Maturing Tait ready to stake claim at outside-centre February 24, 2010 ENGLAND centre Mathew Tait has vowed to make the No13 shirt his own and shrug off his reputation as a utility man once and for all. Tait’s versatility has hindered his international career, denting his bid for a regular place and meaning he did not start a single match at the 2007 World Cup in [...]
More trouble for US F1 after major investor pulls out February 24, 2010 FEARS over the future of US F1 grew further last night after a major sponsor decided to withdraw its support. The North Carolina-based outfit have already asked the sport’s governing body, the FIA, to explore the possibility of missing the first four races of the season due to a lack of cash. But their problems [...]
SPORT | IN BRIEF February 24, 2010 Nicholls rap for McCoy critics RACING: Paul Nicholls has dismissed suggestions that Tony McCoy shouldn’t ride Denman in next month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup as “nonsense” and “twaddle”. McCoy came in for criticism last month after being unseated by the 2008 Gold Cup hero in the Aon Chase at Newbury. But Nicholls said: “It’s the biggest [...]
Rio England doubt sours Rooney show February 23, 2010 MANCHESTER UTD (3) v/s WEST HAM (0) MANCHESTER United boss Sir Alex Ferguson revealed Rio Ferdinand will miss Sunday’s Carling Cup final and is a major doubt to captain England against Egypt, after seeing a Wayne Rooney brace cut Chelsea’s lead to one point. Ferdinand suffered a recurrence of a back problem in training yesterday [...]
Wilkinson: I’ll defy critics against Irish February 23, 2010 UNDER-FIRE England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson is refusing to let personal criticism reduce him to a “quivering wreck” after being named in an unchanged team for Saturday’s showdown with Ireland. Wilkinson was singled out for condemnation after an uncharacteristically sloppy kicking performance in last week’s victory over Italy. Matt Dawson, his half-back partner during the 2003 [...]
Ancelotti ignoring distractions February 23, 2010 INTER MILAN VS CHELSEA CHELSEA manager Carlo Ancelotti has vowed not to let his players’ turbulent private lives upset the dressing room ahead of tonight’s clash with Inter Milan. Former Blues boss Jose Mourinho’s feverishly-anticipated first match against his old club threatens to be overshadowed by a series of lurid off-field headlines. First Chelsea skipper [...]
Portsmouth set for administration as clock ticks down on takeover talks February 23, 2010 CASH-STRAPPED Portsmouth will enter into administration on Friday in a bid to safeguard the club’s future, according to owner Balram Chainrai. Hong Kong businessman Chainrai is in talks with four potential buyers about a takeover of the south-coast club, but accepts it is unlikely that a deal will be struck before they are due to [...]
Canada end British curling hopes February 23, 2010 BRITISH curling skip Eve Muirhead showed glimpses of her undoubted potential but admitted it was too little, too late after she crashed out in Vancouver. The three-time world junior champion may need a few days before she can see the positives from a debut Olympics, although the 19-year-old is clearly a name for the future. [...]
Kidney gives Sexton Twickenham role February 23, 2010 IRELAND coach Declan Kidney has handed fly-half Jonathan Sexton his first Six Nations start for Saturday’s trip to face England at Twickenham. Sexton, 24, is given his chance to shine in place of Ronan O’Gara, while fit-again Geordan Murphy replaces the injured Rob Kearney at full-back. Kidney’s two other changes to the team beaten 33-10 [...]
Star Kieswetter makes dream England start February 23, 2010 BATTING sensation Craig Kieswetter enjoyed a dream debut for the England senior side with a boundary-strewn 143 as they began their tour of Bangladesh with a convincing victory over a Cricket Board XI in Mirpur. The Somerset wicketkeeper-batsman smashed 13 fours and six sixes as he announced himself on the world stage with a blistering [...]