Federer in the mood for more Wimbledon joy July 2, 2014 FORMER world No1 Roger Federer has his sights set on a record eighth Wimbledon title after coming from behind yesterday to beat Swiss compatriot Stan Wawrinka in their quarter-final. Federer dropped a set for the first time in the championships, but victory in a second-set tie-break proved the turning point as he reached a 35th [...]
England bank on Stokes’ vigour to overcome India July 2, 2014 ALL-ROUNDER Ben Stokes has been backed to provide the “X-factor and vigour” that England selectors hope will lift the team from their malaise in next week’s first Test against India. Fit-again Stokes was yesterday named in a 13-man squad for the match at Trent Bridge, the only addition to the team that suffered an agonising [...]
World Cup 2026 could be in USA after fans fall in love with football July 2, 2014 USA have emerged as a potential host for the 2026 World Cup, such has been the level of enthusiasm surrounding Jurgen Klinsmann’s team’s exploits in Brazil. Tuesday night’s thrilling last-16 clash between USA and Belgium attracted 9.1m posts on Twitter globally, with President Barack Obama among those to send good luck messages. World governing body [...]
Radcliffe aims to finish on her terms July 2, 2014 Marathon icon tells Frank Dalleres why a sparkling career must end in London IT WAS meant to be a glorious homecoming, the crowning achievement of one of Britain’s greatest ever athletes at the scene of her breakthrough triumph. Instead the London 2012 Olympic Games became a nightmare for Paula Radcliffe, as injury not only denied [...]
Pistorius rated a suicide risk July 2, 2014 PARALYMPIC star Oscar Pistorius is at risk of suicide due to post-traumatic stress disorder brought on by killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp last year, a court heard yesterday. Defence lawyer Barry Roux quoted a mental health assessment of Pistorius, who denies murder. The South African says he shot model and law graduate Steenkamp on Valentine’s [...]
Why Andy Murray’s Wimbledon loss will cost him July 2, 2014 Andy Murray's Wimbledon title defence came to a surprise halt today at the hands of Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov. The Scot crashed out at SW19 after an excellent display from 23-year-old Dimitrov, who ousted Murray in three sets. Other than a chance to defend the title he won last year, Murray will now miss out on [...]
Tim Howard can solve US national debt problem: Twitter reacts to new US hero July 2, 2014 The USA's World Cup hopes may have ended last night with a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of Belgium, but a new hero was born. Tim Howard, the US national team goalkeeper kept his team in the match for long periods with an impressive display of shot-stopping, denying the Belgian forwards again and again as [...]
Rank outsider Kyrgios shocks even his mum with Nadal win July 1, 2014 WIMBLEDON wildcard Nick Kyrgios hopes to have finally convinced his mum of his ability after causing one of the biggest shocks in grand slam history yesterday by dumping world No1 Rafael Nadal out in round four. The 19-year-old Australian is ranked 144th in the world, had never beaten a player ranked in the world’s top [...]
Romelu Lukaku’s late show for Belgium sees off brave USA July 1, 2014 Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to decide a thrilling period of extra time and seal the final spot in the World Cup quarter-finals for Belgium. The burly Blues striker set up the opening goal just three minutes after his introduction from the bench, then fired past goalkeeper Tim Howard, immense throughout in [...]
World Cup: Di Maria brings Hitzfeld career to a cruel end July 1, 2014 ARGENTINA 1 SWITZERLAND 0 (After extra time) ARGENTINA coach Alejandro Sabella admitted he was delighted to avoid a penalty shoot-out after Angel di Maria’s dramatic late intervention swept his team into the World Cup quarter-finals. Real Madrid winger Di Maria made amends for a sub-par display with the winning goal in the 118th minute, booking [...]