Hape and Ashton get England chance January 13, 2010 MARTIN JOHNSON is banking on two rugby league converts to fire England into an exciting new era. Former New Zealand international Shontayne Hape and Northampton winger Chris Ashton are the two new faces in a 32-man elite performance squad for the Six Nations Championship. But there is no place for fly-half Danny Cipriani and versatile [...]
Adebayor not ready to return January 13, 2010 MANCHESTER City striker Emmanuel Adebayor admits he has been unable to eat as he struggles to come to terms with the machine gun attack on him and his Togo team-mates. Adebayor’s press officer was one of three men killed in the ambush on the Togo team bus as they travelled to the Africa Cup of [...]
Hatton announces comeback and at least one more fight January 13, 2010 FORMER two-weight world champion Ricky Hatton has vowed to go out on a triumphant note after confirming he will return to the ring this year. Hatton’s future has been in doubt since a crushing defeat to Manny Pacquiao in May, but had appeared to be leaning towards one final bout before hanging up his gloves [...]
Tourists on brink of a top-notch victory January 13, 2010 FINALLY, after six or seven weeks of character-building and good old-fashioned hard graft, this is it. The fourth and final Test in Johannesburg, starting this morning, is simply a massive game for Andrew Strauss’ men, who, against all odds, have battled their way into a position to win a truly top-notch away series victory against [...]
I may not have experience in top flight but I can do job, says Laws January 13, 2010 INCOMING Burnley manager Brian Laws has told critics that his lack of Premier League experience will not hinder his mission to keep the Clarets in the top flight. Laws, who began his playing career at Turf Moor, yesterday returned to the club to sign a contract to succeed Owen Coyle until summer 2012. The 48-year-old, [...]
Ferrari warning to Schumacher January 13, 2010 FERRARI’S boss has backed their latest star Fernando Alonso to ruin the comeback of the team’s former driver Michael Schumacher. Schumacher, 41, is preparing for his first season since 2006 having ended self-imposed exile and signed for Mercedes GP. The seven-time champion is set to renew his rivalry with Alonso, the man who ended his [...]
Italian enters West Ham bid war January 13, 2010 FOOTBALL: Cagliari president Massimo Cellino emerged last night as a possible fourth bidder for West Ham. Former Birmingham owners David Gold and David Sullivan, finance company Intermarket and Air Asia founder Tony Fernandes also want to buy the club from CB Holdings, who want £100m. Meanwhile the Hammers will discover tomorrow what punishment they face [...]
Kauto Star-Denman duel looms January 13, 2010 RACING: Stablemates Kauto Star and Denman are set for another head-to-head in the Cheltenham Gold Cup after heading a list of 27 runners for the 19 March race. Kauto Star will be aiming to emulate Golden Miller, Cottage Rake, Arkle and Best Mate with a third Gold Cup victory, but will have fierce competition from [...]
Sri Lanka win triangular series January 13, 2010 CRICKET: Sri Lanka rallied to an impressive four-wicket win over India to clinch the triangular tournament in Bangladesh. Suresh Raina smashed a brilliant 106 but his was the only real resistance as India slumped to 245 all out. But Sri Lanka, led by former captain Mahela Jayawardene, who made an unbeaten 71 from 81 balls, [...]
Caldwell leaves Celtic for Wigan January 13, 2010 FOOTBALL: Wigan have completed the signing of Celtic defender Gary Caldwell on a four-and-a-half year contract. The Scottish international, 27, was out of contract at the end of the season and opted for a move to the DW Stadium after rejecting an offer to join former boss Gordon Strachan at Middlesbrough. But Caldwell’s three ex-Celtic [...]