BA and Iberia agree £5bn merger as Unite announces new strike ballot | Business | The Guardian

BA and Iberia agree £5bn merger as Unite announces new strike ballot Business The Guardian: "British Airways shareholders backed a £5bn merger with Spain's Iberia but the Unite trade union overshadowed the occasion by announcing a new cabin crew strike ballot at BA.
Extraordinary general meetings in London and Madrid approved the creation of International Airlines Group – a carrier with 400 aircraft, serving more than 250 destinations and employing about 57,000 staff – that hopes to compete with multinational rivals Air France-KLM and Lufthansa.
In one of his last public acts as chief executive of BA, Willie Walsh told investors that the combined group would have 'considerable scale', including access to Latin American markets via Iberia's Madrid hub.
'We have always identified Latin America as a growth market, one where BA is under-represented,' said Walsh, who will become chief executive of IAG when the company launches in January. 'We are very pleased to have the combined network of BA and Iberia.'"

The Press Association: Bin Hammam denies backing bid

The Press Association: Bin Hammam denies backing bid: "Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Mohamed bin Hammam has denied reports stating that he has agreed to back the Spain-Portugal bid for the right to host the 2018 World Cup.
Spanish newspaper Marca quoted the Asian football chief as saying he would give the Iberian bid his support when FIFA's executive committee gathers on December 2 in return for their backing for Qatar's bid to host the 2022 World Cup.
In a message to supporters on his official website, bin Hammam insisted he has never publicly supported one bid stating: 'A Spanish newspaper, called Marca, which I have never heard of, completely fabricated an interview with me, pretending that Asia and I will support Spain's bid.'
Support from Asia would be a setback for England's own ambitions to hold the tournament with Conmebol general secretary Eduardo Deluca having confirmed last Wednesday that Latin America's three votes would go to the Spain-Portugal bid, meaning they would potentially have seven guaranteed votes for Thursday's poll in Zurich."

Spain's Melendez reveals secrets

Spain's Melendez reveals secrets: "Spanish Youth National Coach Gines Melendez on Saturday revealed the “bottom iceberg” that has been instrumental to the success of Spain as the2010 World Cup champions.
Speaking at the FIFA/AFC World Cup Conference 2010 here, Melendez likened Spain’s success to the top iceberg reaching high in the sky out of the water."

Spain's Nadal books spot in semis of year-end event - Fox News Latino

Spain's Nadal books spot in semis of year-end event - Fox News Latino: "Spain'sRafael Nadal won his third consecutive match at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals - a 7-6 (7-3), 6-1 victory here Friday over Czech Tomas Berdych - and booked his spot in the semifinals of this elite, year-end event.
Nadal won the rematch of this year's Wimbledon final in one hour and 54 minutes and will square off in Saturday's semifinals against Scotland's Andy Murray."

Spain and Portugal get South America’s vote. | Bettor.com

Spain and Portugal get South America’s vote. Bettor.com: "Spain and Portugal have secured the votes of the South American continent for the 2018 FIFA world cup. It was believed the three votes South America holds in the 22 member executive committee will go to the Spain/Portugal bid. It was made official by CONMEBOL general secretary Eduardo Deluca that the continent’s vote will go to Spain and Portugal."

Golf: Superb 67 for Lloyd in Spain - Scotsman.com Sport

Fifty Places to Play Golf Before You Die: Golf Experts Share the World's Greatest DestinationsGolf: Superb 67 for Lloyd in Spain - Scotsman.com Sport: "Lothians golfer Lloyd Saltman was heading into the second round of the European Tour's qualifying school in purposeful mood today after an impressive start to the stage two shoot-out in Spain.
The Aegon ace, runner-up on the Hi 5 Pro Tour in Murcia last weekend, continued his fine form on Spanish soil with a five-under 67 at Costa Ballena in Jerez yesterday.

Saltman, aiming to gain a spot on the main tour for the first time since turning pro in 2007, finished a shot behind early leaders Julian Etulain and James Ruth.

Swanston's former Scottish Amateur champion John Gallagher opened with a three-under 69 while Capital man Mark Kerr carded a 72.

In Murcia, Craigielaw's Shaun McAllister hit a three-under 69 to share tenth behind early leaders, Luis Claverie and Paul Dwyer. Elliot Saltman began his challenge with a steady 71."

I touched the ball because I thought I wasn't offside. Everything happened so quickly. After having time to think about it I apologised to Ronaldo

"I touched the ball because I thought I wasn't offside. Everything happened so quickly. After having time to think about it I apologised to Ronaldo. It was a great piece of play and I shouldn't have ruined it." - Nani.

"I don't understand, even a blind man could see it was a goal, the ball was half a metre into the net. I don't know if it's a coincidence or not but my best goals with the national team are being disallowed." - Cristiano Ronaldo.

He only played for 45 minutes but Cristiano Ronaldo has a hugely eventful first half in Portugal's 4-0 win over Spain on Wednesday night.

First off, CR7 was scythed down by Sergio Busquets in the eighth minute and it took the Real Madrid forward just a couple of minutes to grab his retribution with his own reckless challenge on the Barcelona defensive midfielder.

Ten minutes before the break came the now infamous moment when Ronaldo stuck Gerard Pique on his bum, before bamboozling club team mates Xabi Alonso and Iker Casillas only for Nani to nip in and ruin the wonder goal.

Ronaldo did in the end have his impact on the match, beating Busquests before seeing his shot parried by Casillas to Carlos Martins who opened the scoring.

Cristiano Ronaldo's individual match highlights v Spain are on the video below.

Sir Sean Connery ordered to pay millions in investigation into Spanish property fraud - Telegraph

Sir Sean Connery ordered to pay millions in investigation into Spanish property fraud - Telegraph: "James Bond star and his French born wife Micheline Roquebrune are among 26 people to be summoned by a Marbella court in connection with Operation Goldfinger, an investigation into alleged property fraud and money laundering.
The investigation has uncovered apparent irregularities arising from the sale in 1998 of Casa Malibu, a Marbella property which the couple owned for 20 years, for euros 6.4m (pounds 5.6m).
The local authority claims 72 luxury flats were built on the site following the sale of Casa Malibu, despite planning permission for only five family homes. The development yielded a euros 53m profit most of which was allegedly sent to tax havens abroad."

World Cup 2018: Fifa members suspended over cash for votes allegations as Spain and Qatar cleared of collusion - Telegraph

World Cup 2018: Fifa members suspended over cash for votes allegations as Spain and Qatar cleared of collusion - Telegraph: "Fifa executive committee members Amos Adamu and Reynald Temarii have been suspended from all football-related activity for three years and one year respectively in relation to allegations of corruption regarding World Cup votes, while charges of collusion between bids from Qatar and Spain-Portugal have been dropped."

Cesc Fábregas finds no positives in Spain's crushing defeat by Portugal | Football | guardian.co.uk

Cesc Fábregas finds no positives in Spain's crushing defeat by Portugal | Football | guardian.co.uk: "Cesc Fábregas was unable to find any positives from Spain's friendly against Portugal after the world champions crashed to a 4-0 defeat in Lisbon.
Jorge Carlos Martins fired Portugal ahead on the stroke of half-time before second-half goals from Hélder Postiga, the Spain defender Sergio Ramos, who put through his own net, and the substitute Hugo Almeida sent Spain to their heaviest defeat since 1963."

Canada gets rugby victory over Spain - The Globe and Mail

Canada gets rugby victory over Spain - The Globe and Mail: "Teenager Taylor Paris wasted little time getting on Canada's rugby score sheet.
The 18-year-old winger scored two of his team's eight tries in Canada's 60-22 win over Spain on Saturday in just his second Test appearance for Canada.
“It was a good win for sure,” Paris said. “The tries were walk-ins because it was a team effort. I was nervous, but the leaders in the team, like Pat Riordan and Adam Kleeburger, got us ready for the game.”"

NEW TOURISM STRATEGY TO BRING BACK UK TOURISTS | Costa del Sol | Leader - News, Sport, Advertising, Property, Classifieds - Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Costa Calida, Costa de Almeria, Spain

NEW TOURISM STRATEGY TO BRING BACK UK TOURISTS | Costa del Sol | Leader - News, Sport, Advertising, Property, Classifieds - Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Costa Calida, Costa de Almeria, Spain: "Regional Minister of Tourism, Trade and Sport, Luciano Alonso, announced that as part of World Travel Market (WTM), held in London last week, that a new promotional strategy will be launched by Andalusia directed specifically at the United Kingdom with the aim of 'reconquering' the British market and 'showing more aggression' in the campaign to bring back British tourists to Andalucia.
“The Costa del Sol is arguably the jewel in the crown of Spain’s coastal holiday destinations and has been a Mecca for tourists for over 30 years, but we cannot afford to rest on our laurels. We must pick up the pace once again and make sure that we continue to compete with the emerging world markets.”
He said that among the measures to be incorporated into the Plan of Action for the next year, will be a seminar directed solely at travel agents called 'Let's talk about Andalucia' which will include cuisine workshops involving many top chefs from around the region.
The plan will also be aimed at attracting visitors to consumer-class sporting events such as major golf tournaments, rugby matches and La Liga football fixtures.
The Minister said that the strategy will involve further research into the tourist image of community-renowned brands such as Harrods. But he wanted a two pronged attack, the first of which should be aimed at the thousands of Brits already living in the region who he wanted to encourage to spend more time discovering the real Andalusia. “We cannot do this without the British, who have so far been our best travel companions” he said."

Buoyed by their success, Hewitt and his partner Ram Nandkishore plan to bring the Polo House to ­London

James Hewitt has his eyes on Mayfair... | Mail Online: "Buoyed by their success, Hewitt and his partner Ram Nandkishore plan to bring the Polo House to ­London and are looking for properties in Mayfair and Chelsea.‘We are also looking at Los Angeles and Dubai. Since I know London so well, it makes sense for me to be doing it there,’ says former cavalry officer Hewitt.He previously invested in a Docklands golf driving range and a riding school before some tacky adventures in reality television and cashing in on his relationship with Diana by selling his memoirs.‘I have made mistakes, of course I have,’ Hewitt tells me.‘I know I said I was quitting Britain, but that was because I felt I was hated there. ‘What I have been struck by is the reaction from our customers, who are predominantly British.They say to me 'Well, we don’t hate you' and 'Why don’t you open a place like this back home?' ’Last year, Hewitt likened himself to a gypsy when he melodramatically told me he had been ‘cast out’ by the world and felt he didn’t belong anywhere.Two years ago, Hewitt sold his Chelsea flat, but is now looking to start again.
A friend of the Life Guards officer — mentioned in ­dispatches in the first Gulf War — says: ‘He took a huge gamble out in Marbella, but against the odds it’s been a success when people said it was mad to open a restaurant at a time of recession. ‘James realises he is not quite ­public enemy number one any more and is coming back not as a loser but as a winner.’"

Vettel grabs pole for F1 season finale

Vettel grabs pole for F1 season finale: "Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel put himself in the best possible position to claim the Formula One title by beating his three rivals to pole position in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix yesterday.
The 23-year-old German, celebrating his 10th pole of 2010 and a record-equalling 15th in a single season for his team, could do no more at a circuit where he won last year and where he will probably have to win again to become the sport's youngest champion.
Even then it may not be enough.
McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, who is 24 points behind championship leader Fernando Alonso and must win while hoping his rivals fail to score, will be second on the grid with nothing to lose.
Ferrari's Alonso, the Spaniard who is eight points ahead of Red Bull's Mark Webber and 15 clear of Vettel, was sitting pretty after hauling himself to third place in the closing seconds under floodlights while Webber sank to fifth."

Haye successfully defends WBA heavyweight crown - CNN.com

Haye successfully defends WBA heavyweight crown - CNN.com: "David Haye retained his WBA world heavyweight title with a third round stoppage of fellow Briton Audley Harrison in Manchester on Saturday night.
The domestic battle had been hyped as the 'Best of Enemies' but in truth was a one-sided encounter once Haye caught up with the 2000 Olympic champion in the third round.
A flurry of punches left Harrison on the canvas and despite beating the count he could not withstand a further attack just under two minutes into the round.
Haye, a former world cruiserweight champion, went into the fight conceding a big weight advantage to Harrison, but it proved of little significance as the massive pre-fight favorite justified the odds."

Ronaldo wins libel case against Daily Telegraph

Ronaldo wins libel case against Daily Telegraph: "Real Madrid and Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo won 'substantial' damages today in an out-of-court settlement in the libel case he brought against The Daily Telegraph newspaper for claiming he spent the night dancing and partying in a Hollywood nightclub, when he was recovering from an ankle injury in July 2008.
The narrative entitled 'Ronaldo back in the limelight' alleged that the player had arrived in LA for an awards ceremony but 'headed straight for' a Hollywood nightclub where he threw his crutches to one side in order to dance with four models.
Allan Dunlavy, Ronaldo's lawyer, successfully argued that the false allegations caused embarrassment, offence and misery to the player, and that he was correct to be concerned. 'The authenticity is that these events did not happen and the claimant did not behave unprofessionally,' Dunlavy said.
'The claimant was in Los Angeles, having gone in the city on holiday in the knowledge and with the advance permission of his club, his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, his surgeon and his physio, and while he did attend the nightclub in impeach, he did not drink any alcohol at all whilst in the city, nor at any time whilst in Los Angeles.
'He does not, as a rule, drink alcohol because he takes his health, fitness and recovery from injury very seriously.'"

Sevilla beats 10-man Valencia 2-0 in Spain

Sevilla beats 10-man Valencia 2-0 in Spain: "Substitutes Alvaro Negredo and Alejandro Alfaro scored second-half goals to lead Sevilla to a 2-0 win over 10-man Valencia on Monday.
Valencia were a man down from the 25th minute when midfielder Mehmet Topal was shown a red card for a tackle on Martin Caceres.
Unai Emery's team put up strong resistance until Negredo came on in the 53rd. One minute later, the striker jumped on the rebound from Careces' shot to score the opener.
Advertisement: Story continues below Alfaro sealed the victory by heading in Mouhamadou Dabo's cross from the right in the 77th.
Sevilla is now level with Valencia on 17 points, but is behind in sixth on goal difference."

Sevilla beats 10-man Valencia 2-0 in Spain

Sevilla beats 10-man Valencia 2-0 in Spain: "Substitutes Alvaro Negredo and Alejandro Alfaro scored second-half goals to lead Sevilla to a 2-0 win over 10-man Valencia on Monday.
Valencia were a man down from the 25th minute when midfielder Mehmet Topal was shown a red card for a tackle on Martin Caceres.
Unai Emery's team put up strong resistance until Negredo came on in the 53rd. One minute later, the striker jumped on the rebound from Careces' shot to score the opener.
Alfaro sealed the victory by heading in Mouhamadou Dabo's cross from the right in the 77th.
Sevilla is now level with Valencia on 17 points, but is behind in sixth on goal difference."

The Associated Press: Cycling body asks Spain to investigate Contador

The Associated Press: Cycling body asks Spain to investigate Contador: "Cycling's governing body has asked Spanish authorities to open a doping case against Tour de France winner Alberto Contador.
The International Cycling Union says it wants the Spanish cycling federation to hold a disciplinary hearing regarding Contador's positive test for clenbuterol during the race.
The cycling union tested riders at the Tour but national authorities prosecute doping cases. If found guilty, Contador would be stripped of the Tour victory and likely banned for two years.
The international body suspended Contador in September after his July 21 urine sample contained 'very small' traces of the banned substance. Contador denies doping and says the clenbuterol came from contaminated meat."

New Malaga coach Pellegrini asks for patience - USATODAY.com

New Malaga coach Pellegrini asks for patience - USATODAY.com: "New Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini pleaded for patience Friday as he attempts to turn around the fortunes of the struggling Spanish league club.
Pellegrini says he signed with the Andalucian side for three years rather than five to keep from getting complacent as he looks to develop a 'long-term project' for success.
Pellegrini, 57, inherits a club winless in six games and 18th in the standings.
Pellegrini says he does not want 'revenge' over Real Madrid after it fired him in the summer when the Chilean failed to snap a two-season trophy drought despite signing Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka in a 250 ($340 million) million spending spree."

Barcelona star Xavi denies he is planning to quit Spain - Euro 2012 - ESPN Soccernet

Barcelona star Xavi denies he is planning to quit Spain - Euro 2012 - ESPN Soccernet: "Barcelona star Xavi has denied reports he is considering calling time on his international career.
Xavi has been instrumental for SpainXavi, 30, has made 97 appearances for Spain and was a key part of the successful Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010 campaigns, but he has been struggling with an Achilles tendon problem.
Rumours have surfaced suggesting he is considering focusing on club football to prolong his career and could call it a day when he reaches 100 caps, but Xavi insists there is no truth to the stories."

The Canadian Press: Soderling gets 50th win this year, joins Ferrer, Monfils in Valencia quarters

The Canadian Press: Soderling gets 50th win this year, joins Ferrer, Monfils in Valencia quarters: "Robin Soderling became the fifth man to win 50 matches this year when he beat Daniel Gimeno-Traver of Spain 6-2, 6-3 in the second round of the Valencia Open on Thursday.
The second-seeded Soderling reached 50 for the first time in his career to reach the quarterfinals for the 13th time this year. But he hasn't made it to the semifinals since July.
In his way will be No. 8 Gael Monfils, last week's champion in Montpellier, who beat Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland 6-2, 6-4.
Fourth-seeded David Ferrer of Spain defeated Russian qualifier Teymuraz Gabashvili 6-4, 6-1, and sixth-seeded Nikolay Davydenko of Russia downed Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina 7-6 (0), 6-2 for only the second time in eight matchups."

David Beckham denies reports he wants US citizenship | Latest celebrity news hellomagazine.com

David Beckham denies reports he wants US citizenship | Latest celebrity news hellomagazine.com: "David Beckham has denied reports that he wants to be a US citizen.

The footballer, who has lived in Beverly Hills since 2007, has had to play down a report which appeared in the Los Angeles Times saying he would like to take US citizenship.

'You may have seen some recent quotes attributed to me. Just to be clear - I'm happy living in America but have no intention of becoming a US citizen. I'm English and proud to be."

Boonchu Ruangkit fired a seven-under 64 on Sunday to cruise to victory at the Benahavis Senior Masters

Marbella, Spain (Sports Network) - Boonchu Ruangkit fired a seven-under 64 on Sunday to cruise to victory at the Benahavis Senior Masters, his fourth victory of the season on the European Senior Tour.

Ruangkit, the second-round leader, finished the tournament at 16-under 197 and won by an eye-opening seven strokes over Carl Mason (68) and John Gould (69) at La Quinta Golf & Country Club.

Things were tight at the turn when Ruangkit bogeyed seven and eight. Gould tallied four birdies on the opening side, but things turned back to Ruangkit on the second nine.

He rattled off three birdies in a row from the 10th, but was temporarily derailed by a bogey at the 13th. Gould birdied 10, but recorded four more bogeys to fall down the leaderboard.

Ruangkit was in command for the championship, but another birdie run gave him the jaw-dropping margin of victory. He birdied three in a row from 15 to seal the title.

Juan Quiros shot a one-under 70 and finished in fourth at minus-seven.

Bertus Smit (68), Kevin Spurgeon (69), Mike Cunning (69), Chris Williams (69), Katsuyoshi Tomori (70), Peter Fowler (70) and Angel Franco (72) tied for fifth at six-under 207

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell won the Andalucia Masters Sunday at Valderrama in Sotogrande, Spain, closing with a 3-over 74

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell won the Andalucia Masters Sunday at Valderrama in Sotogrande, Spain, closing with a 3-over 74 for a two-stroke victory.

McDowell, also the U.S. Open winner and Wales Open champion this year, finished at 3 under. Northern Ireland's Gareth Maybin (76), Denmark's Soren Kjeldsen (69) and Ireland's Damien McGrane (72) tied for second.

German star Martin Kaymer needed a top-two finish to take the top spot from Tiger Woods in the world ranking, but closed with a 75 to tie for 21st.

England's Lee Westwood took the top ranking, becoming the first European since Nick Faldo in 1994 to be No. 1, and the 13th player to be No. 1 since the ranking system began in 1986.

Woods had been No. 1 since the week before the 2005 U.S. Open, where he was runner-up. He won the British Open a month later and his ranking rarely has been threatened since.

That changed this year, however, when Woods struggled through his worst season on and off the course.



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