Lewis Hamilton shrugs off Mercedes threat as team give warring drivers green light to battle at Silverstone July 7, 2016 World champion Lewis Hamilton has welcomed Mercedes’ decision not to impose team orders preventing him from racing freely against team-mate Nico Rosberg at this weekend’s British Grand Prix. The fierce title rivals clashed for a third time in five races in Austria on Sunday when Rosberg was penalised for forcing Hamilton off the track – [...]
Marion Bartoli: I have a mystery virus that is getting worse and I fear for my life July 7, 2016 Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli has responded to concerns about her health by attributing her sudden weight loss to a mystery virus that has left her able only to eat salad. Bartoli, who has lost around five stone since her 2013 triumph at the All England Club, says she also has to wash with mineral [...]
How Chris Coleman used Rafael Benitez’s preferred tactics tool to guide Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 July 7, 2016 With 10 players in his squad playing in England's second or third tiers last season, the onus was on Wales manager Chris Coleman to be a man with a specific tactical plan if his side were to achieve something special at Euro 2016. His side may have fallen narrowly short of the ultimate prize following a 2-0 [...]
England pick Gary Ballance and Toby Roland-Jones in squad for first Test against Pakistan July 7, 2016 England selectors have backed batsman Gary Ballance to revive his international career in the middle order after recalling him for next week’s first Test against Pakistan at Lord’s. Ballance has not played for England since being dropped from the No3 slot during last year’s Ashes but, with Joe Root set to take that place in [...]
Portugal 2, Wales 0: Fairytale ended as Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Portugal progress to Euro 2016 at expense of Chris Coleman’s Wales July 6, 2016 Wales boss Chris Coleman declared himself proud of his side’s achievement after their Euro 2016 fairytale came to an abrupt end with semi-final defeat to a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Portugal in Lyon. Ronaldo opened the scoring early in the second period, equalling Michel Platini’s record of nine European Championship goals in the process, while moments later [...]
Luck ridden as Andy Murray and Roger Federer reach Wimbledon semi-finals after thrillers July 6, 2016 Britain's Andy Murray insists newly re-appointed coach Ivan Lendl is proving a pivotal presence during difficult moments after the world No2 withstood a dangerous fightback from Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to reach his seventh Wimbledon semi-final. Title favourite Murray allowed a two-set lead slip from his grasp as 12th seed Tsonga retaliated to draw level, only for the [...]
World Cup winner Didier Deschamps eyes another slice of French sporting history July 6, 2016 France coach Didier Deschamps has urged the hosts to write a new chapter in their football history by beating Germany in Thursday night’s Euro 2016 semi-final in Marseille. Les Bleus have not won a competitive fixture against Germany for 58 years and lost to them in the quarter-finals of the last World Cup, which Joachim [...]
Football betting: Ruthless Germans to spoil France’s party in Euro 2016 semi-final July 6, 2016 Germany's last semi-final came two years ago at the World Cup in Brazil, where they humbled the hosts 7-1 in possibly the most shocking football result of all time. France face the Germans in the Euro 2016 semi-final in Marseille on Thursday evening hoping that history doesn’t repeat itself. Joachim Low’s side have form for [...]
Jose Mourinho: New Manchester United signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan is perfect for the Premier League July 6, 2016 Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho insists new signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan has the qualities needed to thrive in the Premier League, after the playmaker's arrival at Old Trafford was confirmed. Mkhitaryan, who joins United in a £26m deal from Borussia Dortmund, is Mourinho's third signing since taking control at Old Trafford with striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and centre-back Eric Bailly already secured. The 27-yea-old attacking [...]
Richard Kilty baffled by golf’s Olympic apathy as he strains every sinew to achieve Rio dream July 6, 2016 British Olympic sprint hopeful Richard Kilty has voiced his dismay at members of the sporting community who have shunned the opportunity to compete at next month’s Games in Rio de Janeiro. Golfers have been among the most high-profile withdrawals, with world No1 Jason Day, four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy and 2010 US Open winner Graeme [...]