Top two progress in Monte Carlo April 18, 2012 TENNIS: Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal eased into the Monte Carlo Masters third round, beating Andreas Seppi and Jarkko Nieminen.
Barcelona fear Blues, says Di Matteo April 17, 2012 CHELSEA manager Roberto di Matteo last night landed a psychological blow ahead of this evening’s Champions League semi-final at Stamford Bridge, insisting Barcelona fear his team more than others. The Blues are not fancied to beat the holders, whom they have played eight times in the last eight seasons, with Di Matteo admitting he will [...]
Key to beating Catalans lies in Chelsea old guard April 17, 2012 CHELSEA cannot afford to merely try to stop Barcelona and Lionel Messi tonight; they have to take the game to them and do so from the very first moment. Attempting to nullify Barca is asking for trouble. The visitors will end up having the ball for 85 minutes, and that will inevitably bring goals. The [...]
Rankings mean little until best play together April 17, 2012 SWEDEN’S Carl Pettersson and Masters runner-up Louis Oosthuizen shone brightest at the weekend, while England’s Luke Donald relinquished his No1 spot in the world golf rankings. Pettersson played beautifully throughout the RBC Heritage Classic in South Carolina, winning by five shots to land another blow for the European Tour. Ooistuizen was equally impressive as he [...]
England fringe players handed midweek chance in South Africa April 17, 2012 ENGLAND rugby chiefs have confirmed two further matches on the summer tour of South Africa, with Stuart Lancaster’s men playing midweek fixtures in between their three Tests. On 13 June, four days after the first Test, an England team will face an SA Barbarians South outfit in Kimberley. Then, three days after the second Test, [...]
Murray thrives on Monaco clay April 17, 2012 BRITAIN’S Andy Murray toasted the perfect start to his clay-court season after thrashing world No30 Viktor Troicki at the Monte Carlo Masters yesterday. Murray took just 67 minutes to dismiss the Serb 6-0, 6-3 on his least favoured surface and reach the third round. The world No4 then returned to court with brother Jamie to [...]
GOMEZ MAKES IT ADVANTAGE BAYERN April 17, 2012 STRIKER Mario Gomez’s last-minute goal gave Bayern Munich a 2-1 win over Real Madrid in last night’s Champions League semi-final and a slender advantage to take to Spain for next week’s return match. Frank Ribery had put Bayern ahead but Mesut Ozil equalised.
Reading back in Premier League April 17, 2012 FOOTBALL: Reading clinched their return to the Premier League after four years with a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest last night. Southampton tightened their grip on second place by beating Peterborough, almost certainly consigning West Ham to the play-offs.
Mutai beats typhoid for Marathon April 17, 2012 ATHLETICS: Defending champion Emmanuel Mutai will run in Sunday’s London Marathon despite a recent bout of typhoid. The Kenyan, who set a course record last year, is seeking a place at this summer’s Olympics.
Redpath Sale switch denied April 17, 2012 RUGBY UNION: Gloucester chiefs have denied departed head coach Bryan Redpath is set to become director of rugby at Sale.