Winning return for Henin January 4, 2010 TENNIS: Former world No1 Justine Henin made a winning return to professional tennis after beating Nadia Petrova in the first round of the Brisbane International. Belgian Henin, playing her first match since retiring in May 2008, impressed on her way to a 7-5, 7-5 victory over the Russian second seed. “I have been waiting for [...]
Kubica to stay with Renault January 4, 2010 FORMULA ONE: Robert Kubica has opted to stay with the Renault team following their takeover last month. The Pole had a clause in his contract which allowed him to leave the team if it was not wholly owned by Renault. But after talks with Luxembourg private investment group Genii Capital, which now owns 75% of [...]
United dumped out by Leeds January 4, 2010 MANCHESTER United boss Sir Alex Ferguson risked further punishment by criticising referee Chris Foy following his side’s shock FA Cup elimination by League One Leeds United. A first-half goal from Jermaine Beckford was enough to inflict Ferguson’s first FA Cup defeat to lower league opposition, and his maiden exit at this stage of the competition, [...]
Classy Kallis rescues SA as England strike early January 4, 2010 BATSMAN Jacques Kallis’s 33rd Test century helped steer South Africa to 279-6 after England had the hosts struggling at 127-5 on day one of the third Test in Cape Town. Kallis was left unbeaten on 108 at the close after sharing an 89-run stand with keeper Mark Boucher (51) for the sixth wicket. England bowlers [...]
Wasps boss Hanks adds to chorus of criticism aimed at top-flight referees January 4, 2010 WASPS boss Tony Hanks added his voice to criticism of Premiership refereeing after seeing his side’s play-off hopes dented by a 12-6 home defeat to Newcastle. Falcons fly-half Jimmy Gopperth kicked four penalties to earn them a first win at Adams Park in nine attempts, with Mark van Gisbergen and Dave Walder scoring with the [...]
We’ll beat America, Tiger or no Tiger, boasts Monty January 4, 2010 EUROPEAN Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie has warned America that he expects to win back the trophy this year, regardless of whether world No1 Tiger Woods plays. Fourteen-time Major winner Woods is not sure to feature at Celtic Manor in October, having withdrawn from the game indefinitely following revelations about his infidelity. “A lot depends [...]
Sturridge brace propels Blues progress January 4, 2010 Chelsea 5 Watford 0 CHELSEA boss Carlo Ancelotti backed Daniel Sturridge to fill the void left by Didier Drogba after the teenager’s brace helped the FA Cup holders set up a fourth-round tie with Preston. Sturridge scored in each half to press his claims for a place while Drogba, who has scored 19 goals this [...]
Gunners dig deep to avoid a Hammering January 4, 2010 West Ham 1 Arsenal 2 ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger admits he wants to strengthen his squad this month after seeing the Gunners given a scare before reaching the FA Cup fourth round. Wales starlet Aaron Ramsey and Croatia striker Eduardo struck within five second-half minutes to save Wenger’s men, who looked to be heading out [...]
RFU chief Andrew hits back at Saracens’ Venter January 4, 2010 ELITE rugby chief Rob Andrew has leapt to the defence of Premiership referees after Saracens boss Brendan Venter’s criticism of current standards of officiating. The South African could be charged for bringing the game into disrepute following comments made about the referee after Saracens’ 22-15 defeat to Leicester on Saturday. Venter was unhappy with David [...]
Peerless Taylor powers to his 15th world title January 4, 2010 PHIL TAYLOR earned the 15th world title of his glittering career last night after a thrilling PDC World Championship final at Alexandra Palace in London. “The Power”, the defending champion, shrugged off a cagey opening to overwhelm unseeded Australian Simon Whitlock 7-3. Whitlock opened up a 2-1 lead in the early stages but saw his [...]