is retirement, which included spring training visits.ddddddddddd

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands - Top-seeded Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina returned after a month out with injury to advance to the second round of the ABN Amro tournament on Wednesday. The defending champion beat Gael Monfils of France 7-6 (6), 6-3, while second-seeded Andy Murray of Britain dispatched Edouard Roger-Vasselin, also of France, 6-3, 6-3. Making his first appearance since injuring his wrist a month ago, Del Potro had difficulty with his service games in the first set. Monfils served up 5 aces to zero and was also the first to take a mini-break in the tiebreaker, before he double-faulted and allowed Del Potro to reassert control. In the second set, the Argentine was dominant, breaking Monfils serve in the fourth game. The only hint of trouble came in the deciding game, when Monfils took Del Potro to two break points. But Del Potro saved both and went on to seal the victory. "My wrist is getting better by the day and it was fine today against Monfils," he said. "Its always difficult to come back after an injury, but I hope I can hold on to this level of play." Murray, who won the tournament in 2009, worked efficiently against Roger-Vasselin, winning in just under 90 minutes. The Wimbledon winner saved four break points, all in the second set. Del Potro faces Paul Henri-Mathieu of France in the second round, while Murray plays Dominic Thiem of Austria. Boston Bruins Jerseys . As they are wont to do, the Spurs made things real easy. The Spurs signed Parker to a multi-year contract extension on Friday, ensuring that the six-time All-Star point guard will be in the fold whether Duncan and Ginobili are able to continue their careers or not. Patrice Bergeron Jersey . Bookies were offering odds of 13/1 before kickoff that the home team Houston Dynamo would prevail by three goals to nil. http://www.thebostonbruinshockey.com/cam-neely-hockey-jersey/ . The 12th-ranked Haas served well throughout the match at the Ibirapuera arena, allowing only one break point to the 152nd-ranked Italian. Both players held serve until the first-set tiebreak, when Haas stepped up his game to easily clinch the set. Ray Bourque Jersey . According to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, it doesnt appear the offer was warmly received by the team. Blue Jackets director of hockey operations John Davidson and general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said on Wednesday the team has made offers of $6 million for two years, $32 million for six and $46 million over eight years but each one was refused by the restricted free agent centre and agent Kurt Overhardt. Johnny Bucyk Jersey . Vettel only needs to finish fifth or better Sunday to wrap up the championship with three races remaining, and bettered his own lap record to claim his third straight pole at Buddh International Circuit.SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Barry Bonds is all set to return to the San Francisco Giants. As a spring training instructor, that is. The all-time home run leader who never officially retired is expected to arrive during the second week of March. Manager Bruce Bochy said Saturday that hes looking forward to having the 49-year-old Bonds in camp and thinks he can help the hitters. Bonds spent his last 15 seasons with the Giants, finishing in 2007. He has not been elected to the Hall of Fame, with many voters saying his lofty numbers were boosted by performance-enhancing drugs. Bonds set major league records with 762 career home runs and 73 in 2001. He also had a .444 career on-base percentage and a .607 slugging percentage and stole 514 bases. Hell join former Giants Jeff Kent, Robb Nen, Will Clark and J.T. Snow as special instructors. Kent and Bonds were involved in a highly publicized feud during the 2002 season, which reached its peak in June, when the two engaged in a shoving match in the dugout that was caught on camera. Bonds final contract with the Giants included a 10-yeear services deal following his retirement, which included spring training visits.dddddddddddd The seven-time MVP has made limited public appearances since his final season, and has been embroiled in legal trouble. Bonds remains a fan favourite in San Francisco, enjoying a warm reception any time hes introduced at AT&T Park, the Giants home park. Matt Cain, the Giants longest active tenured player, was Bonds teammate between 2005-07. Tim Lincecum made his major league debut in 2007. Bonds also holds the big league records for walks in a season (232 in 2004, including a record 120 intentional walks) and in a career (2,558). Bonds was a .298 hitter during a 22-year career. He had a .609 on-base percentage and .812 slugging percentage in 2004. Overall, Bonds homered against 449 different pitchers. He shares the major league record with his father, Bobby Bonds, for most seasons (5) with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases. He hit eight home runs in the 2002 post-season and holds the record for highest slugging percentage (1.294 in 2002) in a World Series. ' ' '