SPORTS 100909

Tennis first and in the US Open – and in Men’s quarter-final action – number 3 seed Novak Djokovic moved closer to the finals with a 3-sets win over 17th seed Gael Monfils of France 7-6, 6-1, 6-2.

Djokovic will face number 2 seed Roger Federer in the semis after the Swiss demolished 5th seed Robin Soderling of Sweden 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.

In Women’s quarter-final ties – Russia’s Vera Zvonareva will face number 1 seed Caroline Wozniacki in the semis – after she ousted Kaia Kanepi of Estonia 6-3, 7-5.

For Wozniacki she saw off her Slovakian opponent Dominika Cibulkova 6-2, 7-5.
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Football and in the English Premiership – Aston Villa have confirmed the appointment of Gerard Houllier as it’s new manager.

63-year old Houllier had left his position as technical director for the French Football Federation on Wednesday and will now face Stoke City away as his first task as Villa manager next Monday.
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Back home in the S-League last night – in the top of the table clash between Tampines Rovers and Etoile FC – the French-side have regained top spot after a 2-1 win over their rivals.

Frederic Mendy opened the accounts for Etoile in the 50th minute – but his goal was cancelled out by a Aliff Shafaein’s strike 9 minutes later.

However in the 66th minute Flavein Michelini scored the winner that took Etoile to the top of the league.
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Finally in Motorsports – with the Italy Grand Prix just around the corner – Jenson Button insists he has lost none of his motivation to succeed since becoming Formula One world champion.

Button maintains he is as driven now as at any time throughout his career, believing there is no-one who works harder in attempting to improve and to win.

Button remains 35 points adrift from current leader Lewis Hamilton.
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