Topley topples Middlesex April 14, 2011 CRICKET: Essex youngster Reece Topley ensured his side enjoyed the better of the first day’s play in their LV= County Championship Division Two match at Lord’s against Middlesex. In only his third first-class appearance, the 17-year-old caught the eye with a second successive five-wicket haul. Nine home batsmen made 15 or more but none could [...]
No Masters hangover for McIlroy April 14, 2011 GOLF: Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy put his Masters disaster behind him to card a three-under 69 in the first round of the Malaysia Open in Kuala Lumpur. McIlroy sits five shots behind leader Alexander Noren of Sweden five days on from throwing away a four-shot lead at Augusta. He said: “I’m fine, I think other [...]
Swann bemoans scheduling April 14, 2011 CRICKET: England off-spinner Graeme Swann believes there is too much cricket being played at the moment and the situation needs assessing to avoid player burn-out. The number of matches at the top level of the sport has been a key subject of debate for several years, and England and Wales Cricket Board chief selector Geoff [...]
United and City are hard to split in semi April 14, 2011 MANCHESTER CITY vs MANCHESTER UNITED Tomorrow – 5.15pm ITV 1 THIS must surely be one of the most exciting FA Cup semi-finals in recent memory and it can provide the competition with a much needed shot in the arm. Manchester City haven’t stepped foot on Wembley turf since the dramatic League One play-off final against [...]
RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE PICKS OUT HIS BEST RACING BETS OF THE WEEKEND April 14, 2011 THE presence of Neptune Collonges in tomorrow’s Scottish Grand National means that more than two thirds of the field will be running from out of the handicap. Paul Nicholls’ stable is flying at the moment and it has to be of interest that Ruby Walsh is doing 10st 1lb on THE MINACK. This seven-year-old has [...]
END OF THE ROAD April 13, 2011 Gomes error sees Tottenham’s memorable debut season in the Champions League end on sour note TOTTENHAM 0 vs REAL MADRID 1 Real Madrid win 5-0 on aggregate TOTTENHAM manager Harry Redknapp has challenged his players to ensure Champions League football returns to White Hart Lane next season after their magnificent debut season in the competition [...]
It’s a case of when not if for Rory, insists Montgomerie April 13, 2011 FORMER Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie insists it is only a matter of time before Rory McIlroy recovers from his Masters capitulation to win a first Major. The eight-time European Order of Merit winner believes McIlroy’s challenge fell apart in spectacular fashion on the final day at Augusta because he panicked as the chasing pack [...]
Tottenham target Newham in judicial review and mull second legal challenge April 13, 2011 TOTTENHAM have confirmed they are seeking a judicial review of Newham’s role in helping West Ham win the battle for the Olympic Stadium, as City A.M. revealed first last month. And it is understood the club is still considering launching a separate claim again legacy chiefs the OPLC, who chose the Hammers over Spurs as [...]
Usmanov snubs Kroenke bid for full Arsenal buyout April 13, 2011 ARSENAL’S second largest shareholder Alisher Usmanov insists he “loves” the club and will not cave in to would-be owner Stan Kroenke’s attempt to complete a full £731m takeover. Uzbek billionaire Usmanov confirmed yesterday he intends to reject Kroenke’s mandatory offer for his 27 per cent share in the club, as reported by City A.M. on [...]
What now for Chelsea? Five issues they must fix April 13, 2011 AFTER the defeat, the inquest. Chelsea are under the microscope after Tuesday’s Champions League exit to Manchester United ended their last realistic chance of silverware this season. Roman Abramovich has much to ponder, with the following issues likely to be exercising the owner. Can they finish in the top four? Quite simply Chelsea must put [...]