It’s Vettel’s to lose – Alonso November 22, 2012 FERRARI’S Fernando Alonso insists the pressure is on his Formula One championship title rival Sebastian Vettel ahead of Sunday’s decisive Brazilian Grand Prix. Alonso sits 13 points behind Vettel as they approach the season finale, with the Red Bull driver needing just a top four finish to secure the championship. It’s a positioning that Alonso [...]
Drogba denied Blues loan deal by Fifa red tape November 22, 2012 CHELSEA have been thwarted in their attempt to bring former talisman Didier Drogba back to the club on loan next month after world governing body Fifa rejected the striker’s request. Drogba, who left Stamford Bridge for Shanghai Shenhua on a free transfer just six months ago, had applied for special dispensation to be transferred outside [...]
Liverpool fall short late on November 22, 2012 LIVERPOOL threw away their chance of qualifying for the Europa League knockout stages last night, conceding late on to draw 2-2 with Young Boys at Anfield. Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Cole twice put the Reds ahead but a long range Raul Bobadilla strike and Elsad Zverotic’s fierce equaliser drew Young Boys level. Liverpool must achieve [...]
Compensation calls after race row ref cleared November 22, 2012 CHELSEA last night faced calls for compensation and an unreserved apology to Mark Clattenburg after the Football Association found the referee not guilty of racially abusing Blues star John Obi Mikel. Clattenburg, who has not officiated since the storm erupted following Chelsea’s defeat to Manchester United last month, said his time on trial had been [...]
Donald leads McIlroy in Dubai November 22, 2012 GOLF: England’s Luke Donald shot a seven-under-par 65 to lead world No1 Rory McIlroy by one stroke after the first round of the World Tour Championship in Dubai yesterday. Donald carded seven birdies and no bogies, while McIlroy’s storming back nine left him in a tie for second.
Ireland hand hat-trick star debut November 22, 2012 RUGBY UNION: Ulster winger Craig Gilroy has been rewarded for his hat-trick against Fiji last week with a first full cap in tomorrow’s Test against Argentina. Gilroy replaces club colleague Andrew Trimble while fly-half Jonathan Sexton has recovered from a groin injury.
All Black big guns back for Wales November 22, 2012 RUGBY UNION: New Zealand have recalled stars Dan Carter and Richie McCaw for tomorrow’s clash with Wales at the Millennium Stadium. Neither started last week’s 42-10 win over Italy, while full-back Israel Dagg and wing Cory Jane also return. Wales prop George North will be replaced by Liam Williams after suffering a hip injury in [...]
Clarke innings makes history November 22, 2012 CRICKET: Australia captain Michael Clarke became the first man to score four double centuries in Tests in the same year yesterday. Clarke ended day one of the second Test against South Africa in Adelaide on 224 not out as the hosts made a dominant 482-5. It followed his unbeaten 259 in the drawn first Test [...]
Beer, oysters and rugby chat November 22, 2012 TO the refined setting of the Mansion House for the Guinness and Oyster Luncheon yesterday. The annual boozy lunch, which raises funds for the Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People, is now in its 47th year and firmly penned into all City social calendars worth their salt – or, perhaps more appropriately, vinegar or tabasco. [...]
City to stop Benitez beginning Bridge reign with a bang November 22, 2012 CHELSEA vs MANCHESTER CITY Sunday 4.00pm ROMAN Abramovich’s revolving door just keeps on revolving. Before Rafael Benitez had even been confirmed as his ninth appointment since 2003 than speculation began on Pep Guardiola replacing him next summer. Only a major trophy is likely to see Benitez remain in the hottest of hot seats beyond May, [...]