Simpson under cloud for Storm showdown

NEWCASTLE enforcer Steve Simpson is in doubt for Monday night's crucial clash with Melbourne at EnergyAustralia Stadium as he battles the lingering after-effects of concussion.

A ton of ambition derailed Watson

A RUEFUL Shane Watson concedes he has been distracted by thoughts of carving out a maiden Test hundred in his past three innings, thus falling shortly after scoring half-centuries.

Ball bounced in ATP final but his ranking, confidence hit a high

CARSTEN Ball was born and raised in California, the scene of the ATP breakthrough that has earned the Australian Davis Cup player a career-high ranking of 145th. But despite yesterday's loss to Sam Querrey in the Los Angeles Open final, Ball has been tipped as a future top-50 player by another American, doubles star Bob Bryan.