Luck deserted Tom and Lee when they needed it most July 19, 2009 HAD Tom Watson holed that putt on 18 to reclaim the Claret Jug after 26 years, it would have, without doubt, been the greatest sporting achievement of all time. Driving home from Turnberry last night, the enormity of what Tom had achieved still hadn’t really hit home – and I’m sure the great man himself [...]
Swann still confident despite Aussie fightback July 19, 2009 SPINNER Graeme Swann insists England remain favourites to clinch the second Test at Lord’s today, while preventing Australia from blasting their way into the record books. Chasing a first Ashes victory at Lord’s in 75 years, the hosts moved into cruise control after reducing the Australians to 128-5 at one stage – still 403 short [...]
City continue Terry courtship July 19, 2009 FOOTBALL: The Premier League last night confirmed it had received no official complaint from Chelsea over Manchester City’s public pursuit of John Terry, despite City boss Mark Hughes continuing the chase yesterday. Chelsea are angry with City’s courtship despite having a £30m offer turned down last week. And Hughes continued yesterday by saying: “He’s a [...]
Khan happy to fight ‘friend’ Ricky July 19, 2009 BOXING: Newly-crowned WBA light-welterweight champion Amir Khan says he would happily fight his “friend” Ricky Hatton in order to further his career.The 22-year-old is being lined-up to take on ‘The Hitman’ after easing to a unanimous points win over Andreas Kotelnik on Saturday night. “We’re good friends, but business is business. In Britain, I think [...]
Contador leads, Wiggins third July 19, 2009 CYCLING: Spaniard Alberto Contador outgunned rival Lance Armstrong on the final climb to Verbier to win stage 15 of the Tour de France and reclaim the yellow jersey. He now leads seven-time champion Armstrong by 1min 37secs in the overall standings with six stages remaining, while Briton’s Bradley Wiggins, who finished fifth on the stage, [...]
Jimenez in charge as wily Watson rolls back the years July 16, 2009 FIVE-TIME champion Tom Watson rolled back the years with an scintillating opening round 65 to take him to within a shot off the overnight night in the Open Championship. Just two months short of his 60th birthday, the American renewed his love affair with the Turnberry course with five birdies in a bogey-free round to [...]
Chelsea get Terry boost but Cole injury setback July 16, 2009 CHELSEA and England midfielder Joe Cole will miss the club’s pre-season trip to America after suffering a setback in his recovery from a knee injury. Cole had hoped to return to first-team action next month, shortly after the start of the new Premier League season, but now looks likely to be out until September. The [...]
Downing: Villa move will aid my World Cup dream July 16, 2009 ENGLAND winger Stewart Downing insists he had to quit Middlesbrough for Aston Villa in order to boost his prospects of playing in next summer’s World Cup. Downing completed a £12m transfer yesterday, signing a four-year contract with Martin O’Neill’s improving Premier League outfit. It ended the left winger’s long association with his hometown club, which [...]
SPORT IN BRIEF July 16, 2009 Cavendish keeps green jerseyCYCLING: Britain’s Mark Cavendish retained the top sprinter’s green jersey after Nicki Sorensen won yesterday’s 12th stage of the Tour de France.Saxo Bank rider Sorensen claimed his maiden stage win in his 10th year as a professional, while overall leader Rinaldo Nocentini kept hold of the yellow jersey after finishing in the [...]
Magnificent Strauss cuts out England middle men July 16, 2009 HERO captain Andrew Strauss insisted his England side were still in the hunt for a match-winning total despite missing out on an opportunity to put the Australians to the sword at Lord’s. The Middlesex opener smashed 22 fours in a magnificent 161no as England ended a rollercoaster opening day of the second Test on 364-6. [...]