Anfield clash of the titans set to be a close affair April 10, 2014 BEN CLEMINSON AND BILL ESDAILE PREVIEW THE BEST OF THE WEEKEND’S FOOTBALL AND RACING NOT many people gave Liverpool a hope of winning the Premier League this year. Indeed some bookmakers were offering 33/1 before the season kicked off. Yet, you won’t get bigger than 15/8 now on the Reds securing a first title since [...]
Green Flag can spark local celebrations in Scottish Grand National April 10, 2014 THE PRESENCE of 13-year-old Tidal Bay in tomorrow’s Coral Scottish Grand National (3.50pm) has given the contest an unusual shape. Paul Nicholls’ popular old-timer is rated 166 and his inclusion means that 19 of the 30 runner field will race from out of the handicap. Tidal Bay unseated Sam Twiston-Davies at the Canal Turn in [...]
Champions League: Moyes: Euro exile won’t hinder United April 9, 2014 BAYERN MUNICH 3 MANCHESTER UNITED 1 (Bayern win 4-2 on aggregate) MANCHESTER United manager David Moyes is adamant his club will still attract top players to Old Trafford despite last night’s Champions League elimination all-but signalling an end to their presence among Europe’s elite next season. Patrice Evra lashed in the opening goal to give [...]
FA defeats Hull Tigers name plot April 9, 2014 HULL City fans will set off for Wembley this weekend already toasting a victory after the Football Association rejected controversial plans to change the club’s name to Hull Tigers. The FA Council yesterday voted against Hull owner Assem Allam’s application – a decision that cannot be appealed. Campaigners City Till We Die hailed “a victory [...]
Football looks to tighten bet rules April 9, 2014 FOOTBALL Association shareholders will vote in May on proposals for a blanket ban on anyone involved in the top eight tiers of English football betting on any aspect of the game worldwide. The FA Council made the recommendation ahead of this summer’s annual general meeting. Current rules prohibit anyone placing a bet on a match [...]
I made a mistake: Pistorius tells court of Reeva’s fatal shooting April 9, 2014 PARALYMPIC star Oscar Pistorius insisted he killed girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp by “mistake” yesterday as he came under fierce cross-examination for the first time in his murder trial. Prosecutor Gerrie Nel asked the South African to look at a graphic image of Steenkamp’s fatal head wounds in court, urging him to “take responsibility”. “It’s time that [...]
Donald enlists help from NBA legend Jordan April 9, 2014 FORMER world No1 Luke Donald hopes pearls of wisdom from basketball icon Michael Jordan can help him clinch a first Masters title when he tees off in Augusta today. The Englishman lives next door to former Chicago Bulls legend Jordan in Florida and the pair regularly duel on the golf course. Donald is currently 27th [...]
Golf comment April 9, 2014 OF ALL the courses I have played, I’ve never encountered one that changes more from the Wednesday to the Sunday than Augusta National. I don’t know what the staff at the home of the Masters do to it, but it is almost like playing a different course. That can be tough for a player who [...]
Bairstow faces up to six weeks out April 9, 2014 CRICKET: Wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow could miss England’s first Test against Sri Lanka in June after breaking a finger playing for Yorkshire. The 24-year-old faces four to six weeks on the sidelines.
Red cards proposed for cycling April 9, 2014 CYCLING: The introduction of yellow and red cards to improve safety in the peloton was yesterday proposed by Belgian Cycling Federation president Tom van Damme.