SPORT | IN BRIEF January 26, 2010 Manchester to host Haye return BOXING: Britain’s David Haye will make the first defence of his WBA world heavyweight championship against John Ruiz in Manchester on 3 April. American Ruiz is the mandatory challenge for Haye, who clinched the title with a crushing defeat of Russian giant Nikolay Valuev in November. “It’s been 10 years [...]
Comeback queen Henin in last four January 26, 2010 JUSTINE HENIN’S fairytale comeback continued as she moved one step closer to a dream Australian Open title with a quarter-final victory over Nadia Petrova. The former world No1, playing in her first Grand Slam since coming out of retirement, showed her battling qualities to come through a tough match 7-6 (7-3), 7-5 and book a [...]
FOOTBALL | IN BRIEF January 26, 2010 Pompey free to sign players PORTSMOUTH boss Avram Grant faces a race against time to sign players after the club’s transfer embargo was lifted. The ban was imposed in October because of money the club owed but they are now allowed to make loan and free transfer signings until the window closes on 1 February. [...]
Cocaine prop Stevens signs for Saracens January 25, 2010 BANNED England prop Matt Stevens has vowed to rebuild his career at Saracens after agreeing to join the Premiership high-fliers when his suspension expires next year. The 27-year-old’s burgeoning reputation was left in tatters after a positive test for cocaine saw him dropped from last year’s Six Nations and banned for two years. But South [...]
European success is dream ticket for Monty January 25, 2010 COLIN MONTGOMERIE would have been grinning from ear-to-ear at the sight of three of his big guns dominating the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship at the weekend. Martin Kaymer showed nerves of steel to hole his birdie putt at the last to edge out Ian Poulter and Rory McIlroy in a scintillating start to the new [...]
Waspish Schumacher hits back at his critics and sets sights on eighth title January 25, 2010 RETURNING track legend Michael Schumacher hit back at criticism of his driving style yesterday as he took the latest step towards his long-awaited comeback. The seven-time world champion responded waspishly when asked if he hoped to show he could win the title in the right way – a reference to controversial tactics he has employed [...]
Borthwick gets nod to stay as England captain January 25, 2010 STEVE BORTHWICK has been confirmed as England’s captain for the Six Nations Championship. The Saracens lock has captained England in every Test since Martin Johnson took charge of the team in 2008, but came under fire for his performances in the autumn internationals. Johnson initially named his 32-man elite performance squad without identifying a captain, [...]
SPORT | IN BRIEF January 25, 2010 City revel in Saints victory AMERICAN FOOTBALL: New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton dedicated his side’s victory in the NFC Championship game with Minnesota Vikings to the whole city following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina four years ago. The Saints were cheered on to their first-ever Superbowl at the restored Louisiana Superdome after edging past [...]
Murray ready to face the wrath of Rafa January 25, 2010 ANDY MURRAY reckons he has the game to dethrone defending champion Rafael Nadal and continue his quest for a first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. The fifth seed is the only player yet to drop a set on the way to the last eight and produced a near flawless display in powering past [...]
Venus and Serena set for a showdown January 25, 2010 SISTER act Serena and Venus Williams are heading for a semi-final showdown after reaching the last eight of the Australian Open in contrasting style. Defending champion Serena looked in irresistible form in powering to a 6-4, 6-2 win over Sam Stosur to set up a last eight clash with Victoria Azarenka. Home favourite Stosur beat [...]