Woods heads Asian WGC field November 4, 2009 GOLF: World No1 Tiger Woods heads a star-studded 78-man field for the first-ever World Golf Championships event in Asia, the HSBC Champions, starting today. Woods claimed his 16th WGC title in 30 events at the Bridgestone Invitational in August, but says winning in Shanghai would be extra special. “I’m looking forward to the week, I [...]
Murray signs new 15m deal November 4, 2009 TENNIS: Britain’s No1 Andy Murray is to end his long-standing association with Fred Perry by agreeing a new £15m deal with adidas. Reports suggest the world No4 will earn £3m-a-year over five years with the German sportswear giants, starting from January 2010. A statement from adidas confirmed: “The 22-year-old Briton will sport the iconic three [...]
Hartley hands boss Johnson a timely boost November 3, 2009 HOOKER Dylan Hartley gave England manager Martin Johnson some much-needed cheer after declaring himself fit for the autumn Test opener against Australia on Saturday. The Northampton star has been struggling of late with a hamstring injury but was included in Johnson’s youthful 22-man squad for the Twickenham showdown. With no fewer than 27 players unavailable [...]
Curbishley wins case against Hammers November 3, 2009 FORMER manager Alan Curbishley could be set for a seven-figure windfall from West Ham after winning his case for wrongful dismissal. The 51-year-old resigned as Hammers boss in September 2008 following the club’s decision to sell Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney against his wishes. A Premier League managers’ arbitration tribunal upheld Curbishley’s claim yesterday while [...]
MURRAY BACK IN THE GROOVE November 3, 2009 TOP seed Andy Murray swept to victory in his comeback match in Spain after beating home qualifier Daniel Gimeno-Traver 6-3, 6-1 at the Valencia Open. Playing his first match in six weeks, the British No1 was a little rusty, still clearly feeling the affects of a wrist injury. But the 22-year-old was still untroubled as [...]
Shocking win in Melbourne Cup November 3, 2009 HORSE RACING: British-trained Crime Scene was denied a historic victory in the Melbourne Cup by 9-1 shot Shocking. A UK-based runner has never won Australia’s biggest race but Crime Scene, trained by Godolphin’s Saeed bin Suroor in Newmarket, led into the final two furlongs. However, Shocking, ridden by Corey Brown, snatched the £3m prize by [...]
Barron sorry for failed dope test November 3, 2009 GOLF: American Doug Barron has apologised after becoming the first golfer to be banned for doping. The 40-year-old, who tested positive for an unnamed substance, said: “I apologise for any negative perception of the PGA Tour or its players resulting from my suspension. I did not intend to gain an unfair competitive advantage or enhance [...]
Haye promises big knockout November 3, 2009 BOXING: Britain’s David Haye has promised to make history by flooring giant Nikolai Valuev with a “jaw-dropping knockout”. The 7ft Russian has never been taken down in 51 contests, but Haye believes he can end that run in Saturday night’s eagerly anticipated WBA heavyweight title fight. “I truly believe it will be one of the [...]
Rangers and Palace share honours November 3, 2009 FOOTBALL: QPR missed the chance to go fourth in the Championship after being held to a 1-1 draw with London rivals Crystal Palace at Loftus Road. Rangers took a 19th minute lead through Akos Buzsaky’s penalty after Danny Butterfield hauled down Abel Taarabt, but Palace then levelled from the spot – Fitz Hall bringing down [...]
Drogba: I’m in the form of my career November 3, 2009 ATLETICO MADRID (2) vs CHELSEA (2) DIDIER DROGBA insisted he was in the form of his life as he powered Chelsea into the last 16 of the Champions League with a clinical double strike. The Ivorian hitman returned from a three-match European suspension to fire two goals in the last eight minutes and help the [...]