Ponting dominates Victoria

Day one ... Ricky Ponting dominates against Victoria in the Sheffield Shield. Source: Stuart Walmsley / News Limited

Ricky Ponting continued his impressive Sheffield Shield form ahead of next month's Test series against South Africa by hitting an unbeaten 89 for Tasmania against Victoria on Tuesday.

Bushrangers captain Cameron White won the toss at the MCG and chose to bowl on a green-tinged pitch, but No.4 Ponting stared down Test quicks James Pattinson and Peter Siddle to strike 10 fours and one six in his 136-ball knock.

Tasmania reached 3-315 at stumps on day one with George Bailey 13 not out.

SHEF - Melbourne Cricket Ground

23 October 2012 - Day 1, Session 3

Tasmania 1st Innings

R. Ponting	89	136	10	1	65.44
G. Bailey	13	32	1	0	40.63

Ponting, 37, has scored 217 Shield runs at 108.5 this season.

Victoria coach Greg Shipperd, a former Tasmania coach, lamented his Test-quality attacks' inability to find of good length against Ponting.

"We overlooked the short-ball process with him. He's a champion at playing that and we probably went there too often,'' Shipperd said.

"We needed to zero in on tougher, tighter areas for longer periods of time. But certainly Ricky looks in terrific form and that's a great and healthy place for Australia if he's in form.''

Alex Doolan fell five runs shy of scoring centuries in two successive Shield matches after he was bowled by Siddle for 95 in the 85th over and fifth with the second new ball.

Doolan, who struck 13 boundaries and faced 163 deliveries, shared a 151-run stand for the third wicket with Ponting.

Earlier, Mark Cosgrove (56) and Test batsman Ed Cowan (42) shared an opening stand of 90.

Cosgrove smashed a long-hop from off-spinner Glenn Maxwell to fine leg where Siddle took a diving catch in the fourth over after lunch.

The 28-year-old Cosgrove, a former Australian one-day representative, has scored 288 Shield runs at an average of 72 this season.

Cowan's 196-minute stay ended with the total on 134 when the Test opener poked a catch to David Hussey at second slip off the bowling of Clint McKay.

With national chairman of selectors John Inverarity looking on, Test pacemen Siddle (1-76 off 18 overs) and Pattinson (0-63 off 17) were unable to get early breakthroughs although they were more threatening with the second new ball.

Victoria are on top of the table with two wins to start the season.

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Ferguson ton puts Redbacks on top

Century ... South Australia's Callum Ferguson gets on the back foot against Queensland. Source: David Mariuz / AAP

A tenacious ton by Callum Ferguson helped South Australia to 5-256 against Queensland on Tuesday's opening day of the Sheffield Shield match in Adelaide.

Ferguson arrived with the Redbacks a perilous 2-29 but was unbeaten on 115 at stumps.

SHEF - Adelaide Oval

23 October 2012 - Day 1, Session 3

South Australia 1st Innings

C. Ferguson	115	249	10	0	46.18
T. Ludeman	33	92	3	0	35.87

Queensland captain James Hopes (2-52) struck early blows, including dismissing Test hopeful Phil Hughes for eight.

Hughes was harshly given out lbw to a ball appearing on a path above stump-high, denying the left-hander a chance to press his claims for Australia's three-Test series against world No.1 South Africa starting November 9.

Hopes also soon rid third-gamer Sam Miller (eight) and the Redbacks, winless in 18 Shield games dating back to November 2010, were wobbling again.

But Ferguson tempered his usual dash with a century of substance, batting more than six hours, facing 249 deliveries and hitting 10 fours.

"It makes it a little bit more special, it was probably the hardest that I have had to work for my hundreds,'' Ferguson said.

"That is the sort of mentality that I want.''

The 27-year-old initially combined with Michael Klinger for a 64-run stand which steadied the home side.
But the partnership ended when Klinger, seemingly set on 48, chopped a short Ben Cutting delivery into his stumps.

Ferguson then put on 57 runs with 19-year-old Travis Head, who cruised to 22 before being caught at short cover from the offspin of Nathan Hauritz (1-73 from 20 overs).

The former Australia representative said anytime you score runs the national selectors took notice.

"Whenever you're making runs, you tend to put your name forward,'' he said.

"It's not obviously a conscious thing to just focus on yourself and try and put your name forward.

"By focusing on the team, you tend to get the results you're looking for and you tend to put your name up, so there is no doubt that runs catch the attention.''

Redbacks allrounder Dan Christian contributed 14 but was bowled as Cutting (2-46) claimed his second victim.

But Ferguson and wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Ludeman (33 not out) progressed untroubled until stumps.

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Tigers to unveil Potter this week

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Mick Potter ... pictured (right) will be unveiled as the Tigers' new coach this week. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Mick Potter has already been in contact with members of the Wests Tigers backroom staff ahead of his expected unveiling as the NRL club's new head coach later this week.

Potter is set to succeed 2005 premiership-winning mentor Tim Sheens, whose 10-year tenure with the joint-venture club came to an abrupt end last month when he was relieved of his coaching duties with two years left on his contract after the side failed to make the 2012 finals.

Sheens has been offered a new senior role at the club, though there has been no confirmation to date as to whether he will accept the position.

After initially being linked to Manly assistant coach Matt Parish, Potter - the former Catalans, St Helens and Bradford head coach - has emerged as the man to lead the Tigers in a new direction.

It is believed he will sign a two-year deal with the club.

Potter, 49, will have a battle ahead of him as he attempts to placate fans and sponsors unhappy with the direction of the financially embattled club.

The Tigers were early premiership favourites for the 2012 season before inconsistent performances ensured they failed to make the top eight.

Sheens's unpopular decision to offload Beau Ryan and Chris Heighington resulted in a backlash from the playing group, while New South Wales hooker Robbie Farah - once considered part of the furniture at the Tigers - has been linked with a move to Parramatta in 2014.

New Zealand captain Benji Marshall is another whose future at the Tigers has also been the subject of increased scrutiny.

Potter comes highly regarded, having served his apprenticeship with four years as St George Illawarra's Premier League coach.

He then had six years as a head coach in the Super League, steering Catalans to the 2007 Challenge Cup final when the former St George captain was named Super League coach of the year.

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Emerton wants Socceroos recall

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Ambition ... Midfielder Brett Emerton wants to return to the Socceroos line-up. Source: Darko Vojinovic / AP

Overlooked Socceroos veteran Brett Emerton wants to use next month's international friendly against South Korea as his springboard back into the national setup.

Emerton also said he felt the friendly was an ideal time to experiment with the lineup and test out some new talent with more than five months until Australia's next World Cup qualifying match.

Emerton, who last represented Australia in November last year, said he still harboured ambitions to wear the green and gold - admitting it was one of his main motivations when recovering from an ankle injury.

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"That's been my aim since coming back from surgery five or six months ago,'' Emerton said on Monday.

"I feel I'm back. I've got three games under my belt and I'm feeling stronger with each one.

"I hope to have the opportunity to play for the Socceroos again soon. You put your hand up for any international game.

"It's always an honour and a privilege to represent your country. Time will tell (but) I'd love to wear the green and gold again.''

And while 33-year-old Emerton is eager to get back into the national team, he also admitted this match could serve as the ideal way to give some of Australia's young stars a taste of the international stage.

The likes of Tommy Oar, Mitchell Langerak, James Holland and Adam Sarota could all be considered by coach Holger Osieck - a move which would please Emerton.

"Any opportunity to blood young players in the national team is a good one,'' he said.

"It's Holger's decision entirely. In any team it's about finding the right balance and when it is the right time to do so.''

Osieck said the November 14 friendly against South Korea in Hwaseong would be valuable preparation, with Australia desperate to build on the scrappy 2-1 victory over Iraq.

South Korea are top of their World Cup qualifying group after posting convincing wins against Qatar and Lebanon, a draw against Uzbekistan and a loss to Iran.

"This will be another important game as part of our preparation for the second phase of this round of qualifiers,'' Osieck said.

"We are now at the halfway mark and we need to focus on our remaining qualification matches. The match will serve as a good comparison test for us.''

The match at Hwaseong Stadium will kick off at 7pm local time (9pm AEDT) and will be the Socceroos' final match of the year.

Osieck's team will resume World Cup qualification in March, when they host Oman at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

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'Del Piero carrying Sydney FC'

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Del Piero ... has carried Sydney FC, according to Steve Pantelidis. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Perth Glory defender Steve Pantelidis will have a point to prove when he comes up against Sydney FC marquee Alessandro Del Piero in Sunday's A-League clash at ANZ Stadium.

Del Piero has scored two goals in three games this season, with last week's winner against Western Sydney lifting the Sky Blues to their first points of the campaign.

The Italian great will celebrate his 38th birthday next month, but age has not robbed him of his renowned magic.

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Pantelidis isn't foreign to coming up against big-name Sydney FC marquees.

In his first game for Melbourne Victory seven years ago, Pantelidis could only watch on as Trinidad and Tobago superstar Dwight Yorke scored against him.

Pantelidis is desperate to ensure Del Piero doesn't enjoy a similar result.

"I've seen him and he's been brilliant," Pantelidis said of Del Piero on Monday.

"He's probably carried them somewhat and he's deserving of his marquee status.

"Hopefully we can keep him quiet this weekend.

"My first game was against Dwight Yorke in the first year of the A-league and he scored against me.

"So if I'm lucky enough to play and I'm marking Alessandro, hopefully he doesn't score.

"But if we focus too much on him, they'll probably get the better of us."

Perth sit equal top of the table with Adelaide and Newcastle following Sunday's 2-0 win over Melbourne Heart.

Pantelidis played solidly in the heart of defence in that game, and the 29-year-old hopes he can hold his spot even if fellow centre back Bas van den Brink is ready to return from a calf injury.

Japanese midfielder Ryo Nagai and star Glory striker Shane Smeltz will miss Sunday's encounter due to hamstring injuries.

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Tiger eyes McIlroy rivalry

Rivalry ... Tiger Woods wants to keep battling Rory McIlroy for the World No.1 ranking. Source: Marwan Naamani / AFP

Fourteen-time major winner Tiger Woods said on Monday he was looking forward to a decade of battles with US PGA champion Rory McIlroy as the world's top two prepare to go head-to-head in China.

The 23-year-old McIlroy, who has won two majors in as many years, is viewed by many as the heir apparent to 36-year-old Woods, whose last triumph in one of golf's major championships came at the US Open in 2008.

Woods's victory at Torrey Pines came shortly before his career imploded amid a scandal surrounding his private life which saw the American drop out of the top 50.

But three PGA Tour wins this year have propelled him to No.2 in the rankings.

Now Woods says he's ready to challenge top-ranked McIlroy and will aim to put one over on him when they meet on October 29, after his America side came second best to the Northern Irishman's Team Europe at the Ryder Cup last month.

"It's going to be a lot of fun going head-to-head with Rory,'' Woods said of their 18-hole medal-matchplay contest at Jinsha Lake Golf Club in Zhengzhou.

"We're going to go out there and hopefully play well, give it a go and entertain the gallery,'' he added, predicting there will be many more classic contests between them over the next few years.

"We've all seen how talented Rory is. It'll be fun to battle him for the next decade or so and hopefully we'll have many battles to come,'' he added in comments released by the organisers.

McIlroy regained the world No.1 spot from England's Luke Donald following his US PGA Championship victory in August, adding to the US Open title he won in 2011.

The "Duel at Jinsha Lake'' is expected to draw huge galleries as fans in China get a rare chance to see the world's top two in action in a country where golf is becoming increasingly popular.

"I enjoy head-to-head events, so it's great to do this in China,'' Woods said.

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Polished Diamonds thrash NZ

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Goal machine ... Australia's Catherine Cox (C) scored 29 of her 36 attempts. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

World champions Australia recorded their highest-ever score against New Zealand as they thrashed the Silver Ferns 68-48 in their Quad Series netball clash in Sydney on Sunday.

The Australians' points tally eclipsed their previous best against their arch-rivals of 67 set in 1992.

It was also the Diamonds' biggest winning margin over New Zealand in 12 years.

Susan Pratley made 29 of 32 attempts while fellow Australian shooter Catherine Cox made 29 of 36 in front of 13,640 at Allphones Arena.

The Diamonds surged out to lead 19-9 at quarter-time and increased the margin at every break.

After three rounds, they are now the only unbeaten team at the midway point in the Quad Series which also involves England and South Africa.

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Davison snatches Gold Coast win

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Davison ... celebrates with Mika Salo after his Gold Coast 600 win. Source: Brendan Radke / News Limited

Ford driver Will Davison bounced back to claim his seventh V8 Supercars race win of 2012 at the Gold Coast on Sunday.

But the Ford Performance Racing (FPR) pilot says he's no chance of making a late charge in this year's championship race, which is increasingly looking like a two-way battle between teammate Mark Winterbottom and Holden rival Jamie Whincup.

Davison's win came 24 hours after he made a rudimentary error in his first lap of Saturday's 300km race, hitting a wall within minutes of taking over from Finnish co-driver Mika Salo at the 2.96km Surfers Paradise circuit.

Ex-Formula One driver Salo set up Sunday's win, driving 56 of the 102 laps in the race - 22 more than his minimum requirement - to hand over to Davison with the No.6 Falcon in a position for victory.

While Davison's win ends a barren run stretching back to his last victory in May, Whincup's win on Saturday with French co-driver Sebastien Bourdais and second place on Sunday means the defending champion now holds a commanding 218 point lead with just seven races left in 2012.

Davison said he was delighted to make up for his Saturday error but refused to even contemplate an unlikely title push.

"I was really, really angry with myself to be honest but I used that energy today to come back better and better,'' Davison said.

"It'd (the title) be a miracle wouldn't it? Yesterday put the nail in the coffin, particularly as we were in a position to win yesterday's race.

"We'll just try and battle hard and salvage what we can out of the year.''

Davison's win ended an 11-race winning streak for the TeamVodafone outfit of Whincup and Craig Lowndes but Whincup still heads to the next event in Abu Dhabi within grasp of his fourth V8s crown.

But the four-time Bathurst winner was refusing to get too cocky with a maximum haul of 900 points still up for grabs.

"I say it every year and I'm generally proven right, it always comes down to a handful of points in Sydney,'' he said.

"We'll just keep our head down. In a great position, no more, no less than that.''

FPR's Winterbottom, who partnered with Australian IndyCar star Will Power for the weekend, emerged as Whincup's nearest rival by securing his second third-place finish on Sunday, moving ahead of Lowndes in the standings after the 38-year-old could only manage to come sixth in both races.

Winterbottom said he was looking forward to stepping up the rivalry in the Middle East, where the V8s will compete in three short 12-lap races as part of the undercard to the Formula One race at the Yas Marina circuit from November 2-4.

"I think the format's going to be quite good,'' Winterbottom said.

"It's pure racing, there's no team to help you. You've just got to go out, qualify well and race, it's going to be a good battle.''

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Glory finish over top of Heart

Dylan MacCallister ... was on the losing side as the Heart visited the Glory. Source: AAP

A goal in either half propelled Perth Glory to a 2-0 win over Melbourne Heart and top spot on the A-League ladder.

The Glory had the better of the chances at nib Stadium on Sunday night with both goals coming from corners - Dean Heffernan grabbing the first and Billy Mehmet the second to secure the relatively comfortable victory without stars Shane Smeltz and Bas van den Brink.

Coming off last season's heartbreaking grand final loss to the Brisbane Roar, the Glory have now sandwiched two home wins around a 1-0 loss away to the Central Coast Mariners.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Adelaide	3	2	0	1	2	6
2	Perth	3	2	0	1	2	6
3	Newcastle	3	2	0	1	0	6
4	Wellington	3	1	2	0	2	5
5	Brisbane	3	1	1	1	4	4
6	Central Coast	3	1	1	1	0	4
7	Heart	3	1	1	1	-1	4
8	Sydney	3	1	0	2	-2	3
9	Victory	3	1	0	2	-5	3
10	Western Sydney	3	0	1	2	-2	1

The Glory controlled the majority of the contest and deservedly came away with full points, taking some air out of the Heart's impressive opening to the season which had yielded a win and draw over the opening two weeks under new coach John Aloisi.

The Heart got close to an early goal with a well-taken free kick from David Williams that Fred just put over the crossbar, before the Glory seized control of the match.

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Re-live the game as it happened with our A-League Match Centre, featuring video highlights and all the key stats!

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Heffernan had two golden chances in the 11th minute, both tremendously saved by the Heart on the goal line, while Mehmet was a constant menace in the box.

The Glory were eventually rewarded for their efforts when Heffernan tapped in a corner from Liam Miller in the 38th minute.

Heart captain Fred was substituted at halftime with his right eye swelling up after a first half clash with Glory defender Michael Thwaite.

The move worked in Melbourne's favour with his replacement Josip Tadic helping to give the visitors some drive in attack.

But the Glory refused to take their foot off the pedal, Mehmet missing with a header before Steve McGarry blew the day's easiest opportunity when he shot high when alone in the box.

Chris Harold missed an outstanding chance to make it 2-0 in the 84th minute when he missed when presented with a one-on-one with Heart keeper Clint Bolton, Mehmet eventually confirming the points when he turned in a corner four minutes from time.

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Dunaden wins Caulfield Cup

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What a return ... Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden snares victory in the Caufield Cup. Source:News Limited

French stayer Dunaden has built on an impressive Australian record with a breathtaking Caulfield Cup victory.

Producing a sweeping run from well back in the field, Dunaden overhauled veteran stayer Alcopop to claim the $2.5 million race.

The Peter Moody-trained Lights Of Heaven finished third, just in front of Americain, also from France.

Dunaden's victory completed a reverse double of the spring carnival's feature Cups.

He won last year's Melbourne Cup but this time he did it with champion Australian jockey Craig Williams in the saddle.

Williams missed the Melbourne Cup ride because of suspension.

"This horse is just a remarkable horse," Williams said.

"We seem to have a great connection and he just lifts for me."

Dunaden is now eligible to be re-handicapped for next month's Melbourne Cup.

But stable spokesman Geoffrey Faber says it would be unfair to penalise the seven-year-old.

"He's a racehorse not an airplane ... he shouldn't get a penalty," Faber said. "Besides he didn't win by that far, did he?"

Starting at $14, Dunaden beat Alcopop ($16) by a half length with Lights Of Heaven ($11) another three quarters of a length away third.

Overseas-trained horses filled three of the first five placings with My Quest For Peace finishing just behind Americain in fifth.

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