Quigg aims to use title defence as prompt for Frampton clash October 22, 2014 WBA super-bantamweight champion Scott Quigg intends to use his fifth title defence against Hidenori Otake as a springboard to fight Belfast’s IBF titleholder Carl Frampton. The 26-year-old’s bout with the Japanese champion will feature on the undercard of Nathan Cleverly’s rematch with Tony Bellew at the Echo Arena, Liverpool in November. Veteran Otake will be [...]
Murray maintains surge to reach ATP Finals October 22, 2014 BRITAIN’S Andy Murray continued his bid to qualify for the season ending ATP World Tour Finals in London by seeing off the challenge of Jurgen Melzer in the first round of the Valencia Open yesterday. The 27-year-old dispatched the veteran Austrian in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, to set up a second-round clash with Italy’s Fabio [...]
Evans intent on resuming career after serving custodial sentence October 22, 2014 FORMER Sheffield United striker Ched Evans last night reiterated his intention to prove his innocence and resume a professional football career. Evans has submitted an appeal to the Criminal Cases Review Commission after spending two and half years in prison as part of a fiveyear sentence for rape. The 25-year-old, who has always protested his [...]
Champions League: Mourinho rules out striker crisis as Blues smash six at the Bridge October 21, 2014 CHELSEA 6 NK MARIBOR 0 CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho shrugged off talk of a striker crisis for Sunday’s trip to Manchester United after an injury to Loic Remy proved the only stain on a memorable Champions League triumph over Maribor last night. Midfielder Eden Hazard’s brace, veteran Dider Drogba’s first goal since rejoining the Blues, [...]
Pistorius may serve under a year October 21, 2014 PARALYMPIC icon Oscar Pistorius was last night beginning a five-year prison sentence for killing girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, but the double amputee could be back at home in just 10 months. Judge Thokozile Masipa brought a 20-month legal saga to an end yesterday by rejecting the defence’s pleas to spare Pistorius jail, a move she said [...]
Wenger composed over handing rookie keeper his European bow October 21, 2014 ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger insists he has no qualms about thrusting keeper Emiliano Martinez into the limelight and handing the rookie stopper his Champions League debut against Belgian champions Anderlecht in Brussels tonight. Wenger’s hands are tied with regular No1 Wojciech Szezesny suspended after receiving his marching orders against Galatasaray in the last round of [...]
England setback as centre Tuilagi misses autumn October 21, 2014 ENGLAND’S injury problems ahead of the autumn internationals have continued to mount with Leicester centre Manu Tuilagi set to be ruled out after suffering a groin problem. Head coach Stuart Lancaster names his 33-man elite player squad for the QBE series today, with England’s first match against the All Blacks on Saturday 8 November, and [...]
Champions League: City continue continental stutter October 21, 2014 CSKA MOSCOW 2 MANCHESTER CITY 2 OPTIMISTIC Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini refused to accept the odds are now stacked against his side qualifying for the Champions League knockout phase despite surrendering a two-goal lead against CSKA Moscow in the Russian capital yesterday. Israel’s Bibras Natkho held his nerve to convert a late penalty and [...]
Fergie defends Moyes choice October 21, 2014 FORMER Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has defended the club’s ill-fated appointment of David Moyes, insisting it was the result of a thorough consultation. United co-chairman Avie Glazer appeared to indicate Moyes had been handpicked by Ferguson when he said at the time: “Alex was very clear with his recommendation and we are delighted [...]
Redknapp future uncertain after QPR chairman criticises manager October 21, 2014 QPR manager Harry Redknapp’s future looks increasingly uncertain after chairman Tony Fernandes last night publicly criticised his handling of a spat with out-of-favour midfielder Adel Taarabt. Fernandes also censured Taarabt, but it was his expression of disappointment in Redknapp’s behaviour that raised eyebrows, with the veteran boss already odds-on to be the next top-flight coach [...]