Champions League: Real urged to attack in Munich despite semi-final advantage April 23, 2014 REAL MADRID 1 BAYERN MUNICH 0 REAL Madrid defender Sergio Ramos believes his team cannot afford to rest on their one-goal advantage in Munich next week if they are to reach the Champions League final. A first-half goal from Karim Benzema decided last night’s semi-final first leg at the Bernabeu, but Ramos wants his team [...]
I couldn’t snub England call, says Farbrace April 23, 2014 ENGLAND’S new assistant coach Paul Farbrace admitted patriotism made the England and Wales Cricket Board’s job offer too good to resist, following confirmation of his appointment yesterday. The 46-year-old was just three months into the lead coaching role with Sri Lanka where he helped deliver the World Twenty20 trophy, but was released from his contract [...]
Hendry could return to Crucible April 23, 2014 SNOOKER: Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry could be tempted out of retirement, after governing body chief Barry Hearn announced changes to next year’s tournament at the Crucible. An expansion from 128 to 144 players will see all former world champions invited to play in the qualifying rounds with additional spots filled by players from emerging [...]
Wasps seal deal for Jackson April 23, 2014 RUGBY UNION: Scotland fly-half Ruaridh Jackson is set to join London Wasps next season. The 26-year-old has won 23 internationals caps and is to leave Glasgow Warriors after six years. Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said: “He will add to the quality pool of No10s we already have. Competition will be very strong.”
Armitstead retains World Cup lead April 23, 2014 CYCLING: Olympic silver medallist Lizzie Armitstead retained her Road World Cup lead yesterday, finishing second in the Fleche Wallone race in Belgium. The 25-year-old leads Sweden’s Emma Johansson by 160 points with five races remaining.
Champions League: Chelsea limp toward final with expert defensive job April 22, 2014 ATLETICO MADRID 0 CHELSEA 0 VICTORY at Stamford Bridge next week will send Chelsea into their third consecutive European final, after phase one of Jose Mourinho’s masterplan succeeded in Madrid. The Portuguese manager will be without several of the stars that frustrated Atletico Madrid into submission last night for that second leg though, with goalkeeper [...]
Farbrace to quit as Sri Lanka boss and join Moores’ England set-up April 22, 2014 SRI LANKA coach Paul Farbrace is poised to be confirmed as assistant to new England boss Peter Moores after deciding to leave his current post just three months into a two-year contract. The former Middlesex and Kent wicketkeeper, 46, led Sri Lanka to World Twenty20 glory during his short spell in charge but has informed [...]
Rusedski tasked with helping rising GB star Edmund to shine April 22, 2014 TEENAGE tennis star Kyle Edmund has appointed former British No1 Greg Rusedski as his new coach, replacing the Lawn Tennis Association’s Colin Beecher. Edmund has risen rapidly through the world rankings since playing in his first ATP tour event at Queen’s Club last June, breaking into the top 300 in February. The 19-year-old is rated [...]
Armstrong’s team manager feels more should face doping charges April 22, 2014 THE FORMER team manager of disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong, Johan Bruyneel, believes he has been made a “scapegoat” for a series of doping scandals that have rocked the sport after being handed a 10-year ban by the United States Anti-Doping Agency. Bruyneel worked alongside Armstrong with the United States Postal Service and Discovery Channel teams for all [...]
Kiwi Ryder to sign for Essex April 22, 2014 ESSEX have signed controversial New Zealand all-rounder Jesse Ryder to play in all formats for the rest of the season. Ryder, 29, averages 40.93 in 18 Tests but has not played in that format since 2011 and was dropped from the squad earlier this year for drinking on the eve of a match. The left-handed [...]