Betfair boosted by Australian Open March 6, 2012 Betfair, the world’s biggest betting exchange, reported an 11 per cent rise in third quarter revenue, beating market expectations, with strong demand for betting on the Australian Open tennis and horse racing driving growth. Betfair said the Australian Open had been particularly popular with the marathon five set final between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadel [...]
Low emerges as surprise candidate for Chelsea job March 5, 2012 Germany boss in frame to replace Villas-Boas as Eriksson declares interest and Benitez drops hint GERMANY coach Joachim Low last night emerged as a shock contender to succeed Andre Villas-Boas as Chelsea turned their attention to recruiting a long-term replacement for the sacked manager. Low, one of the most highly-regarded technicians on the continent, having [...]
Sven’s a better bet than Di Matteo March 5, 2012 CHELSEA owner Roman Abramovich made the right call in sacking Andre Villas-Boas on Sunday after the manager seemingly lost his way with the players – although things could get worse before they get better. The Portuguese appeared unable to motivate them any more, which means they were not happy with something. To me it looks [...]
Lancaster backs Care after third drink arrest March 5, 2012 ENGLAND head coach Stuart Lancaster insists scrum-half Danny Care still has a bright international future despite his third alcohol-related offence in the space of three months. Harlequins No9 Care was cautioned early on Sunday morning in Leeds for being drunk and disorderly after being caught urinating in public. Lancaster, who has known Care since the [...]
There is still plenty to play for this season, says Blues caretaker boss March 5, 2012 CHELSEA caretaker manager Roberto di Matteo has issued a rallying cry ahead of tonight’s FA Cup fifth round replay against Birmingham at St Andrews. The former Blues midfielder has been placed in temporary charge following the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas on Sunday and took charge of his first training session yesterday. The Italian has appointed [...]
New world No1 McIroy can dominate golf for a decade March 5, 2012 SINCE Tiger Woods surrendered his position as golf’s dominant force the world No1 ranking has been something of a hot potato; that is until now, for I believe Rory McIlory has the game and mentality to dominate the sport for a decade. Lee Westwood, Luke Donald and Martin Kaymer have all deservedly risen to the [...]
Milan look to complete Italian job March 5, 2012 AC MILAN arrive at Emirates Stadium tonight looking to protect their huge first leg advantage and in justifiably confident mood following a convincing victory over Palermo at the weekend. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (right) hit a 13-minute hat-trick in a 4-0 win that moved the Italian champions three points clear at the top of Serie A. Milan [...]
O’Connell and Murray injury blows for Irish March 5, 2012 IRELAND have suffered a potentially shattering blow to their Six Nations hopes after captain Paul O’Connell and scrum half Conor Murray were ruled out of the rest of the tournament through injury. O’Connell (right) sustained damage to his left leg during Sunday’s thrilling 17-17 draw with France in Paris which left Ireland trailing table-topping Wales [...]
Rhythmic gymnasts earn a London 2012 reprieve March 5, 2012 BRITAIN will have a chance of gold in rhythmic gymnastics for the first time at London 2012 after the team successfully appealed to be selected for this summer’s Games. Independent arbitrator Sports Resolutions UK ruled yesterday that it was not convinced the team knew that only their performances on the first two days of January’s [...]
HOMECOMING: MORGAN RETURNS TO GLOUCESTER March 5, 2012 GLOUCESTER have confirmed England No8 Ben Morgan will join them from the Scarlets at the end of the season. The 23-year-old made his international breakthrough in this season’s Six Nations having been handed his debut in last month’s victory over Scotland at Murrayfield. “I grew up just down the road so Gloucester is my local [...]