Hail McGinley and don’t fret about McIlroy January 21, 2013 BEFORE I tackle the weekend action I must start by saying how pleased I am that Paul McGinley has been named the European Ryder Cup captain for 2014. Paul did all the groundwork: he had two successful stints leading Great Britain and Ireland in the Seve Trophy and was also vice-captain on two winning Ryder [...]
Murray ruthless in Australia but won’t turn his back on US Open January 21, 2013 BRITAIN’S Andy Murray distanced himself from talk of boycotting this year’s US Open yesterday, after breezing into the Australian Open quarter-finals for the fourth successive campaign. Players are said to be ready to abandon the Major in New York because they disagree with the men’s final being moved to Monday and believe the increase in [...]
Armstrong set for Hollywood January 21, 2013 DISGRACED former cyclist Lance Armstrong, who last week admitted cheating his way to seven Tour de France titles, is set to be the subject of a Hollywood blockbuster by Star Trek director JJ Abrams. Abrams, the man behind TV series Lost and box office hits Cloverfield, Super 8 and Mission Impossible 3, has bought the [...]
Robshaw retains England captaincy January 21, 2013 HARLEQUINS skipper Chris Robshaw has been re-appointed England captain for the Six Nations, which begins next month. The flanker’s decision making was called into question during a mixed autumn internationals campaign, but head coach Stuart Lancaster said: “He’s grown as a leader on and off the field. He showed those qualities this autumn, especially against [...]
Fergie faces rap for officials rant January 21, 2013 FOOTBALL: Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been asked by the Football Association to explain his criticism of assistant referee Simon Beck following Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Tottenham. Ferguson, who blamed the linesman for failing to award a penalty, faces a fine or touchline ban if found guilty of misconduct.
Shingler quits Exiles for Scarlets January 21, 2013 RUGBY UNION: London Irish fly-half Steven Shingler is set to be reunited with brother Aaron after agreeing to rejoin the Scarlets in the summer. Steven, the subject of an eligibility row between Scotland and Wales last year, has signed a three-year deal, while Aaron has also committed to the Llanelli side until 2016.
Dempsey late goal snatches draw and riles United boss January 20, 2013 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1 vs MANCHESTER UNITED 1 TOTTENHAM manager Andre Villas-Boas insisted Manchester United were lucky to escape with as much as a point after his side struck in the third minute of injury time to snatch a valuable draw. Ex-Arsenal captain Robin van Persie tormented his former rivals with a header to open the [...]
Ashton double hands Saracens Ulster home tie January 20, 2013 SARACENS boss Mark McCall hailed the return to form of Chris Ashton after he scored twice against Edinburgh to send his side into the Heineken Cup quarter-finals. Yesterday’s 40-7 victory was a fine way to bid farewell to a snowy Vicarage Road with the bonus point ensuring the Aviva Premiership side a last eight home [...]
Resilient Chelsea lift top four hopes and dent Arsenal’s January 20, 2013 CHELSEA 2 vs ARSENAL 1 CHELSEA manager Rafael Benitez has warned club captain John Terry that he cannot expect to walk straight back into the side, after a resilient defensive performance against Arsenal tightened the Blues’ grip on a top four place. An early strike from Juan Mata and a Frank Lampard penalty gave the [...]
Spellbinding Djokovic reminds us all exactly why we love sport January 20, 2013 IT’S sometimes important to put these things in context. This column, in its original form, was all about the current descent into mediocrity of Australian sport. How the ridiculous anointing of Bernard Tomic as the successor to Rod Laver died a horrible death on Saturday night when Federer showed him who was boss. Three straight [...]