Latest News

The latest news is provided by BBC Sport and guardian.co.uk and is updated every minute.

You can find out more about each specific sport from the Explore Sport screens, including news specific to each sport.

Most Recent News

BBC Sport | Latest Published Stories | UK Edition

Updated every minute of every day
  • Cesc Fábregas needs 'miracle' to be fit for Arsenal's trip to Hull -

    • Gunners captain has 0.5% chance of playing, says Wenger
    • 'Unless a miracle happens, he will not play'

    Arsène Wenger accepts it will take a "miracle" for the Arsenal captain Cesc Fábregas to be fit for Saturday's Premier League trip to Hull.

    The Spain midfielder missed the midweek Champions League victory over Porto because of the hamstring problem which had seen him hobble out of the win against Burnley. Wenger will not take any risks at the KC Stadium in Saturday's late kick-off.

    "His chances of playing are 0.5% – that means unless a miracle happens, he will not play," said Wenger. "At the moment, Cesc is out of Saturday's game. We have a little doubt about [Tomas] Rosicky, but we will check that tomorrow morning. Nobody else is back, but we will lose [Alex] Song, because he is suspended."

    With William Gallas still out with a calf problem, Wenger will be hoping the veteran Sol Campbell can shrug off the effects of cramp to face relegation-threatened Hull. However, Bacary Sagna is struggling with an ankle injury.

    "Campbell looks better than expected today. Sagna has an ankle problem but we will assess that tomorrow," said Wenger. "We will see how it develops, who is available, who I can play. We know we have 48 hours to prepare for this game and it is quite needed."

    Gallas is out of contract at the end of the season, and as such is free to talk to any clubs, with Roma reported to be tracking the former Chelsea defender who turns 33 in August. Wenger, though, is confident the Frenchman will extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium.

    "I am not concerned," said the Arsenal manager. "He is under contract until 30 June. We have not found an agreement yet. I meet his agents again next Thursday and we will try to find a solution.

    Wenger added: "I do not know if he has spoken to Roma, but he is out of contract and can talk to whom he wants. William is speaking to us and our desire is to keep him here. I think he wants to stay here."


    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Lyon president hails Lyon's shock victory over Real Madrid -

    • Jean-Michel Aulas delighted by draw at Bernabéu
    • 'It's the best performance I've seen from Lyon'

    The Lyon president, Jean-Michel Aulas, has revealed his emotions got the better of him as he watched his side send Real Madrid crashing out of the Champions League at the Bernabéu last night.

    Miralem Pjanic's crucial away goal 15 minutes from time secured a 1-1 draw to tip a nervy encounter in the French side's favour as Madrid came up short in front of their expectant home support.

    Lyon's run to the quarter-finals of Europe's premier club competition has been in stark contrast to their form in Ligue 1 this season, which has been occasionally lacklustre, and Aulas has backed his side to book a return date to Madrid by reaching the final at the Bernabeu on 22 May.

    "It's amazing. It's the best performance I've seen from Lyon," Aulas told www.ligue1.com. "The players and the coach have been overly, and harshly, criticised this season so this result only makes me all the more happy. I can't tell you how delighted I am.

    "I shouldn't say this, but I even had a little tear in my eye. Now the dream is to come back here for the final, but before then, there's the quarter-final and then the semi-final to tackle."

    Lyon rode their luck on occasion, particularly in the first period. There were just 16 seconds on the clock when the Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was called into action, coming out to deny Kaká, and within five minutes Madrid were ahead.

    Guti's ball over the top from inside his own half put Cristiano Ronaldo in on the left and the winger's low left-footed drive fizzed under Lloris. Kaká and Ronaldo went close before Gonzalo Higuaín missed an incredible opportunity to put Madrid 2-0 up in the 25th minute when he contrived to hit the post with the goal at his mercy having rounded Lloris.

    "I admit that in the first half, we were a bit lucky with that shot from Higuaín that hit the post. But we bounced back well in the second half," said the Lyon coach, Claude Puel. "We managed to get the ball wide which we didn't do in the first 45 minutes. Real also dipped a little physically. But I think on our second-half showing, we deserved to go through. It took a really great second half to get the result."

    The Lyon captain, Cris, believes the 2-1 aggregate victory will force the rest of Europe to sit up and take notice of his side, who until last season were the dominant force in French football with seven straight title victories before Bordeaux broke their monopoly.

    "No one believed in our chances before the game but we showed we can do it," the Brazilian defender said. "Now people will look at us differently. We're very happy, but we still haven't won anything."


    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Caster Semenya's career still in doubt as IAAF delays decision -

    • Governing body still in discussions over athlete's status
    • IAAF will make no decision 'until further notice'

    Caster Semenya's future in athletics remained under a cloud today after it was revealed no further progress had been been made in ascertaining her gender status.

    Semenya underwent tests conducted by a panel of medical experts after winning last summer's world 800 metres gold medal in Berlin and the results were expected last November.

    But the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), which had been expected to announce the findings at their council meeting in Monaco, revealed the tests had still not been completed.

    Today at a World Indoor Championships press conference in Doha, the IAAF announced Semenya's case had still not been concluded and reiterated that, until it is, they cannot make any statement.

    "The IAAF and Caster Semenya's representatives are still in discussions with a view to resolving the issues surrounding her participation in athletics," said Nick Davies, the IAAF communications director. "As a result no further comments will be made on this subject by the IAAF until further notice."


    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Ferguson issues Rooney challenge - Sir Alex Ferguson challenges Wayne Rooney to surpass Cristiano Ronaldo's 42-goal season for Manchester United.
  • Group mulls over Rangers takeover - The group considering a possible takeover of Rangers will decide in about two weeks' time whether to make an offer.
  • Forest and Derby fined for brawl - Derby and Nottingham Forest are fined £35,000 each by the FA for failing to control their players at Pride Park.
  • Button aims to make winning start - World champion Jenson Button says it is important to make a strong start to the season in Sunday's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
  • Leonardo tells Milan to forget Old Trafford humbling and win Serie A -

    • Milan coach urges his players to focus on league title
    • 'Side doesn't need to be transformed, it needs to be intelligent'

    The Milan coach, Leonardo, has urged his side to forget their 4-0 humiliation at Manchester United in the Champions League and focus on challenging for the Serie A title.

    "I had imagined a different game at Old Trafford," said the Brazilian. "We had structural problems but we also have to recognise the strength of our rivals.

    "I nevertheless believe that one should not judge Milan based on the game at Old Trafford. We are still second in Serie A, four points behind Inter. Let's focus on our strengths and not be conditioned by the negative result at Manchester United.

    "This Milan side does not need to be transformed, it just needs to be intelligent and make sure this setback does not have a negative effect on our aims this season."

    Milan's city neighbours Internazionale are still in the Champions League and will take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next week after winning the first leg at San Siro.

    Once again, the Inter coach, Jose Mourinho, will have to watch his side's match at Catania on Friday from the stands while he completes a touchline ban. Inter's players believe his absence in recent games has hindered their performances – the Nerazzurri have drawn four of their last five games.

    "If the team plays well and with the right attitude, there is no need to have the coach on the bench to win," Mourinho said. "I am not the one that is playing. I don't score. I don't make the saves."


    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Smith backs Durham squad strength - Durham captain Will Smith says the club can cope without the county's England players as they chase another title.
  • Coach Calzaghe expected to retire - World renowned boxing trainer Enzo Calzaghe is set to retire, BBC Sport understands.
  • Tranmere must be positive - Welsh - Tranmere midfielder John Welsh urges them go to Bristol on Saturday with a positive attitude.
  • Fa'afili praises Leeds team-mates - Winger Henry Fa'afili says his good form is down to the hard work and talent of Leeds Carnegie team-mates.
  • Real Madrid must shake off Lyon disappointment, says Iker Casillas -

    • Goalkeeper turns focus to domestic title race in Spain
    • 'This championship is all we have left,' says Casillas

    Real Madrid must immediately put last night's shock Champions League exit out of their minds if they are to take their only chance of silverware this season and win La Liga, according to their goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

    Eliminated from the King's Cup by the third-tier side Alcorcón in November, Real climbed above the reigning champions Barcelona on goal difference last weekend and play at struggling Real Valladolid in Sunday's late kick-off after Barça host third-placed Valencia.

    Real's dream of winning a 10th European title in May's final at their Bernabéu stadium was shattered by Lyon, who snatched a 1-1 draw to progress to the quarter-finals 2-1 on aggregate.

    "We have to remain calm and think about the team,"Casillas said after Real failed to make the last eight of Europe's elite club competition for the sixth straight season. "We can't let it hinder the good form we are on in the league. This championship is all we have left. We need to make a fresh start."

    Barça, level on 62 points with Real, will almost certainly be without Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the Valencia match, which pits Lionel Messi, La Liga's leading scorer, against the second-highest scorer, David Villa.


    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Droylsden offer fans free entry - Droylsden will let fans in for free to see Saturday's Blue Square North game with Eastwood Town.
  • Thomas in hospital after bad fall - Jockey Sam Thomas is a doubt for Cheltenham after being airlifted to hospital following an accident on the gallops at Paul Nicholls' yard.
  • Cavendish is struggling in Italy - Isle of Man cyclist Mark Cavendish is still struggling for form as he prepares to defend his Milan-San Remo title.
  • Gold Cup winner Sam Thomas airlifted to hospital after fall -

    • Jockey now a doubt for next week's Cheltenham Festival
    • 'I'm afraid this was a bad fall,' says trainer Paul Nicholls

    The Gold Cup-winning jockey Sam Thomas has been airlifted to Bath's Royal United Hospital with suspected back and neck injuries after a riding accident this morning. His participation in next week's Cheltenham Festival is in doubt.

    "He had a bad fall schooling at Paul Nicholls's yard," said the trainer Tom George, who is Thomas's principal employer. "I've spoken to his girlfriend, who has been allowed to talk to him. Initial X-rays have shown that there are no broken bones."

    Thomas had been schooling the Arkle hope Woolcombe Folly at Paul Nicholls's yard near Ditcheat in Somerset when he had the fall. "You know when a jockey has suffered a bad fall, and I'm afraid this was bad," Nicholls told the Racing Post. As is common in that rural area, Thomas was transported to hospital by air ambulance.

    The 25-year-old Thomas enjoyed his greatest moment in the saddle when partnering Denman to victory in the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup. He rode the same horse to be second behind Kauto Star last year but has lost the ride since accepting a position as George's No1 rider.

    He was expected to ride Tricky Trickster in next Friday's Gold Cup. His other mounts at the Cheltenham Festival would include George's Tell Massini, the 9-2 favourite for the Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle.

    Chris Cook

    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Nottingham Panthers v Coventry Blaze - Preview of Nottingham Panthers against Coventry Blaze at the National Ice Centre on Saturday.
  • Clough looks to land loan keeper - Derby boss Nigel Clough is confident he will sign a goalkeeper on loan before Saturday's game against Doncaster.
  • Mansfield v Tamworth - Team news and live coverage of Saturday's Blue Square Premier match.
  • Griffiths awaits citing decision - Ospreys prop Cai Griffiths will appear before a WRU disciplinary panel on Thursday following a citing from the Edinburgh game.
  • John Higgins to begin world snooker title defence against Barry Hawkins -

    • Reigning world champion takes on world No17
    • Ronnie O'Sullivan drawn against China's Liang Wenbo

    John Higgins will begin the defence of his World Championship title against Barry Hawkins. Higgins, who beat Shaun Murphy in last year's Crucible final, will get the tournament under way on 17 April in Sheffield. Hawkins, the world No17, will be making his fifth consecutive appearance at the World Championship.

    The most tantalising ties involve two of the three Chinese players in the draw, with Liang Wenbo starting against the three-times winner Ronnie O'Sullivan and the 18-year-old Crucible debutant Zhang Anda playing the seven-times champion Stephen Hendry. Their fellow Chinese player Ding Junhui plays England's Stuart Pettman.

    Steve Davis, on his 30th appearance in Sheffield, will take on his fellow Romford professional Mark King, while the Masters champion Mark Selby will face the 1997 world champion Ken Doherty.

    Murphy begins his challenge against Northern Ireland's Gerard Greene, and last year's losing semi-finalists, Mark Allen and Neil Robertson, will meet Tom Ford and Fergal O'Brien respectively.

    World Championship first-round draw

    John Higgins (Sco) v Barry Hawkins (Eng)

    Mark King (Eng) v Steve Davis (Eng)

    Neil Robertson (Aus) v Fergal O'Brien (Irl)

    Marco Fu (Hkg) v Martin Gould (Eng)

    Ali Carter (Eng) v Jamie Cope (Eng)

    Joe Perry (Eng) v Michael Holt (Eng)

    Ding Junhui (Chn) v Stuart Pettman (Eng)

    Shaun Murphy (Eng) v Gerard Greene (Nir)

    Stephen Maguire (Sco) v Stephen Lee (Eng)

    Peter Ebdon (Eng) v Graeme Dott (Sco)

    Mark Allen (Nir) v Tom Ford (Eng)

    Ryan Day (Wal) v Mark Davis (Eng)

    Mark Selby (Eng) v Ken Doherty (Irl)

    Stephen Hendry (Sco) v Zhang Anda (Chn)

    Mark Williams (Wal) v Marcus Campbell (Sco)

    Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng) v Liang Wenbo (Chn)


    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Well boss cools talk on Euro spot - Motherwell boss Craig Brown will ignore talk of targeting a Europa League place until Well secure a top six spot in the Scottish Premier League.
  • Real Madrid back coach Pellegrini - Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini receives support from the club's director general following the Spanish giants' Champions League exit.
  • Wayne Rooney refuses to set target as he nears Cristiano Ronaldo mark -

    • Manchester United striker has scored 30 goals this season
    • 'I have not set myself a target. I just want to keep scoring'

    Wayne Rooney is refusing to set himself a goals target for the season despite reaching the 30 mark at Old Trafford last night. Rooney continued his incredible recent run of form for Manchester United by grabbing a double in the stunning 4-0 Champions League demolition of Milan.

    It meant the 24-year-old scored four of United's seven goals over the two legs and left him just 12 away from the number Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the double-winning season two years ago.

    With nine Premier League games remaining, plus up to five more in the Champions League, the odds on Rooney eclipsing Ronaldo's feat are tumbling fast. But the England striker is refusing to look too far ahead, and insists his major priority is looking forward to the last-eight draw tomorrow week.

    "I am delighted to get two more goals but I have not set myself a target. I just want to keep scoring," said Rooney. "Overall, it was a great result and we are delighted to get through. Now we can just look forward to the draw and see how it goes from there. There is no preference. They are all difficult games at this stage of the competition."

    United already know Lyon, Bayern Munich and Arsenal are potential quarter-final opponents, while the holders Barcelona, Internazionale, Chelsea and Sevilla appear to be the strongest sides left in the other half of the draw, which is concluded next week.

    However, after ripping apart the seven-times winners in clinical fashion last night, United are bidding to reach a third successive final for the first time in their history.

    "The first goal was vital," said Rooney. "We set out to get an early goal to kill the game off and when we got it we shattered Milan's confidence. That was the major turning point."


    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Binocular set for crucial workout - Binocular will face a final workout on Friday to decide whether he will run in Tuesday's Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
  • Yeovil sign midfielder Williams - Yeovil Town sign Bristol City midfielder Gavin Williams on a one-month loan deal.
  • Green earns selection by England - Isle of Man badminton player Josh Green is selected to represent England at the World Junior Championships in Mexico.
  • PCB chairman defends bans for Mohammad Yousuf and company -

    • Ijaz Butt says severe punishments were necessary
    • 'We are not worried about the consequences of our action'

    The Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, Ijaz Butt, has defended the punishments imposed on seven of the country's top players, saying strong action was needed to stamp out indiscipline in the national side.

    "I am not apologetic; I think the board has taken the right decision and such strong action was urgently required to put Pakistan cricket back on the right track," Butt said. "This problem of indiscipline and groupings in the team has been festering for a while now and we thought this was the best time to take action."

    Yesterday the PCB imposed various bans and fines on Mohammad Yousuf, Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik, Rana Naved, Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal and Umar Akmal after considering the recommendations of a committee that looked at poor performances and infighting on the recent Australian tour.

    "We are not worried about the consequences of our action," said Butt. "There is no shortage of talent in Pakistan and we want players to remember they have to give 100% to the country and follow the code of conduct."

    The board, after issuing two statements to clear up confusion about the bans yesterday, said it would not consider the former captains Yousuf and Younis for national team selection for an unspecified period. Malik and Rana are banned for one year and were fined two million rupees (£29,000) each.

    Afridi and Kamran were each fined three million rupees (£43,000) and put on six months' probation while Umar was fined two million rupees.

    Pakistan lost every match of their three-Test, five one-day and Twenty20 series in Australia.


    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Jefferies happy with Hearts start - Jim Jefferies says the club's owner Vladimir Romanov is happy with the way the manager's second spell at Tynecastle is shaping up.
  • Hughton demands consistent finish - Newcastle boss Chris Hughton believes consistency will build momentum in his side's final push for the title.
  • Everton need a billionaire, says chairman Bill Kenwright -

    • Everton chairman hopeful of fresh investment in the club
    • Merseyside club still considering stadium options

    Everton's chairman, Bill Kenwright, is still hopeful there is a billionaire somewhere who wants to invest in the club.

    With the manager, David Moyes, working on a tight budget and the pressing need for a new stadium, Kenwright has long accepted the Goodison club require a huge injection of capital.

    However, he pointed out that even if there were a wealthy benefactor out there – and several parties are currently interested – the club had to learn lessons from other takeovers which had not gone exactly to plan.

    "The truth is Everton do need a billionaire. Of course that's a stock phrase, but we do need major investment," said Kenwright. "One of the difficulties of being a chairman who has had to use money as wisely as he possibly knows how, is that it's hard when you get bombarded, as I have been in the last three AGMs, with questions like 'Why can't we have what Newcastle have? West Ham? Portsmouth?'

    "I even got Notts County last year. A former Everton employee had gone there and evidently there was some rumour that I turned down Arab millions beforehand.

    "Am I hopeful? I've been hopeful before, and nothing's come of anything. But I will find that investment. Keith Harris from Seymour Pierce is probably the top football investment broker. He has been, alongside others, looking for us. Every name you see that has been out there looking for football clubs, we've spoken to them. We've had people in the Far East, America, Switzerland, Japan…"

    Kenwright added that although it pained him to admit it, leaving Goodison Park still represented the best option in terms of boosting capacity and gate receipts. But after the failure of the £400million Tesco-backed Kirkby project the club are looking at all available alternatives.

    "We continue to search for other sites, and we are looking at several Goodison redevelopment possibilities," Kenwright told the Liverpool Echo. "But the problem, as always, is cost. It's easier and cheaper to build a new stadium – but we continue seriously to consider the Goodison situation.

    "I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Goodison is the greatest ground in the world to me. But something has to happen."


    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • National Rugby League junkies will get their fix any way they can | Andy Wilson -

    Despite the absence of a TV deal for the UK, fans of the brilliant NRL await the opening weekend, while in Super League there are mouth-watering ties closer to home

    What are your plans for tomorrow morning? For a significant number of British rugby league players, coaches, supporters and journalists – mostly, but by no means exclusively, along the M62 corridor – it will be absolutely essential to secure internet access, from roughly 9am until lunch-time. As things stand, that is the only way to follow the opening games of the National Rugby League season from Australia – Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys, followed by the potential humdinger between Parramatta and the St George Illawarra Dragons.

    Barring the last-minute television deal that we've all been looking out for, or a repeat of the free streaming offered during last year's finals series on the NRL's official website, we're going to have to make do with live radio coverage, followed by highlights on the NRL site when the games are done and dusted.

    As far as I know – and as ever, your contributions and corrections are welcome below – the best place to listen to the games tomorrow is via the Sydney talkback radio station 2GB, where commentators such as Ray Hadley, Darryl Brohman and the former Kangaroo prop Steve Roach make British controversialists such as Radio 5's Alan Green sound like shrinking violets who are reluctant to offer an opinion.

    The much cooler music station Triple M have the radio rights to Monday Night Football, which begins next week with a game of particular interest to us Poms – Wests Tigers, who include the England forward Gareth Ellis, code-swapping Lote Tuqiri and the unheralded former Wigan back-row Mark Flanagan, against Manly.

    With Sam Burgess due to make his eagerly-anticipated competitive debut for South Sydney in their derby against the Roosters on Sunday – at an hour when you'd have to be seriously committed to get up to listen to an internet radio feed – there is probably more British interest in the NRL this year than at any time since Andy Currier and Shaun Edwards played for Balmain in the 1987 Grand Final.

    That's what makes the absence of television coverage so frustrating. In retrospect, the NRL made a big mistake in grabbing a better financial offer from Setanta a couple of years ago, rather than sticking with Sky. Even if the Australian clubs did receive the money they were promised from the doomed broadcaster, it can't have been very much, and it has considerably reduced the exposure those clubs and their sponsors receive in Britain and beyond.

    Sky is now awash with Super 14 rugby union on the weekend mornings when Chris Warren and Tulsen Tollett used to present NRL coverage, and even ESPN, who picked up the rights for the last two weeks of the finals last autumn, are full up with Aussie Rules.

    ITV4's recent deal for Indian Premier League cricket, which was seen as evidence of their determination to become known as a free-to-air sports channel, has offered another straw to clutch at for British NRL junkies. But for the moment we'll have to make do with what's available on the net, as this ferocious, breakneck, colourful, glamorous and terrifically competitive feast of rugby is not deemed sufficiently attractive by British broadcasters.

    The competition itself is notoriously difficult to predict – even for those who get to watch it every week – largely because of the successful introduction of a salary cap several years ago. There seems to be a consensus that the cap will be significantly increased when the NRL negotiates a new domestic broadcasting deal next year, thereby plugging the talent drain that has seen stars such as Mark Gasnier, Sonny Bill Williams and Karmichael Hunt leave for rugby union or even Aussie Rules.

    Given those losses, and the constant stream of negative off-field publicity generated by the misbehaviour of leading players, it is remarkable that the NRL remains so popular. That is the ultimate tribute to the quality of the on-field entertainment that clubs such as Parramatta, Canterbury and the Tigers served up in spades last year, especially during the play-offs. If only we could watch it!

    Keep the home fires burning

    At least this weekend's domestic programme provides plenty of consolation. Sean Long's return to Wigan with Hull should be a Friday night cracker, with the winners going top – at least until Warrington face revitalised Bradford the following evening. Huddersfield v Leeds is a heavyweight Yorkshire derby for Sunday, provided the provocative appointment of the World Club Challenge referee Richard Silverwood doesn't ruin it, and the stakes are arguably even higher down in London where Harlequins and Salford are both desperate for a win.

    These are tough times at The Stoop, as despite the progress league is making at junior levels in the south, the code's Super League flagship is struggling for the financial or playing resources to compete. But this is emphatically not the time to give up on all that development work.

    So with apologies to Shaun McRae's Salford, who are in an even grimmer state without a point from their first five matches, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for Quins on Sunday. But first of all, for Sam Burgess and South Sydney. Could this finally be the year of the mighty red and green Rabbits?

    Andy Wilson

    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Live text - England v Germany - England's men take on Germany in the semi-finals of the Hockey World Cup, having reached the last four for the first time since 1986.
  • Catalans-Cas game beats weather - Castleford's trip to Catalans Dragons on Saturday is definitely on despite snowy weather in Perpignan.
  • Rafael Nadal to warm up for Wimbledon at Queen's Club -

    • Spaniard returns after missing out though injury in 2009
    • 'Queen's is a big, important tournament,' says former world No1

    Rafael Nadal is hoping to regain the Queen's Club title he won in 2008 after confirming his participation in this year's event. The Spaniard was unable to defend his crown last year after succumbing to a knee injury which also forced him out of Wimbledon.

    But he is relishing the chance to play once again at Queen's. "I always look forward to coming to England to play at the Queen's Club and Wimbledon but this year there is even more motivation because I could not defend my titles last year," said Nadal, who joins the US Open champion, Juan Martín del Potro, in making an early commitment to playing.

    "No one was more disappointed than me that I couldn't play because I love those tournaments," added Nadal. "Queen's is a big, important tournament played at a very nice, traditional club and it was an amazing feeling to win it in 2008 and then to fulfil my dream by winning Wimbledon.

    "To not defend my Wimbledon title last year was one of the toughest decisions in my career, but this is a new year and now I have the chance to go back to England and to compete on the grass again."


    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • David Beckham provides timely boost to the green and gold cause | Owen Gibson -

    The midfielder is unlikely to have been ignorant of the symbolism of draping a green and gold scarf around his neck at Old Trafford last night

    Image-conscious to the last, more than perhaps anyone else on the planet, David Beckham knows that pictures speak louder than words. A man covered in tattoos, and with a keen sense of the way in which his every action will be interpreted by the media, is hardly likely to have been ignorant of the symbolism of draping a green and gold scarf around his neck before disappearing down the tunnel at Old Trafford last night – no matter what he said post-match about it being a gesture of support for the team rather than the Red Knights.

    The unexpected boost from Beckham, and a picture that immediately supplanted Wayne Rooney on the back pages, capped a night that could hardly have gone better for the Manchester United Supporters' Trust, the group co-ordinating the green and gold protests and attempting to galvanise support for the Red Knights.

    They managed to quell talk of what may have been a divisive and cack-handed protest – staying away from Old Trafford for the first 10 minutes of the match – and instead, with the game won, unleashed wave after wave of highly vocal anti-Glazer chants and a series of banners that will have been received loud and clear by the global TV audience.

    That is significant given that one of their most pressing tasks is to take the message to United's global fanbase – nebulously put at 333 million in the recent bond offer documents – that is the other engine of the Glazers' plans to continue to boost revenues at the club. As well as raising ticket prices and expanding the number of corporate hospitality packages on offer, the Glazers' plan is to increase vastly the number and value of global sponsorship packages on offer in the hope of continuing to bring in enough money to both keep the team winning and draw down the millions required to pay off their high interest hedge-fund loans secured on their shareholding.

    But while the Must PR drive, which has now signed up more than 128,000 members (an increase of around 80,000 since news of the Red Knights plans leaked), appears to be proving successful, that will only take them so far. Their plan, so far well realised, has been to keep the campaign positive and inclusive in spirit.

    The Red Knights plan will move into a new phase today when they announce the appointment of the Japanese investment bank Nomura. Must has provided the platform, now it is up to the Knights – led by the Goldman Sachs chief economist, the former United board member and friend of Sir Alex Ferguson Jim O'Neill – to show their hand.

    If they don't step forward soon and put some meat on the bones of their plan, outlining exactly how it will work and what the role of supporters will be, vital momentum will be lost and all the questions about whether it is viable to expect a disparate group of up to 60 investors to act with common cause will get louder. They will also have to reassure the green and gold hordes that their promise to give supporters a stake in the club's future is a meaningful one.

    Must also has tough choices to make. At some point it will have to decide whether and when to turn up the heat on the Glazers by attempting to persuade the corporate hospitality box owners and season ticket holders so vital to the Glazers' projections not to renew. Such a move is not without risk, coming as it does with the prospect of a return to the People's Front of Judea-style splits that hobbled the original post-takeover protests.

    But many think it will be necessary if any bid to oust the Glazers is to succeed. They say United is not for sale, that they are in it for the long term. The fear is that they believe they can turn Manchester United into even more of a cash cow over the seven-year bond period – whether by selling their own overseas rights, exploiting new media or contemplating the promised land of a European super league. Certainly the other memorable image of last night – Avram Glazer laughing as the banners went up around him and the chants got louder – did not suggest they feel unduly threatened.

    But if the enthusiasm and momentum generated by an Old Trafford rocking with righteous indignation last night can be harnessed by the Knights, then the cynics may yet be proved wrong.

    Owen Gibson

    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Talking Horses: Today's best bets and latest news plus our weekly tipping competition -

    The latest news and best bets, plus the fourth day of our weekly tipping competition

    Today's best bets, by Tony Paley

    Robert 'Choc' Thornton is clearly the man to head Racing For Change. There was genuine disappointment and frustration at both Channel 4 and RFC yesterday in response to the jockey's announcement in the Racing Post that he would not be giving any instant television interviews after races if he rides a winner at the Cheltenham Festival next week.

    It is difficult to estimate how much support Thornton's stand has among his colleagues in the weighing room but his refusal will certainly be supported by the Racing Post's associate editor Howard Wright, who said as much in one of his Friday columns recently.

    The immediate post-race interview may not be to everyone's taste but it is an opportunity racing affords those covering the sport for TV, and in an age when the projection of personality and colour is vital, as Racing For Change has made clear, it is a shame that people as prominent in the sport as Thornton and Wright take such a position.

    Thank goodness John McCririck will be in action all next week from the Festival too. Racing Post editor Bruce Millington responded to the Guardian's story last week that the broadcaster's appearances would be further cut back thus:

    "The bottom line is he's entertaining. Give us an occasionally wrong, but always interesting, broadcaster over a consistently bland one any day. He's also popular. You only have to see the delight on the faces of the Saturday racegoers as they come across him waving his arms about in the ring to see that.

    Racing is painfully short of characters, and Channel 4 Racing, when McCririck is off-duty, is prone to hitting flat spots between races that are crying out for the unique veteran to enliven with a burst of invective or an effervescent bulletin on a market move for the next contest."

    You can read Millington's editoral in full here.

    Sir Alex Ferguson had other matters to attend to last night as the horse he owns, Sworn Tigress, set off at Wolverhampton just as the manager was about to start his half-time team talk at Old Trafford in the game against AC Milan. Sworn Tigress (7.00) romped home as easily as Ferguson's team did in the end and there must be every chance his runner will follow up tonight at the same venue. She is clearly well ahead of her handicap mark at present.

    Pity the poor commentator at Wolverhampton this evening. In the concluding race at 8.30 horse No6 is Alfie Tupper and horse No13 is Alf Tupper. According to Wikipedia, Alf Tupper was a fictional working class, 'hard as nails' runner, whose adventures appeared in first the 'Rover' and then the 'Victor', British boys comics from D. C. Thomson & Co. Ltd. His adventures appeared over almost a 40 year period, under the title The Tough of the Track.

    Similar comments apply to Ciceron (3.35) over the sticks at Wincanton. The lightly raced gelding romped home at Bangor last week and the alacrity with which he cleared the obstacles was impressive for one with limited experience. His opponents are pretty much exposed and it will be disappointing if he cannot follow up this afternoon.

    Tipping competition, day four

    Well, that's what we get for offering a prize to the leader after three days - a four-way tie! The previous clear leader, Renzofan, didn't turn up yesterday, Shrewdette had a short-priced double, keepitduty hit a 9-1 winner and johne5knuckle got the hat-trick. Incredibly, by these diverse means, they all ended up on the same score.

    Alas, we have to decide on a single winner, which will be done at random, sort of, by means of the 3.40 at Clonmel. We're not interested in your tips for this race. The field will be divided up between the four of you, according to the order in which you post your tips today - the first to post will be allotted the horses with saddlecloth numbers one to four, the next will get five to eight, the third will get nine to 12 and the fourth will get 13 to 16.

    Numbers 17 and 18 will be disregarded - whoever has the horse which does best of those numbered one to 16 will win a copy of this week's prize. If one of the four doesn't post their tips before 3.40pm, they will be allocated the numbers 13 to 16. If more than one of the four doesn't post their tips by 3.40pm, they will be sorted into alphabetical order by name and treated as if they had posted in that order, after those who have posted. Whew!

    You are all, of course, still in the hunt to be champion tipster of the week. Today, we'd like your tips, please, for these races: 3.45 Carlisle, 4.20 Carlisle, 4.40 Wincanton.

    This week's prize is the Racing Post's Cheltenham Festival Guide 2010, a handsome publication whose 190 pages are packed with interesting features, insights and advice on next week's betting jamboree.

    As ever, our champion will be the tipster who returns the best profit to notional level stakes of £1 at starting price on our nominated races, of which there will be three each day up until Friday. Non-runners count as losers. If you have not yet joined in this week, you are welcome to do so today, but you will start on -9.

    For terms and conditions click here.

    Good luck!

    Standings after day three

    Renzofan +19.30

    Shrewdette +19.30

    keepitdusty +19.30

    johne5knuckle +19.30

    Pomme +15.30

    FinsburyPark +12.30

    emmapathak +12

    shears39 +11.30

    cloudy75 +10

    slackdad38 +8.30

    Gluesniffer +8

    sangfroid +8

    andyclark57 +8

    JDK1 +7.30

    tom1977 +7

    MatthewHargreaves +4.30

    MrPositive +3.30

    fatdeano +2.30

    gashead1105 +2.30

    sandiuk +2.30

    melonk +1.30

    xwireman +1

    Rivercity +1

    Cairo +0

    Mulldog -0.70

    TeddyFrost -0.70

    Ellandback -1.70

    Jboyler -1.70

    chiefhk -2

    DrKelso -2.70

    barnstormer -2.70

    Brochdoll -2.70

    WalthamstowLad -3.70

    Moscow08 -4

    Dangalf -4.70

    Harrytheactor -4.70

    factormax -5

    erifder -5

    coma88 -5

    DrSativa -5

    23skidoo -5.70

    mike65ie -6

    suckzinclee -7

    Smidster -7

    chris1623 -7

    markahoy -7

    johnny909 -7.70

    stee33 -7.70

    TheVic -7.70

    mightytigers2000 -7.70

    15244 -7.70

    leviticus67 -7.70

    FredS -7.70

    RoryD -7.70

    tiznow -7.70

    MISTERCHESTER -7.70

    SussexRH -9

    kentaylor24 -9

    MrWinnersSonInLaw -9

    socialwanderer -9

    Mai11 -9

    Viejo -9

    goofs -9

    WIN TICKETS TO THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL!!!!!

    For the first time ever, we are going to run a tipping competition on Saturday's edition of Talking Horses. This is because, at short notice, we have landed a couple of tickets to the second day of next week's Cheltenham Festival, provided by those wonderful folks at Paddy Power.

    They will post two tickets to the winner of Saturday's competition and tell us that they will arrive on Tuesday by registered post. So do be sure to check Saturday's Talking Horses for your chance to be at the Festival.

    Next week's tipping competition

    Totesport have very kindly agreed to provide four £50 free bets as prizes for next week's tipping competition. We will have no competition on Monday, and then we will give a £50 bet to the tipsters who do best on each day of the Cheltenham Festival. As before, we will be asking for your selections for every race, each day, and the competition is bound to be fierce!

    12pm Hunterview misses cut in Imperial Cup!

    Chris Cook reports: Hunterview, the ante-post favourite for Saturday's Imperial Cup, will not be able to run. The final declarations were made this morning and David Pipe's runner, backed down to 4-1 from an initial 8-1 earlier this week, was 27th on the list. The race has a safety limit of 24 and there are also two reserves, so Hunterview has missed out by just one place.

    Pipe will now be without a runner in the race he has won twice in the last three years. His father, Martin, trained the winner six times.

    Anyone who has backed Hunterview is entitled to get their stake returned, as is always the case with horses who are ballotted out of handicaps.

    The new favourite is Qaspal at 5-1, with Pepe Simo at 7-1. Qaspal's main aim was supposed to be one of the Cheltenham handicaps - he is entered in the County and the Martin Pipe but will almost certainly need to get a penalty by winning the Imperial Cup in order to make the cut for either of those.

    Click here for all the day's racecards, form, stats and results.

    Click here for today's latest odds. [url: http://guardian.oddschecker.com/ ]

    And post your racing-related comments below.

    Tony Paley
    Chris Cook

    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Cunningham back in Ravens action - Bryn Cunningham returns to Ulster action as he is named in the Ravens team to play Aberavon at Ravenhill on Friday night.
  • Telford hope to make new signings - AFC Telford United are working hard to bring in two new players ahead of their trip to Hyde on Saturday.
  • Alfreton snap up Hucknall striker - Alfreton Town manager Nicky Law signs striker Tyeisse Nightingale from Hucknall Town.
  • England to make late Broad call - England will make a last-minute call on the fitness of Stuart Broad for the first Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong.
  • Spanish media launch savage attacks on Real coach Manuel Pellegrini -

    • Marca says 'Goodbye Pellegrini' after Champions League exit
    • El Mundo says Real Madrid defeat in last 16 is 'catastrophic'

    The campaign to remove the Real Madrid coach, Manuel Pellegrini, has already begun following their Champions League elimination to Lyon in the Bernabéu last night.

    Real, who spent £240m on players during the summer including Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaká, expected to fare better in a competition they have won a record nine times, and despite a vote of confidence from the club's director general, Jorge Valdano, the Spanish media appear to have made up their minds about the future of Pellegrini, launching a series of savage attacks on the Chilean coach.

    The front page of the influential Madrid-based newspaper Marca this morning says, "Adiós Champions, Adiós Pellegrini. Fuera", which translates as the unequivocal message, "Goodbye Champions [League], Goodbye Pellegrini. Out".

    This is the sixth successive season Real Madrid have been knocked out at the first knockout stage of the Champions League and with the final to be held at the Bernabéu this defeat has been particularly hard to accept.

    "You don't buy titles, you win them," the columnist José Samano wrote in El País following the last-16 defeat to Lyon.

    "When the ball is in play it's the business of the players and Hollywood-style theatre is irrelevant," he added. "Everything is possible in sport except for those who consider the pitch a stock market."

    The hyperbole reached new heights with the opinion of Orfeo Suárez in El Mundo. "The catastrophe suffered by this pharaonic Madrid team is as if an earthquake had destroyed the Valley of the Kings.

    "Watching the competition to which they owe their legend from the sidelines will be their penitence and torment."

    There was no let-up in ABC, where Julián Avila wrote about "stratospheric spending" accompanied by the headlines "Sixth galactic failure" and "More than €250 million down the drain".

    "The jewel in the crown, Cristiano Ronaldo, Champions League finalist in the past two seasons, is out of the tournament at his first attempt in a white shirt," said Avila.

    Elswhere, Carlos Marcote, writing in daily El Periódico, said Florentino Pérez, the Real president, had failed in his attempt "to bulldoze Madrid back to the summit of world soccer".

    "Not even winning the league… will remove such a scandalous stain, the worst in the recent history of Madrid given the such lofty heights they were obliged to reach."


    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Balram Chainrai insists he will get his money back from Portsmouth -

    • Hong Kong businessman made loan to Fratton Park club
    • 'If the club is alive my money is alive,' says Chainrai

    The Hong Kong businessman Balram Chainrai, who took control of Portsmouth after the club defaulted on loans from him, insists he will get his money back.

    Pompey have debts totalling over £80million and became the first Premier League club to enter administration last month. But Chainrai told Bloomberg Television: "I don't feel I've lost the money. I feel the money is there, I can see it. If the club is alive my money is alive."

    The administrator, Andrew Andronikou, announced 85 job losses yesterday and promised more if the club are relegated, a near-certainty if the Premier League enforces a nine-point deduction for entering administration.

    Chainrai admitted his priority is to find a buyer for the 2008 FA Cup winners. "The main objective is to sell off the club to some consortium or institution or person, who would be able to be responsible enough to stabilise it and run it properly," he said. "I've heard through my lawyers that they are in conversations with several parties. They are deep into talks that could finalise in the very near future."

    Chainrai said he took up the offer of equity in the club only because the alternative was to lose the money Portsmouth had borrowed from him.

    "There were court cases against the club, it was a possibility that the club would have been wound up, and if that happened everybody would have lost their jobs," he said. "I would have lost my money and my main focus was to actually stabilise the club, to try and get my money back. The only way I could do it was to exercise my right to seize the shares."


    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Warriors A team held by the Army - Worcester Warriors A side battle their way to a 15-15 draw against the Army at Aldershot.
  • Barrow smash past Keighley in cup - Barrow Raiders rout Keighley Cougars 62-18 to book their place in the last eight of the Northern Rail Cup on Wednesday.
  • Maccarinelli aims to tame Pitbull - Ex-world champion Enzo Maccarinelli continues his comeback against Hungary's Zoltan Czekus in Liverpool on Friday.
  • Lincoln City v Hereford United - Preview followed by live coverage of Friday's League Two game between Lincoln City and Hereford United.
  • Australia secure one-day series victory over New Zealand -

    • Ricky Ponting and Cameron White score half-centuries
    • Tourists ease to six-wicket Duckworth-Lewis victory

    Australia wrapped up the Chappell-Hadlee series against New Zealand with a game still to play thanks to a comfortable six-wicket win under the Duckworth-Lewis method in Auckland.

    After being put in to bat by the Australia captain, Ricky Ponting, a rejigged New Zealand line-up struggled to a below-par total of 238 as they were bowled out in just 44.1 overs.

    But with rain delaying the start of the Australians' run-chase they were set a revised target of 200 in 34 overs and, when play finally resumed, the tourists reached it with 17 balls to spare to take an unassailable 3-1 series lead.

    Not even the early loss of Brad Haddin for a first-ball duck could knock the visitors off their stride as Ponting and Shane Watson added 82 runs for the second wicket.

    Ponting, however, was lucky not to go in Daryl Tuffey's first over when the medium-pacer had him plumb leg before wicket. The umpire Asad Rauf inexplicably turned down the appeal.

    The pair launched a blistering attack on Tim Southee, who went for 55 off 5.1 overs, and Tuffey in the overs immediately following, taking 39 runs off just 18 deliveries.

    Watson was trapped lbw by Daniel Vettori for 32, but with Australia at that stage 84 for two off just 12.2 overs, the damage had largely been done. Ponting followed Watson back to the pavilion in Vettori's next over after a blistering 50 from 35 balls, but Cameron White (50 not out off 57 balls), Adam Voges (34 off 36) and Mike Hussey (28 not out off 17) saw Australia home with time to spare.

    Brendon McCullum had top-scored for the hosts with 61, before becoming one of three wickets for Nathan Hauritz. McCullum and Martin Guptill had got New Zealand off to a flier, with Guptill falling for 30 to Watson after putting on 63 in 7.4 overs for the first wicket. Wickets fell at regular intervals thereafter, however, with only Tuffey, who hit four sixes in a quickfire 34 from 17 balls, providing resistance.

    John Ashdown

    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • O'Sullivan handed tricky opener - Three-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan will play China's Liang Wenbo in the first round of the World Snooker Championships in April.
  • James Doherty column - Cornish Pirates scrum-half James Doherty talks about the semi-finals of the British & Irish Cup, and the forthcoming play-offs.
  • Barcham realistic over survival - Gillingham winger Andy Barcham admits his side will only avoid relegation if they play at their best until the end of the season.
  • Cage fighter makes Oldham return - Prop Jamie l'Anson returns to Oldham after leaving to pursue a career in cage fighting.
  • Oldham rugby league team sign up cage fighter Jamie l'Anson -

    • Mixed martial artist l'Anson returns to Roughyeds
    • Prop will divide time between rugby and cage fighting

    Oldham are to unleash the cage fighter Jamie l'Anson on their Co-operative Championship One rivals.

    The 22-year-old prop, formerly of the Super League champions Leeds Rhinos, quit rugby league at the end of last season to take up the no-holds-barred mix of boxing, wrestling and martial arts but has now signed a new short-term deal with the Roughyeds.

    L'Anson, who played in all but three of Oldham's 30 games last season, says he is meaner and leaner after training for his new sport and losing 21 pounds in weight.

    "I'm pleased to be back," said I'Anson, who also played for the then Celtic Crusaders. "[Oldham coach] Tony [Benson] has never been off the phone so I've agreed a deal which will allow me to divide my week between rugby and training for cage fighting.

    "I developed an interest in it when I was in Thailand in 2007 and I've fancied having a serious go at it ever since."

    The Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton said: "We wore him down to sign but we know he'll give us everything and we are delighted to have him back."


    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Red Knights' Manchester United takeover plans to be guided by Nomura -

    • Leading investment bank agrees to advise potential investors
    • Nomura advised United board during Glazers' takeover

    The battle for control of Manchester United has taken another twist following confirmation that a leading global investment bank has agreed to advise on a possible acquisition of the Old Trafford outfit by the Red Knights group.

    Nomura will work closely with the Red Knights, the Manchester United Supporters' Trust and other potential investors to "coordinate and formulate the proposal to be put to the Glazer family".

    The Nomura team will be led by Guy Dawson and Andrew McNaught, both of whom advised the board of Manchester United plc when the club was sold to the Glazer family in 2005.

    Nomura is beginning its role by contacting those who have made offers of financial support to the Red Knights.

    Whether that number includes David Beckham is not known but the former England captain did the entire campaign a favour by donning a green and gold scarf after Milan's 4-0 Champions League defeat at Old Trafford last night.

    Protesters against the Glazers have adopted the green and gold colours which have been highly visible at United matches in recent weeks.

    "I'm a Man United fan. I saw the scarf there. I put it round my neck, it's the old colours of Man United, that's all I knew," Beckham said. "To be honest it's [the protest] not my business. I'm a Manchester United fan. I support the club. I always have done and I always will do. It's nothing to do with me the way everything is run, that's to do with other people, but I'm a Man United fan and I support the team. I will always support them."

    With United over £700million in debt, many now see the Red Knights as the only salvation for Old Trafford, even though the Glazer family insist it is business as usual and the club is not for sale.


    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Forest Green seek new investment - Forest Green vice-chairman Colin Peake says they have to become more community focused to attract new investment.
  • Hearts give Nade 'final warning' - Hearts issue a final warning to Christian Nade over the striker's recent breach of discipline at the club.
  • Tim Henman says he is not interested in Davis Cup captaincy -

    • Former world No4 may be tempted in the future
    • 'It doesn't feel like the right time,' says Henman

    Tim Henman has ruled himself out of the running to be Great Britain's next Davis Cup captain because "it doesn't feel like the right time".

    The current incumbent, John Lloyd, is considering his future in the role after becoming the first GB captain to oversee five successive defeats when his side lost to Lithuania last weekend.

    That defeat has left Great Britain on the verge of dropping into Europe/Africa Zone Group III, the lowest tier of the competition, and prompted calls for change within the team.

    Henman, however, has ruled himself out of taking on the captain's role, although the 35-year-old admitted he would one day like to lead his country.

    "Maybe in three years or in 13 years, sometime in the future, I might be interested in being the Davis Cup captain," the former world No4 told the Sun. "But it doesn't feel like the right time. I'm enjoying my family and my golf – and not having any structure in my life.

    "For 28 of the first 33 years of my life tennis was what I did. I wouldn't change that and I'm sure at some stage I'm going to get more involved and give back to British tennis.

    "But at the moment I would not want the commitment or the responsibility of being Davis Cup captain."


    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Neilson hails family atmosphere - Nottingham Panthers coach Corey Neilson hails the family atmosphere that helped his side win the Challenge Cup.
  • All England win for Agathangelou - Jersey's Mariana Agathangelou is a rare British success in the All England Badminton Championships.
  • Dwain Chambers severs all ties with Victor Conte -

    • British sprinter has 'had enough of the past'
    • 'That relationship has to be terminated and it is terminated'

    Dwain Chambers has admitted to severing all ties with Victor Conte, the man behind the Balco doping scandal that led to Chambers' two-year ban from the sport in 2003, and whom he regarded as a father figure.

    Chambers, who is hoping to win gold in the 60m at the World Indoor Championships in Doha which start tomorrow, had been widely criticised for his ongoing relationship with Conte who – as recently as last year – was advising him on legal performance-enhancing methods, including a breathing apparatus.

    "As far as I'm concerned that relationship has to be terminated and it is terminated," said Chambers. "I just want a clear run now, I just want to concentrate on running, I've had enough of the past. I know it's always going to be referred to but I just want to concentrate on what happens in 2010."

    Following Chambers' gold-medal win at the European Indoors in Turin last year, and the news of Conte's involvement, Britain's head coach, Charles van Commenee, promptly intervened and instructed Chambers to end the relationship. "Yes, that's right," said Van Commenee, "it was the week after Turin, when his book came out and that was a whole theme about Dwain Chambers and the history of Dwain Chambers. He made some smart decisions since then. He's an experienced athlete who has matured quite a bit."

    The news will come as a relief to the sport. Chambers has been in impressive form this season, holding the second fastest 60m time indoors this year – 6.50 seconds, bettered only by America's Ivory Williams with 6.49 seconds, a time that has been expunged from the record books following the American's positive test for marijuana. But many would find it difficult to stomach the thought of Chambers achieving a podium finish at the World Indoors with assistance from a convicted criminal.

    The maturing of Chambers has afforded the 31 year-old new opportunities, including an invitation to speak at the UK Athletics' pre-championship press conference – "the fact that he's in the lion's den should tell you something," said van Commenee with a wry smile – a first for the Londoner since his fall from grace.

    "For what it's worth it's a great opportunity to actually be invited here," said Chambers, who has been largely shunned since his return to the sport. "I've been working on building relationships, trying to do things right and get myself back into the fold of being an athlete and do the best I can as a competitor and try and go out there and show support for the British team and the British members that are alongside me.

    "A lot has happened in the past and I want to just use this opportunity to put all that behind me and use this as a fresh start for everybody. So for me to be accepted here is a great feeling."

    The terms and conditions of such an invitation have certainly been made clear and Chambers has ruled out any possibility of a legal challenge to compete at the Commonwealth Games this year. "None whatsoever. As far as I'm concerned I've lived that life and it didn't work. I'm just going to concentrate on the opportunities I do have. I want to be in Doha and the European Championships."

    Chambers, and his team-mate Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, will compete in the 60m heats tomorrow.

    Anna Kessel

    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Robertson and Wallwork go through - England's Nathan Robertson and Jenny Wallwork ease into the mixed doubles second round at the 100th All England Open Championships.
  • Team Origin lose out to Team New Zealand in Louis Vuitton Trophy -

    • British team foiled by botched spinnaker hoist
    • Azzurra team lose for the first time

    Team New Zealand retained their unbeaten record through three races at the Louis Vuitton Trophy sailing regatta for America's Cup teams, beating Britain's Team Origin today.

    In other races, the previously unbeaten Azzurra lost for the first time, to the French-German entry All4One by 46 seconds. Italy's Mascalzone Latino, helmed by New Zealand's Gavin Brady, defeated France's Aleph by 55 seconds.

    Artemis of Sweden, helmed by the American Terry Hutchinson, won by 41 seconds after building on an early advantage when Russia's Synergy incurred a pre-start penalty.

    Team New Zealand was trailing Britain's Team Origin when, for the second straight day, it was handed victory by a mishap aboard the rival yacht.

    Team Origin, skippered by the triple Olympic gold medalist Ben Ainslie, led by 14 seconds at the first mark but botched a spinnaker hoist, trailed its pole in the water and was eventually forced to retire.

    Yesterday, Team New Zealand was trailing Mascalzone Latino when a clip holding up the headsail on the Italian boat broke and handed the Kiwis a win.

    "Origin did a great job at the start and had us there up the first beat," the Team New Zealand tactician, Ray Davies, said. "Then the wind got dicey at the top mark and we managed to catch back up again."

    The Team Origin bowman Matt Mitchell said the crew was caught out by a wind shift as they prepared to gybe. "The boys decided to drop the chute down the starboard side but it was all too late for that," he said.

    The regatta, first staged in February last year, provides international competition for America's Cup-class boats. Such teams had been shut out of competing for the America's Cup while BMW Oracle and Alinghi fought in the courts for two and a half years over the rules, dates and venue for the America's Cup. They finally met in Spain last month, with BMW Oracle of the United States beating Alinghi of Switzerland in two races.


    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Quiz the 5 live sports extra team - Adrian Morley returns to the 5 live sports extra commentary team on Friday as Wigan take on Hull FC
  • Tigers look to improve BBL form - Everton Tigers hope to bounce back from two defeats as they hope to improve their play-off bid against Worthing.
  • Lewis Hamilton insists he won't go off track -

    • Former world champion without two mentors this season
    • 'I race for the same team and I've still the same determination'

    Lewis Hamilton has no intention of going off the rails now he no longer has by his side two dominant characters who have ruled his life.

    Less than a year ago Hamilton lost his mentor Ron Dennis who stepped down as McLaren's team principal, many believe to ensure his team avoided severe punishment over the 'lie-gate' scandal. Dennis had been an instrumental figure in Hamilton's career since the age of 13 when he was taken on by McLaren and Mercedes as part of their driver development programme.

    Then just last week, the 25-year-old announced a parting of the ways from his father Anthony as his manager, insisting he wanted to build a more normal father-son relationship away from Formula One.

    Ahead of the season-opening grand prix in Bahrain this weekend, it leaves Hamilton without a guiding figure at a race for the first time in his life, a situation he is convinced he can handle.

    "When Ron stepped back, nothing really changed. We've still a good relationship, and if anything it has actually grown," said Hamilton. "Rather than a stressed, thoughtful boss thinking about the job and always giving you advice, now he just gives an opinion. He is so relaxed now, and I think it will probably be the same with my dad.

    "Inevitably, with my dad taking a step back, I will have to make some more decisions for myself. But then I've always been able to do that anyway. For example, I chose where I wanted to live, although I still hope to be guided in the same way."

    Hamilton maintains there is no wild side about to emerge. "I am who I am," he said. "I don't think anybody has stopped me from being who I wanted to be. When I arrived in the sport, I didn't go out and buy a million different cars, I took my time.

    "Maybe I might buy one car this year, and I might go to one more Amber Lounge [post-race] party this year than I did last year. Who knows? But that's not being wild.

    "I've still the same girl, I race for the same team and I've still the same dedication and determination. I don't think you should try and change something that works. My style, my approach, has always worked for me, and I tend to keep it that way."

    For now, until Hamilton acquires a new manager, the team principal Martin Whitmarsh will have to take up the mantle of guiding light.

    Although Hamilton and team-mate Jenson Button are all smiles at the moment as they attempt to build their friendship, Whitmarsh has recognised inevitable issues may arise.

    As Whitmarsh recently said: "At some point, one of them is going to feel uncomfortable because he is getting beaten by the other."

    That could lead to friction and be a time when Hamilton will need to turn to someone for advice, although he feels it will not come to that.

    "Formula One is the pinnacle of the sport, it's so intense, so much is going on, so you can't guess whether we will have a tough time at some stage, or something like that," said Hamilton. "But we're professionals, and we have a mutual respect for one another that we will deal with it professionally. That's my feeling."


    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • MK Dons 2-1 Swindon Town - MK Dons move to within five points of play-off rivals Swindon with a hard-fought win at Stadium MK.
  • Camelford v Illogan RBL - Camelford and Illogan RBL will battle it out on Thursday to determine who will face Bodmin in the Cornwall Senior Cup Final.
  • US sprinter Ivory Williams banned after positive test for marijuana -

    • Ivory Williams to miss World Indoor Championships
    • Trell Kimmons called up as replacement to US team

    The American sprinter Ivory Williams has been banned for three months and will miss the World Indoor Championships after testing positive for marijuana following his victory in the trial race in Albuquerque last month.

    Williams was one of the favourites to land the 60m title in Doha after running a world best 6.49 seconds at the New Mexico meet.

    But the US Anti-Doping Agency has revealed there were metabolites found in a sample given by the former world junior 100m gold medalist. Because marijuana and similar cannabinoids are listed as specified substances, a reduced sanction from the standard two-year ban is possible.

    Williams's time has now been erased from the record books while his place in the US team will be taken by Trell Kimmons.


    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Elvins praises City's team spirit - Worcester City striker Rob Elvins says their 2-0 win at Dover was down to team spirit.
  • Swinging cuts: Buying golf clubs at a good price -

    Marc Lockley is the Negotiator. Here he shows how to get a good price when buying golf clubs and accessories

    In Las Vegas hotels you will often need to walk via the slot machines and roulette tables to get to your room, tempting you to stop and gamble. Similarly, the layout of golf driving ranges requires you to wander through the pro-shop, passing the shiny clubs and latest gadgets both before and after your practice.

    If you're not careful, before you've even swung a club your eye will have been drawn by a bag of irons, a fancy driver, the obligatory hand warmer and a dozen lake balls, and your wallet will be much lighter. Instead of driving a hole in your pocket, read these tips on how save money on quality equipment.

    Buy second hand

    If you are new to the game or on a tight budget, consider borrowing a set from friends or colleagues, or even buying reasonably priced second-hand clubs. There are plenty of bargains online and advertised in newspapers and shop windows, while other players are always upgrading their clubs or quitting the game in frustration. A used half-set might only set you back a little but will be adequate for a beginner.

    Before buying used clubs visit About.com, which has a handy guide on things to look out for. Many people are still unsure about buying golf clubs second hand via the internet, but if you are happy to do so there are a few sites you can try. eBay and Golfbidder both have lots of equipment listed. If you do decide to go down this route always make sure there is a good returns policy offered by the seller.

    Last year's model

    If you want to purchase new clubs, consider buying nearly-new models. The physical difference is often slight, but they will cost considerably less.

    Beware the pro-shop price myth

    Many people assume the pro-shop will be the most expensive place to buy, but this is not always the case. In fact, after simple negotiations I got a great deal on my current clubs from my local pro-shop. Once you have decided which clubs you wish to purchase, research the best deals both off and online. For example, at the time of writing the price for a set of TaylorMade R9 golf irons (RRP £719) ranged from £639 in one store to £476 on eBay, with several outlets offering prices in between.

    With an idea of what prices are available, start negotiations with your chosen store, but do not commit yourself at this point. For example, say: "I am considering buying a new set of clubs in the next week or so and saw these on offer for £476 online. Would you be able to beat this price?"

    You may get an objection such as: "We do not match internet prices". Depending on how far you want to push, either quote the best "shop" price available (it could be 100 miles away, but that often doesn't matter), or say to the salesperson: "Well it is the best price I can achieve, and the cost is important to me. However, I understand the issues of matching online prices. If the difference were small I could possibly still buy from you. What is the best price you can offer?"

    Ask for extras

    The clubs are only the start of the purchasing process, as you may want to have lessons or buy other equipment. Prior to making a purchase, consider introducing a more conversational version of: "If I decided to also buy this driver/golf bag/have three golf lessons, what is your best overall price?"

    Before you finalise the deal, see if you can get even more for your money by saying something like: "I will agree to pay £X if you include 12 lake balls."

    Book late to avoid expensive costs

    Once you have your equipment in the bag, don't overpay on a game. A round of golf can cost anywhere between £15 and £100, but the Teeofftimes website, for example, offers you the chance to play at some fabulous courses for huge discounts.

    Money savvy golfers can share their top tips for enjoying great golf at affordable prices in the comments section below. Any useful hints on lowering my handicap will also be gratefully received!


    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Justine Henin makes swift progress at Indian Wells -

    • Former world No1 cruises past Magdalena Rybarikova
    • Belgian will face No31 seed Gisela Dulko in second round

    The former world No1 Justine Henin continued her remarkable return from retirement with a 6-2, 6-2 demolition of Slovakia's Magdalena Rybarikova in the first round of the Indian Wells WTA tournament.

    The 27-year-old Belgian, a wildcard entry at the tournament she won in 2004, broke her opponent twice in each set to triumph in 68 minutes.

    "It's a great feeling," Henin said after booking her place in the next round against the No31 seed, Gisela Dulko of Argentina. "It's a tournament I like a lot and I won here six years ago. It seems like a long time ago."

    Henin has reached successive finals since returning to the circuit in January after quitting the game in 2008 and she totally outclassed her opponent. The Belgian broke Rybarikova in the first and third games of the match to sweep through the opening set in 36 minutes.

    Showing no signs of rust in her first match since losing to Serena Williams in the Australian Open final in late January, Henin broke the Slovakian's serve twice more early in the second set to coast to victory.

    Well though she played, however, she believes it will take her another couple of months before she reaches her top level physically.

    "I still need a few more tournaments," Henin said. "In Australia I proved to myself that I could make it, that I didn't really need a lot of competition to be at a pretty good level. But I see further than that and with the French Open and Wimbledon, I hope at that time I can be at my best level and in good shape to perform really well."


    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Irish Cup tie faces further delay - The JJB Irish Cup game between Newry City and Loughgall faces a further delay as Larne appeal their expulsion from the competition.
  • Thursday's F1 gossip column - Jenson Button says it is vital he 'works together' with Lewis Hamilton, plus other gossip and rumours
  • Kaká's adviser calls Manuel Pellegrini a 'coward' after substitution -

    • Real Madrid coach criticised on Twitter after replacing Brazilian
    • Pellegrini 'trying to take the focus off own incompetence'

    Last night was not a good one for Manuel Pellegrini. The Real Madrid coach watched his side crash out of the Champions League to Lyon, received the dreaded vote of confidence from the club's director general and, finally, was described as a "coward" by Kaká's adviser following his substitution of the Brazilian at the Bernabéu.

    Diogo Kotscho also used his personal Twitter account to accuse Pellegrini of "trying to take the focus off [his] own incompetence" with the substitution of the player who joined Real for €65m (£56m) from Milan in the summer. Kaká was replaced by Raúl with 13 minutes to go.

    Kotscho was then bombarded with criticism, seemingly from Real fans, though he was keen to defend himself, tweeting: "[I] did not say anything to offend anyone. I gave my opinion at the moment and I will not erase," and "I accept everyone's opinion ... I gave [mine] generally about something that happens in football."

    Kaká told the Spanish newspaper Marca that he was not upset with the substitution. "I did not like the situation of the game," he said. "I was not angry about the change, but the scoreline. I was replaced by Raúl, who has a lot of experience in scoring."

    John Ashdown

    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Davies enjoying football at Notts - Notts County midfielder Ben Davies says he is 'loving' his time at Meadow Lane after netting his eleventh goal of the season.
  • Aussies clinch NZ series victory - Australia beat New Zealand by six wickets in Auckland to take a winning 3-1 lead in their one-day series.
  • Today in sport – live! -

    Discuss the day's big issues as they happen, send us your favourite links and follow us on Twitter

    1.15pm: Owen Gibson has blogged about Beckham's Wearing Of The Scarf, arguing that the former Manchester United man is likely to have been well aware of its anti-Glazer symbolism.

    But enough United, Portsmouth's nominal chairman, Balram Chainrai is confident he will get his money back from the stricken club. "I don't feel I've lost the money. I feel the money is there, I can see it. If the club is alive my money is alive," he insists. So it'll all be OK then.

    Meanwhile our rugby league scribe Andy Wilson is eagerly looking forward to the start of the NRL season from Down Under, even if finding a way to watch it might be tricky. TD

    11.40am: Dwain Chambers has confirmed he has severed all links with Victor Conte, the man behind the doping scandal that has tainted his career. "I've had enough of the past," the sprinter says.

    While big investment bank Nomura has agreed to help the Red Knights in their efforts to storm the Old Trafford citadel. And poor old Manuel Pellegrini is really copping it from the Spanish media after Real Madrid's Champions League exit. TD.

    10.15am Today we are expecting:
    * Europa League first-leg ties, including Lille v Liverpool and Juve v Fulham
    * The Football League chairman shortlist will be known today
    * We'll know more about Manuel Pellegrini's future at Real Madrid
    * Wayne Rooney is holding a presser where he'll sit next to the World Cup
    * Arsene Wenger is speaking to the media ahead of Saturday's game v Hull
    * And Michael Schumacher, Jenson Button and Maurice Hamilton will be holding a press conference at midday ahead of the new F1 season

    9:15am: Morning everyone. Welcome to our daily sports news blog. Throughout the day we'll update this page with news, links and what's expected to happen in the hours ahead.

    We'll let you know what's expected shortly following our morning news meeting. In the meantime, there's plenty to digest from last night's action, principally Manchester United's effortless mauling of Milan and David Beckham's sort-of-but-not-quite endorsement of the anti-Glazer campaign.

    In the meantime, why not ease your way into the day with our weekly YouTube round-u, featuring some cricketing ultraviolence and an NFL/archery mash-up, and read Duncan Fletcher's analysis of Kevin Pietersen's troubles. TD

    Tom Davies
    Sean Ingle
    Martin Rose

    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

  • Sir Alex Ferguson on United's win over Milan -

    Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson on his team's 'fantastic night' against Milan in which Wayne Rooney scored twice in a the 4-0 win


  • Laura Davies takes first-round lead at Women's Australian Open -

    • Defending champion holds two-stroke lead in Melbourne
    • Six players tied for second after challenging opening day

    The defending champion Laura Davies shot a five-under-par 68 to take a two-stroke lead after the first round of the Women's Australian Open in Melbourne.

    The English veteran had six birdies and a bogey on the tough par-73 Commonwealth layout where fewer than 25 golfers in the 150-woman field broke par.

    Davies said her round was highlighted by strong putting and subsequently two good par saves. "Luckily I putted really well today," Davies said. "Today we had two eight- or nine-footers for par and they both went right in the middle of the hole. That's the sort of thing that really keeps you going. Then on nine [her last], hoping to two-putt and you roll a 35-footer in so that was a real bonus."

    Davies has won the Australian Open twice – last year at Metropolitan and in 2004 at Concord in New South Wales.

    There was a six-way tie for second: Yang Soo-jin of South Korea, Giulia Sergas of Italy, Jenni Kuosa of Finland, England's Felicity Johnson and Rebecca Flood of Australia and her amateur compatriot Alison Whitaker, all with 70s.

    Alexis Thompson, the 15-year-old American amateur who played in the US Open at the age of 12, shot 71 and was in a group tied for eighth.

    Karrie Webb, who won last week's Australian Ladies Masters and is a four-time Open champion, shot 73. Playing the tougher back nine first, Webb had three bogeys before the turn and then posted four birdies and a bogey to remain even on the day.

    Amanda Blumenherst, who led the Australian Masters after the first two rounds, shot 77 while her fellow American Christina Kim had a 78.


    guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds