European Open gets axe as six events join Tour December 7, 2009 THE EUROPEAN Open, a mainstay of the European Tour since 1977, has been axed from next year’s schedule. The 2010 season, which gets underway on Thursday, will feature six new tournaments but there is no place for the European Open, which has been held at the London Club in Kent for the past two years. [...]
Bullard out for six weeks December 7, 2009 INJURY-PLAGUED Hull midfielder Jimmy Bullard has received a dose of festive cheer after learning his latest knee problem is not as bad as first feared. Bullard, who has twice suffered cruciate ligament damage, left the pitch in tears against Aston Villa on Saturday. It sparked fears that the 31-year-old had sustained another career-threatening injury, just [...]
Young Guns get Greek outing December 7, 2009 ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger has promised to give his young stars a chance to make amends for recent setbacks in tomorrow’s clash with Olympiacos. Wenger’s fringe players were well beaten 3-0 by a full-strength Manchester City in last week’s Carling Cup quarter-final. But the Frenchman is ready to unleash them on European competition, having already [...]
Wasps cleared in Sale match fiasco December 7, 2009 SALE have slammed Premier Rugby’s decision not to punish Wasps for pulling out of last month’s Premiership clash at short notice. Wasps appeared before a hearing yesterday charged with breaching regulations by refusing to play at a rain-soaked Edgeley Park on 27 November. Sale had been happy for the match to go ahead while referee [...]
South Africa abuse makes me laugh, says Pietersen December 7, 2009 PANTOMIME season is upon us – and England batsman Kevin Pietersen insists he is happy to play the role of villain for South Africa fans. The fit-again Hampshire star is frequently treated to a hot reception when he takes to the crease in the country of his birth. But ahead of the upcoming four-Test series, [...]
United missing 14 players for Germany trip December 7, 2009 WOLFSBURG vs. MANCHESTER UTDMANCHESTER UNITED’S injury crisis deepened further last night when strike pair Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov became the latest players to be ruled out.Rooney and Berbatov are set to miss this evening’s trip to German champions Wolfsburg with ankle and groin injuries respectively. They are among a staggering 14 first team stars [...]
British Grand Prix saved in 310m deal December 7, 2009 MOTORSPORT chief Damon Hill admits a deal to save the British Grand Prix was only finally struck after weeks of hard bargaining. Silverstone officials confirmed yesterday that the oldest race on the Formula One calendar would remain at the circuit for another 17 years. The announcement banished fears that a British date could be lost [...]
Chelsea boss Carlo keeps faith in Cech December 7, 2009 CHELSEA vs. APOEL NICOSIA CHELSEA boss Carlo Ancelotti insists he still has full faith in Petr Cech despite holding the goalkeeper responsible for Saturday’s shock defeat at Manchester City. Cech’s poor positioning allowed Carlos Tevez to curl home a match-winning free-kick and slash the Blues’ lead at the top of the Premier League to two [...]
Shanks asks for 10 per cent more after offer December 7, 2009 WASTE management firm Shanks Group revealed a £536m buyout approach yesterday, sending its shares soaring, but said its board and key shareholders were looking for at least 10 per cent more. Shanks did not name the company behind the approach but a person familiar with the matter said it was the Carlyle Group, the well-connected [...]
CITY VIEWS: IS LONDON STILL THE WORLD’S LEADING FINANCIAL CENTRE? December 7, 2009 ELLIOTT PERRY RK HARRISON“London is still at the top of the game as a financial centre. Technology is developing all the time, which drives people to come and work here. As long as the downturn doesn’t hit development in that area, London will remain competitive.” SAM WARD MARSH“There is real expertise in London – it’s [...]