ers Cup over the years has been in large part thanks to the efforts of Strang. Retiring this year as Tennis Canadas Chief Operati

Newcastles high number of foreign players may weaken their chances in Sundays relegation derby against Sunderland, according to former Magpies goalkeeper Shay Given.The two sides head into the 153rd Tyne-Wear derby at St James Park, live on Sky Sports 1 HD, knowing a victory could significantly improve their chances of avoiding relegation.Sunderland sit just above the relegation zone on 25 points, ahead of Norwich on goal difference, with Newcastle one point behind in 19th position. Given, who made 354 appearances for Newcastle between 1996 and 2009, knows all about the passion and rivalry that the fixture guarantees, but is worried the clubs foreign players may not be able to deliver the result that new manager Rafa Benitez desperately needs.Speaking on Sky Sports Now, Given said: My only concern is that there are a lot of foreign players at Newcastle now. Emmanuel Riviere battles against Bournemouths Steve Cook during the Magpies 3-1 defeat Sometimes you question whether they know what it means to play in such a big game as this - what it means to the fans, what it means for them going back to work on the Monday morning?Youd like to think Benitez can get that message across. Newcastle forward Aleksandar Mitrovic is one player who has not yet had the hoped-for impact He added: Its a tense occasion. Its huge for the fans, wanting to win this game more than any other game but if you asked any Sunderland fan or Newcastle fan this week would you take a loss at the weekend and stay up, they would probably do that.Its definitely a six-pointer, theyre both in the relegation fight and its going to be so close who stays up.It looks like Aston Villa have gone, and that its between Norwich, Newcastle and Sunderland [for the other relegation places] so it looks as if one of the two big ones from the north-east are going to go down. This game at the weekend is monumental. Rafael Benitez took charge of his first Newcastle game against Leicester Its not just a normal game, its not just another Premier League game, its a very special occasion. You can cut the tension with a knife beforehand.Sunderland have won the last six Tyne-Wear derbies, while Newcastle are enduring a run of failing to score in the past four matches against their local rivals.Eight points adrift of Newcastle is another one of Givens former clubs, Aston Villa, who have managed to record just three league victories all season and the 39-year-old has deep concerns for Remi Gardes side ahead of their trip to Swansea on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD. Its bleak reading when you see the Premier League table relegation fight at the bottom and theyre so far adrift, Given said.Randy Lerner invested I think £50m in the summer, thats a huge investment. The biggest problem is the players they brought in dont seem to be up to the standard of the Premier League. Theyre sometimes good players in the French leagues or the Dutch leagues but its a big step up to the Premier League and personally I felt they should have signed more Premier League experienced players in the summer - who know the league and know what it takes to stay in the division.Also See:Clark: Biggest derby everBenitez focused on positivesRafa v Premier LeagueRelegation run-in predictionsCheap Blackhawks Jerseys . The Dutchmans tenure got off to a poor start when referee Guido Winkmann awarded a penalty within two minutes for Niklas Starks clumsy challenge on Alexandru Maxim. Blackhawks Jerseys 2020 . Capitals head coach Adam Oates said Ovechkin was injured in the first period against the Vancouver Canucks on Monday and clarified it was not a head injury. https://www.cheapblackhawks.com/ . - The Washington Redskins have cut defensive lineman Adam Carriker and punter Sav Rocca. Custom Chicago Blackhawks Jerseys . MLS Commissioner Don Garber and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez also will attend the session, which was announced Monday. The league has discussed placing its next two expansion teams in Miami and Atlanta. Chicago Blackhawks Pro Shop . The Nashville Predators were glad their captain was still on their side. Weber had a goal and two assists, and Roman Josi scored the shootout winner to lift the Predators to a 4-3 win over the Flyers on Thursday night.Tennis Canada announced Tuesday that Billie Jean King, Pete Sampras and Tennis Canada chief operating officer Derek Strang will be inducted into the Rogers Cup Hall of Fame during the 2013 Rogers Cup presented by National Bank in Toronto in recognition of their contribution to Canadas premier tennis tournament. King will be inducted in a Centre Court ceremony while Sampras will be inducted in a similar ceremony prior to playing his Rogers Legends Cup match against John McEnroe, a 2007 inductee. Strangs induction will take place in a private ceremony amongst friends and family. "Rogers Cup is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world and Im honoured to be recognized with this induction into the Rogers Cup Hall of Fame," said King. "I am very much looking forward to coming to Toronto for this and to participate in an evening that will celebrate successful athletes, executives, and the 40th anniversary of the WTA." Kings influence and role in growing the WTA is felt in the success and growth of all tennis events, including Rogers Cup. A founding member and first president of the WTA, King pushed for the rights of professional tennis players and for gender equality both on and off the court. Also one of the greatest competitors to ever play the game, she clinched 39 Grand Slam titles throughout her storied career, including 12 singles, 16 doubles, and 11 mixed doubles. She is also remembered for her victory over Bobby Riggs in the famous Battle of the Sexes match in 1973. As the WTA is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the timing is ideal to honour a pioneer like King.dddddddddddd. A fan favourite, Sampras reached the final in Canada in 1995, semifinals in 1990, and two other quarter-finals. Second all-time in number of Slams won (14) and weeks spent as the worlds No. 1-ranked player (286), Sampras name will be in the history books for many years to come. Known as one of the sports best-ever servers, Sampras won two Australian Opens, seven Wimbledon titles (including four consecutive), and five US Opens. He also ended a record six consecutive seasons as world No. 1 (1993-1998). Sampras exited the ranks of professional tennis at the top of his game, winning his very last match in the 2002 US Open final against Andre Agassi to capture Slam No. 14. The success of Rogers Cup over the years has been in large part thanks to the efforts of Strang. Retiring this year as Tennis Canadas Chief Operating Officer after three decades with the organization, Strangs footprint is all over the event. He was one of the most significant figures in the opening of Rexall Centre, Torontos world-class stadium that opened in 2004, as he led its development, design, and construction. He also played a considerable role in the re-build of Uniprix Stadium in Montreal. In addition, recognizing the need for more indoor facilities across the country in order to grow tennis nationally, he also championed the National Facility Advocacy Committee, which has helped to bring numerous projects to fruition. The previously announced Montreal Rogers Cup Hall of Fame inductees are former Canadian players Stephane Bonneau, Simon Larose, Sebastien LeBlanc and Frederic Niemeyer. ' ' '