England to take on Germany March 9, 2010 HOCKEY: England will take on Olympic champions Germany in the World Cup semi-final tomorrow lunchtime. South Korea’s 2-1 victory over the Netherlands ensured the Germans finished top of Pool A, while England were runners-up of Group B, behind Australia. Captain Barry Middleton was pleased with the draw, saying: “In a couple of games we’ve looked [...]
Mickelson wedge is banned March 9, 2010 GOLF: World No3 Phil Mickelson has been banned from using his controversial 20-year-old wedge following a deal between manufacturer Ping and the PGA Tour. The American has been using a Ping Eye 2 wedge, which features U-shaped grooves to generate more spin. But Ping have now agreed to waive the rights to allow its pre-1990 [...]
Gerrard set to escape V-sign rap March 9, 2010 LIVERPOOL captain Steven Gerrard is expected to escape punishment after he appeared to make an abusive gesture at referee Andre Marriner. Marriner is thought to have seen the gesture, during Wigan’s 1-0 win over the Reds on Monday, and decided not to take action. That means the FA will not pursue a charge against Gerrard, [...]
Adebayor plays down Milan link March 9, 2010 MANCHESTER City striker Emmanuel Adebayor has reaffirmed his commitment to the club, for the time being at least, after fresh speculation linking him with AC Milan. The Togo international, who has been at Eastlands less than eight months, was a target for the Italian club before leaving Arsenal last summer. “I signed at City for [...]
King out for two more weeks March 9, 2010 TOTTENHAM are planning to be without captain Ledley King for the next fortnight as they continue their drive for Champions League qualification. Centre-back King, who is hampered by a long-term knee problem, is also currently nursing a thigh injury sustained last month against Wigan. He will miss fourth-placed Spurs’ Premier League visit from Blackburn on [...]
Watchdog’s bite is too harsh in new regulations March 9, 2010 JAMES BAGGE SENIOR CONSULTANT, NORTON ROSE LLP THIS week there has been a quantum shift in risk exposure for those who work in the financial services industry and perform controlled functions. With effect from 6 March, if anything goes wrong on their watch, there is a real risk of being faced with the prospect of [...]
Employers swap bonuses for tax-free pensions March 9, 2010 REMUNERATING high earning employees in a tax efficient way has always been difficult, and the recent interest in bonuses has made it even more tricky for employers. The introduction of the 50 per cent rate of taxation on those earning over £150,000 has also spurred many to look at ways to protect its high earners. [...]
Put your foot down this summer March 9, 2010 WHAT’S the best way to experience the great British countryside? Some might say it’s in a country pub, with a flagon of frothing ale and a ploughman’s lunch before you. Others might say that it’s in a national park, enjoying a sandwich while perched on top of a mountain and surveying the spectacular scenery spread [...]
Embrace a world of adventure March 9, 2010 JAPAN SKI EXPERIENCE If you love skiing but are bored of France and fondue, then Japan can be a great alternative. There are now over 600 ski resorts in the country, and with annual snowfalls of up to 16m, the skiing is second to none. One of the most popular destinations, says specialist tour operator [...]
Staying afloat in zero gravity is the way to beat City stress March 9, 2010 MY abiding image of floatation therapy has always been Absolutely Fabulous’s Edina Monsoon thrashing about ridiculously in a tank in her bedroom. I think she ended up keeping a dolphin in it. Back then, the idea of relaxing by lying in a puddle of water inside what looked like a giant plastic egg seemed just [...]