Russia’s Olympic Games participation set to be determined in June April 21, 2016 Crisis-hit Russia will only learn if the ban on its athletes is to be lifted in time for this summer’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro less than two months before the start of the Games. World governing body the IAAF announced yesterday that a decision on whether Russia has made enough progress in resolving its [...]
Conor McGregor: I am not retired, still ready to fight Nate Diaz at UFC 200 April 21, 2016 Conor McGregor has admitted he is not retiring from UFC but has called on president Dana White to relinquish him from promotional duties. The outspoken Irishman claimed he was leaving the sport earlier this week and was subsequently taken off UFC 200 where he was due to fight Nate Diaz on July 9. UFC president Dana [...]
European Champions Cup semi-final preview: Can Saracens stop Wasps’ Christian Wade? Will Dan Carter roll back the years at Leicester? April 21, 2016 English rugby's rapid renaissance following last year's World Cup humiliation continues this weekend with three Premiership Rugby teams in the European Champions Cup semi-finals. Saracens host Wasps at the Madejski Stadium in Reading on Saturday before Leicester play Racing 92 of France a day later in Nottingham. Here's what to look out for: Read more: [...]
Anthony Joshua sets a date for next fight: Heavyweight’s title defence comes two weeks ahead of Fury v Klitschko April 21, 2016 Newly-crowned world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will defend his title on Saturday 25 June at the O2. Joshua will return to the site of his victory over Charles Martin earlier this month which won him the IBF heavyweight belt for a meeting with an opponent to be announced next week. Names touted for the fight include [...]
Manchester United 2, Crystal Palace 0: Pardew admits to FA Cup distraction while Van Gaal heaps pressure onto Arsenal and City April 21, 2016 Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew blamed the distraction of Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final with Watford at Wembley for his side’s defeat to Champions League-chasing Manchester United last night. An early own goal from Palace defender Damien Delaney was added to in the second half by Italy full-back Matteo Darmian as the two sides warmed up for [...]
Liverpool 4, Everton 0: Martinez brands Toffees’ showing an ’embarrassment’ as Klopp revels in maiden Merseyside derby April 21, 2016 Under-pressure Everton boss Roberto Martinez branded his side’s performance an “embarrassment” after the struggling Toffees capitulated at the hands of bitter rivals Liverpool last night. Liverpool romped to victory and are now unbeaten in 11 Premier League matches against Everton courtesy of goals from Divock Origi, Mamadou Sakho, Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho, while visiting defender [...]
West Ham United 3, Watford 1: Andy Carroll makes it six in six as Slaven Bilic urges Hammers to keep up chase for historic Champions League place April 20, 2016 West Ham United 3, Watford 1 West Ham manager Slaven Bilic reiterated his determination to gatecrash the Premier League's top four after his side kept up the chase by brushing aside under-strength Watford on Wednesday night. Striker Andy Carroll's sixth goal in as many games and two penalties from captain Mark Noble put the Hammers in charge before [...]
Middlesex opener Sam Robson boosts claims for for Test recall after smashing records at Lord’s April 20, 2016 Records tumbled as Middlesex opener Sam Robson boosted his chances of earning an England recall as his side’s County Championship clash with Warwickshire at Lord’s petered out into a draw. Robson again reached three figures, scoring 106 in Middlesex’s second innings to add to the double century he notched earlier in the match, which gave [...]
Team Sky withdraws Colombian rider for a second time, while Mark Cavendish hits front in Tour of Croatia April 20, 2016 Team Sky have withdrawn Colombian rider Sergio Henao from competition for a second time after he was told he faces further investigation into his blood values by the Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation. Henao, who missed three months owing to a similar probe in 2014, has not failed a drug test and had been due to ride [...]
There are simpler ways to boost interest and avoid empty seats than points-based system, cut ticket prices for one April 20, 2016 I don't have a problem with innovation or trying something new but I’m not convinced the proposed points-based system, mooted for the Sri Lanka tour this summer, is destined to be a rip-roaring success. The premise would be for the men’s game to follow the lead of the women’s and the winner of the series [...]