Record success for Cavendish July 15, 2009 CYCLING: Britain’s Mark Cavendish reclaimed the top sprinter’s green jersey after winning his fourth stage of the Tour de France. Cavendish’s victory was his eighth in total at the event, equalling Barry Hoban’s British record. Italy’s Rinaldo Nocenti retained the yellow jersey and leads Alberto Contador by six seconds, with seven-time winner Lance Armstrong a [...]
Khan primed for Hatton July 15, 2009 BOXING: Promoter Frank Warren says he could pit Amir Khan against fellow Brit Ricky Hatton, if the Bolton youngster comes through his first world title fight. Light-welterweight Khan faces Ukrainian WBA champion Andreas Kotelnik in Manchester on Saturday. “Let’s see if Amir gets the belt first,” said Warren. “I think Ricky Hatton should retire but [...]
It’s Bolt vs Powell in London July 15, 2009 ATHLETICS: Triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt will take on fellow Jamaican Asafa Powell in a top class 100m clash at the London Grand Prix this month. Powell, who confirmed his participation yesterday, was the last man to beat Bolt over that distance, in Stockholm 12 months ago. They will be joined in the race at [...]
Borthwick takes Sarries lead July 15, 2009 RUGBY UNION: Saracens have appointed England captain Steve Borthwick as skipper for next season. Borthwick shared the role with Andy Farrell last year but has been handed sole responsibility following the rugby league convert’s retirement. South African back row Wikus van Heerden will be Saracens’ new vice-captain.
Flintoff: My body has told me it’s time to quit Tests July 15, 2009 ENGLAND’S Ashes preparations took a shock turn yesterday when talismanic all-rounder Andrew Flintoff announced the current series would be his last in Test cricket. Ahead of today’s second clash with Australia at Lord’s, Flintoff said persistent injury problems over the last four years had forced him to reduce his workload. The 31-year-old will continue to [...]
Freddie exit won’t hurt Ashes bid July 15, 2009 ANDREW FLINTOFF’S announcement came as a surprise to no-one. It had become increasingly clear that his physique was not up to the rigours of Test cricket. Retiring from that is the best decision for him – the lesser workload will help his knee, and in any case his game is better suited to one-dayers and [...]
Tiger all set to roar towards his 15th Major at Turnberry July 14, 2009 TIGER WOODS has had a frustrating 18 months with his knee injury, but is now well on the road to recovery and is beginning to hit top form. He finished a disappointing 12th in his last Open Championship in 2007, but won both years prior to that and will be going for his fourth Claret [...]
Swing of Hilfenhaus to help Aussies keep unbeaten Lord’s run July 14, 2009 Despite England having fought hard for the draw on a hugely entertaining last day in Cardiff, there are few who would argue that they were not fortunate to emerge with their series record unscathed. The psychological damage however will have been a little more painful, as the Three Lions clung on to the Aussie coat [...]
Mega-rich City could overtake United July 14, 2009 THE bottomless pit of cash that Manchester City are mining this summer has already seen them snatch Carlos Tevez away from their more prestigious local rivals. And it is far from unthinkable that their spending spree could even see them poach Manchester United’s place in the top four too. Tevez has followed Gareth Barry and [...]
Jenas bait in Tottenham’s Vieira swoop July 14, 2009 TOTTENHAM manager Harry Redknapp is ready to use England midfielder Jermaine Jenas as bait in a sensational deal for Patrick Vieira. Inter Milan are reportedly willing to let Vieira, former captain of Spurs’ arch-rivals Arsenal, leave the club for a fee of around £3.5m. Tottenham are among a host of clubs chasing the 33-year-old Frenchman’s [...]