Johnson backs Wilko to shine July 14, 2009 RUGBY UNION: England manager Martin Johnson says injury-plagued Jonny Wilkinson is fit and raring to go following his call-up to the 32-man elite player squad. Fly-half Wilkinson hasn’t played since dislocating his kneecap playing for Newcastle 10 months ago, but Johnson said: “He is a world-class player. He was in here for a fitness assessment [...]
Monty ‘unhappy’ at Lyle apology July 14, 2009 GOLF: Sandy Lyle’s apology for accusing Colin Montgomerie of cheating at an event four years ago was last night branded as “strange” by his fellow Scot. “I want to be clear that I regret bringing up the 2005 incident,” Lyle said. “Colin and I are not at war – he’s a great champion and a [...]
Fergie rift forced City move July 14, 2009 CARLOS TEVEZ celebrated the completion of his £25.5m move to Manchester City yesterday – with a parting shot at former boss Sir Alex Ferguson. The Argentina international joined a rare bread of players to cross the Manchester divide after rejecting United’s offer to upgrade his loan deal to a permanent move in favour of a [...]
Flintoff set to recover for second Ashes Test July 14, 2009 TALISMANIC England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is expected to shake off a knee injury in time for tomorrow’s second Ashes Test against Australia. Head coach Andy Flower is waiting until today to make a decision on Flintoff, who felt pain after England snatched a draw in the first Test on Sunday. Flintoff needed an injection on [...]
Adebayor set to join Tevez at Man City July 13, 2009 MANCHESTER City boss Mark Hughes was last night on the verge of clinching a £50m double striker swoop after being given the green light in his bid to pair Carlos Tevez with Arsenal’s Emmanuel Adebayor. Hughes confirmed that big-spending City had agreed a deal to sign £30m-rated Tevez, who left rivals Manchester United last month [...]
My spending spree is over, says Ferguson July 13, 2009 MANCHESTER United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists he has closed his chequebook for the summer – despite landing £80m from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo. Ferguson yesterday officially welcomed close season signings Michael Owen, Antonio Valencia and Gabriel Obertan to the club. The trio cost little more than £20m between them, but, having failed to [...]
Harrington sets his sights on a place in Open record books July 13, 2009 PADRAIG HARRINGTON will be looking to join one of the most exclusive golf clubs in history when he defends his Open Championship title at Turnberry on Thursday. After victories at Carnoustie in 2007 and Royal Birkdale 12 months ago, the Irishman is looking to become only the fifth player since records begun in 1860 to [...]
I’m not quitting, insists Henson July 13, 2009 RUGBY UNION: Wales centre Gavin Henson last night moved to quash rumours he is about to quit the game. According to some reports, the 25-year-old was disillusioned with rugby and his on-going injury problems and on the verge of announcing his retirement. But in a joint statement with his region, Ospreys, Henson said he was [...]
Khan eyes a bright future July 13, 2009 BOXING: Amir Khan is hoping victory over WBA light-welterweight champion Andreas Kotelnik will earn him a superfight with Ricky Hatton. The Bolton fighter is being linked with a showdown with “The Hitman” but first must assume world champion status with victory against Ukrainian Kotelnik in Manchester on Saturday night. “This is a fight that is [...]
England’s women retain Ashes July 13, 2009 CRICKET: England’s women celebrated retaining the Ashes for the third time in succession after drawing the one-off Ashes Test against Australia at Worcester. Set an unlikely victory target of 273, England struggled to 39-3 before rain came to their aid, reducing the innings to 53 overs. But Charlotte Edwards’ 53 not out saw them to [...]