Golf comment: R&A chiefs are spot on about Muirfield pins July 18, 2013 I THOUGHT Peter Dawson, the R&A’s chief executive, answered critics of Muirfield’s pin positions perfectly and I agreed with every word he said. A tough set-up is the organisers’ last defence when the course is playing easily, and you could not have wished for better conditions than yesterday. Mickelson three-putted for a bogey at 18 [...]
McIlroy mulls shrink visit as woes deepen July 18, 2013 BELEAGUERED former world No1 Rory McIlroy admits he may seek help from a sports psychologist after his fall from grace continued with a woeful eight-over-par 79 at the Open yesterday. The two-time Major winner dropped seven shots on the back nine to leave himself in danger of missing the cut at one of golf’s big [...]
Mourinho makes case for Rooney to abandon United for Chelsea July 18, 2013 CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho has warned players they cannot afford to sit on the sidelines during a World Cup year, in what has been interpreted as a veiled message to transfer target Wayne Rooney. Manchester United this week rejected Chelsea’s opening bid for the England striker, who is said to be concerned at suggestions from [...]
World Cup and Euros to remain on free TV July 18, 2013 FOOTBALL’S major international tournaments will continue to be shown on free-to-air broadcasters such as the BBC and ITV beyond 2014 after the game’s governing bodies lost a legal challenge. The European Court of Justice yesterday rejected an appeal from Fifa and Uefa and upheld a 2011 ruling that prevents rights for the World Cup and [...]
Froome facing toughest day as Tour win looms July 18, 2013 BRITAIN’S Chris Froome admits today could make or break his quest for Tour de France glory after he extended his overall lead despite being hit with a time penalty for illegal feeding. The Tour’s 19th stage features four testing climbs and, with Froome looking weary on the Alpe d’Huez yesterday, represents the biggest remaining obstacle [...]
Ricciardo plays down debut error July 18, 2013 FORMULA ONE: Torro Rosso driver Daniel Ricciardo played down the significance of a spin-off as he sat behind the wheel of a Red Bull for the first time yesterday at a young-driver test at Silverstone. Ricciardo lost control of his car on the seventh lap but said: “I had a small off, but otherwise it [...]
England eliminated from Euros July 18, 2013 FOOTBALL: England’s ladies crashed out of Euro 2013, with a 3-0 defeat to France.
It’s Rooney or nothing for us this summer, says Mourinho July 17, 2013 CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho has declared forward Wayne Rooney is the only player he is interested in luring to Stamford Bridge this summer. The Blues lodged an official bid for the England star yesterday and insist none of their own first team players were offered in exchange, after it was suggested midfielder Juan Mata or [...]
Golf Comment: Rose can make it consecutive Majors July 17, 2013 A GLANCE through the list of winners at previous Opens held at Muirfield shows that this course is one that tends to reward only the very best players, and that is reflected in my tips for this year’s championship. Last month’s US Open triumph at Merion constituted a huge breakthrough for Justin Rose, and I [...]
Bowlers left to sweat by Cook for Ashes place July 17, 2013 ENGLAND captain Alastair Cook knows he faces a tough selection dilemma against Australia today, but insists he will not let emotion get in the way of picking an attack capable of bowling his team into a 2-0 Ashes lead at Lord’s. Following a narrow 14-run victory in last week’s first Test, Cook is weighing up [...]