Rain dampens Strauss plans May 21, 2009 ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss spoke of his frustration after Headingley’s new £600,000 drainage system failed its first major test in causing the abandonment of the first one-day international with the West Indies. The Leeds ground underwent a vast resurfacing, drainage and irrigation overhaul in the winter, but failed to withstand heavy overnight and morning rain [...]
Under-strength team controversy fans flames before relegation D-Day May 21, 2009 IT IS worth at least £30m to clubs, is the difference between heartbreak and sweet relief for fans, and will probably decide the fate of at least two managers. With so much riding on the Premier League survival scrap, it is little wonder that emotions are getting heated ahead of Sunday’s showdown. Debate has centred [...]
Ronaldo hints at United stay and shuns ‘incredible’ Real May 21, 2009 MANCHESTER UNITED winger Cristiano Ronaldo yesterday appeared to snub a world record summer transfer to Real Madrid, indicating he intends to stay at Old Trafford next season. However the Fifa World Player of the Year hinted at another protracted summer of mixed messages by admitting his interest in Real’s summer rebuilding, which is likely to [...]
Mayweather urges Hatton to quit May 21, 2009 BOXING: Floyd Mayweather Jnr has lashed out at “gun-shot” Ricky Hatton and urged him to quit following his two-round demolition by Manny Pacquiao. Mayweather subjected Hatton to a first defeat in December 2007 and said: “Ricky’s career was over in 2007 when he met me.” He added: “Gaining weight and drinking – you can’t have that [...]
Long shot for Tigers, says Greenwood May 21, 2009 FORMER England legend Will Greenwood believes the Leicester Tigers will start as underdogs for tomorrow’s Heineken Cup showdown with Leinster. Despite the Tigers being known for their big game experience, Greenwood expects Leinster to have the drive to topple the Premiership champions at Murrayfield, and keep the title on Irish shores. “It’s going to be [...]
Ecclestone shows signs of cracking in budget cap row May 21, 2009 F1 CHIEF Bernie Ecclestone has admitted to serious concerns for the future of the sport ahead of today’s showdown with rebel teams over the controversial budget cap plans. Governing body the FIA and teams’ association FOTA will meet in Monaco, ahead of Sunday’s Grand Prix, for last-ditch talks aimed at resolving the row that threatens [...]
Clay success for Anne is Britain’s first in 26 years May 21, 2009 LONDONER Anne Keothavong became the first British woman to reach a WTA Tour clay-court semi-final in 26 years with a crushing victory in Warsaw. The 25-year-old thrashed Ioana Raluca Olaru 6-0, 6-1 to match the feat of Jo Durie in 1983. Despite two previous WTA semi-finals this year, Keothavong is bidding for a first-ever final [...]
Horsey battles tragedy to lead at Wentworth May 21, 2009 ENGLAND rookie David Horsey battled against his emotions to enjoy a dream debut in the PGA Championship at Wentworth.Horsey, winner of last season’s Challenge Tour, is suffering personal turmoil with his mother battling breast cancer. But the 24-year-old from Cheshire still managed to make the most of the calmer early morning conditions to shoot a [...]
Watson gets nod over bad boy Symonds May 20, 2009 AUSTRALIA all-rounder Shane Watson admits he is “really stoked” to be picked ahead of Andrew Symonds for this summer’s Ashes series. The 27-year-old has not bowled a ball since December due to a groin strain and remains a major injury doubt for the start of the five-Test series. But still he has been preferred to [...]
Young gun McIlroy turns his back on US Tour riches May 20, 2009 NORTHERN IRISH starlet Rory McIlroy has turned his back on America’s PGA Tour – to avoid golfing burnout. The 20-year-old has gatecrashed the top 20 in the world rankings, thus earning himself a lucrative membership to the US Tour. But McIlroy, the Dubai Desert Classic champion, has opted to concentrate on playing most of his [...]