China’s Li clinches historic Australian Open final spot January 27, 2011 NINTH seed Li Na became the first Chinese player to reach a grand slam singles final after a three-set win over world No1 Caroline Wozniacki at the Australian Open. The 28-year-old (right), who had previously not gone beyond the last eight in one of the four major events, survived match point against her before coming [...]
Inter deny preparing record £40m Bale bid January 27, 2011 INTER MILAN CEO Ernesto Paolillo has dismissed suggestions they will bid £40m for Tottenham’s Gareth Bale in the summer. It was reported yesterday that the Italian champions were set to offer a record fee for a British player, one who scored three goals and made two more in the sides’ Champions League meetings last year. [...]
Almunia could return for Arsenal cup clash January 27, 2011 ARSENAL outcast Manuel Almunia is in contention for a sensational recall for Sunday’s FA Cup tie with Huddersfield Town. The Spanish goalkeeper has not played since September but manager Arsene Wenger said: “Almunia has a chance, Lukasz Fabianski no and for Thomas Vermaelen we need to be patient. [Sebastien] Squillaci and [Abou] Diaby will be [...]
Lancashire to announce debts January 27, 2011 CRICKET: Lancashire have alerted members they are set to announce losses of around £2m, the worst ever recorded by a county cricket club, and conceded that unless the Tesco-funded redevelopment of Old Trafford is finally cleared within the next two months, their future existence could be under threat. “If we don’t develop, there is no [...]
Ferrari to unveil 2011 car January 27, 2011 FORMULA ONE: Ferrari will unveil their 2011 Formula One car, the new F150, at their Maranello headquarters today. Ferrari missed out on the 2010 drivers’ world title after a strategic error during the final race allowed Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel to pip Fernando Alonso to the top prize. “Our goal is very clear. We are [...]
Home advantage can give Everton the edge January 27, 2011 EVERTON vs CHELSEA Tomorrow – 12.30pm ESPN CHELSEA’S 4-0 victory at Bolton on Monday night will have given their supporters some belief that their side are finally on the way back. It was an impressive performance and although the first priority for Carlo Ancelotti is to ensure Champions League football next season, a decent run [...]
Bensalem to burst into World Hurdle picture January 27, 2011 CHELTENHAM stages its ‘Trials Day’’tomorrow and BENSALEM looks the best bet on the card in the Cleeve Hurdle at 3.35pm. Alan King’s eight-year-old has an amazing record when fresh and has won all of his career starts to date when reappearing from a substantial break. He is reportedly working extremely well at home and will [...]
Keys quits over sexism row January 26, 2011 Face of Sky Sports bows to pressure but blames ‘dark forces’ for forcing him out PRESENTER Richard Keys last night bowed to pressure and resigned from his high-profile role as Sky Sports football anchor over the storm caused by leaked footage of him making sexist comments. Keys’ resignation was accompanied by an apologetic statement and [...]
HAMMER BLOW Gardner strike sends Blues to Wembley January 26, 2011 BIRMINGHAM 3 vs WEST HAM 1 WEST HAM manager Avram Grant admitted his players were left devastated after Birmingham came from behind to deny the east London side a place in the Carling Cup final. Leading 2-1 from the first leg at Upton Park, Carlton Cole’s long-range effort put the visitors further ahead and was [...]
Long-awaited glory would vindicate Wenger method January 26, 2011 ONLY one team stands between Arsenal and silverware following their progress to the Carling Cup final. Whatever happens at Wembley, it is sure to boost their confidence that they can catch Manchester United in the Premier League title race. In the past this Gunners team has been guilty of hitting a brick wall at crucial [...]