Sport Comment: An encouraging start, but could do better November 3, 2013 ROW L in the East Stand at Twickenham was not a good place to watch uninterrupted coverage of the England-Australia international on Saturday. And it’s doubtful if many of the rows from B to Z were much better. For those who don’t attend rugby matches, it may come as a shock that you can buy [...]
No excuses for loss, says Cech November 3, 2013 CHELSEA goalkeeper Petr Cech insists there can be no excuses for the Premier League title hopefuls’ surprise 2-0 away defeat at Newcastle on Saturday. Strong winds and rain made for tough conditions at St James’ Park, yet Cech said it should have been possible to break down the hosts. “Apart from the wind, we can’t [...]
Jol determined to save his job November 3, 2013 DEFIANT Fulham manager Martin Jol is not entertaining thoughts of the sack, despite home supporters at Craven Cottage turning against him during Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester United. Fans chanted “Jol out” as the Cottagers suffered their third defeat in a row and the Dutchman is favourite with bookmakers to be the next Premier League [...]
Welsh derby joy for Cardiff November 3, 2013 CARDIFF striker Craig Bellamy said the three points earned in yesterday’s 1-0 victory against Swansea could be vital to the newly-promoted club. The game was the first top flight Welsh derby since the Premier League was formed in 1992, with Steven Caulker’s second-half header sparking wild celebrations in the home end. “As well as it [...]
Wenger wants feel-good factor to start winning run for Arsenal November 3, 2013 ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger hopes that the positive feeling surrounding the club propels his players towards two vital victories this week. The Gunners extended their lead at the top of the Premier League with Saturday’s 2-0 win against Liverpool, but now face crunch ties against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday and Manchester United on Sunday. “The [...]
O’Connor’s Irish debut ends in narrow defeat to Northampton November 3, 2013 NEW London Irish signing James O’Connor’s Aviva Premiership debut ended in a 19-14 defeat to Northampton Saints. The Australia back set up the Exiles’ only try, scored by Sailosi Tagicakibau, but 14 points from the boot of Stephen Myler earned victory for the Saints. Meanwhile, Saracens inflicted a 40-3 defeat on Newcastle Falcons, Harlequins triumphed [...]
Champ Vettel on track to match 60-year record November 3, 2013 WORLD champion Sebastian Vettel lavished praise on his Red Bull car yesterday after cruising to a seventh straight win at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Vettel passed the chequered flag over 30 seconds ahead of his team-mate Mark Webber, matching a modern-day record for consecutive victories held by his boyhood hero Michael Schumacher. The all-time [...]
Aussie ace tips Djokovic for London glory November 3, 2013 THIS week’s ATP World Tour Finals is set to be a titanic duel between reigning champion Novak Djokovic and world No1 Rafael Nadal, says former Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis. The Australian is tipping Djokovic to defend his title in London and warns that big-serving Argentinian Juan Martin del Potro and in-form Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka are [...]
Matthew wins mental battle to lift world title November 3, 2013 DOUBLE Commonwealth champion Nick Matthew revealed he had to dig deep to find the mental strength to recover from a mid-match wobble to win the World Squash Championship in Manchester last night. The 33-year-old beat second seed Gregory Gaultier 11-9, 11-9, 11-13, 7-11, 11-2. Matthew’s triumph was his third in four years, though admitted the [...]
Johnson beats Brits in Shanghai November 3, 2013 GOLF: Former Open runner-up Dustin Johnson won his first World Golf Championship event in Shanghai, holding off the challenge of England’s Ian Poulter by three shots. Johnson carded a final round 66 at the WGC-HSBC Champions, with Poulter runner-up and Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell a further shot behind. Compatriot Rory McIlroy finished nine shots behind [...]