Chris Tremlett: Duanne Olivier’s Yorkshire move shows complexity of the Kolpak issue February 27, 2019 Duanne Olivier’s move to Yorkshire has sparked a familiar debate in cricket this week and I can see both sides of it. The fast bowler has signed a three-year contract with the county via the Kolpak ruling, meaning he has essentially given up his international career with South Africa, aged just 26. Kolpaks in county [...]
Caster Semenya’s challenge of the IAAF’s testosterone proposals will shape the future of sport no matter the verdict February 27, 2019 No matter what is decided over the next month, Caster Semenya is set to shape the future of sport. Semenya may be just one athlete and her case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) may be focused solely on her own issue, but the South African’s fate is sure to have far-reaching consequences. [...]
Six Nations surprise stars: Who have emerged as the standout performers in the championship so far? February 26, 2019 After just three rounds of action the Six Nations has already thrown up a number of twists and turns, including England's win over favourites Ireland, before then losing to Wales last weekend. Here, City A.M. looks at five players who have emerged as surprising standout performers for their country. Liam Williams The Wales full-back has played exceptionally [...]
MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi is defying age as he prepares for 24th world championship at 40 years old February 26, 2019 Valentino Rossi has overcome a number of obstacles during his illustrious career in motorcycle racing and now he is defying a fundamental human process: ageing. Rossi turned 40 this month but is set to begin his 24th world championship season, having won his first race back in August 1996 in the 125cc class as a 17-year-old. [...]
DEBATE: With the Oscars success of Roma, has Netflix broken the dominance of the traditional film studios? February 26, 2019 With the Oscars success of Roma, has Netflix broken the dominance of the traditional film studios? Abbie Llewelyn, freelance writer and commentator, says YES. Just six years after Netflix started producing original content, it has scored 15 nominations and three wins at the Oscars. This is a huge breakthrough for streaming platforms, as up until [...]
Leicester City have time on their side to find the right successor to Claude Puel February 25, 2019 Leicester City’s decision to sack manager Claude Puel on Sunday was understandable and logical. Under the Frenchman’s guidance the Foxes were going nowhere fast, with no win or clean sheet since New Year’s Day. Inconsistent selection, a failing playing style, apparent disregard for cup competitions, and players and fans openly voicing their displeasure have clouded [...]
Sam Torrance: Sublime Dustin Johnson is looking hard to beat as The Players Championship and Masters loom February 25, 2019 When Dustin Johnson hit an iron out of bounds at the 14th hole while trying to deny Darren Clarke his Open Championship at Royal St George’s in 2011, we wondered if he would ever do anything. Now look at him. Johnson claimed his 20th PGA Tour title on Sunday at the WGC-Mexico Championship. In doing [...]
Wales 21-13 England: Eddie Jones’s side need to learn how reverse momentum after first Six Nations defeat February 24, 2019 England’s wins over Ireland and France had been defined by well-executed game-plans, taken from the training pitch and implemented effectively under the pressure the Six Nations provides. In Dublin the tactic to send high, hanging kicks down the flanks to test Robbie Henshaw, playing out of position at full-back, was performed to perfection. At Twickenham, [...]
Manchester City’s penalty shoot-out win and Kepa Arrizabalaga’s power-play leaves Maurizio Sarri a step nearer to Chelsea’s trap door February 24, 2019 After 120 minutes of stalemate, the Carabao Cup final crammed all of its drama into some engrossing and bizarre closing stages. Maurizio Sarri’s stifling tactics did exactly that, but the gamble to sit deep, avoid the 6-0 thrashing of two weeks ago, not muster an attempt on target and then triumph on penalties narrowly failed [...]
Has Liverpool’s new-found solidity turned Jurgen Klopp’s heavy metal football into pedestrian dad-rock? February 24, 2019 When Jurgen Klopp fine-tuned his Liverpool team in preparation for this season, he focused on making them more robust. Following the January 2018 signing of Virgil van Dijk, last summer saw the arrival at Anfield of an elite level goalkeeper in Alisson and an accomplished defensive midfielder in Fabinho. Until then devastating in attack but [...]