A-ROD CAN’T STOP NADAL’S PURPLE REIGN November 22, 2010 DECKED out in a garish purple T-shirt, Rafael Nadal began his ATP World Tour Finals campaign with a hard-fought win over Andy Roddick. The American took advantage of Nadal’s shaky service to claim the opening set 6-3. But Nadal rallied to claim the second on a tie break and the third 6-4 to complete his [...]
GRAHAM BACKS SPURS TITLE CHARGE November 22, 2010 FORMER Tottenham manager George Graham insists Harry Redknapp’s side have the potential to end a 49-year wait for a league title. Their 3-2 comeback victory at Arsenal on Saturday has put Spurs back to within six points of leaders Chelsea. He said: “I think this is a season when there could be a real surprise. I [...]
SFA DRAW UP CONTINGENCY PLAN November 22, 2010 THE SCOTTISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION have confirmed they’ve drafted contingency plans to bring in match officials from outside the country amid a planned strike by referees in Scotland. Chief executive Stewart Regan said: “We remain hopeful that the situation can be resolved but we have no option but to draw up contingency plans, which will involve [...]
POULTER STILL PREFERS IT STATESIDE November 22, 2010 GOLF: England’s Ian Poulter insists he has no plans to return to the European Tour full-time after winning the UBS Hong Kong Open at the weekend. The European Tour has increased the number of mandatory events to retain membership from 12 to 13, meaning Poulter has a decision to make on how he will spread his [...]
MONTEITH DEATH SADDENS JOHNSON November 22, 2010 HORSE RACING: Leading owner David Johnson has expressed his shock and sadness at the death of trainer Peter Monteith, 61, who was found dead at his home in Scotland on Sunday. Johnson, who had a dozen horses with Monteith, said he was devastated and had not come to terms with the news. He said: “I cannot believe [...]
ABRAHAM OUT TO DESTROY FROCH November 22, 2010 BOXING: Arthur Abraham has vowed to send Carl Froch into retirement when the pair battle for the WBC super-middleweight belt in Helsinki on Saturday. “After the fight, Froch can plan his retirement,” Abraham said. “It will be difficult but I will win.”
Things looking better for Everton thanks to Arteta November 22, 2010 EVERTON moved two points clear of the relegation zone after Mikel Arteta’s 83rd minute strike helped his side salvage a 2-2 draw at Sunderland. Tim Cahill had put the visitors into an early sixth minute lead when he powered home Leighton Baines’ cross with a trademark header for his seventh goal of the season. Sunderland responded [...]
Chelsea deny Carlo resignation claims November 21, 2010 CHELSEA were last night forced to publicly deny that manager Carlo Ancelotti had sensationally quit the club, following a day of intense speculation over the Italian’s future. Suggestions surfaced that Ancelotti had become disenchanted with life at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea’s dramatic recent slump continued with a shock 1-0 defeat at Birmingham on Saturday. As [...]
Banahan: I’ve silenced my Test critics November 21, 2010 ENGLAND (26) vs SAMOA (13) ENGLAND’S Matt Banahan insists his try-scoring performance in Saturday’s victory over Samoa proves he can cut it as a Test level outside-centre. The strapping Bath back, who started out as a winger, was given his first international start at No13 against the Pacific Islanders in place of Mike Tindall. And [...]
Upbeat Swann’s itching to get started November 21, 2010 GRAEME SWANN cannot wait to open the final window of his Ashes advent calendar as the excitement and anticipation builds towards a crescendo ahead of the first Test at the Gabba on Thursday. The world’s premier spin bowler has been patiently ticking off the days ever since the touring party landed in Perth at the [...]