O’Sullivan surprised by ease in reaching Crucible semi-finals April 30, 2014 WORLD Snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan admitted his surprise at the ease with which he brushed aside Shaun Murphy in yesterday’s quarter-final. O’Sullivan recovered from 2-0 down to lead 6-2 overnight and proved too strong for 2005 champion Murphy when they resumed, triumphing 13-3. The 38-year-old, on a 13-match winning streak at the Crucible, said: “You [...]
Spotlight on Financial Fair Play in Football: Man City set to be hit with squad restrictions for FFP infringement April 30, 2014 Manchester City are expected to be forced to field a weakened team in next season’s Champions League as punishment for breaking European financial fair play (FFP) rules. The sanction could take the form of a reduction in the number of players or a cap on the total wage bill of the squad City can register [...]
Hat-trick win for Cavendish April 30, 2014 BRITAIN’S Mark Cavendish sprinted to a third stage win out of four at the Tour of Turkey yesterday. The Omega Pharma Quick Step rider stormed away from Maximiliano Richeze and team-mate Mark Renshaw in the final 100m to cross the line in three hours 14 minutes 23 seconds. Cavendish, however, could not regain the overall [...]
Wigan fined for rule breach April 30, 2014 FOOTBALL: FA Cup holders Wigan have been fined £40,000 by the Football Association after admitting to breaching agent regulations when signing Marc-Antoine Fortune last summer. Fortune’s agent Willie McKay has had a nine-month suspension of his overseas agent registration stayed for two years.
Ashton up for European award April 30, 2014 RUGBY UNION: Saracens trio Chris Ashton, Schalk Brits and Jacques Burger have been nominated for the European Rugby Cup’s Player of the Year award. Toulon’s Jonny Wilkinson and Steffon Armitage complete the list of nominees.
Australia top Test world rankings April 30, 2014 CRICKET: Australia returned to the top of the International Cricket Council Test rankings yesterday, displacing South Africa for the first time since August 2012. England are third. The Baggy Greens also remain top of the one-day International rankings, with England in fourth position.
Boston Bob wins at Punchestown April 30, 2014 HORSE RACING: Trainer Willie Mullins believes Boston Bob can push for next year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, following yesterday’s late surge to victory in the Punchestown Gold Cup under the guidance of jockey Ruby Walsh.
Chelsea boss wants Terry’s final fairytale to come true April 29, 2014 CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho insists Champions League fate owes his captain John Terry a favour as the pair attempt to guide the Blues to the competition’s final tonight. Terry missed a spot-kick as Chelsea lost the 2008 final on penalties to Manchester United and found himself suspended when the Blues pipped Bayern to the trophy [...]
Murray assured of high seeding at Wimbledon April 29, 2014 WIMBLEDON champion Andy Murray has learnt his seeding for this year’s tournament will not be affected by his tumble down the world ranking’s in the last 12 months. Murray was ranked second in the world following his win at SW19 last year, but has since fallen to eighth place – his lowest ranking since July [...]
No Nowell for England against All Blacks April 29, 2014 ENGLAND wing Jack Nowell is set to miss the summer tour to New Zealand because of knee surgery. The 21-year-old started all five of England’s matches during the Six Nations. Nowell’s absence looks likely to pave the way for in-form Saracens star Chris Ashton to return to the international fold. England will play three Test [...]