Big guns take significant step July 6, 2009 YOU can usually tell when a Major is round the corner when the big guns come to the fore. Is it a coincidence, for example, that Tiger Woods and two of Europe’s best in Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter begin to show just days before the start of the Open Championship? Westwood may have been [...]
SUMMER SALES FOOTBALL UPDATE July 6, 2009 Ronaldo draws record crowdA WORLD record crowd packed Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium for the unveiling of winger Cristiano Ronaldo last night. The Portugal star, who joined in an £80m deal from Manchester United earlier this month, was greeted by 80,000 fans – more than attended Diego Maradona’s arrival at Napoli. Ronaldo said: “I have [...]
Springboks charged over protest July 6, 2009 RUGBY UNION: South Africa have been charged with misconduct by the International Rugby Board for their protest against the suspension of Bakkies Botha. The Springboks sported white armbands with the message “Justice 4 Bakkies” during Sunday’s third Test against the British and Irish Lions after Botha was given a two-week ban for a dangerous charge [...]
Welsh RFU faces High Court date July 6, 2009 RUGBY UNION: Wales’ first autumn Test encounter with New Zealand on 7 November is likely to be the subject of a High Court hearing after a row broke out over player release. Wales coach Warren Gatland wanted his Test stars available for national team duty despite the four regions – the Ospreys, Dragons, Llanelli Scarlets [...]
Bolt doubles up in London July 6, 2009 ATHLETICS: Triple Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt has confirmed he will run in both the 100m and 4x100m relay at the London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace later this month. The 22-year-old was scheduled to run the 100m but will now race on both days on 24 and 25 July as preparation for the World [...]
Haye close to Vitali showdown July 6, 2009 BOXING: David Haye is close to agreeing a fight against WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko on 12 September. Briton Haye pulled out of his original 20 June bout with brother Wladimir after suffering a back injury in training. But with Wladimir facing a mandatory defence of his IBF title against Alexander Povetkin, Vitali looks the [...]
The joy of six puts Federer back on top of the world July 5, 2009 Ace lands a record 15th Grand Slam after edging Roddick in an epic final ROGER FEDERER became the greatest player in Grand Slam history after coming through a record-breaking final with Andy Roddick on Wimbledon’s Centre Court. The Swiss ace edged a dramatic five-set match 5-7, 7-6 (8-6,) 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 16-14 to claim a [...]
Sampras: Icon Roger is undoubtedly the best ever July 5, 2009 PETE SAMPRAS hailed Roger Federer as the game’s best-ever player after watching the Swiss star surpass his record of 14 Grand Slam titles. “The guy’s a legend and now he’s an icon,” the seven-time Wimbledon champion said after dropping in on Centre Court for the first time in seven years yesterday. “He’s got 15 majors, [...]
Ancelotti to seek assurances from Terry amid City interest July 5, 2009 JOHN TERRY will be forced to prove his commitment to the Chelsea cause in a series of crisis talks with manager Carlo Ancelotti. The England captain has been the subject of sustained interest from big-spending Manchester City, who had bids of £25m and £30m rejected by the west London club last week. But with an [...]
Spurs boss Harry in shock swoop to lure retired Figo July 5, 2009 TOTTENHAM boss Harry Redknapp has made an audacious swoop to lure veteran midfielder Luis Figo out of retirement to serve his twilight years at White Hart Lane. The 36-year-old decided to hang up his boots at the end of last season after helping Inter Milan to the Serie A title. But Spurs boss Redknapp has [...]