Ford cheers investors as sales surge January 5, 2010 US CARMAKER Ford yesterday posted a 33 per cent sales gain for December, ending a crushing 2009 on an upswing as it recorded its first full-year market-share gain since 1995. The Ford sales surge ran beyond the expectations of analysts and sent the company’s stock sharply higher. Ford shares powered above $11 to hit their [...]
Broad locked in tampering row as Smith takes charge January 5, 2010 SEAMER Stuart Broad was last night embroiled in a bitter ball-tampering row as England lost their grip on the third Test in Cape Town. Television footage appeared to show Broad trapping the ball with the sole of his studded boot as he went to stop a defensive shot from Hashim Amla in the morning session. [...]
Odds shake-up will work in the bookies’ favour, says McCririck January 5, 2010 PUNDIT John McCririck believes plans to scrap fractional odds in favour of decimals will ultimately hit punters in the pocket. Decimal odds such as 1.5/1 will be trialled instead of the traditional 6/4 later this year, as part of a range of proposals aimed at broadening appeal. But while the system may be familiar to [...]
Manny and Floyd to use mediator January 5, 2010 BOXING: Representatives of Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather are set to meet with a mediator in a bid to save their mega showdown from collapse. Pacquiao pulled out of the scheduled 13 March clash and threatened legal action against Mayweather after the American demanded random drugs tests ahead of the bout. Former judge Daniel Weinstein, [...]
Pakistan put Aussies in a spin January 5, 2010 CRICKET: Pakistan look set for their first Test victory against Australia since 1995 after closing day three of the second Test in Sydney in complete control. Leading by 206 runs from the first innings, the tourists reduced the Aussies to 286-8 – a lead of 80. Spinner Danish Kanieria claimed 4-117, while Australia are pinning [...]
Premiership duo on chill alert January 5, 2010 RUGBY UNION: Sale and Leicester have moved the kick-off times for their weekend Premiership matches in a bid to beat the big chill. With more heavy snow and freezing temperatures expected, Sale have postponed their Friday night encounter with Saracens at Edgeley Park to Saturday with a 1.05pm kick-off. Similarly, Leicester have moved their kick-off [...]
Ferguson set for Preston January 5, 2010 FOOTBALL: Darren Ferguson is expected to be unveiled as the new manager of Preston today after reportedly agreeing terms at Deepdale last night. The former Peterborough boss and son of Manchester?United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, will take over the Championship club’s reigns from Alan Irvine, who was relieved of his duties last week.
Wenger issues call to arms as Arsenal eye title charge January 5, 2010 ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger has urged his side to seize the chance to turn up the heat in the title race tonight when Bolton visit the Emirates Stadium. Wenger’s men will climb to second in the Premier League and just one point behind leaders Chelsea if they continue their winning streak this evening. The Gunners’ [...]
Snow KOs Carling Cup semi-finals January 5, 2010 BOTH midweek Carling Cup semi-final clashes were yesterday hastily rearranged after heavy snowfall blanketed the north-west. The eagerly anticipated first leg between Manchester United and local rivals City, due to take place this evening, was put back to Tuesday 19 January. The second leg at Old Trafford will now take place on 27 January. Blackburn [...]
Mourinho expects Vieira to make Man City switch January 5, 2010 MANCHESTER City are poised to land veteran France midfielder Patrick Vieira on loan after Inter Milan admitted he was likely to leave. The former Arsenal captain is set to return to England where he would join up with his former coach at Inter, Roberto Mancini, who was installed at Eastlands last month. It is thought [...]