Dragon Bird gets 16 months June 22, 2009 RUGBY LEAGUE: Catalans Dragons captain Greg Bird has been sentenced to 16 months in prison after being found guilty of hitting his girlfriend with a glass. The 25-year-old Australian was granted bail pending an appeal. Bird’s girlfriend had written him a character reference to persuade the court to give him a lenient sentence. The pair [...]
Hamilton eyes German progress June 22, 2009 FORMULA ONE: Britain’s Lewis Hamilton is hoping constructors McLaren make a “huge improvement” at the next formula one meeting in Germany in three weeks’ time. Hamilton finished 16th at Silverstone on Sunday but the team remain confident of “an end of season push”.
Record-breaking suits get nod June 22, 2009 SWIMMING: World governing body FINA have reversed their decision to ban controversial hi-tech racing suits. The X-Glide and Jaked 01 were two of the 348 suits reviewed by FINA after more than 100 world records were broken in 18 months.
World Twenty20 “a big hit” June 22, 2009 CRICKET: ICC president David Morgan has declared England’s hosting of the World Twenty20 “an overwhelming success”. Organisers sold more than 96 percent of tickets, making the tournament more commercially successful than the inaugural event in South Africa in 2007.
Glover stays cool to clinch first major June 22, 2009 MODEST Lucas Glover admitted being humbled by winning the US Open after the unheralded American triumphed on a dramatic final day at Bethpage Black. Glover, who previously had just one PGA Tour title to his name, clinched his first major victory by holding his nerve as his rivals crumbled. A three-over-par final round of 73 [...]
Ashes blow for Vaughan and Harmison June 22, 2009 ENGLAND selectors yesterday insisted former skipper Michael Vaughan’s Test career was not dead despite effectively ending his hopes of playing in the Ashes. Yorkshire skipper Vaughan and Durham paceman Steve Harmison were both left out of the 16-man training squad for the hotly anticipated series against Australia, which starts next month. However there was a [...]
Hughes reunited with Santa Cruz after 18m deal sealed June 22, 2009 ROQUE SANTA CRUZ hailed the chance to work with former boss Mark Hughes as the major factor in his decision to make an £18m move to Manchester City after completing the long-awaited switch yesterday. After passing a medical the 27-year-old Paraguay striker signed a four-year deal which commits him to Eastlands until 2012. “I know the [...]
FOOTBALL IN BRIEF June 22, 2009 Rodwell earns U21s top spotENGLAND clinched top spot in their group with a 1-1 draw against Germany at the European Under-21 Championship last night. Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell headed the equaliser for Stuart Pearce’s much-changed side, who had already booked a place in the semi-finals. Germany, who have also reached the last four, had earlier [...]
Robson, 15, wins hearts but loses battle at Wimbledon June 22, 2009 BRITISH starlet Laura Robson said she was “upset but proud” after the 15-year-old gave former world No5 Daniela Hantuchova a major scare at Wimbledon. Robson, last year’s junior champion, had her opponent on the rack after taking the first set and moving a break ahead in the second. Nerves took their toll on the left-hander, [...]
17.5m Johnson snubs Blues in favour of Liverpool move June 22, 2009 ENGLAND defender Glen Johnson is set to complete a £17.5m transfer to Liverpool after rejecting a return to former club Chelsea. Liverpool confirmed last night they had agreed a fee with Portsmouth and personal terms with Johnson, 24, following a three-way chase for his signature. Big-spending Manchester City were also in the running while Chelsea [...]