Ballack ‘surprised’ by Chelsea release June 9, 2010 MICHAEL BALLACK’S agent has told of the German’s “complete surprise” at being released by Chelsea. The 33-year-old was believed to be locked in talks with the Premier League champions to extend his existing deal, which is worth an estimated £150,000 a week. But Ballack’s agent, Michael Becker, claimed there had been no contact with Chelsea [...]
Capello snaps at snappers as World Cup pressure mounts June 9, 2010 UBER-COOL Fabio Capello showed the first signs of feeling the strain yesterday after launching an astonishing verbal attack on photographers at England’s World Cup training base. The Three Lions boss took exception to his players being filmed inside their Royal Bafokeng camp and stormed out to confront the cameramen, bellowing “Why do you take photos [...]
We’ll silence the Wallabies, vows Cueto June 9, 2010 MARK CUETO says England can leave the Wallabies hopping mad with a shock victory in the first Test on Saturday. The Sale wing is an expected starter in Perth after sitting out the 28-28 draw with the Australian Barbarians in the opening tour match on Tuesday. But despite Martin Johnson’s men being massive underdogs in [...]
Cameron flies flag for England June 9, 2010 PRIME MINISTER David Cameron is to replace the Union Jack above 10 Downing Street with the flag of St George in support of England’s World Cup campaign. Cameron allowed the flag to be changed in a bid to unite Britain, with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland failing to qualify for the tournament. He said: “I’m [...]
Iniesta doubt for Spain June 9, 2010 SPAIN have a fresh injury concern over playmaker Andreas Iniesta. The Barcelona midfielder was taken on in the first half of their 6-0 warm-up win over Poland on Tuesday night with a minor thigh injury. Liverpool striker Fernando Torres netted twice for the Spanish and says he has fully recovered from his knee injury. “The [...]
Photographer robbed at gunpoint June 9, 2010 A WORLD CUP photographer was held at gunpoint during a burglary of lodges used by Spanish and Portuguese journalists on Tuesday night, it has been revealed. Antonio Simoes was woken up by two burglars, who held him down while they took his camera, cash and credit cards. Laptops, mobile phones and cash from other rooms [...]
RAFA’S THE KING OF QUEEN’S June 9, 2010 WORLD No1 Rafael Nadal began his grass-court season with a comfortable 6-2, 6-2 victory over Brazilian Marcos Daniel in the Aegon Championship at Queen’s Club. Nadal is joined in round three by second seed Novak Djokovic, who beat Italy’s Paolo Lorenzi 6-3, 6-3. Britain’s No1 Andy Murray is back on court for his third-round match [...]
Massa pens new Ferrari deal June 9, 2010 FORMULA ONE: Felipe Massa has signed a new two-year deal to keep him at Ferrari until the end of 2012. The Brazilian’s future was brought into question after consistently struggling to match the pace of team-mate Fernando Alonso this year. Indeed, the announcement comes just days after Mark Webber – touted as a possible replacement [...]
Dilshan fires Tri-series win June 9, 2010 CRICKET: Tillakaratne Dilshan struck an unbeaten century to help Sri Lanka record an emphatic nine-wicket win over Zimbabwe to clinch the one-day triangular series in Harare. Zimbabwe, who eliminated India and beat Sri Lanka in the group stages, could only manage 199 with Tatenda Taibu top scoring with 71. But Dilshan led the reply in [...]
Great Leighs close to the end June 9, 2010 RACING: Great Leighs, Britain’s first new racecourse for 81 years, looks set for redevelopment after no buyer came forward. The course, near Chelmsford, went into administration in January last year, just nine months after opening. Administrators, Deloitte, have been desperately trying to find a buyer but have now given up hope, prompting talks with principal [...]