Simply The Best

Champion WWE Wrestler, Triple H, says that he is 'that damn good'. And even though Roger Federer does his best to keep as humble as possible, he has every right to echo those words. Because he is that damn good.

Federer broke the hearts of Andy Murray and an entire nation by defeating the Brit in a tough straight sets match in the final of the 2010 Australian Open. The match was touted as a classic-to-be before it even began, and even though it failed to go to a fourth or fifth set, the quality of tennis was enthralling from both players.

In the end, Federer's ability to win a crucial point almost at will was the decisive factor in the end. During a marathon tiebreak in the third set, Murray had numerous set points. However, Federer was able to switch to a higher gear and deny the big Scotsman any momentum whatsoever. Some big first serves as well as those trademark forehand strokes were both used during that tiebreak game as Federer disallowed Murray any glimmer of hope to extend the match.

The win takes Federer's Grand Slam total to 16, an incredible record. And what is even more scary is that he still believes he can improve. In the last week, Federer has played some of the best tennis of his career, especially against Lleyton Hewitt and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, a statement he admitted himself.

Murray will be devastated with his performance in the final, but really should hold his head high after such a wonderful tournament. His win against Rafael Nadal, even though the Spaniard was injured, was precise and very convincing. Murray is gradually climbing the ranks and,as Federer said, he is way too good not to win a Grand Slam.

BTW, Australia wrapped up the five match ODI series with a win against an ordinary Pakistan side to make the series a whitewash (5-0). For Australia, they will be stoked with the form of their backup fast bowlers with Clinton McKay and Man-of-the-Series Ryan Harris claiming 27 wickets between them during the season. They will play a Twenty20 on Friday night, followed by five ODI's against the West Indies.

Delighted Williams Defeats Gutsy Henin In Classic

Whether you love her or hate her, Serena Williams knows how to win on the big stage.

In one of the best women's Grand Slam finals in recent time, Williams was able to step up when it mattered most, beating comeback queen Justine Henin in three sets. Melbourne Park and Williams continued their wonderful relationship, with the two combining well once again for her to win a fifth Australian Open title.

For the first time in the Open's history, the women's final was played during the evening. And the two competitors didn't disappoint, putting on a spectacular display that swayed in momentum countless times. When Henin seemed to get the upper edge on Williams, the American would find a way to combat the Henin attack. But when Williams started to get her serve right, Henin decided to up her own service and land a lot more first serves in.

After Williams took out the first set, Henin responded in superb style in the second. No matter what happened after that second set, Henin had announced that she was back. Her trademark backhand was on display once again, but it was her accurate serving that surprised most, including Williams. We still have to remember that this is only Henin's second tournament back in her return to the sport. So for her to even make it to the final was an achievement in itself.

Williams was able to find another gear and gain control in the final set, highlighted by some powerful ground strokes that forced a crucial double break. When Williams won the final point, she collapsed to the ground in pure delight. It meant a lot for the American to win in front of her hero, Billie Jean King who was watching on in the stands, and to beat a player such as the calibre of Henin in a final.

The standard and quality of the tennis played by Williams and Henin in this final further emphasises that it is an exciting time for the women's game. Henin should be stoked with her performance over the last fortnight and she will now regroup and focus on her real goal for 2010, the Wimbledon Championships mid-year. Williams will now relax and recuperate as she comes to terms with her achievement.

And there is no reason why the world number one cannot come back next year and win her sixth title, which would make it her third in a row.

Shaky Williams vs Blistering Henin

Two matches. Two very different styles of victories.

The women's final for this year's Australian Open will feature once again feature Serena Williams and Justine Henin. Clearly, these two fine tennis players have been the best throughout the tournament so far. But they each had very contrasting ways of making it to the last match in their two respective semi-final victories.

Williams won her match in two tiebreaks and had to toil very hard in a tight contest against China's Na Li. After numerous scares throughout the match, it took some big serves and some powerful ground strokes from Williams to eliminate the 16th seed. Li was super impressive as she used her accurate backhand to dictate rallies from the baseline, but unfortunately wasn't able to break the powerful serve of Williams. However, the American did seem very fatigued at the end of the match and there is reports she is suffering from a leg injury.

In complete contrast, Justine Henin was a woman on a mission as she dismantled the other Chinese semi-finalist, Jie Zheng, in straight sets. Henin was back to her blistering best, highlighted by that magnificent one-handed backhand, which was used to hit many winners throughout the match. Zheng was totally outclassed by Henin who looked like she picked up where she left off only a couple of years ago.

The final, which will take place on Saturday night, has the potential to be an absolute classic. Williams and Henin have each other played 13 times, with Williams leading the head-to-head series 7-6. However, these two have never met in a Grand Slam final before.

For Henin, it would be a dream comeback if she were to win. After retiring from the game for a short period of time, Henin will be determined to get her return to the court off to the best start possible. And after today's performance, there is no reason why she can't do it.

However, Williams is still the one to beat. Her powerful and almost intimidating game style has been successful so far and it should be the case against Henin. Williams was my tip before the tournament started and that's the way it's going to stay.

Chinese Dream Run To End

In the biggest shock of the Australian Open so far, Chinese duo Na Li and Jie Zheng are both through to the semi-finals in the women's draw. They are now one victory away from making it an all-China final, after they defeated Venus Williams and Maria Kirilenko respectively in the quarterfinals. However, they run into players with a combined total of 18 grand slam title's between them.

Li, the number 16 seed, will face world number one Serena Williams in what should be a fascinating contest. Williams came from the depths of defeat against Victoria Azarenka yesterday, eventually winning in three sets. In complete contrast, Li defeated Serena's sister Venus in straight sets to end the American's inconsistent campaign.

Zheng faces comeback queen Justine Henin in the second semi-final. In a comprehensive display, Zheng defeated Maria Kirilenko in straight sets to end the Russian glamour girl's dream run. Henin had it a little tougher against Nadia Petrova but was still able to win in straight sets.

While Li and Zheng have been outstanding and have gone under the radar somewhat, their superb form may have run its last leg. Williams and Henin have an incredible amount of experience between them and both have been in this situation many times before. The Chinese girls will put up a good fight, but I believe that Williams and Henin will be too strong, therefore setting up a fascinating battle between the two in the final on Saturday.

After a shaky start, Roger Federer recovered to eliminate danger man Nikolay Davydenko in their quarterfinal match up. The Russian struggled against Fernando Verdasco in his previous match, eventually scraping through in five sets. That patchy form looked like a distant memory as he stunned Federer in the first set winning 6-2. However, after looking all at sea, Federer fought back as only he can to win the next three sets and advance to the semi-finals.

His opponent will be France's Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, who continued his love with the Australian Open, defeating world number three Novak Djokovic in another enthralling five set match. Tsonga found another gear to win the final two sets as Djokovic seemed to be effected by a crook stomach.

Tonight, Andy Murray takes on Marin Cilic in a battle of the young guns. Murray has looked the most impressive top seed so far, not even dropping a set. Cilic has played some marathon matches in this tournament, including five set matches against Bernard Tomic, Juan Martin del Potro and Andy Roddick. Therefore, the Scotsman will be fresh when he takes to the court and will be extremely difficult to beat.

Unplayable...Unbeatable?

Wow. How good is Roger Federer.

The world number one put on a tennis masterclass as he defeated a helpless Lleyton Hewitt in straight sets to advance to this year's Australian Open quarterfinals. The Swiss Maestro was in superb form against Australia's best player, highlighted by powerful and almost unplayable forehand strokes. Every time Hewitt tried to lift his game and gather some kind of momentum, Federer responded with authority. As only he can.

There was very little anyone could have done to stop the world's best. Hewitt was able to land a high percentage of first serves in to keep the pressure on Federer, but it was still to no avail. Every shot that Federer hit turned to gold as he embarrassed the 22nd seed and silenced a packed Rod Laver Arena.

Federer's domination has once again raised that question. Can anyone beat him?

Nikolay Davydenko will be doing his utmost to defy that question. After defeating Fernando Verdasco in a tight five set match, the inform sixth seed will face a red hot Federer. In their last two encounters, Davydenko has won both times. However, Davydenko looked a little unconvincing against Verdasco after being up two sets to love, while Federer was at the other end of the scale. It'll be a great match, so make sure you tune in and watch.

I've just finished watching another five set epic, this time between Jo-Wilfred Tsonga and Nicholas Almargo, with Tsonga winning 9-7 in the final set. It took the big Frenchman just under four hours to eliminate Almargo, who fought right to the very end. The match was enthralling, and it was well assisted by some hilarious commentary from a former French player. Tsonga has now set up a replay of the 2008 final against Novak Djokovic. The Serbian has had a great run and will have the fresh legs. Djokovic will be tough to beat.

As for the women, Serena Williams showed why she's the best by thrashing Australia's Sam Stosur in straight sets. Her sister Venus got off to a slow start but eventually recovered to win in three sets against Francesca Schiavone. The biggest upset came when China's Na Li eliminated Caroline Wozniacki in straight sets, a massive surprise considering Wozniacki had been playing so well throughout tournament.

BTW, look out for a great match tomorrow between Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal. Park yourselves on the couch because it could be a long one!

BTW, the two teams for the 2010 NFL Superbowl have been decided with the Indianopolous Colts and New Orleans Saints defeating the New York Jets and the Minnesota Vikings. Led by Quarterback Peyton Manning, the Colts' star studded offense outplayed the Jets' defense as the Jets struggled to run the ball on offense for the first time in a while. In the other game, Garrett Hartley successfully completed a field goal attempt in overtime, after Minnesota's Quarterback threw an interception, to take New Orleans into their first ever Superbowl.

'Down Under' Goes To Greipel

Great effort by Germany's Andre Greipel to win his second Santos Tour Down Under title in three years. He is only the second man, after Stuart O'Grady in 1999 and 2001, to win the prestigious event twice.

Greipel held off Spain's great rider, Luis Leon Sanchez, to win by 11 seconds, with New Zealand's Greg Henderson finishing a further four seconds behind in third place. The German had plenty of assistance from his HTC-Columbia teammates in the final stage. They made it tough for Sanchez to make up the time needed for him to overtake Greipel and win by riding with him all the way.

Greipel set up the win at the start of the tour when he won three out of the first four stages. It has been reported that before the tour began last Tuesday, Greipel was in sensational form and was planning meticulously for this event. And that was certainly proven with Greipel's three stage victories and eventual overall win.

The usual great Australian cycling names were up near the top once again with Robbie McEwan finishing fourth overall and Cadel Evans finishing sixth. Evans' finest moment came in the fifth stage from Snapper Point to Willunga. Last year's UCI Road World Champion pushed Sanchez and Alejandro Valverde right to the finish line in one of the great finishes in the event's history. Celebrity guest Lance Armstrong, arguably the greatest cyclist of all time, attracted thousands of people to watch the event. While he finished a disappointing 25th overall, Armstrong's appearance at the Tour can be considered a marvellous success for organisers.

BTW, another great victory by the Aussies cricketers, thrashing Pakistan by 140 runs in the second One Day International at the SCG. Shane Watson was once again in blistering form with a quickfire 69, supported well by the inform Cameron White with another great score (55). The whole bowling attack worked brilliantly as a team as they combined to bowl Pakistan out for a miserable 127, with captain Mohammad Yousuf providing the only resistance with 58.

Pakistan's tour of Australia can only be described as an epic fail. They haven't won a match yet and when they have looked like winning, they've let their opportunity slip. Take nothing away from the Aussies, they are starting to gel together nicely. But Pakistan are a better team than what they've shown the Australian public. They must continue to fight and work hard.

Double Marathon Proves A Tight Mens Open

Two five set matches that totalled eight hours and three minutes have once again proven that the race for the Australian Open men's title will be tightly contested.

Yesterday, Croatia's Marin Cilic eliminated big Argentine, and my pick for the Open, Juan Martin del Potro. Seeded at number four, del Potro never really accelerated during the tournament. He never won a match in straight sets and, in truth, was lucky to even make it as far as he did.

After last year's U.S. Open triumph, del Potro has to contend with a fourth round exit in Melbourne. As I said before the open started, there was some concern over del Potro's wrist, however I didn't think that would affect him to much. Unfortunately for him, and me, a sore wrist combined with a lack of form have brought about his eventual downfall. Take nothing away from Cilic though, he is a genuine fighter. He's now beaten Bernard Tomic and del Potro and thoroughly deserves to make the quarter finals.

The other five set beauty was breathtaking viewing. Andy Roddick came back from a set down to defeat Chile's Fernando Gonzalez in a match that changed momentum numerous times. Channel 7 commentator, Jim Courier, last night said that Gonzalez is a momentum player, and when he's up and about, he's almost unstoppable. And Gonzalez's second and third sets were fine exmples, highlighted by some powerful ground strokes from the baseline.

However, Roddick found another gear in the final two sets to take out a sensational victory. The Americans serving was crucial, with 68% of his first serves forcing a return at an average speed of 198 km/h. Roddick now has the chance to win his second career grand slam title and will now face Cilic in the quarter finals.

On the women's side of the draw there have been some interesting results to say the least. Last year's finalist, Dinara Safina, shocked everyone by retiring due to a bad back against glamour girl Maria Kirilenko, who continues to impress. Kirilenko will now play China's Jie Zheng, who has gone under the radar throughout the entire tournament.

It should be a fascinating contest between Justine Henin and Nadia Petrova who are both in great form. Petrova knocked off last year's French Open winner Svetlana Kuznetsova, while Henin defeated fellow Beligian Yanina Wickmayer. Petrova is playing intimidating tennis at the moment and will be a tough opponent for Henin. The winner of this match will play either Zheng or Kirilenko. No disrespect to those two players, but Petrova and Henin should beat them comfortably. The Henin-Petrova contest now becomes one of the most crucial matches of the tournament.

Winners Everywhere For Lleyton

Everything is falling the way of Lleyton Hewitt at the moment. He cannot put a foot wrong.

At this year's Australian Open, he has not dropped a set as of yet. But more importantly, he is playing with such determination and professionalism that has intimidated many of his opponents. Cyprus' Marcos Baghdatis gave Hewitt the easiest of victories yesterday, retiring hurt in the second set after Hewitt won the first 6-0.

However, Hewitt faces a massive challenge on Monday, and they don't come any bigger than that of Roger Federer. The Swiss Maestro has looked comfortable in his three matches so far, but certainly hasn't set the world on fire yet. Hewitt loves the big stage and with momentum on his side, a terrific fitness level and a supportive home crowd, this could be Hewitt's time to shine.

Two men that continue to go under the radar are Nikolay Davydenko and Novak Djokovic.

Davydenko hasn't dropped a set to date, however he hasn't played a match on Rod Laver Arena or Hisense Arena as of yet, therefore he hasn't had much of the spotlight. He'll face Spain's Fernando Verdasco on Monday, which should be a ripper of a contest, with the winner taking on the winner of the Federer-Hewitt match. Djokovic is having a dream run at the moment and faces a relativley unknown Polish player next. He'll be fresh if he makes it deep into the finals, so look out for the big Serbian to make an impact.

On the women's side of things, it looks to be very even also. The two Williams sisters are as solid as always, while there are five Russian's still remaining in the final 16. One of them, Nadia Petrova, looks dangerous, with her total domination of U.S. Open champion Kim Clijsters sending a powerful message to the rest of the locker room. Also, Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki has been super impressive.

Both draws are so even. I'm sticking with Serena Williams to win the women's event. However, Djokovic's attractive draw has me thinking that he might just take out his second Australian Open title.

Vics Continue Big Bash Dominance

Congratulations to the Victorian Bushrangers who have once again taken out the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash competition for the fourth time in five years.

In front of over 17,000 at the Adelaide Oval, the Vics outplayed South Australia with bat, ball and in the field. Aaron Finch once again impressed with the bat scoring 47 off 35 balls, seeing off the fiery Shaun Tait at the start of the innings in the process.

Playing his first match for the competition this season, Aiden Blizzard showed why he is known as a Twenty20 specialist batsmen, scoring a quickfire 42* off only 19 balls, which included three fours and three sixes. With the ball, Andrew McDonald was superb taking 3-21 off four overs, which included the crucial wickets of Kieron Pollard and big Mark Cosgrove.

What was so impressive about this particular victory was that the Vics won without numerous star players. Dwayne Bravo, Cameron White, Ross Taylor, Peter Siddle and Clint McKay are normally walk ups into the top 11 if they are available to play. But Victoria found great replacements in Blizzard and James Pattinson (3-27), highlighting the depth and talent the state possesses.

The Vics will now play in the Indian Champion's League later this year. And if successful, Victoria's bank balance will look significantly more attractive.

The Bear Has Been Awoken!

A classy and entertaining century from Victorian captain Cameron White has inspired Australia to a five wicket victory over a super competitive Pakistan outfit in the first One Day International at the GABBA.

The man they call 'Bear' combined power hitting with finesse to chase down a difficult target of 275. White's 105 off only 88 balls proved to the cricket world that he has the maturity to accumulate runs through singles and also hit big boundaries when needed under pressure. He had wonderful support from Michael Clarke (58) and Michael Hussey (35*).

White has now become a permanent member of the ODI team. Since scoring his first hundred against England last year, he has never looked back. The Victorian has the potential to turn into a Shahid Afridi-like player, with his big hitting and occasional leg spin bowling eerily similiar to the the great Pakistani all-rounder. White is still young and has the potential to take the world by storm and possibly squeeze his way into the test team.

It was fantastic to see Pakistan's competitive edge. They showed plenty of promising signs with both bat and ball throughout the match. Their ODI side looks much better on paper than their test team, with the added inclusions of Afridi (48 off 26) and Younis Khan (46) proving a massive success. Mohammad Aamer again bowled tenaciously, while Salman Butt's 72 was classy. They will be disappointed that they couldn't defend a large total, but they still have another four games to make up for it.

Ana Falls As Seeds Cruise Through

Day four of the Australian Open went to plan for almost every seed today, excluding a disappointing Ana Ivanovic.

Australian's Casey Dellacqua and Sam Stosur both won in straight sets to advance to the third round to keep Australia's hopes alive in the women's draw. The Williams sisters, Caroline Wozniacki, Victoria Azarenka and Vera Zvonareva all advanced, but Ivanovic wasn't able to do the same.

I watched Ivanovic on the second day when she won in straight sets. However, it wasn't the most convincing victory of all time and there were definitely signs of weaknesses, especially on her serve. Argentina's Gisela Dulko took advantage of Ivanovic today and won in three sets to send the Serbian babe packing. Ivanovic is not the player she was 12 months ago and will have to work hard to get back inside that top ten.

Standout performances in the men's draw came from Lleyton Hewitt, Roger Federer, Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, Fernando Verdasco and that man again Nikolay Davydenko. All won in straight sets with relative ease. In stark contrast, Marcos Baghdatis came from behind to win in five sets against an underdone David Ferrer in typical Baghdatis fashion.

With Baghdatis and Hewitt both winning, it sets up an intriguing third round battle between the two on Saturday. The last time they met during an Australian Open tournament, Baghdatis defeated Hewitt in a gruelling five set match that didn't conclude until 4am. On current form, Hewitt looks the better player, highlighted by a fantastic fitness level. However, if Baghdatis can drag the match out, the Cypriot might be the one facing Roger Federer in the fourth round.

BTW, Liverpool were able to finally record a victory in 2010, downing Tottenham 2-0. Without stars Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, Dutch import Dirk Kuyct stepped up to the plate and delivered scoring his sides two goals. However, if Liverpool coach, Rafa Benitez, wants to keep his job, these wins must become a more regular occurrence for a side that has had a pathetic season according to their usually high standards.

Tomic- Love Him or Hate Him?

Whether you like him or not, Bernard Tomic played a ripper of a tennis match last night.

The 17 year-old fell agonizingly short of an Australian Open third round debut, eventually losing to 14th seed Marin Cilic in five sets. Tomic kept fighting right till the very end until physical fatigue took its toll on the young Australian.

But what we all discovered about Tomic last night is that he is built for the big stage. He knows how to handle the pressures of a big game atmosphere and he seems to thrive on it as well. Mentally, Tomic seems very strong and can concentrate for long durations. And last night's gruelling match, that finished just after 2am, will only benefit him for the future.

However, after the match, Tomic showed the tennis world that he is not the complete package just yet.

"I can't see after one, two o'clock and I mean for a 17 [year-old] to go out there to play at that time it's difficult," said a whinging Tomic.

"I requested to play during the day, and didn't happen. I think it's ridiculous."

Yes, he has a point and yes it is a little unfair for a guy his age to go through that. But after gaining the respect of many fans, media and players and playing the match of his life, Tomic decided to vent his frustration and complain about a management issue.

I'm sorry Bernie, but if you continue to be negative in the press, like you have been with Lleyton Hewitt in recent times, you won't gain a lot of respect off the court. Just keep it yourself and discuss it with the right personnel behind closed doors.

But still, you can't take away what he achieved and proved on the court last night. B.Tomic will be a name to watch out for in years to come. He has the potential and the confidence to take the tennis world by storm.

BTW, the Melbourne Tigers continued their amazing winning streak in the NBL last night, comfortably downing the Perth Wildcats at home. After occupying bottom position on the ladder for most of the season, the Tigers can remarkably still make the playoffs.

Their best players, Julius Hodge, Chris Anstey, Mark Worthington and Darryl Corletto, are all playing together now after most of them had suffered injuries throughout the season. And more importantly, they are playing well.

Watch this space and get around the Tigers. They're coming.

Del Potro Through...Just

Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro kept his Australian Open hopes alive by defeating a tenacious James Blake in a classic five-set marathon.

The fourth seed won a gruelling final set 10-8 after earlier trailing by two sets to one. While the match will go down as one of the best of the tournament, Del Potro was lucky to escape.

Take nothing away from Blake. He's a fierce competitor and an intelligent player, but Del Potro is a better player right now and he was far from convincing today. It now has me doubting whether Del Potro is good enough to compete with the likes of Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick and Andy Murray, who all cruised through their second round matches in straight sets.

While I still believe Del Potro has the potential to win the championship, his first two wins - a four setter and a five setter- certainly haven't done is fourth ranking any justice.

On the women's side of the draw, all of the top seeds advanced to the third round with ease, highlighted by Kim Clijsters. The U.S. champion was solid in her 6-3, 6-3 victory, but she knows that she can play at a higher standard. Watch out if Kim gets it right!

Justine Henin continued her dream comeback to tennis, defeating an Elena Dementieva in two long sets. Dementieva was unlucky to draw Henin, who is unseeded due to a lack of recent tournaments. The Russian is still yet to win a Grand Slam, but her record of 45 consecutive Grand Slam tournaments is an incredible effort and well worthy of some recognition.

Dav and Hewitt live up to hype

I made my way out to Melbourne Park today for day two of this year's Australian Open. And after hearing so much about the awesome form of Nikolay Davydenko and the improved fitness of Lleyton Hewitt, I thought I'd watch both of them in action. And didn't they deliver.

Davydenko was brilliant, winning 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 in a dominant display of power hitting. The Russian sixth seed covered the court with ease and served ferociously (at one stage, Davydenko started a game with three straight aces). He will be right up there towards the end of the finals.

Hewitt was also very convincing, even though he was playing a very inexperienced opponent. Backed by an entertaining and supportive crowd, Hewitt cruised through to the second round in a very low gear. Hewitt will have to face Marcos Baghdatis if he makes it to the third round, a tough task in itself. But if he defeats the Cypriot, Roger Federer awaits him. Tough.

A quick plug for the Victoria Bushrangers, who defeated Queensland by 6 wickets in the preliminary final of the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash. They were led by David Hussey, whose 60* proved to the cricketing world that he is one of the best and most reliable Twenty20 players in the world.

The win not only means that thre Bushrangers face South Australia in the final on Saturday night, but it also guarantees them a place in the prestigious Indian Champion's League. Another great boost for the bank balance.

Lakers Looking Lively

We're almost half way through the 2009/10 NBA season and last seasons champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, are once again showing why they are a force to be reckoned with. With 40 games under their belt, they stand atop of their division with a 31-9 record.

The one and only Kobe Bryant is at it again, averaging 29 points a game. Bryant is basically unstoppable. Tell him to climb a mountain and he'll climb it and he'll place a Laker's flag at the top as well. He just keeps improving. But while he's scoring, he's also bringing his teammates into the game. He's averaging 4.5 assists per game, and when Kobe's dishing, the Lakers are winning.

However, the balance that the Lakers have across all positions is what is impressing most at the moment. Pau Gasol is the perfect second fiddle for Kobe, averaging 17 points per game along with 11 rebounds per game. And he's only played half of the season so far! Both players are getting great support from Andrew Bynum, specialist bench player Lamar Odom and new recruit and bad boy Ron Artest.

While Cleveland have a similar record, it's hard to see them stopping the Lakers when they're in such a rich vein of form.

Kim and Raf looking the goods

Spain's Rafael Nadal and comeback mum Kim Clijsters sizzled on Rod Laver Arena today, as both of them cruised through to the second round on the opening day of the 2010 Australian Open.

While rain halted most of the outside court matches, Clijsters and Nadal made their presence felt on centre court with straight sets wins.

Clijsters comprehensively won her match 6-0 6-4. She looked super impressive and will go deep into the finals. Nadal defeated Australia's own Peter Luczak in grand style 7-6 6-1 6-4. After a shaky first set against a fired up Luczak, Nadal slammed the foot on the accelerator Ben Waterworth style, cruising to a comfortable victory.

My pick to win the tournament, Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina, won in four sets today, while my pick in the women's tournament, Serena Williams, plays tomorrow.

Check out my preview of the 2010, which included the great read of Maria Sharpova struggling to make an impact (she lost in the first round today): www.upstart.net.au/tennis-aces-ready-to-sizzle/

BTW: Great win by my NFL team, the New York Jets, today. Beat San Diego 17-14, led by rookie QB Mark Sanchez and an aweome defence. Bring on the Colts next week!

Hauritz is the man!

Nathan Hauritz has officially arrived as a test cricketer. And even though he still has to prove himself against higher quality opposition, it can now be safely said that he is Australia's number one spinner at the moment.

Today, Australia wrapped up a 3-0 test series victory over Pakistan in Hobart, with the in-form Shane Watson being named player of the series for his 346 runs and five wickets. But Hauritz can consider himself unlucky.

He took 18 wickets for the series, including two five-wicket hauls in the fourth innings of a match (when it mattered most). I have no argument with Watson being named man of the series, but Hauritz's effort with the ball this summer has proven that he can be relied upon. He's been able out-think batsmen by using variations in pace and spin and he now has the confidence to give his deliveries lots of flight, which is how spinners get wickets.

Hauritz has matured immensely in twelve months and will only improve with more overs. Well done Hauri.