Sports News from Times Online

My belt is too big, jokes David Haye

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:00:20 GMT

David Haye received a hero's welcome when he arrived back in Britain last night and could not resist aiming one final blow at his vanquished opponent, Nikolay Valuev.

David Beckham withdraws from England squad

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:16:49 GMT

David Beckham will miss England's friendly against Brazil in Doha on Saturday because of commitments to Los Angeles Galaxy.

Sir Alex Ferguson screams blue murder

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:01:00 GMT

Sir Alex Ferguson launched a scathing attack on Martin Atkinson last night after Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

Defeat at arch-rivals Chelsea hits Sir Alex Ferguson hard

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:01:00 GMT

It was a masterpiece of preparation by Sir Alex Ferguson and an excellent performance by his team — and still it didn’t add up to enough. And Chelsea, who are always proclaiming a determination to expand their global fanbase, suddenly acquired millions of new supporters, all dressed in red; for Liverpool, and their followers across the world, this was a very good result.

Talented Australia heap pressure on Martin Johnson

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:01:00 GMT

When Australia beat England 21 years ago at Twickenham in the first international of their tour, few saw it as the first step to a grand slam against the home unions. With Ireland, holders of their own grand slam, lying in wait in Dublin on Sunday, no one will rush to judgment on these Wallabies but they will be a much more confident side after clearing their first hurdle on Saturday.

Busy Stuart Broad fires warning to ECB over player burnout

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:01:00 GMT

Stuart Broad has not yet achieved the talismanic importance to the England team of an Andrew Flintoff, so the news that he jarred a shoulder in the opening match of the tour to South Africa on Friday is no cause for cursing cruel fate. A scan on Saturday revealed no lasting damage and he may be fit to play in the first Twenty20 international on Friday.

England yet to prove they are building for success

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:01:00 GMT

Probably without ever intending it, the most damning analysis of England’s performance at Twickenham on Saturday came not from any analyst or expert or writer with finely poisoned quill, it came from Rocky Elsom, the Australia captain.

Nikolay Valuev cut down to size by David Haye’s strength of will

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:01:00 GMT

It was hardly rope-a-dope, but David Haye’s version for the 21st century, called “stun and be gone”, surprised everyone, particularly Nikolay Valuev.

Everton seize narrow win over West Ham

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:53 GMT

On Remembrance Sunday, the image of Paolo Di Canio, the former West Ham United favourite, was everywhere at Upton Park. On video on the giant screens at half-time, chatting away in his unmistakable Anglo-Italian, and in an article in the match programme. “My spirit, heart and soul are still at Upton Park,” he said.

Hull City's injury time winner eases pressure on manager Phil Brown

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:33 GMT

He stood on the touchline, a man alone; legs apart, hands clasped behind his back, headset and trench coat. If yesterday marked Phil Brown’s last stand at Hull City, it was lacking in the posturing and pyrotechnics that have increasingly become a feature of his management. If you looked closely, you might even have called it dignified.

Fabio Capello names Darren Bent in England squad for Brazil friendly

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:26 GMT

Fabio Capello dealt another huge blow to Michael Owen’s World Cup prospects last night by leaving the forward out of the England squad to face Brazil in Doha, despite injuries to Emile Heskey and Carlton Cole.

Dempsey strike earns Fulham a draw at Wigan

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:08 GMT

Roberto Martínez, the Wigan Athletic manager, can expect a relatively comfortable ride a week tomorrow when he faces his first fans’ forum since taking charge in the summer.

Header from John Terry takes Chelsea five points clear at Premier League summit

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:56:59 GMT

As the ska sound of Madness reverberated around a joyous Stamford Bridge yesterday, the beat was almost too much for John Terry to resist. Having taken his team not only one step but five points beyond Manchester United, the Chelsea captain looked ready to burst into dance, but instead he settled for a broad grin, a swagger and a couple of kisses blown to someone special in the crowd.

Andy Murray beats Mikhail Youzhny to win Valencia Open

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:33:38 GMT

Andy Murray picked up his sixth title of the year and the fourteenth of his career with a comprehensive victory over Mikhail Youzhny at the inaugural Valencia Open.

Giantkillers Northwich face Lincoln in second round

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:53:37 GMT

Wayne Riley scored the single goal that gave his side Northwich Victoria, of the Conference North, an FA Cup first-round win over League One Charlton. He scored nine minutes from time to secure Northwich's place in the second round, where they will face Lincoln City at home.

England wrap up resounding win against Warriors

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:43:10 GMT

Andrew Strauss and Joe Denly led the England charge with half-centuries at the De Beers Diamond Oval to give their side a comprehensive victory in their second tour match against the Warriors.

David Haye slays Russian giant to become world heavyweight champion

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:28:00 GMT

DAVID HAYE won the WBA world heavyweight title in Nuremberg last night when he outpointed the giant Russian Nikolai Valuev. It was a tactical triumph for Haye, who gave away seven stone in weight and produced a calculated performance, staying well clear of trouble while launching the odd attack.

Heurelho Gomes heroics deny brave Sunderland

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:00:53 GMT

They say the table doesn’t lie. Sometimes, though, it can be economical with the truth. Three points here and events at the City of Manchester stadium combined to return Tottenham to fourth place this morning, but for all the perfunctory-sounding nature of a 2-0 home victory, only the bravura brilliance of goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, who saved both a penalty and his team’s bacon, prevented a third successive Premier League defeat.

Kevin McDonald pegs Manchester City back once more

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:01:56 GMT

Sheikh in, not stirred. Things are supposed to be different for Manchester City but it seems that not even the money of an Arab super-billionaire can rouse them from traditional bad habits.

Wallabies spoil Jonny Wilkinson's return

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:01:35 GMT

The concept of rugby as a dynamic sport died a death in English hands yesterday, though, thank goodness, not in the hands of Australia.

John Carew powers Aston Villa past woeful Bolton side

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:01:27 GMT

Whoever was responsible for voting Martin O’Neill top of the Foster’s “No Worries League” as the most laid-back manager in the top flight must have had a strong sense of irony.

Cesc Fabregas and Andrey Arshavin round off comfortable win

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:01:25 GMT

As if it is not satisfying enough for Arsenal, the Premier League’s top scorers, that 17 players have embroidered their names on the score sheet this season, they are now enlisting opponents to provide a few extra ones for them.

Jason Roberts leads Blackburn's fightback

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:01:09 GMT

It didn’t take a degree in political science from Stanford University to work out what Sam Allardyce was going to do at half-time with his side a goal down, but Ryan Nelsen has such a thing and was able to take full advantage by setting up the equalizer and then scoring one himself as Blackburn ran out easy winners with three second-half goals.

England into final of the Four Nations

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:57 GMT

ENGLAND, down and out in the World Cup a year ago, beat world champions New Zealand with a performance of character and composure to book an unexpected place in next Saturday’s Gillette Four Nations final at Elland Road.

Russian giant cut down to size by David Haye

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:50 GMT

DAVID HAYE, a brash south Londoner who has mastered the noble art of self-publicity, won a version of the world heavyweight title last night but not quite as he might have wished.