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 [...]
Hurricane Fly back in the groove January 29, 2012 Hurricane Fly is evens favourite to win a second consecutive Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham after his superb comeback at Leopardstown. Ridden by Ruby Walsh, he took yesterday’s Irish Champion Hurdle following a 268-day absence. “It must be as good a performance as he’s ever produced,” said trainer Willie Mullins.
I can’t write or send texts, Redknapp told police January 26, 2012 Tottenham manager relied on accountant to run his life, court hears, as tax evasion trial continues TOTTENHAM manager Harry Redknapp denied dodging tax on almost £200,000 by telling police he was technologically illiterate, chronically disorganised and “writes like a two-year-old”, a court heard yesterday. Redknapp, the favourite to be next England coach, added that he [...]
Lendl link-up on trial as Murray seeks own watershed moment January 26, 2012 THE NASCENT union of Britain’s Andy Murray and new coach Ivan Lendl faces its first major test this morning, when the Scot faces world No1 Novak Djokovic for a place in the Australian Open final. Murray hired multiple grand slam champion Lendl at the turn of the year in a bid to polish his remaining [...]