KP: Harmonious dressing room is not essential March 17, 2015 ENGLAND exile Kevin Pietersen insists a harmonious dressing room is not a pre-requisite for success as the maverick batsman continues his bid to make an unlikely return to the international realm. The 34-year-old’s central contract was cancelled in February 2014 in the wake of a disastrous Ashes whitewash Down Under, where Pietersen was cited as [...]
Armstrong slammed over charity cycle ride March 17, 2015 A ROW has broken out over disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong’s plans to take part in a race that shadows this summer’s Tour de France in order to raise money for charity. World cycling chief Brain Cookson yesterday urged Armstrong to abandon the project, which is being organised by former England and Crystal Palace footballer Geoff [...]
Tour’s London finish shake-up March 17, 2015 CYCLING’S Tour of Britain is this year set to finish with a new route through central London which takes in Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, the Strand and Whitehall. The 2015 edition of the eight-stage race, won last September by Dutchman Dylan van Baarle, will start in Wales for the first time and make [...]
Ex-star plotting England demise March 17, 2015 FORMER Hampshire skipper Dimitri Mascarenhas intends to use insider knowledge to the detriment of England after being appointed New Zealand bowling coach for their summer tour. The 37-year-old played 20 one-day internationals (ODIs) for England and replaces Shane Bond, who will leave his post for a role with the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier [...]
Mercurial France will provide a stern title hurdle, insists Haskell March 17, 2015 ENGLAND flanker James Haskell insists their historic volatility ensures France will prove an unpredictable hurdle to overcome during his side’s Six Nations title decider at Twickenham on Saturday. France have endured an uninspiring championship but still retain a slender hope of securing the title, although a major power shift would be required in order for [...]
Easterby urges Ireland to learn from past errors March 17, 2015 IRELAND forwards coach Simon Easterby has urged his side to avoid being haunted by a repeat of 2007 as they prepare for their crunch Six Nations clash with Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday. Reigning champions Ireland are level on points with leaders England and Wales in the championship reckoning, although Stuart Lancaster’s outfit hold a [...]
Alonso set for simulator session as he targets Malaysia F1 return March 17, 2015 TWO-TIME Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso is poised to step up his comeback from concussion by driving McLaren’s race simulator today. Alonso missed Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix, the first race of the 2015 season, after being warned by doctors he was at risk of death by so-called second-impact syndrome if he suffered another crash. [...]
Formula 1 owner and Singapore fund weighs Center Parcs deal March 17, 2015 Formula One owner CVC Capital partners and Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC have launched a joint bid of around £2.5bn for leisure group Center Parcs. The pair are one of several parties circling the group after its private equity owner Blackstone said it was considering an ownership overhaul yesterday, including “private or public equity or [...]
The other Alexander McQueen exhibition: Can’t get in to Savage Beauty? Try Showstudio March 16, 2015 A week after Savage Beauty opened, a smaller show gives us McQueen at his edgy best. Rumours are rife that it’s impossible to get a ticket to Savage Beauty, the Alexander McQueen exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum. That’s not true – turn up on a week day before work and you’re likely to [...]
Wenger lays gauntlet at Giroud’s feet March 16, 2015 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger has laid down the gauntlet to striker Olivier Giroud and challenged him to deliver the goals that secure the most unlikely of Champions League triumphs tonight in Monaco. The Gunners must become the first team ever in European competition to overturn a two-goal disadvantage in an away leg if they are [...]