Van Persie backs Moyes as Nani gets new deal September 5, 2013 MANCHESTER United striker Robin van Persie has denied claims of a rift with new manager David Moyes just three games into the Scot’s rocky tenure. Doubts had been raised over the Holland star’s willingness to stay at the champions amid suggestions he did not approve of Moyes’s methods. Van Persie cut a frustrated figure as [...]
Ozil: I’ll help to end Arsenal’s trophy drought September 5, 2013 ARSENAL’S new record signing Mesut Ozil is convinced the Gunners can finally end the most notorious silverware drought in English football this season. Manager Arsene Wenger has not delivered a trophy since 2005 but £42.5m deadline-day arrival Ozil believes that run is about to end. “Definitely,” he said. “In the last few years Arsenal haven’t [...]
Murray surrenders US Open title in straight sets loss September 5, 2013 BRITAIN’S Andy Murray rued an early missed chance but was otherwise at a loss to explain a crushing straight-sets defeat to Stanislas Wawrinka that ended his US Open title defence last night. Third seed Murray failed to rise to the challenge of the in-form Swiss, who denied him a single break point in a brisk [...]
Morgan’s praise for role model Pietersen September 5, 2013 STAND-IN England captain Eoin Morgan admits he is grateful to have star Test batsman Kevin Pietersen alongside him as he plots a repeat of last month’s Ashes triumph over Australia in the one-day series. Pietersen is one of the few Ashes heroes not rested for the five-match ODI campaign, which starts today at Headingley, and [...]
Robshaw targets flying start as Quins resume challengers’ role September 5, 2013 REFRESHED Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw is hoping for a smoother start to this season when the new Aviva Premiership Rugby campaign begins this weekend. Robshaw, controversially overlooked for British and Irish Lions selection during the summer and rested for England’s successful tour of Argentina, returns to action at Twickenham tomorrow in the London Double Header. [...]
England’s lofty ambitions to be brought down to earth by Moldova September 5, 2013 BEN CLEMINSON LOOKS AT ENGLAND’S GAME AGAINST MOLDOVA AND WILLIAM CHRIMES PREVIEWS THE AVIVA PREMIERSHIP AND LONDON DOUBLE HEADER IF THE long-term ambition of England, as set out by Greg Dyke, is to lift the World Cup in 2022, their short-term one looks far more achievable. Even with the new Football Association chairman’s dire warnings [...]
Northampton to go well again this year as London Double Header gets the season off to a flier September 5, 2013 AS THE summer draws to its conclusion, the start of the Aviva Premiership is almost upon us following on from an unforgettable British and Irish Lions Tour. Last term Leicester Tigers once again saved their best rugby until last to secure their first title in three years. Richard Cockerill’s side are 15/8 favourites to repeat [...]
Wiggins set to lead at Tour of Britain September 5, 2013 CYCLING: London 2012 hero Sir Bradley Wiggins has been named lead rider for Team Sky’s assault on the Tour of Britain, which starts on 14 September and finishes eight days later in the capital. The event will form part of Wiggins’ preparations for the Road World Championships the following week.
Hamilton: Boo me – as long as I win September 5, 2013 FORMULA ONE: Britain’s Lewis Hamilton has invited race-goers to boo him again at Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix, if it means he has repeated last year’s victory at Monza. The Mercedes driver said: “If I’m up there getting booed that means I’ve won and I definitely want that. I’d love to have that experience again.”
Tokyo fancied as 2020 Games host September 5, 2013 OLYMPICS: Tokyo was last night the odds-on favourite to be named host city for the 2020 Olympic Games, ahead of tomorrow’s vote in Argentina. Madrid is second favourite, with Istanbul the other candidate. A vote will also be taken on whether to add wrestling, squash or baseball/softball to the list of sports.