Murray in line for Australian Open after scheduling December return November 20, 2013 BRITISH No1 Andy Murray boosted his prospects of appearing at the Australian Open in January, by announcing his intention to return to the court in Doha in December. The world No4 has not played since Britain’s victorious Davis Cup play-off against Croatia in September, following surgery on his back. But, Murray posted a picture on [...]
Investors buy player shares November 20, 2013 CASH-STRAPPED clubs selling off players’ transfer rights as an alternative to taking bank loans has become a growing trend in Europe, according to a report by KPMG Europe’s Spanish division. The practice of third-party ownership is being undertaken by clubs including Champions League competitors Porto and Atletico Madrid, according to the report, which also states [...]
Football Comment: World class Ronaldo reminds England just what we are missing November 20, 2013 FORMER England captain Alan Shearer is right when he says England have no chance of winning the World Cup because they have no world class players – and events on Tuesday night illustrated why perfectly. While Cristiano Ronaldo was blasting a hat-trick to send Portugal to next year’s finals in Brazil, England were labouring to [...]
U-turn on Fury retirement tweet November 20, 2013 BOXING: Retirement claims made by British heavyweight Tyson Fury on Twitter yesterday were later rubbished by promoter Mick Hennessy and the 6ft 9in boxer’s uncle and coach Peter Fury, with discussions underway for a bout against unbeaten American Deontay Wilder next year.
Kermode appointed tennis chief November 20, 2013 TENNIS: Britain’s Chris Kermode has been named executive chairman and president of the men’s ATP Tour. The 48-year-old will begin a three-year term on 1 January.
International Friendly: Hodgson looks on bright side November 19, 2013 England boss upbeat despite second home defeat in five days ENGLAND 0 vs GERMANY 1 ENGLAND manager Roy Hodgson insists his side’s future is bright despite last night’s loss to Germany inflicting their first consecutive home defeats for 36 years. Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker’s 39th-minute header proved enough for a second-string side who played within [...]
Ronaldo treble sends Portugal to World Cup November 19, 2013 A STUNNING hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo ensured World Cup qualification for Portugal at the expense of Sweden last night. Leading 1-0 from the first leg, Ronaldo fired in the opening goal of the qualification play-off on 50 minutes, but a quick-fire double from Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic levelled the tie on aggregate. Ronaldo then [...]
Cricket Comment: March of time lends extra edge to this series for England stars November 19, 2013 IT’S not quite the end of an era, but this Ashes series in Australia represents the end of a cycle that coach Andy Flower and selectors have long been gearing up for. A number of players who make up England’s spine are the wrong side of 30 and will know that this could be their [...]
Pietersen eyes goals beyond Ashes glory November 19, 2013 ENGLAND batsman Kevin Pietersen has declared his intention to play on until 2016 as he prepares to win a 100th cap in tonight’s first Ashes Test. The 33-year-old had been tipped by some commentators to retire at the end of this series, following a succession of knee problems and a turbulent history with England’s cricket [...]
Favourite Invictus set for Gold Cup charge as race day looms November 19, 2013 TRAINER Alan King hopes Hennessy Gold Cup favourite Invictus can showcase his capability in this month’s big race at Newbury. The £175,000 showpiece will be the first time the colt has competed since winning the Grade Two Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase at Ascot in February 2012, after later straining a tendon ahead of the RSA Chase [...]