Champions Man United set to miss out on top spot after being held at home by Portuguese November 22, 2011 MANCHESTER UTD 2 vs BENFICA 2 MANCHESTER UNITED manager Sir Alex Ferguson refused to blame his players after two defensive errors cost them three points and almost certainly wrecked their hopes of winning Group C. An own goal by Phil Jones gave Benfica an early lead and was compounded by a poor kick from goalkeeper [...]
Murray accepts defeat and quits London event November 22, 2011 BRITAIN’S Andy Murray pulled out of the ATP World Tour Finals in London last night over fears that playing through the pain barrier could wreck his chances at next year’s Australian Open. Murray admitted defeat after waking up sore yesterday morning, having aggravated a groin injury during his straight-sets defeat to Spain’s David Ferrer in [...]
Gunners on Pole to qualify for last 16 November 22, 2011 ARSENAL vs BORUSSIA DORTMUND ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger has hailed goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny’s part in dragging the Gunners out of their disastrous early-season malaise. Wenger’s men have amassed 10 wins from their last 12 games to soar back up the Premier League and to the brink of the Champions League knockout stage, which they can [...]
Luiz will be world class, says AVB November 22, 2011 BAYER LEVERKUSEN vs CHELSEA CHELSEA manager Andre Villas-Boas insists error-prone defender David Luiz possesses all the attributes to become a world class centre-half. Luiz quickly established himself as a Stamford Bridge cult hero following his £21m move from Benfica last January, but his form has dipped since Villas-Boas arrived in the summer. Luiz’s eccentric performance [...]
Struggling Nadal has no answer as Federer produces indoor masterclass November 22, 2011 FORMER world No1 Roger Federer stormed into the semi-finals of the ATP World Tour Finals event with a crushing straight sets victory over old foe Rafael Nadal. French Open champion Nadal had won his last three meetings with Swiss ace Federer and boasted a positive 17-8 head-to-head record against the 14-time grand slam champion. But [...]
Greene: Athletes anti Olympic footy November 22, 2011 ONE of Britain’s top medal hopes has reopened the debate over whether football should be included in London 2012 by insisting the national game risks overshadowing more traditional Olympic pursuits. World 400m hurdles champion Dai Greene (inset) argues that football should be scrapped from the sporting extravaganza – and believes he has the backing of [...]
KITTED OUT | London 2012 uniforms revealed November 22, 2011 LONDON 2012 chiefs have revealed the uniform to be worn by volunteers and staff at next summer’s Olympics, which they say draws inspiration from the Grenadier Guards. Designers Adidas also cite the Henley Regatta as a reference point, while retailer Next has helped create the uniform for technical staff (above left).
Henry out of England running November 22, 2011 RUGBY UNION: New Zealand’s World Cup-winning coach Graham Henry insists he has no interest in succeeding Martin Johnson as England manager. The 65-year-old Henry stepped down after last month’s World Cup final win over France, but claims he has no intention of returning to international management. “I am contracted to the New Zealand Rugby Union until the [...]
Becks rules out Premier return November 22, 2011 FOOTBALL: Former England captain David Beckham has ruled out a return to the Premier League and revealed that several major European clubs are keen on signing him. Tottenham and QPR had previously expressed an interest in the 36-year-old, who helped LA Galaxy win the MLS Cup in his final match for them on Monday, but [...]
Lorgat to stand down in June November 22, 2011 CRICKET: South African Haroon Lorgat will step down as the International Cricket Council’s chief executive in June. The 51-year-old will have completed an eventful four-year term which has seen him counter terrorism in Pakistan and spot-fixing. “Having dealt decisively with the spot-fixing issues, delivered a highly successful ICC Cricket World Cup and adopted a new global [...]