Injury rules out Aussie Clarke September 29, 2009 CRICKET: Australia have suffered a blow after key batsman Michael Clarke was ruled out for the rest of the Champions Trophy. Vice-captain Clarke, 28, has failed to recover from a lower back problem he picked up during his side’s 6-1 one-day series win over England this month. Clarke is the second Aussie to depart the [...]
Harrison still has title dream September 29, 2009 BOXING: Britain’s Audley Harrison is adamant he will still become world champion as he bids to reignite his career by winning Friday’s Prizefighter. The 37-year-old has endured a turbulent time since turning professional after winning gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. He said: “I had plans to be the heavyweight champion of the world in [...]
Wenger wades into RVP diving storm September 28, 2009 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger was last night forced to defend another of his strikers in a diving storm, after Robin van Persie admitted exaggerating contact from defenders. Wenger has already fought Eduardo’s corner this season, successfully appealing to Uefa after European chiefs hit the Croatian with a two-match ban for diving. And ahead of tonight’s [...]
Caution a thing of the past for goal happy Rafa September 28, 2009 LIVERPOOL boss Rafa Benitez insists his side will not curb their attacking instincts as they look to continue their goal rush against Fiorentina tonight. The Reds arrived in Italy for their Champions League Group E clash in ominous form, having scored 24 goals this season already. And although they are without midfield general Javier Mascherano, [...]
Don’t take your foot off the gas now, rueful Hamilton warns his heir Button September 28, 2009 WORLD champion Lewis Hamilton has warned his would-be successor Jenson Button that he cannot afford to ease off now that his goal is in sight. Button took another step towards his maiden title by increasing his championship lead to 15 points at Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix. But the Englishman only managed fifth place – the [...]
Venus and Safina crash in Tokyo September 28, 2009 TENNIS: World No1 and defending champion Dinara Safina was sensationally dumped out of the Pan Pacific Open in the second round by Taiwanese qualifier Chang Kai-Chen.“It’s not an easy moment, it’s so disappointing I didn’t play the way I should have,” she said. Second seed Venus Williams was also sent packing in Tokyo, losing 7-6 [...]
Woods claims FedEx Cup September 28, 2009 GOLF: World No1 Tiger Woods took home a cheque for $10m (£6.3m) after being crowned the winner of the FedEx Cup, despite Phil Mickelson claiming the Tour Championship. Mickelson shot a final-round 65 on Sunday to claim victory at East Lake Golf Club but Woods was second, ensuring the 33-year-old topped the FedEx Cup standings. [...]
Obama boost for Chicago bid September 28, 2009 OLYMPICS: President Barack Obama will travel to Copenhagen this week to show his support for Chicago’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games.He will join his wife Michelle at the International Olympic Committee meeting in the Danish capital on Thursday. Chicago, the favourite to land the Games, faces stiff competition from Madrid, Rio de Janeiro [...]
Strauss gets ICC backing in cramp row September 28, 2009 WORLD governing body the ICC has backed England captain Andrew Strauss in the row over cramp that erupted during Sunday’s Champions Trophy defeat of South Africa. Proteas skipper Graeme Smith asked for a runner when he started cramping as the hosts vainly chased their target of 324. But Strauss, backed by the umpires, turned down [...]
Flintoff: I won’t pick and choose my England dates September 28, 2009 ENGLAND all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has stressed that playing for his country will be his priority when he returns from his latest injury nightmare. The 31-year-old, who is expected to be out for at least six months following knee surgery, earlier this month drew criticism for refusing a central contract. But the irreplaceable talisman, who retired [...]