Alex out for three weeks October 5, 2010 FOOTBALL: Chelsea defender Alex is facing a three-week lay-off after sustaining a thigh injury in the final stages of Sunday’s game with Arsenal. The centre back picked up the injury after scoring a spectacular 85th-minute free-kick which clinched a 2-0 win. He has withdrawn from Brazil’s forthcoming internationals with Iran and Ukraine and is set [...]
Mallya in Rangers talks October 5, 2010 FOOTBALL: Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya is in talks to buy a share of Queens Park Rangers – a move which could finally bring an end to Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone’s involvement with the club. Mallya, who owns Kingfisher Airlines and the Force India Formula One team, was linked with a similar move two years [...]
Laxman clinches thrilling win October 5, 2010 CRICKET: Australia captain Ricky Ponting admitted his side were outplayed in the first Test against India after going down to a one-wicket defeat in a tense finale in Mohali. VVS Laxman struck a superb unbeaten 73 as India limped to the victory target of 216 for a 1-0 series lead. “It’s one of best and [...]
Murray safely through in China October 5, 2010 TENNIS: Andy Murray cruised into the second round of the China Open yesterday after a comfortable 6-2, 6-3 victory over French qualifier Paul-Henri Mathieu in Beijing. “I thought I did well,” said second seed Murray. “I started well and didn’t give him any chances except for a couple of break points on my serve in [...]
Ashes tour is not about retribution, says Strauss October 5, 2010 ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss insists they will not be on a revenge mission when they travel to Australia for the Ashes this winter. Strauss is one of seven players in the 16-man squad who were on the receiving end of a series whitewash when the contest was last held Down Under, four years ago. But [...]
FULL MONTY October 4, 2010 COLIN MONTGOMERIE spoke of his pride in leading Europe to Ryder Cup glory at Celtic Manor – but then revealed it was only a one-off. The Scot captained the European team to a 14 1/2–13 1/2 victory after one of the most thrilling rounds of singles matches in history. Graeme McDowell was the hero, securing [...]
Adlington leads English medal charge October 4, 2010 OLYMPIC swimming star Rebecca Adlington enjoyed more success as the Commonwealth Games got underway in Delhi yesterday, leading a host of English medals in the pool. Adlington took bronze in the women’s 200m freestyle, an event she is only experimenting with having specialised in longer distances, with Jazz Carlin of Wales grabbing silver. England’s Michael [...]
The best Ryder Cup battle for years October 4, 2010 FOR one reason or another, this Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor will live long in the memory. Not only was it the first time in its 83-year history that it went into a fourth day due to the downpours of Friday and Sunday, but it was also a damn fine spectacle. Not for a long, [...]
Veteran Davies earns shock call-up from Capello October 4, 2010 HE thought his chance had passed, but at the age of 33 Bolton forward Kevin Davies was yesterday handed his first England call-up for next week’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro. Davies was by far the most surprising name in Fabio Capello’s 23-man squad, which also includes teenage Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, despite him being [...]
Europe scent victory after phenomenal fightback October 3, 2010 EUROPE will take a commanding 9 ½-6 ½ lead into today’s historic final session after turning this Ryder Cup on its head with an irrepressible charge yesterday at Celtic Manor. Trailing the United States 6-4 overnight, Colin Montgomerie’s men signalled their determination to reclaim the trophy by winning all but one of the six matches [...]