Another fine Messi January 7, 2013 BARCELONA star Lionel Messi last night collected a record-breaking fourth consecutive Ballon d’Or trophy, awarded for the world’s best footballer of last year. The Argentina forward, who scored 91 for club and country in 2012, polled 41.6 per cent of votes from journalists, national coaches and captains. Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo was second.
Blair calls time on Scotland career January 7, 2013 RUGBY UNION: Former Scotland scrum-half Mike Blair has retired from international rugby. Blair won 85 caps, including 14 as captain, but opted to end his Test career after deciding a place in the squad for the 2015 World Cup was unrealistic. Welsh flanker Morgan Stoddart has also announced his retirement from rugby, after failing to [...]
Juve bid for ex-Blues star Drogba January 7, 2013 FOOTBALL: Juventus have made an enquiry about signing former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba from Shanghai Shenhua during the January transfer window. The Italian champions are seeking forward cover and the 34-year-old Ivory Coast star has been linked with a move despite only moving to China from Stamford Bridge last summer.
Penalty call irks Wenger as Gunners pegged back January 6, 2013 SWANSEA CITY 2 vs ARSENAL 2 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger insisted his side has been unfairly denied a penalty after Danny Graham’s 87th-minute equaliser denied them a place in the FA Cup fourth round. Wenger fumed at referee Howard Webb’s failure to penalise a trip on midfielder Aaron Ramsey, arguing the official had seen the [...]
How can sport in 2013 possibly live up to the fun of 2012? Luckily, we have no idea January 6, 2013 IF I had a pound for every person who put a note in their Christmas card saying “how on earth will the sport of 2013 match 2012?”, I’d have four pounds. But fear not, miseries. A vintage 12 months lies ahead, starting with jockey Frankie Dettori winning Celebrity Big Brother, and then after a brief [...]
Suarez hands Reds cup victory January 6, 2013 MANSFIELD TOWN 1 vs LIVERPOOL 2 LIVERPOOL boss Brendan Rodgers last night stuck by his controversial forward Luis Suarez, despite admitting that the Uruguayan handled the ball for a goal that knocked non-league Mansfield out of the FA Cup. New signing Daniel Sturridge gave the Reds an early lead, but a second goal only came [...]
Chelsea facing lower league round four trip January 6, 2013 CHELSEA have been rewarded for Saturday’s 5-1 demolition of Southampton with a trip to Southend United or Brentford in the FA Cup fourth round. Arsenal will head to the south coast to face Championship side Brighton if they can overcome Swansea City in a replay. West Ham and Fulham could be on course for the [...]
Murray pays tribute to ill friend after win in Brisbane boosts hopes of back to back slams January 6, 2013 BRITAIN’S Andy Murray appeared to dedicate victory to friend and Davis Cup team-mate Ross Hutchins, who has been diagnosed with cancer, after defending his crown at the Brisbane International yesterday. Murray stepped up his preparations for next week’s Australian Open in encouraging fashion by beating Bulgarian world No48 Grigor Dimitrov 7-6 (7-0), 6-4 in little [...]
I have cancer, says Hutchins January 6, 2013 BRITISH tennis player Ross Hutchins has revealed he is battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of cancer that affects the immune system. The 27-year-old, ranked world No28 in doubles, has represented his country in Davis Cup and at last year’s Olympic Games. Hutchins wrote on Twitter: “I will be away from tennis for a while as [...]
Strettle tipped for Six Nations England recall January 6, 2013 SARACENS director of rugby Mark McCall believes Stuart Lancaster should be looking at David Strettle for his England Six Nations squad after the wing’s star turn against Sale Sharks yesterday. Strettle scored a second-half try and set up another for Charlie Hodgson against his former club as Saracens eased to a 32-12 victory over the [...]