Cycling chiefs: We didn’t bend rules for Froome June 15, 2014 CYCLING’S governing body the UCI has refuted suggestions that it bent anti-doping rules to favour Chris Froome ahead of the Tour de Romandie, which the Briton won last month. Froome finished 12th overall at the Criterium du Dauphine yesterday, four minutes 25 seconds behind winner Andrew Talansky from America, though had led the week-long race [...]
Gutsy Dimitrov wins Queen’s title June 15, 2014 TENNIS: Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov underlined his status as a Wimbledon contender by winning the Aegon Championships at Queen’s Club yesterday. Dimitrov, 23, saved a match point in the second set before edging Feliciano Lopez 6-7 (8-10), 7-6 (7-1), 7-6 (8-6). Former world No1 Ana Ivanovic won her first grass-court title at the Aegon Classic at [...]
Courtois on way back to Chelsea June 15, 2014 FOOTBALL: Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will be part of his first-team squad next season. The highly-rated 22-year-old has spent three campaigns on loan at Atletico Madrid since joining the Blues from Genk in 2011.
Koeman to take Southampton job June 15, 2014 FOOTBALL: Former Holland defender Ronald Koeman is poised to be confirmed as Southampton’s new manager. Koeman, 51, has managed Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, Benfica and Valencia and left Feyenoord at the end of last season despite finishing second in the Dutch league.
England miss bronze at World Cup June 15, 2014 HOCKEY: England’s men missed out on their first World Cup medal since 1986 yesterday when they lost the third-place match 2-0 to Argentina. England had lost their semi-final to hosts Holland, who were beaten 6-1 by Australia in the final.
World Cup: Golden boy Neymar fires double for battling Brazil June 12, 2014 BRAZIL 3 CROATIA 1 A BRACE from Brazil’s golden boy Neymar saw the World Cup hosts recover from an early setback to win the tournament opener last night. After Real Madrid defender Marcelo scored an early own goal, Barcelona’s Neymar struck the equaliser, then a controversial second-half penalty, before Chelsea playmaker Oscar wrapped up the [...]
Chelsea pounce after Gunners reject Fabregas June 12, 2014 WORLD Cup winner Cesc Fabregas has revealed former club Arsenal turned down a chance to bring him back to north London before Chelsea secured his services in a £27m deal. Fabregas, set to feature in Spain’s World Cup opener against Holland tonight, yesterday finalised a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge. When the 27-year-old moved from [...]
Root and Prior inspire fightback June 12, 2014 ENGLAND’S Joe Root toasted another vintage batting performance at Lord’s after his unbeaten century helped to steer the hosts out of choppy waters on day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka. Root’s 102 not out, allied to Matt Prior’s unbeaten 76, left England in an assured position on 344-5, having suffered early wobbles [...]
All Blacks set to target Tuilagi June 12, 2014 NEW Zealand have vowed to single out England’s Manu Tuilagi for special treatment in tomorrow’s potentially decisive second Test in Dunedin tomorrow. Erstwhile centre Tuilagi is instead set to play on the right wing in a match the tourists must win to stay in the series, and can expect a thorough examination of his speed [...]
Football Comment: Why Hodgson has to select Sterling and ensure England start campaign on front foot June 12, 2014 WHILE it’s hugely important that England do not lose their opening World Cup fixture against Italy, I don’t want them to go into it feeling fearful or for Roy Hodgson to pick a negative line-up. England should be aiming for a win in Manaus. All teams go into the World Cup with fragile confidence, so [...]