Unstoppable Djokovic advances to Miami final

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MIAMI — Novak Djokovic reached the final of the Sony Ericsson Open after defeating American Mardy Fish in straight sets on Friday to extend his winning run to 25 and set up a showdown with either Rafa Nadal or Roger Federer.

Djokovic ran out a 6-3 6-1 winner at Key Biscayne to ensure Sundays final of the Masters 1000 event will include two of the top three players in the world for the first time.

The Serb, whose 25 straight wins date back to last year, again illustrated his ability to rise to the moment as he responded to the challenge every time Fish found a glimmer of hope, ending the match in one hour 26 minutes.

Play was delayed by rain with the score at 2-2 in the first set and little to choose between the pair but Djokovic came out and broke at the first opportunity.

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Arron defence for Webb

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Webb: Not being rushed (leighdawneyphotography.com )

Sam Webb will make the second defence of his British light middleweight title against Prizefighter champion Prince Arron in Kent on May 13.

The 29-year-old stunned Anthony Small last year to take the title before outclassing Leicester’s Martin Concepcion in 11 rounds last October.

The Chislehurst fighter was offered a European title fight but promoter Frank Maloney does not want to test him too soon.

“We are looking at the European title, but I would like Sam to win a Lonsdale belt outright and gain some more experience,” said Maloney.

“The Arron fight will tell me a lot about Sam because he is up against a tall, awkward fighter who would give anyone problems.

“Trainer Bob Shannon has done a good job with Arron and he always boxes to instruction.

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Andy Murray without coach but set to enter Monte Carlo Masters

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Andy Murray, still to choose his next coach after a dismal start to the season, is almost certain to play in the Monte Carlo Masters 1000, which starts on 10 April.

Murray, who split with his part-time coach of three years, Alex Corretja, on Tuesday, has stayed in Miami, the scene of his latest early defeat in straight sets, and has had talks with at least two candidates, one of whom is believed to be the former world No1 Ivan Lendl, a Florida resident. Murray will return to London next week, to confirm his entry to Queen’s in June.

Murray, who will not be overly buoyed by the technical restoration of his world No4 ranking on Monday, needs a quick fix to restore his confidence before the clay-court season.

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Vassell scraps to points win

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Vassell: Scrappy win

I could have used my jab a lot more but that will come with time

Denton Vassell Quotes of the week

Denton Vassell retained his Commonwealth welterweight title with a unanimous points verdict over Bethuel Ushona.

The Mancunian’s relentless workrate was enough to impress the judges in his first defence of the title he won when beating Lee Purdy 11 months ago.

His African opponent showed flashes of skill and had he carried a heavier punch the result may well have been different.

But in the end the previously unbeaten Ushona did nowhere near enough to threaten an upset in Wigan.

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Elena Baltacha battles back to claim victory in Miami

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Britain’s Elena Baltacha reached the second round of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami after a gruelling three-set win over Austria’s Sybille Bammer.

Baltacha conceded the opening set but rallied superbly to claim the next two on tie-breaks on her way to a 3-6, 7-6, 7-6 victory in two hours and 55 minutes.

The world No85 now faces Klara Zakopalova, the 32nd seed from the Czech Republic, who had a first-round bye.

Baltacha, who fought back from a break down in the second set and 1-4 down in the third, admitted she had ridden her luck. “I can’t believe I’m still part of the tournament,” she said.

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