories at Monza in three years (2012, 2014), perfectly alternating with Vettel (2011, 2013).

He loves the ultra-fast circuit and did a brief stint earlier this year on the old gear ring of concrete time, accompanied by Sir Stirling Moss. He was driving a Mercedes W196 old English driver and it was "insane", he confessed.

"It gave me a sense of the history of this place and the reasons why it has become so legendary. It's always a big challenge today because it is fast but also very technical, with big braking and large vibrators that you can not avoid if we want to have the ideal line. "

Rosberg will therefore have work to avoid a duel between the two phenomena, Hamilton and Vettel.

He is confident: "I am sure that this track will suit my car and I love this circuit, so all the ingredients are there to have a good weekend (...) I have a goal:. Be a step higher than last year, "says the vice-champion of the German world, the second of the 2014 edition.

Finally, in the paddock at Monza, the future of the Italian GP beyond 2016 will be negotiated between the local authorities of Lombardy, who promised this week to renovate the circuit, and Bernie Ecclestone, the F1 promoter . As on the track of the old racetrack, there will be a little suspense ...

Champions League at the Spanish time

Madrid - The Champions League could decide "Liga" this season with five clubs in the Championship of Spain engaged in the group stage of the C1, a record, and three Spanish coronations over the last five editions of the Queen club competition .

. Real and Barca, sovereigns in Europe

If Spain is the country with the most successful C1 (15) since the inception of the event in 1955, it owes two clubs: Real Madrid (10 trophies), the story of the most successful and FC Barcelona (5 titles).

At all levels, the two great continental Spain are giants. Since 2000, they have won seven of the 16 titles at stake, which, over the last five years of coronations in 2011 and 2015 in Barcelona and Madrid in 2014.

Logically, Spain crushes UEFA index, barometer which includes final five seasons.

In late August, the Liga had 85.142 pts, ahead the German Bundesliga (66.749 pts) and the English Premier League (65.034), which ensures a maximum representation in Europe. "This is the ultimate truth, the sporting power that emanates from this championship," summed up in an editorial Alfredo Relaño, director of the Spanish sports daily As.

. Messi, Ronaldo ... Royal plateau Liga

With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, La Liga has two of the greatest strikers in the history: the last seven Ballons d'Or went either to the Barcelona star (2009 to 2012) or the Madrid star (2008, 2013, 2014). And "King Leo" looks set to win a fifth crown next winter.

The two rivals also erased last year's record Raul Gonzalez (71 goals) to become joint top scorers in the history of the Champions League (77 goals each).

"These are the two of them that give the Liga universal dimension it never had before," noted Alfredo Relaño.

And while other leagues are not lacking stars, La Liga this may be the most flashy shelf: Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez, Karim Benzema, Andres Iniesta, Neymar or Luis Suarez ...

. Atletico, Valencia, Sevilla, little princes

This season, Spain has qualified five representatives in the group stage of the Champions League, an unprecedented performance related to the allocation of a place winner of the C3.

"Spain plays well the Europa League, which is not necessarily the case in other countries. The Spanish club have earned more in the Champions League," said the UEFA president Michel Platini.

The Sevilla FC is the first club to have benefited from this reform, joining the first three Liga (Barca, Real and Atletico) and 4th championship (Valencia, winner of a dam against Monaco).

Play background C3 has also offered a real European culture to the Spanish clubs operating in the shadow of the Real and Barca.

And Valencia, double finalist of the C1 (2000 and 2001), consoled himself with the "little European Cup" (2004). Seville and set a record of four wins C3 (2006, 2007, 2014, 2015). And in the same way, Atletico reached the final of the C1 gleaned in 2014 after two Europa Leagues (2010, 2012), symbol of Spain prevailing on the continent.

US Open: Djokovic in the footsteps of the greatest

New York - Since his coronation at the US Open Sunday, Novak Djokovic has ten to 28 Grand Slam titles to his name and in the footsteps of the greatest legends of tennis.

After shaking hands with Roger Federer that he had just beaten in four sets (6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4), Djokovic rushed towards the tribune where were waiting, crazy joy, relatives, coaches Marian Vajda and Boris Becker and his wife Jelena.

He also praised the Scottish actor Gerard Butler, "a friend who was visiting in town," said the Serb.

Butler was particularly known for his role in the movie "300" depicting the Battle of Thermopylae, where 300 Spartan soldiers held in compliance with the huge Persian army.

"When I saw him, I yelled at him one of the replicas of this film that I love: + + We are Sparta!" Recounted all smiles Djokovic.

Gradually, the Serb is in the process of carving a beautiful and powerful empire he conquered New York his tenth Grand Slam title, his third of the season.

"I walked into the club of players to ten titles and more, it is a grand honor," he remarked.

- On the heels of Borg -

Djokovic is the eighth player to integrate this exclusive club dominated by Federer with 17 titles, ahead of Pete Sampras and Rafael Nadal (14 each).

At the rate things are going, and if it finally getting his good on clay at Roland Garros, the only Grand Slam title missing from his list, "Djoko" should quickly exceed the eleven tracks of Björn Borg and Rod Laver, Roy Emerson of the twelve.

Federer did not doubt for one second: "His career is already incredible, but it can clearly win many more titles."

"He needs to stay healthy and keep his hunger victories, but I do not doubt he'll still win," insisted the Swiss running him after his 18th major title for three years ( Wimbledon 2012).

The year 2015 Djokovic is impressive: he played eleven final twelve tournaments played and won seven, three and four Grand Slam Masters 1000!

It is even almost --Two sets in the French Open final, won in June by the Swiss Stan Wawrinka (4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4) - for that he directed the Grand Slam, ie to win the four most important tournaments in the same year.

- Eight lost finals -

A feat managed on the men's tour by American Don Budge (1938) and Australian Rod Laver (1962, 1969), but never by Federer came close in 2004 and 2007.

"Novak is an incredible competitor, he knows achieve an extraordinary level in the final," noted the former world No.1 Stefan Edberg, who advises Federer since early 2014.

Displease by the Swedes, it is not entirely accurate: Djokovic has already lost eight Grand Slam finals, including four at the US Open.

"Mentally, it was very important for him to win Novak this final of the US Open, otherwise there would have been a black spot for him here," said another former player Cédric Pioline.

Djokovic has readily acknowledged: "I am happy that my bad habit of losing finals here has ended."

But he was careful not to set a numerical target for the future. "The Grand Slam finals are always decided on some points, it is never a favorite, I just hope to find myself in position to win the future," he concluded.

Yoann Gourcuff sign (finally) in Rennes

FOOTBALL - Former Lyonnais Yoann Gourcuff, without a contract since June, has signed for one year with Stade Rennais team, one of the surprises of the early season League 1.

XV de France: Michalak, part of insurance sup

Croydon (UK) - Revenue in France three years ago with the goal of playing the World Cup, flyhalf Frederic Michalak has somehow achieved its goal, this time by leaving his costume of child- Taulier prodigy for that of the Blues.

That's the unpredictable raw talent of the 2003 World Cup, then moved to the hinge to blow the game the Blues, 12 years later became a senior 32 years, inspiring confidence and serenity to its partners.

Michalak, quietly sitting on his 73 caps, will officiate and except surprise, the opening of the XV of France on Saturday against Italy at Twickenham for the first game of the English World (September 18 to October 31), his third personal edition. A new chapter in its long and chaotic history in Blue but also personal pride for those who swear that "there is nothing more beautiful in a career of playing a World Cup."

"I was in South Africa (between 2011 and 2012) and went back to that objective," he recalls. "With my wife, children, my family, we thought a lot about that. + + Objective World Cup, that was it every day, in our way of seeing things, meals ... I knew my wife supported me it was nice, even in difficult times, injuries, still believed it. It helped me a lot. "

- "At 37, it's not bad" -

Was a time when few believed in Michalak back in control of the game of the France team. Exiled in Durban and then shelved in the era Lievremont (2008-2011), it was quickly reminded by Philippe Saint-André, who had made his early opener No.1 June 2012.

But injuries, sawtooth performance and sometimes tense relations with management have drawn a decidedly circuitous route ... to the summons to prepare for the World Cup in May, when he was still recovering from a shoulder surgery.

"Recent years have been complicated, especially compared to the injuries," says the center Bastareaud, his teammate at Toulon and Blue. "It has not been spared in Toulon, with the competition. But having the confidence of someone (coach Philippe Saint-Andre, Ed) to 200% and especially his teammates, it helps any player. "

For it is with the holder status Michalak addresses this World Cup, concluding a period of procrastination if this strategic post where his valuable experience has finally triumphed.

"This is his third World Cup: 37 years is not bad" jokes Bastareaud. "It is clear that just reassures everyone behind. It's a bit all young wolves. So having a big brother like that is necessarily reassuring, although we must not only rely on him."

- "Like a Boy" -

More sedate, inevitably, that 12 years ago when he burst on the global scene, Michalak logically integrated the battalion Lieutenant Captain Thierry Dusautoir, with special voice over tactical issues.

"2003 I had discussed with great joy, it was the wonderful world of Walt Disney," he recalls. "I was very happy to be there, I did not ask me 10,000 questions. I'll ask a little more now but that's normal, it is key positions where the whole strategy involves us. We tries to participate to the fullest with the coaches. "

And it is with a certain placidity eyeing that Saturday's match, adorned with a "right pressure".

"It is for more than two months in a preparation towards that objective," he says. "Today it is. Physically, we are ready, mentally as well. Personally, I try to approach it with great serenity. I can not do this game before, I do not know how it will happen . "

Teased about his age and his long career, Michalak answers be "like a boy" who "try to enjoy every moment" of this World Cup, most likely his last. With a hope: "I think that the best is to come and look forward to great things to tell my kids later

SKi background: Norway's Petter Northug risks being deprived World Cup

Oslo - The Norwegian Ski Federation on Monday decided to deprive the multiple world champion and Olympic Petter Northug of participating in the cross country World Cup 2015/2016 without an agreement on the question of sponsors.

Local media, however, that the door was not irrevocably closed as long as the depth of 29, the Norwegian Public adulation, eventually yield to the conditions imposed by national authorities.

"No athlete can be selected to represent Norway in international competition without an agreement with the Norwegian Ski Federation," said the latter in a statement.

"Petter Northug did not want to sign a proposal (...) agree to the coming season (...) We regret this," she added.

Northug is at loggerheads with the Federation since signing in 2013 a juicy individual sponsorship agreement with the Coop retail chain, direct competitor of the official sponsor of the national team, Spar.

After a compromise, the enfant terrible of Norwegian skiing was allowed last year to fly the partner logo, except for a period from November 1 to April 7, corresponding to the highlight of the season.

After considering to end this exemption, the Federation has proposed to extend for the 2015/2016 season, but Northug did it claims not accepted the offer within the time allowed.

The athlete demanded an agreement for three years and restricting the period during which it can not promote its sponsor, according to the Norwegian tabloid Verdens Gang (VG).

Questioned by agency NTB, his agent said Langas Are Sorum take note of the communiqué of the Federation and announced that Northug react "in the coming days."

Several commentators have expressed confidence that both sides reach a compromise.

The Federation would lose big by placing a cross on Northug, the impressive record: double Olympic champion and holder of 13 world gold medals in individuel-- --dont seven titles, he also won the overall standings of the World Cup twice (2010, 2013).

Especially since, in the women's national star Marit Bjorgen, pregnant, has already had to give up the upcoming World Cup season.

Champions League: the firefighter hymn that stirs the sacred fire

London - Majestic even grandiloquent, the anthem of the Champions League has become the music of football par excellence and excellence through a clever combination of marketing ingredients.

To celebrate a title, there was the eternal tube group Queen, "We are the champions". To announce a competition game of the queen, there is an anthem for November 25, 1992, the first time he sounded in European stadiums, the year of the creation of the Champions League proper.

Recorded by the orchestra of the British Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and chorus of the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, this music brings chills among players which is often a favorite, despite their tastes more likely to the most modern and urban trends.

Cristiano Ronaldo was downright sung as a national anthem before facing Atletico Madrid in the quarter finals of the 2015 edition.

Mamadou Sakho had made his phone ringing in 2012 for the return of PSG C1. "The music of the Champions League, I hear the phone, wake me up with my friends. It's magic for me but for many players who never had the chance to play this competition," had -he started, summarizing the unanimous feeling of the players.

"The anthem of the Champions League is THE reference in terms of music in the world of sport," says AFP Laurent Cochini, consulting director at Its Sixth, leading agency in Europe in the field of music for brands.

- Handel & Elizabeth II -

Crescendo haunting, haunting melody, solemnity given by the choirs and classical style, the hit anthem was composed in 1992 by Briton Tony Britten following guidelines waves of the marketing department of UEFA.

"It was happening terrible things, ill-equipped stadiums, hooligans scary, it was horrible, says Tony Britten AFP. UEFA, to his honor, said that the Champions League should reflect the best of the beautiful game. "

"There was a request in the order of gravity, he explains. It should not give the impression of pop music + + cheap. We had to feel that there is substance."

"It was shortly after the coup of the Three Tenors at the World Cup (1990 in Italy, ed) and classical music had suddenly document says the composer. They wanted something like that, but not soloists, they wanted choirs. "

"We had to offer them something that approaches recalls Tony Britten They listened to the beginning of Zadok the Priest + + Handel and they said:. + This is what we want + ago. an upswing in the hymn of the Champions League which I took to Handel. Then I wrote the lyrics and music a bit in the style of Handel, although the strings are much more modern. "

This work of the famous German composer naturalized British eighteenth century is not any: it is played at every coronation in Britain since George II in 1727 to Elizabeth II in 1953.

- High Mass -

"From a strictly musical point of view, it's an anthem in the first sense of the word. It has a warrior, religious dimension, notes Laurent Cochini With this hymn, football managed to have the religious side, collecting all those are in the stadium. "

"In addition, musically, it is not related to the period to which it was composed, he notes. Musical tastes change all the time, so it is difficult to have consistency. There, it's classical music, so it is not fashionable or unfashionable. "

Nobody really knows the words, in the three official UEFA languages ​​(English, French and German): "These are the best teams / Great teams / A large meeting / They are the best." And fans do not recognize that the past: "The champions !!!"

She "can not be bought or downloaded legally" according to UEFA, but was converted into dollars and cents parts for Tony Britten: royalties allowed him to found his own production of films.

World Rugby: Italy prepares France without its captain Parisse

Rome - Already largely devoid of experienced players and global level, the XV of Italy will also have to do without his captain Sergio Parisse and best element Saturday against France at Twickenham debut in the World Cup.

Insurmountable "He already had other injuries. We have already played games without Sergio Parisse. So we'll play without him. We find solutions," Jacques Brunel Saturday sidestepped when asked about the weight for his team injured left calf of his N.8.

But the French coach of the Azzurri did not seek to beat around the bush: "We will probably be reduced because it is a very important player."

Not only in the game, where his ball skills in hand, his sense of initiative and dynamism make it a cornerstone of the selection. But also off the field, for its influence in the dressing room, his charisma, his experience (32 years since Saturday, 113 selections) and intelligence.

The last two of Italy preparation matches have shown, almost to caricature.

August 29 without Parisse: an abysmal 48-7 defeat in Scotland. A match that Brunel wants to "just forget". August 5 with Parisse: a short, encouraging 23-19 setback in Wales.

The shortcut is a little easier, but it illustrates the importance of the third line center of the French stage in a group that lacks leaders and benchmarks for certain key positions.

Wounded precisely in that game Wales and operated Saturday to drain a hematoma to a calf, Parisse should take his troubles patiently. As the Italian staff, which can only wait for news of Paris, where the player can be treated with medical teams of the French stage.

- The 'true spirit' -

"The operation went very well and he has already progressed. We do not do things sudden, we want him recovering well," said Saturday AFP Luigi Troaini, manager of the national team, adding Parisse that would not join England before Tuesday or Wednesday.

"For France, it is not possible but we hope he will be available to work the following week. After that the technical staff will decide to use it or not," he added.

The framework hopes to have Parisse September 26 against Canada. But meanwhile, it is without him he must face the Blues.

"The mood is there and it is to do more for those who are not with us. That's life, it's part of rugby. A game without Sergio we know it makes things difficult. But is when the team is in trouble we can see its true spirit, "he told AFP the pillar of Toulon and Martin Castrogiovanni Nazionale.

For this first match at Twickenham, Brunel could replace Parisse by Samuela Vunisa, as was the case in the first game of preparation of the Italians against Scotland, August 22 (16-12 defeat).

He was then shown good qualities of power and percussion, but also a lot of awkwardness fell with penalties conceded and balloons.

The Blues, themselves, are not made illusions: Parisse or not, Italy will face.

"With or without Sergio, it will still be a very big team of Italy (...). Of course it has to be at that level it is still outstanding" and judge the right pillar Rabah Slimani, his teammate at French Stadium. "But it does not change the desire Aura team against us."

And we even raised the possibility of a bluff of Italian coaching about his best player. "We will instead focus on us, our team, our game," warns the manager Philippe Saint-André Bleus.

"Parisse, one player knows his qualities is their captain. But the last time (in March), it was announced with a torn calf and he was on the ground in Italy ..." What had also not prevented the XV of France to win 29-0.

Cycling world: four wildcards to Richmond

PARIS - The France team is given four jokers, Nacer Bouhanni, Tony Gallopin, Arnaud Démare and Julian Alaphilippe for the World Cycling Championships, September 27, in Richmond (USA).

"The uncertainty was related to our sprinters," he told AFP Executioner Bernard, who on Monday announced the names of nine riders selected for this "World" on the road, the first held in the US since 1986.

The national coach, who had originally planned to unveil the list last week, was granted additional time to choose. Bryan Coquard, which held Friday after the GP de Quebec "not be better," thus remained on the sidelines.

"The course is not very hard but there are several mounted in the last four kilometers. We must be able to pass without pitfalls cobblestones," said Executioner about Richmond circuit typed "Flandrian race."

"I have four jokers and it is the race which then appoint (to protect the rider)," stressed the head of the France team who did not hesitate to hold together and Bouhanni Démare, whose natural rivals cohabitation in the FDJ team ended last season.

- A messed group -

"I spoke with both and I told them that it was the national team that was at stake. This has already been available before, in the days of Anquetil-Poulidor of Hinault-Fignon, etc." Executioner recalled. "It may even turn into an asset if one knows how to take it well. We will not leave even when centerpieces at home."

"Arnaud (Démare) is a championship man. He is present in the Flemish classics even if it has not been successful this year," added the coach about Picard will have a regular teammate (Delage) in the group. Bouhanni will share his two of his men (Lemoine and Simon).

The three French stage winners in the Tour in July and present préolymppique Rio test the following month, Romain Bardet, Thibaut Pinot and Alexis Vuillermoz, cataloged climbers or punchers, have turned to other objectives. Like Warren Barguil who was also part of the expedition in Brazil.

Compared to Ponferrada Worldwide last year, the group has been largely renewed. Only Bouhanni (10th) and Gallopin (6th) were part of the successful team in Spain, with Jérôme Coppel for against the clock.

The riders will arrive on site in several waves. The latest to join Virginia, including Bouhanni, will leave next Monday, following the GP Isbergues.

PSG: Ibrahimovic and Pastore fit against Malmö

Paris - Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and midfielder Javier Pastore, both recovered from their injuries, included in the PSG group for receipt of Malmo on Tuesday, counting for the first day of the group stage of the Champions League .

Earlier Monday afternoon, coach Laurent Blanc had floated a little suspense for the presence of Ibrahimovic for the match against his former club Malmö.

"I expect the drive this afternoon to know, said White. If he can participate in training as in recent sessions, while we're on the right track. It has a fairly deep wound, not serious but painful, embarrassing. "

"It's going much better and I hope it will be confirmed. Then it will be in the group and will have a good chance to start," had nevertheless concluded White, optimistic.

"Ibra" was injured in the abdomen during qualifying matches for Euro-2016 its selection lost against Russia (1-0) and against Austria (4-1). He was laid to rest Friday against Bordeaux (2-2), to promote his return to competition against Malmö.

Another player back, Pastore is he recovered from a calf injury law which deprived courses last three weeks. Faced with competition imposed by Angel Di Maria and an obvious lack of pace, the Argentine should be replaced at kickoff.

Otherwise, the entire workforce is present for this first European event of the season, except Serge Aurier who is serving his third and final match suspension after his insults posted on social networks to the 8th of referee final second leg between Chelsea and PSG.

Transfer: Gourcuff (finally) in Rennes, a return, a riddle

Rennes - French international midfielder Yoann Gourcuff field finally chosen its future: it will be reindeer, no surprise, but it returned to his first club leaves open the question of what it will bring.

It's a source close to the leadership of the Red and Black Club which ended late Monday afternoon in a long outstanding long fanned Yoann Gourcuff signed with Stade Rennais.

A one-year contract, according to the will of the player, often expressed by his lawyer and advisor, Didier Poulmaire.

"Yoann Gourcuff join Stade Rennais dice he will be cured of its stress fractures in the foot arch and will be able to resume training with the professional group Stade Rennais", however, said the club in a statement evening, about 29-year-old, free from the end of his contract with Lyon.

It should therefore not be present Tuesday to Roazhon Park for the official photos of the Red and Black.

The sine die postponement of the date of recovery is likely to revive questions about his ability to find his best form and what it can bring to Rennes.

Former great hope of French football, who saw in him very early the successor to Zinedine Zidane, Yoann Gourcuff out of 5 very difficult seasons in Lyon, where he had been transferred a record $ 22 million over 4 euros, 5000000 premiums.

Often injured, he never played more than 20 Ligue 1 matches per season with OL, with the exception of the first (2010/2011).

This summer, he was approached by several French clubs including Bordeaux, with whom he had been champion in 2008/2009 and named best player in Ligue 1, but Montpellier and Guingamp.

Soon his first club, where he arrived at the age of 14 and signed pro at 17, held the rope.

It must be said that President René Ruello, great friend of Christian Gourcuff, Yoann's father and current coach of Algeria, had put a point to return to the fold the playmaker.

- A bet sportif-
For the Stade Rennais, who advanced to second place in Ligue 1 after 5 days on a point of the Parisian leader, signing Gourcuff - a player that the Breton club continues for many years with his attentions - is a sports bet, but already quite a blow of boost in terms of image.

A player of this level - even theoretical - Brittany moreover, that should electrify a club that seeks to break the monotony and a constant feeling of partial failure in recent seasons.

On the ground, it is undeniable that it can bring the touch of creativity and technical correctness offensive still missing in Red and Black to aim higher in the league.

Although he denies having changed from the perspective of his arrival, the new system introduced by the coach Philippe Montanier fluctuating between 3-4-3 and 3-5-2, seems designed to leave the keys to play like him.

Obviously, mortgages hanging over this ideal scenario, are real, starting with his current state of form.

Gourcuff has prepared itself in recent weeks but it seems far away from the drive, not to mention the competition.

- No pressure -

Pierre Mankowski, coach of Hopes and who rubbed shoulders as Deputy Raymond Domenech at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, believes it.

"For him, the important thing is to play it is to feel good in your body, in his new team. From there, Yoann Gourcuff is able to be very very bright", did -he told AFP.

"Players like that, the qualities they have them and they not lose (...) but 29 years is not old," he said.

Rennes will not put him in any case no pressure.

"If Yoann never comes, although we know is not going to rock the house immediately," recently recognized in Montanier France Football.

"I hope it will work and it will make him want to stay. And if ever he goes, we say we have done something good for a guy from here," he concluded.

Batum: "It will never replace Tony Parker"

Villeneuve d'Ascq - "It will never replace Tony Parker," said Nicolas Batum, who is not seen to be "the only leader" of the France team basketball the day when "TP" will stop his career.

"There will not necessarily be appointed leader but a real band. The game will be different, but equally exciting," said Charlotte winger, on the eve of the quarter finals of the Euro against Latvia Tuesday ( 9:00 p.m.) in Villeneuve d'Ascq.

Q: You will be big favorites against Latvia. This status it can be dangerous'

A: "Yes, but we already had experiences like last year (in the World), where we have not needed to be favorites to win a game it will be up to us to respect the instructions of Vincent. (Collet, coach) to be concentrated for forty minutes and respecting the opponent. Latvia is strong. It has not happened in the quarterfinals by chance. It is a team that defends well and discomfort his opponents. It showed good things. For us to stay focused to win and move forward. "

Q: Many fans follow you. How do you handle this aspect of the competition '

A: "We try to open people are trying to spend four or five minutes with the people ahead of us at the hotel before leaving for training It's not much but it's.. important. We need them. To feel this support there, it's great. "

Q: You had ended World last year cannonball. Do you feel able to repeat it '

A:.. "To score 62 points in less than 24 hours' Maybe, but that's not my main focus What I did last year was not ordered It was done on instinct. . This year, the workforce is totally different. It was recovered Tony (Parker) and Nando (De Colo), two high caliber players, which were not there in 2014. So mark 35 points (against Serbia half) and 27 points (against Lithuania for 3rd place) in two days, I do not think I'll do it because we have so many players. I hope that we will continue to distribute the forces. If I have to do, it means that the team is in penury + + and I took a hot shot! "

Q: Do you feel ready to one day become the leader of this team '

A: "I do not think I'll be the only leader, because we are fortunate to have many talented players A small Ch'ti (Nando de Colo) is not bad at all right now. . It further shows his talent. The (players born in) 91-92 emerge. When the 82-23 generation (Tony Parker, Boris Diaw) leave, there will not necessarily appointed leader but a real band. The game will be different, but just as exciting. "

Q: You do not like to have the same influence as Tony Parker '

A: "We are not like Tony is a guy except he his game, its features, its leadership ... It will never replace Tony Parker must not think that it must necessarily be replaced.... This will not happen in all cases not right away. "