GENERAL
NEWS & SPORT
THE QUOTES
52
Joel Parkinson has claimed the first two events of the world tour
“We’ll dedicate every game from now on in to ‘Macca’, and hopefully we can do his family proud. We’ll celebrate his life by winning games of rugby.” Brumbies captain Mark Gerrard on how his side plans to honour fallen teammate Shawn Mackay. “I know that if I fail, lots of people will be happy. That pushes me to work hard, as much as I possibly can. It’s a huge motivation.” Rugby convert Sonny Bill Williams on what makes him tick. Obnoxious, much? “It was the best we could do, mate. I know you are trying to work an angle there with alcohol … but I only had a couple of hours to organise it.” Rugby league star Brett Finch on holding a press conference at a pub. “It feels fantastic and it has been a long time coming. Now I’m looking forward to the French Open. With a good draw I think I can do some damage there.” An optimistic Lleyton Hewitt, after winning his first title in more than two years.
Parkinson wins Bells Australian Joel Parkinson defaced the perfect wave to secure his second Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach last week, and put himself firmly in the picture for a maiden world surfing title.
Parkinson added this year’s Bells to his 2004 victory, seeing off Victorian surprise packet Adam Robertson in the men’s final last Friday. Parkinson won the first
two events on the 10-stop world tour, with the Bells triumph following his Quiksilver Pro win at the Gold Coast last month to give the Queenslander a lead in his quest for a first world crown. And it came on the surfer’s dream – the perfect wave presented itself to an awestruck Parkinson in the Bells Beach final. “It was perfect – it was like
glass. It looked almost too good to hack to pieces,” Parkinson said. But the 28-year-old surfer carved his way to one of the top rides of the tournament, earning him a 9.57 score out of 10 and setting up his victory over Robertson. Parkinson now holds a commanding lead – 2400 points to 1608 – over fellow Aussie Mick Fanning.
Mills set to chase NBA dream Australian basketball star Patrick Mills will embark on a punishing physical regime of weights and cross-country travel to achieve his dream of being drafted by an NBA team. Mills confirmed on Friday OTHER NBA AUSSIES
e you to...
In2Touch Leagues invit
m ...Get In2Touch this Su
Getty Images
■ Andrew Bogut, 24, 2.13m – went to Milwaukee as the number one draftee in 2005 ■ Nathan Jawai, 22, 2.08m – struggled with injury since signing for Toronto last July
Californian college St Mary’s. “If you chucked me in there now with the big boys they’d probably have their way with me and handle me like a rag doll,” he said. “Getting in the weights room is going to be important over the next few months.” Many mock drafts have Mills selected late in the first round, or early in the second.
last week that he would nominate for this year’s draft – the 20-year-old could become an instant millionaire if he is picked in the first round in June. The guard, who stands 1.83m tall, rose through an impressive Olympic campaign last year and two standout seasons with
mer
www.in2touch.com
tntonline.co.uk
FINAL 1338 SPORT Gen 52 52
19/4/09 09:30:47