Bleacher Report - Articles by Firas Hammour

Marat Safin Goes Crazy after Defeating Vince Spadea

Firas Hammour — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:24:49 -0400

Former champion Marat Safin survived a controversial foot-fault call and an inspired opponent before beating Vince Spadea 3-6 6-2 6-3 4-6 6-4 to reach the second round.

Leading American Vince Spadea two sets to one but trailing 4-5 and 40-40 in the fourth, Safin was foot-faulted on his second serve for apparently having his back foot partly across the centre line at the beginning of his serving motion.

The resultant double-fault gave Spadea set point, which he clinched, but Safin bounced back well in the decider to win 3-6 6-2 6-3 4-6 6-4. Winner of the 2000 US Open, the Russian was in customary belligerent mood when he greeted the media after the match. "It's stupid rules that somebody made in, I don't know, 1850," Safin said.

"Now they give me the problems with these things and it shouldn't be that way." The official rules state that a serve is a fault if a player, at any time in his service motion, touches or goes outside the imaginary extension of the centre mark with either foot. Safin said it was ridiculous for a foot-fault to be called from the other end of the court.

Safin, who next meets 15th-seeded Spaniard Tommy Robredo, said the rules should be changed. "I think the people in tennis are missing some rules," the Russian added. "It's really, really disappointing in the fourth set because (after) a foot-fault on the second serve, you're facing set point.

Does Safin have any right to say this, he is a very respected player, but he should watch out for not getting some point or even game penalties.

James Milner Hands in Toon Transfer Request

Firas Hammour — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:20:05 -0400

James Milner joined Newcastle United in 2004, but struggled to earn a first team spot so was loaned to Aston Villa for the season 2005/2006. Since then, however, the midfielder has been a fan favorite on Tyneside, and has had a spectacular start to his developing career.

Every summer Milner is said to be heading for the exit door at St James', but the player would always deny it. This season it looked like we were heading for the same scenario, especially as Kevin Keegan publically stated that he was the player least likely to leave the club.

But after the Carling Cup victory over Coventry—where Milner had an assist and a goal—Newcastle United officially revealed that the England U-21 international had handed in a transfer request.

All Toon fans must be hoping that a deal will not go through, and that Milner will stay and realise that he is made for the Toon Army.

The question is, will there be enough time for the transfer too go through? Or might James Milner end his career at Newcastle?

Michael Owen: A Top Class Striker

Firas Hammour — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:29:24 -0400

Michael Owen scored a goal in extra-time to give Newcastle the win at Coventry in the Carling Cup last night.

The visitors started very well, rushing into a two goal lead, but when Coventry levelled it up in injury time and forced another 30 minutes, it was Michael Owen—who came on as a 75th minute substitute—who finished the job after a crucial 97th minute goal.

Owen also scored the winning goal for the Magpies at the weekend, and now has two goals in as many games—and it is said that he is not even 100% fit. Owen will be hoping to start at the Emirates on Saturday, but the "super sub", as he is called in some places, might need one more game before he reaches full match fitness.

This could be a relief for not only Newcastle fans, but also for England fans. England manager Fabio Capello has been searching for a striker to partner Wayne Rooney in the England lineup, and Owen looks like he can solve his problems.

People can say what they like about Owen if they want to, but he has proved his point in the last few weeks. Undeniably, he is still a world-class striker.

He is probably not as fast as when he was 20-years-old, but he has evolved mentally and has become a much smarter player.

He will be key to both Newcastle's and England's season.

Newcastle: A Path to Europe This Season?

Firas Hammour — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:12:00 -0400

Newcastle United have started the season in the best possible way. They have earned a point at the home of the Champions and have got off to a great start at home with a win against Bolton.

Newcastle United fans are happy, the manager confident and the players can't wait to play their next match. this is what it was like last season, a win versus Bolton and a draw to Aston Villa, but there is a little bit more enthusiasm in the Newcastle squad this year and you might feel that they have a chance for a fifth or sixth spot this season.

If Michael Owen can stay fit and all the players try as much as Steven Taylor or Jonas Gutierrez than there would be a great chance for King Kev and his troops.