Beijing critics are mistaking fog for smog, insists Olympic president Rogge August 8, 2008 Olympic chief Jacques Rogge last night attempted to calm fears over Beijing’s air quality by insisting that athletes’ health would not be at risk at the Games. On the eve of the opening ceremony, Rogge praised China’s efforts to reduce pollution and said that competitors taking part in events lasting less than an hour would [...]
Messi green light sparks perfect start August 8, 2008 Superstar striker Lionel Messi played a starring role for Argentina in their Olympic opener with Ivory Coast after his club Barcelona gave him permission to play. The 21-year-old scored one goal and created another to hand the South Americans a 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast. Messi was given the green light to play by [...]
Dismay as boxing gold hope Gavin withdraws August 8, 2008 Great Britain’s medal hopes suffered a severe blow yesterday when boxing hopeful Frankie Gavin announced his shock withdrawal on the eve of the Games. Gavin, 22, was the overall favourite to win gold in the lightweight division but pulled out after failing to make the weight. Head coach Terry Edwards said: “Frankie has been working [...]
Tottenham target Villa set to snub White Hart Lane for Valencia pay rise August 8, 2008 Tottenham look set to miss out on £25m-rated Spain Euro 2008 star David Villa after Valencia said the striker was close to signing a new contract at the club. Spurs are desperate for a forward, with Robbie Keane having joined Liverpool and his former strike partner Dimitar Berbatov wanted by Manchester United. Villa, who netted [...]
Dream debut for Pietersen as England hit back in style August 8, 2008 Harmison praises skipper as shell shocked Proteas are put to the sword Recalled Steve Harmison heaped praise on Kevin Pietersen after the new England captain enjoyed a dream debut in charge at The Oval yesterday. Fired-up England responded to a passionate Pietersen team talk with a superb bowling and fielding performance to skittle out the [...]
Ferguson won’t panic buy despite injury crisis August 7, 2008 Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists he is not desperate to sign anyone despite the club’s injury crisis. At least seven United first-team players are set to miss next week’s Premier League opener against Newcastle, including star duo Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. But Ferguson, who has shown interest in Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov, [...]
At long last it is all over as Ronaldo says: ‘I’m staying August 7, 2008 Winger finally commits his future to Manchester United, ending Real’s chase Cristiano Ronaldo has at long last drawn a line under a summer of transfer speculation by insisting: I’m staying at Manchester United. The Portuguese winger has been a long-running target of Real Madrid, even though United have repeated stood firm, insisting he wasn’t for [...]
Sir Alex has something up his sleeve, I’m sure August 7, 2008 Sir Alex Ferguson’s stance that he won’t be delving into the transfer market during this August window just doesn’t quite ring true with me. With Cristiano Ronaldo already out for the opening month or so of the season, the last thing Sir Alex wanted was to see any more of his squad sidelined for the [...]
Captain Kev shows faith in Harmison August 7, 2008 Kevin Pietersen placed his faith in forgotten pace man Steve Harmison yesterday as his reign as England captain began with a bold selection move. The no-nonsense skipper has recalled both Harmison and fellow fast bowler Stuart Broad to the side for the fourth Test against South Africa at The Oval, starting today, while seamer Ryan [...]
Preparations washed out as storm rips through GB camp August 7, 2008 Team GB lost valuable preparation time for the Olympics Games after their training base was hit by torrential weather. Tropical storm Kammuri ripped through the team camp in Macau, Hong Kong, forcing athletes to dive for cover. While vital training schedules were cancelled, the storm also caused disruption to the Olympic equestrian event, which is [...]