Cleverly defence KOd March 20, 2012 BOXING: Governing body the WBO have refused to sanction unbeaten Welshman Nathan Cleverly’s planned light-welterweight world title defence against Serbia’s Robin Krasniqi. The fight would have been the first held at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall for 13 years. The WBO insist Cleverly’s next defence – his fourth – should instead be against Russia’s Dmitry [...]
Synch set for National March 20, 2012 HORSE RACING: Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Synchronised is one of 59 horses who remain in contention for next month’s Grand National, but connections have warned the 8-1 favourite is by no means certain to run at Aintree on 14 April. Frank Berry, racing manager for owner JP McManus, said: “We’ll wait until nearer the time [...]
Muamba talks just 48 hours after collapse March 19, 2012 Bolton player moves arms and legs in recovery from cardiac arrest but condition remains critical BOLTON midfielder Fabrice Muamba last night showed the first signs of winning his miraculous fight for life, managing to speak to visitors just 48 hours after his on-field cardiac arrest on Saturday. The Premier League club said Muamba, 23, had [...]
Wales boss closes in on Lions role March 19, 2012 WALES coach Warren Gatland’s second Grand Slam looks set to clinch him the role of British and Irish Lions chief for next year’s tour of Australia. The New Zealander is the overwhelming favourite for the job, with Ireland’s Declan Kidney and under-pressure Scotland coach Andy Robinson also thought to be on a three-man shortlist. Saturday’s [...]
Hartley facing four-year ban after Ireland citing March 19, 2012 ENGLAND hooker Dylan Hartley is facing the prospect of a possible huge four-year ban after he was cited for allegedly biting Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris. Hartley was accused of the offence during England’s 30-9 victory over Ireland in the final round of Six Nations fixtures on Saturday. The Northampton forward faces an anxious wait to [...]
Flower warns England after Swann cheat rant March 19, 2012 ENGLAND coach Andy Flower has warned his players to keep their temperaments in check and not rise to provocation on the current tour of Sri Lanka. Flower spoke out after spinner Graeme Swann accused batsman Dilruwan Perera of cheating during the innings and 15-run victory over a Sri Lanka Board XI on Saturday. “We should [...]
Will Olympic torch come down your road? Flame route details revealed March 19, 2012 STREET-LEVEL details of the 8,000-mile journey that the Olympic flame will travel throughout the British Isles on its way to Stratford this summer have been released for the first time. It includes unprecedented insight into the torch’s route through the capital in the final legs of its journey, which will include a visit to the [...]
Spurs players jump at heart health checks March 19, 2012 TOTTENHAM’S entire squad have undergone precautionary heart check-ups after witnessing Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba’s on-field cardiac arrest first-hand. Spurs manager Harry Redknapp explained that players jumped at the chance of a screening for any previously undetected heart issues when a doctor visited yesterday. “Fortunately, we already had a cardiologist visiting the training ground for routine [...]
Fit-again Woods back on song March 19, 2012 GOLF: Former world No1 Tiger Woods gave his Masters hopes a boost yesterday by returning from injury with a promising showing at the Tavistock Cup in Florida. The 14-time Major winner, who suffered an Achilles injury earlier this month at the Cadillac Championship, plunging his hopes of winning the year’s first landmark title into doubt, [...]
Matthew wins in Canary Wharf March 19, 2012 SQUASH: World champion Nick Matthew swept into the quarter-finals of the Canary Wharf Classic with victory over Egyptian Ali Anwar Reda. Matthew was briefly held up by Reda winning the second game but progressed to the last eight at East Wintergarden 11-5, 10-12, 11-5, 11-6.