Shanghai victory keeps Djokovic’s No1 hopes alive October 13, 2013 WORLD No2 Novak Djokovic has kept a glimmer of hope of ending 2013 at the top of the rankings, after beating Juan Martin Del Potro yesterday to retain his Shanghai Masters title. The 26-year-old Serb, a six-time grand slam winner, won a compelling match 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (7-3). Djokovic has now won 20 straight matches [...]
Exeter triumph against Cardiff October 13, 2013 EXETER Chiefs emerged victorious from a game of two conflicting halves yesterday, beating Cardiff Blues 44-29 in the Heineken Cup. Six tries sent the home side into a 36-3 lead at half-time, but Cardiff hit back after the break, managing four tries of their own. “To get four tries was pleasing to give us some [...]
Joy at Portugal Masters for Lynn October 13, 2013 ENGLAND’S David Lynn lifted his first European Tour trophy for nine years yesterday, holding his nerve to win the Portugal Masters. The 39-year-old Stoke-born golfer ended 18 under par, narrowly ahead of South Africa’s Justin Walters who was 17 under par. Walters was closely followed by England’s Paul Waring, who let slip an overnight lead [...]
Marquez extends rankings lead October 13, 2013 MOTO GP: Spain’s Marc Marquez leads the world championship by 43 points with three races to go after finishing second at the Malaysian Grand Prix yesterday. Compatriot Jorge Lorenzo, his nearest rival, came third, while Dani Pedrosa – also from Spain – won the race.
Blades stuck at bottom of table October 13, 2013 FOOTBALL: Manager-less Sheffield United are bottom of League One after losing 3-2 away to Coventry yesterday, in front of just 2,078 fans. Tranmere stay in the relegation zone, despite an unexpected 1-0 win at Bradford.
Wilshere ready to bounce back, insists Hodgson October 10, 2013 ENGLAND manager Roy Hodgson expects midfielder Jack Wilshere to overcome his week of off-field controversies and help his team qualify for the World Cup. Wilshere was heavily criticised after being pictured smoking on a night out in London last week and became embroiled in a Twitter row on Wednesday with cricketer Kevin Pietersen, following comments [...]
Rooney’s snub to Scotland October 10, 2013 STRIKER Wayne Rooney would not have won a single England cap had former Scotland manager Berti Vogts got his way. Vogts approached a then 16-year-old Rooney after taking charge in 2002 following an investigation into the former Everton striker’s heritage. But Vogts, now manager of Azerbaijan who play Northern Ireland tonight, was quickly rebuffed by [...]
Gerrard: Dyke needs patience October 10, 2013 ENGLAND skipper Steven Gerrard believes Football Association chairman Greg Dyke needs to be granted time to successfully boost the number of English players appearing in the Premier League. Dyke and his commission, which includes former England manager Glenn Hoddle, are discussing methods to try and safeguard the national team’s future. And Gerrard believes Dyke can [...]
Vettel still has much to prove October 10, 2013 FERRARI’S Fernando Alonso believes it will only be possible to judge how good a Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel is once he has left Red Bull. Vettel can win his fourth straight world title in Japan this weekend should he triumph at Suzuka and Alonso places outside the top eight. But such is the strength [...]
Quins glad of European chance to wipe away Premiership blues October 10, 2013 HARLEQUINS’ scrum-half Karl Dickson hopes the Heineken Cup can prove to be a welcome distraction from their poor Aviva Premiership campaign. Quins’ focus turns to Europe for a fortnight with Pool Four clashes against the Scarlets this Saturday and last year’s runners-up Clermont the week after. And having lost three of their first five games [...]