Federer the next hurdle for Djokovic after epic victory June 5, 2012 WORLD No1 Novak Djokovic is set for a mouth-watering semi-final French Open clash with Roger Federer after both players fought back to secure epic quarter final wins. A battling Djokovic survived four match points last night to emerge victorious from a five set struggle against the local favourite and fifth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The Serbian’s [...]
‘The cost of getting it wrong is far greater than mitigating risk’ June 5, 2012 WHAT do Andy Flower and Stuart Lancaster have in common? You probably know that they are two of this country’s most promising young sports coaches, and that they both manage England’s national teams, in cricket and rugby union respectively. But what you may not realise is that both were recruited using headhunters, and what’s more [...]
‘Overrated’ Khan promises family beating June 5, 2012 BRITISH light welterweight Amir Khan has vowed to beat the son of boxing trainer Angel Garcia after the Puerta Rican dismissed him as “an overrated fighter”. Khan’s clash with WBC champion Danny Garcia, Angel’s son, is scheduled for Las Vegas on 14 July, the same day heavyweight David Haye will fight Dereck Chisora in London. [...]
Ferdinand omission is a strange decision, admits Van der Vaart June 5, 2012 TOTTENHAM midfielder Rafael van der Vaart believes England’s decision to overlook Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is “strange”, believing him to still be one of the world’s best. England manager Roy Hodgson left Ferdinand out of his squad for this summer’s European Championships for what he said were “footballing reasons” but Van der Vaart, an [...]
Squad rotation in Test cricket is here to stay June 5, 2012 ENGLAND’S top fast bowler James Anderson is understandably frustrated at being rested for tomorrow’s third Test against West Indies. He’s bowling beautifully and I would have selected him – but this kind of rotation is set to become common in first-class cricket. In football the story is familiar; you hear of players like Wayne Rooney [...]
Robinson wants further success after landmark Australia victory June 5, 2012 SCOTLAND coach Andy Robinson praised the “immense” efforts of his players after their historic 9-6 triumph away to Australia, though he stressed his side still have progress to make. The win was Scotland’s second in succession over Australia but Robinson said the result, secured in appalling weather conditions and by three penalties from fly-half Greig [...]
Arsenal chief: Young team ready to compete for title and Champions League June 5, 2012 ARSENAL chief executive Ivan Gazidis has insisted the club’s players are capable of winning next seasons’s Premier League or Champions League ahead of a grilling by 300 supporters at the Emirates Stadium tonight. Another testing summer lies ahead for the Gunners, with Gazidis refusing to comment on the futures of Robin van Persie and Theo [...]
Habana expects young recruits to counter England’s Test plans June 5, 2012 SOUTH Africa winger Bryan Habana believes the Springboks’ superior young talent can inspire them to victory over England on Saturday, even though Stuart Lancaster has had additional time to prepare his team. Habana, with 74 caps, is the highest-capped member of a South Africa squad featuring nine uncapped players and, with Lancaster also expected to [...]
Redknapp demands new deal to prevent Spurs instability June 5, 2012 SPURS boss Harry Redknapp warned last night that his squad could be destabilised unless the club give him a new contract. Redknapp, whose team very narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification for next season, has only a year left to run on his current deal. “If they don’t extend it and I go into [...]
Pietersen loss disappoints Trott June 5, 2012 England batsman Jonathan Trott says team-mate Kevin Pietersen’s decision to retire from international limited-overs cricket is disappointing, even if he appreciates his reasons for doing so. “You can understand it in a way, but it’s a huge disappointment as well,” said Trott. “[But] the team fully support his decision.”