The Sports Matrix: Tuesday 14 June 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.Potential legal fight over McLeish
Aston Villa told Birmingham City last night that they were entitled to talk to Alex McLeish about their vacant manager’s job. Birmingham responded by threatening to take the issue to a Premier League commission, and said they would sue for compensation. MORE
Hamilton holds talks with Red Bull
Lewis Hamilton held talks with the Red Bull principal, Christian Horner, during the Canadian Grand Prix at the weekend, creating the possibility of the English driver joining the team when his McLaren contract expires at the end of this season. MORE
Mavericks claim first-ever NBA title
Dallas Mavericks won the NBA Championship early yesterday morning, beating Miami Heat 105-95 to win the best-of-seven final series 4-2. It is the first championship in the Mavericks’ 30-year history. MORE
Melville to throw hat in the RFU ring
Nigel Melville has signalled his intention to apply for the chief executive’s role at the Rugby Football Union, a job available since John Steele’s departure last week. Melville has been performing a similar role in American rugby for the last four years. MORE
Review system has helped me – Swann
Graeme Swann believes that the decision review system (DRS) is to thank for some of his success in Test cricket. “They seem to be more willing to give them out in Test cricket,” he said. “It’s not just the reviews, but I think that has played a massive part.” MORE
Els: Westwood can enjoy major week
Ernie Els has backed world No 2 Lee Westwood to win his first major at the US Open. “Lee totally understands how to play majors,” he said. “You’re going to get your bad breaks, but you’ve got to move on and be mentally tough. That’s the test.” MORE
Fryston Warriors banned for abuse
The Castleford amateur club Fryston Warriors have been banned from the Challenge Cup for two years after crowd trouble at their ground. The club were found guilty over racist and homophobic chanting by the home crowd at recent ties. MORE
Palmer’s grandson earns spot on merit
Sam Saunders will contest the US Open, 51 years after his grandfather Arnold Palmer won it. This will be 23-year-old Saunders’ first major, and his eighth appearance on the PGA Tour this season. “To have earned this just feels really good,” he said. MORE
Farah: I am in the form of my life
Mo Farah feels he is in the best shape of his career ahead of the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, this year. Farah broke the British and European 10,000m record this month, and said: “I didn’t know I was going to run that fast.” MORE
Opinion: Chris McGrath
The success and smart dealings, such as the cheap recruitment of Alexis Sanchez, by Udinese – based in a city of 100,000 people – offer hope to all those clubs that depict themselves as marooned by financial disparities. MORE
Murray fights back to win Queen’s
Andy Murray triumphed in the final at Queen’s yesterday, beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in three sets. Murray won a hugely entertaining match 3-6, 7-6, 6-4, to take the title for a second time. It was Murray’s first tournament win since the Shanghai Masters eight months ago, and will send him to Wimbledon, which starts in six days’ time, full of confidence. Tsonga gave Murray a much harder contest than Andy Roddick did in Saturday’s semi-final. The powerful Frenchman broke Murray in the sixth game, and took the opening set 6-3. The second set went with serve but Murray won the tiebreak 7-2, and seized the momentum. Murray took the third 6-4, including a trick-shot through his legs to go 5-3 up. The triumphant Scot paid tribute to his opponent afterwards. “He was playing a different sport to me in the first two sets,” he said. “I’ve never seen someone dive so much on the court. He’s so much fun to watch. I enjoy watching him myself but he wasn’t fun to play.” MORE
Serena ready for her next chapter
Serena Williams is relaxed ahead ofWimbledon, as she recovers from a serious injury which could have ended her career. “I’m not preparing for today or Wimbledon,” said the tournament favourite, “I’m preparing for the rest of my career.” MORE
Frankel favoured on first day of Ascot
Frankel is the favourite in the St James’s Palace Stakes this afternoon on the opening day of Royal Ascot. The colt, which won the 2,000 Guineas, could well prove the best of recently knighted trainer Sir Henry Cecil’s 25 Classic winners. MORE
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments