Rogers: No need to rush Finn back April 13, 2014 CRICKET: Fast bowler Steven Finn boosted his hopes of an England recall yesterday by taking by taking four wickets for Middlesex against Nottinghamshire at Lords. Yet teammate Chris Rogers said that Finn should not be rushed back. “He’s just gone through a pretty tough period. It might be better for him just to settle in, [...]
Strong start for Scott in defence of Masters title April 10, 2014 WORLD No2 Adam Scott admitted he was overwhelmed by the reception from the Augusta crowd yesterday, as the defence of his Masters title began with a round of three under par. The Australian trails leader Bill Haas by one shot, having found the water on 12 to finish with a double-bogey, ironically the hole which [...]
Top clubs becoming less sustainable April 10, 2014 PREMIER League clubs’ financial health deteriorated last season, according to a key indicator. The proportion of revenue clubs spent on wages rose to an average of 75.3 per cent in 2012-13, analysis by football business expert Kieron O’Connor, who writes influential blog the Swiss Ramble, shows. That was up from 70 per cent in 2011-12, [...]
Defensive dip worries Wenger as Arsenal face Wembley date April 10, 2014 ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger admits he is baffled by his side’s crumbling defensive record, as the Gunners prepare for tomorrow’s crunch FA Cup semi-final against Wigan at Wembley. The north Londoners have leaked 23 goals in their last 13 games, an average of 1.8 goals per game – a terrible run that began with a [...]
Jamaican sprinter gets 18-month dope ban April 10, 2014 FORMER world’s fastest man Asafa Powell last night vowed to clear his name after being handed an 18-month ban for failing a drug test. The Jamaican sprinter said banned stimulant oxilofrine entered his system via a contaminated supplement, and plans to appeal the “patently unjust” sanction at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
European rugby future resolved April 10, 2014 RUGBY UNION: The European Rugby Champions Cup is to replace the Heineken Cup next season, it has been confirmed. A second competition, the European Rugby Challenge Cup, will offer a route into the top tournament, while Italian and minor sides will take part in a qualifying competition. BT and Sky are set to share rights.
Test match chance for associates April 10, 2014 CRICKET: Scotland and Ireland could play Test matches from 2018 if they win a new competition for non-Test sides, the Intercontinental Cup, and then beat the team bottom of the world rankings.
Pistorius branded a liar in court April 10, 2014 ATHLETICS: Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius was yesterday accused of fabricating his version of events the night he shot dead his girlfriend. Prosecutor Gerrie Nel told Pistorius, who says he killed Reeva Steenkamp in a case of mistaken identity, his account was “a lie” and “so improbable, no one would ever think it’s true”.
Mourinho hit with £8,000 fine April 10, 2014 FOOTBALL: Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho was yesterday fined £8,000 by the Football Association after going onto the pitch to remonstrate with referee Chris Foy during his team’s 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa last month.
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 [...]