Nadal shrugs of fitness concerns January 12, 2012 TENNIS: Former world No1 Rafael Nadal has dismissed concerns over his fitness, saying his shoulder is “in perfect condition” ahead of next week’s Australian Open. The Spaniard intends to take February off to recover from a persistent shoulder injury, but will compete at Melbourne Park in search of an 11th grand slam crown. “It was [...]
Keane signs short-term Villa deal January 12, 2012 FOOTBALL: Aston Villa have signed Los Angeles Galaxy and Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane on loan until 25 February, subject to Fifa clearance. Keane is set to become the third MLS player to join Premier League club this month following the returns of Thierry Henry and Landon Donovan to Arsenal and Everton, respectively
Djokovic dominance to continue in Melbourne January 12, 2012 AUSTRALIAN OPEN Does anyone fancy Novak Djokovic to better his incredible 2011 season? The Serbian won three Grand Slams, a record-breaking five Masters 1000 titles and 10 tournaments overall. He earned over $12 million last year alone, the same as fifth-ranked David Ferrer’s career earnings. Djoko’s achievements are no less impressive when you remember that [...]
Kalanisi just what the Doctor ordered January 12, 2012 TOMORROW’S William Hill Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton (2.50pm) was won by Martin Pipe’s Make A Stand in 1997 before he went on to land the Champion Hurdle as a novice two months later. There are no Champion Hurdlers in tomorrow’s line-up, but the first place to start is with David Pipe’s Decoy who was an [...]
BLUE SQUARE WINTER CARNIVAL January 12, 2012 THE first round of the Blue Square Sprint Series last weekend was split into two divisions and it’s the same again in round two tomorrow. Both of last Saturday’s winners, SPEAK THE TRUTH and Captain Dimitrios are back for more in the second division (2.10pm) and it’s the former who looks to have the best [...]
WHITE HOT January 11, 2012 Spurs move within three points of league leaders Man City after beating Everton but boss Redknapp insists a top four finish remains his main objective TOTTENHAM 2 vs EVERTON 0 TOTTENHAM manager Harry Redknapp is stubbornly refusing to dream of ending the club’s 51-year wait to win the top-flight title — and says he will [...]
Gerrard puts Liverpool on verge of Wembley return January 11, 2012 MANCHESTER CITY 0 vs LIVERPOOL 1 LIVERPOOL captain Steven Gerrard accused Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini of hypocrisy after putting his side within touching distance of Wembley by scoring the only goal of last night’s fractious Carling Cup semi-final first leg. The England midfielder capped a fine all-round display with the 13th minute penalty that [...]
Hughes: I’ve learned from my City mistakes January 11, 2012 QUEENS PARK RANGERS manager Mark Hughes insists he has no apprehension about working in conjunction with the club’s charismatic owner Tony Fernandes, despite having a been a victim of a similarly ambitious and inexperienced regime at Manchester City. Hughes, unveiled in front of the media yesterday having signed a two-and-a-half year deal to succeed Neil [...]
Lancaster pledges pace and verve January 11, 2012 New England head coach ushers in new era with forward-thinking Six Nations squad ENGLAND head coach Stuart Lancaster has promised an emphasis on pacy, attacking play will be the cornerstone of his new-look side, after ringing the changes in his first elite player squad yesterday. Interim boss Lancaster (right) selected nine uncapped players, including Saracens [...]
England pan Ajmal’s talk of mystery ‘teesra’ ball January 11, 2012 ENGLAND’S out-of-form batsmen have been advised by batting coach Graham Gooch not lose any sleep over claims that Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal is set to unleash his new mystery ‘teesra’ delivery on them in the upcoming Test series. Andrew Strauss’s side failed to pass 300 in their opening warm-up match against an ICC combined XI [...]