Federer closing in on first French title June 3, 2009 WORLD No2 Roger Federer swept into his 20th consecutive Grand Slam semi-final with a blistering demolition of home favourite Gael Monfils in the French Open. The Swiss master, 27, was forced to save a set point in an opening set tie-break before fighting back to clinch a 7-6 (8-6), 6-2, 6-4 victory over the fancied [...]
We owe it to democracy to vote today June 3, 2009 TODAY is Election Day – even though the astonishing circus of resignations, backstabbings and the near collapse of the Labour government have completely overshadowed the parties’ manifestoes for the European parliament. Many readers will doubtless be planning to abstain in disgust at the evident moral and financial corruption of our ruling classes, a belief that [...]
Lions restore pride with 10-try romp June 3, 2009 GOLDEN LIONS (10) vs. BRITISH LIONS (74) BRITISH and Irish Lions assistant coach Warren Gatland toasted a morale-boosting triumph after they ran in 10 tries in a ruthless drubbing of Golden Lions in Johannesburg. England wing Ugo Monye, Wales centre Jamie Roberts and Ireland wing Tommy Bowe scored two tries each, while stand-in captain Brian O’Driscoll, [...]
UK SERVICES SECTOR OUT OF RECESSION June 3, 2009 A SURPRISE return to growth for the services sector recorded in May boosted hopes yesterday, suggesting that Britain could be the first major economy to recover from the financial crisis. The CIPS/Markit UK services sector purchasing managers’ index (PMI) released yesterday recorded a reading of 51.7, above the critical 50 mark that separates expansion from [...]
LABOUR IN MELTDOWN June 3, 2009 AS VOTERS go to the polls, Prime Minister Gordon Brown is fighting for his political life after cabinet minister Hazel Blears resigned yesterday – just 24 hours ahead of today’s European and local government elections. Communities secretary Hazel Blears is the fourth ministerial departure in 48 hours and the second at cabinet level, after it [...]
Sariska heads Oaks field June 3, 2009 RACING: Ante-post favourite Sariska heads a field of 10 runners for the Oaks at Epsom tomorrow. Michael Bell’s filly heads the betting for the Classic following an impressive display in the Musidora Stakes at York and goes head-to-head with defending champion Rainbow View, who is looking to improve on his fifth place in the 1,000 [...]
Haye pulls out of Klitschko bout June 3, 2009 BOXING: David Haye’s lucrative world heavyweight title showdown with Wladimir Klitschko in a fortnight’s time has been sensationally called off after the Londoner suffered a mysterious injury at his Cypriot training camp. The pair were due to meet at the 60,000 Veltins Arena in Germany on 20 June, before Haye’s sudden withdrawal. “I’m speechless,” Klitschko [...]
England slaughter West Indies June 3, 2009 CRICKET: Opener Luke Wright hit an unbeaten 75 in a nine-wicket victory over the West Indies as England ended their World Twenty20 preparations on a high. Wright, who hit three consecutive sixes, shared 119 in 12 overs with Ravi Bopara, as England reached their target of 145 with 32 balls to spare at Lord’s. Bopara [...]
Bruce hopes to silence doubters June 3, 2009 FOOTBALL: Tynesider Steve Bruce says he hopes to win over his Wearside doubters after finally being confirmed as Sunderland manager yesterday. Bruce, a lifelong Newcastle fan, received a mixed welcome at the club after the Black Cats agreed a £3m compensation package with Wigan. Bruce said: “It’s results on the pitch that matter. I hope [...]
Tevez and Eto’o on wish-list for Hughes’ City revolution June 3, 2009 MARK HUGHES has confirmed he is targeting striker Carlos Tevez to join his Manchester City revolution. Hughes beat off competition from several high-profile rivals to land England midfielder Gareth Barry in a £12m deal on Tuesday. Now he is looking to press on with his pursuit of Tevez, who has come to the end of [...]
