Shamrock Rovers 1- 4 Rubin Kazan

Shamrock Rovers are still seeking their first point in the Europa League after defeat by Rubin Kazan in Russia.

Nelson Haedo Valdez slotted in for the hosts before Ken Oman equalised with a header from Ronan Finn's free-kick after 12 minutes.

Rubin moved 2-1 ahead before half-time through Bebars Natcho's low shot.
Valdez fired past keeper Ryan Thompson for the third and Obafemi Martins netted from close range before Karl Sheppard hit the bar for Rovers.

Liverpool 2 - o Chelsea

Chelsea were again struck down by the curse of Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool increased the pressure on manager Andre Villas-Boas with a comfortable Carling Cup quarter-final victory at Stamford Bridge.

Maxi Rodriguez and Martin Kelly both scored in a five-minute spell after the break to maintain Dalglish's unbeaten record against Chelsea in 13 matches as Liverpool manager.

Liverpool's win was fully deserved, even with the inspirational Luis Suarez rested, as they were able to recover from the setback of Andy Carroll's missed first-half penalty to secure their third straight victory at Stamford Bridge.

World Ryder cup Golf 2014

The 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles will take place from 26-28 September.

The biennial contest between Europe and the United States will be held at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Centenary Course in Perthshire, Scotland.

Torrential rain forced last year's event at the Celtic Manor in Wales into a fourth day for the first time in the tournament's history.

Europe are the reigning champions and have won four of the previous five Ryder Cups.

Mike Tindall reinstated to England elite squad after appeal

Mike Tindall has been reinstated to the elite England player squad and had his fine reduced on appeal.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) said that while his behaviour at the Rugby World Cup had been "unacceptable", "mitigating factors" had not been taken into account.

Tindall, 33, has also had his £25,000 fine cut to £15,000.
He was punished after the controversial night out in Queenstown that followed England's opening win over Argentina.



The Rugby Players' Association (RPA) welcomed the decision in a statement, saying: Whilst we still believe the fine is excessive and disproportionate to the factual events of that night in Queenstown, we are relieved that Mike has been reinstated into the full England EPS Squad.

"We have always maintained that the original judgement was misguided and mishandled and it is our assertion that Mike has been unfairly treated as a scapegoat on this matter."

Wales players looked up to Gary Speed - Raymond Verheijen

Wales assistant manager Raymond Verheijen says Gary Speed was "adored" by the Wales players.

The Wales manager was found dead at his home in Cheshire on Sunday at the age of 42.

Speed, a former Wales captain, was appointed manager in December 2010 and had been in charge for 10 games.

Dutchman Verheijen joined Speed's backroom team as assistant manager in February.
Despite a difficult start to his career as national team manager, Speed had overseen a revival in Wales' fortunes recently.

David Beckham to choose between PSG and LA Galaxy after tour

David Beckham will decide to join Paris Saint Germain or stay with Los Angeles Galaxy when he returns from the latter club's post-season tour in December.

Beckham has also had interest from a club in Italy and one in Brazil, but will consider only France and the US.

Reports that the 36-year-old midfielder has already agreed to sign for PSG are understood to be premature.
The former England captain has also been linked with Tottenham and QPR but is not considering a return to the UK.

Roberto Mancini says Liverpool's players got Mario Balotelli sent off

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini says Liverpool's players were to blame for the dismissal of Mario Balotelli in the teams' 1-1 draw at Anfield.

The 21-year-old Italian was sent off for two bookable offences only 18 minutes after coming on as substitute.

"I do not agree with this [second] yellow," said Mancini. "The referee didn't want to get a yellow card out.

"I think the referee gave a free-kick but didn't want to give a yellow until all the Liverpool players complained."

Balotelli's first yellow card at Anfield, for pulling back Glen Johnson, was not disputed by his manager - but Mancini was adamant the second, for catching Martin Skrtel with an arm, was unjustified.

Roger Federer beats David Ferrer to reach World Tour final

Roger Federer moved to within one win of a record sixth year-end crown after beating David Ferrer to reach the final of the ATP World Tour Finals.

The 16-time Grand Slam champion was not at his vintage best but had far too much for Ferrer, winning 7-5 6-3 in an hour and 25 minutes at London's O2 Arena.

He is into his 100th career final and will now leapfrog Britain's Andy Murray to finish the season as world number three - his ninth straight top-three year-end ranking.

In Sunday's showpiece he will play Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who beat Tomas Berdych 6-3 7-5 in the second semi-final.

"I'm very happy to have played so well again," said Federer. "That's what it takes to beat David. He's had an amazing season and tournament so far."

Leeds start defence against Hull KR

Leeds Rhinos will begin the defence of their Super League title with a home game against Hull KR on 3 February.

Newcomers Widnes Vikings start with a home match against Wakefield on the same night.
The Rugby Football League has also confirmed that the Magic Weekend will take place at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium on the weekend of 26-27 May.

Wales football manager Gary Speed has died, aged 42

W

ales football manager Gary Speed has died at the age of 42.

Cheshire Police confirmed he was found dead at 07:08 GMT at his home in Huntington, Chester. They said there were no suspicious circumstances. 

Former Wales team mate Ryan Giggs said: "Words cannot begin to describe how sad I feel at hearing this awful news." 

He said: "Our thoughts are with his family at what must be a very difficult time for them."

The FAW said: We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family.

"We ask that everyone respects the family's privacy at this very sad time."

United States duo Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland win World Cup

United States duo Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland hit six birdies in a closing 67 to win the World Cup by two shots.

The Americans eroded the overnight two-stroke lead held by Ireland's Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell in China, with birdies on the first two holes.

Four more birdies lifted them to 24 under as Ireland faded with four bogeys in a level-par 72 to stay 21 under.

India's Yuvraj Singh recovering from non-malignant lung tumour

Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh played through the 2011 World Cup with a non-malignant tumour in his lung.

His mother Shabnah revealed the news and said he was "overwhelmed" by the support he received.

Yuvraj, 29, who was named man of the tournament after helping India to victory, has opted out of the upcoming one-day series against the West Indies.

Ex-Springboks coach Jake White plays down link with England job

Former South Africa head coach Jake White has distanced himself from the vacant England manager's job.

Martin Johnson quit the role following England's shambolic World Cup campaign, which was beset with problems both on and off the field of play.

White, who led the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2007, did not rule out a return to international rugby.

Man Utd 1 - 1 Newcastle

Manchester United were thwarted by a battling 10-man Newcastle side who benefited from a controversial penalty.

Javier Hernandez gave the home side an early second-half lead after Wayne Rooney's volley ricocheted off Steven Taylor before hitting the Mexican.

Newcastle drew level through Demba Ba's spot-kick after Rio Ferdinand was adjudged to have fouled Hatem Ben Arfa.

Now football

Stoke host Blackburn in the lunch-time kick-off ahead of seven other Premier League games and a
 full Football League and Scottish Premier League programme on a busy day of football.

West Indies earn thrilling last-ball draw with India in final Test

India wrapped up a 2-0 series win over West Indies after the third Test finished in a thrilling draw in Mumbai.

The game was heading for a stalemate with West Indies resuming their second innings on 81-2, a lead of 189.

But spinners Ravichandran Ashwin (4-34) and Pragyan Ojha (6-47) skittled them for 134 to set a target of 243 to win.

Ireland's Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell lead World Cup by two shots

Ireland's Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell take a two-shot lead into the final round of the World Cup after an eight-under-par round of 64 in China.

Manchester United midfielder Anderson sidelined until February

Manchester United midfielder Anderson will be out of action until February with a knee injury, manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed.

The Brazilian, 23, has travelled to Portugal to see the same specialist who performed an operation on a damaged cruciate ligament two years ago.

Anderson has not played since the European match against Otelul Galati on 2 November because of the knee injury.

Ferguson described the latest development as "not good news".

Sachin Tendulkar misses out on historic 100th century

India legend Sachin Tendulkar fell six runs short of his 100th international hundred as he was out for 94 in the third and final Test against West Indies in his home city of Mumbai.

Having cruised from 67 to 94 on the fourth morning, he sliced Ravi Rampaul to skipper Darren Sammy at second slip.

Tendulkar, who has 51 Test centuries and 48 in one-day internationals, has been stuck on 99 hundreds since March.

Lewis Moody says he is not motivated by money

Lewis Moody says success on the field was his motivation, not money, as he defended his reign as England captain.

Leaked documents reveal senior players, led by Moody, disputed the money the squad were to be paid at the World Cup.

Elite director of rugby Rob Andrew was quoted as saying "some players were more focused on money" than rugby.

But Moody said: "I give everything on the field and have always prioritised rugby ahead of everything else, including financial reward."

Andre Villas-Boas seeks Chelsea response at Bayer Leverkusen

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas says his side can put their recent run of disappointing results behind them when they face Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The Portuguese is under pressure after three league defeats in four matches.
"We can turn the results around," he said. The emotions that these people lived last year are enough to make people want to avoid that stigma.

"It's a chance to get back on track."

Phil Veivers named as new Salford City Reds boss

Salford City Reds have promoted Phil Veivers from the role of assistant to head coach.
The 47-year-old former Swinton coach replaces Matt Parish, who resigned last week for personal reasons.

Veivers was caretaker coach of the Reds last season when Shaun McRae was ill and the Australian wanted the permanent position, which went to Parish.

Salford are moving to a new ground in 2012, the Salford City Stadium at Barton, after 110 years at The Willows.

Tipsarevic v Berdych play news

Berdych 2-6 3-3 Tipsarevic

Berdych strangles a forehand about eight feet long and buries a forehand volley into the net to slip 30-0 adrift. Plenty of grimaces from the Czech. No sign of him regaining his, ahem, bounce as Tipsarevic polishes off the next points as well. Janko has dropped just two points on his serve so far this set. And my puns are done you will be relieved to read.

Berdych 2-6 3-2 Tipsarevic

Berdych looks poised to match Tipsarevic's clean sweep of the previous game before Janko hits an arcing forehand return millimetres over the tape to get to 40-15. Another pearler off the forehand wing from Janko and suddenly this could turn interesting. But Berdych pinches off his opponent's burgeoning enthusiasm for the fight with a clean winner which trims the whitewash.

Odds against Manchester City, says manager Roberto Mancini

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini says his side have only a 30% chance of qualifying for the Champions League last 16 following defeat by Napoli.

City lost 2-1 in Italy on Tuesday and now need to beat Bayern Munich and hope Villarreal at least draw against Napoli if they are to reach the next stage.

"Our target was to go into the second stage and [now] we are depending on other teams," Mancini said.

Mickey Arthur named Australia head coach

Australia have named South African Mickey Arthur as their new head coach, the first foreigner to hold the role.

The former South Africa coach is contracted until after the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

He succeeds Tim Nielsen, who resigned after the tour of Sri Lanka in September, leaving bowling coach Troy Cooley in temporary charge.

"I am confident the talent is there to ensure Australia is successful," said the 43-year-old Arthur.
Arthur coached South Africa from 2005 to 2010, leading them to a first series victory in England for 43 years and a maiden series win in Australia.

Andy Murray loses to David Ferrer in opener

Andy Murray suffered the worst possible start to his ATP World Tour Finals campaign with a straight sets defeat by David Ferrer of Spain.

It was a bitterly disappointing performance from the British number one, who has been tipped by many to reach the final but may now struggle to advance past the group stage.

Murray required treatment for an injury after losing the first set and he became increasingly angry with himself as he twice saw breaks of serve overturned in the second.

Excited match between south Africa and Australia

Australia pulled off the highest successful run chase at the Wanderers to beat South Africa by two wickets and win a thrilling second and final Test.

Debutant Pat Cummins hit the winning runs, while Mitchell Johnson battled to an unbeaten 40 as Australia reached their target of 310 late on day five.

Australia had resumed needing another 168 for victory, while the Protease required seven wickets to win.
Vernon Philander took five wickets for the hosts but it proved to be in vain.

Manchester City's Etihad Stadium to host Magic Weekend

The annual weekend event started off as "Millennium Magic" when Cardiff's Millennium stadium hosted it in 2007.

It moved to Scotland for two years, being held at Murrayfield, before returning to Cardiff last season.

The stadium was built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, and hosted the 2008 Uefa Cup final and a number of music and sporting events.

Ferrer v Murray play news

Murray 4-6 2-3 Ferrer
Punchy hitting from Ferrer and all of a sudden he looks on top again. He moves into a 30-15 lead with a whipped forehand winner and makes it 40-30 with an ace out wide. And there's his third of the match, straight down the middle...

Denotes next server

Murray 4-6 2-2 Ferrer
Murray unfurls the old between-the-legs trick but ends up losing the point and falling 0-30 behind.... three break-points for Ferrer as Murray collapses under a smash and he only needs one of them as Murray misses the base-line with an attempted pass. Interesting...

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Murray 4-6 2-1 Ferrer 
 Ferrer skips into a 40-0 lead before Murray pegs him back to 40-30... make that deuce as Ferrer finds the net with a forehand down the line. Ferrer puts away a neat stop-volley at the end after a booming serve and Murray gifts the Spaniard the game with a flicked backhand into the net.

Denotes next server

Murray 4-6 2-0 Ferrer 
 Murray gets a spot of luck, a net cord flummoxing Ferrer and taking the Brit to 30-0 and Murray wins the game after Ferrer slices into the net from close-range.

David Beckham wins MLS title with LA Galaxy but stays quiet on future

David Beckham helped LA Galaxy to a 1-0 win over Houston Dynamo in the MLS Cup final in what could be his final appearance in the United States.

Beckham, 36, and Robbie Keane combined to set up Landon Donovan for the only goal in Sunday's final to win his first silverware in America.

 The former England captain's Galaxy contract expires next month.

He has been linked with a move to Paris St-Germain and said: "Whether I stay or not, I've had an amazing five years."

Beckham, who played the full game despite suffering a hamstring problem in training last week, joined the Galaxy from Real Madrid in 2007.

Wigan Warriors full-back Sam Tomkins could play for Barbarians

Wigan full-back Sam Tomkins could play for the Barbarians against Australia at Twickenham this weekend.

Talks are under way to seal a deal for Tomkins to turn out on Saturday, just a week after playing for England's rugby league team against the Kangaroos.

The 22-year-old recently signed a pledge not to talk to rugby union clubs for at least the next three years after his older brother Joel joined Saracens.

But Tomkins could make a one-off union appearance against the Wallabies.
"It's a possibility," confirmed Barbarians team manager Alan Evans.

Tiger Woods wins first point for the United States in the Presidents Cup

Tiger Woods finally won a point but the International team fought back to 13-9 down to keep alive their hopes of winning the Presidents Cup.

Woods and Dustin Johnson beat Adam Scott and KJ Choi as the US won four of the five foursomes on day three.

The International side then won three of the afternoon fourballs to claim their first session in the biennial matchplay tournament since 2007.

Woods and Johnson lost to KT Kim and YE Yang on the last hole.

Tom Briscoe says England can beat Australia in Four Nations final

Winger Tom Briscoe believes England can find the extra gear needed to beat Australia in Saturday's Four Nations final.

England lost 36-20 against the Kangaroos in their second game of the tournament but beat New Zealand 28-6 to reach the final.

"In big games you need to step up to go to that special place where you haven't been before," Briscoe said.

"We've been improving steadily and that's been the main aim."

England's performance against the holders, New Zealand, has given them the belief they can win the tournament, but Briscoe realises they will have to improve further in front of a sell-out crowd at Elland Road.

Recent Top tennis players set for ATP World Tour Finals

Roger Federer says he is not feeling the pressure as he seeks to defend his ATP World Tour Finals crown and lift a record sixth season-ending title.

The 16-time Grand Slam champion has slipped to number four in the rankings but is confident of ending 2011 on a high.

"It would be amazing to win for the sixth time," he said.

"There's always pressure as defending champion but I'm used to it. I've done it so many times."

World number two Rafael Nadal added: "Being here is a big motivation - it's one of the most beautiful courts in the world."

England legend D'Oliveira dies

Former England all-rounder Basil D'Oliveira has died at the age of 80.
Born in South Africa, D'Oliveira moved to England in 1960 due to the lack of opportunities for non-White players.

In 1968 he was named in England's squad to tour South Africa which was then cancelled as South Africa's government refused to accept his presence.

D'Oliveira played county cricket for Worcestershire between 1964-80 and represented England in 44 Tests, scoring 2,484 runs at an average of 40.

Tiger Woods loses but United States lead Presidents Cup 2011

Tiger Woods lost for the second day running but the United States lead the Presidents Cup by two points.

Woods and Steve Stricker suffered a record defeat on Thursday and Woods was paired with Dustin Johnson in the fourballs on day two.

A four-foot par putt by Aaron Baddeley gave him and fellow Australian Jason Day a one-up victory.

Boris Becker says Andy Murray's approach is 'too negative'

Andy Murray's approach remains "too negative" to win a Grand Slam title, according to Boris Becker.

Murray, who is set to compete in next week's ATP World Tour Finals in London, has been urged to attack more.

"For Murray to win a Grand Slam, it's not a question of technique or his actual game," said Becker, a six-time Grand Slam champion.

Shaun Edwards tips Jim Mallinder as next England boss

Shaun Edwards believes Jim Mallinder and Ian McGeechan could be the ideal double act to replace Martin Johnson as England manager.

Edwards was linked with the role before signing a new deal with Wales.
He said: We should go for the best of the guys currently coaching here, say Mallinder, alongside someone of unparalleled experience, say McGeechan.

"My guess is they'd develop as a partnership and develop England's young team at the same time."

Sepp Blatter says sorry for comments on racism

The Fifa president appeared to suggest on Wednesday that racial discrimination could be settled with a handshake.

"It hurts and I am still hurting because I couldn't envisage such a reaction," said the 75-year-old Swiss.

"When you have done something which was not totally correct, I can only say I am sorry for all those people affected by my declarations."

Northampton chairman will fight to keep Jim Mallinder from England job

Northampton chairman Leon Barwell says he will fight to keep Jim Mallinder at Saints if England try to recruit him.

Rugby director Mallinder is the current favourite to replace Martin Johnson as England manager after his resignation.

Mallinder has previously coached with England Saxons and England Under-21s but is under contract with Saints until the end of next season.

"Clearly I would not want him to leave - I would try to persuade him to stay,"

PFA chief leads calls for Fifa president Sepp Blatter to resign

Professional Footballers' Association chief Gordon Taylor says Sepp Blatter should resign as Fifa president over his comments on racism.
Blatter claimed that football does not have on-field problems with racism.

When you see the corruption they've had at Fifa, I just feel it's the straw that broke the camel's back.

"The comments he made about homosexuals not going to Qatar; it's time to move over for Platini."

Taylor was reacting to comments made by Blatter in two separate television interviews when the Swiss leader of football's world governing body was asked whether he thought racism on the pitch was a problem in the modern-day game.

Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova dominates WTA player awards

Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova has been named WTA player of the year.

The 21-year-old Czech began the year ranked 34 in the world before she won her maiden Grand Slam beating Maria Sharapova at Wimbledon in July.

She also won the Fed Cup and the end-of-season WTA Tour Championships, finishing the year ranked two in the world, behind only Caroline Wozniacki.

Germany's Sabine Lisicki won Comeback player of the year after she reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon.

Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker thrashed in Presidents Cup

Tiger Woods suffered the biggest matchplay defeat of his career as Adam Scott and KJ Choi hammered him and Steve Stricker 7&6 in the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne.

 The defeat equalled the biggest-ever losing margin at the tournamen.
 

It was the first time Woods had faced his former caddie Steve Williams, who apologised for words he admitted could be "construed as racist" this month.

Despite the loss, the United States lead 4-2 after day one of the event.
Woods and Williams, who split in June, shook hands on the first tee.
The former world number one failed to register a single birdie in the foursomes.
They got off to a quick start, and we just couldn't keep up, said Woods.

"We kept falling to the wrong side of these slopes. The golf course is so difficult, it's hard to make up shots."

Portugal thrash Bosnia-Hercegovina to seal finals spot

Portugal secured their place at Euro 2012 with an emphatic 6-2 second leg victory over Bosnia-Hercegovina.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Helder Postiga both scored twice while Bosnia's Senad Lulic was sent off as Portugal reached the finals in Poland and Ukraine.

Czech Republic midfielder Petr Jiracek scored a late goal in Montenegro as they went through 3-0 on aggregate.