BARCELONA, Spain -- Second-seeded David Ferrer was ousted from the Barcelona Open by a Russian opponent for the second straight year and defending champion Rafael Nadal laboured to victory on Wednesday. Ferrer was unable to find his rhythm in losing 6-4, 6-2 to Teymuraz Gabashvili in his opening match while Nadal struggled past fellow Spanish player Albert Ramos 7-6 (2), 6-4. Nadal eventually overcame his 103rd-ranked opponent to reach the third round, rebounding from a surprise loss to Ferrer in the Monte Carlo Masters quarterfinals. "After losing in the Monte Carlo I wanted to raise my game here," Nadal said. "It just took a while." Eight-time winner Nadal was made to work against the stubborn Ramos, who broke back in the 11th game to force the first-set tiebreaker. Nadal eventually came out on the winning end of a long rally of baseline shots for a 4-2 lead as he went on to take the set. Nadal was steadier after that but still could not shake Ramos. He sealed it after a quick talk with the tournament doctor by breaking his fellow left-hander to win the match. "I had to accept that I was going to be made to work today, that I was not playing at my best level," Nadal said. "But I got through it." Nadal will face Ivan Dodig next after the Croatian dismissed Feliciano Lopez of Spain 6-1, 6-4. Ferrer, meanwhile, will not be facing Nadal in the final for a fifth time after the 55th-ranked Gabashvili dominated Ferrer on his favoured clay to reach the last 16. Gabashvili kept Ferrer running to the corners, and the fifth-ranked Spaniard was surprisingly unable to keep up with shots he normally returns, looking fatigued at times. Ferrer netted to give his opponent a triple set-point opportunity to close out the first frame, which Gabashvili did by smashing a crosscourt forehand Ferrer couldnt handle. Gabashvili maintained his play from the start of the second set to race to 3-0 when Ferrer skied his return high and into the crowd. Ferrer, who lost at this same stage last season to Dmitry Tursunov, slapped a crosscourt forehand long for Gabashvili to clinch it. "Three weeks ago I lost to Ferrer in Miami but I dominated that first set. Today, I wanted to maintain my energy and keep it going, which I did for (90) minutes, but any more and it might have been tougher to win," Gabashvili said after winning for the first time on the third try against Ferrer. Ferrer wasnt the only significant player to exit early as third-seeded Fabio Fognini retired to injury while losing 6-0, 4-0 to Santiago Giraldo of Colombia. Eighth-seeded Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine was also ousted by Spanish player Albert Montanes 7-6 (5), 6-3. Other second-round winners included sixth-seeded Nicolas Almagro and fellow Spaniard Albert Montanes. .Y. -- In a span of three days, Shabazz Napier and Connecticut knocked out both Philadelphia schools in the NCAA tournament. . – Team Canadas Brooke Henderson carded a 4-under 67 at Craigowan Golf and Country Club to jump into the lead at the Canadian Womens Amateur Championship on Wednesday.
http://www.airforce1storesale.com/fake- ... utlet.html. -- Scottie Wilbekin sat on the bench for the final minute, holding a bag of ice against his left knee. . Bring on Freddy Garcia. The well-travelled 36-year-old right-hander earned his second NL victory since 2007, and his first since he joined the Atlanta Braves last month, pitching six innings to help beat Miami 6-1 Thursday. .ca. Mr. Fraser, I think everyone would like to hear your opinion on what sort of suspension Zac Rinaldo should get. His comment after the game of I changed the whole game, man.FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - An angry New York Jets coach Rex Ryan 100 per cent denies a published report he wanted to fire offensive co-ordinator Marty Mornhinweg during the season and says the story is completely bogus.The SB Nation report, quoting anonymous players and management sources, says that Ryan and Mornhinweg have had friction all season, and the 2-10 Jets run-heavy approach in a loss to Miami last Monday night was Mornhinwegs way of sticking iit to Ryan.ddddddddddddThe report also says that general manager John Idziks inability to provide Ryan with enough players to compete has made for a toxic environment.Ryan, at his news conference Friday, denies those assertions and says it angers him because its not an accurate portrayal of this organization. Several players echoed Ryans sentiment after practice Friday.___AP NFL websites:
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