Women sport news

The England Women squad received a masterclass in motivation and achievement when Olympic legend, Dame Kelly Holmes, met up with the team on Wednesday afternoon. photo FA

The FA received a prestigious accolade at the Sport Industry Awards on Thursday evening, for its work in transforming perceptions of Women's and Girls' Football. photo Fa

Hope Powell has named a squad of 20 players to face Belarus in their sixth European Championship qualifier - their second to be played away from home. photo FA

Second-round leader Paula Creamer (70-71=141) is the only player under par through two rounds of play. The 21-year-old shot even-par 71 on Friday to take the lead at 1-under heading into Saturday, when temperatures are expected to be chilly through the morning and winds are predicted at 10-20 mph from the NNW. photo Nick Laham Getty Images

The Atlantic Coast Conference was well represented as Virginia's Leah Wigger of Louisville, Ky., and Duke's Kristina Tucker of Stockholm, Sweden, each posted a pair of 6-under-par 66's to tie for the early lead in first-round play at the El Paso Golf Classic on Friday. photo Futurestour.com

SURFING sensation SALLY FITZGIBBONS (Gerroa, NSW) turned the tables on archrival LAURA ENEVER (Narrabeen) to claim back-to-back Brother Neilsen Pro Juniors titles at Duranbah Beach today. photo ASP

Great Britain’s team to challenge for the 2008 Rolex Commodores’ Cup is complete.

Casa de Campo is the selected location for the third round of the Cross Country UCI World Cup, and the track is almost the same of those that will be created for the 2016 Olympic event, in case of Madrid Town should be chosen by International Olympic Committee.

After back-to-back world cups in Asia, the series shifts to South Africa for the third consecutive year. This Sunday's Richards Bay BG Triathlon World Cup marks the 199th world cup event in ITU's history.

Lauren Hewitt, one of Australia’s most recognised and decorated female sprinters, has announced her retirement from athletics. photo Athletics Australia

Sina Wall was also seeded to win the women's event - but the 18-year-old from Munich faced surprise opponent Olivia Blatchford, the third seed from the USA, in the final.

Australia strengthen their position as best-performing nation in the Rankings, with Sarah BLANCK (AUS) moves up one place to #2 in the Laser Radial in additional to their three world #1 spots. Great Britain also continue count four top-three places (one #1, two #2, one #3), but have been knocked back into third position in the national standings by a terrific Polish performance. photo Dan Nerney Rolex

In Alpine Skiing, the biggest name calling it quits is Alexandra Meissnitzer (AUT). 2’500 fans wished her farewell in her home town of Abtenau some ten days ago.

After three rounds and 28 matches, eight teams from Brazil, Canada, Georgia, Germany, Italy Mexico, the Netherlands and the Ukraine advanced from a 36-team Qualification Tournament to the women's Main Draw here Wednesday for the US$350,000 China Shanghai Jinshan Open. photo FIVB

For the first-time since 2003, Mexico made its presence felt at a double gender SWATCH FIVB World Tour event as a men’s and women’s team from the North American country advanced to the Main Draw of this week’s US$350,000 China Shanghai Jinshan Open. photo FIVB

With three of their compatriots losing matches here Thursday, Chen Xue and Xi Zhang will lead China’s Beach Volleyball efforts into Friday’s schedule seeking to regain a spot on the China Shanghai Jinshan Open podium where they were awarded the gold medal in 2006. photo FIVB

Hosts Netherlands enjoyed a highly successful opening day today (Wednesday) in the European Team Squash Championships at Frans Otten Stadion in Amsterdam.

Today, the Washington Kastles, World TeamTennis’ newest franchise, announced plans to build a temporary 2,020 seat stadium at the site of the former Convention Center to host the pro tennis team this summer for its inaugural season.

Iveta Benesova, who reached her first final in two years at Estoril two weeks ago, moved into the quarterfinals of Prague with a three set win on Thursday. The Top 4 seeds also advanced.

Gisela Dulko beat Emilie Loit for the first time in three career meetings on Thursday to reach the quarterfinals of the Grand Prix de SAR La Princesse Lalla Meryem. Aravane Rezai also won through.

The first round is underway at The SemGroup Championships. All eyes are on World Number 1 Lorena Ochoa as she goes for her fifth consecutive win this season. Defending champion Mi Hyan Kim and Ochoa lead the 144 player field....stay tuned

Keep up to date with Alan and Peter as they start their crossing of Greenland. Up to date news will be available on the website. That time is nearly upon us. We have been to see the local police chief to get the final OK to set foot on the ice cap. All relevant safety details were checked and satellite phone numbers swapped.

Today, all visitors to www.Ironman.com will enjoy a new experience as they log on to the event-based brand’s official Web site. The site has an enhanced look and feel that offers more photos and video, along with an easier interface for visitors to access information.

ParalympicsGB today received nominations for thirty-six swimmers from British Swimming for the British team for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games

Netball Australia will join forces with San Remo Macaroni Company in playing a leading role in promoting the importance of healthy eating and an active involvement in sport.

Lyn Gunson, head of England Netball’s 21 and Under programme and a former national open squad coach, has been honoured with Life Membership of England Netball in recognition of her work in creating and shaping the player development pathways, and the impact she has had on the development of some many of the current crop of England players and aspiring coaches.