Watson stars with bat and ball July 14, 2010 CRICKET: Shane Watson claimed career-best bowling figures as Australia reclaimed the upper hand on day two of the first Test with Pakistan at Lord’s. Watson took 5-40, including the wicket of Pakistan’s top scorer Salman Butt (63), as they were bowled out for just 148 in reply to the Aussies’ 253. He then turned his [...]
In-form Rose can bloom on the Fife links July 13, 2010 ST ANDREWS is the finest golf course in the world. With its demanding links and a backdrop steeped in tradition, the course is looking as beautiful as ever and provides the perfect setting for this week’s Open Championship. Winning the Open at the Home of Golf is the crowning glory for any golfer, and, for [...]
Woods ditches putter after 11 years July 13, 2010 WORLD No1 Tiger Woods has opted for a change of putter for the first time in 11 years as he goes in search of a third straight Open success at the Home of Golf. Poor form on the greens has prompted Woods to ditch the model which helped him to win 13 of his 14 [...]
Looking through the key holes of the Open July 13, 2010 HAVING grown up in these parts and played the course hundreds of times, my preparation for this year’s Open Championship, working alongside Alvaro Quiros, has been slightly more relaxed than in previous years. After travelling all around the world, it’s great to be back home, and an honour as always to be at the best [...]
Arsenal cool over Fabregas shirt furore July 13, 2010 ARSENAL are understood to be relaxed about the future of Cesc Fabregas despite their captain causing a stir by wearing a Barcelona shirt during Spain’s World Cup celebrations. Fabregas has made no secret of his desire to return to Barca after seven seasons in north London and the Spanish champions have spent much of the [...]
Redknapp commits to Spurs until 2013 July 13, 2010 TOTTENHAM manager Harry Redknapp has allayed uncertainty surrounding his future by signing a new contract committing him to White Hart Lane until 2013. Redknapp’s previous deal was due to expire next year but Spurs chiefs have moved to secure the coach who led them to their best ever Premier League finish last season. The 63-year-old’s [...]
Major number two well within McDowell’s reach July 13, 2010 THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP FROM TOMORROW – 9.00AM BBC1/BBC2 RESCUING punters from their post-World Cup withdrawal, at 6.30am tomorrow morning the sound of club-on-ball will signal the start of the 139th Open Championship from St Andrews. There are few surprises at the top of the betting, with favourite Tiger Woods available at 11/2 on Betdaq ahead [...]
TOP BRITISH CONTENDERS July 13, 2010 LEE WESTWOOD THIRD place in both last year’s Open and USPGA, and second in the US Masters, Westwood is the nearly man of Majors golf. The chances of the world No3 finally breaking his duck, however, have been hampered by a calf injury which has forced him to pull out of the Irish Open in [...]
Open hopefuls go in pursuit of elusive 62 to break 37-year Majors’ record July 13, 2010 WHEN Johnny Miller shot a closing 63 to win the 1973 US Open, it was to prove the beginning of a long-lasting legacy. Since that day, not one player in any of the four Major championships has broken the magical 63 ?– giving players that little extra incentive to fire their way into the history [...]
Tiger is cracking value at a venue where he is peerless July 13, 2010 TIGER Woods is again the favourite to win a third successive Open on the St Andrews course although his odds of 11/2 to lift the famous Claret Jug are the biggest he’s been to win an Open since 2004. When you consider Tiger had been just 2/1 to win this tournament 12 months ago it [...]