With the Australian Open set to begin, has the Big Four’s era of dominance already ended? January 9, 2019 As the first grand slam event on the tennis calendar, the Australian Open is traditionally a time of new beginnings, although this year there is an inescapable sense of something ending too. Should they all make it to the start line, there is a distinct possibility that this will be the last time the Big [...]
Guy Lavender interview: MCC chief executive on a big year for Lord’s, The Hundred and why he’s optimistic for the future of cricket January 8, 2019 The new year brings with it excitement for most, but not many people will be looking forward to what 2019 has to offer more than England cricket fans. If last year was dominated by the football World Cup, then the next 12 months could be all about a different sport, with the Cricket World Cup [...]
Trevor Steven: Liverpool’s FA Cup defeat is a blow but Jurgen Klopp is right to focus on the Premier League and Europe January 8, 2019 It’s been a difficult start to 2019 for Liverpool but their FA Cup defeat by Wolves on Monday was nothing more than unfortunate. They came into the match on the back of two high intensity games against Arsenal and Manchester City, even if they did thump the former 5-1. Jurgen Klopp had decisions to make [...]
Sam Torrance: Rory McIlroy’s decision to focus on the PGA Tour is the right one and can help him be successful in 2019 January 7, 2019 Rory McIlroy began the final day of the Sentry Tournament of Champions in second place and in contention for the first trophy of the new year. Unfortunately he shot a final round of 72 to finish tied fourth as Xander Schauffele’s amazing 11-under-par 62 saw the American claim the prize. For McIlroy there was one [...]
Sport and betting: Why Brexit could pave the way for a wider levy, the role of live data rights, and how the $5bn US market can change the game January 7, 2019 The UK betting industry’s voluntary “whistle-to-whistle” advertising ban during live sports coverage has been widely welcomed but broadcasters – and, by extension, the media rights fees they pay to sport – will take a hit and some sports, such as horse racing, are deemed to be so reliant on gambling that they are exempt from [...]
Bumblebee film review: After the nightmare of Michael Bay, the Transformers franchise has finally come good January 7, 2019 It’s difficult to think of a franchise with a more wretched legacy than Transformers. Despite five films filled with puerile humour, sexism and disinterested performances, the robots in disguise have been a hit with audiences, grossing over $4bn in box office, providing all the motivation needed for continuation. So, we come to Bumblebee, a prequel/soft [...]
Mary Poppins Returns review: Disney hits gold with this unlikely crowd-pleasing sequel January 7, 2019 Disney’s raid on its own back catalogue continues with this sequel to 1964’s Mary Poppins. Emily Blunt steps into the blue overcoat as Mary, who appears from the clouds to come to the aid of the now grown Banks children Michael and Jane (Ben Whishaw and Emily Mortimer) to care for Michael’s own offspring following [...]
Wayne Rooney arrested in US for public intoxication and swearing January 6, 2019 Former England football captain Wayne Rooney was arrested before Christmas for "public intoxication and swearing", court filings revealed this evening. Rooney, who now plays for Major League Soccer's DC United, was arrested in Virginia on 16 December. A spokesman for Loudoun County Sheriff's Office confirmed Rooney was taken into custody "on a charge of public [...]
FA Cup talking points: Giantkillings, QPR arrest their slump, Watford avoid Woking slip-up, Blackpool’s plight and 7-0 thrashings January 6, 2019 Where else to start than with the upsets? They are what makes the FA Cup such a unique competition, and as ever the first involvement of Premier League sides brought some giant killings. Oldham and Newport County led the celebrations today after beating Fulham and Leicester respectively, while Accrington Stanley, Gillingham, Barnet, Bristol City and [...]
Manchester City 2-1 Liverpool: Leroy Sane winner keeps Premier League title race alive in epic clash at the Etihad January 3, 2019 It was described as the biggest game of the season and for once that lived up to its billing. October’s last meeting – a drab 0-0 draw which featured a league-low 13 shots – was quickly forgotten last night as Manchester City and Liverpool set about producing a high-tempo, high-octane display befitting the best two [...]