Zvonareva fights back to reach first Grand Slam final July 1, 2010 RUSSIA’S Vera Zvonareva has vowed not to even contemplate the odds of beating defending champion Serena Williams in Sunday’s final. And that is probably just as well, because punters are unlikely to be flocking to back the 21st seed against the world No1, despite a gritty comeback win over Tsvetana Pironkova. Zvonareva had to recover [...]
Don’t make Rooney World Cup scapegoat, says Owen July 1, 2010 ENGLAND outcast Michael Owen has leapt to the defence of Wayne Rooney, insisting his Manchester United team-mate does not deserve to be singled out for criticism during the World Cup inquest. Rooney had his best season yet for United but looked a pale shadow of the rambunctious marksman who terrorised Premier League defences once he [...]
Hodgson: I only had eyes for Liverpool July 1, 2010 LIVERPOOL manager Roy Hodgson insists he never considered delaying his appointment on the off-chance the England job became available. Hodgson has been touted as one of the favourites to succeed Fabio Capello, whose future as national team coach is under discussion by England chiefs. But rather than stall while the Italian’s future is decided over [...]
SPORT | IN BRIEF July 1, 2010 Platt joins Man City as coach FOOTBALL: Former England captain David Platt has joined Roberto Mancini’s coaching staff at Manchester City. Platt, who has managed England Under-21s and Nottingham Forest, has been named first-team coach and will work with assistant manager Brian Kidd and coach Fausto Salsano. The 44-year-old, who won 62 England caps, played [...]
It’s a decent result, claims flogged Fed June 30, 2010 ROGER FEDERER saw the defence of his Wimbledon title come to a halt on Centre Court yesterday, but insisted: “It’s a decent result.” The Swiss top seed went down 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to 12th seed Tomas Berdych – his first defeat before the final at SW19 since 2002. Federer cited a back and thigh [...]
Murray comeback sets up Nadal semi June 30, 2010 BRITISH No1 Andy Murray insists he is relishing the prospect of facing old adversary Rafael Nadal after battling his way into a second successive Wimbledon semi-final. Fourth seed Murray showed his trademark grit to recover from losing the first set against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and beat the Frenchman 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-5), 6-2, 6-2. Victory thrust [...]
Muller blasts England flops June 30, 2010 GERMANY star Thomas Muller, whose two goals helped send England tumbling out of the World Cup in disgrace, believes Fabio Capello’s side floundered because they have too many “alpha males”. England’s wretched and short-lived campaign in South Africa was dogged by rumours of unrest in the camp, with midfielder Joe Cole since admitting there were [...]
Imperious Brazil are going through the gears June 30, 2010 WITH England disgraced and back on home soil, it’s left a strange feeling here in South Africa – almost like you’ve been invited to a surprise party and someone forgot to tell the birthday boy. No-one can argue that England deserve to be in the final eight given the way they performed, so thoughts turn [...]
Aussies fight back to save face at Oval June 30, 2010 ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss lamented his team’s complacency after suffering a 78-run defeat to Australia in the fourth one-day international that ruined hopes of a series whitewash. A 155-run stand between Michael Clarke (99 not out) and Ricky Ponting (92) propelled Australia towards a commanding total of 290-5 at The Oval. And England failed to [...]
Lion king Geech returns to take director role at Bath June 30, 2010 BRITISH LIONS legend Sir Ian McGeechan is back in the Premiership after agreeing to become performance director at Bath. The 63-year-old has been out of the game since leaving Wasps after the 2009 Lions tour, but has now signed a two-year-deal with the Recreation Ground club, to work alongside head coach Steve Meehan. “I am [...]