Wasps eke out win as English sides set for crucial Euro games January 17, 2013 WASPS boosted their chances of a home quarter-final in the Amlin Challenge Cup with a narrow 20-19 win over Newport-Gwent Dragons last night at Adams Park. Nicky Robinson scored 15 points – one try, two conversions and two penalties – as the London club hung on in a nervy finish. Saracens head into Sunday’s final Heineken [...]
O’Driscoll disappointed by snub January 17, 2013 RUGBY UNION: Forward Jamie Heaslip has been retained as Ireland captain for the Six Nations despite long-standing skipper Brian O’Driscoll’s return from injury. Heaslip led Ireland during the autumn, while the Leinster star was sidelined with an ankle problem. Ireland’s record try scorer O’Driscoll said: “While I was naturally very disappointed not to be leading the [...]
Armstrong loses Olympic medal January 17, 2013 CYCLING: Deposed former Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong has been stripped of the bronze medal he won at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. The International Olympic Committee’s move came after the International Cycling Union last year revoked the American’s seven Tour de France titles and banned him for life over allegations of doping.
Alonso most afraid of Hamilton January 17, 2013 FORMULA ONE: Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso believes Britain’s Lewis Hamilton remains his strongest rival, despite Red Bull Sebastian Vettel capturing his third world title last year. “If you ask me who the strongest driver is it’s Hamilton,” said the Spanish two-time world champion. “He was last year and he is this year. I’m sure that with [...]
Nadal names date for comeback January 17, 2013 TENNIS: Former world No1 Rafael Nadal has confirmed that he will make his long-awaited comeback from injury next month at the Chile Open. The 11-time grand slam winner has been out since June, when he suffered tendonitis after his shock defeat to Lukas Rosol at Wimbledon. The Spaniard is set to take part in the [...]
Blue Square Bet Winter Carnival January 17, 2013 IT WAS GOOD to see our exclusive blogger Luke Morris strike on his very first ride of this year’s Blue Square Bet Sprint Series on Restless Bay last week. That victory saw Morris’ price on being the top jockey in the series come in to 9/2 from 5/1. Violet Jordan didn’t pick up any points [...]
Rio Tinto drags FTSE 100 down January 17, 2013 Mining giant Rio Tinto weighed heavily on the FTSE 100 this morning, trading down around 3.5 per cent. This morning it said chief executive Tom Albanese would step down following a $14bn impairment charge relating to several acquisitions. Charles Gibson, head of mining at Edison Investment Research, said this morning: “When a company writes off [...]
Dixons posts strong Christmas trading January 17, 2013 Electronics retailer Dixons this morning reported robust trading over the Christmas period, boosted by tablet sales. Like for like sales in its key businesses were up by seven per cent over the 12 weeks to 5 January. Trading was lifted by “phenomenal” sales of tablets across its markets, while white goods were also strong, particularly [...]
Home Retail ups profit guidance on strong Argos sales January 17, 2013 Household goods retailer Home Retail Group this morning raised its profit forecast, on the back of strong sales from Argos. The group, which also includes the Homebase brand, said it now expects pre-tax profit for the financial year to come in at £10m ahead of the current £73m forecast. In October, Home Retail unveiled a [...]
Rio Tinto chief steps down following $14bn charge January 17, 2013 The chief executive of miner Rio Tinto has stepped down, in a surprise move following a $14bn (£8.7m) charge. Outgoing Tom Albanese, who joined Rio two decades ago, will be replaced by Rio Tinto’s iron ore chief Sam Walsh, with effect from today. The $14bn charge includes around $3bn relating to Rio Tinto Coal Mozambique, [...]
