Thorpe to miss out on London March 18, 2012 Five-time Olympic gold medallist Ian Thorpe has failed in his bid to qualify for the London 2012 200 metres freestyle event. The 29-year-old came out of retirement last year but could only manage the 12th fastest time in the semi-finals of the Australian trials.
Quesne wins maiden tour title March 18, 2012 Frenchman Julien Quesne equalled the course record with a superb 64 to win the Andalucia Open by two strokes and secure his maiden European Tour title. The 31-year-old, who began the final day three shots off the lead, birdied the 18th in a run of four birdies in five holes to finish 17 under par. [...]
Azarenka eases past Sharapova March 18, 2012 World No1 Victoria Azarenka saw off Maria Sharapova to win the Indian Wells title 6-2, 6-3. The win was the remarkable 22-year-old’s 23rd consecutive victory of the year and her second over Sharapova, following her Australian Open final success. “I was just trying to do my best because I know Maria is a fighter,” Azarenka [...]
Hart breaker: City within a whisker of glorious comeback March 15, 2012 MAN CITY 3 vs SPORTING 2 MANCHESTER CITY goalkeeper Joe Hart denied his side’s season is on the verge of imploding after Sporting Lisbon clung on to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League. City’s five-month stay at the Premier League summit came to an end last weekend after defeat at Swansea [...]
Bilbao inflict pain in Spain for United March 15, 2012 ATHLETIC BILBAO 2 vs MAN UNITED 1 MANCHESTER UNITED manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his side had been outclassed after they collapsed to their worst two-legged European defeat in the Scot’s 26-year reign at Old Trafford. Trailing 3-2 from the first leg a week ago, United’s hopes of progressing to the quarter finals of the [...]
KYRAN BRACKEN’S PRE-MATCH VIEW March 15, 2012 ENGLAD LOOK TO DOUBLE UP England proved they have the tools to become a competitive force with their victory in Paris last week now they must prove it wasn’t a one-off. The players are united in their support of Stuart Lancaster and they’ll know a victory over Ireland will further advance the cause of their [...]
Ireland plan to spoil Twickenham party March 15, 2012 ENGLAND vs IRELAND IRELAND lock Donncha O’Callaghan has stoked the fires ahead of tomorrow’s Six Nations climax by reminding England players their white jerseys will act as a “red rag”. Stuart Lancaster’s side must defeat Ireland at Twickenham and hope France beat Wales in Cardiff to retain their title – even were that to happen, [...]
Record-breaking Big Bucks wins fourth World Hurdle March 15, 2012 RECORDS tumbled on day three of the Cheltenham Festival as Big Bucks claimed his fourth World Hurdle crown and equalled the mark for consecutive victories over jumps. The 8-11 favourite stayed on bravely to hold off mare Voler La Vedette and put Paul Nicholls back in the Trainers’ Championship lead. The horse’s triumph brought him [...]
Jose wants Chelsea in the final March 15, 2012 REAL MADRID manager Jose Mourinho admits it would be a dream to face Chelsea in the Champions League but hopes to avoid his old club until the final in May. The prospect of Mourinho, linked with a return to west London following the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas, facing his former employers could be realised at [...]
Hamilton plans fast start to new season March 15, 2012 MCLAREN’S Lewis Hamilton believes the first four grands prix of a crucial year in his Formula One career will not only shape his season but possibly his future in the sport. In the final year of his contract with McLaren, Hamilton vowed last month he would make a decision as to whether he stays or goes [...]