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Australian Open 2013: Ekaterina Makarova beats Angelique Kerber 7-5, 6-4

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More Melbourne magic from Makarova as she dumps out fifth seed Kerber

By
Jon Fisher, Press Association

PUBLISHED:

03:30 GMT, 20 January 2013

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UPDATED:

03:30 GMT, 20 January 2013

Ekaterina Makarova's love affair with Melbourne continued today as she made it through to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open with an impressive defeat of fifth seed Angelique Kerber.

Makarova's best run at a grand slam came here 12 months ago when she reached the last eight with a stunning upset of Serena Williams.

And she matched that achievement by playing the role of giantkiller once again on Rod Laver Arena, knocking out the German 7-5 6-4.

She's done it! Russia's Ekaterina Makarova celebrates after beating Germany's Angelique Kerber

She's done it! Russia's Ekaterina Makarova celebrates after beating Germany's Angelique Kerber

On top form: Makarova was at her best to see off Kerber in two sets

On top form: Makarova was at her best to see off Kerber in two sets

'It's an unbelievable feeling, I really like playing here,' the Russian said.

'I lost three times to Angelique last year, she is so good so I am very happy.'

Makarova went out to Maria Sharapova last year and the pair will clash again should the second seed beat Kirsten Flipkens later today.

Time for treatment: Kerber receives treatment during her defeat

Time for treatment: Kerber receives treatment during her defeat

Down and out: Kerber shows her emotion as she loses to Makarova

Down and out: Kerber shows her emotion as she loses to Makarova

'I hope I play Maria,' said Makarova. 'Last year I was surprised to reach that stage and I had so many thoughts in my mind. This year I will be ready to play a good game.'

Makarova was the more positive player throughout and held herself together after squandering a 5-2 first-set lead.

She broke for 6-5 and then served it out to edge ahead.

Kerber's chances of finding a route back into the contest were hampered by a back injury and a solitary break in the ninth game proved decisive.

Australian Open 2013: Maria Sharapova beats Kirsten Flipkens 6-1, 6-0

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Maria's in love again: Sharapova into quarter final after dropping just one game to Flipkens

By
Steven Donaldson

PUBLISHED:

06:46 GMT, 20 January 2013

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UPDATED:

06:53 GMT, 20 January 2013

Maria Sharapova took a little bit of time to warm up, but continued her progress through the Australian Open with a 6-1 6-0 victory over Belgium's Kirsten Flipkens.

Sharapova had been the most dominant player in the women's draw so far, recording successive 6-0 6-0 victories in the first two rounds before she dispatched seven times grand slam winner Venus Williams with contemptuous ease in the third round.

From Russia with love: Maria Sharapova celebrates after beating Belgium's Kirsten Flipkins

From Russia with love: Maria Sharapova celebrates after beating Belgium's Kirsten Flipkins

In top form: Sharapova won in straight sets

In top form: Sharapova won in straight sets

The second seed, however, took time to get into her match against the 27-year-old Flipkens and while she won the first set 6-1, it took 43 minutes which demonstrated how difficult she found the tenacious Belgian to put away.

Sharapova, however, cranked into gear in the second set to clinch it in 25 minutes and set up a quarter-final against fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova after the 19th-seed dispatched fifth seed Angelique Kerber 7-5 6-4.

Sharapova said: 'I'm certainly happy to be playing this well but it's the quarter-finals and it only gets tougher from here.'

Kevin Pietersen texts not been asked for, say South Africa

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No ECB approach for KP's controversial texts, insist South Africa ahead of the third Test

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UPDATED:

13:41 GMT, 13 August 2012

South Africa's team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee has confirmed the England and Wales Cricket Board have made no formal approach to see Kevin Pietersen's infamous text messages.

Pietersen was dropped by England for thie third Test at Lord's after failing to reveal the contents of messages sent to South African players during the drawn match at Headingley, a story broken by Sportsmail.

Axed: Kevin Pietersen has been dropped by England

Axed: Kevin Pietersen has been dropped by England

The ECB had told Pietersen his
selection was dependant on him confirming publicly that no derogatory
texts about his team-mates had been sent to South African players, or if
they had been sent, to apologise for them.

In a prepared statement, Moosajee
insisted the messages contained nothing more than 'banter' and he
refuted suggestions they were sent to Dale Steyn and AB de Villiers.

Moosajee and coach Gary Kirsten then
refused to take any questions on the Pietersen situation, preferring to
distance themselves from the whole saga.

United front Pietersen is said to have sent 'derogatory' text messages about team-mate Andrew Strauss (left)

United front Pietersen is said to have sent 'derogatory' text messages about team-mate Andrew Strauss (left)

'We stand by the same stance we have
taken since we heard the news about these allegations,' Moosajee said.
'Yes, text messages were sent but like we said before it was banter
among team-mates, which is perfectly acceptable.

'The ECB has not made a formal
approach to myself or any member of the team to see the text messages.
Until such time that the allegations are met with the correct facts and
evidence, we shall not comment.

'The internal issue between Kevin
Pietersen and the English cricket board has been publicised for weeks,
even before we arrived in the UK and we dont want to get ourselves
involved in an issue that has nothing to do with us.'

Thami Tsolekile called up to replace Mark Boucher

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South Africa call on Tsolekile for England tour as Boucher retires

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UPDATED:

08:46 GMT, 11 July 2012

South Africa have called wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile up for their tour of England following the retirement of Mark Boucher.

Boucher was forced to call time on his 15-year international career yesterday after suffering a severe eye injury in a freak incident during the tour game against Somerset.

Call-up: Thami Tsolekile (left) will fill in for Mark Boucher

Call-up: Thami Tsolekile (left) will fill in for Mark Boucher

Tsolekile, 31, will join up with the squad ahead of the three-Test series but is unlikely to play in the opening match, starting at The Oval next week, after coach Gary Kirsten claimed AB de Villiers would initially take over the gloves.

Tsolekile's call had been expected
after he was handed a central contract earlier this year – the first
time South Africa have selected a reserve keeper since 1998.

'Thami
has done very well with both the Lions and South Africa A for a couple
of seasons, culminating in his South African record eight catches in an
innings this past week,' said Cricket South Africa selection convener
Andrew Hudson.

Flat out: Boucher was forced to retire from international cricket

Flat out: Boucher was forced to retire from international cricket

'With AB de Villiers also able to fill the role of wicketkeeper in the Test series it gives the tour selectors options in this important position.'

Tsolekile has three Test caps, all of which came in 2004 when Boucher was sidelined, while he has 132 first-class appearances, highlighted by a domestic record eight catches for the Lions last week.

Boucher retired after he required three hours of surgery on Monday night to help repair a lacerated eye he suffered against Taunton.

The 35-year-old was struck by a flying bail while standing up to the stumps and was immediately taken to hospital with blood apparently coming from his eye.

The extent of the damage to Boucher's eye will be assessed on his return to South Africa, with the veteran – who is the record-holder for most Test dismissals – revealing in his statement that he faced an 'uncertain recovery'.

Graeme Smith fit to lead South Africa in England

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England's nemesis Smith passed fit to skipper South Africa on tour this summer

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UPDATED:

13:52 GMT, 13 June 2012

South Africa captain Graeme Smith has won his fitness battle and will lead an unchanged 15-man Test squad to face England later this summer.

Smith, who averages 72 in England, had been a slight doubt for the tour after having surgery on his left ankle in April but Cricket South Africa confirmed the left-handed opener has made a full recovery.

He was the only concern heading into the three-Test series as the Proteas named the same squad as the one that defeated New Zealand in March, with AB de Villiers serving as the reserve wicketkeeper behind Mark Boucher.

Raring to go: Graeme Smith (right) with England captain Andrew Strauss (left)

Raring to go: Graeme Smith (right) with England captain Andrew Strauss (left)

Smith has already had two throw-down sessions with national coach Gary Kirsten and his availability is a welcome relief for South Africa.

The 31-year-old led his side to a 2-1 series victory over England in 2008 – the last time Andrew Strauss' team lost a home Test series.

CSA selection convener Andrew Hudson said: 'Graeme has been outstanding both as our leading runs scorer and as captain during our last two Test tours of England and I have every confidence he will continue that form.'

South Africa Test squad:

G Smith (captain), H Amla, M Boucher, M
de Lange, AB de Villiers (vice-captain), JP Duminy, I Tahir, J Kallis, M
Morkel, A Petersen, R Peterson, V Philander, J Rudolph, D Steyn, L
Tsotsobe.

The series gets under way on July 19 with the first Test at the Kia Oval and further matches at Headingley and Lord's.

With England and South Africa occupying first and second place in the latest International Cricket Council Test rankings, it promises to be an exciting series.

'The players fully deserve a vote of confidence after the outstanding manner in which they outplayed New Zealand away from home,' Hudson said.

'We are now building up excellent depth in both the batting and bowling departments.

Thorn in the side: Smith has excelled in past series against England

Thorn in the side: Smith has excelled in past series against England

'I believe most other countries would be very happy to have the fast bowling resources we have at the moment.

'Marchant de Lange has been most impressive since his outstanding debut against Sri Lanka while Lonwabo Tsotsobe gives us a left-arm option.

'Consistency has also been one of the key pillars of our selection policy and this is also contributing to our success on the field.'