England target Test win over rain and Windies June 7, 2012 ENGLAND hope their third Test against West Indies will finally begin this morning at Edgbaston after heavy rain meant yesterday’s play being abandoned without the bowling of a solitary ball. Umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Tony Hill made the call yesterday afternoon, the first time such a conclusion has been reached since the 2009 Ashes at [...]
Quick win sets me up for final, says Sharapova June 7, 2012 WORLD No2 Maria Sharapova declared her delight after defeating Petra Kvitova 6-3, 6-3 to reach the French Open final, believing her chances of success in tomorrow’s showpiece to be significantly strengthened by doing so. Sharapova’s straight-sets victory potentially boosts not only her confidence, but leaves her physically fresh ahead of her final meeting with Italy’s [...]
Hughton hopeful over Norwich despite daunting Lambert legacy June 7, 2012 NORWICH City’s new manager Chris Hughton admits it will be difficult to replace predecessor Paul Lambert, though he is relishing the challenge regardless. Hughton was yesterday confirmed as Lambert’s successor after the latter left to join Aston Villa following three successful seasons in which he established Norwich in the top tier, but Hughton is adamant [...]
Storm Cooking over British Taekwondo hopeful Aaron June 7, 2012 BRITISH Taekwondo’s selection process for London 2012 is to be investigated by the World Taekwondo Federation over its decision to overlook world No1 Aaron Cook. WTF will also today meet with British Olympic Association figures including performance director Sir Clive Woodward and chief executive Andy Hunt, while Cook has sought legal advice from firm Harbottle [...]
Burke predicts world record for Team GB riders June 7, 2012 HE WAS part of the team pursuit quartet who smashed records to win the world track cycling championship this year, but Steven Burke believes he and his Team GB colleagues will have to set a new benchmark if they are to claim Olympic gold at London 2012. Burke, Geraint Thomas, Ed Clancy and Pete Kennaugh [...]
MARLER AND JOHNSON SET FOR ENGLAND BOWS June 7, 2012 ENGLAND duo Joe Marler, above, of Harlequins, and Exeter’s Tom Johnson will make their debuts in tomorrow’s Test against South Africa in Durban, respectively replacing prop Alex Corbisiero and injured flanker Tom Croft. There are also recalls for scrum-half Ben Youngs and full-back Mike Brown, while Owen Farrell continues at fly-half.
Wiggins builds Criterium lead June 7, 2012 CYCLING: Britain’s Bradley Wiggins yesterday extended his Criterium du Dauphine lead by winning the 53.5km time trial by 34 seconds. “It was a real test in the conditions,” said Wiggins.
Exiles begin promotion appeal June 7, 2012 RUGBY UNION: London Welsh have begun their appeal to overturn the Rugby Football Union’s decision to block their promotion to the Premiership, despite their Championship victory. The RFU barred their promotion on the grounds their stadium did not meet Premiership criteria, despite their use of Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium.
Portugal too big at 20/1 with Ronaldo in the line-up June 7, 2012 SPAIN once again go into a major tournament as favourites and victory at Euro 2012 will make them the first- ever European team to win three straight titles. That would be some achievement by a country branded perennial underachievers until four years ago. Vicente Del Bosque’s men always have to be feared, but the Spanish [...]
Madrid maestro can carry his superb club form over to the international stage June 7, 2012 I’M ASKING a lot of Cristiano Ronaldo here, but I think he has the ability to not only take Portugal to the latter stages, but be the tournament top scorer too. Free-kick, dribble, header – or a tap in – there is no goal, too simple or spectacular, that Ronaldo cannot score. He has it [...]