Maria Sharapova drugs test scandal “a load of nonsense” claims Russian tennis boss March 8, 2016 The head of Russian tennis has hit back at the drugs scandal engulfing Maria Sharapova, describing it as "just a load of nonsense". Russian Tennis Federation president Shamil Tarpishchev said Sharapova's failed drugs test at this year's Australian Open would not prevent her from competing at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. On Monday [...]
Nike suspends £43m Maria Sharapova endorsement deal following failed drug test at Australian Open March 8, 2016 Maria Sharapova could lose millions in future sponsorship earnings, after partners such as Nike, Tag Heuer and Porsche moved responded with concern to her admission of failing a drugs test. Sportswear giant Nike said it was "saddened and surprised" by Sharapova's confession that she had tested positive for meldonium, a substance added to the World [...]
Maria Sharapova career in doubt after testing positive for banned substance at Australian Open 2016 March 7, 2016 Former world No1 and five-time grand slam winner Maria Sharapova has shocked the tennis world by announcing she had failed a drugs test at this year’s Australian Open. The Russian tested positive for banned substance meldonium, which she has been taking since 2006 for health reasons. Meldonium has been on the banned list since 1 January [...]
Hockey star Simon Mantell targets Olympic success and boost to employment prospects in City post-Rio de Janeiro March 7, 2016 While there are more conventional and less arduous methods of career development, Great Britain’s Simon Mantell is convinced that the pursuit of Olympic hockey gold is boosting his credentials for future employment amongst the City’s financial elite. Mantell was a member of the Great Britain side that finished fourth at London 2012 after losing 3-1 [...]
McIlroy back on form and new cross-handed technique looks to suit him, but Scott simply imperious March 7, 2016 Former world No1 Rory McIlroy would have been extremely disappointed to let a maiden victory of 2016 slip through his fingers in Florida on Sunday but if it’s any consolation he lost out to the hottest player on the planet at the moment, Adam Scott. McIlroy has had his problems and concerns over form this [...]
England remain tight-lipped on Tuilagi selection for Six Nations showdown against Wales March 7, 2016 Defence coach Paul Gustard insists that powerhouse centre Manu Tuilagi will play an integral future role for England but has remained tight-lipped on whether he will feature against Wales on Saturday. The 24-year-old, who last played international rugby in June 2014, was included in the 33-man training squad that congregated at Pennyhill Park on Sunday ahead [...]
Arsenal’s Premier League title bid may be stuttering but it’s not extinct, says Wenger March 7, 2016 Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger remains adamant that his side’s chances of being crowned Premier League champions are very much alive despite a stuttering run of form which has given rise to oft-asked questions about their staying power. The Gunners having accumulated just one point from the last nine on offer, while the north London [...]
Wentworth Golf Club threatens Russian mining boss with legal action for claiming that new fees could break FCA regulations March 7, 2016 As a legal row over the golf club’s £100,000 joining fee rages on, Wentworth’s boss is starting to fall out with key figures on the estate. Wentworth has sent a letter threatening legal action against its own tennis captain, after he suggested in a a separate missive that the proposed new membership costs breach regulations set by the [...]
West Brom 1, Manchester United 0: Drop another point and forget Champions League, says Van Gaal March 6, 2016 Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal insists his side have to win all of their remaining Premier League matches to have any chance of finishing in the top four after their momentum was checked with defeat West Brom yesterday. Playmaker Juan Mata was the villain of the piece after his first-half dismissal forced United into [...]
Slater and Burrell in, Lawes and Yarde out as Jones reinforces England squad ahead of Six Nations clash with Wales March 6, 2016 England head coach Eddie Jones has reinforced his training squad ahead of Saturday’s likely Six Nations title decider against Wales at Twickenham by calling up Leicester forward Ed Slater and Northampton back Luther Burrell. Slater has replaced fellow lock Courtney Lawes after he suffered an ankle injury during the first half of Northampton’s victory over [...]