Nonchalant Nadal enjoys happy return June 22, 2010 WORLD No1 Rafael Nadal marked his first Wimbledon appearance in two years with a comfortable win to waltz into the second round. Second seed Nadal clinched his first grass-court title in 2008, but missed the chance to defend his title last year through injury. But the Spaniard showed he’s not lost any of his flair, [...]
Suarez crowns Uruguay group winners but beaten Mexico still reach last 16 June 22, 2010 MEXICO (0) VS URUGUAY (1) URUGUAY will meet South Korea in the last 16 after a header from striker Luis Suarez earned them victory over Mexico and top spot in Group A. Ajax hot-shot Suarez struck just before half-time when he nodded home Edison Cavani’s superb floated cross at the back post. Defeat was not [...]
South Korea hold on to book place in the last-16 June 22, 2010 NIGERIA(2) VS SOUTH KOREA(2) SOUTH KOREA held on for a hard-fought draw against Nigeria to secure second place in Group B and a last 16 tie with Uruguay on Saturday. The Koreans have never progressed past the first round stage outside of their own country and were made to hold on for their lives as [...]
Dowson and Barritt get Tour chance June 22, 2010 ENGLAND manager Martin Johnson has handed Phil Dowson and Brad Barritt their first international starts in today’s clash with New Zealand Maori. Both Northampton No8 Dowson and Saracens centre Barritt were late arrivals to the tour Down Under, having been promoted from the Churchill Cup-winning Saxons. But they are set to get their chance in [...]
FOOTBALL TRADER BEN CLEMINSON TAKES A LOOK AT TODAY’S FINAL ROUND OF MATCHES IN GROUP C June 22, 2010 ENGLAND’S goalless draw against Algeria was dismal enough, but it was the manner of the performance which was most disturbing and the squad will really have to pull together if they are to gain the win against Slovenia that is so desperately needed. The Slovenians have made a fairly decent start to the tournament, but [...]
WORLD CUP NEWS | IN BRIEF June 22, 2010 FIFA AWAIT REPORT ON VILLA FIFA say they are awaiting a referee’s report from Spain’s win over Honduras on Monday night before deciding whether or not to take any action against Spanish striker David Villa. Villa netted twice in a 2-0 win but also struck Honduran defender Emilio Izaguirre in the face as they waited [...]
‘Lucky’ Fed survives huge SW19 shock June 21, 2010 DEFENDING champion Roger Federer admitted he “got lucky” after surviving what would have surely been one of the biggest shocks in Wimbledon history on a historic opening day at SW19, which finished at almost 11pm. The six-time winner was two sets to love down on little-known Columbian Alejandro Falla, who then served for the match [...]
Robson goes down fighting to Jankovic June 21, 2010 TALENTED British teenager Laura Robson shows she has the stomach for a fight after putting on a promising display against world No4 Jelena Jankovic on Centre Court. The 16-year-old former junior champion was handed a wildcard for the main draw after rising to 234 in the world rankings. And she showed just why she is [...]
Get mad and you will get even better: McEnroe offers Murray his blueprint June 21, 2010 THREE-TIME champion John McEnroe has told Andy Murray to follow his example and get angry if he wants to triumph at Wimbledon. Murray (right) launches his latest bid to break his Grand Slam duck this afternoon when he faces world No90 Jan Hajek on Court One. The British No1 reached the last four 12 months [...]
Ticket sales robust despite lure of football June 21, 2010 WORLD CUP fever may have gripped the nation but it has not diluted demand for tickets at Wimbledon, say organisers. In line with previous years, 8,500 tennis fanatics queued up and bought tickets yesterday morning for the first day of the Grand Slam. The vast majority of tickets are sold in advance while some 600 [...]