Evening Standard - Sport

Strauss ton puts England in control

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:40:09 BST

Andrew Strauss has silenced his detractors with his first Test century in 26 attempts, spread over the past 18 months.

Olympic Flame lands in UK

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:40:08 BST

The Olympic Flame has arrived in the UK ahead of a 70-day tour of the country.

Rodgers rejects Liverpool approach

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:40:07 BST

Swansea have confirmed that manager Brendan Rodgers has rejected an approach from Liverpool to discuss the managerial vacancy at Anfield.

Di Matteo vows Blues will rule Europe

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:40:06 BST

After eight managers, an outlay of £700million in transfer fees and an estimated £2billion overall, Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo has promised Roman Abramovich his Champions League odyssey will eventually reach its glorious destination.

Solskjaer opens 'informal' Villa talks

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:40:05 BST

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed he has held talks with Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner about becoming the club's next manager.

Norwich reject Holt transfer request

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:40:04 BST

Norwich have turned down a transfer request from striker Grant Holt, Press Association Sport understands.

WBC back UK board Haye-Chisora stance

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:40:03 BST

David Haye's controversial heavyweight showdown with Dereck Chisora has come under more pressure with the World Boxing Council backing the British Boxing Board of Control's hardline stance on the bout.

Wigan romp to victory at Huddersfield

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:40:02 BST

Wigan pulled two points clear at the top of Stobart Super League with an emphatic 32-12 defeat of previous leaders Huddersfield at a soggy Galpharm Stadium.

Cavendish takes third stage win

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:40:01 BST

Great Britain's Mark Cavendish took his third stage win of this year's Giro d'Italia on stage 13 to Cervere.

Rose ends Clarke challenge

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:40:00 BST

Justin Rose piled on the agony for Darren Clarke with a 6&4 drubbing at the Volvo World Match Play Championship in Spain.

Wigan romp to victory at Huddersfield

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:20:02 BST

Wigan pulled two points clear at the top of Stobart Super League with an emphatic 32-12 defeat of previous leaders Huddersfield at a soggy Galpharm Stadium.

Ainslie takes gold on curtailed day

Fri, 18 May 2012 20:50:02 BST

Three-time Olympic gold medallist Ben Ainslie secured a historic sixth Finn world title albeit in frustrating circumstances.

Solskjaer in talks with Villa

Fri, 18 May 2012 20:10:05 BST

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has officially opened talks with Aston Villa about becoming the club's new manager.

Drogba aims for starring role

Fri, 18 May 2012 20:00:04 BST

Didier Drogba has been forced to deny he is an "actor" as he prepared for what could be his Chelsea curtain call on the biggest stage of all.

Pick me for Games on merit - Beckham

Fri, 18 May 2012 19:40:02 BST

David Beckham wants to compete at the Olympics on merit and nothing else.

Heynckes backs Di Matteo for Chelsea job

Fri, 18 May 2012 19:00:05 BST

Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes believes Roberto Di Matteo should be given the Chelsea job full-time, regardless of the outcome of Saturday's Champions League final.

Strauss celebrates Test ton

Fri, 18 May 2012 18:40:09 BST

Andrew Strauss completed a Test century on Friday, an achievement which had eluded him in his previous 25 attempts over the past 18 months.

Falcons swoop for Lawson

Fri, 18 May 2012 18:20:00 BST

Newcastle have signed Scotland scrum-half Rory Lawson on a two-year deal.

Poulter and Lewis progress

Fri, 18 May 2012 18:10:01 BST

Holder Ian Poulter recorded his second win in the Volvo Match Play Championship in Spain - but 21-year-old Tom Lewis, the man he beat, is also through to the last 16.

Mixed emotions for Walton

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:50:02 BST

Great Britain defender Sally Walton admits it was difficult to balance the joy of her first Olympic call-up with the disappointment of her team-mates who were not selected.

Strauss closing in on century

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:40:09 BST

Andrew Strauss edged ever nearer a Test century on Friday afternoon, an achievement which has eluded him in his last 25 attempts over the past 18 months.

Chainrai bids to buy back Pompey

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:00:05 BST

Portsmouth's former owner Balram Chainrai has made an offer to buy back the stricken club.

Davies stays on as Bolton release 12

Fri, 18 May 2012 16:40:05 BST

Bolton striker Kevin Davies has signed a new one-year contract at the club but Wanderers' relegation from the Barclays Premier League is being felt with 12 players on their way out.

Liverpool embarrassed over 'misunderstood' tweets asking fans who should be new manager

Fri, 18 May 2012 16:07:56 BST

Liverpool were forced to clarify matters today after they turned to Twitter to ask supporters for help in finding a new manager after Swansea's Brendan Rodgers rejected an approach to discuss replacing the sacked Kenny Dalglish.

Solid Strauss leads England reply

Fri, 18 May 2012 15:50:09 BST

Andrew Strauss made a convincing start as England replied to West Indies' first-innings 243 all out at Lord's.

Jupp: Keep Roberto di Matteo

Fri, 18 May 2012 14:35:13 BST

Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes today insisted Roberto di Matteo should be given the Chelsea job full time, regardless of the outcome of the final.

Olympic Flame to arrive in UK

Fri, 18 May 2012 14:30:03 BST

The Olympic Flame will arrive in the UK on Friday night after it was handed over at a ceremony in Athens.

Vieira: Gunners need to act fast

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:40:04 BST

Arsenal should have tied up Robin van Persie on a new deal long ago but do still have time to keep the sought-after forward, according to former Gunners captain Patrick Vieira.

Rodgers knocks back Liverpool approach

Fri, 18 May 2012 12:50:08 BST

Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers has turned down the opportunity to hold talks with Liverpool over the managerial vacancy at Anfield, Press Association Sport understands.

Murray hopes to shake off back problem

Fri, 18 May 2012 12:40:01 BST

Andy Murray hopes not to be troubled by a niggling back problem by the time the French Open begins next weekend.

Edwards fears Idowu can't win

Matt Majendie — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:23:24 BST

Triple jump record holder Jonathan Edwards expects Phillips Idowu to be upstaged in his bid for Olympic gold.

Fabio Capello’s in town to cheer on Chelsea cause

Simon Johnson — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:16:23 BST

Fabio Capello will watch Chelsea in the Champions League Final tomorrow and is expected to continue to push his bid to become their next manager.

Tale of the unexpected can end with Roman Abramovich realising his dream

James Olley — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:12:12 BST

After Manchester City were rewarded for their own huge investment, Roman Abramovich is close to fulfilling his £1billion dream as Chelsea stand just 90 minutes away from Champions League glory.

We'll win the Champions League for John Terry

Simon Johnson — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:02:20 BST

Petr Cech today vowed to win the Champions League trophy for Chelsea captain John Terry and the three other players suspended for the final against Bayern Munich.

West Ham going up will cost us £14m, admits David Sullivan

Ken Dyer — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:58:06 BST

The Championship Play-off Final is said to be worth £90million to the winners but West Ham co-owner David Sullivan believes tomorrow’s showdown against Blackpool is all about “emotion and pride” rather than the money.

Robin van Persie’s going nowhere

James Olley — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:55:07 BST

Arsenal remain adamant Robin van Persie will not leave the club this summer even if the Dutchman fails to agree a new contract.

Seventh heaven for Broad

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:50:09 BST

Stuart Broad needed just one delivery at Lord's this morning to consign West Indies number 11 Shannon Gabriel to a golden duck, and claim new career-best figures.

Pressure back on Andrew Strauss after Stuart Broad finishes in seventh heaven

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:49:14 BST

Stuart Broad took a Test-best seven for 72 to leave England’s batsmen with the chance today to build on their bowlers’ solid work against the West Indies.

Petr Cech aims to silence the doubters by leading Chelsea to Europe's biggest prize

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:44:25 BST

Petr Cech is aware of the whispers and knows he has a fight on his hands. The challenge to beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League Final tomorrow night is one thing, remaining as Chelsea’s No1 goalkeeper is quite another.

Emmanuel Adebayor can’t bring himself to support ‘brother’ Didier Drogba this time

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:36:21 BST

Emmanuel Adebayor is desperate for close friend Didier Drogba to suffer more Champions League pain but insists he will be the first to congratulate the forward if Chelsea beat Bayern Munich tomorrow.

Arjen Robben’s strong belief will keep Chelsea on their toes

Simon Johnson — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:35:07 BST

Chelsea will not be lulled into a false sense of security if they keep Arjen Robben quiet early on tomorrow.

Casting Henry as Liverpool’s villain ignores all sense of reality

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:21:50 BST

There was hardly a need for another notch of poignancy on the day Liverpool showed the door to their most distinguished servant but there it was, bounding down the iron chains of memory.

Sam Allardyce exclusive: We’ll all be nervous and losing will be the worst feeling but I still love the play-offs

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:14:00 BST

The preparation is nearly finished, the fine-tuning almost done — it’s just a matter of managing things between now and 3pm tomorrow.

Andy Murray’s worry for the French Open

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:03:05 BST

Andy Murray has no idea if his back problem will have healed by the time the French Open starts at Roland Garros on May 27.

Jonny Wilkinson returns with a spring in his step

Chris Jones — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:45:12 BST

Jonny Wilkinson and Jonathan Sexton are at different ends of their careers but both carry the same heavy weight of expectation as the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup come to thrilling climaxes in London.

QPR offer deals to youngsters

Fri, 18 May 2012 10:35:22 BST

QPR have offered several of their young players extended stays at Loftus Road.

Liverpool upbeat despite being rejected by Brendan Rodgers

Fri, 18 May 2012 10:26:13 BST

Liverpool's managing director Ian Ayre is confident the lack of Champions League football will not affect the calibre of manager they hope to recruit.

Great Britain hockey coach Danny Kerry chokes back tears as he reveals London 2012 Olympics squad

Fri, 18 May 2012 10:02:59 BST

An emotional Great Britain women's hockey coach Danny Kerry fought back tears today as he announced his squad for the Olympic Games.

Steve Kean comments disappoint West Ham boss Sam Allardyce

Fri, 18 May 2012 09:48:31 BST

Sam Allardyce has admitted he is disappointed by the comments allegedly made about him by Blackburn boss Steve Kean, which emerged this week.

Molde allow Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to hold talks over Aston Villa job

Fri, 18 May 2012 09:39:06 BST

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has officially opened talks with Aston Villa about becoming the club's new manager.

Chelsea have better players than Bayern Munich, says new German signing

Fri, 18 May 2012 09:25:32 BST

New Chelsea signing Marko Marin has backed them to beat Bayern Munich in tomorrow's Champions League final.

Lionel Messi makes me a better player, says Cristiano Ronaldo

Fri, 18 May 2012 09:13:37 BST

Cristiano Ronaldo gets tired of the comparisons between him and Lionel Messi but believes the pair push each other to keep improving.

New Liverpool boss will be given time to bring back glory days

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:49:53 BST

Liverpool's new manager will be given the time to build the club back up again but must show progress towards a top-four challenge, according to managing director Ian Ayre.

Stuart Broad the star but Chanderpaul stands firm in West Indies Lord's Test

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:33:40 BST

Stuart Broad begins this morning with a possible career-best bowling analysis in his sights, as well as the knowledge that he and others can learn from the West Indies' Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

In pictures: Chelsea prepare for Champions League final

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:07:51 BST

Chelsea and Bayern Munich will go head-to-head in the Champions League final tomorrow evening.

Sam Allardyce pleased at end to distractions ahead of play-off final

Fri, 18 May 2012 07:59:11 BST

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce had to tell his players to ignore any more ticket requests for tomorrow's trip to Wembley.

Liverpool poised for Roberto Martinez talks as new manager process begins

Fri, 18 May 2012 07:53:02 BST

Liverpool have made the first move in their search for a new manager by approaching Wigan's Roberto Martinez but he will be among a number of candidates they will speak to before a replacement is chosen.

Arsenal can't afford to lose Robin van Persie, warns Patrick Vieira

Fri, 18 May 2012 07:48:20 BST

Arsenal should have tied up Robin van Persie on a new deal long ago but do still have time to keep the sought-after forward, according to former Gunners captain Patrick Vieira.

German approach impresses Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard

Fri, 18 May 2012 07:43:25 BST

Frank Lampard has urged English football to embrace a more German approach ahead of Chelsea's Champions League final against Bayern Munich.

Mahamadou Diarra wins new Fulham deal

Thu, 17 May 2012 15:59:16 BST

Fulham have agreed a one-year contract extension with midfielder Mahamadou Diarra.

High praise for West Ham boss Sam Allardyce

Thu, 17 May 2012 15:46:17 BST

Ian Holloway feels continued talk about a contrast in styles between his Blackpool side and West Ham ahead of Saturday's npower Championship play-off final does a disservice to opposite number Sam Allardyce.

Extra fitness work has paid off, says Spurs striker Jermain Defoe

Thu, 17 May 2012 15:30:13 BST

Jermain Defoe thinks a gruelling pre-season training camp in France helped him break in to England's Euro 2012 squad.

Fabio Capello in talks with Roman Abramovich over Chelsea job

Simon Johnson — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:50:18 BST

Fabio Capello has held talks with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich about becoming the club’s new manager.

Crystal Palace coach Tony Popovic quits club to return home

Thu, 17 May 2012 13:55:37 BST

Crystal Palace's first-team coach Tony Popovic has been named head coach of the new western Sydney A-League club, Football Federation Australia (FFA) have confirmed.

Jack Wilshere needs surgery but Arsenal play down fears

James Olley — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:16:41 BST

Jack Wilshere will undergo a minor knee operation in Sweden later this week but Arsenal insist the midfielder remains on course to report for pre-season training on July 9.

Hose the daddy: Spurs back Bayern to defeat Chelsea

Thu, 17 May 2012 13:05:48 BST

Betfair are helping Spurs fans get behind Bayern Munich for the Champions League Final against Chelsea with lederhosen.

Windies show some fight after Jimmy Anderson leads the way again

Tom Collomosse — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:56:38 BST

Jimmy Anderson maintained the outstanding form he showed in Sri Lanka with two early strikes before Stuart Broad removed Adrian Barath after lunch as England sought to gain the upper hand during the afternoon session.

John Obi Mikel is enjoying a divine time after tackling his red-card problem

Simon Johnson — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:45:41 BST

As John Obi Mikel prepares for the biggest game of his life against Bayern Munich on Saturday, he will go through his normal pre-match routine and pray.

John Terry to rouse Chelsea with pre-match team talk

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:40:26 BST

Chelsea captain John Terry plans to give a stirring team talk to his team-mates ahead of the Champions League Final on Saturday, even though he is banned from playing the game.

Two Wembley greats expect a happy return for the Hammers after 31 years

Ken Dyer — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:33:28 BST

Wembley can do strange things to people. It can inspire or inhibit in equal measure, lifting a player to a new level or turning the blood into ice.

Fenway is Liverpool's real problem ... not the league form under Kenny Dalglish

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:11:23 BST

As it turned out, being sacked by Liverpool was the best thing that ever happened to Roy Hodgson, who was able to rebuild his reputation at West Brom under the perceptive eyes of David Bernstein and Sir Trevor Brooking and eventually land the job of his dreams.

Wingman Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can fly high with pal Theo Walcott around

James Olley — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:04:33 BST

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be looking to Arsenal club-mate Theo Walcott for inspiration ahead of Euro 2012.

Andy Carroll can have last laugh as England’s leading man at Euro 2012

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:58:25 BST

It should be appropriate that England’s most expensive footballer leads the line at Euro 2012 were it not for the fact Andy Carroll has spent much of the season as a laughing stock.

Victoria Azarenka’s a doubt for French Open

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:41:35 BST

World No1 Victoria Azarenka could miss the French Open after injuring her shoulder just 10 days before the second Grand Slam of the season.

Lance Armstrong has had enough of drug rumours

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:36:44 BST

Lance Armstrong says he is finished talking about the drug allegations that dogged him throughout his cycling career.

Walter Dix ruled out of showdown with Dwain Chambers

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:34:56 BST

Walter Dix will miss Sunday’s sprint showdown with Dwain Chambers in Manchester because of a tight hamstring.

A poor start cost me at Usain Bolt’s meeting but I have still enjoyed a degree of success

Tiffany Porter — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:28:43 BST

This is the time of season I love. I revel in competition and can’t get enough of it.

Chris Hoy has lots to reflect on and is in shape to have the last laugh

Matt Majendie — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:20:21 BST

Sir Chris Hoy is in a penthouse suite at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester. It’s a far cry from our first encounter in 2006 when setting up an interview with him was as simple as picking up the phone and giving him a call.

Chris Robshaw’s backed to last the distance

Chris Jones — Thu, 17 May 2012 10:52:41 BST

Lawrence Dallaglio took time out from the penultimate day of his toughest charity challenge to back Chris Robshaw’s attempt to make Harlequins the top team in England.

Officials come out fighting as they deny snubbing Twitter-row Eliota

Thu, 17 May 2012 10:43:11 BST

Rugby chiefs today denied ordering Samoa not to pick Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu because of his controversial Twitter posts.

Fans must keep their shirts on despite Lord’s dressing down

Dan Jones — Thu, 17 May 2012 10:37:42 BST

It’s often said that you are what you eat. But it’s more accurate, in sport at any rate, to say that you are what you wear. Every sport has its own sartorial rules, norms, codes and no-nos. Follow them and you’ll fit in. Break them and the consequences range from ridicule to full-on ostracism.

No new Manchester United deal for Michael Owen

Thu, 17 May 2012 10:28:45 BST

Former England striker Michael Owen is set to leave Manchester United after revealing he will not be offered a new contract.

Kenny Dalglish backs owners who sacked him at Liverpool

Thu, 17 May 2012 10:21:31 BST

Sacked Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has given his backing to owners Fenway Sports Group.

Joey Barton accepts one charge, denies another after sending off at Manchester City

Thu, 17 May 2012 10:12:44 BST

QPR captain Joey Barton has accepted a charge of violent conduct against Manchester City's Sergio Aguero but denied the same charge for his confrontation with Vincent Kompany.

Shinji Kagawa eyes Premier League switch after Manchester United meeting

Thu, 17 May 2012 09:28:06 BST

Japanese star Shinji Kagawa said he wants to play in the Premier League after meeting with Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Lukas Podolski: I've joined Arsenal to win titles and trophies

Thu, 17 May 2012 09:01:27 BST

Lukas Podolski is determined he can score the goals that will bring success back to Arsenal after seven years without silverware.

Gareth Barry ready to enjoy trophy-laden Manchester City years

Thu, 17 May 2012 08:38:17 BST

Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry is convinced there will be more trophies to follow after the ecstasy of winning a first league title for 44 years.

Carlos Tevez 'not sorry' for 'RIP Fergie' jibe

Thu, 17 May 2012 08:26:35 BST

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez appears to have no intention of apologising to Sir Alex Ferguson for holding a banner mocking the Manchester United manager.

Andre Villas-Boas, Roberto Martinez and Rafa Benitez front-runners for Liverpool job

Thu, 17 May 2012 08:21:22 BST

Former Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is in the running to take over from sacked Kenny Dalglish at Liverpool, according to reports.

Patrice Evra felt biggest pressure ahead of Luis Suarez return

Thu, 17 May 2012 08:03:05 BST

Patrice Evra has admitted the pressure he was under prior to his non-handshake with Luis Suarez was the greatest he had ever felt in his life.

Didier Drogba looking to make up for past Champions League final disappointment

Thu, 17 May 2012 07:48:49 BST

Didier Drogba has admitted he fell into the trap of thinking Chelsea would be back in the Champions League final a year after losing to Manchester United.

Liverpool hunt for new boss after Kenny Dalglish departure

Thu, 17 May 2012 07:43:16 BST

Liverpool's owners are focused on ensuring their next appointment is the right one after deciding Kenny Dalglish was not the man to deliver their vision.

I'm gutted to miss out on Euro 2012, says Rio Ferdinand

Thu, 17 May 2012 07:38:48 BST

Rio Ferdinand appears to have brought down the curtain on his England career.

QPR launch investigation into Joey Barton conduct

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:43:51 BST

QPR will conduct an internal investigation into Joey Barton's dismissal against Manchester City and his subsequent conduct, the club announced this afternoon.

Kenny Dalglish sacked as Liverpool boss as he pays price for poor Premier League campaign

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:21:51 BST

Kenny Dalglish has been sacked as Liverpool manager.

Euro 2012 call 'surreal' for Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:05:29 BST

Arsenal teenager Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain said his call-up to the England squad for Euro 2012 felt "surreal" but he is ready to seize his chance in Poland and the Ukraine.

Garath McCleary is Reading's first summer signing

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:45:44 BST

Reading have made their first signing of the summer as they prepare for life in the Premier League by bringing in Nottingham Forest winger Garath McCleary on a free transfer.

Didier Drogba will be Chelsea threat, warns Bayern goalkeeper

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:31:38 BST

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer admits his side will have to stop the threat of Didier Drogba to have a chance of winning the Champions League.

I chose John Terry for footballing reasons, says Roy Hodgson

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:58:25 BST

Roy Hodgson focused on footballing matters as he explained the selection of John Terry and the omission of Rio Ferdinand in his England squad for this summer's European Championship.

Prince and the sprint king Usain Bolt

Mark Bailey in Jamaica — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:12:34 GMT

He is one of the most famous, charming and likeable young men on the planet; his place in history has long been secured courtesy of his divinely-ordained gift; and, by all accounts, he loves a riotous, booze-drenched party. But that’s enough about Prince Harry. Usain Bolt, Jamaica’s world record-breaking sprinter and party-loving showman, who met the Prince in Kingston, Jamaica, last week, recognises a kindred spirit when he sees one.