Ryan Giggs captain GB football team at London 2012 Olympics

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs has been appointed captain of Great Britain football team for the Olympics

Stuart Pearce said that a number of players were capable of the role, but Giggs was the “standout captain” in the 18 man squad.

The 38-year-old player said: “It’s a tremendous honor to be captain.”

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Ryan Giggs to be captain of GB's football team in London Olympics 2012

Giggs is one of the 3 over-age player in the squad, will lead Great Britain team to face Brazil on 20^th July in a warm-up match at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium.

In his career, Giggs has had 12 Premier League titles and 2 Champions League with Manchester United.

“He’s got the respect of all members of the group,” said Pearce, who provoked controversy by not picking David Beckham in the team GB party. “I looked at the squad and I thought there are some good candidates there.”

"Aaron Ramsey captains Wales, Micah Richards has captained Manchester City at times, Craig Bellamy for the experience he's had and one or two others within the camp as well.

"But I think Ryan is the standout captain amongst the group.

"It was the easiest decision of my managerial career. He has been one of the best professionals of the last 20 years.”

Giggs, who retired from international football since 2007, did not experience much competitive football for Wales because of their failure to reach World Cup or European Championship.

After facing Senegal on 26 July, Great Britain will meet United Arab Emirates at Wembley on 29 July.

Pearce also revealed that Daniel Sturridge, who missed the preparation camp at Loughborough and will miss training sessions in Spain next week due to viral meningitis, will be assessed early next week to see if he fits for the Olympics

He said: “If he is truly fit, he will stay with us. If we think there are any doubts in any shape or form, we will call someone else to replace him.

“July 25 is the latest we can make that decision”. 

Bayer Leverkusen rejected Chelsea’s €20 million bid for Andre Schurrle

Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly rejected Chelsea’s offer of €20 million for forward Andre Schurrle.

The London club already signed Eden Hazard and Marko Marin this summer but continue to be linked with players across Europe

After failing with a bid for Wigan winger Victor Moses last week, it seems that Chelsea was ready to make a move on Schurrle. But it appears that Bayer Leverkusen was ready to keep the forward.

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Andre to stay at Bayer Leverkusen

Leverkusen CEO Wolfgang Holzhauser was quoted in his statement to German news agency SID on Sunday: “We were presented withy a very concrete offer from Chelsea for Andre of beyond the €20 million mark.

“The sum was pushed back and forth between two clubs. We ultimately chose Andre.

“He is very valuable to us and also made it clear that he would like to stay with us.”

Roberto Mancini signs record breaking contract with Manchester City

Mancini’s new £37.5 million contract makes him British football’s highest-paid manager. With this contract, the City’s chief cleared off speculation over his future despite a very tempting offer of £6.5 million a year by Russian FA.

He said: “I’m very much looking forward to the challenges and excitement ahead. The opportunity that exits to build on our recent success is huge.”

The 47-year-old coach was wanted by Russian FA to replace the Dick Advocaat, who left right after EURO 2012, for their World Cup 2018 Plan, which will be hosted in Russia.

However, Mancini was ready to commit a 5 year contract with the English Premier League champion. His record breaking £7.5 million a year takes him way above Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson in the pay league.

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Fergie only earns around £4 million a year at Old Trafford.

This new contract is the gift for Mancini’s achievement of guiding City to their first title in 44 year.

Mancino's record-breaking contract underlies City's stability

“I’m delighted to be able to give my all to City for a further five years,” he said.

“This is a fantastic club from the owner, chairman, board and executive team through to players, staff and fans.”

The Italian coach ended the club’s 35-year long wait for silverware with last year’s FA triumph, followed by winning the Premier League on the final day 12 months later.

This news, therefore, will come a relief to City supporters. 

Park Ji-Sung leaves Man Utd and completes QPR move

QPR has announced the signing of Park Ji-Sung from Manchester United.

Park made an appearance at a press conference on Monday after agreeing to two-year deal with a club for a fee believed to be around £2.5 million.

The South Korea international revealed that he hasn’t spoken to Sir Alex Ferguson about this move. “It was a difficult decision but I had to do it,” said Park.

“QPR showed me their ambition, and that is why I think it was time to have a new challenge.

“I think it is the right challenge. I’m looking forward to my time at QPR.”

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Park Ji-Sung completes QPR deal

QPR had promised that their press conference would “put the QPR bran on a global scale” and had many members of the Asian press attending.

Mark Hughes, QPR’s boss, on the other hand insisted that the Park was signed purely because of his skill.

“He is someone that I’ve admired from afar for many, many years,” he said.

“He’s a player with great energy, great technical ability and he will bring a lot to the team.

“He’s a very motivated guy. It’s a very exciting time for QPR and he will be a big part of that.”

Manchester United defender Fabio da Silva has already joined the club on a season-long loan.

Luke Shaw not for sale, insisted Nigel Adkins

Southampton manager, Nigel Adkins, insists that Luke Shaw, who has been reported with a move to Chelsea, is not for sale.

Shaw had only one first team appearance for the newly-promoted EPL team, but have been linked to many big boys.

Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham have shown interest in the left-back, but last week there’s report that Chelsea is leading the race and willing to folk out £4 million to secure the deal. Luke Saw made his first team debut in the FA Cup at Millwall last season.

However, Southampton boss confirmed that he has no intention of letting the young talent leave the club.

"Luke Shaw is a big part of our future plans," he told the Daily Star.

"We have got no intention, believe you me, of letting any of our young players move on.

"We want them in the first team in the Premier League, playing for Southampton Football Club."

Nigel Adkins insisted that Luke Saw is not for sale

Andy Carroll on loan to AC Milan?

AC Milan are reportedly considering making a loan on Liverpool striker Andy Carroll.

Pier Silvio Berlusconi, the president of Mediaset – the holding company that owns AC Milan – and the son of the club owner Silvio Berlusconi, urged his father last week to make for the Englishman this summer.

The Junior the Berlusconi has acted as the consultant on the club’s transfer deals in recent years. He believes that Carroll will be a valuable addition to the club.

The Sun has revealed that Berlusconi is seriously considering taking his son’s advice and might make a loan move for Liverpool striker soon.

However, it seems that Milan is unwilling to stump up the required cash for a permanent deal.

Former England striker Mark Hateley, a member of Milan after transferring from Portsmouth at the age of 21, said he believed that Carroll will benefit by playing for AC Milan.

Andy Carroll

"It would be breath of fresh air for Andy Carroll," he told talkSPORT.

"It would be great to go away and test himself in a new environment, a new culture and a different way of living.

"That was key for my development when I was so young. I played under a young Fabio Capello at Milan. They teach you the game inside and out, that’s what they do in these countries, especially Italy.

"Big strikers have always been a handful. It would be great for Andy and, when he’s taken all that on board, it’ll be great for England.

"At his age you’re still very young and very raw. You’re susceptible to taking on new projects and ideas.

"He’s got great strengths in his game already but he still has a lot of weaknesses. They [Milan] can deconstruct his game and build it back up again to the way a European centre-forward should be."

Wimbledon 2012: Federer made history, Murray denied yet again

Andy Murray, the world number 4, was aiming to be the first British man since Fred Perry in 1936 to win a major single title.

But the Swiss best, Roger Federer, denied him once again by winning 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 to match Pete Sampras’ record of 7 Wimbledon title, and regain the world number one ranking.

Federer won his seventh Wimbledon and reclaimed the world number 1 ranking

Murray now has lost all four of his Grand Slam finals. Incidentally, his coach Ivan Lendl shared the same faith as he lost his first four Grand Slam finals.

The Briton, however, was able to win his first set in a Grand Slam final, something that he wasn’t able to do, partly due to his inexperience and nervousness. Mentality, on the other hand, wasn’t shown on Murray’s game last night as he started off excellently.

The Fed Express was the one that seemed to be under pressure as he uncharacteristically started off slow and gave Murray the early lead of 2-0 in the first set. Murray kept on coming at it, and got the first set after another break in the 10^th game.

In second set, both players were consistent in their service game. Federer hel 6-5 before going on his attack. Coming from 15-40 down he leveled the match with a sensational backhand drop volley.

Third set was halted because of heavy rain and for the first time the roof was closed in a Wimbledon final. This was the turning point of the game as Federer’s near perfect game indoor.

Even so, Federer fully deserved his victory as his splendid display in the last two sets. We once again saw the man that was above everyone else, as he fired shots after shots from forehand to backhand, slice to lob. Despite being the younger in the final, Murray fell down 3 times in the third set and chasing the ball with heavy feet in fourth set.

17 Grand Slam title and 286 week as world number one for Federer, the arguably all time best.

“It’s amazing. It equals me with Pete Sampras, who’s my hero,” said Federer, who lost in the quarterfinals at the All England Club 2010 and 2011. “It just feels amazing”.

“This year I guess I decided in the bigger matches to take it more to my opponent instead of waiting a bit more for mistakes”.

“Yeah, this is I guess how you want to win Wimbledon, is by going after your shots, believing you can do it, and that’s what I was able to do today. It’s special”.

Murray broke down in tears at the end, having beaten by Federer in three Grand Slam finals. He directed at the crowd: “Everybody always talks about the pressure playing at Wimbledon, how tough it is. It’s not the people watching. They make it so much easier to play. The support has been incredible, so thank you.”

Tears had been shed for Murray, he now has lost all his four Grand Slam finals

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Real Madrid hijack Chelsea bid for Maicon?

Real Madrid are reportedly ready to make a late bid to hijack Chelsea's attempts to sign Inter Milan defender Maicon

Report in Italy last week indicated that Chelsea is closing on the deal for Maicon, which is believed to be set at around £6 million.

However, according to Marca, Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is ready to hijack his former club for the full-back in a late deal with his another former club. He was thought to have cooled his interest in the Brazil international.

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Maicon is Mourinho's target

Maicon is believed to prefer to move to Spanish capital, but also open to the idea of joining Chelsea when Mourinho had not showed his intention to bring him back to Bernabeu.

Chelsea are keen on bringing in a new right-back this summer and have been linked with Ajax's Gregory van der Wiel and Cesar Azpilicueta of Marseille in recent weeks following the recent departure of Jose Bosingwa, while Lille’s Mathieu Debuchy is also on their radar.

Paris Saint-Germain have shown interest in Maicon, while agent Roberto Calenda earlier this year claimed Manchester United were keen on signing his client in addition to Madrid.

Arsenal FC fans will "slaughter" Robin Van Persie

Arsenal FC fans will "slaughter" Robin Van Persie after his decision to quit the club, former Gunner Paul Merson warned.

The Dutchman will be out of contract with Arsenal at the end of next season and on Wednesday announced that he does not plan to sign further deal at Emirates Stadium. This news has sparked a £25 million battle to secure his service while the transfer window is still open

This decision has not come as surprise to many with Persie's reluctance to further discuss his future at the club in the recent months. However many fans have been left fuming by the 28-year-old player's announcement.

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Robin Van Persie, from hero to zero?

Merson believes that Robin will come to regret his decision - and will receive some fierce criticism should the club decides not to sell him.

"Not many players leave Arsenal, very rarely, and don't regret it. It's an unbelievable club," Merson told Sky Sport News

"It's perfect. I'd have liked him to stick it out.

"I'm a bit gutted really. He's burnt his bridges. If he comes back and they don't sell him the fans are going to slaughter him.

"They'll be devastated. He's top-drawer player. World class."

Manchester City and Juventus have shown serious interest in Robin Van Persie should he leaves Arsenal this summer. In other report, Manchester United is believed to be preparing to make a move. 

Radwanska and Williams reach Wimbledon final

In Centre Court, Radwanska only needed one hour and nine minutes to secure victory over Kerber. She is the first Polish woman to reach a grand slam final for 75 years.

It did not look promising for the World number 3 when she was broken early in the first set, only to come back strongly in the sixth and eighth games to win 5 games in a row. Her relentless tennis forced the German to make many errors. After the decisive break in the sixth game of second set, the Polish sealed the straight set victory 6-3 6-4 to reach her first Gran Slam final

After the match, she said: "You really want to try your best but sometimes you want it too much and your hands are shaking. After that I concentrated on every point.

"I had a tough quarter-final and it was good to have a day off and rest because it's always tough against Angie.

"We are very good friends but on court we're opponents and you're trying everything to make the final."

Later on Centre Court, Serena Williams overpowered World Number 2 Victoria Azarenka and produced a Wimbledon record with 24 aces.

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Serena Williams is one victory away from her fifth Wimbledon title

Williams now moved within one victory of a fifth Wimbledon title. Her serve was impregnable and when she broke Azarenka in the third game of second set, victory seemed to be just matter of time. It was 3-1 lead for the sixth seed.

But Australian Open Champion Azarenka stopped Williams' momentum by breaking in the sixth game hence forcing a second tie-break.

The 22-year-old saved one match point in tie-break only to hit the net with a sloppy backhand right after, allowing Williams to serve for the match. Another aces for the American sealing the straight set victory.

Williams, who hit 45 winners in the match against Arazenka, expects her opponent to return well on Saturday. "She's going to get every ball back", she said. "I've been working so hard, I really wanted it. I was looking too far in the future. I was so close, but I can't do that".

Today on Centre Court the men semi-finals will take place. Federer will take on Djokovic while Murray, the hope of Britain, will face Frenchman Tsonga. 

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Andy Murray got the better of David Ferrer to reach Wimbledon semis

It was a superb fight back of Andy, grinding down David Ferrer to reach his fourth successive Wimbledon semis.

From a set and a break down, Murray came back and went through after 4 sets in three hours and 52 minutes.

This was a sweet revenge for the Scot after beaten by Ferrer in the quarter-finals of the French Open.

No British man has won a major since Fred Perry landed the Wimbledon and US Open titles in 1936, and Murray is the best hope in recent years.

Murray into semis

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After the match, Murray said: “It was a very tough match, a long match, a lot of tight moments. He’s a great player and sometimes doesn’t get enough respect.

“I’ve known him for a long time and he’s an unbelievably hard worker”

But it would have required more than hard work to beat Murray in this form. A rain delay in the fourth set only delayed the inevitable. However, Ferrer had given Murray a stern test after taking the first set and won a break in the second set.

Murray will be facing Tsonga in the semi-finals, the Frenchman showed a very steady performance since French Open till now. He almost got the better of defending champion Djokovic in the French Open quarter finals. It will be an interesting match to watch.

Federer and Djokovic to meet in semis

Six-time champion Roger Federer will once again face defending champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals at Wimbledon after both cruised easily through their quarter finals on Wenesday.

In only an hour and 32 minutes, the man with 16 Grand Slam titles beat Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny 6-1 6-2 6-2 on Centre Court.

Not less impressive, Djokovic took down Florian Mayer 6-4 6-1 6-4 in an hour and 44 minutes.

It is the sixth time in the last eight Grand Slam tournaments that Swiss met top seed Djokovic have met in the final four.

Djokovic has won four of those encounters, although this will be the first time they battle on the grass of Wimbledon.

“I though I played great out there” Roger said. “I’m extremely happy to be back in the semi-finals here at Wimbledon.

“I think it helps when royalty shows up and other legends of the game come to see my play. I think it’s inspiring. I’m happy they came to support tennis and support me. It was very special”

Djokovic, a five-time major champion, said: “I’m looking forward to it. It’s always a pleasure playing him. He is a great champion.

Djokovic looks clear in defending the title

“He has dominated for so long. He is so consistent and for me it will be the ultimate challenge.”

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Arsenal FC responded to Persie’s announcement with an ambitious plan

Arsenal have responded to the Dutchman’s announcement of leaving the club with a statement that they are “planning with ambition and confidence for next season”.

Persie has only 1 year left on his contract with the London club has put Manchester City and many other clubs on alert by confirming that he will not sign further deal with the club.

In response, the Gunners released a statement just few hours later: “We have to respect Robin’s decision not to renew his contract.

“Robin has one year to run on his current contract and we are confident that he will fulfill his commitments to the club.

“We are planning with ambition and confidence for next season with Arsenal’s best interests in mind.”

The gunners responded to Persie's public statement

Commenting for BBC Sports, Phil Mc Nulty said that despite the above statement, Wenger and Arsenal will be hugely disappointed with Van Persie’s statement as it merely adds to the suggestion that they have been cut adrift from the real superpowers.

If Van Persie goes this summer, as he surely will, another of their crown jewels has disappeared and it is hard to see how Wenger – who in recent years has not quite been the alchemist he once was – can compensate for his absence.

It also now seems certain that the new addition of Lucas Poldoski and Olivier Giroud will be required to replace the weight of Van Persie’s goals – 41 in 53 games for club and country last season – rather than add to them.

In essence, Arsenal is no longer fit into Robin’s desire for success. This statement, although, came with surprise has been speculated over time. 

Van Persie to quit Arsenal

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has put many clubs on alert after confirming that he won’t sign a new contract with the club.

 The Dutchman’s contract with Arsenal will end at the end of next season and in recent weeks, he has been linked with number of club.

The Front runners in the race to win the 28 year old player’s signature are Premier League champion Manchester City together with Italian champion Juventus.

Arsenal insisted that Van Persie is not for sale, but they have to make quite a tough decision now: keeping a player who wants to leave and lose him for nothing next summer; or selling him to a rival club during the current transfer window.

Van Persie confirms that he won't sign further deal with Arsenal

On his official website, the Dutchman stated: “I have kept quiet all this time out of respect and loyalty for the club and as agreed with Mr. Gazidis and Mr. Wenger, but since there is so much speculation in the media, I think it is fair for you guys to know what’s really going on at the moment.

“As announced earlier this year I had a meeting with Boss and Mr. Gazidis after the season. This was a meeting about the club’s future and strategy. Financial terms or a contract have not been discussed, since that is not my priority at all.

“I personally have had a great season but my goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory day. Out of my huge respect for Mr. Wenger, the players and the fans I don’t want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspect disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward

“I love the club and the fans, no matter what happens. I have grown up and became a man during my time with Arsenal FC. Everybody at the club and the fans have always supported me over the year and I have always given my all (and more) on and off the pitch.

“I am very proud of being part of this fantastic club for the last 8 years. As soon as Mr. Gazidis is back from this 2-week holiday in America further meetings will follow and I will update you if there are more developments.” 

Wimbledon 2012: Kvitova down at hands of Williams

In the tournament with shocking result and upset, Kvitova was the next big name out of the competition after overpowered by Serena Williams. The margin of victory was small for Serena with the minimum 2 breaks in two sets, 6-3 7-5.

The defending champion played some good tennis, and it required impressive display from the American to earn her place in the semi final

Serena Williams returns a shot in the quarter-final

 Kvitova had held a break at 4-5 in the second set which would have taken the contest to the full distance. Serena held firm though, once again relying on her big serve to clinch a straight set win. Williams needed to dig deep to win her previous matches at Wimbledon, but she was back to her ruthless form on Tuesday.

The serving advantage was clearly big for Serena, with the Czech failed to get to her racquet 13 times.

The American's French Open disaster now looks behind, and she surely has a good chance at winning the Championship.

Chelsea former boss became Tottenham's new manager

Tottenham have appointed former Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas as the club's new manager. AVB succeeds Harry Redknapp, who was sacked by Spurs last month.

The 34 year old returns to coaching less than four months after leaving Chelsea and has signed a three year contract with the Northern London club.

Villas-Boas is back to coaching after 4 months out of job

He has arrived in London on Monday to finalize the deal and will begin to work almost right away in preparation ahead of 2012-13 English Premier League. The former Porto coach will be given the task of getting Tottenham back into Champions League. They narrowly missed out on the qualification as a result of Chelsea's winning the title. Spurs' first match will be on Newscastle's home ground on August 18th.

Villas-Boas will come up against his former club on October 20th at White Hart Lane, and the Portuguese will return to Stanford Bridge on April 13th.

United seek to reduce debt

Manchester United have applied to be listed in New York Stock Exchange, aiming to raise $100 million to reduce the club's debts through the sale of shares.

The Glazer family, USA investors who bought the club in 2005, would retain control of the club under the plan.

United last year abandoned a potential $1 billion flotation on the Singapore stock market due to the state of global economy. But documents were submitted to United States government's Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday as the Glazers try to improve The Red Devil's Finance.

The 2005 takeover of The Glazers has put United in a lot of debt

The 2005 takeover, which arguably cost $1.47 billion, had saddled the club with tons of debt. The shares which will be sold at New York Stock Exchange would be used to improve the club's financial health.

With this sale of the shares, the team would become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manchester United Ltd, a newly-formed holding company based in the Cayman Islands.

Duncan Drasdo, the chief executive of Manchester United Supporters' Trust (MUST), questioned the value of the share compared to those owned by the Glazers, but admitting that reducing debt is a positive step.

Drasdo said: "A minority shareholding with inferior voting rights and no dividends is going to severely impact on the attraction to both financial and supporter investors.

"However, if it turns out that the vast majority of the proceeds are used to pay off debt that is something MUST would become and entirely vindicates our long-standing position that their debt was damaging our club."

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Spain's crazy hot fan...

A super hot Spain fan had a very exciting celebration after her team crowned the EURO 2012, marking their third consecutive major title.

She was very excited at the Fan Zone wearing only a bra to cover her top


After the unbelievable 4-0 win over Italy, the Spain's hot fan took off her bra!!!


So excited!



 

Other Spain's hotties after their team won the tournament 

Manchester United and Real Madrid target Alex Witsel

Benfica are reportedly ready to sell Axel Witsel, who has been linked with Manchester United and Real Madrid.

The Belgium international  only joined the Portuguese club last summer, signing a five-year deal when he moved from Standard Liege.

But reports in Portugal last month claimed the midfielder has already told several of his team-mates at the Estadio da Luz that he will be on the move this summer.

Alex Witsel

And according to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Benfica are ready to let the 23-year-old leave the club this summer - providing their £20million valuation is met.

Benfica paid Liege around £6.5m for Witsel twelve months ago.

Several other clubs have shown interest in Witsel, including AC Milan, Roma, and Premier League champions Manchester City.

Portuguese publication O Jogo recently reported that Man City captain Vincent Kompany had already made contact with the player to sound him out about a move to the Etihad Stadium.

Alba is excited at playing for Barcelona

Jordi Alba has revealed he is excited at the prospect of playing for Barcelona next season.

Alba, who was one of the stars of Euro 2012 and helped Spain beat Italy 4-0 in Sunday night's final, last week agreed to join Barca after a €14million fee with Valencia was agreed.

And the left-back, who scored in the win over the Azzurri, is looking forward to playing alongside his compatriots at club level.

Personally, Alba had a very successful EURO 2012

"I really want to play with Barcelona as soon as possible, especially after seeing what I could do with my future team-mates during the Euros," the 23-year-old told Goal.com.

"It is the best team in the world that has a very good football philosophy. Now I know many players [at Barcelona]. We understood each other and we will understand each other even better."

Alba also commented on scoring in Spain's Euro 2012 victory and added: "It was a great move, I saw that there was a gap there and ran for it, then Xavi sent me a great pass, right where I needed it. I was lucky enough to take a good touch and finish where I had to.

"I don't think of myself as the surprise of the tournament, the coach has given me all the confidence in the world, both him and my team-mates in fact. The consequence was a good tournament, both individually and collectively and this is the result, we are champions, and deservedly so."

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Mario Sharapova crashed out of Wimbledon

Sharapova, French Open's champion, crashed out of Wimbledon after losing in straight sets to Sabine Lisicki. 

The result, although, came as a surprise to many, but the German is a tremendous competition on grass. After two sets 6-4 6-3, the Russian number one said goodbye to the third grand slam of the year. 

Sharapova found herself against the rope for most of the match. In the second set, she seemed to have given up when she went 4-1 down. 

After Nadal, Sharapova out of competition at  hands of Sabine Lisicki

The World Number 1 then attempted a comeback but it was too little too late for last year runner up to turn the table around. 

Aside from avenging her defeat against Sharapova 12 months ago, Lisicki is in the chance to win her first Grand Slam title. On other surface, you do not know, but on grass she is arguably the top players in the world.

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