The Sports Matrix: Monday 30 May 2011
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Trott heroics give England advantage
A double hundred from Jonathan Trott helped England into a commanding position after the fourth day of the first Test against Sri Lanka. Trott hit 203 as the hosts ended on 491 for 5, 91 ahead of the visitors’ first-innings total. Ian Bell is unbeaten on 98. MORE
Vettel continues early dominance
Defending champion Sebastian Vettel extended his lead in the driver’s championship with his fifth victory from six races this season. The German held off Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button to win the Monaco GP and extend his overall lead to 53 points. MORE
Swans face Royals in £60m play-off
Reading take on Swansea in the Championship play-off final at Wembley today, looking to secure a Premier League place for next season. The match is estimated to be worth up to £60m to the victors, and Brendan Rodgers’ side start slight favourites. MORE
Donald takes over at top after victory
Luke Donald replaced Lee Westwood as world No 1 after prevailing in a play-off against his compatriot at the PGA Championship at Wentworth. “It’s an amazing accomplishment and something I’m very proud of,” the 33-year-old said. MORE
Posh promoted after late show
Three goals in the final 12 minutes earned Peterborough promotion to the Championship, Darren Ferguson’s side beating Huddersfield 3-0 at Old Trafford. Tommy Rowe headed the opener, before Craig Mackail-Smith and Grant McCann confirmed the win. MORE
Murray to make late fitness decision
Andy Murray will make a decision today over whether or not he will be fit to continue his Roland Garros campaign. The Scot went over on his ankle during Saturday’s victory over Michael Berrer and could pull out of today’s tie against Viktor Troicki. MORE
Opinion: James Lawton
In the foreseeable future, football belongs to Barcelona. They could not have annexed it more perfectly, and, in Messi, have a young champion against whom for some time there is unlikely to be a serious challenger. MORE
Guardiola to build next stage of Barça’s dynasty
Barcelona paraded their Champions League trophy in front of more than 100,000 supporters on the streets around their Nou Camp stadium last night after returning home victorious from London. Pep Guardiola’s side won the trophy for a fourth time, and third in five years, after overcoming Manchester United 3-1 at Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening. The cup, secured by goals from Pedro, Lionel Messi and David Villa, follows the league crown the Catalan side secured earlier this month. Despite refusing to commit himself long-term to the club, Guardiola is expected to remain at the Nou Camp in a quest for a fourth successive La Liga title and to make further inroads on the nine European Cup wins of rivals Real Madrid. Meanwhile, beaten Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson could be tempted to extend his 25-year spell in charge to try to overhaul Barcelona’s recent dominance. The 69-year-old is targeting a number of summer arrivals. MORE
Berbatov’s United future in doubt
Dimitar Berbatov’s future at Manchester United appears in doubt after Sir Alex Ferguson overlooked him for a squad place in favour of Michael Owen for Saturday’s Champions League final. The Bulgarian has scored twice in his last 16 appearances. MORE
Title win delights Saracens owner
Saracens chairman, Nigel Wray, has admitted to sleepless nights before Saturday’s Premiership play-off final win over Leicester. “There have been many doubts and sleepless nights,” he said. “But without failure, there is no success.” MORE
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments