Storm- News » another seven or eight

MACAU -- Ian Poulter returned from a four-month layoff because of a foot ailment to take a share of the lead at the Macau Open with an opening-round 64.Poulter and Spains Carlos Pigem were tied at 7-under par on Thursday and had a one-shot lead over Thailands Chapchai Nirat, who had three birdies and an eagle over his last eight holes to finish with a 65.Australias Marcus Fraser experienced back spasms at the start of his round and, after taking pain medication, finished with a 66, tied with Indias Anirban Lahiri at 5-under.Poulter, who has 10 starts in which to earn 218 FedEx Cup points or about $350,000 to keep full PGA Tour status for the rest of the year, had five birdies on the outward nine in his first round back since missing the cut at Colonial in late May.Ive never had four and a half months off in my life. Its an unusual position but I played nicely, said Poulter, a vice-captain for Europe at the recent Ryder Cup. I just tried to get my game in shape coming out here.Poulter said he didnt play competitively for 14 weeks because of an arthritic joint in his right foot, which made it difficult to walk and now requires him to wear a special insole in his shoe.The most important thing Ill take away from this is how solid I played, how nicely I putted, he said. Ive worked in all areas of my game to get ready, and obviously, its a great start.Theres no cure for arthritis, so rest and rehab is the key part.Poulter stated his reason for choosing the Macau Open in China over the European Tours British Masters was simply down to travel time, with the PGA Tour heading to Malaysia next week for the CIMB Classic.?Im not saying the British Masters isnt a big event because its a massive event and I hosted it last year, but for me its about maintaining my status where I live right now, Poulter confirmed.I have 10 events to play, and the CIMB Classic is a big event for me. I want to be there Sunday night which I can do from Macau. First thing Monday morning I can be there fresh and ready to play. If I played the British Masters, it would mean going from the UK to Malaysia and I dont really want to pitch up jet-lagged. Charvarius Ward Super Bowl Jersey . -- Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson asked his players a simple question during Fridays morning shootaround: How many of them had ever been on a team 14 games over . Mecole Hardman Super Bowl Jersey . It just didnt show when he hit the ice. Berra made 42 saves and Kris Russell scored at 1:32 of overtime, lifting the Calgary Flames to a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday night. http://www.thechiefsshoponline.com/Youth-Anthony-Hitchens-Chiefs-Jersey/ .C. -- Rodney Hood connected from all over the court while freshman Jabari Parker was busy swatting shots and scoring in transition. Frank Clark Super Bowl Jersey . -- Jaye Marie Green shot a 4-under 68 on Thursday to increase her lead to five strokes after the second round of the LPGA Tours qualifying tournament. Chiefs Super Bowl Jerseys . -- The Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake played to a 0-0 tie Saturday night that left the top of the Western Conference standings unchanged. When Tony Popovic observes what Western Sydney have achieved in the first eight A-League rounds, theres a thirsty anticipation about what the next eight might bring.Of course, the Wanderers coach hasnt measured the teams success so far based on results - those have been virtually non-existent.But from what he saw of his new-look squad in last weekends 1-1 draw with Brisbane, theres very real reason to feel optimistic a rush of points is on the horizon.The teams latest evolution under Popovic, famous for his annual off-season surgery, has taken longer to bear fruits than some of the past.Wanderers 5.0 have struggled to match the artistry of last seasons Spanish-infused, possession-based grand finalists, while substantial back-four exits had stripped the club of the signature defensive foundations that delivered their 2014 Asian Champions League title.Their failure to win in six games leaves seventh-placed Western Sydney in the unusual position of sitting lower on the table than Saturdays opponents Central Coast.But Popovic has been watching the pieces slowly mould together, to the extent he saw fit to select an unchanged starting XI for the first time against the Roar.Front-third extravagance aside, the move was largely vindicated by the Wanderers best display yet, which Popovic put down to improved fitness and cohesion.Case in point is Argentine marquee Nicolas Martinez, whose attacking wizardry seems to multiply with his increasing endurance, while theres a lot to like about Scott Nevilles industtrious form at right-back.ddddddddddddWhen players start the season unfit and cant finish a game, or theyve come from a background where their fitness is very low, its difficult to get that fluency and continuity within the group, he said.But the fitness levels have improved, the understanding is better and were fortunate we have no injuries, so were seeing a lot more stability now.Its a work in progress but anyone who saw the game against Brisbane would tell you Western Sydney did not look like a new team.Thats encouraging for us, to have that after eight games is great and we can only imagine what can happen in another seven or eight games.But weve got to get results with a performance.That starts against the Mariners, last seasons wooden-spooners now riding on the confidence of a drought-breaking home win and clean sheet against Perth.For the players, a brief break from unrewarding temporary home ground Spotless Stadium might be a relief, as the clubs passionate fans make the regular trip to Central Coast Stadium, described by Popovic as a home away from home.The key will putting away Paul Okons pacy Mariners outfit, who snatched a point at Spotless five weeks ago thanks to a Wanderers second-half fadeout.Weve improved a lot since then; Central Coast has as well, Popovic said.Were certainly aware of their strengths and weve got a few ideas on how we can nullify them. ' ' '