‘Spot-fixing’ trio suspended by ICC?despite set-up claims September 2, 2010 THE three Pakistan cricketers at the centre of the ‘spot-fixing’ allegations were last night charged with various offences by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Test captain Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were provisionally suspended from playing following “alleged irregular behaviour” during the fourth Test at Lord’s last week. “We will not tolerate corruption [...]
Roo’s back in the groove, raves Capello September 2, 2010 ENGLAND vs BULGARIA TONIGHT, KO 8PM, ITV1 FABIO CAPELLO admitted his relief at Wayne Rooney’s return to goalscoring form and is set to keep faith with his star striker for tonight’s Euro 2012 qualifier with Bulgaria. The Manchester United striker ended his five-month goal drought when he converted a penalty in the 3-0 win over [...]
More than a rugby coach: Venter the visionary September 2, 2010 MAYBE it’s because Brendan Venter spent the summer back home in South Africa working as a doctor in his own practice, an environment in every sense half a world away from top-level English sport. Or perhaps it’s down to his singularly utopian philosophy for running Saracens, where he insists rugby is “a side issue” and [...]
If it’s an improvement on last year, we’re in for a real treat September 2, 2010 LAST season was a fantastic year for Premiership rugby, culminating in one of the best finals I have ever seen. Leicester and Saracens went hammer and tongs at each other in a high-quality game, which swung from one end to another right to the very last passage of play. On reflection, it was a season [...]
When Ryder Cup golf was disgraced September 2, 2010 IN an extract from his new book, Sam Torrance, part of Europe’s team, recalls his reaction to exuberant and premature US celebrations that marred a thrilling end to the match, which they ultimately won. I’VE called it the most disgusting and disgraceful day in the history of professional golf, and so that’s on the record. [...]
Imperious Fed looks Beck to his best September 2, 2010 FIVE-TIME champion Roger Federer continued his love affair with the US Open after cruising into the third round at Flushing Meadows. The Swiss second seed eased to a 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 victory over German Andreas Beck to earn a third round clash with either Paul-Henri Mathieu or Guillaume Rufin. Meanwhile, Russian sixth seed Nikolay Davydenko [...]
Tears for injured Onions September 2, 2010 CRICKET: Seamer Graham Onions has been ruled out of the Ashes series against Australia after being told he needs surgery on a back problem. The 27-year-old Durham bowler has been plagued by a stress fracture and could be sidelined for up to nine months. “Obviously I’m shattered to miss the Ashes with the prospect of [...]
Comeback kid Moore misses out September 2, 2010 RACING: Champion jockey Ryan Moore missed out on a winner on his long-awaited return to the saddle at Salisbury yesterday after three weeks out with a wrist injury. The 26-year-old was injured riding Rocket Rob at Windsor on 9 August, dashing his hopes of a fourth title. Moore finished fourth on Sir Michael Stoute’s Caraboss [...]
Lucky Sevens for Bath September 2, 2010 RUGBY UNION: Bath have completed the signing of France Sevens international winger Jacques Boussage, 25, after he impressed on a trial. Rivals Leicester, however, have brought in second row Ben Gulliver on a three-month loan from Cornish Pirates.
Hatton questions his future September 2, 2010 BOXING: Former world light-welterweight champion Ricky Hatton has revealed for the first time he is unlikely to fight again. The 31-year-old has not fought since losing to Manny Pacquiao in May 2009. He said: “You can never say never, but if I was to put my last pound on it I would say ‘no, I [...]