Venus and Safina crash in Tokyo September 28, 2009 TENNIS: World No1 and defending champion Dinara Safina was sensationally dumped out of the Pan Pacific Open in the second round by Taiwanese qualifier Chang Kai-Chen.“It’s not an easy moment, it’s so disappointing I didn’t play the way I should have,” she said. Second seed Venus Williams was also sent packing in Tokyo, losing 7-6 [...]
Woods claims FedEx Cup September 28, 2009 GOLF: World No1 Tiger Woods took home a cheque for $10m (£6.3m) after being crowned the winner of the FedEx Cup, despite Phil Mickelson claiming the Tour Championship. Mickelson shot a final-round 65 on Sunday to claim victory at East Lake Golf Club but Woods was second, ensuring the 33-year-old topped the FedEx Cup standings. [...]
Obama boost for Chicago bid September 28, 2009 OLYMPICS: President Barack Obama will travel to Copenhagen this week to show his support for Chicago’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games.He will join his wife Michelle at the International Olympic Committee meeting in the Danish capital on Thursday. Chicago, the favourite to land the Games, faces stiff competition from Madrid, Rio de Janeiro [...]
Strauss gets ICC backing in cramp row September 28, 2009 WORLD governing body the ICC has backed England captain Andrew Strauss in the row over cramp that erupted during Sunday’s Champions Trophy defeat of South Africa. Proteas skipper Graeme Smith asked for a runner when he started cramping as the hosts vainly chased their target of 324. But Strauss, backed by the umpires, turned down [...]
Flintoff: I won’t pick and choose my England dates September 28, 2009 ENGLAND all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has stressed that playing for his country will be his priority when he returns from his latest injury nightmare. The 31-year-old, who is expected to be out for at least six months following knee surgery, earlier this month drew criticism for refusing a central contract. But the irreplaceable talisman, who retired [...]
Borthwick in all-clear for autumn Tests September 28, 2009 ENGLAND captain Steve Borthwick’s rollercoaster injury ride took another upturn yesterday after he was given the green light to play in the autumn internationals. Saracens feared their skipper had suffered an eye socket fracture when he was forced off in their narrow 19-16 win over Gloucester on Sunday. But scans yesterday revealed nothing more sinister [...]
Double injury blow for Blues’ European trip September 28, 2009 CHELSEA have been rocked by the news midfielders Michael Ballack and John Obi Mikel will both miss tomorrow’s Champions League tie with APOEL Nicosia. Neither player has travelled with the squad as Germany captain Ballack has a calf strain and Mikel is struggling with an ankle injury. But England full-back Ashley Cole did make the [...]
DOWNPOUR AND OUT? September 28, 2009 INDIA’S hopes of reaching the Champions Trophy semi-finals suffered a blow last night when torrential rain caused their match with Australia at Centurion to be abandoned. Australia were in a strong position with 234-4 from 42.3 overs when a thunderstorm hit, meaning both sides were awarded a point each. It leaves India needing to thrash [...]
Tevez Hammers former club September 27, 2009 MANCHESTER CITY boss Mark Hughes last night hailed strike duo Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy after the former West Ham players put their old club to the sword. Tevez scored twice against his old colleagues, with Martin Petrov also on target for the home side and Carlton Cole replying for the Hammers. Victory lifted City [...]
England charge into last four in a tale of cramp and style September 27, 2009 CAPTAIN Andrew Strauss hailed a best-ever batting display as England waltzed into the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy against all odds at the expense of hosts South Africa. Strauss’ men produced a batting masterclass in smashing the No1-ranked Proteas for a massive 323-8 – their sixth highest 50-over total of all-time. Man-of-the-match Owais Shah (98) [...]