Gymnast Smith makes comeback January 7, 2014 BRITISH gymnastics star Louis Smith is aiming to resolve “unfinished business” at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, after announcing his surprise return to the sport yesterday. Smith has not competed since winning silver on the pommel horse at the London 2012 Olympics, but is desperate to go one better and repeat his gold medal-winning [...]
Champion Vonn to go under the knife and miss Winter Olympics January 7, 2014 DEVASTATED American downhill skier Lindsey Vonn has been forced to withdraw from next month’s Winter Olympics in Sochi having failed to overcome a knee injury. The reigning Olympic champion will undergo surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament problem that surfaced during the World Championships in February 2013. The 29-year-old had initially returned to training in [...]
England coach Flower’s future in fresh doubt January 7, 2014 DOUBTS over England cricket coach Andy Flower’s future resurfaced yesterday amid suggestions he could step down unless controversial batsman Kevin Pietersen announces his international retirement. Flower has been unequivocal in his determination to continue in the role despite presiding over the 5-0 Ashes whitewash in Australia, which culminated in a three-day defeat in Sydney on Sunday. [...]
Allardyce aims to stifle City threat January 7, 2014 WEST Ham manager Sam Allardyce hopes his patched-up team can frustrate Manchester City into submission in tonight’s Capital One Cup semi-final first leg. City have won all 10 of their Premier League home matches this season, scoring almost four goals per game on average. The Hammers, meanwhile, are struggling at the foot of the table [...]
Johnson leaves FA panel after homophobic comments row January 7, 2014 FORMER Birmingham defender Michael Johnson has withdrawn from the Football Association’s inclusion advisory board having come under fire for comments regarding homosexuality. The 40-year-old stated during a TV appearance in 2012 that he would not support the FA’s anti-homophobia campaign because “in the bible it states homosexuality is detestable unto the Lord”. Following Johnson’s addition [...]
Deng completes Cavaliers switch January 7, 2014 BASKETBALL: British NBA star Luol Deng has ended his nine-year association with Chicago Bulls and joined Cleveland Cavaliers. The 6ft 9in forward has averaged a career-best 19 points per game this season and represented Team GB at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Peel set to swap Sale for Bristol January 7, 2014 RUGBY UNION: Former Wales scrum-half Dwayne Peel has agreed a two-year deal to join Bristol from Sale Sharks next season. The 32-year-old won 76 international caps.
Orient move into promotion spot January 7, 2014 FOOTBALL: Goals from Moses Odubajo and Scott Cuthbert earned Leyton Orient a 2-0 win at Shrewsbury to climb to second in League One.
Walcott ruled out of World Cup by injury January 6, 2014 ENGLAND and Arsenal’s ambitions for 2014 suffered hammer blows last night when Theo Walcott was ruled out for six months – including this summer’s World Cup – with a serious knee injury. Tests revealed that the versatile forward suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in an innocuous looking incident during the Gunners’ 2-0 FA Cup [...]
Cricket Comment: Ashes misery demands shake-up January 6, 2014 Flower and Cook deserve to stay, but their unconditional support is strange ENGLAND’S current coach and captain have just overseen the most disastrous tour for many a year, so I find it very strange that David Collier has thrown his resounding support behind Andy Flower and Alastair Cook. Following the 5-0 Ashes whitewash, everyone is [...]