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 [...]
Foster given flag honour in fifth Games August 7, 2008 Veteran swimmer Mark Foster has admitted his surprise at being asked to carry the flag for Great Britain at tomorrow’s opening ceremony. The 38-year-old, who made his Olympic debut at Seoul in 1988 and is competing in his fifth Games, was selected by fellow Team GB members. “I was blown away when I was told, [...]
…and Terry puts the boot in August 6, 2008 Chelsea captain John Terry has turned the tables on Manchester United by saying they, and not the Blues, are the ones who are past their best. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson sparked a row last month by suggesting Chelsea’s squad was too old to improve on last season, when they finished second to his side [...]
Rooney virus mystery adds to United woe August 6, 2008 Manchester United are facing an injury crisis ahead of the new season after striker Wayne Rooney joined winger Cristiano Ronaldo on the sidelines. Rooney has not trained for more than a week after falling ill with a virus United suspect he contracted during the pre-season trip to Nigeria. The 22-year-old is out of tonight’s friendly [...]
Coach Moores hands captain Pietersen a license to thrill August 6, 2008 England coach Peter Moores is encouraging Kevin Pietersen to be his own man in leading England after his first practice session as England captain was washed out by rain. Pietersen will skipper the Test side for the first time at The Oval tomorrow in the fourth and final Test against South Africa, following the shock [...]
Team GB told: Prove you’re worth £500m August 6, 2008 Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe has challenged Team GB to justify an unprecedented £500m cash injection by hitting their target of 41 medals at the Beijing Olympics. The increased investment in elite sport is part of plans to ensure home success when London hosts the Games in 2012. But it has also benefited the current crop [...]
Europeans can break the PGA duck August 6, 2008 One of golf’s biggest home jinxes will be put to a serious test at Oakland Hills this weekend – and I wouldn’t mind betting that a piece of history will indeed be made. Unbelievably, no European has claimed the US PGA Championship title since Scottish-born Tommy Armour lifted the trophy 78 years ago, but they [...]
It’s relief all round as Ramps finally joins the cricket elite August 6, 2008 While Surrey star Mark Ramprakash celebrates his 100th 100, David Jesudason tells how it wasn’t all plain sailing When Mark Ramprakash finally held his bat aloft in celebration of earning his place among the cricketing elite, it was a feeling of relief rather than elation which met with the crowd’s appreciation. The 38-year-old’s unbeaten 112 [...]
Radcliffe vows to run in Beijing but admits her leg could ‘break down’ August 5, 2008 Marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe yesterday delivered the clearest message yet that she will realise her dream of competing at the Beijing Olympic Games. Radcliffe’s bid to win the only major honour to have eluded her has been in serious doubt since May when she discovered a stress fracture in her left thigh. But [...]