Onions must get the nod over struggling Panesar July 7, 2009 MUCH of the talk surrounding today’s first Test has centred around the condition of the Cardiff pitch and its effect on selection. While it seems the soft nature of the surface would suit the spinners come day four or five, I would urge England to consider going against the grain when selecting the XI to [...]
Zhirkov seals 18m switch to Chelsea July 7, 2009 CHELSEA’S newest recruit Yuri Zhirkov has admitted that accepting a switch to Stamford Bridge was an easy decision. The versatile Russia international, 25, who can play anywhere down the left flank, signed a three-year contract yesterday after sealing his £18m move from CSKA Moscow. Zhirkov said he could not have rejected the dream transfer, having [...]
Wilkinson in, Cipriani out July 7, 2009 ENGLAND manager Martin Johnson has recalled record points scorer Jonny Wilkinson to the 32-man elite player squad in favour of Wasps’ Danny Cipriani. Wilkinson, who left Newcastle for Toulon earlier this summer, and Brive’s Riki Flutey are the only France-based players in the party. Cipriani, 21, started last season as England’s first choice No10 but [...]
Armstrong back at front of Tour July 7, 2009 CYCLING: Seven-time champion Lance Armstrong moved level with overall Tour de France leader Fabian Cancellara after the American’s team Astana won yesterday’s time trial. Armstrong started the day 40 seconds behind Cancellara but Astana’s victory wiped out that deficit. Cancellara retained the yellow jersey, however, while pre-Tour favourite Alberto Contador moved up to third, 19 [...]
Karlsson closes door on Open July 7, 2009 GOLF: Last year’s European Order of Merit winner Robert Karlsson has been forced to pull out of next week’s Open Championship. The Swede, 39, is suffering from an eye injury that has sidelined him since the end of May. He said: “Light and dark shades of green started to float together and in the PGA [...]
Blades’ Kenny fails dope test July 7, 2009 FOOTBALL: Sheffield United have suspended goalkeeper Paddy Kenny after he tested positive for the banned stimulant ephedrine. Kenny, who returned the test after a play-off semi-final against Preston in May, faces a possible two-year ban.
Strauss: We must hit the ground running July 7, 2009 ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss has stressed the importance of getting off to a winning start as his team prepare to do battle with Australia in this morning’s Ashes opener. Strauss’s men have won just one of their last 15 opening Tests, but he knows his men must hit the ground running in Cardiff this weekend [...]
FSA to ramp fines for City rulebreakers July 6, 2009 CITY watchdog the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has unveiled plans to treble penalties for serious breaches of its rules, and called for individuals caught insider dealing to face a £100,000 minimum fine. A consultation paper from the regulator proposes a beefed-up regime in which the most serious abuses could land companies with fines of up [...]
CITY VIEWS: DO YOU THINK THE FSA’S NEW FINES WILL MAKE CITY MISCREANTS SIT UP AND TAKE NOTICE? July 6, 2009 STEWART DOGUID AVIVA INVESTORS“I don’t think so – individuals will still feel that their gains outstrip the punishment, just as a frequent gambler might do, while companies will just see it as an increase in red tape. It’s all talk from the FSA but unfortunately very little substance.” OLLIE BARTON-JONES LANCASHIRE INSURANCE“I think this sounds [...]
Balderton in $485m raising for new fund July 6, 2009 BALDERTON Capital, the venture capital firm which had a 20 per cent stake in failed sports broadcaster Setanta, is about to close the biggest venture fund raised in the UK in the last 12 months. The fund, which has fallen just short of its $500m (£308m) target, will look for investment opportunities in the telecoms [...]
