Maria Sharapova falls ill, pulls out of Dubai Tennis Tournament

Russian beauty Maria Sharapova has pulled out of this week's WTA Dubai Championships citing a viral illness.

The 20 year old, 2008 Australian Open Champion, won the Qatar Open crown on Sunday and is unbeaten so far in 2008.

The world number 5 had been due to play her first match in Dubai on centre court in Tuesday's evening session. "Unfortunately I have been battling a virus for several days and it's reached a point where I'm unable to compete," said Maria Sharapova.

England 2-1 Switzerland - Capello Starts with a Win as England Coach

Fabio Capello enjoyed a winning start to his England reign in a match which will provide the new manager with confidence - but some concern too - for the future.

Goals from Jermaine Jenas and substitute Shaun Wright-Phillips, either side of a strike from Eren Derdiyok, secured a victory which was acceptable but by no means overwhelming.

The Italian will have been happy with many of England's attacking moves, but disappointed at some of the traits which have bedevilled the side for generations - specifically poor technique and mediocre passing in the first half.

The defending was generally promising, though Capello will have been tearing his hair out at the ease with which Switzerland found a way through to equalise.

Rooney, whose all-round performance deserved a goal, unleashed a thunderbolt from 20 yards which flew just wide. The Manchester United striker continued to torment the Swiss defence, but could just not find the target.

In the end, it did not matter. It was job done, but not an Italian job. Perhaps that is yet to come.