London crowd disappointed after Federer thrashes Murray at O2 November 23, 2010 BRITAIN’S Andy Murray blamed basic errors after disappointing the London crowd with a humbling 6-4 6-2 defeat to world No2 Roger Federer. Murray was crushed in 76 minutes as Federer made it two wins from two in Group B of the ATP World Tour Finals, held at the O2 Arena. “I got off to a [...]
Carlo laughs off ‘totally untrue’ quit rumours November 22, 2010 CHELSEA v/s MSK ZILINA CHELSEA manager Carlo Ancelotti admits he has grown unhappy at Stamford Bridge – but only because his team have forgotten how to sweep all before them. Categorically denying intense speculation that he was considering quitting just six months after leading the Blues to the double, Ancelotti blamed the rumours on his [...]
Ancelotti show can’t banish all doubts November 22, 2010 IN FRONT of a baying press pack Carlo Ancelotti yesterday gave a first-rate impression of a manager utterly untroubled by his job. Yet for some it will be hard to shake the suspicion that it was just that: an impression. He flashed a broad grin on his entrance to the media room at Chelsea’s Cobham [...]
Wenger admits he can’t take risks with Cesc’s hamstring November 22, 2010 BRAGA v/s ARSENAL ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger admits Cesc Fabregas’ hamstring troubles could be having a detrimental psychological impact on his performances. Fabregas has been suffering with the muscular injury in his right leg since his return to the club following his exploits in South Africa with Spain during the World Cup. The Arsenal skipper [...]
Johnson calls up trio for England cover November 22, 2010 ENGLAND manager Martin Johnson has called up three players, Anthony Allen, James Simpson-Daniel and Chris Robshaw, as injury cover ahead of Saturday’s showdown with South Africa at Twickenham. Allen and Simpson-Daniel replace the Wasps centres Riki Flutey and Dominic Waldouck, who have been sent back to their club. Harlequins flanker Robshaw, meanwhile, has been called [...]
Flower backs KP to deliver November 22, 2010 ENGLAND coach Andy Flower says his side are united in their quest to retain the Ashes – and that includes Kevin Pietersen. South African-born Pietersen, who yesterday signed a one-year deal with Surrey, has been labelled an “outcast” by legendary Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne. The form of England’s stellar batsman has tailed off since he [...]
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 [...]