Halfpenny poised to rejoin Lions May 27, 2009 RUGBY UNION: Injured Wales wing Leigh Halfpenny could rejoin the British and Irish Lions squad as early as this weekend. Halfpenny, sent back to Cardiff Blues to recover, is almost over his thigh problem and poised to fly to South Africa to join the squad in the next few days. Blues physio Tim Atter said: [...]
Windies win is a warning, says Strauss May 26, 2009 CAPTAIN Andrew Strauss believes his England side are an “outside bet” to win the World Twenty20 next month after completing their one-day demolition of West Indies at Edgbaston. Wicketkeeper Matt Prior top scored with a career-best 87 as England racked up 328-7 – their sixth highest ODI total – to set up a 58-run victory [...]
Brit Murray ‘good enough to challenge Nadal and Federer’ May 26, 2009 BRITISH No1 Andy Murray is heading all the way to the top, according to the man standing in his way today at the French Open. Italy’s Potito Starace, who faces Murray in round two, believes the world No3 has the potential to surpass the two men ranked higher than him: Spanish powerhouse Rafael Nadal and [...]
Brilliant Button set to land new deal May 26, 2009 JENSON BUTTON is to be rewarded for his storming start to the Formula One season with the offer of a new contract. The British ace swept to his fifth win in six races in Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix and now leads the overall standings by 16 points. Button is only serving a cut-price one-year contract [...]
‘Let’s get physcial’, says Gatland May 26, 2009 RUGBY UNION: British and Irish Lions forwards coach Warren Gatland has warned his side they face a punishing physical battle when they lock horns with world champions South Africa this summer. The Lions begin their 10-match tour with a match against Royal XV on Saturday and Gatland, who led Wales to Grand Slam success in [...]
Aussie make extra player request May 26, 2009 CRICKET: Australia have asked England permission to use 12 players in their Ashes warm-up matches against Sussex and an England Lions XI. The Aussies want to use a substitute system, with 11 players batting and fielding, in order to help ease seamers Brett Lee and Stuart Clark back to fitness from long-term injuries.
Fisher on fire for title defence May 26, 2009 GOLF: Ross Fisher insists he will take positives from his agonising defeat in last weekend’s PGA Championship at Wentworth as he prepares his defence of the European Open title at London Golf Club tomorrow. Fisher fired a final round 64 at Wentworth, only to be pipped by a shot by Paul Casey. But Fisher, 28, [...]
‘We’re on the brink of Euro greatness’, insists Fergie May 26, 2009 SIR ALEX FERGUSON says victory in the Champions League final will put his current Manchester United crop among the list of all-time greats. United lock horns with Spanish giants Barcelona in Rome tonight, looking to become the first team ever to successfully defend the Champions League trophy following their dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Chelsea [...]
Final looks too close to call May 26, 2009 TONIGHT is the biggest game of the season and everybody is asking me: ‘Where’s the money going?’ The bookies can’t split them with odds of 17/10 on either Man United or Barcelona winning in 90 minutes. But it’s nearly all United in the eyes of Paddy Power punters. Ronaldo and Messi will be expected to [...]
Guilty Ashley issues apology for relegation ‘catastrophe’ May 26, 2009 NEWCASTLE owner Mike Ashley last night sensationally apologised to the club’s fans for the mistakes which led to the “catastrophe” of relegation from the Premier League. The sportswear magnate issued a club statement acknowledging the errors of his ways which contributed to the club’s losing their top-flight status after 16 years. At the same time, [...]