Silvio Berlusconi set for political comeback after Sicily vote

The result adds momentum to the newly formed centre-right alliance.

The vote on the Italian island has been viewed as a crucial test ahead of next year's national election.

The 81-year-old billionaire businessman's career has been beset by scandals both in and out of government.

The four-time prime minister has been away from the political centre stage since he was expelled from parliament four years ago after being convicted of tax fraud.

Mr Berlusconi is seeking to overturn a ban that bars him from public office ahead of the spring 2018 vote. The European Court of Human Rights is set to review his case later this year.

"Sicily, just as I asked, has chosen the path of real, serious, constructive change, based on honesty, competence and experience," he said in a video posted on Facebook.

• The many trials of Silvio Berlusconi explained
• Italy's once-untouchable prime minister
• In pictures: Berlusconi in politics

The newly formed coalition brings together Mr Berlusconi's Forza Italia party with right-wing parties Northern League and Brothers of Italy.

The Berlusconi-backed candidate Nello Musumeci beat the anti-establishment Five Star Movement candidate, with just under 40% of the vote.

However, more than 50% of Sicilians did not cast a vote, according to Italian media.

Mr Musumeci said his first task was to try to reach non-voters.

The election result is a blow to the ruling centre-left government, which is already suffering politically from public anger over the country's migrant crisis.

Silvio Berlusconi: A timeline of politics and scandal

• 1986: Already a successful businessman who owns multiple companies, he buys AC Milan football club
• 1994: Resigns from his businesses, forms the Forza Italia Party and is elected Italy's prime minister. After just seven months he is forced to resign over corruption allegations
• 1996: Loses a general election to left-wing Romano Prodi
• 2001: Despite trials in 1997 and 1998 over accounting fraud and corruption, he wins a second term as prime minister
• 2005: After disappointing regional elections he dissolves government, before reforming it and being sworn back in with the same allies on the back of a ministerial reshuffle
• 2006: He loses a general election again to Mr Prodi and is ordered to stand trial for allegedly bribing British lawyer David Mills to lie under oath during 1990s corruption trials
• 2008: After the trial is moved to London and then suspended, he wins a third vote for the revamped and renamed People of Freedom (PDL) party
• 2009: The constitutional court strikes down a law that could have given Berlusconi immunity from prosecution. He survives a parliamentary vote of no confidence by three votes in 2010
• 2011: His support drains away as the country's borrowing costs rocketed at the height of the eurozone debt crisis. Amid allegations he paid for sex with an underage dancer and as earlier tax fraud trials resume, he resigns after losing parliamentary majority
• 2012: He is found guilty of tax fraud and sentenced to prison but later has jail time abrogated at appeal.
• 2013: His party comes within 1% of winning the general election but he is expelled from parliament in a vote
• 2014: The sex conviction is overturned in 2014.

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Rugby World Cup 2011: Ireland 62-12 Russia

Keith Earls goes over for his first try against Russia

Ireland returned to the top of World Cup Pool C after a nine-try rout of Russia in Rotorua.

Fergus McFadden and Sean O'Brien scored early tries and the Irish finished the half strongly with Issac Boss, Keith Earls and Andrew Trimble going over.
Ireland led 36-0 at the break and Earls added his second try before Russia hit back with tries from Vasily Artemyev and Denis Simplikevich.
Rob Kearney, Shane Jennings and Tony Buckley went over late in the game.
Ireland coach Declan made 10 changes from the side which beat Australia but it didn't show in an impressive opening burst.
O'Gara fired over his first penalty before Russian fly-half Rachkov was sinbinned for a deliberate knock-on.
The try-scoring started on 10 minutes with McFadden sliding in and touching down from O'Gara's pinpoint chip.
O'Gara added the extras and he repeated the feat when O'Brien sprinted over from close range three minutes later.
Irish errors allowed Russia into the game midway through the half but the minnows failed to capitalise on their only period of possession.

Ireland regained control before the break and Boss added the third try by stretching out to touch the padding on the post.
Earls sealed the bonus point with a run into the corner after being released by Trimble, who got on scoresheet with an opportunist try.
Andrey Garbuzov knocked the ball into space and the Ulster wing pounced to canter unopposed to the line, although O'Gara failed for the first time with the boot as his conversion hit the upright.
Earls completed his double eight minutes into the second half, his powerful run breaking the tackle and sending him over for a converted try.
Russia hit back with their first try two minutes later when the Dublin-educated Artemyev sliced through the Irish defence before touching down.
Rachkov added the conversion and the buoyant Russians scored another try with Simplikevich finishing a fine move in the corner.
However, Russia were soon showing the fatigue of playing three games in 11 days and Ireland took advantage in the final stages.
Kearney eased over in the corner before close-range tries from Jennings and Buckley completed a good display.
Ireland team: Kearney, McFadden, Earls, Wallace, Trimble, O'Gara, Boss; Healy, Cronin, Buckley, O'Callaghan, Cullen (captain, Ryan, O'Brien, Heaslip.
Replacements: Murphy for Earls (50), Sexton for O'Gara (66), Reddan for Boss (66), Jennings for O'Brien (58), Leamy for O'Callaghan (46), Rossfor Healy (58)
Not used: Best.
Russia team: Artemyev, Simplikevich, Kuzin, Trishin, Ostroushko, Rachkov, Yanyushkin (captain), Gresev, Garbuzov, Fatakhov, Byrnes, Antonov, Khrokin, Tsnobiladze, Popov.
Replacements: Babaev for Trishin (74), Bykanov for Yanyushkin (74), Sidorov for Garbuzov (45), Voytov for Antonov (49), Prishchepenko for Khrokin (50), Matveev for Tsnobiladze (74), Travkin for Popov (75).
Sin Bin: Rachkov (7).
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Red Rum trainer Ginger McCain dies aged 80

Modest McCain hails 'legend' Red Rum Ginger McCain, trainer of the legendary Grand National winner Red Rum, has died aged 80 after suffering from cancer. McCain guided "Rummy" to three victories and two second places in a five-year period during the 1970s. He was nicknamed 'Mister Aintree' for his record at the Merseyside track and won a fourth National with Amberleigh House in 2004. In 2006, McCain handed the reins to son Donald who won the Grand National with Ballabriggs this year. McCain's wife Beryl said: "Donald - Ginger as we all knew him - passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short illness this morning - he would have been 81 on Wednesday. "There will be a private family funeral followed by a later memorial service, for which there will be more information in the coming weeks. "Joanne, Donald Jnr and I appreciate all the kindness we are being shown and, at this difficult time, would appreciate it if we were afforded some privacy." Jockey Tony McCoy, who ended a long wait for a Grand National victory in 2010 on Don't Push It, wrote on Twitter: "Sad to hear about the death of Aintree legend Ginger McCain, trainer of the great Red Rum. My thoughts are with his family R.I.P." Former jockey Mick Fitzgerald, who was successful in the 1996 race on Rough Quest, told Sky Sports News: "It's a very sad to hear the news. He leaves a legacy. Everytime you think of the Grand National, you think of Ginger. He was the National, to be honest. "If you ever wanted a colourful quote you spoke to Ginger. He was never afraid to speak his mind. He believed in what he was doing and believed in the Grand National and racing needs characters like him." BBC horse racing presenter Clare Balding wrote on Twitter: "Ginger McCain was 3 days short of his 81st birthday. He was an old-fashioned type & said what he thought but he was a character all right. "Very sad for Beryl, Donald & the rest of the McCain family. "Whenever I approached Ginger with a microphone it raised the heart rate. He might swear, say something offensive or be pertinent & funny." Former racing commentator Sir Peter O'Sullevan spoke of McCain's brilliant handling of Red Rum, who was prone to lameness. "Red Rum had very delicate, tender feet and had been with several skilful trainers before Ginger bought him," he said. "Of course, he trained on the sands at Southport. I don't think we'd ever have heard of Red Rum if he'd gone anywhere else."

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New world record-breakers debut in Guinness book 2012

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The world's most elastic woman, pierced man and longest fingernails were on display

A woman with 10-foot fingernails and a student with a four-inch tongue are among entries in the 2012 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.

Doncaster man Rob Hull, 49, is also in the book for having 571 Daleks - despite not being a Doctor Who fan.
Aevin Dugas from New Orleans in the US also gets an entry for having grown the world's largest natural afro.
Guinness World Records editor-in-chief Craig Lenday said the book celebrates "the weirdest and wackiest".
Dalek collector Mr Hull bought his first replica at the age of 29, and while he may not love the BBC sci-fi series, he says he became "enchanted" with them after seeing one in a toy shop.
The 2012 edition of the famous record book also sees a new face claiming the prestigious title of longest fingernails in the world.
Christine Walton, 45, from Las Vegas, has 10ft 2in (3.1m) fingernails on her left hand and 9ft 7in (2.92m) talons on her right hand.
"I hate all the cleaning, but I do it. And the makeup, I only wear so much," said Walton, who has also been working on a singing career while raising a family.

The nails on Ms Walton's left hand measure more than 10ft (3m) in length

The previous record-holder, Lee Redmond of Salt Lake City, lost her nails in a car crash in 2009.
Rev Darrell Best, of Illinois in the US is a newcomer to the book, having taken the title for the fastest wedding chapel after converting his 1940s fire truck into a wedding chapel on wheels.
The wedding chapel entitled The Best Man, allows lovers to tie the knot while they are on the road and is capable of reaching speeds of 62mph.
Meanwhile, 36-year-old Aevin Dugas from New Orleans also gets a mention in the new edition.
Ms Dugas is the proud owner of the largest natural afro in the world - her massive head of hair has a circumference of 4ft 4in (1.32m).

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The world's most elastic woman, pierced man and longest fingernails were on display

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Rugby World Cup 2011 Pool B: Scotland 15-6 Georgia

Dan Parks kicked all of Scotland's points in a wet Invercargill

Scotland stuttered to a second successive World Cup victory as they out-muscled Georgia in a dour struggle.

In difficult, wet conditions, Dan Parks kicked four penalties from seven attempts and landed a neat drop-goal late in the first half.
Merab Kvirikashvili was on target with two Georgian penalties.
Andy Robinson's side were impressive in defence, with the pack completely dominating, but there was an alarming lack of attacking thrust.
At no stage in the game was the try-line threatened, but Scotland have nine points from their opening two games and now have an 11-day break before facing Argentina a week on Sunday, 25 September.
Scotland were forced into a late change after Scott Lawson's withdrawal with a tight calf, Ross Ford starting at hooker with Dougie Hall coming onto the replacements' bench.
Georgia, coached by Scotsman Richie Dixon, featured 13 players in the starting XV who ply their trade in France.
And a powerful Georgian pack rumbled forward with menace in the early stages of the game.
But, with props Allan Jacobsen and Euan Murray relishing the physical battle, Scotland soon got to grips with their opponents and shut them down with real force.
Georgia, who came close to a shock win over Ireland four years ago, almost opened the scoring with their first foray into Scotland's 22, but fly-half Kvirikashvili could only slice his drop-goal attempt wide.
On 18 minutes, Kvirikashvili thumped over a fantastic kick from his own half when Scotland were penalised for a marginal offside.
Scotland immediately had the opportunity to level but Parks skewed his effort horribly wide from inside Georgia's 22.
The Cardiff Blues stand-off levelled the scores when he knocked over a straightforward penalty but missed another soon after from just inside the Georgia half.
It took half an hour for the Scots to put together a flowing attack but the move was brought to an abrupt halt by some fierce Georgian defending and the ball was turned over.
Scotland failed to carry the ball with any real menace Parks then slotted over a penalty from the left touchline to put Scotland in front and two minutes before the interval the stand-off stretched the advantage with a smartly-taken drop-goal.
The Invercargill crowd had seen the good and bad from Parks and they got the downright ugly when his bid to kick out of play for half-time struck an opponent, giving Georgia an opportunity to charge forward but a knock-on relieved the pressure on the Scots.
Scotland made a strong start to the second half but promising surges forward ended with Graeme Morrison and then Al Strokosch spilling the ball in the slippery conditions.
Strong defence kept the Georgians at bay but Scotland could not build any attacking momentum, with the handling errors mounting up.
There was further frustration when Parks failed with a penalty from near the halfway line after Georgia failed to take contact in a scrum.
Scotland moved into double figures on 69 minutes with a straightforward penalty from Parks but Kvirikashvili replied immediately after Robinson's men made a mess of gathering the restart.
More indiscipline from the Georgians gave the Scots some valuable late breathing space, with Parks again finding his range from 40 metres to seal the outcome.
Scotland: R. Lamont, Evans, De Luca, Morrison, S. Lamont, Parks, R. Lawson, Jacobsen, Ford, Murray, Hines, Hamilton, Strokosch, Rennie, Brown. Replacements: Gray (for Hines, 72), Paterson (for R Lamont, 72). Not Used: Hall, Cross, Dickinson, Vernon, Cusiter.
Georgia: Gigauri, Machkhaneli, Kacharava, Zibzibadze, Todua, Kvirikashvili, Abuseridze, Khmaladze, Bregvadze, Zirakashvili, Datunashvili, Maisuradze, Sutiashvili, Gorgodze, Basilaia. Replacements: Urjukashvili for Todua (66), Giorgadze for Bregvadze (63), Kubriashvili for Zirakashvili (56), Chkhaidze for Maisuradze (48), Kolelishvili for Basilaia (63). Not Used: Samkharadze, Malaguradze.
Att: 10,267
Ref: George Clancy (RU).

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Borussia Dortmund 1 - 1 Arsenal

Arsenal goalscorer Robin van Persie shows his disappointment at the whistle

Arsenal's hopes of starting their Champions League campaign with an away win were dashed when substitute Ivan Perisic's superb late volley rescued a point for Borussia Dortmund.

Robin van Persie looked to have secured the points for the Gunners with a fine goal from Theo Walcott's through ball.
But Perisic dipped a sublime 20-yard shot home to salvage a draw.
And only a fine Wojciech Szczesny save from Robert Lewandowski in injury time stopped Arsenal finishing with nothing.
A defeat would have been harsh on the Gunners, especially after an improved rearguard action in the second half, but few could begrudge the German side a point from a match they dominated for long spells.
In fact, for 40 minutes in the first half Arsenal were kept almost completely on the back foot.
After Gervinho had been brilliantly denied an early shot on goal by Mats Hummels' outstretched boot, the German champions made a mockery of their fourth-seeding in this season's group-stage draw.

Mario Gotze was inventive, Lewandowski a menace, and Shinji Kagawa a constant source of energy as, time and again, the hosts played through a porous Arsenal midfield.

Kevin Grosskreutz fired over when well-placed in the box, Kagawa did similarly after being put through on goal and then Lewandowski, having rounded Szczesny, was denied by Bacary Sagna's goalline clearance.
With the Gunners far too lightweight in midfield, Mikel Arteta dropped back into a deeper-lying role. This freed Yossi Benayoun to go further forward, a move that helped forge a rare Arsenal chance on 30 minutes when the Israeli released Van Persie, only for the Dutchman's snap-shot to be tipped around the post.
Dortmund continued to control proceedings, however, and it looked only a matter of time before they would break through.
But then Arsenal scored. Sebastian Kehl's poor touch ended at Walcott's feet via Van Persie. The Englishman's return pass was a delight, allowing Van Persie to take a touch before rifling a rising drive past Roman Weidenfeller.
It was a big goal at the perfect time for the Gunners - and Wenger, seated in block 27, row 24, seat 63 of the 80,000-capacity stadium as a result of his touchline ban, will have liked what he saw after the break, too, Arsenal emerging in far better shape than they did the first.

Though Dortmund continued to boss possession and territory, they did so with far less venom than in the first half with Arsenal frustrating them by dropping a touch deeper and looking a lot more compact in midfield.
The outstanding Alex Song was at the heart of that for the visitors, and he played his part in creating a chance for Gervinho on the hour mark. The Ivorian danced past Neven Subotic and then Hummel before being denied by Weidenfeller.
With the clock ticking down and the hosts increasingly erratic in their attacking play, Arsenal looked comfortable.
It was then, though, that Dortmund finally produced a killer finish. Kieran Gibbs's half-clearance fell to substitute Perisic, who unleashed a fabulous dipping volley into the top corner.
Buoyed by their late strike and driven on by a rejuvenated and passionate home crowd, Dortmund went in search of a winner.
Lewandowski almost provided it in the dying seconds when he found himself one-on-one with Szczesny, but could not force the ball past the Polish keeper.
In the end, then, the Gunners were grateful for the final whistle - though a decent away performance overall should ensure they go into Matchday Two in a fortnight's time against Olympiakos in a confident mood.

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Rugby World Cup 2011 Pool C: Ireland make four changes

O'Brien's last game was against France on 20 August

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has made four changes to the side which laboured to a 22-10 victory over the United States in their World Cup opener.

Eoin Reddan, Sean O'Brien, Rob Kearney and Cian Healy return for Saturday's key Pool C clash against Australia.
European player of the year O'Brien is named at open-side after completing his rehabilitation from a knee injury which has kept him sidelined since 20 August.
Kearney has not played for a month due to a groin strain but is fit again.
He replaces Geordan Murphy at full-back while Healy is fit again after sustaining an eye injury against England two and a half weeks ago.

Declan Kidney

Apart from the absence of David Wallace, who was ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a knee injury in the warm-up defeat by England, Kidney has named his strongest side to face the Wallabies.
"The players coming back will bring freshness to the team," Kidney said.
"If you play the same team week in, week out, it becomes difficult for everybody.
"I didn't think Sean, Rob or Healy were as fit as they needed to be to play against the USA last week so they got another week under their belts.
"They're raring to go and that brings its own impetus into the team. That's what you need."
Kidney added he had no concern over Kearney's ability to finish the match, even though he has been restricted to just 140 minutes of rugby since last autumn.
Kidney revealed that blind-side flanker Stephen Ferris has played only a limited role in training since his comeback from a serious knee injury.
Kidney also said that hooker Jerry Flannery, who has been named on the bench, is to undergo a scan on a calf injury sustained in training.
The results of the scan are not expected until later on Wednesday at the earliest. Sean Cronin is on standby to fill the vacancy on the bench should Flannery fail to pull through.
Ireland team to play Australia:
Rob Kearney, Tommy Bowe, Brian O'Driscoll, Gordon D'Arcy, Keith Earls, Jonathan Sexton, Eoin Reddan; Cian Healy, Rory Best, Mike Ross, Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell, Stephen Ferris, Sean O'Brien, Jamie Heaslip. Replacements: Jerry Flannery, Tom Court, Donnacha Ryan, Denis Leamy, Conor Murray, Ronan O'Gara, Andrew Trimble.

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Rugby World Cup 2011: Warren Gatland weighs up Samoa options

Gatland left Waikato to become Wales coach in 2007

Head coach Warren Gatland has said he does not anticipate a huge number of changes to the Wales side to face Samoa in the World Cup on Sunday.

Gatland was pleased with his side's performance, if not the result, following their opening match against South Africa.
"I don't think there will be a huge number of changes," said Gatland.
Injured duo Gethin Jenkins and Stephen Jones have both resumed training after recovering from calf injuries.
Prop Jenkins has not played since 7 January after toe surgery, while fly-half Jones missed Wales' three World Cup warm-up matches and the defeat against the Springboks.
But Gatland has hinted both could be considered for selection against Samoa on Sunday if they stay fit.
"We've got a couple of players coming back from injuries," he said.
"We thought our scrum was excellent against South Africa.
"But we know what a world class player Gethin is and it's perhaps thinking how much game time do you try and give him before the quarter-final stage.
"He's confident he will be available."
Gatland said there were plenty of positives for Wales to take from the defeat against South Africa in their opening game.
But the New Zealander added his players had to forget about the Hamilton disappointment and look ahead to Sunday's match against old foes Samoa.
"We came into that game absolutely believing we were good enough to win," said Gatland of Sunday's defeat against the Springboks.

"The stats in terms of territory and possession put us in a position that we were able to win the game, unfortunately we've lost by a point.

"But we've got to pick ourselves up from that and start thinking about Samoa and the latter stages of this tournament.
"We've got to build from last week. We started well in terms of good performance [although] not a good results for us.
"One of things that we have been able to demonstrate in the past is that we have been able to get better as a team as games and tours have gone on.
"We've got to make sure we get better this week in Hamilton on Sunday - kick your drop goal and kick your penalty.
"That's how close the games are these days. That's how tight things are.
"We've just got to make sure at the highest level you take every opportunity that's presented to you.
"Unfortunately we had a couple of opportunities and we just didn't quite nail them and we've got to continue to work on."
Sunday's second Pool D game against Samoa will be staged in Gatland's home city of Wellington.
And the former Waikato coach is hoping the local supporters will be backing Wales against the Pacific Islanders.
"I'm hoping the Waikato people are going to get behind and support us," added Gatland.
"I know the two games here - Samoa and Fiji - there's going to be a massive amount of support for them.
"I've had a lot of calls and people contacting mew from Waikato [who] are going to get behind the team.
"Hopefully that should create a great occasion and a great atmosphere.
"I thought in the stadium in Wellington on Sunday the support we had was fantastic and really picked the boys up.
"From our performance at the weekend a lot of people said how unlucky we were and hopefully that's going to galvanise some people who might be sitting on the fence."

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The World Cup's hardest man?

Jacques Burger chuckles when I ask him to take me through his current list of injuries and ailments. "I've done my knee," says the Namibia captain and budding Saracens great. "I had a 'scope' on that the other day. I've got a bit of a dodgy elbow and I've got a couple of ankles that are a bit loose. But, all in all, nothing serious."

It is this sanguine attitude towards the kind of pain that would have most of us confined to bed enquiring after our mummies that has earned Burger a reputation as perhaps the hardest man in the English Premiership: Saracens' enforcer-in-chief and players' player of last season, the 28-year-old forward is the kind of man who would crawl over broken glass to triple-up on a tackle.

Possessing a battered head that points in a hundred different directions, if Picasso had painted Burger when the Spanish master was at his most surreal, the end result would have been a perfectly symmetrical representation of the ideal face.
"My wife thinks I'm good-looking," he says.

Burger (far left) lines up with his team before the game against Fiji. Photo: Getty
Burger is the inspirational leader of the lowest-ranked side at the World Cup, a bull shark in a very small pond. But it was not pre-ordained to be this way. His is the story of how sheer hard work and bloody-mindedness can take someone from rugby's shallows and transplant them to the very heights of the game.
You might call Burger the patron saint of minnows.

"It's been a long, long road," says Burger, who, until 2004, was a sales rep in his native Windhoek. "After school, I played for Free State in South Africa before I was offered a contract with [Currie Cup side] the Griquas and then made it into the Namibian team.

"Luckily, I got the opportunity to play under [former Saracens head coach] Brendan Venter for an African Leopards team against the British Army. When my contract ended with [South African provincial giants] the Blue Bulls, it was at the same time as Saracens needed a back-up loose-forward. So that was that. Now England's my second home."

While to Burger's team-mates he is a legend in their midst, Burger's attitude towards them is no less reverential. "Most of them have got 8am-5pm jobs, just like I used to have, are training in the afternoons and before work in the morning. Some guys have quit their jobs to be here, some guys are on unpaid leave. That's absolute commitment."

On Wednesday, Burger's Namibia take on Samoa in a Pool D encounter in Rotorua, rich in Maori culture and boasting dramatic hot springs and geysers but a quieter nook of the World Cup festival nonetheless. At the lakeside hotel that is Namibia's base, players wander past and fix me with an expression that says "what could this bloke want with us?"

Indeed, Burger's only frustration is not the change from the ultra-professionalism set-up at Saracens, with whom he won the Premiership title last season, it is that some of his team-mates do not believe they should be here.

"When you leak so many points, you do get frustrated, but only because I believe all the guys in my team are really good players," says the unremitting open-side flanker. "Sometimes it feels like they don't know how good they are. We can compete against the best but we don't - and that gets to me sometimes.

"There was a temptation in the past to try to do too much, try to do things out of the ordinary, and I've had to tell myself, 'that's not the way I play'. So you won't see me dropping back into the pocket and trying for the odd drop-goal. I've just got to do my job, pick up the guys and inspire them.
"If I don't play well as the captain, who are the guys going to look up to?"

Namibia came into this World Cup having conceded an average of 64 points per game, so their 49-25 defeat by Fiji last Saturday was at least a step in the right direction. That said, with Samoa, South Africa and Wales to come in the space of 12 days, that average could easily be maintained.
Burger is hit by Viliame Veikoso of Fiji. Photo: Getty
But Burger senses the less established sides are closing the gap, in large part because the professionalism he and others have learnt from some of the most knowledgeable coaches in the world is being ploughed into the lower reaches of the game.

"That's why the gap is narrowing, because lots of guys from the smaller nations are playing for professional sides now and putting some of their knowledge back," says Burger. "There are still a lot of financial things that need to be sorted out for the smaller nations to get where they want to be but it's going in the right direction.

"I've said to a few guys that it's amazing how your world can change in four matches at a World Cup. You saw how our fly-half [Theuns Kotze, who scored three drop-goals] did against Fiji. Doors could open for him. Hopefully, he'll get scooped up and he can put what he learns back into the national team."

When we shake hands at the conclusion of the interview, Burger comes over all bashful and says: "Thanks for all the nice things you've said about me." Lovely man. Unless you are an opposition fly-half, in which case he is wickedness personified.

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Rugby World Cup 2011: Courtney Lawes in two-match ban

Lawes leaves the disciplinary hearing having received a two-game suspension

England lock Courtney Lawes has been banned for two matches following his clash with Argentina's Mario Ledesma.

The 22-year-old will miss England's next two games, against Georgia on Sunday and Romania on 24 September.
Lawes, who pleaded not guilty, will be available for England's final group game against Scotland on 1 October.
Judicial officer Terry Willis imposed less than the minimum penalty because of Lawes' disciplinary record and "remorse".
The offence carries a guideline suspension of between three and 12 matches in the World Cup, but Lawes' offence was deemed 'low end'.England and Lawes have 48 hours in which to appeal against the decision and have not yet revealed if they intend to do so.
Lawes was found guilty of striking Ledesma with his knee during the first half of England's gruelling 13-9 win against the Pumas on Saturday and was cited for an infringement of law 10.4 (a) "punching or striking (with the knee)."
Video footage showed Lawes colliding with Ledesma knee-first after the Argentina hooker had already been tackled to the ground.
"It is a fast-moving game and he dived to make what he thinks is a try-saving tackle. We thought any contact was incidental but they thought differently," said England manager Martin Johnson.
Northampton's Lawes, who has 11 international caps, was also involved in a collision with Gonzalo Tiesi, who was ruled out of the tournament with knee ligament damage.
A statement from Rugby World Cup Limited read: "Having conducted a detailed review of all the evidence available, including all broadcast angles and additional evidence from the player and submissions from his counsel, the judicial officer upheld the citing on the basis that the player had committed an act of foul play.
"However, taking into account mitigating factors being his excellent disciplinary record and remorse and the absence of aggravating factors, the player was suspended for two weeks."
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US Open 2011: Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal in epic final

Djokovic has now won four Grand Slam titles in his career

Novak Djokovic confirmed his status as the world's best player with a stunning victory over defending champion Rafael Nadal to lift his first US Open title.

The top seed from Serbia gave a display of breathtaking quality to triumph 6-2 6-4 6-7 (3-7) 6-1 in four hours and 10 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Nadal, who was bidding to win his 11th Grand Slam title, has now lost all six of his meetings with Djokovic in 2011.
Djokovic holds the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open titles.
And he becomes only the sixth man in the Open Era to win three of the four majors in the same year.
"It's an incredible feeling," said the 24-year-old, who has lost only two of his 66 matches in 2011. "I've had an amazing year and it keeps going. Every time I play Rafa it's a big challenge.

"He's had a great tournament and I wish we have many more tough matches in the coming years."

Djokovic was beaten by Nadal at the same stage 12 months ago, but he turned the tables on the Spaniard this time around - and how.
The crowd were treated to several pulsating baseline rallies in the opening stages, Nadal breaking serve for 2-0 only to surrender his advantage immediately.
Djokovic showed brilliant skill in windy conditions to save three break points for 2-2 and constructed a couple of stunning combinations to strike in game five.
The top seed was dictating the tempo and he broke again when Nadal netted a backhand under pressure before serving out the 53-minute opener to love.
Nadal enjoyed a relatively comfortable service game to start the second set and then managed to break his opponent with a trademark forehand down the line.
But the errors returned in a truly incredible game three, which saw Djokovic squander five break points before converting a sixth when Nadal netted a routine smash.

It was a game that whipped the crowd into a frenzy but seemed to sap the life out of Nadal and after watching Djokovic hold to love, he fell 3-2 behind with a double-fault.
The 10-time Grand Slam champion dug deep to break back for 4-4 with a backhand pass, yet Djokovic quickly regained the momentum and served out for a two-set lead.
Both men produced some astonishing tennis at the beginning of the the third and, after swapping breaks, a perfectly-timed drop shot helped Djokovic move 3-2 ahead.
Nadal shook his head in disbelief but managed to level with a forehand down the line, secured the first service hold in five games and then engineered a break point at 4-3.
Djokovic averted the danger with a backhand winner to end a jaw-dropping 31-shot rally and another to break for 6-5, meaning he would serve for the match.
However, this time Nadal came out on top in a dramatic exchange that left Djokovic on his knees and helped the Spaniard force a tie-break.
The noise reached a deafening crescendo and Nadal responded with an all-out attack, crafting his way to 5-1 and taking the first of three set points when Djokovic lashed a tired forehand into the net.
Djokovic looked in real trouble when he required a treatment for a back problem at the changeover, but he came out firing and snapped up three straight games to put himself firmly on course for victory.
A comfortable service hold made it 4-1 and Djokovic thumped his chest with delight on breaking a weary Nadal to love in game six.
He unleashed a glorious inside-out forehand - his 51st winner of the match - to seal an unforgettable win and his fourth Grand Slam title.
"I'm disappointed but Novak is doing unbelievable things," said second seed Nadal. "What he did this year is probably impossible to repeat.
"I tried my best in every point. I tried to play aggressive but he made fantastic comebacks. I fought until last ball. I won a lot in the past but I have to work hard and come back stronger next year."

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Samantha Stosur breaks Aussie drought after winning U.S. Grand Slam

(CNN) -- Long considered one of the world's great tennis nations, Australia hasn't seen a Grand Slam title in almost 10 years -- when Lleyton Hewitt won Wimbledon in 2002. But the Down Under drought has been broken, after Samantha Stosur produced one of the biggest shocks in U.S. Open final history by beating Serena Williams 6-2 6-3 at Flushing Meadows in 73 minutes.
Stosur stuns Serena with straight sets final victory
The win also makes Stosur her country's first female Grand Slam champion since Evonne Goolagong Cawley won Wimbledon in 1980 and the first Aussie woman to win the U.S. Open since Margaret Court Smith in 1973.
Stosur's best previous effort was last year when she made the women's French Open final. But despite entering that match as a favorite, the 27-year-old was beaten by Italian Francesca Schiavone.
Background
According to Tennis Australia and her official website, Stosur was born in Brisbane, Queensland, in 1984, and started playing tennis at the age of eight.
The right-handed player went on her first tour to Indonesia aged 13, and joined the Australian Institute of Sport at 16.
She turned pro in 1999 and first cemented her tennis prowess as a doubles player, reaching the No. 1 ranking in doubles in February 2006, having claimed a series of titles with Lisa Raymond. The Australian-American duo won the U.S. Open in 2005 and the French Open in 2006.
But in 2007 Stosur's health declined -- she was diagnosed with Lyme disease, and also contracted viral meningitis. Consequently it wasn't until 2009 that she was again in top form and able to claim her maiden WTA title in Osaka in 2009.
By 2010 Stosur had decided to concentrate on singles and added a second WTA singles title in Charleston before culminating that year with her finals appearance at Roland Garros.

Coached by David Taylor, she's ranked tenth by the WTA, and currently resides in Tampa, Florida.

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Poland ready to tackle football hooligans

(CNN) -- In preparation for co-hosting next summer's Euro 2012 football championship, Poland has been transforming itself.

With help from EU funding, new airports, roads and impressive stadia are all set to be completed well in time before the first match kicks off in Warsaw on June 8.
From the infrastructure to the event itself, organizers are now focusing on the matches that will be played in four of Poland's cities.
"Now we are looking at organizational issues and the most important in that is safety. Poland is not more dangerous than other European countries, "said Adam Giersz, Poland's Minister for Sport and Tourism.
Great strides have been made in eradicating violence and hooliganism from football matches across Europe, but it remains a concern and on-going problem in many countries, including Poland.
The Polish Cup final in May between Legia Warsaw and Lech Poznan was marred by violent scenes and UEFA, European football's governing body, warned the Polish Football Association after hooliganism during the country's international match against Lithuania in March. However new laws on assembly and who can enter stadia were passed earlier this year and led to numerous arrests.
"They are already frightened because they were already arrested," said Gronkiewicz-Waltz, Warsaw's mayor.
"They were punished, some of the leaders were already punished by the courts and so I think (Euro 2012) will be ok."
Poland has looked to the UK for examples of how to improve safety around football matches.
"Our new safety law is based on the British system," said Giersz referring to the way English football clubs and UK government enacted numerous measures to remove a violent minority from attending football matches.
"The main points are to get rid of anonymity. Everyone at the stadium must be recognized by name and surname."
It is hoped that the face-recognition technology being trialed that can identify banned hooligans will be ready in time for the competition and augment other security measures, such security cameras and restricting access around stadia to ticket-holders.
The country will be under the spotlight in June, but many believe the planning and measures taken by Poland's government and the event's organizers will leave a positive legacy.
"I think new the stadiums in themselves will create more interest in football," said Krzysztof Dowhan, coach of Legia Warsaw.

"Fans will be able to enjoy the sport in more comfortable surroundings. Also I think more players from abroad will come to play in Poland which will in turn raise the standard of our game."

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Stosur stuns Serena with straight sets final victory

Samantha Stosur proved too strong for favorite Serena Williams, as she powered to an impressive U.S. Open win.

(CNN) -- Australia's Samantha Stosur produced one of the biggest shocks in U.S. Open final history, beating Serena Williams in straight sets at Flushing Meadows to secure her first Grand Slam success.

Williams, bidding for her fourth U.S. Open crown, had gone into the match as a hot favorite despite a troubled year blighted by injury and serious illness.
But Stosur never allowed the American, who was cheered on by a patriotic New York crowd on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, to settle -- claiming a spectacular 6-2 6-3 triumph in 73 minutes, as Williams lost her cool following a contentious umpiring decision.
"I had one of my best days and I'm very fortunate that I had it on this stage in New York," Stosur said after the match.
"Ever since I started playing, it was a dream of mine to be here one day, and now my dream has come true."
Stosur breaks Aussie drought
Stosur, whose run to the final included a marathon third-round victory over Nadia Petrova that lasted a tournament record three hours and 16 minutes, continued: "Serena, you are a fantastic player, great champion and have done wonders for our sport.
"Thanks to everyone back home for supporting me. All my friends, family and everyone else, thanks so much for supporting me. I look forward to coming back home."

Don't even look at me -- If I see you in the corridor, don't even walk past me
--Serena Williams to umpire Eva Asdaraki

Although she was only seeded 28th, Williams came into the tournament bang in form after winning two warm-up events -- including victory over Stosur in the final of the Rogers Cup in Toronto.
And the American was mightily impressive in dismantling world number one Caroline Wozniacki in the semifinals, while ninth seed Stosur struggled to beat unseeded German Angelique Kerber in three sets in the other semi.
With emotions high among New Yorkers, on a poignant day for the city, a Williams win looked set to provide the United States with a fitting end to a difficult occasion.
But Stosur, whose only previous Grand Slam final appearance came last year when she lost the French Open to Francesca Schiavone, did not read the script, dominating the opening set against the 13-time Grand Slam champion, who had reached this stage without dropping a set in the tournament.
Stosur broke Williams to lead 2-1 and then won the last 12 point of the set in an impressive display of pace and power.
Then came the talking point of the match. Williams had already saved one break point in the first game of the second set.
However, on the second break point, the American shouted "come on" as she unleashed a fierce forehand before Stosur had reached the ball.
Umpire Eva Asdaraki immediately penalized Williams for "intentional hindrance," and the point and the game went to Stosur.
Williams reacted angrily to the decision and was then given a code violation for verbal abuse.
The American immediately broke back and then held serve but continued to berate the umpire at the changeover, as her composure ebbed away.

I had one of my best days, and I'm very fortunate that I had it on this stage in New York
--Samantha Stosur

"Don't even look at me -- If I see you in the corridor don't even walk past me," shouted the 29-year-old. "A code violation for expressing my opinion?, we're in America -- you're unattractive inside"

Stosur then broke serve to take a 4-3 lead and broke Williams again to clinch a famous victory -- becoming the first Australian women's winner at Flushing Meadows since Margaret Court in 1973.
When asked about the incident after the match, Williams said: "I was just doing my best. I hit a winner but I guess it didn't count. It wouldn't have mattered anyway because Sam played really well and she is a great player."
She continued: "Six months ago I didn't think I would be standing here. I didn't think I would even be standing, let alone be here."

Stosur's victory means she joins Li Na and Petra Kvitova as first time Grand Slam winners this year.

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Palermo just edge Inter Milan in seven-goal thriller

(CNN) -- Palermo edged Inter Milan 4-3 in a thriller in Sicily, while Juventus opened their new stadium in style by defeating Parma 4-1 in Sunday's Italian Serie A matches. A double from Fabrizio Milito and goals from and Abel Hernandez and Maurizio Pinilla gave Palermo a dream start to the season as Inter lost despite Diego Milito twice giving them the lead and Diego Forlan scoring on his debut.
Meanwhile, in Turin, debutants Stephan Lichsteiner and Arturo Vidal, along with Simone Pepe and Claudio Marchisio, all found the net for Juventus, who conceded a late consolation penalty from Sebastian Giovinco.
Elsewhere, new Roma coach Luis Enrique had a disastrous debut as his team lost 2-1 at home to Cagliari and finished with 10 men.
Meanwhile, in the day's two English Premier League matches, Nigerian striker Peter Odemwingie scored a third-minute opener -- but then missed a penalty -- as West Bromwich claimed their first win of the season with a 1-0 success at Norwich.
In the other game, bottom side Blackburn earned their first point of the season, but Bobby Zamora's well-taken equalizer gave hosts Fulham a 1-1 draw after a fine strike from Ruben Rochina had put Rovers ahead.
In the German Bundesliga, both matches finished 2-1, with two Timmy Simons penalties giving Nuremberg victory at Cologne.
Meanwhile, Schalke missed out on the chance to claim a top three place when they let a 1-0 lead at Wolfsburg, for whom Mario Mandzukic scored twice.
There were only seven goals scored in the five Spanish Primera Liga matches with Rayo Vallecano versus Real Zaragoza and Racing Santander against Levante both ending 0-0.
Ruben Castro's late winner gave Real Betis a 1-0 success over Mallorca as the Seville-based club joined Real Madrid and Valencia on maximum points after two matches.

Elsewhere, Osasuna beat Sporting Gijon 2-1 for their first win of the season while Espanyol defeated Athletic Bilbao by the same score.

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Finland’s swamp soccer and sauna endurance

The Swamp Soccer World Championships in Finland. (courtesy of Visit Finland)

What do throwing electronics, sweating profusely and carrying a woman all have in common? They are among the many unusual, and sometimes downright strange competitions held in Finland every year.

This Nordic nation, mostly known for saunas, reindeer and white nights, is also home to some of the least traditional sporting contests in the word, such as a wife carrying world championship, a mobile phone throwing contest and a naked road race.
The 12th annual sauna endurance contest would have been held this year, but it was dropped after a Russian contestant died after spending six minutes in a 110-degree Celsius sauna.
For anyone travelling to Finland this summer, here are some of the country’s most unusual contests, all open to visitors and locals alike.
Wife Carrying World Championships, Sonkajärvi, 1 to 2 July
At some point in this eastern Finland region, legend has it that men raided villages and carried women out on their backs. That legend is the inspiration for this contest that will be held for the 16th time this year.
To win, a man carries a wife – not necessarily his own, but one that is over 17 years of age and weighs at least 49 kilos – through a 253.5m track made of sand, grass and a metre-deep water obstacle. The record so far is one minute, six seconds.
For those inexperienced in wife carrying, the contest’s website verses you in different styles – the wife dangling upside down on the carrier’s back, or being thrown over on the shoulder – and offers tips on where to practice, such as at the local supermarket. The participation fee is 50 euros per couple for the standard contest. There are also team and sprint competitions. The winners are awarded the wife’s weight in beer.
Swamp Soccer World Championships, Ukkohalla, 15 to 16 July
This contest in northeast Finland is exactly what it sounds like. Two teams, sometimes knee-deep in mud, play what is otherwise a regular soccer game except for the field being a sludgy bog. The tournament began in 1998 as a way for cross-country skiers to stay in shape during the summer. It has grown from a contest of 13 Finnish teams to last year’s 57, coming from around Europe to compete.
Mobile Phone Throwing World Championships, Savonlinna, 20 August
Based on the idea that after enough dropped calls, we all want to hurl our mobile phones out the window every now and then, this event began in eastern Finland in 2000. There are two competition categories: over the shoulder distance throwing, and “freestyle” throwing, which awards participants for aesthetics and creative choreography.  The winner of the 10th World Championships threw a mobile phone 79,60m. Registration costs 10 euros per adult and five for children.
Air Guitar World Championships, Oulu, 24 to 27 August
It is not clear how Finland became an air guitar mecca, but every August the winners of national air guitar contests around the world vie for the ultimate crown in Oolu, where unknowns are also welcome to enter via a Dark Horse Qualifying Round. A Frenchman has taken the air guitar crown for the two years in a row, winning a handcrafted electric guitar from Flying Finn Guitar Company.  Participation costs 25 euros.
The World Championships of Berry Picking, Suomussalmi, 3 September
Wild berries are big in Finnish summer cuisine, sweetened by the long cycle of sunlight. Participants in this contest have one hour to pick as many lingonberries (an arctic tundra fruit) as they can. The winning lot is based on weight, with the current record holder picked 27,98 kilos in 60 minutes. Participation is free of charge and the winner gets a cash prize.
Naked Road Race, Vesijako, June
You missed it this year, but the annual nude race takes place every June in Finland’s central lake district. Form is not as important as attire in this contest. Participants can run, walk or Nordic walk the 10k route, but may only wear shoes, socks and hats (women are allowed to wear sports bras).
The event’s organizers say the event was conceived as a humorous alternative to the many, serious races around the country. The run begins at 7:30 pm, but runners will still be exposed – mid-June is the peak of the white night season. The three fastest runners get trophies and sparkling wine, and all participants are invited for a sauna and swim nearby.

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