Federer serves up Indian Wells masterclass March 18, 2012 FORMER world No1 Roger Federer secured his fourth Indian Wells title with a routine straight sets 7-6, 6-3, victory over big-serving American John Isner last night. The third seed, who beat Spain’s Rafael Nadal in the semi-final, was pushed all the way in the first set, eventually taking it on a tie break. Isner, who [...]
Swann insists spin twin Monty is not his rival March 18, 2012 ENGLAND spinner Graeme Swann believes there is room in the side for both himself and fellow slow bowler Monty Panesar and insists he doesn’t see the Sussex man as a threat to his place. Swann has been a virtual ever-present since he replaced Panesar in the Test team two years ago, but was out-bowled by [...]
Leicester dig deep to claim LV=Cup at Saints’ expense March 18, 2012 LEICESTER (26) vs NORTHAMPTON (14) NORTHAMPTON director of rugby Jim Mallinder refused to blame fly-half Stephen Myler after his errant pass gifted Leicester the decisive try and the season’s first silverware in the shape of the LV=Cup. The Saints trailed by 10 points with just over half an hour remaining but any hopes of staging [...]
Cisse keeps Euro dream alive March 18, 2012 Newcastle’s Senegal international striker Papiss Demba Cisse kept his side’s hopes of qualifying for the Europa League alive with the only goal in a 1-0 home win over Norwich. Newcastle are now up to sixth, two points behind Chelsea albeit having played one game more.
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 [...]