Relief for Federer after easy opening win August 31, 2009 WORLD NO1 Roger Federer began his bid for a record sixth consecutive US Open title in convincing fashion with a straight sets victory over American teenager Devin Britton. The top seed ran out a comfortable 6-1, 6-3, 7-5 winner over the 18-year-old to set up a second round clash with Germany’s Simon Greul. Federer was [...]
Captain Colly happy to plan a Caribbean crusade August 31, 2009 PAUL COLLINGWOOD says he is geared to leading England’s quest for major international honours next year – even though he has not officially been installed as captain. Collingwood led England through this summer’s World Twenty20 on home soil but his mandate as captain for the shortest form of the game officially ends after today’s international [...]
Berlin heroes Idowu and Dobriskey shine at home August 31, 2009 TRIPLE-JUMP world champion Phillips Idowu made a triumphant return to home soil with victory at the British Grand Prix in Gateshead yesterday. Fellow Briton Lisa Dobriskey followed up her silver medal from Berlin by winning the 1500m, while Christine Ohuruogu returned to form by edging the 400m. American Tyson Gay overcame a groin injury to [...]
Worsley hits out at Skinner feigning claims August 31, 2009 WASPS forward Joe Worsley has hit back at claims from Harlequins skipper Will Skinner that the feigning of blood injuries is rife in top-level rugby. Quins were fined £259,000 and had winger Tom Williams banned for four months after he used a capsule of fake blood to force a late substitution. Skinner claimed the tactic [...]
Button vows to rediscover winning way August 31, 2009 CHAMPIONSHIP leader Jenson Button insists he does not want to go on limping his way towards a maiden world title. The Brawn GP driver failed to finish for the first time this season on Sunday at the Belgian Grand Prix, and has taken just 11 points from the last five races. Despite his waning form [...]
Kranjcar set to lead double Spurs swoop August 31, 2009 TOTTENHAM boss Harry Redknapp looks set to turn to Portsmouth’s Niko Kranjcar to front an exciting double deadline day swoop at White Hart Lane today. Redknapp has lined up a move for the unsettled midfielder as a replacement for fellow Croatian Luka Modric, who faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after breaking his leg [...]
Cole enjoying settled life under Fabio August 31, 2009 ENGLAND defender Ashley Cole believes a settled side and playing style are at the root of the turnaround in fortunes under manager Fabio Capello. The Italian has turned England from a side who failed to reach Euro 2008 to one who will clinch their place at the 2010 World Cup with a draw against Croatia [...]
SUMMER SALES FOOTBALL UPDATE August 31, 2009 Hammers land Da Costa in swapWEST HAM have snapped up defender Manuel Da Costa from Serie A side Fiorentina with forward Savio Nsereko moving in the other direction. Centre back Da Costa, 23, was born in France but qualifies to play for Portugal. Formerly at Nancy in France and PSV in Holland, he joined the [...]
Moat and Shearer look on as Toon take the top spot August 31, 2009 NEWCASTLE UTD (1) vs LEICESTER CITY (0) PROSPECTIVE buyer Barry Moat and would-be manager Alan Shearer watched from the stands as Newcastle climbed to the top of the Championship with this victory. Moat and Shearer looked on alongside owner Mike Ashley as Danny Guthrie’s 52nd minute strike handed the Magpies a fourth successive win. Local [...]
Terry nails colours to Chelsea mast with new five-year deal August 31, 2009 CAPTAIN John Terry has demonstrated his long-term commitment to Chelsea by putting pen-to-paper on a new lucrative five-year deal. The deal, reported to be worth £150,000 per week, will keep Terry at Stamford Bridge until 2014 and Blues chiefs are hopeful the 28-year-old will now finish his career in west London. Crowd favourite Terry has [...]