Richards gets three-year ban for fake blood fiasco August 17, 2009 FORMER Harlequins boss Dean Richards was last night banned from coaching for three years for his part in the club’s faking of a blood injury during last season’s Heineken Cup. Winger Tom Williams, whose mouth wound during April’s quarter-final defeat to Leinster was found to have been fabricated, had his 12-month suspension reduced to four [...]
Wenger: Champions League days numbered August 17, 2009 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger expects money-hungry big clubs to abandon the Champions League in favour of an even more lucrative European super league within 10 years. The Frenchman’s team will be striving to secure their place in the competition’s group stage when they face Celtic in the first leg of a Champions League play-off in [...]
LIGHTNING BOLT August 16, 2009 TRIPLE Olympic champion Usain Bolt left the world speechless in Berlin last night after smashing the 100m world record on his way to a stunning victory in the World Championships. The 22-year-old Jamaican recorded a time of 9.58 seconds to take 0.11 off the record he broke in Beijing last year. Elsewhere, on a superb [...]
Golden girl Jess is in a seventh heaven August 16, 2009 BRITAIN’S golden girl Jessica Ennis spoke of her “amazing feeling” after claiming Britain’s first ever heptathlon gold medal at the World Championships on a memorable night in Berlin. The 23-year-old led the seven-discipline event from start to finish, eventually securing a landmark success with victory in her heat of the 800m. Ennis finished with an [...]
Yang tames Tiger for a famous win August 16, 2009 KOREA’S Yong-Eun Yang last night became the first Asian-born player to win a Major title after recording a magnificent three-shot victory over world No1 Tiger Woods in the US PGA Championship at Hazeltine. The 37-year-old began the day two shots down on Woods but clawed his way back with a three-under-par 69, while Woods struggled [...]
Murray hits back in Montreal to confirm status as world No2 August 16, 2009 BRITAIN’S No1 Andy Murray completed a superb fight back to claim the Montreal Masters and justify his newly-earned status as the world’s second best player. Then 22-year-old came from a set down to defeat Juan Martin del Potro 6-7 (4-7), 7-6 (7-3), 6-1 for his fifth title of the year and 13th in his already [...]
New boy Seb hails dream Spurs debut to stun Reds August 16, 2009 NEW signing Sebastien Bassong hailed his “perfect debut” after earning Tottenham a dream Premier League start against title contenders Liverpool. Just ten days after completing his £8m move from Newcastle, Bassong met Luka Modric’s free-kick for his first goal in English football to ensure his side claimed a prized early-season scalp. Full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto gave [...]
Trott gets green light for an England debut as Ashes axe falls on Bopara August 16, 2009 UNCAPPED Jonathan Trott was yesterday given the nod to star in England’s Ashes decider with Australia at The Oval this week. The Warwickshire batsman will bat at No4 for the crucial final Test on Thursday with county colleague Ian Bell moving up the order to three at the expense of the axed Ravi Bopara. Trott [...]
Rooney set 20-goal target to fire United August 16, 2009 SIR ALEX FERGUSON backed Wayne Rooney to fire 20 goals for Manchester United this season after his solitary first-half strike put paid to brave Birmingham at Old Trafford. The England striker got the champions up and running with a 34th minute winner from close range after seeing a header hit a post. His 99th goal [...]
Radcliffe back with a bang August 16, 2009 ATHLETICS: Paula Radcliffe is still undecided on whether to compete in next week’s World Championships despite enjoying a winning return in the New York Half Marathon. The Briton, 35, was competing for the first time in 10 months following bunion surgery and a broken toe but coasted to victory in an impressive time of 1.09:45. [...]