Drug ban appeal postponement ends Maria Sharapova’s last hope of competing at Rio Olympics July 11, 2016 Former world No1 Maria Sharapova has admitted defeat in her bid to compete at the Rio Olympics next month after her appeal against a doping ban was delayed. Sharapova had hoped the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) would overturn the two-year suspension she received last month from the International Tennis Federation (ITF). That decision [...]
Royal Troon’s propensity for surprises could favour Graeme McDowell July 11, 2016 There is a Scottish expression that sums up the best way for players to approach Royal Troon, as they descend on South Ayrshire this week for the 145th Open Championship. “Ca’ canny” – meaning “tread lightly” – is sound advice for tackling the Old Course, a setting that prioritises accuracy over enormous hitting and has been [...]
Portugal 1, France 0 (AET): Pepe hails Cristiano Ronaldo’s inspiration despite first-half injury as hosts stunned in Euro 2016 final July 11, 2016 Much-malignedPortugal centre-half Pepe insists Cristiano Ronaldo remained the inspiration behind his side’s shock Euro 2016 final victory over hosts France despite injury forcing the forward’s first-half withdrawal at the Stade de France. In a match seemingly destined for penalties, Portugal sealed their first major trophy in extra-time courtesy of a goal from substitute striker and [...]
This is my time, says grand slam-chasing Andy Murray after sealing second Wimbledon title with rout of Milos Raonic July 10, 2016 Britain's Andy Murray has vowed to rack up copious grand slam titles after dismantling big-serving Milos Raonic on Centre Court to be crowned Wimbledon champion for a second time. Murray was at his destructive best as he brushed aside Canada’s Raonic in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-2) to win the third grand slam of [...]
Lewis Hamilton crowd-surfs after equalling Nigel Mansell’s British Grand Prix record July 10, 2016 Stage-diving Lewis Hamilton celebrated by surfing an adoring Silverstone crowd after he claimed a record-equalling fourth victory at the British Grand Prix. Hamilton mastered a tricky wet start followed by a drying track to equal Nigel Mansell’s haul of wins on home soil and cut title rival Nico Rosberg’s lead in the drivers’ standings to [...]
Chris Froome satisfied as Briton defies hail and torrential rain to consolidate Tour de France lead July 10, 2016 Defending champion Chris Froome declared himself satisfied with the first week of the Tour de France after consolidating his lead in treacherous conditions on Sunday. Froome finished alongside yellow jersey rival Nairo Quintana and fellow Briton Adam Yates, more than six minutes behind Dutchman Tom Dumoulin, who won stage nine in Andorra in torrential rain. [...]
Arsene Wenger: “England is my second country. Could I manage them? Why not?” July 10, 2016 Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has given the clearest indication yet that he would be willing to take the England job. Wenger is unwilling to leave Emirates Stadium before his current contract expires in 12 months’ time but appeared to encourage interest from the Football Association in an interview on French television. “Could I manage England? [...]
UK bookies are set to take £100m in wagers today on sports “Super Sunday” of Wimbledon, F1 and Euro 2016 July 10, 2016 Even if Andy Murray doesn't win at Wimbledon today, UK bookmakers will still have something to celebrate. Bookies are set to take as much as £100m today on what's been dubbed a sports "Super Sunday", according to William Hill. Murray will take on Milos Raonic at the Wimbledon finals, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosenberg will vie for first [...]
Wimbledon prize money: Andy Murray and Milos Raonic go head-to-head for £2m earnings boost July 10, 2016 Both Andy Murray and Milos Raonic can pocket the biggest prize of their career to date with victory in the Wimbledon men's singles final today. This year's champion will receive £2m, making it the richest men's final in the competition's history. The loser gets to console himself with a £1m pay cheque — the first time the All England Club has offered the runner-up a seven [...]
Milos Raonic prize money: Wimbledon victory over Roger Federer secures biggest ever payday July 10, 2016 Milos Raonic has earned the biggest payday of his career after a five set victory over Roger Federer secured his place in this year's final against Andy Murray. The Canadian guaranteed himself at least £1m in prize money after reaching his first ever grand slam final by inflicting a first Wimbledon semi-final defeat on Federer in 11 [...]