Open officials admit weather could disrupt July 18, 2012 OPEN Championship officials have admitted to genuine concerns that bad weather could undermine play throughout The Open after myriad bunkers were filled with standing water. Ongoing rainfall has increased an already high water table level, and by extension a number of the course’s 206 bunkers, and the reality remains that further downpours will be a [...]
Rain will make Lytham rough twice as tough July 18, 2012 WEATHER can play a huge part at the Open, and if the heavy rain and strong winds forecast appear at Royal Lytham this week then some players could enjoy a big advantage. Rain on its own can soften up a course and make it a little bit easier to play, but if the 25mph winds [...]
Karlsson causes Major reshuffle July 18, 2012 SWEDEN’S Robert Karlsson yesterday withdrew from The Open with less than 24 hours remaining before the tournament’s start. “Have got into some bad habits in my game and routine that I need to address. Taking a few weeks off,” the world number 54 said via Twitter. Play at Royal Lytham and St Anne’s will consequently [...]
Only world-leading Apple pips £31bn Olympics for brand value July 18, 2012 THE OLYMPICS is worth £30.8bn and is the second most valuable brand in the world, second only to electronics giant Apple, according to a new study. Its value has soared since the last Games in Beijing, owing to a growth in revenue of 38 per cent, which has been driven by huge increases in income [...]
Strauss targets series victory over adaptable South Africa July 18, 2012 ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss insists his side can be confident of a series success over South Africa, even if the tourists can be relied upon to successfully adapt to the unwanted weather conditions. South Africa have completed just two matches since the start of their tour but their captain, Graeme Smith, is adamant that their [...]
Wiggins: It’s a case of one day at a time July 18, 2012 BRITAIN’S Bradley Wiggins insists he is not yet contemplating victory in the Tour de France despite edging a day closer to an historical triumph. The Team Sky rider retains both the yellow jersey and a two minute, five second lead over second-placed team-mate Chris Froome after Europcar’s Thomas Voeckler won the Tour’s sixteenth stage in [...]
Chelsea fail in bid for Willian July 18, 2012 SHAKHTAR Donetsk manager Mircea Lucescu has confirmed the club have rejected a bid of £26m from Chelsea for Brazilian playmaker Willian. “I told Willian he can leave, but only if the right offer is made,” said Lucescu of the one-time Arsenal target. “He’s a great player. Willian was the biggest investment Shakhtar have made in [...]
Hamilton stay predicted July 18, 2012 FORMULA ONE: McLaren remain confident that Lewis Hamilton will sign a new long-term contract with them this summer. “I’m expecting we will [agree terms],” said team principal Martin Whitmarsh.
Lawes suffers fresh injury July 18, 2012 RUGBY UNION: England and Northampton forward Courtney Lawes is a doubt for the start of the season after undergoing surgery on an elbow injury. “Courtney is rehabbing well,” said a club spokesman.
Maiga close to West Ham move as strengthening plans continue July 17, 2012 WEST Ham are close to securing the signing of Mali striker Modibo Maiga from French club Sochaux for a fee of around £4.5m. Should the proposed move be finalised, it could conclude manager Sam Allardyce’s lengthy search for a striker during which Liverpool’s Andy Carroll and Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku were linked with the club, and would [...]