MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

OLYMPIC GOLD-MEDALLIST BECKIE SCOTT TO LEAD CANADIAN CROSS-COUNTRY SKI RELAY OF ALL AGES IN CALGARY

—Event launches new development initiative designed to promote growth of sport—

CALGARY—Two-time Olympic medallist, Beckie Scott, will join a dozen of Canada’s high-performance cross-country skiers, from the grassroots to World Cup level, during a media conference to officially announce a new corporate partnership that will help create a healthier and more active Canada, while ensuring the success of the nation’s cross-country skiers on the international stage continues well into the future.

Scott, Canada’s most famous cross-country skier, will participate in a relay race with current World Cup athletes, aspiring Olympians, and Cross Country Canada’s newest team member to commemorate the new initiative that will unfold the national body’s strategic long-term athlete development model.

The media conference and relay will begin on the Nordic trails beside CODA’s Executive Offices near the main parking lot at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, Friday, January 9, 2009 at 11:30 a.m.

WHO: Beckie Scott, Two-time Olympic Medallist

Drew Goldsack, Olympian and World Cup Ski Team

Amanda Ammar, Olympian and Senior Development Team

Brent McMurtry, Senior Development Team

Athletes – Foothills Nordic Ski Club

Geir Jøssang, Statoil Hydro

Al Maddox – Cross Country Canada


WHEN: Friday, January 9, 2009

11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Canada Olympic Park – Calgary

Nordic trails beside CODA Executive Offices

(Media are encouraged to meet at CODA offices and will be led to event area)

*****

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Chris Dornan
Media and Public Relations
Cross Country Canada
T: 281-703-4394

MONTREAL – Marie-Andrée Leclerc-Auger, a freshman from Sherbrooke, Que., netted a hat-trick and added a pair of assists as No.1-ranked McGill trounced Toronto 9-0, Sunday, to capture the Theresa Humes women’s hockey tournament – for the third consecutive year – at Concordia University’s Ed Meagher arena.

The Martlets, who outscored their opponents 21-2 over the weekend, extended their win streak to 36 straight games against Canadian university opponents.

The victory over the nation’s No.8-ranked team improved McGill’s record to 9-0 against teams that been listed in the CIS Top 10 this season, outscoring those squads by a lopsided 62-12 margin.

Vanessa Davidson, a senior from Kirkland, Que., tallied twice and added a pair of helpers. She finished the three-game tourney with nine points, including five goals, and received the tournament’s most outstanding forward award.

Charline Labonté of Boisbriand, Que., made 24 saves to register her 46th shutout in 98 career games. She turned aside 52 of 54 shots in three contests to earn the tourney’s top goaltending honours.

Also scoring for McGill, which outshot the Varsity Blues 42-24, was Dorval, Que., native Caroline Hill, plus Alessandra Lind-Kenny of Calgary, Alyssa Cecere of Brossard, Que., and defender Jasmine Sheehan of Mississauga.

The tournament was a bit of a coming-out party for McGill sophomore Cathy Chartrand, a native of Lac Nominingue, Que. The 5-foot-10 blueliner, a former member of the Canadian national team, was credited with four assists in the game and led all rearguards over the weekend with eight points, including three markers, but was overlooked in the voting for the tourney’s most outstanding defenceman. That honour went to U of T captain Lyndsey Ryan, who had a pair of assists, and appeared to have a somewhat sheepish look on her face when she skated out to receive her award at centre ice.

“It was disappointing to see Chartrand overlooked,” said McGill head coach Peter Smith, when asked how that could happen. “She was a dominant force from the first shift of the opening game to her final shift in the last game. We started out a little rusty as a team in Game 1 (of the tournament) but there was no rust on her.”

Chartrand, a physical education sophomore with a booming slapshot, was also strangely overlooked by the conference coaches in the all-star voting last year. She is easily among the elite blueliners in the country and is currently the fourth-leading scorer on the team with nine goals and 29 points in 21 games overall.

McGill resumes regular-season play on Jan. 10 when they travel to the nation’s capital to play Carleton.

MARTLET MURMURS: McGill is 18-0 against CIS teams and 21-2 overall, including a 3-2 record versus NCAA teams… Forward Ann-Sophie Bettez and defenceman Catherine Ward – both of whom earned CIS rookie of the year honours over the past two seasons -- were missing from McGill’s lineup over the weekend in order to play with the Canadian under-22 team currently at the MLP Nations Cup tournament in Ravensburg, Germany. Bettez scored once and added a helper in Canada’s 11-0 win over Russia on Sunday. She also set up Ward for a goal in Canada’s 3-0 win over Finland in the tourney opener last Friday. Ward also tallied in a pre-tourney exhibition win against Switzerland.


SCORING SUMMARY

Toronto 0 vs. McGill 9

(Jan 4, 2009 - Ed Meagher Arena @ Concordia)

FIRST PERIOD
Scoring -
1. McGill, Jasmine Sheehan (3) (J. Casavecchia, C. Chartrand) 2:31
2. McGill, Vanessa Davidson (24) (C. Chartrand, M.A. Leclerc-Auger) 16:01
3. McGill, Caroline Hill (6) (S. Tardif, A. Soberano) 16:54
4. McGill, Marie-Andrée Leclerc-Auger (24) (V. Wells, V. Davidson) 19:08

Penalties -
M.A. Leclerc-Auger Mcg (interference) 2:45

SECOND PERIOD
Scoring -
5. McGill, Marie-Andrée Leclerc-Auger (25) (C. Chartrand, J. Sheehan) 3:53
6. McGill, Alyssa Cecere (6) (J. Sheehan, C. Chartrand) 7:40 (PP)

Penalties -
A. Del Guidice Tor (hooking) 7:24,
L. Hill Tor (holding) 8:22,
M.A. Leclerc-Auger Mcg (tripping) 10:58,
S. Stephen Tor (tripping) 17:31,
L. Hill Tor (bodychecking) 18:14

THIRD PERIOD
Scoring -
7. McGill, Vanessa Davidson (25) (M.A. Leclerc-Auger, V. Wells) 0:41
8. McGill, Alessandra Lind-Kenny (7) (J. Peroff, R. Martindale) 1:50
9. McGill, Marie-Andrée Leclerc-Auger (26) (V. Wells, V. Davidson) 11:59 (PP)

Penalties -
S. Tardif Mcg (hooking) 2:59,
A. Cecere Mcg (interference) 5:48,
A. Del Guidice Tor (interference) 7:19,
A. Cornell Tor (interference) 10:36,
S. Rabinovich Mcg (hooking) 15:22,
V. Wells Mcg (roughing) 15:43,
A. Fawns Tor (bodychecking) 17:58

SHOTS BY PERIOD:
TOR: 10 9 5 -- 24
McG: 16 15 11 -- 42

GOALS BY PERIOD:
TOR: 0 0 0 -- 0
McG: 4 2 3 -- 9

POWER PLAY CONVERSION:
TOR: 0-6.
McG: 2-7.

PENALTIES (No./Mins.):
TOR: 7-14.
McG: 6-12.

GOALTENDERS:
Toronto
Kendyl Valenta [L, 2-1-0] Start, 20:00; SV: 12, GA: 4
Mima Markicevic, 40:00, SV: 21, GA: 5
McGill
Charline Labonté [W, 16-2-0], 60:00, SV: 24, GA: 0, SHO

Start : 4:15 PM
End : 6:05 PM
Attendance : 200
Referee: Stephanie Normand

THREE STARS:
---------------------
1. MCG- 22 Marie-Andrée Leclerc-Auger
2. MCG - 8 Cathy Chartrand
3. MCG - 25 Vanessa Davidson

McGILL LINEUP SCRATCHES:
-----------------------------------------
F: Ann-Sophie Bettez (with national U22 team)
D: Catherine Ward (with national U22 team)
G: Kalie Townsend
G: Gabrielle Smith (dressed but DNP)

SOURCE
Earl Zukerman
Communications Officer
McGill University Dept. of Athletics
475 Pine Ave. W.,
Montreal, Que. H2W 1S4
(514) 398-7012 (phone)
(514) 398-1956 (fax)
earl.zukerman@mcgill.ca
www.athletics.mcgill.ca

COLLINGWOOD, ON (January 4, 2009) – Marie-Michèle Gagnon (Lac-Etchemin, QC) made it two consecutive wins and Eve Routhier (Sherbrooke, QC) was on the podium again at today’s Northwest Funds Coupe Nor-Am Cup slalom race at Craigleith Ski Club near Collingwood, ON.

Gagnon, who won the first Nor-Am slalom race of her ski racing career yesterday, moved up from third place after today’s opening run to finish with a winning two-run combined time of one minute 28.95 seconds.

“I don’t mind it,” said Gagnon about having to come from behind to win. “Today was a good challenge for me, being in third place after the first run. It was a challenge to catch the other girls, and I like that.”

Today’s result makes it four straight races with a win for Gagnon who won two FIS giant slalom races in Switzerland in December.

American Sterling Grant, who led after the opening run, finished second in a time of 1:29.11 while Routhier was on the podium for the second time in as many days, finishing in 1:29.82.

The Northwest Funds Coupe Nor-Am Cup now shifts to Georgian Peaks, ON for ladies giant slalom races Monday and Tuesday. The men’s Nor-Am schedule this week has slalom and giant slalom races in Sunday River, USA starting Monday.

Follow the Northwest Funds Coupe Nor-Am Cup ski racing action with live timing.

COLLINGWOOD, ON – JAN. 4, 2009 - NOR-AM SLALOM – LADIES
(Unofficial results)
1 6 GAGNON Marie-Michele 44.76 44.19 1.28.95
2 5 GRANT Sterling 44.53 44.58 1.29.11
3 7 ROUTHIER Eve 44.68 45.14 1.29.82
4 1 STAPLES Kiley 44.89 45.10 1.29.99
5 3 RYLEY Megan 45.08 45.21 1.30.29
6 12 RYLEY Kate 45.40 45.30 1.30.70
7 14 PREFONTAINE Marie-Pier 45.61 45.09 1.30.70
8 11 HANAOKA Moe 45.18 45.55 1.30.73
9 16 YURKIW Larisa 45.73 45.16 1.30.89
10 2 RUBENS Shona 45.50 45.52 1.31.02

COMPLETE RESULTS (Unofficial results)[http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/604/1228.html?event_id=25905&cal_suchsector=AL]

ABOUT THE NORTHWEST FUNDS COUPE NOR-AM CUP
The Northwest Funds Coupe Nor-Am Cup Series, sanctioned by the International Ski Federation (FIS), is the key stepping stone for Canadian and American athletes as they prepare for World Cup and Olympic competition. The highest level ski racing series in North America, the Canadian events of Coupe Nor-Am Cup circuit are presented by Northwest & Ethical Investments L.P. For more information on Northwest and Ethical Investments, please visit www.ethicalfunds.com

“Relentlessly Pursuing Excellence”

- 30 -

INFORMATION:
Kyle Marr
Director of PR & Media Communications /
Directeur, RP et médias communication
Alpine Canada Alpin
Tel: (403) 777-3204
TELUS: (403) 860-0665
kmarr@canski.org
www.canski.org

Third seed Martin Adams scraped through to the second round of the BDO World Championship with a narrow 3-2 win against unseeded debutant Dave Chisnall.

Adams, who won the title in 2007, led 2-1 in the final set but Chisnall replied with a 180 to make it 2-2. Adams then led 3-2 and 4-3 before clinching the victory with a double 12.

"That was a hard game but will give me confidence for the next round," said Adams afterwards. "(Double) tops was awful to me - I could not have bought the double tonight.

"Dave is a good player who took the Isle of Man Open in the spring and has had a good inter-counties season. I got what I expected - a hard game."

In other action at Lakeside, Scotland's Ross 'The Boss' Montgomery beat Martin Phillips 3-1 courtesy of a 156 checkout in the third set, to book a second-round clash with former champion Ted Hankey.

Montgomery said: "The first round is always difficult. There is a lot of tension so I will look forward to my next game when hopefully there will not be as much pressure."

Northern Irish 22-year-old Daryl Gurney saw off Garry Thompson 3-1 to set up a tie with Adams, and Martin Atkins beat Joey Ten Berge 3-2.

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Portsmouth midfielder Papa Bouba Diop has been ruled out for three months with a knee injury.

The Senegalese strained ligaments in his right knee while attempting to make a challenge in Pompey's Barclays Premier League defeat at Arsenal on December 28.

And after visiting a consultant, head physio Gary Sadler confirmed that the former Fulham enforcer will be out for a minimum of 12 weeks, with damage to Diop's posterior cruciate ligament a particular worry.

"We'll be taking him back to see the consultant in six weeks and then we'll know a little bit more about it then," Sadler told his club's official website, www.portsmouthfc.co.uk.

"He's in a brace and he's having treatment trying to get some of the swelling down on his knee."

There is better news elsewhere, though, with England right-back Glen Johnson continuing his rehabilitation from a bruised knee and twisted ankle to put himself in line for a potential return against Manchester City at the weekend.

Johnson returned to training alongside ankle injury victim Younes Kaboul last week, and with winger John Utaka also back, manager Tony Adams could have an extra trio of players to call upon for the Fratton Park clash.

More cheer for Adams came with the news that midfielder Richard Hughes, who also came off against Arsenal with a slight strain in his knee, had suffered "nothing serious", according to Sadler, and could be back in a fortnight.

Second-choice goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown is currently on crutches with a ruptured ligament in his ankle and is unlikely to return for eight weeks.

The Pompey walking wounded is completed by fringe winger Jerome Thomas who has been receiving injections for a troublesome back problem which will take at least six weeks to heal.

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Diop - injured. PAPA OUT FOR THREE MONTHS
Portsmouth midfielder Papa Bouba Diop has been ruled out for three months with a knee injury. The Senegalese strained ligaments in his right knee while attempting to make a challenge in Pompey’s Barclays Premier League defeat at Arsenal on December 28. And after visiting a consultant, head physio Gary Sadler confirmed that the former Fulham enforcer will be out for a minimum of 12 weeks, with damage to Diop’s posterior cruciate ligament a particular worry. “We’ll be taking him back to see the consultant in six weeks and then we’ll know a little bit more about it then,” Sadler told his club’s official website, www.portsmouthfc.co.uk. (Read the full post about ‘PAPA OUT FOR THREE MONTHS’…)

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Novak Djokovic's preparation for the defence of his Australian Open crown suffered a setback on Tuesday when he was beaten in the first round of the Brisbane International.

The world number three looked rusty as he went down 6-4 6-4 to rising Latvian Ernests Gulbis.

Fifth seed Tomas Berdych had fewer problems in beating Australian wild card Brydan Klein 6-0 6-4.

Mario Ancic beat Amer Delic 7-6 (7/2) 6-7 (4/7) 7-6 (8/6), Florent Serra saw off Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-3 7-6 (7/3) and Paul-Henri Mathieu overcame Teimuraz Gabashvili 6-3 6-3.

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Novak Djokovic - knocked out. DJOKOVIC STUNNED BY GULBIS
Novak Djokovic’s preparation for the defence of his Australian Open crown suffered a setback on Tuesday when he was beaten in the first round of the Brisbane International. The world number three looked rusty as he went down 6-4 6-4 to rising Latvian Ernests Gulbis. Fifth seed Tomas Berdych had fewer problems in beating Australian wild card Brydan Klein 6-0 6-4. Mario Ancic beat Amer Delic 7-6 (7/2) 6-7 (4/7) 7-6 (8/6), Florent Serra saw off Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-3 7-6 (7/3) and Paul-Henri Mathieu overcame Teimuraz Gabashvili 6-3 6-3. (Read the full post about ‘DJOKOVIC STUNNED BY GULBIS’…)

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Fernando Alonso's agent has denied reports that the Formula One star was involved in a minor plane accident on Sunday.

There had been suggestions the two-time world champion was flying back from a holiday in Kenya with his wife when the light aircraft he was travelling in brushed a building on take-off, damaging a wing.

But the agent for the Renault driver insisted it was not as serious as reported.

"It seems that the plane took a blow while they were parking it," said Luis Garcia Abad. "Fernando wasn't even inside the aircraft.

"We didn't give it the slightest importance and because of that this commotion surprises us. It doesn't even qualify as an accident."

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Alonso - not in plane. ALONSO NOT IN PLANE ACCIDENT - AGENT
Fernando Alonso’s agent has denied reports that the Formula One star was involved in a minor plane accident on Sunday. There had been suggestions the two-time world champion was flying back from a holiday in Kenya with his wife when the light aircraft he was travelling in brushed a building on take-off, damaging a wing. But the agent for the Renault driver insisted it was not as serious as reported. “It seems that the plane took a blow while they were parking it,” said Luis Garcia Abad. “Fernando wasn’t even inside the aircraft. “We didn’t give it the slightest importance and because of that this commotion surprises us. (Read the full post about ‘ALONSO NOT IN PLANE ACCIDENT - AGENT’…)

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Former chairman of selectors Ray Illingworth has predicted Kevin Pietersen will win his power struggle with coach Peter Moores - and believes the England captain must be central to all major decisions within the team.

Pietersen and Moores have reportedly been at loggerheads ever since the England selectors decided to overlook Michael Vaughan for the forthcoming Test series with the West Indies.

Pietersen replaced Vaughan as captain last summer, and it is believed that the South-Africa born batsman wanted his predecessor on the tour of the Caribbean to help him.

Vaughan's omission led to reports that Pietersen had issued an ultimatum to the England and Wales Cricket Board, demanding they sack Moores or risk losing him as captain.

Illingworth, chairman of selectors between 1994 and 1997, believes it is imperative that Pietersen is the main decision-maker in the squad.

"The captain should have the main say; he has to be the main person," the former England captain told Sky Sports.

"If he doesn't have the main say then he doesn't have the backing of the players when he gets on to the field, and it's very important that he has the backing of the other 10 players."

Illingworth cites the difference in style between the pair as the likely reason why they fell out, and predicts that Moores will have to leave his post in the near future.

"The coach and the captain have to be on the same wavelength," he said.

"Moores is more of a stats man with a clipboard and pen, and Pietersen is more of a flair man with his own instincts - so it's a clash of personalities.

"(The ECB) have to make a decision, because if they are not getting on then it won't work. Someone needs to make a decision as to which one goes - and so I suppose really, if they are backing the captain, then the coach will get the sack."

Mick Newell, director of cricket at Pietersen's former county Nottinghamshire, admits the player may lack respect for Moores.

Pietersen's spell at Trent Bridge ended in acrimony in 2004, but Newell believes his appointment as England captain was a good one.

Newell told BBC Radio 5Live: "It was the right thing to make him captain. But I think the people around him had to adapt and work with his style of captaincy rather than the previous captain, Michael Vaughan.

"Kevin is a lot more determined, single-minded and knows that he wants to be in charge. You really have to work with that if you want to get the best out of that relationship.

"There is a certain type of person that Kevin would respect as a coach. You either need to have a lot of international experience, or you're looking for a former great cricketer.

"The captain-coach relationship in cricket is quite a lot more important than in most other team sports. I think you've got a whole respect issue going on."

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VAL DI FIEMME, Ita.—Canada’s Ivan Babikov saved his best for last, winning the gold medal at the seventh and final stage of the nine-day Tour de Ski – an 11-kilometre pursuit race in Val di Fiemme, Italy on Sunday.

In one of the most difficult races on a cross-country skiers schedule that ends with a 425-metre climb to the finish line at the top of Alpe Cermis, Babikov fought off the world’s best skiers and sickness that has disrupted the momentum of the Canadian team to win his first ever World Cup race. Babikov clocked a winning time of 33 minutes 51.2 seconds.

“I am so thrilled and totally couldn’t believe it when I was standing on top of the podium,” said Babikov following the awards ceremony, who added he nearly didn’t’ even race today because of an illness rolling through the team. “Our entire men’s team has been sick and yesterday was so hard for us, but I have been looking forward to this uphill climb all year and told myself to pass as many skiers as I could today.”

The victory puts Babikov in some prestigious company. The only other Canadian male to win a World Cup cross-country ski race is Pierre Harvey who made three trips to the top step of the podium. Babikov’s previous best finish was a fourth-place result at the Alberta World Cup in Canmore, Alta. in 2005.

“A World Cup win is something you dream of,” said Babikov, who is a gritty, tough skier that specializes in long distances and challenging climbs. “Our team has been so strong throughout this tour and I am just so happy to be a part of a great team. I have been waiting for this final day and glad it happened.”

Babikov’s new team extends far beyond the sport of cross-country skiing. The 28-year-old Babikov received his Canadian citizenship nearly one year ago after emigrating to Canmore from Syktyvkar, Russia. Babikov, who now resides in Canmore, Alta. with his wife Svetlana and two-year-old son Sergei, raced for Russia at the 2006 Olympics and is competing in his first full season with the Canucks.

The victory marks the second podium appearance by the Canadian men during the seven-race Tour de Ski that was contested in three countries over the last two weeks. Devon Kershaw, of Sudbury, Ont., won a bronze medal in the men’s 15-kilometre classic race at the second stage of the Tour in Oberhof, Germany. Battling illness which nearly forced him to the sidelines, the 29-year-old Kershaw sucked up the pain to finish 22nd on Sunday with a time of 35:11.8, putting him 21st overall.

“I’m done and to finish is a big step forward for me,” said Kershaw who failed to complete his first two trips to the Tour de Ski, and was in seventh spot overall heading into the final weekend. “It is obviously disappointing to get sick and that put me back in the standings, but I had some great results and collected a bunch of World Cup points so it was important for me to finish. Ivan was the man today and I’m very happy for him.”

Sara Renner was the lone Canadian to start and finish the enduring trek against the top women cross-country skiers in the world. One of the most consistent athletes on the circuit, the Canmore, Alta. native finished 15th overall after a 22nd-place finish (37:37.6) in the women’s nine-kilometre pursuit on Sunday.

Norway’s Therese Johaug won the final women’s stage after clocking a winning time of 35:07.7. Johaug’s teammate, Kristin Stoermer Steira, was second at 35:16.4, while Valentina Shevchenko, of the Ukraine, was third (35:52.0).

Switzerland’s Dario Cologna and Finland’s Virpi Kuitunen were crowned the king and queen of cross-country skiing after finishing first in the overall men’s and women’s Tour de Ski respectively.

The Canadian team will now head home and prepare for a World Cup race at Whistler Olympic Park, January 16-18, 2009

Cross Country Canada is the governing body of cross-country skiing in Canada. Its 51,000 members include athletes, coaches, officials and skiers of all ages and abilities, including those on Canada’s National Ski Teams and Para-Nordic Ski Teams. Cross-country skiing is Canada’s optimal winter sport and recreational activity with more than one million Canadians participating annually.

Complete Tour Standings: www.tour-de-ski.com

STAGE SEVEN RESULTS:

TOP-5 MEN AND CANADIAN RESULTS:
1.Ivan Babikov, Canmore, Alta., CAN, 33:51.2; 2. Tom Reichelt, GER, 33;52.7; 3. Giorgio Di Centa, ITA, 33:54.4; 4. Matti Heikkinen, FIN, 34:03.2; 5. Lukas Bauer, CZE, 34:06.4.
Canadian Results:
22. Devon Kershaw, Sudbury, Ont.

TOP-5 WOMEN AND CANADIAN RESULTS:
1. Therese Johaug, NOR, 35:07.7; 2. Kristin Stoermer Steira, NOR, 35:16.4; 3. Valentina Shevchenko, UKR, 35:52.0; 4. Justyna Kowalczyk, POL, 35:54.8; 5. Evgenia Medvedeva, RUS, 36:02.3
Canadian Results:
22. Sara Renner, Canmore, Alta., 37:37.6.

*****

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Chris Dornan
Media and Public Relations
Cross Country Canada
T: 281-703-4394

Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Andy Roddick go from collecting bank at the Abu Dhabi exhibition to making real green this week as the top three under-the-table appearance-money gatherers in Doha, where Murray is the defending champ. The Brit is also coming off the Abu Dhabi exo title where he defeated Federer and Nadal.

Nadal opens against Fabrice “The Magician” Santoro, and faces a potential quarterfinal meeting against Gael Monfils then Roddick in the semis.

The talent level takes a steep dive outside of the Top 4, so don’t be surprised to see Nadal vs. Roddick and Federer vs. Murray in the semis.

Brisbane International
BRISBANE, Australia
Surface: Hard

Top seed Novak Djokovic, at No. 3 in the world, is within striking distance of overtaking Roger Federer for the No. 2 ranking. He starts his campaign at Brisbane, which offers half the prize money of the ATP event this week in Doha, but has a stronger overall field. The Serb is joined among the seeds by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Fernando “Hot Sauce” Verdasco, Robin Soderling, Tomas Berdych, Mardy Fish, Richard “Failed Fed” Gasquet and WTA lothario Radek Stepanek.

Djokovic starts a tough one against big-hitter Ernests Gulbis, with Verdasco opening against Aussie wildcard hope Bernard Tomic. Fish begins against Austrian veteran Jurgen “Tuna” Melzer, and Soderling against American thumper Sam Querrey. American Taylor Dent also gained direct entry into the event via an injury-protected ranking.

Defending champ Michael Llodra, again unseeded this year, will start against a qualifier before facing the winner of Stepanek and Russian Igor Kunitsyn.

Ana Ivanovic heads the women’s side as the lone Top 10-ranked seed. Victoria Azarenka, Marion Bartoli, Daniela Hantuchova, former No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo, Kaia Kanepi and Francesca Schiavone are the remaining seeds.

Wildcards went to the embattled Jelena Dokic and Aussie hopefuls Monika Wejnert and Isabella Holland.

Chennai Open 2009
CHENNAI, India
Surface: Hard

Mikhail Youzhny doesn’t return to defend his astounding 6-0, 6-1 beating of Rafael Nadal in last year’s final, but fellow Russian Nikolay Davydenko will be the top seed, looking for a first Chennai title.

Also seeded is 2008 Top 10er Stan Wawrinka, Croat comer Marin Cilic, fellow Croat “Dr.” Ivo Karlovic, 1999 runner-up Rainer Schuettler, two-time winner Carlos Moya, Serb Janko Tipsarevic and Spaniard Marcel Granollers.

Wildcards went to American-raised Indian Prakash Amritraj, American-schooled Indian Somdev Devvarman, and Czech Lukas Dlouhy.

ASB Classic
AUCKLAND, New Zealand
Surface: Hard

The annual Hong Kong exhibition usually attracts the top women players and takes the thrill out of the opening week of WTA Tour play, and this year is no different as Auckland kicks off the 2009 campaign with one lone Top 10-ranked seed in Elena Dementieva.

Challenging Dementieva in the name game will be Nuria Llagostera Vives, Barbora Zahlavova Strycova, Klara Zakopalova, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Anne Keothavong, Magdalena Rybarikova and Alla Kudryavtsova.

Also among the seeds at Auckland, where pregnant defending champ Lindsay Davenport won’t return, are Caroline Wozniacki, Anabel Medina Garrigues, Aleksandra Wozniak, Shahar Peer, Nicole Vaidisova, Pavlyuchenkova, and Carla Suarez Navarro.

TENNIS-X NEWS, NOTES, QUOTES AND BARBS

SAFIN THE BRAWLER — Officials at the Hopman Cup exhibition were shocked when Marat Safin showed up for the event with a black and bloodied eye and cuts on his face after getting in a brawl in Moscow. Safin arrived in Perth on Saturday night and immediately asked tournament director Paul McNamee for a doctor and a practice court. “I wasn’t sure why he was arriving so late, why he was requesting to play a day later, and now I know why,” McNamee told the local media. “To see him like that, it’s amazing that he’s come. I know around Marat the unexpected happens, but you couldn’t really pick this one. When he arrived last night I saw him in the lobby and he didn’t look good. He said, ‘I need two things — I need to see a doctor and I need to practice.’ I dragged the doctor out of the hall and then he gave him some treatment and then he went and practiced. He said he had not been able to play in the last week (due to injury to his hands).” Safin won his opening-round match, and reports he won the fight.

TENNIS-X READER FEEDBACK ON NEW ATP WEBSITE RE-DESIGN: ‘Ground Control to ATP’ says: “That website design is absolutely brutal.” ‘Mark’ Says: “The old site was way too clean and easy to navigate.”

GAMBLING ON MATCH-FIXING IN TENNIS? SIGN US UP! — While the ATP and WTA continue to insist that match-fixing in tennis is a non-issue, former mafia crime boss Michael Franzese told AFP that top-level tennis matches are still being influenced by gamblers/match-fixers, and that the sport would be his prime focus were he still in the business. “It’s definitely going on,” Franzese said. “If I were in this business now, tennis would be my major target because one player can impact the game. That’s all you need.”

SHARAPOVA TO MISS AUSSIE OPEN? — Maria Sharapova’s recovery from surgery for a torn rotator cuff in 2008 has hit a snag entering 2009 as the Russian poster girl announced her withdrawal from a pre-Australian Open exhibition in Hong Kong in January. “It’s with much disappointment that I have to withdraw,” Sharapova said on her website. “I’ve been using this event for the last five years to get ready for the new season, in fact Hong Kong has been successful in preparing me for the Australian Open. I’m just not ready to play against the top-class competition in Hong Kong, although I remain hopeful for Australia where I’m the defending champion. It’s been a very difficult decision, but I only started practising 16 days ago.”

OMAN, WHAT A TIE — Pakistan tennis officials are asking for $60,000 compensation from the ITF after tennis’ international governing body decided Pakistan could not host their upcoming Davis Cup tie over security concerns. The ITF says Pakistan must choose either to have the tie played in their opponent’s country of Oman or in Malaysia.

40 YEARS UNTIL NEXT AMERICAN No. 1?: Pete Sampras says it could be a long wait for the next U.S. tennis No. 1 in today’s ultra-competitive international climate: “It’s a tricky time. The American media and the fans expect American champions and our guys to be No. 1, and when you don’t get that people start complaining. It’s a tough comparison for Andy (Roddick) and James (Blake) to be compared to myself and Andre (Agassi) and Jim (Courier) and Michael (Chang). That was a pretty unique crew…It’s going to take maybe five, 10, 15 years for another crew of really good young Americans. It might not happen for 40 years — it’s hard to say.”

INJURED SERENA OUT OF HOPMAN CUP — Current world No. 2 Serena Williams’ main foe during her career has always been injuries, and it looks like the trend will continue into 2009. Williams announced she is withdrawing from the Hopman Cup mixed team event in January, citing a hamstring injury she suffered during the WTA Tour Championships. The U.S. will retain the No. 1 seed in the event, but now James Blake will team with countrywoman Meghann Shaughnessy, who sat out much of 2008 with injury and is not expected to be in championship form.

MISC: Former Grand Slam doubles winner and Wimbledon singles semifinalist Mirjana Lucic has received a controversial wildcard into the WTA event at Auckland. The 26-year-old comeback Croatian is currently ranked No. 433 in the world…

According to AFP, a new government order bars non-natives from representing India could deny U.S. citizens Prakash Amritraj, Sunitha Rao, Shikha Uberoi and her sister Neha from representing India in Davis Cup and Fed Cup play…

Frenchman Richard Gasquet has teamed with former Marcos Baghdatis coach Guillaume Peyre…

From IOL: “Too many exhibitions and perhaps not enough rest may have helped contribute to the pullout of the American Bryan brothers from the January 5 start in Chennai of the 2009 ATP season. The 30-year-old twins gave the bad news to Indian organizers…

The world number two Bryan pair could now face a fight to get Bob ready for the Australian Open starting in three weeks. The side played in exhibitions during the December “off season” with Mike sometimes substituting on serve for his twin with few in the American crowds noticing a difference.”…

France’s Mary Pierce says test indicate her knee has properly recovered and she will shoot for an appearance at Roland Garros in 2009…

The WTA Tour announced that Kim Williams, the chief operating officer of NFL Network, and Darcy Antonellis, the president of technical operations at Warner Brothers Entertainment, will join the tour’s Global Advisory Council of international business leaders…

Serb player Novak Djokovic announced that as owner he has been granted a tournament on the ATP calendar in may in Belgrade. Word is that now Serb women’s player Ana Ivanovic is attempting to buy a WTA Tour event and bring it to Serbia…

Roger Federer will play two exhibitions and one ATP event in January 2009 prior to the Australian Open…

USTA officials are considering putting a roof on Arthur Ashe stadium and converting it to a multi-use sports arena, possibly attracting a pro sports team…

30-year-old Dutchman and former French Open runner-up Martin Verkerk has announced his retirement…

The Outback Champions Series senior tour has dropped the Naples (Fla.) and Dallas (Tex.) events off the calendar for 2009, but added events in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico…

Former French Open champion Albert Costa has been appointed as Spain’s new Davis Cup captain, replacing 33-year-old Emilio Sanchez Vicario who stepped down after Spain won this year’s Davis Cup title, defeating Argentina…

32-year-old Lindsay Davenport is pregnant again, and has withdrawn from the Australian Open. From MonstersandCritics.com: “Pregnant Davenport could be at career crossroads again” — ya think?…

The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Arena in Birmingham, Ala., will host the 2009 first-round Davis Cup tie between the United States and Switzerland on March 6-8 featuring Roger Federer and Andy Roddick…

Frenchman and Florida resident Sebastien Grosjean had shoulder surgery in December, and will be out 4-6 months…

Former No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt and wife Bec had their second child, a son named Cruz in December…

59-year-old Modesto Vazquez has been named Argentina’s new Davis Cup captain…

Russian Nadia Petrova was hospitalized in December with viral meningitis, a medical condition causing inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, possibly causing her to miss the Australian Open…

Between their Middle Eastern stops at the Abu Dhabi exhibition and the ATP stop in Doha, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer were expected to rake in more than $1 million each in appearance fees alone, in addition to prize money…

Andy Murray took a pass on being represented by IMG for 19 Entertainment/CAA, which will be representing its first tennis player…

52-year-old Leo Clijsters, father of former No. 1 Kim Clijsters, died of lung cancer.