Murray falls at Queen’s Club first hurdle June 13, 2012 BRITISH No1 Andy Murray last night dismissed concerns his shock second-round exit from the Aegon Championships will derail his chances of winning a first grand slam at Wimbledon next month. Murray lost 3-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-7 (1-7) to Frenchman Nicolas Mahut, the world No65, in his first match and failed to perform anywhere near his [...]
Di Matteo gets permanent deal after four-week wait as Chelsea chief insists he was clear choice June 13, 2012 CHELSEA chiefs last night insisted Roberto di Matteo had been the “clear choice” to be their next manager after confirming the Italian’s appointment on a two-year contract. Di Matteo took over on a temporary basis in March following the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas and transformed a flagging side, leading them to the FA Cup and [...]
Gerrard not an injury concern June 13, 2012 ENGLAND manager Roy Hodgson has dismissed fears that his team’s European Championship campaign could be derailed by the inability of key midfield pair Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker to cope with a demanding schedule. Hodgson can ill afford to see captain Gerrard or ball-winner Parker become the latest to suffer injuries but believes they are [...]
Springboks whitewash is no disaster, insists Greenwood June 13, 2012 ENGLAND World Cup winner Will Greenwood believes current coach Stuart Lancaster can survive a 3-0 Test whitewash in South Africa, provided results improve in the autumn internationals. Greenwood has thus far been impressed with Lancaster’s long-term project and believes England’s 22-17 Durban defeat to South Africa provides cause for optimism ahead of Saturday’s second Test [...]
Wade shines in England victory June 13, 2012 WASPS wing Christian Wade scored a hat-trick as an experimental mid-week England side ran in eight tries against SA Southern Barbarians in Kimberley in an action-packed 54-26 victory. George Lowe and Graham Kitchener added further tries, as did the impressive Thomas Waldroum, who scored two, and returning scrum-half Danny Care. There were also 14 points [...]
Sub Varela hits late winner to spare Ronaldo June 13, 2012 DENMARK 2 PORTUGAL 3 PORTUGAL boss Paulo Bento admitted his side should have been home and dry long before substitute Silvestre Varela’s late winner boosted their chances of reaching the European Championship last eight. Porto forward Varela lashed home with three minutes remaining to spare Cristiano Ronaldo’s blushes after a Nicklas Bendtner brace had dragged [...]
Armstrong in dope charges June 13, 2012 SEVEN-TIME Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong is facing fresh charges from the US Anti-Doping Agency that could cost him his titles, he confirmed last night. The American, 40, has been banned from triathlons, the sport he took up on retiring from cycling last year, as a result of the allegations. Armstrong, who has never [...]
Millar in line for Team GB spot June 13, 2012 OLYMPICS: Former drug cheat cyclist David Millar is closing in on a controversial spot at London 2012 after he was yesterday named on the Team GB road racing shortlist.
Donald set for toughest US Open June 13, 2012 GOLF: World No1 Luke Donald believes the US Open’s Olympic Club course provides golf’s greatest major challenge. He said: “It’s a tough track. There’s always trouble lurking.”
Captain Smith fit for England series June 13, 2012 CRICKET: South Africa captain Graeme Smith has been passed fit to lead their tour of England, which starts next month, following ankle surgery. The Proteas have named an unchanged 15-man squad for the three-Test tour.