Hodgson out for six weeks November 7, 2012 RUGBY UNION: Saracens have suffered a blow after in-form fly-half Charlie Hodgson was ruled out for six weeks with a fractured cheekbone. The sure-kicking former England No10, who has amassed 90 points this season, suffered the injury in Sunday’s 29-24 Aviva Premiership win over Wasps.
Olympic Stadium move delayed November 7, 2012 GENERAL: London’s Olympic Stadium will not reopen until at least late 2015, a year later than originally planned, the man in charge of deciding its future confirmed yesterday. London Legacy Development Corporation chief Denis Hone also revealed there had been no bid for tenancy from any American Football franchises, despite Mayor Boris Johnson holding talks [...]
Ice baths bad for you, say experts November 7, 2012 GENERAL: Taking an ice bath after exercise may do more harm than good, according to new research. Scientists from the University of Portsmouth found immersion in cold water was no more effective in stimulating recovery than light warm-down exercise, while plunging into ice could be dangerous. “Our results show they don’t work,” said lead author [...]
Play me boss, begs Walcott, after star nets on comeback November 6, 2012 ARSENAL forward Theo Walcott last night pleaded with manager Arsene Wenger to give him a run in the team after he justified a rare start with a goal as the Gunners squandered two points in Germany. Walcott, who has been left on the bench amid his refusal to extend a contract that expires next summer, [...]
Federer finding Finals form and fitness after win over Tipsarevic November 6, 2012 WORLD No2 Roger Federer believes that he is on course to perform to the best of his ability after easing to victory over Janko Tipsarevic in his first match at the ATP World Tour Finals in London. The Swiss great, widely revered as the finest player of all time, comfortably cruised to a 6-3, 6-1 [...]
Mancini: Champions League dream is over, thanks to ref November 6, 2012 MANCHESTER CITY 2 vs AJAX 2 MANCHESTER City manager Roberto Mancini accused referee Peter Rasmussen of denying them a dramatic late victory over Ajax after last night’s draw left them on the brink of elimination from the Champions League. The fiery Italian manager confronted the referee at the final whistle to complain about the decision [...]
RFU chief eyes recreating Games Makers at Twickenham November 6, 2012 RUGBY chiefs hope to copy the example of the London 2012 Olympics and use Games Maker-type stewards to improve the spectator experience at Twickenham for England internationals. Ian Ritchie, the Rugby Football Union’s chief executive, said they planned to increase the number of people greeting matchgoers from Twickenham station and lining the route to the [...]
Murray set for Djokovic again November 6, 2012 US OPEN champion Andy Murray this afternoon faces the world No1 Novak Djokovic in the most significant match so far in London’s ATP World Tour Finals. In a rivalry that is being compared with that witnessed between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, the two have been involved in several momentous matches in what has been [...]
Chelsea need a perfect game, says Di Matteo November 6, 2012 CHELSEA manager Roberto Di Matteo has demanded his side take revenge over Shakhtar Donetsk tonight at Stamford Bridge, or risk the ignominy of becoming the first Champions League winners to fail to progress from the group stage. Di Matteo said his out of sorts team would need to summon a flawless display to overcome dangerous [...]
Patel’s tour fireworks have earned him Test place November 6, 2012 LAST week I wrote about how important it was for some of England’s fringe players to step up and stake a claim for a regular Test place during the tour matches that precede the upcoming series in India. So I have been delighted to see Samit Patel do just that in the first two warm-up [...]