Murray on course for Nadal semi August 25, 2011 TENNIS: Britain’s Andy Murray has been drawn in the same half of the draw as Rafael Nadal at the US Open, meaning they are on course to meet for the fourth grand slam in succession. First, however, Murray will have to see off Indian No64 Somdev Devvarman, his opponent in round one. Robin Soderling is [...]
Europa joy for Stoke and Blues August 25, 2011 FOOTBALL: Stoke and Birmingham both progressed to the Europa League group stages after winning their play-off ties in emphatic fashion. FA Cup runners-up Stoke defeated FC Thun 4-1 on the night and 5-1 on aggreagate with a brace from Kenwyne Jones and goals from Matthew Upson and Glenn Whelan. Carling Cup winners Birmingham, now in the Championship, [...]
Champions to continue their perfect start August 25, 2011 IT’S been an excellent start to the season for Manchester United and it could be about to get even better as I just can’t see them failing to beat Arsenal on Sunday at Old Trafford. The champions have an unbelievable record on home soil, winning 19 of their last 20 with 15 coming by the [...]
Poet’s Voice to give Godolphin double Celebration August 25, 2011 FRANKIE Dettori had a tremendous final two days at York and I expect his good run to continue as POET’S VOICE is going to be extremely hard to beat in tomorrow’s Celebration Mile at Goodwood (3.20pm). He won this race easily last year on his favoured soft ground before going on to take the Group [...]
Arsenal clear Euro hurdle to keep place among elite August 24, 2011 UDINESE (1) vs ARSENAL (2) RELIEVED Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hailed his team’s courage after they survived a nerve-shredding evening in Italy to reach the promised land of the Champions League group stage. The Gunners came into the match in disarray, following a poor start to the season, the departures of stars Cesc Fabregas and [...]
Nasri: Gunners fans don’t have passion like City August 24, 2011 DEPARTING Samir Nasri took a swipe at Arsenal fans for a lack of passion after completing his £24m move to Manchester City. The Frenchman yesterday signed a four-year contract worth an estimated £185,000-a-week to follow Gael Clichy from the Gunners to ambitious City. And Nasri wasted no time in stirring up bad feeling by declaring [...]
Spurs stadium appeal goes into extra time August 24, 2011 THE BATTLE for the Olympic Stadium has been thrown open again after Tottenham succeeded with an appeal for a judicial review of the decision to award the venue to West Ham. A High Court judge yesterday ruled Tottenham and Leyton Orient, who are co-applicants, had an “arguable” case for a review, which could annul the [...]
QPR close to Barton deal as Fernandes cuts ticket prices August 24, 2011 QPR’S new owner Tony Fernandes handed fans a double boost yesterday by slashing ticket prices and closing in on the signing of Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton. Barton looks set to join the Loftus Road club after undergoing a medical last night. The 28-year-old is available on a free transfer after falling out with the Newcastle [...]
Morgan happy to step in and lead inexperienced England in Dublin August 24, 2011 ENGLAND’S stand-in captain Eoin Morgan insists he cannot wait to lead the side against Ireland today. After the 4-0 whitewash of India in the Test series, attention now shifts to the shorter form of the game with Irish-born Morgan leading the team in the absence of Alistair Cook, who is being rested. Following today’s game [...]
Haskell boost for Johnson August 24, 2011 ENGLAND manager Martin Johnson has been boosted by the news that flanker James Haskell has been passed fit to face Ireland on Saturday. Haskell was sent for a precautionary scan on his foot, which revealed only mild inflammation to a tendon. Johnson played mix-and-match teams in the two warm-up games with Wales, but will use [...]