Phenomenal McIlroy still improving, says Masters rival Scott April 4, 2012 NORTHERN Ireland’s Rory McIlroy is now an even more formidable contender for golf’s top prizes than when he won the US Open last year, according to Masters runner-up Adam Scott. McIlroy threatened to justify his teenage promise and claim his first Major at Augusta 12 months ago, only to succumb to the occasion and squander [...]
Result could have major knock-on effects April 4, 2012 TONIGHT’S match has huge repercussions not just for Chelsea, but also for their caretaker manager Roberto di Matteo. For the Blues, victory would add momentum to their recent revival at a vital time, when they are still fighting to finish in the Premier League’s top four. Defeat, on the other hand, could be a damaging [...]
Late rally gives England upper hand, says Finn April 4, 2012 ENGLAND paceman Steven Finn believes the tourists go into day two of their decisive second Test in Sri Lanka as slight favourites after late wickets shifted the balance of power back in their favour yesterday. The match appeared to following the pattern of last week’s defeat in Galle when captain Mahela Jayawardene steadied the hosts [...]
Porto fined for fans’ racist abuse April 4, 2012 FOOTBALL: Porto have been fined €20,000 (£16,630) after supporters racially abused Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli in a Europa League tie last month. The sanction handed down by Uefa is half the amount the European governing body fined Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger last week for improper conduct.
Ferguson’s war cry as United close in on title April 2, 2012 BLACKBURN 0 MANCHESTER UNITED 2 MANCHESTER United manager Sir Alex Ferguson last night warned rivals Manchester City his side are primed to fight to the bitter end to defend their title after two late goals increased their lead to five points. Wingers Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young struck in the last 10 minutes to earn [...]
Sacked Henson exits club No4 in 18 months April 2, 2012 WALES star Gavin Henson’s future in rugby was plunged into fresh doubt last night after he was sacked by Cardiff Blues for “unacceptable” alcohol-fuelled behaviour on a flight. The Blues terminated Henson’s short-term contract prematurely, making them the fourth club he has departed in just 18 months. Chief executive Richard Holland said the outfit’s management [...]
Strauss at ease as axe hovers over captaincy April 2, 2012 ENGLAND cricket captain Andrew Strauss insists he is not feeling under any extra pressure to win today’s second Test in Sri Lanka, despite a dire run and his own dreadful form raising doubts about his future. Last week’s 75-run defeat in Galle was England’s fourth consecutive Test loss and has heightened scrutiny of Strauss, who [...]
Woods, McIlroy and Westwood will light up Masters April 2, 2012 THIS week heralds probably the most eagerly anticipated Masters for 20 years. Tiger Woods looks like he is back to his best form, and the top players – including Britons Lee Westwood, Justin Rose and Luke Donald – are all playing great. For me, though, Woods is the man to beat. He was incredibly impressive [...]
London 2012 poster boy Smith’s secret weapon in gold mission April 2, 2012 TAKING risks comes as second nature to Louis Smith, a sportsman who aligns natural athleticism with brute strength to perform gravity defying routines in pursuit of glory, but the London 2012 poster boy is willing to gamble on four years’ worth of gruelling preparation to complete his medal collection this summer. At the last Olympic [...]
Van der Vaart’s Adebayor plea April 2, 2012 FOOTBALL: Tottenham’s Rafael van der Vaart admits on-loan striker Emmanuel Adebayor could price himself out of a permanent deal, but hopes to talk him into staying. “I think the problem is the wages,” Van der Vaart said of the Manchester City star. “I have tried to persuade him to stay. He is one of the [...]