The greatest: Djokovic hails best win after slaying Nadal January 29, 2012 World No1 beats Spaniard in longest ever grand slam final to underline status as pre-eminent force ECSTATIC, exhilarated and exhausted, Novak Djokovic hailed his finest hour after he conjured a Herculean effort to defeat Rafael Nadal in a record-breaking Australian Open final and take his extraordinary career to a new pinnacle. Djokovic claimed his third [...]
Van Persie digs Arsenal out of spot of FA Cup bother January 29, 2012 ARSENAL (3) vs ASTON VILLA (2) THE rousing nature of a classic FA Cup comeback should be enough to convince Arsenal’s confidence starved players they are capable of ending a seven-year wait for silverware, according to their manager Arsene Wenger. Booed off at half time having trailed to Richard Dunne’s header and a Darren Bent [...]
Wenger in transfer hint as Arsenal fight back to progress January 29, 2012 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger hinted at another late transfer window foray after seeing his side summon a stirring comeback to secure their place in the FA Cup fifth round. The Gunners roared back from two goals behind at half-time to beat Aston Villa 3-2 and set up an away tie against Sunderland or Middlesbrough, who [...]
Spin vulnerability lends hollow ring to England’s No1 ranking January 29, 2012 OUT of their comfort zone and their depth, the ability to talk a good game has rarely been mirrored out in the middle this last fortnight, where a failure to combat Pakistan’s battery of spinners has already rendered England’s status as the world’s premier Test force tenuous at best. Should their batsmen fail to discover [...]
Tiger’s revival halted by modest Rock January 29, 2012 ENGLISH journeyman Robert Rock defied reputation and history to pip former World No1 Tiger Woods and claim only his second professional title at the Abu Dhabi Championship. Rock, ranked 117th on the planet before this triumph, survived a final-hole bogey to finish on 13 under par, one shot ahead of US Open champion Rory McIlroy, [...]
Women’s game in great shape now, insists new standard bearer Azarenka January 29, 2012 NEWLY-CROWNED world No1 Victoria Azarenka believes her ascension to the ranks of grand slam winners is a sign that the women’s game is in rude health. Azarenka blitzed fourth seed Maria Sharapova in Saturday’s Australian Open final to become the fifth different winner in as many major tournaments. The Belarussian is also the fourth successive [...]
England call up Waldrom and Banahan as cover January 29, 2012 ENGLAND have drafted Thomas Waldrom and Matt Banahan into their Six Nations squad ahead of Saturday’s tournament opener against Scotland in place of injured pair Luke Narraway and Henry Trinder. The Gloucester duo were due to be part of the senior squad preparing for the first match of interim coach Stuart Lancaster’s tenure but will [...]
Dual-code star Tomkins makes scoring debut January 29, 2012 SARACENS (41) vs WORCESTER (14) SARACENS coach Alex Sanderson praised rugby league convert Joel Tomkins after the former Wigan star capped his union debut with two tries as Saracens hammered Worcester at Vicarage Road in the LV= Cup. The Premiership champions trailed 14-13 at half time but two scores from 24-year-old Tomkins within the space [...]
O’Neill eyes Davies after derby draw January 29, 2012 SUNDERLAND (1) vs MIDDLESBROUGH (1) SUNDERLAND manager Martin O’Neill admits he is weighing up a bid for Bolton striker Kevin Davies after his side fought back to force a replay with north east rivals Middlesbrough. Barry Robson’s first-half volley gave the Championship team a shock lead but Fraizer Campbell marked his first appearance following an [...]
Police arrest after Anfield cup tie January 29, 2012 Merseyside police arrested a 59-year-old man after Liverpool’s victory over Manchester United in Saturday’s FA Cup fourth round tie was marred by alleged racist abuse. The game represented the first meeting of the two rivals since Liverpool’s Luis Suarez was banned for eight games having been found guilty by the Football Association of racially abusing [...]