Tiger’s winless run goes on as McDowell triumphs in play-off December 5, 2010 NORTHERN IRELAND’S Graeme McDowell sank a brilliant birdie putt on the first extra hole to beat Tiger Woods in a play-off and clinch the Chevron World Challenge. Defeat meant Woods finished the 2010 season without a title, the first time he’s been winless since joining the PGA Tour in 1996. It also marks the first time [...]
SPORT | IN BRIEF December 5, 2010 Serbia make Davis Cup history TENNIS: Serbia celebrated their first Davis Cup title after Victor Troicki thrashed France’s Michael Llodra 6-2 6-2 6-3 in yesterday’s decisive match in Belgrade. World No3 Novak Djokovic had earlier pulled Serbia level with a 6-2 6-2 6-4 win over Gael Monfils. Serbia’s triumph sees them become the 13th nation [...]
Accusations fly after England humiliated December 2, 2010 A BACKLASH at media allegations of corruption and vote-swapping pacts were blamed last night after England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup ended in abject humiliation. England were eliminated from the contest in the first round of the secret ballot after polling just two votes – one of which was from their own delegate [...]
Spy games as Aussies bank on defector for Ashes edge December 2, 2010 ESPIONAGE is not one of the more orthodox tactics employed by Ashes combatants but Australia are hoping to gain a decisive edge from their man with inside knowledge of the England camp. Tasmanian Dene Hills, who until three months ago was England’s lead batting coach, joined the Australia squad as performance analyst ahead of the [...]
Wilkinson and Haskell given ultimatum December 2, 2010 ENGLAND stars Jonny Wilkinson and James Haskell face career-defining dilemmas after being told they will not be picked for international duty if they continue to ply their trade abroad. The Rugby Football Union’s recently-appointed chief executive John Steele has written to England players warning them that those based overseas will no longer be considered following [...]
Hodgson delighted as fringe players and young starlets prove their worth December 2, 2010 STEAUA BUCHAREST(1) vs LIVERPOOL(1) LIVERPOOL manager Roy Hodgson believes his side’s progression to the last 32 of the Europa League is the perfect riposte to those who doubt the depth and quality of his squad. The Reds are through to the knockout stage of the competition with a game to spare following last night’s draw [...]
Russia and Qatar toast success as tournament breaks new ground December 2, 2010 RUSSIA and Qatar celebrated last night after their vows to take the World Cup into uncharted territory earned them the right to stage the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. Qatar, with a population of less than two million, were the shock winners, but Russia also prevailed having been almost written off just hours earlier. Prime Minister [...]
Beckham claims he and other big guns could not have done more for bid December 2, 2010 FORMER England captain David Beckham was left crestfallen last night claiming the bid team “did everything possible” to bring the World Cup home for the first time since 1966. A stellar charm offensive, led by Beckham, Prime Minister David Cameron and Prince William, had seen England’s odds of hosting the 2018 tournament shorten dramatically, but [...]
Henson lined up to make Saracens Wembley debut December 2, 2010 NEW SARACENS?recruit Gavin Henson is expected to make his eagerly awaited debut on Boxing Day against Wasps at Wembley. The Welsh centre’s involvement in BBC television show Strictly Come Dancing has delayed his first appearance for the London club, with whom he signed a contract until the end of the season in October. Saracens chief [...]
Birmingham to identify rioters December 2, 2010 FOOTBALL: Birmingham City’s acting chairman Peter Pannu has vowed to come down hard on those fans the club manages to identify as having caused trouble during Wednesday’s Carling Cup quarter-final win against Aston Villa. Hundreds of fans confronted riot police at the final whistle, and the club confirmed they will hold an impartial investigation in [...]