Wasps and Quins must finish strongly to claim top spots January 13, 2011 Lawrence Dallaglio, Amlin rugby ambassador, uses the new Amlin Opta Index player performance analysis to give his verdict on this weekend’s European clashes involving London clubs. The Index is the first ever player performance comparison analysis in rugby. LEINSTER V SARACENS (TOMORROW, HEINEKEN CUP) Leinster will hope to dominate in the fly-half battle: their No10 [...]
Ipswich were playing rugby, says Fabregas January 13, 2011 ARSENAL captain Cesc Fabregas has criticised Ipswich’s supposed heavy-handed tactics during their shock Carling Cup semi-final first leg win at Portman Road on Wednesday. Tamas Priskin’s second-half strike handed the Championship strugglers a famous victory, but Fabregas was unimpressed with their game plan and claimed the winning goal came from a “rugby kick”. “I don’t [...]
Murray’s preparation hit by rain January 13, 2011 BRITISH No1 Andy Murray’s preparations for next week’s Australian Open have been hampered by heavy rain in Melbourne. Murray had been hoping to fit in one more practice match, against Croatian Marin Cilic, the man he beat last year in the semi-finals, ahead of the start of the first grand slam event of the new [...]
King can’t Cope with Jamie January 13, 2011 SNOOKER: Masters debutant Jamie Cope produced a stylish display to hammer Mark King 6-1. Cope will face Ding Junhui in the semi-finals after the former finalist defeated an out of sorts Graeme Dott 6-2.
Aussie star Tait signs for Surrey January 13, 2011 CRICKET: Surrey have signed Australia paceman Shaun Tait as an overseas player for this summer’s FP t20 competition. The 27-year-old will join up with Surrey shortly before their first group match against Gloucestershire on 2 June.
Babel accepts Twitter charge January 13, 2011 FOOTBALL: Liverpool have confirmed Ryan Babel has accepted a charge of improper conduct from the Football Association over a Twitter post concerning Howard Webb. The Dutch forward linked to a mocked-up picture of referee Webb in a Manchester United shirt after Liverpool had lost 1-0 at Old Trafford in the FA Cup. Babel has requested [...]
Christmas Star still burning bright! January 13, 2011 CHRISTMAS was lovely, but there was something missing – and I’m not talking about sprouts or brandy butter. Well, that something was Kempton’s King George which was claimed on Boxing Day by the frost and will finally be run tomorrow. Regular readers of this column were advised before Christmas to take the even money available [...]
United set for another away day stalemate January 13, 2011 TOTTENHAM vs MANCHESTER UNITED SUNDAY – 4.10PM SKY SPORTS 1 SOMETHING is going to have to give at White Hart Lane on Sunday afternoon if either Tottenham or Manchester United are going to walk away with a victory. United are still unbeaten in the league this season, while Spurs have lost just once on home [...]
Woeful Arsenal have it all to do after Priskin stunner January 12, 2011 IPSWICH TOWN 1 ARSENAL 0 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger admitted his side were “poor in every department” as they slid to an embarrassing Carling Cup semi-final first leg defeat at Portman Road. Championship strugglers Ipswich, thumped 7-0 in the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, warranted immense credit for holding an Arsenal side which [...]
Tottenham’s plans to demolish Olympic Stadium would save club cool £200m January 12, 2011 TOTTENHAM hope to save around £200m by tearing down the Olympic Stadium and building a new ground in its place, if they see off West Ham in the battle to move to the site after the London 2012 Games. Spurs want to scrap the track at the Olympic venue and deliver an athletics legacy by [...]