Nadal crashes at first hurdle November 25, 2009 WORLD No2 Rafael Nadal was dumped out of the ATP World Tour Finals at the earliest opportunity last night after another straight-sets defeat at London’s O2 Arena. The Spaniard, who has struggled with injuries this season, only showed his trademark grit in the closing stages of a 6-1, 7-6 (7-4) defeat to Russia’s Nikolay Davydenko. [...]
Infighting is undermining our World Cup bid, admits Brady November 25, 2009 KARREN BRADY last night revealed the acrimony surrounding England’s 2018 World Cup campaign, insisting the country’s hopes of staging the event is being undermined by “bickering and infighting” at board level. The former Birmingham City director was one of six board members to stand down a fortnight ago, while influential Premier League chairman Sir Dave [...]
Sacked Hart considers fresh Portsmouth offer November 25, 2009 SACKED Portsmouth manager Paul Hart is considering an offer to stay on at the club as technical director. Pompey revealed in a statement on Tuesday night that Hart had rejected the role, which oversees the development of players between the ages of 18 and 21. But, in contrast, a club spokesman confirmed yesterday that Hart [...]
Wales boss fears Giteau backlash November 25, 2009 WALES coach Warren Gatland is backing Australia star Matt Giteau to bounce back from his Murrayfield agony. Giteau missed a host of kicks and a last-gasp conversion as the Wallabies crashed to a 9-8 defeat to Scotland – their first to the Scots in 27 years. But Gatland, however, expects no such repeat when Giteau [...]
Cockerill cops four-week ban November 25, 2009 RUGBY UNION: Leicester Tigers head coach Richard Cockerill has been suspended for four weeks after admitting two offences of abusing match officials. Cockerill will not be allowed any involvement with his team or officials until 23 December. He has also been fined £2,000 following the incidents during the LV Cup tie against Newport Gwent Dragons [...]
Walsh eyes glory Hennessy run November 25, 2009 RACING: Jockey Ruby Walsh says he “can’t wait” to ride favourite Denman in Saturday’s Hennessy Gold Cup. “He’s an incredible horse but he has a huge weight and a huge task ahead of him on Saturday,”?Walsh said. “I can’t see too many other horses being up to it really. I can’t wait to ride him.”
Dravid leads India charge November 25, 2009 CRICKET: Rahul Dravid moved up to fourth in the list of all-time Test batsmen after steering India into control in their second Test with Sri Lanka. Dravid, 36, made a superb 144 as India amassed 642 despite Rangana Herath bagging a five-wicket haul. Sri Lanka lost Tillakaratne Dilshan first ball in reply, but rallied to [...]
England one-day side blossoms at last November 24, 2009 CRITICS have always been quick to knock England’s one-day set-up, but Sunday’s second ODI against South Africa was as good a limited-overs performance as I have seen from an England side for a long, long time. In the wake of the shambolic series with Australia in the summer, the England selectors have had a lot [...]
Gunners win dampened by injury worry November 24, 2009 ARSENAL (2) Vs STANDARD LIEGE (0) ARSENAL secured top spot in Group H and a place in the last 16 of the Champions League with a smooth attacking display, but their satisfaction was soured by a serious injury to full-back Kieran Gibbs. The outstanding Samir Nasri capitalised on a defensive slip to tuck the opening [...]
Fergie: Euro joy deserves credit November 24, 2009 MANCHESTER United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says the struggles of some of Europe’s top sides shows his consistent success has been underrated. Liverpool, AC Milan, Real Madrid and Barcelona have all found their Champions League progress trickier than expected. Sir Alex, who is set to field a young side against Besiktas tonight with qualification assured, [...]