The Irish Times - Sports

Terry heads Chelsea in right direction

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:20:12 GMT

Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0:Captain John Terry headed Chelsea five points clear at the top of the Premier League today when his 76th-minute goal secured a 1-0 home victory over champions Manchester United.

Murray lands sixth title of season

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:59:31 GMT

Tennis:Andy Murray picked up his sixth title of the year and the 14th of his career with a comprehensive victory over Mikhail Youzhny at the inaugural Valencia Open.

Ulster secure record Interprovincial title

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:43:44 GMT

GAA:Ulster were in the ascendancy once more as they claimed a record 29th Interprovincial football title after they defeated Munster 0-15 to 1-08 under the stewardship of Joe Kernan at Ruislip this afternoon.

Hull win eases pressure on Brown

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:28:16 GMT

premier League Round-Up:Hull manager Phil Brown breathed again as Seyi Olofinjana and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink fired his side to a priceless 2-1 Barclays Premier League win over 10-man Stoke.

Carter becomes third All Black to be cited

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:12:26 GMT

Rugby:All Blacks star Dan Carter has been cited for an alleged dangerous tackle on Wales scrumhalf Martin Roberts during yesterday’s Test match at the Millennium Stadium.

Harwood wins as Torrance tops order of merit

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:12:26 GMT

Golf:Australian Mike Harwood captured his maiden European Senior Tour title in the OKI Castellόn Senior Tour Championship as Sam Torrance edged past Ian Woosnam to win the Order of Merit for a third time.

Coakley hits top form in Asia

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:08:34 GMT

Golf:If there was a European order of merit for the Ladies European Tour’s two-week stretch in Asia then Ireland’s Rebecca Coakley would feature prominently.

Duff in line for start against France

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:08:34 GMT

Soccer:Damien Duff returned to the Fulham starting line-up for today’s premier League encounter away to Wigan, raising hopes that the winger will be fit to face France in next Saturday’s World Cup play-off at Croke Park.

Celtic must settle for share of the spoils

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:48:35 GMT

Falkirk 3 Celtic 3:A late equaliser from substitute Mark Stewart gave Falkirk a share of the spoils against Celtic in today’s remarkable Clydesdale Bank Premier League match at the Falkirk Stadium.

Elsom looks forward to Dublin return

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:32:35 GMT

Rugby:Australia captain Rocky Elsom looks forward to a return to Dublin for next weekend’s clash with Ireland at Croke Park so soon after inspiring Leinster to Heineken Cup glory last season.

Champions Cork dominate camogie awards

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:17:08 GMT

Camogie:All-Ireland champions Cork dominated this year's All-Star nominations with Gemma O'Connor picked out for further praise after being selected for an unprecedented sixth successive time.

Owner no plans to sell Liverpool stars

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:17:08 GMT

Soccer:Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has insisted no star players will be sold.

Derry City reacts strongly to FAI decision

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:44:33 GMT

Soccer:Derry City officials have reacted furiously at the FAI’s decision to terminate the club’s contract with the League of Ireland, claiming yesterday’s emergency hearing in Abbotstown was like a “witch hunt” and will now consider mounting a legal challenge.

Zenyatta takes Breeders' Cup

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:57:37 GMT

Racing:While Sea The Stars enthralled Europe this summer, Zenyatta has captivated America and the star mare earned the ultimate prize when stretching her unbeaten run to 14 with a last-to-first sweep in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita.

Haye sets sights on Klitschko showdown

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:41:48 GMT

Boxing:David Haye immediately set his sights on a "mega showdown" with Vitali Klitschko after being crowned as the new WBA heavyweight champion.

Mickelson wins as McIlroy makes storming run

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:26:01 GMT

Golf – HSBC Champions:World number two Phil Mickelson survived a nervous final hole to edge out South Africa's Ernie Els by one shot and win the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions following a thrilling final round in Shanghai.

Wales unable to break All Blacks' spell

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:42:42 GMT

Wales 12 New Zealand 19:New Zealand extended their domination of Wales with a 19-12 victory at the Millennium Stadium today to make it 21 successive victories against the Principality going back to 1953.

Dettori pounces to land the Juvenile Turf

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:11:20 GMT

Racing:Frankie Dettori gave Europe the perfect start to day two of Breeders' Cup meeting by winning the opening Juvenile Turf on John Gosden's Pounced.

Arsenal let loose against hapless Wolves

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:55:54 GMT

Wolves 1 Arsenal 4:Arsenal secured an emphatic victory against Wolves to keep the pressure up at the top of the Barclays Premier League table.

Garryowen gain revenge over St Mary's

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:24:19 GMT

Rugby:Garryowen gained a little bit of revenge when they defeated St Mary’s College 19-3 in today’s AIB Cup third round at Dooradoyle to make up for the recent league defeat in the same fixture.

Burnley leave it late to deny City

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:52:46 GMT

Soccer – Premier League Review:A late goal from substitute Kevin McDonald earned Burnley their first away point of the Barclays Premier League season in an entertaining 3-3 draw with Manchester City.

Derry City stripped of their league status

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:52:46 GMT

Soccer:Derry City have been stripped of their contract to compete in the League of Ireland Premier Division after a crisis meeting with the FAI at Abbotstown this afternoon found the club to have held “secondary unofficial contracts with its players”.

Wallabies overpower a patched-up England

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:37:13 GMT

England 9 Australia 18: Jonny Wilkinson's return to international rugby failed to stop an injury-hit England side slipping to an 18-9 defeat against Australia at Twickenham today as the visitors completed the first leg of a potential grand slam.

Edinburgh derby ends in stalemate

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:20:45 GMT

Soccer SPL Round-Up:Hearts' impotent attack let them down once again as the first Edinburgh derby of the season against Hibernian ended goalless.

The Listener delivers at Down Royal

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:46:27 GMT

Racing:The Listener provided Nick Mitchell with the biggest win of his training career to date with an all-the-way win in the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal.

Title between Chelsea and United - Berbatov

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:46:26 GMT

Soccer:Dimitar Berbatov is convinced the two sides battling it out at Stamford Bridge tomorrow will also fill the top two positions in the Barclays Premier League this season.

Connor resigns as Dundalk manager

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:11:55 GMT

Soccer:Sean Connor has resigned as Dundalk manager and leaves the League of Ireland club by mutual consent.

Ancelotti plans to stifle United's plans

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:36:36 GMT

Soccer:Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti wants his side to take a leaf out of Liverpool's book and give Manchester United's midfield no time to settle when they meet at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

Woods, Mickelson to go head-to-head

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:20:59 GMT

Golf - HSBC Champions:Tiger Woods is hoping to inhabit a world of his own as he tries to make up two shots on tournament leader Phil Mickelson in tomorrow's final round showdown between the top two in the world at the WGC-HSBC Champions.

McCloskey moves to another level

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:14:32 GMT

Boxing:Paul McCloskey stopped Daniel Rasilla in the ninth round to take the vacant European light-welterweight title at the Meadowbank Arena in Magherafelt last night.

Bohemians crowned champions

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:26:48 GMT

Soccer:Bohemians were tonight crowned League of Ireland Premier Division champions after ending this season's campaign with a 1-1 draw against relegated side Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds.

O'Brien off and running with Man Of Iron

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:21:03 GMT

Racing:Aidan O'Brien and Johnny Murtagh got the perfect start to Breeders' Cup meeting when Man Of Iron won the opening Marathon at Santa Anita tonight.

Walsh, Galvin win GPA player awards

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:28:27 GMT

GAA:Kilkenny’s Tommy Walsh and Kerry’s Paul Galvin were named Opel Gaelic Players of the Year for hurling and football respectively by the Gaelic Players Association (GPA).

Weekend Premier League Team News

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:23:31 GMT

Wolves v Arsenal:Arsenal will again be without defender Gael Clichy (back) and striker Nicklas Bendtner (groin) for Saturday's trip to Wolves.

Haye faces David and Goliath encounter

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:07:43 GMT

Boxing:The size of the task facing David Haye was brought into sharp focus today as WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev weighed in a daunting seven stone heavier than the English boxer.

European Club calls time on Irish PGA

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:52:09 GMT

Golf:The European Club confirmed today they will not be hosting next year’s Irish PGA Championship. The Wicklow venue staged the event for the last three years, during which time Pádraig Harrington won before going on to secure the British Open in 2007 and 2008.

Blades hand Kenny a lifeline

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:47:09 GMT

Soccer:Sheffield United have agreed to extend goalkeeper Paddy Kenny’s contract by another year. The former Republic of Ireland international, whose contract at Bramall Lane is due to expire next summer, is currently serving a nine-month ban after failing a drugs test in May.

Horan out as Kidney chops and changes

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:47:09 GMT

Ireland squad news:In a somewhat perplexing move, the Irish management have elected to call a raft of players not involved in their initial selection into a ‘trimmed down’ 31-man squad for next Sunday’s international against Australia.

Chelsea transfer ban suspended

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:47:09 GMT

Soccer:Chelsea look set to be able to trade in the January transfer window after the Court of Arbitration for Sport agreed to suspend their Fifa-imposed transfer ban until a final decision is made in the case of the signing of Gael Kakuta.

United ready for Chelsea, insists Ferguson

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:47:09 GMT

Soccer:Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson insists his side will produce a better performance against Chelsea than they did at Liverpool. United lost 2-0 at Anfield last month but now as the Premier League's two leading sides prepare to clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, Ferguson insists his players will be prepared.

Woods hits the front in Shanghai

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:47:09 GMT

Golf:Tiger Woods birdied his final hole to complete a second round five-under-par 67 that moved him into a share of the lead with American compatriot Nick Watney at the halfway stage of the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai.

Torres to play on after second opinion

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:30:19 GMT

Soccer:Fernando Torres returned to Liverpool's Melwood training complex today after a whistle-stop trip to Valencia for a second opinion on his groin injury.

Murtagh keeps faith in Rip Van Winkle

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:42:36 GMT

Racing:His faith in Rip Van Winkle has been unshakeable all season and Johnny Murtagh is counting on his trusty comrade to deliver in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita tomorrow evening.

Murphy receives Ireland's call

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:47:06 GMT

World Cup play-off news:Bohemians goalkeeper Brian Murphy’s season keeps getting better and better after he was drafted into the Republic of Ireland squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against France. Murphy will replace the injured Keiren Westwood.

Agassi asks for compassion

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:34:21 GMT

Tennis:Andre Agassi has asked for compassion following the admission he took crystal meth during his tennis career. The American confessed to using the drug in 1997, a year in which he slumped to 141st in the world rankings.

Defeat for Everton and Fulham

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:43:45 GMT

Europa League review:Goals from Javier Saviola and Oscar Cardoza saw Everton's Europa League hopes suffer a setback at Goodison Park as they lost 2-0 to Benfica.

FAI call meeting over Derry crisis

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:28:11 GMT

The FAI has convened an emergency board meeting for Saturday to discuss the future of Derry City.

Gerrard and Torres may both need surgery

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:23:53 GMT

Fernando Torres has undergone tests at a Liverpool hospital on the serious groin injury which is threatening to ruin his season.

Celtic on verge of Europa exit

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:49:38 GMT

Hamburg 0 Celtic 0:Celtic’s Europa League hopes hang by a thread after playing out a gutsy but ultimately goalless draw with Hamburg in the Nordbank Arena that leaves Tony mowbray's side bottom of the table on two points, five behind second-placed Hamburg with two Group C games remaining.

Duff expects to face France

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:49:38 GMT

Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff is confident he will be fit to face France in the first leg of the World Cup play-offs at Croke park on Saturday week. The Fulham player has been in contact with the FAI to reassure Giovanni Trapattoni he expects to recover from the Achilles injury in time to join up with the squad next week.

Rangers charged by Uefa

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:57:53 GMT

Rangers have been charged with the improper conduct of their supporters following the disturbances during the Champions League match against Unirea Urziceni.

Bohs get bulk of PFAI nominations

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:38:41 GMT

Three Bohemians players are among the six nominees for the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland (PFAI) player of the year, while Gary Deegan has also been shortlisted for the young players’ award.

Henry named in France squad

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:49:26 GMT

Thierry Henry has been deemed fit enough to be called into the France squad by Raymond Domenech ahead of the World Cup play-offs against the Republic of Ireland on November 14th and 18th. There is no place for experienced midfielder Patrick Vieira, whose return had been anticipated by some.

Athletics SA apologise to Semenya

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:46:20 GMT

Athletics:Caster Semenya has received an unconditional apology from Athletics South Africa (ASA) for their role in the row over the athlete's gender. And ASA president Leonard Chuene, the board of ASA and its members have been suspended by South Africa's Olympic governing body pending a disciplinary investigation into the affair.

Australia recall Smith for England clash

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:21:33 GMT

Australia have recalled flanker George Smith for Saturday’s Grand Slam tour opener against England at Twickenham.The openside, who will earn his 107th cap, appeared as a replacement in last Saturday’s 32-19 defeat by New Zealand in Tokyo and replaces David Pocock, who is demoted to the bench.

Sunderland fine Jones after red card

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:28:56 GMT

Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones has been fined by the club for his sending-off against West Ham. The 25-year-old Trinidad and Tobago international was shown a straight red card for raising his hands to West Ham defender Herita Ilunga during last Saturday’s 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light.

Kroenke's Arsenal takeover bid moves closer

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:36:03 GMT

Stan Kroenke has moved closer to launching a formal takeover of Arsenal by acquiring another 200 shares in the club’s parent holding company.

Lowry goes low in Shanghai to trail by two

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:24:21 GMT

Shane Lowry stormed into a tie for second place on the first day World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions in Shanghai today, carding a six-under-par 66 to trail America’s Nick Watney by two shots.

Matsui hits Yankees to record 27th World Series

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:08:30 GMT

New York Yankees 7 Philadelphia Phillies 3 (Yankees win World Series 4-2):The New York Yankees won the World Series for a record 27th time after an inspired performance from Japanese designated hitter Hideki Matsui.

Gunners a class above

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:04:38 GMT

Arsenal 4 AZ Alkmaar 1:Arsenal all-but secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League after taking apart AZ Alkmaar 4-1 at The Emirates on Wednesday. Victory for Standard Liege over Olympiacos means, mathematically, Arsene Wenger's side could yet be overtaken for the top two places in Group H.

Duff injury still an issue

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:04:38 GMT

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has all but ruled Damien Duff out of the weekend game against Wigan, casting further doubt on whether the winger will be fit for the first leg of the Republic of Ireland's World Cup play-off against France at Croke Park on November 14th.

Frontrow a concern for Kidney

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:04:38 GMT

Ireland coach Declan Kidney may have to call on his back-up frontrow to face Australia in the first of the autumn internationals against Australia on Sunday week, with doubts persisting over the fitness of prop Marcus Horan and hooker Jerry Flannery.

Hines Hammers home late winner

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:04:38 GMT

West Ham 2 Aston Villa 1:Substitute Zavon Hines scored an injury-time winner against 10-man Aston Villa to lift the struggling Hammers out of the bottom three of the Barclays Premier League. The youngster fired home after a fine run by Scott Parker as the game looked to be heading for a draw.

Barca third after Inter win

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:04:38 GMT

Champions League review:Two goals in the last five minutes spared Jose Mourinho’s blushes at Dynamo Kiev and sent Inter Milan top of Group F with a 2-1 win.

Liverpool let lead slip at Lyon

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:18:16 GMT

Lyon 1 Liverpool 1:Liverpool switched off for the second time against Lyon in the Champions League this season and look to have paid a very heavy price, with their fate in the competition taken out of their hands by a late strike from Lisandro Lopez.

Benitez risks Torres in Lyon

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:25:49 GMT

Rafael Benitez opted to risk Fernando Torres in the must win game against Lyon tonight. The Spanish striker is struggling with a groin injury but with Liverpool needing a win to retain any realistic hope of making it out of their Champions League group the manager has thrown caution to the wind.

Carter fit for Millennium match

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:09:25 GMT

Dan Carter has been declared fit for New Zealand's clash against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday. The outhalf, who has scored 92 points in five previous appointments with Wales, suffered a calf muscle haematoma during New Zealand's victory over Australia in Japan last weekend.

Thompson reaps rewards for massive gamble

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:49:43 GMT

Steve Thompson's €560,000 gamble has paid off handsomely after he was named as England's starting hooker to face Australia at Twickenham. The World Cup winner last donned the England number two jersey in 2006 before he underwent neck surgery and was warned by medics to quit the game or risk paralysis.

Storrie charged with tax evasion

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:18:12 GMT

Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie was formally charged with tax evasion. Prosecutors have accused him of concealing a signing-on fee for Amdy Faye by paying it into the midfielder's bank account.

Cricket Ireland to apply for full status

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:02:47 GMT

Cricket:The International Cricket Council has received notification of Ireland’s intention to apply for full member status. As an ICC associate member, Ireland have one-day international status but are pushing to join the game’s elite group of 10 countries in the hope of playing Test cricket.

Macklin to fight in Dublin next month

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:56:20 GMT

Boxing:Matthew Macklin’s quest to become a middleweight world champion continues in Dublin next month with a December 5th bout against Uruguayan Rafael Sosa Pintos at the National Boxing Stadium.

Toyota the latest to quit F1

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:33:17 GMT

Motor Sport:Toyota withdrew from Formula One with immediate effect earlier today, leaving Japan without a team in motorsport's premier series. Company president Akio Toyoda apologised for the team's failure to record a single race victory since joining F1 in 2002.

Bayern to fight until bitter end

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:17:14 GMT

Bayern Munich boss Louis van Gaal still believes his side can reach the knockout stage of the Champions League despite their 2-0 defeat at home to Bordeaux last night.

Tyrone board extends Harte's term

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:06:23 GMT

Mickey Harte will remain as Tyrone manager for a further two years. The Tyrone county board announced last night that the Errigal Ciaran man will stay in his current position until the end of the 2012 season.

Woods out to maintain strike rate

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:31:04 GMT

Tiger Woods believes a tried and tested winning mentality can allow him to maintain an impressive success rate in World Golf Championships events at this week’s HSBC Champions in Shanghai. The 33-year-old world number one headlines the star-studded field at Sheshan International Golf Club.