Giants fans cheer as team defeats 49ers to make it to Super Bowl

It’s deja vu all over again!
Giants fans went into a frenzy as their team beat the San Francisco 49ers 20-17 in overtime to reach Super Bowl XLVI — setting up an epic championship encore with the hated New England Patriots.
“Super Bowl, baby!” cheered Drew Miller, 33, of Manhattan, who was surrounded by hundreds of fellow fanatics at Legends Sports Bar on West 33rd Street.
Miller, whose pals were decked out in quarterback Eli Manning and wide receiver Victor Cruz jerseys, said history will repeat itself against the Patriots, whose perfect season was ruined when Big Blue beat them in Super Bowl XLII in 2008.

“[Patriots quarterback] Tom Brady is a chump. We’re gonna dominate that guy . . . I’d say Manning will beat him easy,” Miller boasted.
The Giants won the NFC title game when kicker Lawrence Tynes made a 31-yard field goal — just like he did in 2008, when Big Blue defeated the Packers to reach the Super Bowl.
“It was the same feeling in 2008 except now it’s even more euphoric,” said Mike Quinn, 40, from Connecticut.
Sunday’s massive victory was essentially clinched after San Francisco 49er Kyle Williams made a costly fumble on a punt.
“That fumble was a game changer,” said Pierre Watiez, of Manhattan. “We’re gonna win the Super Bowl because of that!”
The crowd at Legends, which packed all three levels with seas of blue jerseys, was clinking beers after every Giants first down and broke out of chants of “Let’s Go Giants!” after every big play of the drama-filled seesaw game.
They also roared “Cruuuuzz” after every one of the star receiver’s 10 catches.
“Cruz is unstoppable!” said Liz Deveny, 28, of Williamsburg.
And for fans who made the trek out west to see the game in California, even the miserable weather conditions couldn’t ruin the game’s perfect ending.
“I got soaked out here, but its worth it,” said Jenny Salcido, 20, from Plainfield, NJ.
“I needed to be here to see us win this one on the way to another championship,” Salcido said.
The crowd at Candlestick Park was packed with Giants faithful who braved the constant rain, howling winds and chilly temperatures in the 40s.
“This is just a beautiful thing,” said Brian Smythe, 43, of Forest Hills. “This trip was worth every penny. There’s something special about this crew, and Eli is going to bring home another one.”
Rob Cohen, who traveled from Albany, said, “This was just an epic game. We never game up and just gritted it out.”
Michael Fitzmaurice, 51, from Riverhead, LI, boasted,“Big Blue can’t be stopped.”
“We’re the road warriors baby! We did it in Lambeau, We did it in San Fran, and we’re going to do it in Indianapolis,” he cheered.
Any fans looking to make the trip to Indianapolis for the Super Bowl on Feb. 5, will have to dig deep in their pockets.
The average ticket price is $3,679, with the cheapest ducat coming in at $2,247.
The most expensive seat is $17,048, while a suite is still available for over $1.1 million.

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David Ferrer wins Auckland title for 3rd time

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP)—Top-seeded David Ferrer won the Heineken Open for the third time, beating unseeded Belgium’s Olivier Rochus 6-3, 6-4 on Saturday.
Ferrer, ranked fifth in the world, completed preparations for the Australian Open with an impressive performance, dropping only one set over four matches for his 12th career title.

He also won the event in 2007 and last year.
Ferrer beat Lukas Rosol, Alejandro Falla and third-seeded Fernando Verdasco on the way to the final, then overpowered the 68th-ranked Rochus with his powerful serve and forehand. Ferrer had nine aces and won 81 percent of first-serve points.

“I feel tired, very tired. I ran a lot this week,” Ferrer said. “But it’s the first time I’ve won three times in the same tournament and so this is my favorite tournament. For me to win a tournament three times is very special.”

http://sports.yahoo.com

Heather Locklear taken to Calif. hospital

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) — Heather Locklear was taken to a Southern California hospital for precautionary reasons Thursday after an emergency call was made from her home, authorities said.

Paramedics and sheriff's deputies responded Thursday afternoon to Locklear's home in Westlake Village, which is 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

Locklear was taken to Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, where a spokeswoman told KCAL-TV the actress was stable and her parents were by her side.

"Her parents wanted everybody to know that she's doing well, she's fine, she's not in any danger, she's healthy," hospital spokeswoman Kris Carraway-Bowman told the station.

Ventura County sheriff's Capt. Mike Aranda said he did not know Locklear's condition but deputies were not investigating.

Locklear has been hospitalized several times over the years. In 2009, she pleaded no contest to reckless driving after being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of prescription medication.

The 50-year-old actress's publicists did not return messages seeking comment.

Locklear and "Melrose Place" co-star Jack Wagner recently ended their engagement. She was previously married to Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora, and they have a daughter together.

http://news.yahoo.com

Kenny Dalglish: Steven Gerrard could be Liverpool’s ‘greatest ever player’

Following the player's decision to agree a new contract at the club, director of football Damien Comolli suggested that Gerrard is the best footballer produced by England in the past 20 years.

The Scotsman has since suggested that Gerrard may even be considered Liverpool's greatest ever player, also praising the skipper's work within the local community.

"Well I wouldn't disagree if that was the question you're asking me," Dalglish told reporters. "He's certainly made a huge contribution to the football club but other people have different opinions. He wouldn't be far away from being mentioned as the greatest ever player for Liverpool football club.

"His standing within the community is fantastic, the way he does other work gleefully and happily and enjoys doing it for people less fortunate than himself is a great testament to him as well."

The midfielder is set to take up an ambassadorial position at the club when his playing days come to an end and Dalglish believes that he is perfect for the role.

"Everyone knows the service he's given the football club, knows the success he's brought to the football club and know how much it means to him," he added. "So for him to be extending his contract and looking to work beyond when he finishes playing for the football club is a great lift and great news for everybody here."

The new deal sees Gerrard set for a one-club career, a rarity in the modern game, but Dalglish believes it is not that surprising considering the 31-year-old's passion for Liverpool.

"It doesn't happen very often, but it depends on the people," he explained. "If the people are happy where they're working, happy with the people they're working for, then why would you move?

"The time when he stops playing is hopefully a few years away, but the fact he wants to continue working at the football club which he'd probably be a supporter of anyway, is great for everybody"
Following the player's decision to agree a new contract at the club, director of football Damien Comolli suggested that Gerrard is the best footballer produced by England in the past 20 years.

The Scotsman has since suggested that Gerrard may even be considered Liverpool's greatest ever player, also praising the skipper's work within the local community.

"Well I wouldn't disagree if that was the question you're asking me," Dalglish told reporters. "He's certainly made a huge contribution to the football club but other people have different opinions. He wouldn't be far away from being mentioned as the greatest ever player for Liverpool football club.

"His standing within the community is fantastic, the way he does other work gleefully and happily and enjoys doing it for people less fortunate than himself is a great testament to him as well."

The midfielder is set to take up an ambassadorial position at the club when his playing days come to an end and Dalglish believes that he is perfect for the role.

"Everyone knows the service he's given the football club, knows the success he's brought to the football club and know how much it means to him," he added. "So for him to be extending his contract and looking to work beyond when he finishes playing for the football club is a great lift and great news for everybody here."

The new deal sees Gerrard set for a one-club career, a rarity in the modern game, but Dalglish believes it is not that surprising considering the 31-year-old's passion for Liverpool.

"It doesn't happen very often, but it depends on the people," he explained. "If the people are happy where they're working, happy with the people they're working for, then why would you move?

"The time when he stops playing is hopefully a few years away, but the fact he wants to continue working at the football club which he'd probably be a supporter of anyway, is great for everybody"
Following the player's decision to agree a new contract at the club, director of football Damien Comolli suggested that Gerrard is the best footballer produced by England in the past 20 years.

The Scotsman has since suggested that Gerrard may even be considered Liverpool's greatest ever player, also praising the skipper's work within the local community.

"Well I wouldn't disagree if that was the question you're asking me," Dalglish told reporters. "He's certainly made a huge contribution to the football club but other people have different opinions. He wouldn't be far away from being mentioned as the greatest ever player for Liverpool football club.

"His standing within the community is fantastic, the way he does other work gleefully and happily and enjoys doing it for people less fortunate than himself is a great testament to him as well."

The midfielder is set to take up an ambassadorial position at the club when his playing days come to an end and Dalglish believes that he is perfect for the role.

"Everyone knows the service he's given the football club, knows the success he's brought to the football club and know how much it means to him," he added. "So for him to be extending his contract and looking to work beyond when he finishes playing for the football club is a great lift and great news for everybody here."

The new deal sees Gerrard set for a one-club career, a rarity in the modern game, but Dalglish believes it is not that surprising considering the 31-year-old's passion for Liverpool.

"It doesn't happen very often, but it depends on the people," he explained. "If the people are happy where they're working, happy with the people they're working for, then why would you move?

"The time when he stops playing is hopefully a few years away, but the fact he wants to continue working at the football club which he'd probably be a supporter of anyway, is great for everybody"
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David Platt reveals Carlos Tevez could stay at Manchester City in January

The Argentine has been out of favor at Eastlands following his refusal to come on as a substitute against Bayern Munich in September, with the Premier League leader holding negotiations with Serie A rivals Milan and Inter over a proposed transfer throughout January.
However, with talks having reportedly broken down on Thursday, Platt has refused to rule out the possibility of a surprise stay at the Etihad Stadium for the 27-year-old.
“I don't know. Stranger things have happened,” Platt admitted. “Without being in that loop [on Milan negotiations], what I'm led to believe is that unless the deal is right for the football club then it is not happening anyway.”
Despite the recent squad shortage at the club, with Vincent Kompany serving a four-game suspension, and Ivorian brothers Yaya and Kolo Toure participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, Platt has insisted that for now, City also sees Tevez as unavailable for selection.
“It's the same with Vincent. We're without Vincent for four games,” the former England international added. “No disrespect to him, but we have to concentrate on the players who are available. Others are away at the African Nations. Circumstances have dictated that Carlos is not available to us, and so that is how we have to deal with it.”

Robert Mancini's side faces Wigan on Monday, and Platt says the club is hopeful Spanish attacker David Silva will be available for selection, having missed out on Wednesday's League Cup semifinal first leg defeat to Liverpool through injury.

http://sports.yahoo.com

Defending champ Li stops Kvitova’s run to No. 1

SYDNEY (AP)—Defending champion Li Na of China moved into the Sydney International final with a 1-6, 7-5, 6-2 over Petra Kvitova on Thursday, ending the Czech player’s bid to become world No. 1 before the Australian Open.
Kvitova needed to win the Sydney international to replace Caroline Wozniacki atop the rankings at the start of next week.

Kvitova needed to win the Sydney International to replace Caroline Wozniacki atop the rankings next week and the Wimbledon champion was on track when she led by a set and a break.
But Li rallied strongly in the second and third sets to reach back-to-back finals at Sydney, where she’ll meet No. 3-ranked Victoria Azarenka in Friday’s final. Azarenka beat Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the other semifinal later Thursday.
The Wimbledon champion was on track when she led by a set and a break, but Li rallied strongly in the second and third sets to reach back-to-back finals at Sydney, where she’ll meet either No. 3-ranked Victoria Azarenka or Agnieszka Radwanska.
Li reached the Australian Open final last year two weeks after winning in Sydney. She went one better at the next major, winning the French Open to become the first player from China to win a Grand Slam singles title.
Li’s form dipped at the end of last season and she lost in the second round at Wimbledon and the opening round at the U.S. Open, but she started to get back into form in the earlier rounds at Sydney.
A pep-talk from her husband and coach Shan Jiang after the first set against Kvitova helped refocus Li.
“‘OK,’ he say, ‘If you play same like this, you’ll lose match easy,”’ said Li, who has developed a reputation for poking fun at her husband in postmatch interviews.
After the win over Kvitova, who beat Wozniacki at the Hopman Cup last week, Li said she’s back to about where she was at this time last year.
Asked if she was in better or worse form, Li said: “I think the same.”

In the men’s quarterfinals, Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan beat third-seeded Richard Gasquet of France 6-4, 7-6 (4) to set up a semifinal against Finland’s Jarkko Nieminen, who defeated American Bobby Reynolds 6-3, 6-3

source: http://sports.yahoo.com

NBA game highlights

The defending-champion Mavericks and Lakers fell to 0-2 in another blowout, Eric Gordon won the game in his Hornets debut, and rookies Kyrie Irving and Ricky Rubio played the first NBA games.