Trevor Steven: Don’t blame Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manchester United’s slump is down to their average squad April 23, 2019 When the two teams met in the Premier League 12 months ago, Manchester United succeeded in disrupting Manchester City’s title charge with a 3-2 win over their neighbours. It’s hard to see that being repeated at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening. In fact, it’s hard to see anything but an emphatic win for the men [...]
For a brand like Nike, nothing beats an athlete with a crazy dream April 23, 2019 As Tiger Woods rolled in his final putt, securing victory at Augusta and claiming his long-awaited fifteenth major title, Nike was ready and primed for the magical moment. Some 14 years after his last victory at the Masters and 11 years after his last major title, Woods now stands just three behind the greatest golfer in [...]
My Sporting Life: Little Dot Studios co-founder Andy Taylor on being a teenage snooker prodigy and the power of 5G April 22, 2019 Little Dot Studios co-founder Andy Taylor on his teenage years as a snooker prodigy, taking on Google at the beautiful game and the power of 5G. What is your sporting passion? Oldham Athletic. My dad took me to my first game in 1974 and I didn’t miss a home game until I got a Saturday [...]
Middlesex fast bowlers Steven Finn and Toby Roland-Jones targeting England returns after shaking off injuries April 22, 2019 The maxim “it’s the taking part that counts” isn’t usually applicable to professional sport, but right now Steven Finn and Toby Roland-Jones are exceptions to the rule. With the county cricket season well under way, both bowlers have already achieved their first goal of the campaign by simply being on the pitch for Middlesex’s opening [...]
Manchester City 4-3 Tottenham: Fernando Llorente and VAR the unlikely heroes on historic night for Spurs April 17, 2019 Manchester City’s dream of a quadruple is dead. And how. Amid an electric Etihad Stadium atmosphere, in a drama-packed, see-sawing Champions League classic it was one familiar hero – Son Heung-min – and two not so familiar ones – Fernando Llorente and the video assistant referee – who combined to give Mauricio Pochettino a night [...]
Chris Tremlett: England must find room in their squad for Jofra Archer – even if he doesn’t impress against Pakistan April 17, 2019 The problem for England in one-day cricket used to be who to pick – now it’s who to leave out and I think that just shows what a strong position they are in. The exclusion of Jofra Archer from the preliminary 15-man squad for this summer’s World Cup, but inclusion for the upcoming Pakistan one-day [...]
Legal Q&A: Why Rugby Australia can terminate Israel Folau’s contract – and what he can do about it April 17, 2019 Lawyer JJ Shaw explains the regulatory workings behind Rugby Australia's decision to terminate Israel Folau's contract over anti-gay social media posts, and how the player can contest the sanction. What grounds do Australian rugby chiefs have for terminating Folau’s contract? Rugby Australia’s code of conduct obliges players to “treat everyone equally, fairly and with dignity regardless of gender [...]
Munster looking to break their semi-final curse against Saracens in the European Cup April 17, 2019 Steeped in history, with a rich European pedigree and where passion for the game cannot be bested – giants of club rugby don’t come much bigger than Ireland’s Munster. But when they face Saracens on Saturday in the Champions Cup semi-final they will not only be burdened with their fans’ expectations but also the knowledge [...]
Hong Kong Horse Racing Tips: Ho set to close in on Cruz award with a Rocks victory April 17, 2019 IT WAS good to see local jockey Vincent Ho finally lose his claim, when riding his 250th winner, aboard Lucky Hero, at Sha Tin on Sunday. Ho became an apprentice back in 2009/10, but it’s only in the last couple of seasons that the 28-yearold has really improved his jockeyship skills, and can now hold [...]
Hong Kong Horse Racing Tips: Ka Ying can Star for Cruz and Co at Happy Valley April 17, 2019 LEGENDARY trainer Tony Cruz will be licking his lips in anticipation when he arrives at Happy Valley this afternoon. The former six-time HK champion jockey and dual champion trainer is an iconic figure within racing circles, and undoubtedly one of the most popular figures on the race-track. Cruz, who currently lies fourth in the trainers’ [...]