Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/667669
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 17 APRIL 2016 Sport 54 THE British number one suffered a 6-2 4-6 2-6 defeat yesterday and Nadal will now play Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or Gael Monfils in the fi- nal today. As the build-up to the French Open intensified, it was a stark reminder for Murray of Nadal's prowess on his favoured surface - although the Brit was repeatedly frustrated at the umpire's generos- ity at his opponent's time-keeping. Murray had won their previous clay court match, in last year's Ma- drid Open final, but despite a posi- tive start he was outmaneuvered by the nine-time Monte Carlo champion who will now have a chance to win another title. The Dunblane man signalled his intentions in just the second game, opening break point which he ulti- mately couldn't convert. The first five games, not for a lack of Mur- ray's pressure, went with serve. Leading 3-2, Murray finally found the breakthrough that he had been threatening. Nadal, busy in a row with the umpire, conced- ed three break points and Murray sealed the advantage at the second attempt before holding his subse- quent serve. A one-sided opening set was concluded with a second break for Murray who benefited from a wildly inaccurate Nadal smash, before striking a perfect drop shot. The Spaniard, the greatest ever clay court player, finally found his groove in the second set. An im- mediate break was cancelled out just as quickly by Murray but Na- dal again won against the serve to go 4-3 ahead, winning an energy- sapping rally. In the third set, Nadal once again began with a quick-fire break of serve owing to a pair of deft drop shots. Murray's movements had become laboured and, desperately defending his own service games, he conceded another break to go 4-1 down. Nadal's left hand continued to find its rhythm in the closing stages as he grew more command- ing, and he saw out an arduous last game to book his 100th career final. TENNIS ATHLETICS BASKETBALL Nadal too strong for Murray in Monte Carlo Andy Murray lost in the Monte Carlo Masters semi-final after coming up short against clay court specialist Rafael Nadal Rafael Nadal showed his clay expertise Olympic hope Semenya runs fastest 400 metres of year CASTER Semenya laid down a marker in the race for 400 metres gold at the Rio de Janeiro Olym- pics in August by running the fast- est time of the year at the South African Championship yesterday. She clocked 50.76 seconds, eclipsing the previous 2016 best of 50.91 by American runner Jaide Stepter registered in Los Angeles last month. Semenya also claimed the South African 800 metres title in Stel- lenbosch, near Cape Town, in 1.56:48. She is also the fastest competitor in that event this year as well. She won the silver medal in the 800 at the 2012 London Olympics and hopes to add the 400 to her list of events in Rio. Semenya has already run under the qualifying time in both distances. The 25-year-old is back this sea- son after almost two years away from the track with a knee injury. Semenya was subjected to gen- der tests by the International Association of Athletics Federa- tions (IAAF) in 2009 before being cleared to compete as a woman 10 months later. Caster Semenya BOV Basketball Players of the Month – March 2016 Men's 1st Division – Chad Patus (Floriana Café del Mar) Men's 2nd Division – Steve Sammut (Mellieha Mr Green) Women's League – Steffi de Martino (Caffe Moak Luxol) CHAD Patus (Floriana Café del Mar), Steve Sammut (Mellieha Mr Green) and Steffi de Martino (Caffe Moak Luxol) are the BOV Basketball Player of the Month for March 2016 in their respec- tive category. Floriana's foreign import Chad Patus won the individual award in top f light Maltese basketball for the 2nd time this season and the 4th since playing in Malta. The Canadian scored 99 points in three matches with 24 from 29 (83%) from the free throw line, 59% from the field (24 from 41) and was the top 3 point shooter with 9 from 18 (50%). Patus was also the top rebounder in the BOV Basketball First Division with 16.13 per game and also suf- fered the most fouls with 8.67 per game (26 fouls suffered in 3 games). Mellieha Mr Greens Steve Sam- mut also won his second indi- vidual award of the season scor- ing 99 points in 5 matches during March 2016 (18.6 ppg). Steve scored 16 3-pointers, the second highest in the BOV Basketball 2nd Division during March and added 39% from the field (16 from 41). Steve also suffered 4 fouls per game (20 fouls in 5 matches). Steffi de Martino (Caffe Moak Luxol) rounded up the trio, also winning the 2nd award this sea- son, and her 6th overall. Steffi averaged 13.66 ppg (41 points in three matches) with 54% from the files (14 from 26) Peter Perotti, Chief Officer at Bank of Valletta presented a commemorative plaque to the winners. Bank of Valletta and the Malta Basketball Association can trace their history back to the 1970's with BOV, a prominent supporter of sporting initiatives in Malta. Peter Perotti (L), Chief Officer at Bank of Valletta presented a commemorative plaque to Steffi de Martino and Chad Patus. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Steve Sammut could not be present for the award presentation