She has built a reputation for herself among European peers as a straight-shooter who is consistent in her views (being semi-tough towards Russia, for instance).

ECONOMIST: Germany's role in Europe is changing

In Jenkins's 11 novels, including "Semi-Tough, " on pro football, and "Dead Solid Perfect, " on golf, his wisecracking central characters almost all hail from Fort Worth and attended Paschal High School, just like him and Hogan and, for that matter, me.

WSJ: Dan Jenkins, Finding the Humor in Golf | Golf Journal by John Paul Newport

Toshack will be eternally grateful to Vokes' goal-poaching ability but this is a stern wake-up for Wales call before their tough midweek trip to Euro 2008 semi-finalists Russia.

BBC: Wales 1-0 Azerbaijan

Lisnard will face a tough task in the semi-finals when he plays second seed Paradorn Srichaphan of Thailand.

BBC: Koubek books final spot

Meanwhile, third seed Novak Djokovic, who reached the semi-finals at the Olympic Games before losing a tough three-set battle to Nadal, has admitted he is feeling the effects of flying thousands of miles.

BBC: Pressure on Nadal now - Federer

"Notts in the semi-final is some people's dream final so it's going to be tough for us, " he added.

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